FIJI THETA Volume 1 UNIVERSITY, ALABAMA, MARCH, 1964 Number 1 Graduate Chapters Recommend New House Members of the Special House Com mittee of Theta Chapter met with the graduate chapters of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Florence, Montgomery, and Huntsville during the between-semes- ter break. The respective graduate chapters, after hearing reports on the financial status of the Fraternity, on the present living conditions of the members of the active chapter, and on the stiff rush competition among fraternities, passed a resolution that a new chapter house be built on the site of the old Formerly Bama's Oldest Fraternity House the University of Alabama. All occupants nf tho^"" holidays. George Grant, Jr., a social affhiatfof fought the blaze until five o'clock before be^v Holidays^ last Nov.arnp,..s of k® Department in the area and discovered the fire about 2PM Th t house. Each of the five graduate chapters pledged its support in the building campaign and gave many helpful suggestions for improv ing chapter-alumni relations. The Special House Committee of the active chapter wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the members of each respective graduate chapter for the cordial reception and the brotherly cooperation given the undergraduates during their visits with the graduate chapters. At the days end the oldest fraternity nouse house on on the thn campus stooda in rums! control. Investigation determined that the fire a To=i,if ice machine, originated in the Butler'foLtrv Vhl wallcnroaH adjacent to the machine, burnid tCah the oHW to soveral arlinininCT SV®" 'O® Ceiling noom ,^^^ the third floor- tWe f1 th^ntiYe third ?oor ^ ■ ■ i j- 4. iu The Montgomery Graduate Chap lu® ter voted to charter a bus for Theta's tO the SeCOnd flOOr, Pig Dinner. We hope that all the graduate chapters will do likewise. climbed the flames then leaped to the chapter rapidly gutted The main floor and the front bedrooms located on the second floor received comparatively little damage from the flames, but the tremendoiA amount of Plan to attend the Norris Pig Din ner. Place and time will be an nounced soon. water pumped onto the house, coupled with smoke, did extensiveXmage to the house furnishings and personal belongings of the occupants. AllXalvagLble furnishings were stored in a warehouse the night of the fire The extent of the damage to the furniture, draperies and other furnishings has not, as yet, been determined. ' Committee For New House ' The Theta Fiji wishes to recognize The condition of the remaining house structure has depreciated greatly due to the gapping holes m the roof. "Die openings have exposed the interior of the house to ram, snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures. The plaster has fallen from the walls and the floors are badly warped as a result of this exposure to the weather. Contractors and architects have advised that it would be more practical and economical to tear down the remaining structure and rebuild from the ground. the Special House Committee for the untiring work they have done since their appointment. The members of the committee are as follows; Scears Barnes, Chairman; Ed Livingston, Lichtman, Bill Hines, and George O'Connell. \r\nPage Two March, 1964 THETA FIJI President's Report Within the past two semesters, the Fijis of Theta Chapter have come a long way in many fields. The school year is, of course, by no means over, with one complete semester to go; but with election time for chapter officers drawing near, I would like to mention a few of our accomplishments. The Spring semester of the past year found the Phi Gams preparing for the Pig Dinner, the Fiji Island Party, and the Section Convention. The first of these three, the Pig Dinner, was pro bably the best attended in some time, with more than fifty alumni present, and it was an affair to be remembered by all. The week following the dinner, the Fiji Island Party was held; and after these two weekends the Chapter House was quiet for at least two or three days. Some weeks later, the Section Convention was held at the Gamma Tau Chapter House in At lanta where Theta, the oldest chapter in the territory covered by the con vention, upheld its prestige by winning the regional trophy for most-improved scholarship during the previous school year. Soon after, the year came to a close with the learned brothers return ing home to enjoy a very warm sum mer and to begin planning rush for the coming semester. The first term of 1963-1964 opened with the brothers again actively en gaged in rush week and, as usual, we were very successful. Although the number of men pledged, thirteen, was somewhat smaller than the two pre vious years, the calibre of men taken in was unusually high, and, most im portant of all, the pledge class was widely spread over the entire state— a factor which should help us a great deal in acquiring a larger list of men to rush for next year. This semester has also found the Fiji's working hard in an intensified sports program in which we are at present very close to first place. Theta has always worked hard in this field and this semester proves to be no ex ception. We have placed high in both the large and small sports already held, with special attention being given to the latter—something which has not been stressed strongly enough in the past few years. With a first place in basketball, we hope to take the lead in competition for the all sports' trophy. Next, we have placed a great deal of concentration on the training pro gram for the pledges of '65 by setting down in a pledge booklet just exactly what we expected from them. Under the able leadership of Bob Knight and his pledge committee of Joe Sides and Norm "Skoop" Blaylock, the somewhat modified program has had much suc cess. The grades of the pledges have been a great deal higher than those of the past and the pledges seen to be united closely, in the way they should 1963-64 PLEDGE CLASS Front Row L to R: Lewis Moore, Selma; Dick Freeman, Huntsville; Sandy Graham, Birmingham; Dan Rinks, Pensacola, Fla.; Bee Wood, Mobile; Jack Sullivan, Mobile. Back Row: Chip Kelly, Montgomery; Skeet Morris, Mobile; Edward Hall, Greensboro; Smitty Bennett, Anniston; Harold Long, Mobile; James Propst, Clanton; Buddy Russell, Mobile. always be. Many thanks are due Broth er Knight and bis committee. The Public Relations Committee, led by Scears Barnes, and the Scholarship Committee, chairmaned by Denny Wood, have also been hard at work. Brother Barnes keeps the "Intellec tuals" of Theta satisfied by having a speaker from the University at the house every three weeks, and Brother Wood helped the chapter keep their grade average up by straightening out the exam files, which had long needed attention, and by setting up a more organized pledge study hall. In summary, we of Theta feel this to have been an enjoyable and most successful fraternity year, and plan to continue keeping our chapter mov ing forward. With the event of the chapter house fire, we are looking hope fully for the aid which we know our Alumni can give us; mindful of course, of the large amount of work which must and will come from the undergraduate brothers. We are hop ing that in the near future all of you will be able to come down and visit us in our temporary house; we always enjoy talking with our "Alums." Look ing forward to seeing you, I remain Fraternally, Eddie Forbes, President Purple Legionnaire's Letter One of the welcomed events in Theta's recent history has been the more active role of the alumni in of fering to the undergraduate suggestions from which they can appropriate courses of action. This has come about mainly through the Chapter Board of Advisors, comprised of Carey F. Hollingsworth. Homer Bryant, Thad Matkin, William H. Lanford, ali Theta men, and Professor Charles T. Moore, from the Indiana Chapter. Closer liason with the officers of Theta Incor porated and the various graduate chap ters has been effected. The sum of it is that this greater contact with in terested alumni, resulting in sugges tions for progress, is that there are more alternatives from which the act ive group can choose, increasing the chances for a more dynamic and suc cessful chapter. Consistent with these events is the establishment of the sixth graduate chapter in Alabama, in the "Rocket City" of Huntsville. Brothers Freeman of University of Colorado and Pipes of Alabama were key men in the organi zation of the chapter. "Not for college days alone." as the old saying goes! ■The disaster of the burning of the house has been taken in stride, and there is a spirit of eagerness relative to the launching of the campaign for \r\nMarch, 1964 Page Three THETA FIJI the new house fund. Let's match our RUSH interest in the re-building of the house with that for encouraging higher levels of accomplishment through construc tive suggestions. Doug Lanford The 1964 rush season wUl be one of the most important in Theta's his tory. The debt payments which will be incurred by the prospective new house, coupled with the fact that we are loosing a large number of actives this year, makes it imperative that we set an unusually large quota for our next pledge class. However, we cannot desert the fine quality stand A Note of Thanks Purple Legionnaire Doug Lanford, a member of the faculty of the Law School, is serving his fourth term as Purple Legionnaire. He deserves the support and thanks of all of Theta's Alumni for a job well done. Doug's "push" has been a great help in the past four years to raise the tone and efficiency of Theta Chapter. Our deep and sincere appreciation goes to Doug for being an inspiration to the chapter. ards that Phi Gamma Delta has set for itself in the past. Therefore, we are planning the most dynamic rush program we have had in many years. A major problem we are facing is the new University rush rules. These new rules limit each fraternity to two on-campus rush functions—one in the spring and one in the summer. This proved to be a hindrance to the entire 1, Theta s Scholarship The first semester fraternity system last year, particularly to the "Old Line" fraternities. To help overcome this in 1964, the Chapter is of the current school year has been a successful one for the scholarship of Theta Chapter. Last Spring, the chapter received the Scholarship Improvement Trophy for Districts XII and XIII. This year, even greater stress and interests are being placed on scholarship for higher at tainment in this field. The pledge class has one of the highest grade point averages on the campus. Pledge Rich- Theta's famous butler, "Drop" Jaekson, looking forward to serving his 46th Pig Dinner. Plan to attend. A Committee is working on details to Eurd Freeman made the Dean's List with near future. ANNUAL PIG DINNER make this one of the most outstand ing Pig Dinners in Theta's long his tory. You will be fully informed of plans by a news letter within the planning alumni sponsored Spring par ties in key centers throughout the state. In addition, plans are being made for a more successful summer rush program. There is still another major point which may determine whether or not our rush is successful. We, of course, must know who to rush. Therefore, a 2.5 average. Of the thirteen pladges, we are making a special point of ask eleven will be initiated; three of these ing our alumni to take time to recom mend boys of Fiji calibre who will attend the University next fall. Extra measures are being taken to make sure all recommendations answered and honored. The results of our rush of the young man will also be reported to the recommending alumnus. Last but by far not the least of the Needed: $56,000.00 For have over a two point average. The five officers of the chapter have an overall B average or better. Brother Ed Cain joined brothers Henry Cald- Acting on the resolutions passed by the six graduate chapters and on ad well and John Quarles in Pi Mu Epsilon, a Math honorary. Another brother. Warren Arrasmith, is now a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the premedical honorary fraternity. contractor, the Special House Com mittee wishes to present to you a plea for your assistance in building a new chapter house o nthe site of the old The members of Theta feel that the Scholarship Committee, composed of Brothers James Reddoch, Ashby Boulware, and headed by Brother Denny Wood, has done a great deal to en courage a growing interest in scholastic achievement at Theta. New Theta Chapter House vice of a well known architect and The following is the present finan cial report: Cost of the proposed house. $225,000.00 Assets: Fire Insurance $32,800.00 Theta Bluilding Fund $11,500.00 house is located on Sorority Row, the administration of the University has imposed severe restrictions on the us ual privileges granted fraternities. Not only does the location but also the size of the house threaten to jeopardize Cash on hand, February 1, Approximately $44,000.00 The University will make a maximum loan of $125,000.00 on a two to one plan, which of course requires Theta, Inc. to have $62,500.00. Therefore, Theta must raise $18,000.00 immediately to qualify for this loan, and an addi tional $38,000.00 to build the proposed house, making a total goal of $56,000.00. Cost of proposed house $225,000.00 Less loan from Univ. $125,000.00 Difference On Hand problems is the disadvantages of the temporary chapter house. Because the one. $100,000.00 $ 44,000.00 the rushing program. The fact that the house is very small prohibits any size able social gathering for the enter tainment of rushees. Each of the fra ternities which are our greatest com petitors in rushing, has recently built, or is building, a new house. The act ives of Theta Chapter believe, however, that it is possible to overcome this problem in two ways: First, by a 110% all-out effort of each active in rush ing, and, second, by promising the rushees that Theta will begin con struction of a new house in 1964. The first, the active members pledge to do—in the second, we will need your help. The Editor wishes to thank the Must raise in Campaign $ 56,000.00 The mortgage to the University for the money borrowed will be paid monthly by the chapter through 'The ta, Inc. following for their contributions to this news letter: Eddie Forbes, Mort Jordan, Scears Barnes, Ed Living ston, Andy Johnson, and Doug Lan ford. \r\nPage Four Houseless Fijis (Try To) Carry On Returning to the University after the Thanksgiving Holidays, the Phi Gams found themselves houseless, due to the devastating fire, but determ ined to continue to carry as well as possible the fellowship and traditions of the fraternity. Chapter meetings were held at the Union Building. And members ate to gether at Morrison's Cafeteria. Dur ing the period many sororities ex THETA FIJI PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM FOR RUSH RECOMMENDATION Name: Home Address: Town: Phone: Campus Address, if known: Father: Occupation: Fraternity Affiliation: Other Relatives in Fraternities: High School Attended: Scholastic Record: Comments: Activities: Alumnus, Chapter and Class: Please use this space for recommendations, suggestions, comments and News Items about yourself and friends. Phi Gamma Delta Box 1252 tended a helping hand by inviting the homeless Fijis to eat with them. "Theta Chapter is particularly indebted to the Kappas, Chi O's and Pi Phi's for their warm hospitality. March, 1964 University, Ala. To; RETURN REQUESTED Social Chairman Billy Steedman re fused to let the lack of a house ruin plans for the annual Christmas Party and arranged to have this event (which was an outstanding success) at the Stardust Supper Club. This year. Kappa Kappa Gamma sor ority joined with the Phi Gams in giv ing the annual Christmas party for underprivileged children. Again, the homeless Fiji's had to find another place for this. Thanks to the Rector of the Episcopal Church for the use of the Student Center of Canterbury Chapel for this party. SPORTS The sports program at the Fiji House during the year 1963-1964 is surging to its old heights due to the able lead THE THETA FIJI ership of our sports' chairman. Chip Joyner. Included so far in this year's contribution to the trophy case are first place awards in the Turkey Trot and Volley-Ball. Basketball finals are fast approaching, and this year's team has an excellent chance of adding another first place trophy to Theta's collection, Published by the active chapter of Theta of Phi Gamma Delta, University, Ala. Editor W. C. Hines, Jr. making it three out of four in the major sports events held so far this year. Currently, we are being hard pressed by the Chi Phi's and Sigma Nu's for the All-Sports Trophy, but considering the chapter's, potential in the sports yet to be played, we have one of the best chances in years of climaxing the season with this coveted prize. Surely, if Theta continues to find such able leadership in all fields as that typified by Brother Joyner in the field of sports, Theta Chapter has a bright and prosperous future in store. We were all proud of the fact that the 1963 Corolla was dedicated to Bro ther J. H. Newman. CHAPTER OFFICERS President Treasurer Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Historian Eddie Forbes Kirtley Brown Charles Caddis Warren Arrasmith John Quarles