~ THEPI CR PUBLISHED BY PI CHAPTER OF PHI GAMMA DELTA, . ALLEGHENY COLLEGE . PI CHAPTER LIBRARY IS INTRODUCED The Brothers of Pi Chapter are about to complete another step foward in their efforts to recognize and perpetuate the glory that is, the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Construction of the new Pi Chapter Library has almost been completed. The library is located in the basement by the south stairwell. Many newly discovered books and Pi Chapter artifacts will be added to the library which tells the story of 122 years of brotherhood in Fijiland. The construction of our library, which will contain our rediscovered treasures, was begun last year when brother Jack Cougan, our house manager, developed plans to form the libraries foundation. More recently, the brothers and pledges of Pi Chapter have revamped the library's internal structure adding more bookcases, lighting and a new door. The construction is slated for completion by early April. Many books of great interest have been found and will be added to our new collection. An entire set of encyclopedias dating back to 1887 has been found and although the value of this set of encyclopedias is still unknown, many interested brothers have undertaken the task of discovering their worth. A publication of the Pi Crust from 1948 was also uncovered. Although that publication is not in excellent condition, close and careful examination has revealed that the Brothers of '48 published an exceptional Pi Crust of great length containing many, both informative and amusing pictures, along with articles describin9 life at Pi Chapter over three decades ago! Finally, the discovery of which we are most proud, is that of a book containing the minutes .,of meetings held in 1878 - the year that our Constitution was being revised. The book is in fairly good condition and has lists of Brothers' names in it continuing up until the early twenties. The signatures of famous Pi Chapter Brothers like Fredric Howe and Gilbert Mead, can be found in this book. Plans to send this artifact to National Headquarters, so that we may discover more about our proud heritage, are being carried out. On a lighter note is• the discovery of many overdue books that were checked out of Allegheny Colleges' Reis Library ... many as early as 1935. Upon hearing this news, an energetic Brother quickly went to work in an attempt to calculate the amount of the fine that would be due on those books, at the current overdue rates. However, about half-way through his calculations he stopped, exasperated, at having already reached a figure well over the five thousand dollar mark! The form that our new library appears to be taking is that of a time capsule for future Phi Garns to look back on, and florish in an unending history of Pi Chapter of The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Jim Hess '83 Historian A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Brothers: Pi Chapter has once again returned to the top of the Greek organizations at Allegheny. Since our last newsletter, we have had two more restrictions MIKE WILD lifted, with only three remaining. We have had major improvements in all areas of our fraternity. Our major objective now is to win the Condon Cup which is given to the most improved Chapter. Dean Skinner was quoted in the paper as saying that we are the "best run fraternity on campus." Financially we are also in the strongest position of any fraternity on campus. While other houses are threatened with having to close their kitchens, ours remains strong. Our scholarship has also improved drastically. We raised our house QPA by .45 of a point, the largest raise on campus. We are also one of only three fraternities to be above the all-men's average. The physical appearance of the house also continues to be improving. Over December we layed a new kitchen floor and also did extensive painting. Some goals for the future are to have the house rewired and to have storm windows installed. With the taking of twenty-seven new pledges, the future of Pi Chapter looks very strong. I would like to thank the past cabinet, especially Bob McArdle, \r\nfor pulling the house together to face its problems over the past year. We faced near extinction less than a year ago, and now, The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta is the strongest house on Campus. I'd also like to thank all of the graduate Brothers for their continued involvement and support, and I'd like to remind all of you about the Norris Pig Dinner, preceeded by the Pi Chapter Golf Tourney, to be held on May 2. The multitude of improvements that the house has made over the past year shows that Fiji pride assures all of us that the Star of Phi Gamma Delta will remain at 454 North Main Street for a long time to come. Fraternally, Michael Wild '82 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE: ONLY THE BEGINNING Working with the structure formed last year by seniors John Daneri ('81) and Michael Giangiordano ('81 ), the scholarship committee of Pi Chapter is now an integral BOB SOBOL part of the workings of the brotherhood. For the first few weeks of first term the chairman and committee members worked dillegently with house faculty advisor, Jean Dexheimer. Our m~in e:ffort~ere to increase GOOD THINGS COME IN LARGE PACKAGES the year award was also won by one of On Monday, January 10, the our pledges this year. The Gators first Brothers of Pi Chaptouchdown this season was scored by a pledge, and two other pledges received ter waited anxiously All PAC honors. on the hill overlooking Brooks Circle. The pledges are: Kevin Baird (NorthAt four o'clock runeast, Pa.), Terry Churney (Cannonsburg, out began and bePa.), Sid Courtney (Oil City, Pa.), Curt fore long the Fiji Cramer (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Vince Donetelli JIM HESS pledge class of 1980 (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Mike Ferris (Cambridge emerged from Brooks Hall. There were Springs, Pa.), Scott Flinn (Cecil, Pa.), twenty-seven young men taking their Kurt Lamendola (Arnold, Pa.), · Randy first few steps on their journey to become Lamendola (West Leechburgh, Pa.), Ron Brothers of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Lamendola (West Leechburgh, Pa.), Dave Delta. Lorenz (Munhall, Pa.), Ron McCall Pi Chapter accepted the largest pledge (West Middlesex, Pa.), Ron Mumbry class_e.'ler....in__its__histo.r._y. Brnthers_str:essecL _ (_Eittsbur h :e_a,)_,_ M_ike_ Mutkus (Ali::_ that each young man must have the quippa, Pa.), Ed O'Connell (Pittsburgh, qualifications to become a true Fiji, Pa.), Kevin Palermo (Erie, Pa.), Nathan and not just a number. Paskey (Orwell, Oh.), John Platko (BradThis years pledge class is comprised ford, Pa.), Tom Pierro (North Versailles, of four sophmores and twenty-three Pa.), Dan Roll (Bradford, Pa.), Gary freshmen. There are twenty-one football Sessions (New Castle, Pa.), Paul Stanek players, five baseball players, three (North Versailles, Pa.), Steve Susnak wrestlers, one volleyball player and (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Josh Walters (Mars, one basketball player in the 1980 pledge Pa.), Mike Zampogna (Oil City, Pa·.), class. This years pledge class is not only Mike Zidek (East Vandergriff, Pa.), and noted for their athletic achievements, Mark Sydlowski (Hubbard, Oh.). but they are also known for their scholasWe are proud of all of our pledges, and we will work hard to ensure that tic achievements. At the end of the first grading period, numerous pledges had we will be able to be even prouder of a grade point average of 3.0 or better. them, when the time comes to call them Presently we have a few pledges involved Brothers. Jim Hess '83 in accelerated courses. Many of our Pledge Trainer pledges were also letter winners on the Gator's football team. The raider of the Q.P .A. of all the brothers. The committee decided to use the money allocated by the educational foundation to offer scholarship awards for excellence in academics. Robert A. Stanton ('46) treasurer for the Educational Foundation thought this idea was superb and at the end of first term we were able to award over two hundred and fifty dollars to thirteen brothers for academic excellence. Awards are offered for high grade point average and one is offered for the most improved G.P .A. from the previous term. This had a terrific impact on the G.P.A. of the house for we now have the third highest G.P.A. of the seven fraternities. At the start of term two, __a filing system for academic work was set up which will assist the brotherhood in most of the academic areas. Now our main concerns are directed towards this year's pledges. They are meeting several times a week to study and have been attending study skills sessions set up by the scholarship committee and by Allegheny's Counseling Center. Although, the scholarship committee is still in its infancy, it has improved tremendously and we plan to continue working to increase the scholastic excellence here at Pi Chapter. Robert Sobol, Jr. ('82) Chairman, Scholarship Committee A FINAL WORD FROM LIL HOOT Brothers, I am addressing the fraternity for perhaps the last time as an undergraduate Brother. I have been asked to reflect on my tenure as President of Pi Chapter, BOB McARDLE and my time as a Brother. In my four years at Allegheny as a Fiji, there have been many changes. The physical structure of the house has changed drastically due to the persistence of the undergraduate Brothers in attending to what necessarily needed done, and of the graduate Brothers in raising the money needed for major structural improvements that we could not provide. Continued on Page 5 \r\nNORRIS PIG DINNER SALUTES THE CLASS OF 1959 This years Pig Dinner promises to bring back vivid memories, especially to the Silver Owl Class of 1959, with thirteen Brothers celebrating their 25th year of Phi Gamma Delta. An experience which all will remember is the flagpole sitting stunt to raise funds for college. James Newton, '58 then known as the "Phantom 11 , sat atop his perch for fifty hours collecting $103. After expenses were deducted, the Brothers turned over $76 to the 1957 Fund Drive. It wasn't all that bad though. The "_Phantom" possessed all of the necessary equipment for his vacation from classes; a radio, an electric heater, cards, books and a raincoat. He was also prepared to thwart dangerous attacks against him, with a bucket of water balloons. His loft was also equipped with a telephone and a PA system to keep the crowds enchanted. For companionship, a Brother or two would drop by to play a few hands of cards. Also coming from the Class of 1959 were l he Four Fiji's, a quartet who gained widespread popularity in the district. Wayne Glenn sang lead; John Arcciori, tenor; Bill McCandless, bass; and "Dutch" Linaberger completed the group. The four harmonized to such "standards" as "Good Night Sweetheart", "Talk of the Town", or would present their own interpretations of popular calypso songs. The quartet was managed by Tom Biggam and "Omar" Light. We congratulate the Silver Owl Class and would like to thank them for laying the groundwork of rich tradition that Pi Chapter has come to know. We hope to bring back many memories, in future issues, from the annals of history. Picture on Back Page ~ Dear Graduate Brother, We at Pi Chapter are trying to update our graduate files to improve the relationship between graduates and undergraduates. Because, as we all know, Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone. We would appreciate it if you would fill out the following information and return it to us as soon as possible. Thank you very much. CLIP HERE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Phone-----------------------------------------------Year of G r a d u a t i o n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Married or single _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _..,ife's Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Children's Names _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Occupation---------------------------------------------Other Activities _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Suggestions _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ \r\nThe most significant change in Phi Gamma Delta at Allegheny has been its personality. If a group of men can indeed acquire a personality, Pi Chapter has done it. Allegheny's Fiji's have always been a group of carefree, energetic individuals. In the early days of Pi's battles with the Phi Psis, Brothers were sent from meetings near the Richmond House in the Diamond to find intruders, and bind or kill them (70 Years of Friendships, Torch Press, 1930, p. 33). Now Phi Garns are still unafraid to fight for their fraternity. But, times have changed. Fighting for Pi Chapter today means changing a philosophy of social standards. In a period of value shifts, Pi Chapter has faced its most serious challenge - threat of extinction. At the midpoint of the Phi Gam's fight for existence, the Fiji's have done more in a shorter period of time than was ever thought possible. Internal administration has been upgraded, a new set of By-Laws has been instituted, conduct has been exemplary, and the cumulative grade point average of Phi Gamma Delta rose .46 of a point, in one term. The "drastic" improvements of the Fiji House have been attributed to the pressure of disciplinary action. However, Phi Garns in the past 10 years have faced such threats and defeated them. , The reason is the one aspect of Pi Chapter that has not changed. Togetherness has always been, and will always continue to be, the foundation of the Fiji's. The pride associated with that characteristic has been the basis of Phi Gamma Delta's continuation at Allegheny. Pi Chapter's pride, tradition, and closeness has lasted 121 years. Its character, like that of any family, will be passed on indefinitely. This brotherhood will never be for college days alone. Always Proud to be a Fiji, Robert M. McArdle '81 PUBLIC RELATIONS: FULL SP,EED AHEAD! PI CHAPTER RUNS A STABLE SHIP Beyond the fact that heavy winter fuel bills hit the chapter hard, Pi Chapter is in good shape financially. The kitchen, although run on a very tight budget, MIKE WILSON has continued without fault to produce nutritious, quality food. This has been accomplished despite the high cost of food, and in actuality the kitchen, in some, ter~s, ,.. has been able to save money. The success of the kitchen must be attributed to our cook and dietician Chris Wolfe. Chris, working for minimal pay, and with limited facilities has done an outstanding job, and deserves the praise of the whole brotherhood. Pi Chapter has made quite an investment in the kitchen, in fact, this area has become the showpiece of the chapter. With the addition of a new stove, a new floor, and a good paint job, the kitchen has improved 200% with further improvements slated for the future. The Chapter has also renovated an area in the basement for the creation of a new library in order to continue to preserve Fiji tradition. In my conversations with other chapters, the collection of social dues always seems to be a problem. Here at Pi Chapter we have alleviated this problem by initiating an installment program, in which the Brothers pay several smaller amounts instead of one lump sum. This creates a constant flow of money for the Chapter, and seems to lighten the financial burden for the Brothers. In conclusion I would like to say that the Chapter is doing well financially, and I would like to take this time to thank all of those alumni who have made donations. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and I assure you that the money will go to good use. Mike Wilson '82 - Treasurer "The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Del ta is the ·best run fraternity on campus." (Don C. Skinner, Dean of Students, Allegheny CoHege, Campus newspaper, November 12, DA VE MacLAREN 1981.) This was the culmination of second generation Fiji, Bob McArdle's two year presidency of Pi Chapter. During this time unprecendented improvements, revitalization and energy have characterized this chapter. This is a tough act to follow, but our current president, Mike Wild, is of the same caliber. For this year he has set Pi Chapter's sights on three main goals: (1) The Condon Cup; (2) The Baker Social Service Cup; and (3) The Cheney Cup. This year's chapter officers are amplifying and channeling Mike Wild's call for full speed ahead. Pi Chapter's image on campus is at an all time high, and with good reason. Academically we are the most improved group of students on campus. Our grade point average moved up .46 in our latest grading period. We have done numerous service projects for the school and community in the last two months including: raising money for the Mentally Retarded Association of Meadville through a raffle; raising over $6,000 for the College in a recent phonathon; and collecting door to door for the March of Dimes. We have also scheduled a joint 150 mile run from Case Western Reserve's XI Deuteron Chapter to Allegheny College on April 25, 1981. Not only will this raise a lot of money for the American Heart Association, but it will also strengthen the fraternal bonds between our two chapters. Not only are we strengthening bonds among Fiji's, but Pi Chapter is playing a leading role in unifying this campus. Fiji, Jerry LeHocky (president of the interfraternity council), has actively and consistently lead the fraternities on campus into more cooperation with one another. Front page articles in the college . newspaper currently hold us up as a model for others on campus. The Fiji's here, c...___.,,I \r\nuniquely, have been invited weekly, as special guests of the other fraternities and sororities on campus, to private social gatherings. Twenty-seven pledges this year decided that this was the fraternity for them. Although student relations are at an all time high, our fastest growing friend ship and alliance on campus has been with the administration and faculty. Dr. Harned (president of Allegheny College) and his congenial wife, Elaine, were recent dinner guests. We have also received numerous congratulatory letters from Deans and Professors concerning both our academic and social achievemen ts as a group . The most recent example - of t his esteem is tbe - special bus chartered by the school for the Fiji's to ride over the President's Athletic Conference wrestling championships held on February 21 , 1981 at John Carrol University. Saturday we'll be on the bus going to support the team, its captain, (Brother, Dave Sedmak )' and our school, Full Speed Ahead. David McLaren The Phi Garn "Phantom" proudly overlooks the crowd gathered to watch him on his perch at right. The "Phantom", finally revealed to be Jim Newton, stayed aloft 50 hours, collecting $76 for the Fund Drive. PI CHAPTER Non-Profit Org. U. S. POSTAGE of Phi Gamma Delta 454 North Main Street Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335 PAID Permit No. 428 Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335 4°S 0 4 f :. i ~ ,,; ~lt; t DELTA ERNATIOtU\L HEADQUARTE.tS Tti~t..H",. rn