Mittang Jffijt Gamma Phi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity at The Pennsylvania State University State College, PA December 1983 IVe Want to Hear from YOU! Increased Alumni Support Gamma Phi Makes Substantial Crucial to Our Success Progress in Many Areas Both the undergraduates and the graduate brothers involved with the chapter were very pleased with the response of the alumni at Homecoming and the Pig Dinner. Impressions and feelings about the chapter and the future of Gamma Phi were I am pleased to report that the Gamma Phi chapter is making substantial progress. From the beginning of the semester, we have improved in practically every aspect of fraternal life. Those of you who were present at the Home very positive. coming and Pig Dinner were given a detailed account of However, we fear that what we experienced at Homecom ing may have been a "one time" phenomenon. For example, visits to the chapter house after subsequent football games specific improvements. Suffice it to say that internal chapter (Brown and Notre Dame) have been minimal, and while many graduate brothers have responded to our urgent appeal for the increased dues contribution, many have not. The money is urgently needed. We are holding firm on our program to revitalize Gamma Phi and to help the undergradu ates make it into the chapter that it should be. This involves hard decisions-and chapter economics must often be a secondary consideration. We need he\p-from all of you. Please respond if you have not already, and, if you are asked to act as an agent for your class, please be willing. We are now implementing a complete program of personal contact to those who have not yet con tributed. We need to see you and hear from you! Perge'l Ha! Wilson Alumni Corporation President operations have significantly improved. University relations have skyrocketed, our relationship with the International Fraternity has developed closer ties, and our reputation within the fraternity system on campus is returning to its traditional ly strong position. We have suffered some setbacks, but these were anticipated and are being resolved. We also have some problem areas which remain. Of particu lar Importance and concern is the financial condition of the house. With only 23 active members in the chapter (all live in the house), there is an understandable shortage of revenue to offset the expenses of operating a physical plant designed to support 45-50 men and to make payments on mortgages incurred for the Lodge renovation several years ago. We are cutting expenses where possible, but that will not be enough. We have pledged 13 quality men, and their inclusion will also help the financial situation. But, we still need alumni help. Contributions from many alumni have been extremely beneficial and I thank each of you. I ask those of you who have not contributed to seriously consider it-your assistance is essential to the operation of the chapter. To all alumni, I extend an invitation to visit the house the next time you are in State College. I'm sure you'll be pleased with what you see. The men are proud of their accomplish ments; allow them to "show off" to you. I look forward to meeting you in the future. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (814) 865-7452. Perge'l Vince San Angelo Purple Legionnaire Among the many brothers attending this year's HomecomIng/PIg Dinner festivities were (from left to right) Jeffrey Klein '84, Alumni Corporation President Ha! Wilson '51, Trustee William First '68, and Chapter President Bob Baney '84. The event proved to be a good time and positive experience for all. Details and pbotos of the celebration can be found on page 3. \r\nPAGE 2 NITTANY FIJI Upward Bound New School Year Heralds Improved Attitudes and Increased Enthusiasm The NITTANY FIJI Is published regularly by the Gamma Phi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity at The Pennsylvania State University for its members and friends. Address changes, news items and photo graphs are always welcome and should be sent to Gamma Phi of Phi Gamma Delta Alumni Records Office, PC Box 296, State College, PA 16801. Photographs will be returned unharmed, upon request, after use in the newsletter. The Gamma Phi chapter has undergone a great number of changes since the spring issue of the Nittany Fiji. The current status of the chapter is one of stability and enthusiasm and shows promise of even brighter days in the future. The 23 brothers, though numerically small, have united to upgrade those fraternal areas of rush, public relations and the physical condition of the chapter house. Thirteen young and very energetic individuals have accepted to pledge Fiji. An up graded and structured pledge education program should prepare them for brotherhood. Chapter tone is positive and Phi Gam is now participating in more Interfraternity Council-sponsored activities and philanthropies than has been seen in many years. Graduate support has improved generously and the Norris Corresponding Secretary . .Jeffrey Samuel Klein '84 Pig Dinner held at Homecoming was a tremendous success. Your support is still needed, however. Whether it be financial ly, physically or even by word of mouth, we need your interest and support to make the chapter better. We've made a step in the right direction and it can continue only with the help of all members-graduate and undergraduate alike. I strongly encourage you to revisit the highly restored chapter house at any time. Join the current undergraduate brothers Rush Chairman Historian for dinner or take in a chapter meeting, sign our guest book and meet the brotherhood. Whatever contact you do make, Chapter Officers President Robert Emmet Baney III '84 Treasurer Robert Christie Guiney'84 Recording Secretary .... Steven Robert Schwin '84 Brian Michael Fraser '85 Martin Stewart Adeiman '85 we're sure you'll like what you see. Remember, not for college days alone I Robert Emmet Baney III Chapter President Perge'i Lodge Undergoes Extensive Renovations The Hummel Fishburn Lodge has undergone extensive renovations during the past six months. The following is a list of the repairs completed over the summer: 1. Doors and door frames repaired and replaced. 2. Kitchen: walls and ceiling washed; refrigerator han dles and shelves repaired; silverware, glasses and china purchased; and the grill and deep fryer degreased. 3. Dining room floor repaired (no more Humm holes). 4. Party room ceiling completely replaced due to severe damage caused by plumbing leaks. 5. All the windows repaired to their original state. 6. Clothes rods and shelves installed in all closets. 7. Several walls and ceilings plastered. The brothers and pledges returned to school one week Bill Collection Revamped Treasurer's Notes The financial state of the chapter is not exactly where we would like it to be. Our projected deficit for the fall semester is roughly $15,000. This is primarily due to a house occupancy of only 23 brothers when full capacity is 50. Another reason for the large deficit is the extensive repair work that is being done to the chapter house. However, this spring we hope to have 10 to 12 additional brothers and pledges to help offset early to aid in the cleanup of the chapter house. Projects such as interior/exterior painting, landscaping and window cleaning the debt. were completed by 16 ambitious brothers and 7 pledges. The house is in extremely good physical condition. We have worked very hard to get the house into top shape and are quite proud of our efforts. However, as trustee Bill First often reminds us, "our work is never done." We intend to maintain the present condition of the house and, through pledge projects and weekend cleanups, make improvements throughout the school year. I urge those of you who have visited the Lodge this fall to spread the good news that, yes, once again, Fiji is "looking good." quite well this semester. At the beginning of the fall semester, all of the undergraduate brothers and pledges had either paid their bills or were put on a strict partial payment plan. This has eliminated many of the financial problems of the past resulting from delinquent payment of bills. In the kitchen, our caterer. Rich Keyes, has kept us well under budget while keeping us relatively well fed. If all goes well, we will be well under our proposed operating expenses for the fall semester, and we may be able to decrease the pro Perge'i Perge'i Steven R. Schwin '84 House Manager The collection of house bills and chapter dues is going jected deficit. Robert C. Guiney '84 Treasurer \r\nPAGE 3 DECEMBER 1983 Homecoming 83 On October 22, The Pennsylvania State University marked its 128th anniversary with a grand Homecoming celebration, with brother Robert Baney '84 serving as the chairman for the Homecoming Parade Committee. It was obvious to anyone who watched the parade on Friday that he did an excellent job. Saturday began with a well-attended House Corporation meeting. The Corporation reviewed the state of the present graduate trusteeship, and appointed new members to the board of chapter trustees. Following a 41-23 Penn State victory over West Virginia, cocktails kicked off the evening's festivities at the Lodge. Alumni families, friends and undergraduates enjoyed a delicious buffet-style Shrimp Newburg dinner in the beautiful ly arranged dining room. Brother Richard Knechtal '76 acted as the master of ceremonies. Awards were presented, with a special citation for Distinguished and Exceptional Service Purple Legionnaire Vince San Angelo (center) and friends. being given to brother William First '68. Brother William Doyle '86 received the Joel E. Crouch Jr. Award for the pledge with the highest academic achievement. The Jack E. Krumrine Award for the Outstanding Intramural Athlete went to brother Gregg Garrity, and the Outstanding Non-Officer Senior Award was presented to Mark Rogers '83. Purple Legionnaire Vince San Angelo delivered an inspirational chapter address. Gamma Phi brother Ken Holderman '31 had the honor of being the Phi Gam with the highest seniority in attendance and took part in the Pig Dinner ritual. And, of course, the young est pledge, Edward Clarke '87, did his part in the ritual. The pledge class then gave the alumni an introduction they may not soon forget. The undergraduate brothers were delighted to host the many alumni who returned to the Lodge with their family and friends. The chapter also provided overnight accommoda tions for brother Harry "Rocky" Kern '44 and brother Peter Miller '71 and his wife. Saturday night, "Rocky" kept the brothers entertained with his wit and fascinating stories. I would like to thank all of those alumni who visited the Lodge for Homecoming weekend, as well as the brothers and pledges who helped prepare for the Pig Dinner. Special thanks Assorted revelers. to brother Roy D. Bertolet '44 who donated $1,000 to the chapter and also provided the chapter with two new flags-a Gamma Phi Flag and an American Flag. If you have any suggestions concerning the Homecoming weekend, please direct them to me at the chapter address. Again, let me state how honored we were to be your hosts and how eagerly we await your return to the Lodge. Perge'.l Jeffrey S. Klein '84 Norris Pig Dinner Chairman Pledge Eddie Clarke does the honors. Trustee Craig "Freddie"Pfautz '72. \r\nPAGE 4 NITTANY FIJI $17,000 Raised First Time Out Annual Sport-a-thon Benefits Special Olympics A Hearty Success $500 for Charity Game Ball Run Raises Last spring, under the direction of Dr. Richard Brown '73, the brothers of Gamma Phi sponsored a philanthropic event to benefit the Pennsylvania Special Olympics. Special Olym pics is an international program of sports training and athletic competition for the mentally retarded~the first and largest of its kind in the world. Our event was called the "Sport-AThon" and was held on Saturday, May 7, just prior to the start of the Blue-White football game. This being the first time for this now-annual philanthropy, we feel it was a great The annual Pitt/Penn State football game-a classic in its own right-has given rise to another annual tradition, the Pitt/ Penn State Football Classic. Each year, prior to the game, Fijis from Penn State and Pitt take turns in running the gameball to the stadium for the purpose of raising money for the American Heart Association. The distance to be run is divided equally. This year, over $500 was collected. Penn State began the run this year on Thursday, November success, raising almost $17,000 for the Special Olympians of runner. The next day, at 7:30 a.m., the Pitt contingent took over. The run concluded with the handing over of the ball to Coach Foge Fazio prior to the start of the game. The entire event was covered by local media. The sponsor for this event was the Budweiser Brewing Company. Their generosity included providing a van to accom pany the runners throughout their journeys, donating sweat suits to all participants, and last, but not least, providing free beer for the Fiji party before the game. Pennsylvania. The event involved a representative from each of 18 frater nities and sororities. The participants ran around a designated 220-yard track as many times as possible for a time period of 30 minutes. Money was raised through a system of two-way mailers. Each member of a participating fraternity and sorority sent mailers to friends, relatives and businesses asking them to sponsor their organization in this philanthropy. Sponsors 17 from Rec Hall when Joe Paterno tossed the ball to the first then returned the mailers with either a flat donation or a Jeffrey S. Kiein '84 Co-Phiianthropic Chairman pledge of so many dollars per lap, per runner. Mailers were also sent to State College businesses and to you, our alumni. Eighteen Greek organizations participated in the event, completing several thousand mailers. Gamma Phi led the fund raising; thanks to our alumni, we collected over $2,500. The Gamma Phi Beta Sorority won the sorority division, filling out over 900 individual mailers and raising over $1,500. A tailgate was held at the Blue-White game for the winning fraternity and sorority. Other Greek organizations who had 50 percent participa tion were awarded a pizza party, sponsored by Pizza Hut. They were generous enough to donate approximately $2,500 worth of delicious pizzas. Even though last year's event was considered a success, we hope to do better this year. Due to the lack of time, support and planning last year, we were not able to contact all the student organizations we had planned. With this year's early start, we hope to involve the independent student organizations and triple our fund-raising efforts. The brothers of Gamma Phi are excited about this year's event and are counting on the generous support of all our alumni. We hope to make the Sport-A-Thon an annual tradi tion in Happy Valley. It has great potential, and through the efforts of the brotherhood and the alumni we can reach our lofty goals. In closing, I'd like to thank all of you who partici pated in last spring's grand event. Perge'! Anthony Savant '85 Philanthropic Co-Chairman Rush Your Recommendations! We need to find good men to continue the traditions of Gamma Phi. Can you help? If you know of any current or prospective Penn State student who would be an asset to our chapter, please let us know. A rush recommendation card has been enclosed for your convenience. 13 Form Fall Pledge Class Our new fall pledge class, consisting of 13 members, is now underway. During our recent Norris Pig Dinner, we had the pleasure of meeting you, our illustrious alumni. We eagerly await your return to the "Lodge." Recently, we elected pledge class officers and selected our big brothers. Brother Tony Bavant, our pledge trainer, is doing an excellent job in preparing and guiding us through the new pledge education program. We are excited to be a part of Gamma Phi and are ready for the rewarding and challenging experiences that lie ahead. When our journey is over, we hope to be remembered as one of the best pledge classes ever. But, for now, we're very proud to say, "Damn glad to be a Phi Gam pledge." Perge'! fdark Joseph Czekaj Pledge Class President 1983 Fall Pledge Class Matthew John Bell '87 Richard Scott Chamberlain '86 Edward Gerard Clarke '87 Mark Joseph Czekaj '86 Robert Charles Hallman '87 Stuart Helgeson '87 Mark Karch '86 John Lola '86 Robert Vincent Maiorana '87 Michael Mosko '87 Ralph Ricardo Reynolds '87 Michael Ernest Sweitzer '86 Ralph Daniel Wick'86 Webster, NY Export, PA Villanova, PA Mt. Pleasant, PA Sarver, PA Greenwich, CT State College, PA Morristown, NJ Rosemont, PA Bel Air, MD Villanova, PA State College, PA Villanova, PA \r\nDECEMBER 1983 PAGE 5 Prolonged Pledgeship Provokes Revision Alumni News The newest initiates of the Gamma Phi chapter began their trek to brotherhood on January 27, 1983 and completed their pledgeship on October 9, 1983. The pledge class began with 15 eager members, but due to unfortunate circumstances, it's WILLIAM number fell to 7 by fall semester. When they returned this fall, the pledges found many changes and challenges concerning the future of the chapter, but those few who stuck it out learned from their experiences and have proven to be great assets to the chapter. The pledges' first task was the painting of the entire house from top to bottom, a job that took four weeks to complete. Another pledge responsibility was the care of the shrubbery and the manicuring of the lawn. After pledging for such a long time, they became known as the "Eternal Seven," and they wondered whether they would ever see their initiation day! As a result of their long pledge period. Gamma Phi has totally revised the pledge education program. This fall, through the extensive efforts of brothers William First '68, Richard Knechtal '76 and Purple Legionnaire Vince San Angelo (Arizona '62), a comprehensive program has been devised. The new program contains some of the traditional characteristics of a Gamma Phi pledge program and is organized in an extensive week-to-week schedule. Since becoming brothers, the "Eternal Seven" have been actively involved in the chapter's functions. Ed Meyer is now co-philanthropic chairman, while Glenn Boisbrun is a member of the Scrapbook Restoration Committee. Also participating are Trevor Lauer and Drew Bycoskie as spring social chairmen. S. PARKINSON '15 will celebrate his 93rd birthday on January 24, 1984! Send your Happy Birthday wishes to 860 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742. Self-employed consulting engineer EDWARD G. FOX '25 resides at 1507 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA 17901. Please note the new home address for PALMER C. SARICKS '28: he can now be found at 275 Gerald Avenue, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. THOMAS E. CLOUGH '35 is retired and residing at RR 1, Norway Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. "Retired and enjoying it and good health" is ROBERT S. PECK '37 of 2158 Allen Blvd., Middleton, Wl 53562. Bob is active in church affairs and the Mu Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Wisconsin. Now retired from the General Electric Company, LAVERN M. NELSEN '41 plans to do some traveling in his motorhome, sightseeing, visiting friends, boating, fishing, and golfing! "If time permits, there will be consulting services on the side - ?" "Pete" can be contacted at 6038 Calle Del Paisano, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Ed Meyer Perge'! "Eternat Seven"Member The 'Eternal Seven' Glenn Boisbrun '86 Edward Meyer '86 Drew Bycoskie '86 Wiiiiam Doyie '86 Dave Rinehart '85 Thomas Speii '86 Trevor Lauer '86 "The printable news is that Alice and I have purchased a home at 6 Easy Street, Selinsgrove, PA 17870," writes JOHN W. HARKINS '42. "The home is all we could ever hope for. Our friends and brothers at Gamma Phi are urged to stop in at any time!" RALPH C. BEERBOWER '48, President and Chief Execu tive Officer of Gates Engineering Co., lives at 101 Home Street, Beck ley, WV 25801. WILLIAM P. MALLORY '49, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sperry Financial Corporation, resides at 20 Forest Hill Road, Darien, CT 06820. Physician/radiologist ROBERT M. ALLEN '50 is "enjoying the practice of diagnostic radiology and ultrasound in a large general hospital in Northern Virginia." Bob was awarded a Gamma Phi Social Calendar Mark your Calendar! December 10 Christmas Party for the Big Brother/ Big Sister Organization of Centre County Christmas Formal February 17-19 April* interfraternity Dance Marathon with Pi Beta Phi Sorority fellowship in the American College of Radiology last year! He makes his home at 9312 Convento Terrace, Fairfax VA 22031. GEORGE S. WILLS '58, president of the public affairs/ management consulting firm Willis & Associates, makes his home at 7914 Sherwood Avenue, Ruxton, MD 21204. LAURENCE KUHN BUCK '60, President and Service Master of Virginia Beach & Atlantic Floor Covering, resides at 613 Heron Point Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. "Kuhn" keeps in contact with TOM BALLING '60 (494 Mother's Day at the Lodge Wiggins Lane, Uniontown, PA 15401), TERRY HUTTON '58 Blue-White Football Game (RD 6, Gettysburg, PA 17325), JOE GOOD '61 (3909 Regal Special Olympics Sport-A -Thon Court, Virginia Beach, VA Greek Week (address unknown). 23452), and BOB COLE '63 (Continued next page) *to be announced \r\nNITTANY FIJI PAGE 6 DECEMBER 1983 SCOTT R. SIECK '81, Personnel Supervisor of Alex Brown & Sons, resides at 28 W. Allegheny Avenue, Suite 1803, Towson, MD 21204. Merrill Lynch representative ROBERT B. CAMPBELL '82 can be found at 247 Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540. We regret to inform you of the death of: DONALD G. NORRIS '13 PHILIP W. FRALEIGH '15 RALPH L. SACKETT '21 FRANCIS A. EGAN '25 JOHN ERVING KENNEDY '26 HENRY R. HUFFMAN '27 The vice president of administration for Blue Cross - Blue Shield of Maryland, FRANK R. MASCIA '62 resides at 4018 Holly Knoll Drive, Glen Arm, MD 21057. EDGAR C. WEICHEL JR.'32 CHARLES J. WILSON '34 JOHN E. THOMPSON JR.'37 HENRY K. HOLMES JR.'50 RONALD W. CONKLIN '63, National Field Sales Manager Sturtevant Division - Westinghouse, and his family have moved from the San Francisco area to Massachusetts, where they now live at 65 Grove Street, Norfolk, MA 02056. Herbiek & Held Printing Company Sales Manager RON MOEHLER '69 lives at 702 Reamer Drive, Carnegie, PA 15106. RAYMOND A. TILEY '71, Vice President of ComBank/ Winter Park, can be found at 371 E. Kingsway, Winter Park, FL 32789. Physical therapist ROBERT S. BUXTON JR. '76 has been promoted to assistant chief of physical therapy at Lankeven Hospital. He and a partner have also opened a private office in Kennett Square called Physiotherapy Associates. The home address for "Junior" is 306B E. Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Attorney RONALD W. FOLINO '76 can be contacted at Arlington #309, 515 S. Aiken Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. KENNETH A. SCHWARTZ '76 now resides at 4415 Wind Haven Lane, Dallas, TX 75252. Contractor MICHAEL CAPPELLETTI '77 makes his home at 606 Midland Circle, Berwyn, PA 19312. JEFFREY T. BUXTON '78 has relocated to 2569 Shrews bury Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221. "Anyone in the area feel free to stop in." STEVE KIPP '78, a financial analyst for IBM, lives at 205 E. Village Road, Holland, PA 18966. MICHAEL J. TORETTI '79 is an attorney in the tax department of the law firm Rogers & Wells and resides at 420 E. 54th Street, Apt. 27-G, New York, NY 10022. "After working for 21 months as a hydraulics engineer for Consumers Water Company, I am now back at Penn State pursuing an MBA degree," writes THOMAS KRIVDA '80. "Kriv" invites any fellow alums in the area to stop by and visit him at 709-3 Circleville Road, State College, PA 16801. KURT "Kitchen Head" SCHWEOBEL '81 is "still slinging hash-this time for a women's college in Frederick, MD." Kurt says the women keep him on his toes, of course, but he is still "relatively unattached" and is meeting new people all the time. He lives at 130 Fairfield Drive, Frederick, MD 21701. Can you name these fine looking Phi Gams from the class of '63?