VOL. 4, NO. 1 HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS Thanks to the efforts of a loyal group of brothers and an enthusiastic pledge class, the physical condition of the Omega chapter house has been consider ably improved. The social rooms and most of the bedrooms were plastered and completely repainted. In addition the staircases were refinished and the COLUMBIA CHAPTER, NEW YORK, N. Y. ALUMNI REPORTS Unfortunately,'when bi others of Omega graduate, they are often too occupied in studying or working to frequent the chapter house. At the annual Homecom ing cocktail Party, following the Colum bia-Dartmouth football game in October, we had the pleasant opportunity to meet front entrance, remodeled, with the much- and reminisce with several alumni. How appreciated assistance of the Omega Asso ever, many loyal Fijis were unable to at ciation. Several of the new brothers in tend due to inclement weather and to stalled a new tile ceiling in the dining room. The bar and the pool room were previous commitments. In order to ac quaint the brotherhood with the present given special interest, as new lighting and activities of some of our more recent decor were added. The pool table was thoroughly reconditioned, and an alcove alumni, the following information has been compiled. in the basement traditionally known as the 'passion pit" was converted into a game room, equipped with a television set and card table. Use of both the pool room and the game alcove has increased notably in the last several weeks. The most pressing problem facing the house at present is that of the inadequacy of kitchen facilities. Due to lack of space and funds we have not been able to put forward any plan for modernization. However, it is hoped that in the near future Omega may be able to buy new WINTER, I960 Our most recent president, Tom Carnal, is currently studying at the Columbia graduate business school. Brother Carnal's predecessor, James Bast is presently serv ing with the Navy in California. Last June Brother Bast was married to the former Mary Griffin of St. Luke's Nurs ing School, located in the Columbia com munity. Mark Easton, our latest recording secretary is preparing for a career with the government in the Columbia graduate School of International Affairs. Several of our brothers arc now enrolled in medical while he is preparing for his master's degree in History. Brother Fandino has taken excellent care of his ninth-floor charges and has imparted much of his extensive wisdom and advice to them. Brothers Litwin, Geiger, and Durkin are engaged in study in the fields of Law, Dentistry, and anthropology respectively. Coming Social Events The Omega Spring Social Season prom ises to be an active one this year. Several major events have been scheduled, in cluding the ever-popular Toga Party and the traditional Fiji Island Party. Last year both of these attractions proved to be un qualified successes, and there is every reason to believe that this Spring they will be even better. As usual, Omega will celebrate two Norris Pig Dinners; one held by the chapter, and the other, by the Phi Gamma Delta Club downtown. Last year, the chapter rented the Men's Faculty Club, and enjoyed an excellent ham dinner and equipment and hire a steady cook. speeches by Brothers Robert S. Curtis and schools. Brother Cowan is toiling in Under the capable administration of Scotland, while Brothers Cooper, Scmel, George D. Bailey, Treasurer of the Arch- our new maitre d', Brother Lane the Spring meal program has been favorably received indeed. The food has been ex cellent and the variety, quite encouragin'" and Sills are plowing through piles of books here in the United States. Joe Scrvididio has won the enviable position of instructor of French and Spanish at ons. The exact date has not yet been an nounced for our coming Pig Dinner, but it is being arranged for around May 1. We would like to extend an invitation Despite the fact that there are numerous Marymount College. At the same time restaurants and cafeterias in the imme that he is enchanting the girls at Marydiate neighborhood, offering extensive at our I960 dinner. Information concern at meals m the house has been gratifying ing exact time and place will be sent out by mail. mount, Joe is working here at Columbia menus and service at any hour, attendance on his doctorate. Joe Fandino is presently acting as dorm cOLincellor in the College to all brothers of Omega, recent graduates and old veterans alike, to reserve a place \r\nBROADWAY FIJI PAGE 2 BROADWAY FIJI HUGH WILLIAM CONLON Published by Hugh hails from Larchmont and has been very active here on the Columbia campus. He is a member of the swimming team and the College radio station, OMEGA OF WKCR. This personable sophomore is a PHI GAMMA DELTA liberal arts student. WINTER, I960 FRANK "PANCHO" MALAKOFF One of our more controversial brothers, Pancho hails from the bush country of Laredo, Texas. A football player in his youth, he has now turned his endeavors towards study for medical school. Pancho is another member of the pool room set and an avid fan of the television western. This December saw Omega initiate twelve men into membership, including OFFICERS George Coleman President John Albright Treasurer Charles Landwehr Rec. Secretary Edward Curtiss Cor. Secretary Jerry Philpott Historian ten freshmen. This year's pledge class cer tainly ranked among the best in the his many of the interests and abilities of the new brothers. THOMAS bAILEY Tom comes from White Plains^ where he was quarterback for his high school team. At Morningside he is a member of the freshman squads in both swimming and crew. He also contributes invaluably and football. Tom spends the sparse well-knitted^ close organization, Omega has decided to admit only eighteen men to her ranks this year. Three brothers were initiated in September, twelve in December, while three more are sched ROGER DeANGELIS Yonkers is the home of this musicallyminded Fiji. His mellifluous tenor voice enabled him to become a full-fledged member of the College Glee Club in the first month of his Freshman year. Roger MIKE ESPOSITO able increase in activity and interest in the house over the last year, due to this Mike has proven himself to be an ex ceptional athlete, playing in both inter collegiate and intramural competition. He does a commendable job as a first-string catcher on the Varsity baseball team and as playmaker and sparkplug of the Fiji hoopsters. Mike plans to get his degree next year in history. nearly a century: KENNY OSTBERG Kenny spends as much time around the events. He also rows with the crew and conscientious. There has been a notice ers added their links to the Omega chain, continuing a tradition which has spanned Malakoff. amount of time remaining to him with was used as a scatback on the house foot ball team this season and has also shown In September the following three broth with the NROTC. He is an amateur weightlifter and a promising young pool player, under the tutelage of Brother the Naval R O T C. uled to join brotherhood officially in a few weeks. By limiting the size of pledge classes and consequently raising the qual ifications, Omega has succeeded in choos ing men who have been enthusiastic and program. nered, popular freshman from Rhode Island, he spends most of his time row ing in the shells on the river, and drilling house as any brother in the chapter. He attends all social functions and sporting In an effort to keep the size of the brotherhood at a level best suited for a Jerry was chosen this past year as presi tory of the chapter. Here is a short sum- dent of his pledge class. A mild-man to the Fiji intramural efforts in basketball ]Vew Brothers JERRY McINTYRE his abilities in the Omega pool room, where he is reputed to be an expert. participates in Fiji intramurals. He is a regular on the house basketball and foot ball teams. THOMAS PYLE Tom is a conscientious freshman from Hicksville, Long Island. He has never failed to lend his strong efforts to any Fiji project. He is usually seen Saturday afternoons helping to decorate the house for a party. A good student, he is a Chemistry major. RUDY QUIRINI Rudy is a General Electric Scholarship winner and comes to us, naturally, from Schenectady. He shows up for most Fiji intramurals and is a fan of all sports. He often spends his leisure hours staring at the house television set. ALAN FOUST JOHN H. REED This tall, popular Junior from Long Island has added much to the house since his initiation. As starting forward^ John contributed a great deal to the highly suc cessful efforts of the Fiji basketball team. He has also served actively as chapter Alan is a tall, sincere freshman from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After an active life in high school, he has continued to keep himself occupied here at Columbia by practicing every afternoon with the crew. He lists swimming and diving among his favorite interests. social chairman, and has never failed to lend a helpful hand to any house project. ROBERT KELLETT Bob, a loquacious bundle of energy from Yonkers, has shown himself to be BRUCE H. BENSON one of the most active of the new broth ers. His work as an offensive end on the Coming from Van Nuys, California, this sun-tanned sophomore has added much to the brotherly atmosphere of the house. He is both witty and well-liked, shooting eye on the basketball court have been instrumental in the success of Fiji and has been (hosen as one of fifteen visitor to the house pool room and a sophomores to be admitted to the Van Am service organization, a honor indeed. at the house. Fiji football aggregate and his amazing athletics this year. He is a frequent regular hxture at Saturday night parties ROSS STRAIT An Omega letter-winner in pool, Ross also has demonstrated his abilities with the freshman wrestling team. Like two of his pledge brothers he hails from Yonkers, New York. He can always be seen at house social affairs, especially the Saturday night reunions. DICK TUERK Dick comes to us from Catonsville, Maryland where he had an active career in the local high school. He spends most of his afternoons here in the College practicing with the soccer team at River side Park. He is always an excellent con versationalist, possessing a brilliant wit and a keen interest in a great number of varied fields, from psychology to art. \r\nBROADWAY FIJI WINTER, I960 PAGE 3 Within the next few weeks three more rciternili^ pledges will join the fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Omega is proud to accept into full membership the following men: ROGER GOLDHAMMER FEDERSPIEL A freshman from Shaker Heights, Ohio, Roger has helped to place Omega high in the interfraternity standings. As a blocking back and broken field runner he demonstrated a great deal of prowess for the house football contingent this season. He is also famous in pool room circles as a man with a future. CHESTER OSBORN Hailing from Monticello, Chet has al ready established a place for himself at Omega as a faithful participant at all house social events. He also finds time to practice with the crew and attend an occasional Canterbury Association meet ing. PAUL VIETA Paul lists his home town as Fairfield, Connecticut, and his major interests as football and women (not necessarily in that order). He used his brawn on the line with the Fiji football squad this year and was quite successful in breaking through into the opposition backfield. Curiously, one of Paul's hobbies is the study of the history of the Ottoman Empire. FIJI NUPTUALS St. Alban's Episcopal Church, in the Omega is proud indeed to have among its brothers Bob Federspiel, an extremely talented and versatile athlete. A six feet one inch junior, "Fez" has compiled an impressive record as starting end for the Columbia football squad. In two seasons with the Lions he has already broken the Ivy League pass-receiving career mark and has been named to the all-Ivy and INTRAMURALS Bob established the new league record by snaring six aerials in the Pennsylvania game, bringing his total to twenty-nine, besting Norman Junoven, who hauled in twenty-five for 'Cornell from 1956 to fornia, exchanged marriage vows with Brother Albright, treasurer of the Omega chapter. The couple plans to move to the west coast this June, after John graduates from Columbia as a history major. Brother Al bright intends to attend business school in California next Fall. On September 3, Brother John Reed and Patricia Menghini will tie the mar riage knot in Monterrey, Mexico, Sefiorita Menghini^ a beauty from Texas, will graduate from Katherine Gibbs in June; while Brother Reed, a history major, will continue his studies here at Columbia College. All Fijis are cordially invited to attend the ceremony, and several brothers from the Omega chapter anticipate making the trip. We all join in wishing John and Pat "buena suerte y una vida prospera." Fraternity athletics took a decided turn for the better this year, as Fiji teams piled up impressive records in both foot ball and basketball. With the assistance of this year's pledge class. Coach Jim 1958. In this same game Bob also tied "Lee" Davis was able to mold together the season mark of nineteen receptions, winning combinations in each sport. At despite the fact that he was double, and present Omega is a leading contender triple-teamed throughout the year. With for the Hawkes Cup, symbolic of suprem an improvement expected in the Lion's acy in interfraternity sports. shaky quarterback position, he will cer The football season was a highly suc tainly pose as an even greater scoring cessful one, with seven victories and one threat next Fall. defeat being registered in a very tough league. The only loss was a 7-6 thriller Bob's talents as a receiver, however, to Beta Theta Pi, in which a disputed should not be allowed to eclipse his per extra point play decided the contest, and formance on defense. He is recognized the championship. Considering that Beta as a deadly, unerring tackier and is known had one tie on its record, the difference to possess an amazing ability to diagnose in points, compiled on a basis of five enemy offensive plays. By constant harass major sports, between the two houses was ment of the quarterback, Fez has been slight. Bud Walsh, the crazy-legged jun able to thwart numerous scoring drives. ior from Texas, was proud to announce This combination of offensive and de that he was high scorer for the team fensive talent has earned Bob the honor this year. nation's capital^ was the scene of a Fiji wedding this past January 30. Susan Mc Donald, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. of being the first all-Ivy starter from Robert A. McDonald of Palo Alto, Cali BOB FEDERSPIEL all-East teams. Columbia since Claude Benham in 1956. In basketball competition we were very fortunate to have the services of Brother Doug Keenan from Wisconsin. For the Strangely enough. Brother Federspiel did not go out for football until his senior year at Philadelphia's Lasalle Aca demy. In his freshman year here at Columbia he divided his time between practicing on the gridiron at Baker Field and rowing with the crew on the Hudson. first part of the season his height and shooting ability enabled the Fiji stalwarts to win several important contests. We finished second in the league, but entered the playoffs with a chance to go all the way. Unluckily, we met Alpha Chi Rho, the strongest team in the College, in our He has since added track to his array of first playoff encounter. We dropped the sports, specializing in the field events. game 36-33, after leading in the closing Bob also decided to try his hand at inter minutes. fraternity competition and has helped to make the Fiji squads in basketball and The Softball season will start in ap proximately one month, and we hope to Softball among the very best in the college. equal or better the four and one record of last Spring. The grand old men of the diamond, such as Bill Stinner and Charlie In appreciation of the respect that Bob Landwehr will be playing their final has brought to both the College and the season, while a host of rookies await the fraternity, the brotherhood honored him opportunity to replace them. A league at a party following the final contest of championship in softball, plus good the season. Next year we hope to sec Bob back on the gridiron, adding to his achievements. showings in liandball and volleyball could put Omega into an enviable position in the competition for the Hawkes Cup. \r\nOnega Association 538 WesT 114th Stbist NEW YORK NEW YORK MEMORANDUM Directors SPECIAL COM^IITTEE ON MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS: James L, Bast Cole Bender The Omega Association is a corporation or- Harvey A, Brownell, Jr. . Robert S, Denzau Thomas A, Kimmons John F, Steeves Roderick Stephens Robert D« Weber ganized under New York Law in 1897 "to perpetuate the friendship formed in the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta and to acquire lands and funds for the erection, furnishing and maintenance in the City of New York, State of New York, of a suitable Fraternity House. The Association'owns and maintains Omega Chapter's house at Columbia University. Association are Omega Aliamni. The members of the Our Directors range in vintage from the Class of 1906 to the Class of William C, Woodson 1958. Normally the Association does not inter Officers ject itself into national or local fraternity policy. However, the imminent crisis now threatening the very survival of the undergraduate chapter has impelled us to take action. Since October of last year we have Harvey A. Brovmell, Jr,.,had an active committee of directors and association President Roderick Stephens, Vice-President Thomas A. Kimmons, Treasurer John F, Steeves, members working long hours in an attempt to formulate some sensible solution to the membership qualifica tions dilemma which would meet the requirements of Columbia University and at the same time be as inof fensive as possible to those brothers in the Frater nity who honestly feel that membership in the Frater nity should be restricted along color lines. Secretary Robert D, Weber, Historian Robert S, Curtiss, President Emeritus Philip Schlosser, Honorary Treasurer A copy of our committee's report, which was unanimously adopted by the Association's Board of Directors at its meeting on May 4, 1959, is en closed. We believe that our recommendation - which essentially is chapter autonomy in pledging policy with strict national safeguards to preserve present election procedures, including the 'blackball" - is the only practical solution for Omega and for many other chapters facing similar mandates from college authorities. This change in Fraternity Law would meet the requirement of Columbia University that under- \r\ny V V BROADWAY FIJI Omsga Association Supplement ANNUAL MF.ETTNOS Notice is hereby given for the regular annual meeting of the Omega Associ-" ation to be held at the Chapter Housej"538 West 114th Street on Wednesday, March ^>^'^1960. Dinner at 6s00 PoMo and meeting at 7:00 PoM. The election of directors and officers will take place at this meeting. Please contact John Steeves, 320 East 54th Street, New York City, if you wish to attend. AFINUAI, DUES Last year, annual dues were reinstated by the Omega Association in order to help meet current expenses. The response to the first letter was most encouraging, with dues coming in from brothers in virtually every State, South America and Europe. With this response, and with other support that the Board of Directors managed to receive, it was possible to reduce the mortgage on the house very substantially. Nevertheless, our need for continued support is still as great as ever, for one principal reason: the present Chapter House must be replaced. The University has announced plans to expand south of 114th Street within the next decade. It will probably have Title I backing, thus leaving us no alternative but to move. The money that we will get from the sale of the house will not be enough for purposes of replacing it. Dues for 1960 are now payable to the Treasurer, Omega Association, 538 West 114th Street, Please send your check for $5,00 or more at your earliest convenience, MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS The subject of membership qualifications is of paramoimt importance to every member of the Omega Association, as well as all brothers of Phi Gamma Delta. There is attached a copy of a letter approved by the hoard of Directors for tranemit'^el to lihe National Fratspiityfo special committee on memherehip qualifications, which sums up the present situation. Omega alumni are urged to read this account, and to give all available support to the development of a solution to this problem. \r\n-2- graduaCe chaptiers on 1:he Columbia campus be under no outside restraint in pledging policy based on race, creed or color. It should be noted that neither Columbia University, nor any other university to our knowledge, requires that Negroes be admitted to membership. We know that such a change in Fraternity policy will be a difficult dose of medicine to many brothers in the Fraternity because it will officially open the door to the possible initiation of some Negroes, provided, of ik^rSe, that a minimum of 75% of a chapter vote for such an initiation and that the vote be unani mous. HovTever, the ugly fact must be faced that Omega Chapter and many other chapters will be lost unless prompt action is taken to meet local college requirements. The deadline fixed by Columbia is 1964, provided that satisfactory semi-annual progress reports are submitted in the meantime,* Other colleges have fixed much earlier deadlines. The Fraternity (and your committee in particular) has before it both a policy or moral question and a serious practical problem. We recognize that there is an honest and deep-seated dif ference of opinion among brothers on the policy issue, i.e., should or should not Negroes be eligible for membership in PhiGarama Delta as a matter of ideal policy? We believe that each brother's point of view is entitled to respect and would wish that college authori ties had left this question to the Fraternity to resolve in its own way and its own time. This question could be earnestly debated for years with apparently good reasons as well as strong emotions being advanced on both sides of the issue. Such debate has gone on in our own Directors' meetings without reaching unanimity. Now, however, the Fraternity can no longer afford to deal with this problem at a purely idealistic or moralistic level. Fra ternity chapters are answerable to the rules and regulations of their college authorities as well as to those of the Fraternity. Some college authorities have unfortunately taken action on the sub ject of fraternity membership qualifications which places our Frater nity as a whole in an awkv/ard and distressing position, threatening the continued existence of many chapters. This is the practical problem and it must be faced NOW and solved unless the Fraternity is to be dismembered and lose its leadership as a national fraternity. To permit this to happen would, we submit, be not only an unforgivable breach of faith with present undergraduates throughout the Fraternity but a breach of faith with generations of Fijis, past and future. We submit that the "possibility" of the initiation in the North of at very most a handful of members of the Negro race is not an issue v/orthy of permitting the dismemberment of the Fraternity. \r\n\ -3- We urge that the important issue to every Fiji (whatever his views on the race question) should be the preservation of the Fraternity. Adoption of a system of local chapter responsibility, with strict national enforcement of the prescribed election procedures, would seem to us to be the only feasible answer. We cannot overemphasizq^t^e seriousness of the situation at Columbia and the necessity for ^firmative action at the next Ekklesia. The fate of OmegaChapter and of many other chapters is at stake. August 6, 1959. Respectfully and fraternally submitted by unanimous reso lution of the Board of Directors, OMEGA,ASSOCIATION By ^ Harvei^^rowneTT^ President. \r\nPAGE 4 BROADWAY FIJI WINTER, I960 Interfraternity Events OMEGA'S CABIIVET Omega once again will participate in the extensive interfraternity program this year, from now until June. The Pamphratria Carnival, held in April, will feature booths and attractions by each of the fraternities on the Morningside Campus. The Fijis usually act at caterers for this highly popular event, selling soft drinks, hot dogs, and beer. Business was excellent last year, and the Pamphratria Scholar ship Fund received a substantial trans fusion. In connection with the Carnival, each house will sell tickets in the raffling of a new Renault Dauphine. Last year a brother in Psi U, our neighbor, won a Chevrolet sedan. Who knows.', maybe a Fiji will take the honors this April. On February 26, Omega participated in the Interfraternity Songfest, held in John Jay Hall. Phi Gam has already re tired the cup for this competition, by virtue of eight consecutive years of a first or second place finish. Although we failed to continue our domination this year, everyone had an excellent time, both at the noisy, congenial event and at the hectic rehearsals. Brother John Macken zie, who adds his voice to the worldreknowned choir of the Cathedral Church Pictured above are four members of the Omega cabinet, which will retire this March. From left to right are: of St. John the Divine, served as director of our efforts this year, and did a yeo man's job. NAVAL SERVICE SOCIETY Jerry Philpott, historian; Charlie Landwehr, recording secretary; Edward Curtiss, The Naval Service Society has been corresponding secretary; George Coleman, very well managed this year . .. the reason New House Mascot president. John Albright, treasurer of the — an all-Fiji administration. Douglas The house is happy to announce the addition of a new member to the Omega community — an extremely intelligent, alert Tabby kitten. The feline has been placed in the affectionate hands of Broth er Curtiss, Chairman of the Cat Training and Clean-up Committee. chapter, was on his honeymoon when Ferraro this photograph was taken. serves as president of the ^r Otganization, while Harvey -■ Danielson 't U 1 afid - "Smokey Blake" assist him as vice-president and respectively. Omega of Phi Gamma Delta 538 West ll4th Street New York 25, N. Y. BOY U.S. Cecil filklnsott 1757 H Street , M.W» latUlnstcn# secretary-treasurer,