74e News of PHI N'oliimf DELTA at OKLAHOMA STATE Februaiy, 1971 Oklahoma State I'liiversityj Stilhvater, Oklahoma Nimihor 1 GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Michael Gene Crocker It is not unusual that the featured Fiji for the first Sigma Oniicronical of the 1970-71 year be our first graduate. When approached with this idea, Aliehael Gene Crocker replied that he "would be most happy to reflect on my college days as a Fiji and explain what it meant to me in the past and will in the future." To Mike, being a charter member of tiie Delta colony and Sigma Omicron was and still is an honor, but for the In his opinion, tlie shame of Amer ica's colleges today is that so many of its graduates leave without an idea of It was no easy task competing with the more established fraternities oil what lies ahead in tlie world, much campus, especially those with larger and more impressi\e chapter houses. That was the challenge! As we all know from reading the Purple Pilgiim, a fraternity is not just a fTioup of men who happen to li\e in the same house, or wear the same common band and regard for each other. "We had a lot to oflTr, and we all believed in Phi Gamma Delta. Granted, the little gingerbread house next to Stout Hall was not impressive retary and Intramural Sports Director. After recei\ing his B.S. degree in In dustrial Psychology in 1963, he served six months acti\'e duty in the army re serves. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he became a sales representa tive with Colgate-Pahnolive Company by most standards, but we enjoyed it. in Lawton, Oklahoma, in 1964. competition and can take it, then you can be a success, not only at building a fraternit}', but in life " One year later, Mike was transfei"red to Oklahoma City where he mar ried the former Kay Meyer, a Pi Phi from O.U. In 1966, he was transfer red to Houston, Texas, where tlieir Mike and the other charter mem bers were a success at building a good base for Phi Gamma Delta to grow, kphat is why Michael Gene Crocker first son, Stephen was born. Then, in 1967, Mike was promoted to Area Sales Manager and moved to Jackson, Mississippi. lu six months, Colgate accepted the challenge. Palmo]i\e sent tiiem to New Orleans As a Sigma Omicron Brother, Mike served the chapter as Recording Sec wTicre Mike holds his present position as .\rea Sales Manager. Since moving When you enjoy something and belie\ e in it you can sell it! If you enjoy Mike recalls tliat while interview ing prospective salesmen in New Or leans and Baton Rouge, he often re members his college days, tie knew from his senior year that he wanted to enter the sales field in some way. Sure enough, the days of selling Phi Gamma Delta and competing with larger and more established fraterni ties paid off for him. "Competing with large companies is no easy task, but is rewarding for a person who enjoys it and can take it." most part it represented a challenge. badge. Afraternity is a group of men, regardless of numbei, who share a to New Orleans, Mike and Kay hax'e added a second addition to the family, a son, Scott, born in 1969. less what field they are best suited for. "1 have interviewed countless graduat ing seniors and graduates who are no more prepared to enter the business world than the day they entered col lege. "1 know that regardless of what the future holds for me, I will always endeavor to see that the small group of college students whom I can talk to are better prepared for their future, whether it be with my firm or an other." \r\nPage 2 Februarv, 197 1 THE SIGMA OMICRONICAL THE SIGMA OMICRONICAL The Fraternity in the AGE OF AQUARIUS by DR. B. CURTIS HAMM, Chapter Advisor of Oklahoma State University Assistant Professor of Administrative Sciences HERSCHEL BEARD, Editor SIGMA OMICRON CHAPTER of the FRATERNITY of PHI GAMMA DELTA Oklahoma State Uni\ersity The fraternity, broadly speaking, seems to be diminishing in its ability to meet the needs of the students to product, price, promotion, and distri day. A general decline in membership and finanicial insecurity of others are bution. In this sense it is no different but a few indications that fraternities 1123 University Avenue Stillvvater. Oklahoma 74074 CHAPTER OFFICERS President may be a dying institution. Several systems have found themselves per sona non grata on campuses today. There is convincing evidence that the general decline in membership, relevance, status and acceptance is fundamentally a marketing problem. J. Robert Keating Many fraternities have failed to ana Treasurer fraternities to think in marketing terms, it must be concerned with its from other institutions. PRODUCT POLICY . . . Eliminate planned obsolescense. The traditional pledge program, annual dinners, par ties, test files, dinner guests, etc., must be evaluated. What does our chapter or system provide that dormitories and other living groups do as well or even exceed us? Is status enough? What changes must our chapter make lyze the market properly. The pro in programming to adapt more effec gram of too many chapters does not tively to a changing environment.'^ Mark A. Lobo meet the needs of their markets. But PRICE . . . The economic climate Recording Secretary these are problems that can be partial ly corrected by the proper application of marketing concepts used in the bus has caused manv parents and students to carefully evaluate the value of fra Steve Sheehan iness world. Corresponding Secretary A fraternity must recognize how its ternities. What about the time in vested in frivolous activities which show little real purpose? Is there a environ distortion in actual cost and perceived ment has changed. A particular signi cost? Have we prepared a brochure Historian ficance is the changed outlook on life to demonstrate real cost? Paul D. Parsons itself by students. Social values today DISTRIBUTION . . . Person to per are significantly different from even son better means of reaching new mar ten years ago but many fraternity of ficers seem oblivious to these changes. of fraternities today. J. Herschel Beard social, Purple Legionnaire Charles A. Powers, Oklahoma City Section Chief L. Thomas Dulaney, Oklahoma Cit\Chapter Advisor Housing Corporation Chairman Joe S. Ellis. Oklahoma C.'ity Published o o thioughout the cultural The need to provide achievement ful fillment in the now is more important than slogans such as "the fraternity is forever." The need for meaning in life, knowledge of understanding of the world and its environment, and friend Dr. B. Curtis Hamm, Stillwater o economic, school ship are highly important motives of that we find a place where we are im portant and our presence is felt. Eraternities are expected to provide an en\irf)nment in which the individual can achiev e his personal goals and yet contribute to the goals of the organi our alumni and friends. zation. schel Beard. Summer rush, rush chairman and traditional forms of identifying potential pledges needs careful attention and evaluation. As members, participation in organiza tions, campus activities, etc., should be fit into the overall goals of the in dividual chapter. The eoncept of join the current generation. The growing ing two organizations is no longei impersonal attitude of society dictates enough. Athorough knowledge of the vear by Sigma Omicron (ihapter for Send all changes of address, photograjihs, and item of interest to Her kets is one of the most critical needs Perhaps a re-statement of local chapter goals is a first step. THE MARKETING MIX . . . While it may be somewhat unfamiliar for organization market and involvement in it is what is important. Organiza tions which influence community, state, and national issues are of in creasing value. PROMOTIONAL POLICY • What messages are we sending out to( the public? Are we deciding what they will hear or are we operating on Ciontiinied on Page 4 \r\nFcbriiarv, 1971 Gradule News 1962 Martin E. Glasser, M.D., 2131 Gold en Gate Avenue. San Francisco, Cali fornia 94115. lie recently completed a one-year tour of duty as Battalion Surtieon in \a'etnam and began resi dency in eliild psycin'atry in July. He is still single. Jan Turley, M.D., 3802 Kavanaugh, Apartment 512. Little Rock. Arkansas 72205. He writes that he is in resi dency training in Urology at the Uni\ersity of Arkansas School of Medi cine. Jan is also single. They say they are glad to be back in "Cowboy" country. Thomas William Lueus, M.D., 6921 Donachie Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212. Tom is married to Nancy Clair Cooper and they have a son, Karl Wil liam, age 5. As of July 1, 1970, Tom and Nancy are in Baltimore, Maryland, xvhere he is practicing at Sheppherd and Enoch Pratt Hospital. James Lewis Thomas, 3848 S. De troit, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105. Jim is married to Christy Griffin and they hax e one child, Molly Erin, born Feb ruary 16, 1970. He is currently em ployed as the claims representative for Trax'elers Insurance Company. 1963 1967 Michael Gene Crocker, 305 Briar- gro\ e, Gretna, Louisiana 70053. Mike married Kathryn Ann Meyer and they ha\ e two sons. Stephen 3. and Scott 1. 1964 John Gallagher Sanger, 821 S. Llebron A\'eiiue, E\ans\'ille, Indiana 47715. John informs us that lie is em ployed in Sales Dejrartment of Reed Drilling Tools Division of G. W. Mur phy Industries. Inc. He. too, is single. 1965 Melvin Dale Henry, 240 Wentworth Avenue. West Page 3 THE SIGMA OMICRONICAL St. Paid, Gordon L. Elkins, 6700 S. Shore Drix'e, Chicago, Illinois 60649. Here is another Sigma Omicron Fiji who lists his marital status as single. Gor don is noxv handling conventions as Conx ention Sales Representative with the Chicago Convention Bureau. No. E, Mhllowick, Ohio 44094. sentatix^e with Holt, Rinehart and AAhnston, Inc. COMING SOON! The Norris Pig Dinner Plan noxv to attend. An inter esting and entertaining evening is being planned for all. The event xx'ill be held at the Lincoln Plaza, Senate Room in Oklaho ma City, February 20, 1971, be ginning with cocktails at 6:00. Don't miss it! Donations are only $10.00. For reservations contact Steve Poxvell in Stillxvater. Over 60 tickets have been sold, so make this the year to see your old school buddies. 1968 NEW INITIATES John Charles Shelton, 1603 S. Chey enne, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119. John is nounce the initiation of six fine men married to KaKay Van Dolsen. He graduated from Tulsa Unix ersity Law School in July, 1970. Minnisota 44094. Presently emplot'ed as Adver tising Manager of the Minnesota Divi sion of Kroger Com]rany. Mel is mar ried to Cynthia S. Henry. James A. Swagerty, 31621 Marginal nessee 37130. Hayes and Olive Ann Parrott were married in January, 1970, and are now living near Memphis where he is the textbook Sales Repre- 1969 Walter Hayes Greenwood, III, 910 S. Tennessee Boulexard, DeVille Apartments, H-1, Murfreesboro, Ten Sigma Omicron is proud to an last September. They are: Steven Edxvard Ealick, Ponca City; Claud Earl Reese, III, Fairview; Ruiz, Oklahoma City, han, Jr., Collinsville; Tweedy, Ada; Frank Jeffery Dorian Stephen Shee- Anthony Alton Ray Crabtree, Ada. Jim and his wife Teresa have one son, Brian, age U4. He is a management consultant in marketing for A. T. Kear ney and Compan)'. Inc.. in Cleveland, Ohio. 1966 Loyd Eugene Ble\ in.s, 9251 Nieman Road, 0\erland Park. Kansas 66214. Gene is marrical to Dinell Sue Da\i.s and has comjrleted his acti\e duty with the marin(>s. Ih" is prtrsently emjrloyed by A. B. Dick Comjrany in Kan sas City, and ho]res to mo\'e back to Oklahoma soon. Dr. F. Russell lan-i son. 305 E. Wat son Dri\ e. .Allen. Texas 7.^00'?. Russell receixed his PhD in Electrical Engi neering from Purdu(> l^ni\ersit\" in October, 1969 and is emjrloved by -At lantic Richfield Oil Comjianx in Dal THE NEW CABINET xvhich took office, February 1, 1971. Seated is Robert las. Keating, President; left to right: Paul Parsons. Historian; Mark Loho. Treasurer; Stex e Sheehan. Recording Secretary; Herschel Beard. Corresponding Secretary. He and his wife Sherrx' haxc txvo childi'en. Chris, 6. and Jeannie. 3'':;, \r\nPag-e 4 Februai-^-, 1971 THE SIGMA OMICRONICAL SOCIAL HIGHLIGHTS The highlight of the first semester social calendar was the annual Purple Garter Christmas Party. Trying some thing new this year, Social Chairman Steve Powell arranged for the Carosel Room at the Oklahoma City Civic Center. We chartered two buses and after a light buffet dinner, we drove to the City for a very successful party. As part of the tradition. Miss Ann Gardner, Kappa Alpha Theta, was crowned the 1970 Fiji Sweetheart. Ann is a senior and is engaged to Brother Steve Grassfield. Also, the traditional "gartering" ceremony was held which is always entertaining. After the party, we drove back to Stillwater, lenged the Brotherers. With many out standing high school players, the pledges were unable to overcome the speed and spirit of the Brothers. They went down in a blaze of glory as the Brothers put it all together for a 68-35 victory. This year's intramural season should be interesting as Fijis have al most returning players from last year plus many new additions. FIJIS IN MODEL U. N. Several brothers and pledges were among 700 other delegates who re cently attended the 12th Annual Mo del United Nations in Norman, Okla homa. Brother Paul Parsons, was dele the night. All in all it was one of the gation chairman representing the country of Ecuador. His team included Brother Buddy Reese and pledges Bob finest parties our chapter has had in Ranee Bennett and Steve Foshee. and our dates took over our house for some years. The Ecuador delegation submitted a resolution for disarmament, which SPORTS NEWS Starting off the sports season in September, Fijis took second place in All-University Tennis as Brothers Bob Murphy and Steve Dennehy defeated Beta Theta Pi Unfortunately, we were overcome by a tough Sigma Al pha Epsilon team in the finals. Our football Epsilon team proved to be one of the best in the league. Many brothers and pledges proved to be very good this year, and the team gave us several exciting victories. During the volleyball competition, Fijis were undefeated in league play. The first round of the All-University play-offs proved fatal to our record, as we were beaten by a tall Pi Kappa Alpha team. Basketball practice has begun for regular season play. In the preseason exhibition game, the pledge class chalFRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA 1123 University Avenue Stillwater, Oklahoma 740 74 was one of only 10 of over 150 that v/ere finally selected for General As sembly discussion. Two surprises of the Conference were an asimulated assassination of a South African delegate and the unsuc cessful attempt of the Cambodian Li beration Front in obtaining a separate seat on the U.N. Guest speaker of the three day meeting was the Russian Ambassador to the U.N. in New York. RUSH REPORT the formal rush week t'le first semester. At present, we ha\-e 21, most of whom are eligible for ini tiation this spring. Pledges include; Robert Ranee Bennett, James D. Bowersox, and changed to a system of summer rush. Any man could sign a letter of "intent' to sign with a fraternits' during the summer. This was done to keep ex penses of rush down. Guided by a David Giasson, Charles Clifford Lord, James Thomas Mott, Jr., all of Oklahoma City; Steven War ren Foshee, Lawrence Kyle Reinmuth, both of Bartles\'ille; Jimmy Ernest Goertz and Jeff Harris of Hobart; James Laughlin Keating and Steven Ray Rosenbaum of Mangum; Roy Dale Myers and Rick Parkin son, of Lawton; Robert D. Meinders, El Reno; James Cranston Pollock, Decatur, Alabama; Da\ id Scott Powers, Indianapolis, Indiana; Gary Ray Rosebure, Tipton; Pary Grant Shofner, Bethany, Jerry Lynn Sparks, Gillette, Wyoming; Steve Thomas, Altus; .and Phil Sheehan, of Collinsville. Age of Aquaries Continued from Page 2 lumors and "second-hand" informa tion? Arc we choosing medias of im portance- and reporting our projects and iiiN'olvements? Exactly what are we doing to promote our chapter? Is telling our ownseK es enough? If not, let's do something about it. CONCLUSION . . . The declining role of fraternities is a marketing prob lem. Rush went (juite well for Sigma Omicron fhis year. As many of you know, the Interfraternity Council abo lished very capable Rush Chairman, Robert Keating, we pledged 20 men during tlie summer, then added some during But this can be rexcrsed. The key lies in an evaluation of what we are doing in a dynamic way to achieve the goals of our chapters. The produet does have an important contribu tion to make to its members as well as to the institution and communities in which they reside. Let ns strive to be an important force in the Age of .-\(juarius.