Volume IV, No.1 ™@ AlphaOmicron ™ Spring 1990 \r\nTHE FIJI ZIP Board of Chapter Advisers (B,C.A.) You may recall that in the previous "The mission of the Board of FIJI ZIP edition, the formation of an Chapter Advisers to the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta is to support, assist, and encourage the Chapter to strive Alpha Omicron graduate Board of Chap ter Advisers (B.C.A.) was discussed. This program has been completed with members who bring a broad range of experience and skills to assist Alpha Omicron. These members include: • Mike Burgan (Akron '88) • John Davide (Akron '87) • Dave Delcoma (Akron '87) • Jim Eckelberry (Akron '89) for continued levels of excel lence. Our purpose is to promote the development of the under graduate Chapter, by passing on our pride and experiences; and, to further the development of ourselves and the area Grad uate Chapter." • John O'Neill (Akron '87) • Scott Reese (Akron '87) • Terry Rhodes (Akron '88) • Greg Steel (Akron '86) In addition, Jay DePasquale(Akron '87) maintains a Member-At-Large status, as he lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but frequently returns to the Akron area. To this end, the members noted above are devoting time in the specific areas where they can be most effective. For instance, Scott Reese, a former Rush Chairman, spends time with Mike Revlock, the current Rush Chairman, in developing plans. Ideas that may have been successful during Scott's tenure in 1986-87 may be currently overlooked One of the first steps of the B.C.A. and could be refreshed with Scott's was to establish a Mission Statement, guidance. On the other hand, Mike might want to call on the resources as follows: of graduate brothers in the next rush event. Scott would be his focal point to implement this action. The B.C.A. has met three times since its formation in December 1989. Per haps the most important time together occurred during the transition of Cabinet Officers in January 1990 when B.C.A. members met with outgoing and incom ing officers and committee chairman. This was to help in maintaining consist ency between administrations and learn more about current Chapter operations. This article would not be complete without thanking the area graduates who volunteered their time in the initial B.C.A. operations until Alpha Omicron graduates became available. Their con tributions certainly assisted Alpha Omi cron to quickly become the driving force on The University of Akron campus. Robert T. Fischer Purple Legionnaire/B.C.A. Chairman Graduate Brothers Receive Pen Pals "Phi Gamma Delta is not for col lege days alone." That is one of many things that the Alpha Omicron chapter of Phi Gamma Delta stresses, accord ing to Naaman educator Craig Reese. Brother Reese, along with his cabinet, has taken measures in which to rein force this belief, by encouraging the Kappa pledge class to write a letter to a graduate brother. Reese said, "By writing letters, that they are still close with their under graduate Brothers. Graduates see how the groundwork they laid is being continued," said Reese. The pen pal program was first imple mented by Naaman educator Thom Voder for the Theta pledge class, and Brother Reese hopes that it will con tinue in the future. "Right now the chapter is young, and the number of graduate brothers Naamans can get an idea of what past is low," said Reese. "However, as the brothers did while in the fraternity and how Phi Gamma Delta has helped them the number of letters each Naaman after graduation." On the other hand, the letters offer the graduate Brothers insight on what is currently happening within the under graduate chapter and makes them feel number of graduate brothers increases, writes will akso increase, giving the Naamans even more insight into what is meant by the phrase—Phi Gamma Delta—not for college days alone." Undergrads share their letters of response from their graduate pen pals. \r\nALPHA OMICRON What's Happening with the Graduate Chapter The Alpha Omicron Graduate Chapter has been quite active over the past semester. Besides having regular meetings every third Thursday of the month at Vaccaro's restaurant(on Arling ton Road in Akron), the chapter has been busy planning events to help the undergraduates continue to strive to new levels of excellence. The graduates over the last semester, recently had two guest speakers at their monthly meetings. Brian Breittholz, The University of Akron Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Hap Hardd (who spoke on financial plan ning) were the honored guests. The chapter is getting ready for the annual golf outing on June 9 and is planning a graduate-undergraduate softball tour nament on July 18. In August they will be holding our second annual "Candle light Golf Outing" to benefit the March of Dimes Foundation. The event will once again be held at The Boston Hills Country Club. Graduate brothers have also gone back to the chapter and have spoken on spoke to the Naaman class about rush, and spoke to the Naamans concerning social service and philanthropy, The graduates are currently having of- L ficer elections. The dent), John O'Neill (Treasurer), Graduates Graduates take take nnominationsfor next year's cabinet. John Davide (Secretary) as well veil as several chairmanships. One of the :he main goals of the graduate chapter is to compete for the Brightman Trophy, which ivhich is given The graduate chapter is open to all graduates of Phi Gamma Delta. If you are a recent graduate or would like to become more interested in their activ- by Internationals to the best Phi Gam Graduate Chapter. The cabinet and o^er other ibinet and members have been working hard on this awards packet. The graduates feel they are strong contenders for this award. ities, feel free to call: ^216) 477-8885 Terry Rhodes at (216) 854-2404. Graduate Updates Mike Burgan '88, 5488A Wildwood Court, Willoughby, OH 44094 Brother Mike,a founding member of the AO chapter, works for Parker Hannifin in Cleveland as a manufacturing engineer. He is a past winner of the Wilkinson Award for section XIII. Mike's favorite Fiji memories include the Ekklesia at which Akron was approved for chartering and the day his little brother, Scott Butler, became an initiated Brother. He would like everyone to remember that "membership in Phi Gamma Delta is a privilege!" Norm Clark '89, 33448 Vine Street Eastlake, OH 44095 Brother Norm, after graduating with many honors, works for BP Terry Rhodes '88, 482 Riverview Street, Canal Fulton, OH 44614 Brother Terry is also a Founding Father of Alpha Omicron. Terry works as a claims investigator for Nationwide Insurance in Canton. His favorite Fiji moments include Initiation, his first Fiji Island party, and partying with his roommate Johnny'O. John P. O'Neill'88,5488A Wildwood Court, Willoughby,OH 44094 Brother John is a founding father of the Alpha Omicron Chapter. His favorite Fiji memories include Initiation and Fiji Academy. John is an auditor for Price Waterhouse in Cleveland. John acted as the Chairman for the March of Dimes Candlelight Golf Outing and says that he enjoys America in Cleveland as an accountant. Norm sat for the CPA exam this the BCA and the Graduate Chapter. past May and expects a transfer within BP America sometime in August. His favorite Fiji memory was presiding as "The Fujawara" at last year's Larry Marion '88, 356 East 330th Street, Willowick, OH 44095 Brother Larry is a Marketing Representative for John Hancock in Fairlawn. His favorite Fiji memory consisted of staying up until 6 a.m. with "Big Peck" (Scott Montgomery) in order to grab the sports page from the Party Store's newspaper. Fiji Island party. John Davide '88, 4738 5th Street NW, Canton, OH 44708 Brother John is a Founding Father of AO, who now works for Citizens Savings Bank in Canton in real estate/taxation. John has purchased a home in Massillon and will be getting married on June 30. His favorite Fiji memories include the AO chartering in Lexington and portraying "The Fujawara" at the 1988 Fiji Island party. Jeffery M. O'Neill '89, 3945 36th Street NW, Canton, OH 44718 Brother Jeff, a Founding Father for the AO Chapter, is a tax consultant for Ernst & Young accounting firm in Canton. He is to be married on September I. Jeffs favorite Fiji moments include Chapter installation and the numerous Fiji Island parties. Robert T. Fischer '59, 3790 West Bath Road, Akron, OH 44313 Brother Bob graduated from the University of Illinois in 1956 and The Rochester Institute of Technology in 1959. He is an account manager in the Supplies Division of the Xerox Corporation. Bob is married to wife M3ry. He is a distinguished military graduate, the president of Sales/Marketing Executives of Quad Cities, and the president of the Fairlawn Rotary Club. He also serves as Alpha Ornicron's Purple Legionnaire and a member of the Board of Chapter Advisers. Bob's favorite Fiji memory is returning to the University of Illinois for his 25th and 30th year reunions. \r\nThe Presidents Message Greetings from Alpha Omicron! The 1990 spring semester brings about many changes to our Greek system and The University of Akron. Most importantly is a new attitude of responsibility and commitment to improving our Greek system that the fraternities on campus are adopting. This attitude is nothing new to our chapter. Currently IFC is in the final stages oftwo important pieces of legislation. First is the scholarship policy which hopes to raise every house's grade-point average to a minimum of 2.5 by 1991. Second is an alcohol policy which will prohibit all houses from buying kegs, beer balls, etc., with chap ter funds or allowing members to collect money to purchase large amounts of beer. These two policies are already in standing chapter adviser Purple Legion naire Brother Bob Fischer, Illinois '59. effect here at AO and will not affect The Brothers of AO continue to excel our chapter operations. Recently on Sunday, April 22, at our Greek Recognition Dinner our chapter claimed the following trophies: most improved grade-point average, chapter academic excellence, fraternity philan thropic excellence, fraternity community service, fraternity/university contribu tions,chapter programming,IFC sports, blood drive—most pints and highest percentage,campus involvement. Deans Cup (the best overall fraternity) fifth consecutive year, outstanding junior Brother Tom Liggett '91, and fuially, out in all that we set out to accomplish. Whether it be scholarship, athletics, campus involvement, or community service, we must continue to strive for first place. We must remain a step ahead in order to continue to set the standards at The University of Akron. Fraternally, James C. Neilson '91 Chapter President Meet the Cabinet... I^MEMBER! Ekklesia President: James"Oogle" Neilson '91 Brother Neilson, originally from Dayton, Ohio, attended Culver Military Academy, where he was very active in sports such as soccer and track. Neilson is the former student government president but still remains very involved on The University of Akron campus. His major is Business and Organizational Communication, and someday he ho,jes to work in the Admis sions Department of a state university. of Treasurer: Dan "Ishtar" Ishee '90 Brother Ishee is from the small town of The 142nd The Fraternity of Andover, Ohio, and graduated from Pymatuning Valley High School. Ishee, an accounting major, is involved with The Accounting As.sociation and National As.sociation of Accountants. Brother Ishee hopes to receive his CPA after graduating. Phi Gamma Delta Recording Secretary: Dave "Dawg" Wlllmer '91 Brother Willmer is from Canal Fulton, Ohio, and attended Canton Central Catholic High School. Wilmer August 10-14, 1990 Hyatt Regency Chicago Make plans to attend now! If you need any information concerning Ekklesia, please write or call and we will assist you in any way possible. enjoys playing football and basketball. He is the newly appointed Greek Program ming Committee(GPC)Coordinator and the former blood drive chairman. Wilmer is a marketing major and hopes to work in the area of sales after graduation. Corresponding Secretary: Thomas"Ice" Ybder'90 Brother Yoder from Sugarcreek, Ohio, graduated from Garway High School. Yoder is very active in sports and loves to play basketball and golf. He is the former Greek Programming Com mittee (GPC) Coordinator in addition to being a member of Order of Omega. Yoder graduates this fall and hopes to work as a sales representative in an indus trial corporation. Historian: Roy Mosley III '92 Brother Mosley, the only cabinet member from the Akron area, graduated from East High School. Mosley was recently appointed Blood Drive Chairman. He is a criminal justice major and currently works for a local law firm. He would like to work in the law field after graduation. \r\nHousing Update "the ultimate dream ..." one step closer. On January 23, 1990, the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta moved one step closer to their ultimate goal by purchasing three properties known by most as the "annexes." The goal of AO is to one day build a Fiji House that can hold 50 to 60 live-in Brothers (plus 13 in the annexes), a kitchen or cafeteria, and a small Chapter room. After purchasing the three annexes, the next step(which is currently in pro cess) is to purchase the main Fiji House from The University of Akron. This would be the first time the University has ever sold one of their houses to a fraternity. This is a two-year process that must go through the State legisla ture. We are looking to see "it" happen between 1992-93. After the purchase of new Fiji house will be amazingly ahead of its time! The undergraduate Chapter and the Phi Gamma Delta House Corporation would like to express their thanks to all the graduates that have donated their time, energy, and money to these new additions. We could never reach our full the main Fiji house, we can raze one of potential without the support from our the annexes and build onto the main house in the formation of an "L." The graduate Brothers. Daniel B. Ishee AO Treasurer '90 AO Adds Another Internal Award On April 8, Alpha Omicron intro duced yet another award to add the the prestigious list of internal awards. This new award will be the "Norman Lloyd Clark award" and is given to the Brother who exemplifies "excellence in scholar ship." To be eligible for this award, the brother must have the following qualifi cations: excellent study habits, a high GPA in his respected major, and the willingness to help fellow brothers with their studies whenever possible. The award will be voted on before the Norris Pig Dinner in the fall and given out at the Dinner along with the other five internal awards. The Norman Lloyd Clark award was a product ofthe undergraduate chapter's scholarship committee. The committee felt that the award should be named after "Stormin Norman" for his out standing contributions to the AO scholarship program. While at Akron, Brother Clark majored in accounting and maintained a grade-point average of 3.7. In addi tion to his high GPA, Norm became the Scholarship Chairman for one year and the chapter Treasurer the following year. During this time as an undergraduate member. Brother Clark always found free time to help fellow Brothers who needed help in their classes. The undergraduate chapter is proud to have Norm as a brother, and we will help show our appreciation for the im pact Brother Clark made on the chapter's scholarship program during his stay. Congratulations Brother Clark! Dave Willmer Recording Secretary Alpha Omicron Graduate News and Important Dates Graduate Midnight Golf Outing August 18, details to follow. Any ques Congratulations To Chuck and Suzanne Galmarini Graduate Meetings Vaccaro's Restaurant, 1333 South tions call John O'Neill at 946-5686. who are expecting their first child. Arlington Street. Upcoming Weddings Missing Special Note: Keith Shumate is in the top 10 percent of his class at Ohio State School of Law excellence. Larry Marion December 8 Jeff O'Neill Steve Gronov September 1 April 21 Don Olenick TBA Any graduate that has any news or an address ofthe following brothers, please write or call Rick Dorony at 261 Spicer Street or call 376-3184. Larry Potonic, Alan Putinsky, Dave Colston, Henry Brad Petrella TBA King, Joe Trocchio, Aaron McClain. John Davide June 30 with one year left to go. Good job Keith! Keep up the Phi Gam standards of \r\nKappa Naaman Class The Kappa Class: Mike Petty, Eric Veselic, Ben Bums,Randy Smith, Greg Tucholski, Bill Titley, Dave Schworm, Jim Forsythe, Dave Winstead, Roger Booher. On February 8, 1990, Alpha Omicron pledged its 10th class—the Kappa class. "The main goal I had for this class, was to have them learn the ideals of Phi Gamma Delta," said Craig Reese, Naaman Educator. "I accomplished this by utilizing our Board of Chapter Advisers and other keynote speakers." The guest speakers, most of whom were graduate brothers, talked on a variety ofimportant subjects. Some topics included; Rushing by Brother Scott Reese, campus awareness and involvement by Brother Andrew Milligan, academic excellence by Brother Norm Clark, interfratemalism by Brian Breittholtz, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at The University of Akron, to name a few. The Kappa class has accomplished much this semester. Accomplishments include organizing a big/little social service event, painting the "ground zero" bathroom, installing shelves Editor's Note: THE FIJI ZIP is a publication of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Your suggestions and comments concerning content are always welcome. k i in the television cabinet, holding a fund-raiser that earned more than $90 and programming two social events with other sorority pledge classes. "It was a joy to work with a class that had so much enthu siasm; I know they will be very strong leaders at Alpha Omicron," Craig remarked. Graduate Trivia Phi Gam Facts—Did you know?? Graduate Brother Frank Sandor currently has the biggest family according to Chapter Historian Roy Mosely. The Sandor family consists of: 4 littles, 5 grand littles, 4 greatgrand littles, 3 great-great-grand littles and is •There are 126 Fiji Chapters internationally(5 are Canadian).•There are approximately 90,000 living Phi Gams.•That Kappa Alpha Theta is our sister Sorority, and Kappa Alpha Theta's first and second meetings were held in the Fiji House at Depauw; Their badge was made by a Phi Gam, John F. Newman.• Five out of six Founding Fathers graduated within six weeks of the founding of Phi Gamma Delta. growing all of the time. Please let us know how we can serve There is a tie between Frank Sandor and you better by writing: Dave Mace, Newsletter Chairman, Alpha Omicron Chapter, Phi Gamma Delta, 261 Spicer John O'Neill for graduate brothers having the most littles. Frank Sandor: (I) Jim Stankard; • All six Founding Fathers were active in the Street, Akron. OH 44304. (2)James Neilson;(3) Phil Woodard;(4) Kyle Sullivan. John O'Neill: (I) Dave Lengen;(2) Editor: Dave Mace '91 Mike Revlock;(3) Pat Kelley;(4) Dan Ishee. mately 500,000 undergraduate Greeks. Masonic Order.•There are currently approxi Assistant Editors: Rick Wilson '92, K( Dave Lengen '90 Graduate contributors: Bob Fischer '.19. Terry Rhodes '88 Undergraduate contributors: Dave Willmer '92. Rick Dorony '92, Dan Ishee '90. Craig Reese '91, James The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta Alpha Omicron Chapter 261 Spicer Street U J 1 rt j I JIIL2' 90 K J I'fN Akron, OH 44304 F •- •,^ I Neilson "91, Roger Booher '93, Roy Mosley '92 Special thanks to: Brian Murphy '92, who spent so much time helping me put together this publication. Photographer: Studio Bee. Tallmadge Printer: Unigrafix, Inc., Akron Rho Alpha Chapter 202 Church St. Blacksburg, VA 240o0-4804