ams 7 ose IF ifi Rho Phi Chapter @ Phi Gamma Delta ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SPRING 1990 PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear Brothers, As always, the spring quarter has brought its activities to Rho Phi chapter along with the anticipation for the end of another school year. As usual, the high pressure of the quarter has brought out the best in the men of Rho Phi Because of the great efforts of the chapter in rush the past two years Rho Phi has grown to 71 active members and 8 pledges. The trend also is toward more growth with only 17 seniors and 11 juniors. With the traditions of a strong rush in place, it is a pleasure to see the chapter continue growing with more and more solid quality men Academics have become the big push here at Rho Phi. After a good visit from Field Secretary Mark Harvey, it became evident that scholarship is the main obstacle between Rho Phi and many high International awards. On this basis, the 1989 Pledge Class renovated the crawl space into the new Fiji Library complete with well organized files and newly in- corporated study tables for freshmen and others in need. Rho Phi has also 7 nominees to the Fiji All Academic team including two freshmen with perfect 4.00’s. This new em- phasis should help put Fiji back over the all men’s average and first among fraternities at Rose-Hulman. Rho Phi chapter has had outstanding senior leadership this year to further the Quest for Excellence. Once again we are hoping to do well in the Wilkinson Award selection with our nominee Doug Collier, CE 1990. For the first time in the past few weeks Rho Phi chapter has taken a fiery attitude into greek games. The chapter had a good showing this year doing a good job in all five events. Because of the new format (no overall winner of greek games, but rather winners in each individual event) our efforts were not rewarded with actual hardware (Trophies), but the chapter left with an overall feeling of pride and accomplishment. It is pleasing to see a new fire in many of the committee chairmen this year. Each committee is coming up with in- novative new ideas and greater organization and efficiency. Notably, professors are now invited to dinner on a fairly regular basis, the chapter has adopted the stretch of highway from the intersection of 40 and 46 almost reaching I-70 under Indiana’s new Adopt A Highway program, and finally many new graduate relations improvements are in the works for the coming years. Overall, Rho Phi chapter is keeping its prominence as the most respected chapter on both campus and community and also the least stereotyped. Keeping good relations with the entire Terre Haute community is something very important to the Rho Phi chapter because there is a great need to show that fraternities are of great value to the college experience in these ever changing times. Hope everyone has a great summer and hope to see many graduates back for Homecoming 1990. Proud to be a Fiji! Kurtis J. Anliker ’91 Bid Monday \r\nGRADUATE RELATIONS The Graduate Relations Committee has been very busy this spring updating the database. About one-third of the ad- dresses in the old database were incorrect; therefore, a new database has been created. At this time I would like to ask for some graduate participation in helping us update our system to the fullest. Enclosed in this issue of the Rose Fiji is an information sheet. We would appreciate it if each graduate would fill in any missing information and correct any information that is wrong and mail it back to the Rho Phi Chapter. These updates will allow us to mail information on what is going on in the chapter to eacli graduate more easily. In addition to the new database being created, an individual file has been made for each graduate. All information sent to the Rho Phi Chapter by a graduate will be placed in his personal file. Information included in the file will be updates on family and job and any general information that is in- teresting. This will allow us to follow what our graduates are doing and have easy access to information about each graduate The 1990 Homecoming will be on October 6. The festivities will include a picnic at Rose-Hulman with an undergraduate- graduate volley ball game. An informal gala will be held at the house after the football game. More information will be sent to each graduate in late August. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there. Recently Steve Goble, a 1971 graduate and former secretary and president of the Rho Phi Chapter, was honored at the “Distinguished Young Alumni Seminar” on April 28, 1990 at Rose-Hulman. Steve majored in Math/Physics and is co-founder and vice president of Paragon Consulting Group. He is currently living in Dallas, Texas. Congratula- tions, Steve! I would like to thank all graduates for participation in up- dating our files. All information received will be greatly ap- preciated. Thanks again! Fraternally, Mark Glaser (CH, '92) Graduate Relations Chairman TREASURER’S REPORT Rho Phi has been quite busy this year trying to reduce its undergraduate and graduate debt to the lowest it’s been in awhile. We are working hard, but we still have a way to go. Cooperation has been the key to our success. Also, this is the first year which we have had realistic budget proposals from the committee chairmen. Very few times this year have we been overdrawn. Hopefully, we will be able to continue the trend and reach financial stability. Finally, I'd like to thank my assistants, Dave Merrell (CH "92), Greg White (ME '90), Fred Queary (CH ’90), and Joe Weist for all their help Chris Lueking, (ChE ’91) PHI GAM SPORTS Several brothers participated in a variety of sports throughout the past school year. The different sports represented were: basketball, tennis, baseball, track, soccer, and golf. The basketball team, with the help of 10 Fluls, finish- ed a 17-9 season earlier this year. Senior leaders and co- Coaches’ Award recipients were Phil Eckert (ME ’90) and Trevor Olsen (ME ’90). The remaining Phi Gam team members were: Rodney Adams (CE ’91), Dan Keown (ChE ’91), Paul Hedinger (ME '92), Brian Sullivan (MA/EC ’92), Scott Beach (EE ’93), Shawn Brainard (ME ’93), Scott Woods (ME '93), and Cory Ottens (EE 93). The tennis team included: Eric Berszenyi (ME’92), Steve Brown (ME 92), Dale Conroy (ME ’92), Jonathan Drew (ME "93), and Rob Reed (EC 93). Eric received third place at No. 2 singles for the conference in the fall while Jonathan won second place honor at No. 3 doubles. In baseball, the team, with the help of 3 FlJIs, had a 16-15 record at the time of printing with only 2 games remaining. The FIJI diamond-men are: Dave Gowans (ME ’92), Jeff Hansen (ChE ’92), and Dave Merrell (ChE ’92). The track team fielded hurdler and high jumper Troy Dewer (ME ’92), in the pole vault and javelin, Rick Briars (ME "92), and in the long jump, triple jump, and sprints, Doug Sowder (ME ’93). Members of the soccer team are Steve Allison (AO ’92) and Cory LaRoche (ME ’93). Finally, the lone FIJI member of the golf squad is Jeff Geesaman (ME ’93). With 24 varsity sports participants, Phi Gamma Delta is a major force in the Rose-Hulman sports community. In addition to varsity sports competition, intramurals are also very competitive. The Phi Gam basketball teams enjoyed the most success this year in the area of intramurals. A team composed of 80% pledges was undefeated in the spring ma- jor basketball league, while the spring active team was 5-1 with its only loss coming to the pledge team. The winter basketball squad was not as successful but still managed a 3-2 record. Other intramural sports events in which FIJI sported a team were: football, volleyball, coed-volleyball, soft- ball, and soccer. In the recent Greek Games held on the Rose-Hulman cam- pus, as always, Phi Gamma Delta had a respectable show- ing by scoring in many events. The 15-man pyramid squad recorded 5 wins against only 2 losses in the round-robin tourney. Also, in the cart race, obstacle course, and mystery event, FIJI finished only seconds behind the winners. Song Fest proved to be a disappointment with the Phi Gam singers receiving a questionable fourth place vote from the judges. Ballads sung included “Meet the Phi Gams” (Flintstone theme song) and “Runaway”. Fraternally, Jeff Hansen (ChE ’92) \r\nstores or wander from bar to bar at many of the hopping downtown nightclubs The formal dance took place Saturday, March 10, 1990, at the new Omni Severin Hotel. A large buffet dinner started the evening, followed by the traditional garter ceremony and dancing into the late hours of the night. Several graduates returned to enjoy an evening with their undergraduate brothers. Overall, a grand and exciting time was had by all. Carl Gillman (ME ’90) | Scott Beach (EE ’93) and Dale Conroy (ME’92) enjoy- ing Purple Garter with their dates. UA = Graduate brother Don Davis (EE ’89) returns for Pur- ple Garter 1990 HOUSE AND GROUNDS The Rho Phi Chapter has spent many manhours improv- ing and maintaining the condition of the house and grounds in the past year. The first major improvement to the house was the complete redecorating of the living room and dining room, which was completed at the beginning of 1989-1990 school year. The chapter has also had new doors installed on all of the study rooms. We are now in the process of hav- ing a new fire alarm system installed in the house and are looking forward to receiving a new kitchen stove. The active members of the chapter have made great ef- forts to improve the house. During the work sessions of the past year, we have repainted the basement, have constructed a new fence around the formal gardens, and have recently redecorated the graduate room. Our new initiates have also remodeled the crawl space into a nice quiet library for the house. These improvements, along with our usual work details, are keeping the house in excellent condition. All of this would not be possible without the continued sup- port of the House Corporation. These gentlemen deserve a big round of clicks! The Rho Phi Chapter House is looking better than ever! Fraternally, Paul Hedinger (ME ’92) House and Grounds Chairman NORRIS PIG DINNER This year’s Norris Pig Dinner was held at the Days Inn on March 17. Fifteen graduate brothers got together with the undergraduates and exchanged a few stories before the din- ner started. Everyone was brought together and the evening began with Troy Dewar (ME ’92) giving the invocation. The pledge class followed with the traditional “Bringing in of the Pig.” All of the pledges paid their respect to the pig, including this year’s youngest pledge, Tom Reynolds (ME ’93). Bob Harker (lowa State 43) had the honor of kissing the snout of the pig. Brother Harker also gave all of those in attendance a true Fiji penny from the island of Fiji. The dinner was followed by President’s Report given by Kurt Anliker (ME '91). This year’s scholarship awards were presented by Scholarship Chairman Jon Bohlke (CO ’92). Doug Collier (CE 90) accepted the award for the Highest GPA of an Active. The Highest GPA of a Pledge went to Jonathon Drew (ME '93) and Lenny Muhlenhamp (ME ’93), both of whom posted perfect averages. The Most Improved GPA went to Duane Lone (ME ’91) for the second straight year. This year’s guest speaker was Tom Ransom (IU ’67), a Big Ten football official. Brother Ransom related many stories from his career which included appearances in some bowl games. His family consists of many Phi Gams including his grandfather, father, brother, and son. The Exiles Toast was given by Rick Briars (ME "92). The evening ended with the singing of “When College Songs.” The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Bill Meyers (AO ’92) PUBLIC RELATIONS Rho Phi continues to enjoy good relations both on cam- pus and in the community as a result of numerous public ser- vice projects over the last year. In the fall the chapter raked leaves for the Vigo County Historical Society. Several members showed up early and looked at the acre of leaves on the grounds of the museum with dispair. But after several hours of hard work, many blisters, and well over 100 leaf bags later, the entire grounds was without a leaf. The chapter then helped the Lighthouse Mission, a local \r\nhomeless shelter, by cleaning up the facilities. The work was a real eye-opener for several of the members. To close out the fall quarter, the chapter participated in the American Cancer Society’s Car Smash. Several members participated by serving food to the participants and other organizers. The winter saw the frigid cold snap during December. Once again the members were reminded of the homeless in the Lighthouse Mission. Many members trudged through sub-zero weather to collect food and donations for the mission. Several hundred pounds of food were taken to the shelter to help replenish the supplies. Also in December, the chapter helped to organize a symbolic chain of luminaries for the American Cancer Society. The luminaries were placed on Ohio Boulevard and lighted for the evening to remind everyone of cancer victims. The members made the hundreds of luminaries out of plastic beverage containers, filled them with sand, and placed them out on the boulevard during the day. Another group went by before dusk and placed candles in each luminary and lit them. A couple of members kept a vigil through part of the night keeping the mile long chain lit. Later that night the chapter picked up all the luminaries. A couple members were lucky enough to meet and have their picture taken with Miss Indiana who was also helping with the project. In the spring the chapter celebrated Earth Day by planting fifteen trees and cleaning up ten miles of Terre Haute street gutters and sidewalks. The chapter also participated in Cam- pus Beautification by helping with landscaping on campus. Once again we had one of the largest turnouts of any cam- pus organization. The chapter has also adopted two miles of Highway 46 under Indiana’s new Adopt A Highway program. The chapter has agreed to clean this stretch of highway up at least four times a year. In the late spring the chapter once again sponsored its annual Parent’s Dinner. Over 100 guests ate a dinner catered at the chapter house by our cook, George. After dinner, many of the parents took tours of the house. Many parents seemed well pleased by the evening Many upcoming events are planned. Next year the chapter will undertake a massive Designer Showhouse project as well as many smaller activities. We feel that Rho Phi has a lot to offer both the community and campus, and that by volunteer- ing to help with worthwhile projects many valuable lessons are learned by the membership. Fraternally, Dave Merrell (ChE ’92) LEADERSHIP OUTSIDE THE FRATERNITY Leadership is the capacity to lead. To some people it is nothing; to others it is a way of life. The Fraternity is a great place to express your leadership skills. However, there are also areas outside of the Fraternity where leaders are need- ed. In these areas, you can still display the high ideals of Phi Gamma Delta and your enthusiasm for the fraternity. Leadership outside of the Fraternity provides an excellent opportunity to express FIJI PRIDE. Whether it is in student organizations, professional societies, on the athletic fields, or in the residence halls as a resident assistant or sophomore advisor like myself, your membership in the Fraternity becomes associated with your leadership position in the sur- rounding community. Others may then see that Phi Gamma Delta not only strengthens you as a person, but also instills the qualities of a well rounded individual worthy of respect. Consequently, this will enhance your reputation as well as the Fraternity’s — both locally and nationally. Even after college, the qualities of FIJI can still be por- trayed. Phi Gamma Delta is “Not for College Days Alone.” Mark Boenke (CE ’92) LEADERSHIP A leader is best... When people barely know he exists. A leader is best... Who talks when his work is done. His aims fulfilled They will say, “We did this ourselves.” — Purple Pilgrim Phil Eckert (ME ’90) and Rick Briars (ME ’92) thoroughly enjoying themselves at a recent party. \r\nTHE ROSE FIJI The Rose Fiji is published three times a year by the Rho Phi chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology for the enjoyment of alumni, parents, and fellow undergraduate brothers. Editor — Rick Briars Assistant Editor — Mark Glaser FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA Rho Phi Chapter U s Poses 1121 South Sixth Street qERRE HAGTEIN Terre Haute, Indiana 47802 Non-Profit Org, Permit No. 707 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED