Theta Deute Ohio Wesleyan University • Phi Gamma Delta • November 98 THE ROAD TO EXCELLENCE Dear Graduate Brothers, The Theta Deuteron chapter has been working wholeheartedly at accomplishing goals that will not only make strong the bonds of eternal brotherhoodbut also, return the chapter to its deserved stature of the elite fraternity on the Ohio Wesleyan campus. Our efforts are aimed at achieving the five values of Phi Gamma Delta as you know them: Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality, and Excellence. The Theta Deuteron chapter has taken many steps in a complex organization of ideas to achieve excellence in every facet of life at Ohio Wesleyan University. Based on a rigorous schedule of community service events the brothers have given back to the community in many ways. The chapter's goals include winning awards within the international fraternity andalso withinthe Ohio Wesleyancampus. Participationin events such as Adopt-a-highway, fire prevention and safety work shops, emergency medical technician training and of course the Mom Betts run to Lexington, along with many other smaller events, is going to help the chapter attain its lofty service goals. In continuing the legacy of fraternal scholarship, the Theta Deuteron chapter has been making significant gains in improving the chapter g.p.a. The period of decline is far behind us and the chapter is striving to be the best on campus. The fall 1997 g.p.a. of 2.97 earned us the distinction of most improved chapter g.p.a. award among all the brothers have spread out over many diverse groups. Within athletics the chapter is represented in lacrosse, swimming, golf, soccer, and track & field. Also, the chapter is represented in clubs or organizations such as President's club. Order of Omega, The Histo rian, WCSA, WSF, and the IFC. One brother has the high distinction of President of the national senior honor society Mortar Board. All these efforts, while being individual also, help the chapter expand across the campus so it can be seen by all as having high motivation and drive toward the pursuit of excellence. Thispastfall wewere unable totake any pledges fora multitude of reasons. Although the chapter is unhappy about fall rush, we are extremely excited about the future spring pledge class where wehope to welcome at least twenty pledges to the innerrealms of Phi Gamma Delta and the privilegeslodgedwithinher.As we are proud of all our graduate brothers andtheiraccomplishments overtheyears, wehope to make them proud of Theta Deuteron in the present. For this common goal of the fraternity, the brothers hereby pledge to devote themselves to the betterment of the Theta Deuteron chapter and its good name. Matthew R. Dixon Chapter President fraternities on campus. Also, we were ranked third out of eleven fraternities on campus. Unfortunately, the spring semester showed its furry as usual with a decline in overall g.p.a. However, the decline was seen by the brothers as a real wake-up call to the problems that continuously scar our efforts every spring. As a chapter we feel well prepared to handle the upcoming spring semester after analyzing our faults and problems from the previous years. Theta Deuteron has always and will always continue to foster brotherhood development. The chapter's goal of creating brother hood and friendship among members still stands foremost as it has for over 128 years. As brothers we realize the importance of our fraternal association with each other, especially during pressing times. In the last few years the chapter has undergone significant changes. In the fall of 1997the brothers endured a membership review which resulted in the loss of eight active brothers to graduate status. At the same time the chapter was placed on graduate trusteeship which means that all operations are controlled by a group of volunteer graduate brothers. Within the graduate trusteeship the chapter has decided to become alcohol-free from Sunday to Thursday in an attempt to refocus efforts toward brotherhood and scholarship. With these and many other changes, too many to recognize here, the brothers have still pressed THETA DEUTERON CABINET MEMBERS President Matthew Dixon Treasurer Grant Herbert Recording Secretary Nicholas Welly Corresponding Secretary Matthew Gilewicz on. With efforts to involve the chapter in campus extra-curriculars Historian Douglas Mohl \r\nTHETA DEUTERON ACHIEVERS Varsity Athletics Matthew Dixon - Swim Team Captain, Track and Field Grant Herbert - Track and Field Matthew Gilewicz- Swim Team Jason McCartney - Golf Team Daniel Stroka - Lacrosse Team Andrew Waterman - Golf Team Nicholas Welly - Swim Team Matthew Cook- Swim Team "1 hope to get the same support I have in the past," Stroka said. "1 loved playing with everyone out there. I hope to play as well again this year." Sophomore Matthew Ufferman played a strong part in the success of the OWU soccer team last season. The Bishops were regional champions be fore being defeated in the National quarterfinals. Ufferman has been working hard in practice with hopes of earning a starting position on a strong 1998 Bishops team. The Bishops lost only two starters from last season's squad. Andrew Durniat - Lacrosse Team Brenden Lewer - Swim Team Matthew Ufferman - Soccer Team COMMUNITY SERVICE Burton Welly- Swim Team By Campus Organizations Jason McCartney, Community Service Chairman Scott Accetella- Athletic Trainer Matthew Dixon - President of Mortar Board; Order of Omega, President's Club Grant Herbert - Pre-Law Club; Inter-Fraternal Council (IFC) Judicial Douglas Mohl - IFC Executive; Emergency Medical Technician; Coalition of Healthy Choices around Alcohol; Student Orientation Advisor; Wesleyan Student Foundation (WSF) Matthew Gilewicz - Big Pal- Little Pal; (SACC) tutor Jared Schultheis - (WCSA) Wesleyan Council on Student Affairs Nicholas Welly - President's Club; ROTC (Air Force) Matthew Cook- Transcript- student paper Zachary Dunlap - WSF; WCSA; The Historian Matthew McGonnigle - WSF Peter Merrion - Phi Eta Sigma - Honor Society ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE WITHIN THETA DEUTERON By Matthew Cook, Star Chairman Last year marked a change in our commu nity service program. The brothers were required to perform 20 hours per semester of various activities related to serving the community. Some of the brothers worked at an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) station to complete their hours, while some others worked at a humane society. We also hada Halloween party inthefall toraisemoney for the Andrew's House, which helps less fortunate children tohavefun. Alsoduring thespring, wehad our annual run to Lexington, which helps raise funds for cancer research. The house also hosted an alcohol lecture to support the awareness of drink ing responsibly. There are many things in store for this coming school year. One idea we have is for more events that the whole house can participate in. This should help make the events more enjoyable for the broth ers. We are planning on cleaning our adopted highway in October. We also would like to raise There are now 12 varsity athletes, dispersed over five different sports, among the brothers of Theta Deuteron. Sixof the 12are a part of the Ohio Wesleyan swim team. Chapter President Matthew Dixonholds a long-awaitedsenior captain position. "For me, it's a reward for 16 years of hard work and dedication to a sport," Dixon said. Dixon has a strong goal in mind during every practice. Older brothers Jonathan and David (both Phi Gams) combined for 11 All-American recognitions during their tenures on the OWU swim team. Dixon is aspiring to be like his brothers before him. food for the hungry and have a toy drive for needy children.We are planning on changing the "Run to Lexington" to the "Fight for Cancer." The brothers will stage a wrestling match in the middle of the hill, and charge people to watch. Hopefully, we will be able to start where we left off last year and have another successful year of community service. Junior Matthew Gilewicz was the closest of anyone on the OWU swim team to qualifyingfor National competition and Ail-American status last season. Gilewicz's 50 yard freestyle time of 21.50 was only 0.11 seconds shy of the cut, not to mention 0.05 seconds shyoftheschool's recordforthatevent. Gilewicz hopes to achieve bothof these feats this season. The OhioWesleyan Lacrosse team made it to the National semi-finals last season, afterbeing ranked number one nationally formuch of theyear. JuniorDaniel Strokaand Sophomore Andrew Durniat both played strong roles on that team. Stroka, who started at the midfielder position, earned first team All-NCAC and first teamAil-Americanrecognitions,to goalong withsecond team All-NCAC and freshman of the year awards in '97, Durniat, who started at defenseman last season as a freshman, earned honorable mention All-NCAC credibility. Durniat hopes to achieve as much again this season. Stroka commented he felt he played better with his Theta Deuteron brothers cheering him on from the sidelines. COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Awards - Jeffrey Jenks Community Service - Jason McCartney Computer Room - Matthew McGonnigle House Manager - Scott Accettella Intramurals - Brenden Lewer Kitchen Manager - Burton Welly Risk Management - Andrew Waterman Rush - Matthew Gilewicz, Matthew Miller Scholarship - Zach Dunlap Social - Jared Schultheis Star- Matthew Cook \r\nTHETA DEUTERON GRADUATE QUESTIONNAIRE Full Name: Address: City: Occupation: Place of Employment: State: Qass Year: Phone: ( )_ Zip: Recent Additions to Fiji Family (spouse, children, grandchildren): Do you know of the recent death of a brother? Name and Class: Can you relate a recent encounter with other Fijis?:_ A message to a Fiji Brother?_ Other remarks, suggestions and news: We would like to extend another THANK YOU to the many Theta Deuteron Graduate Brothers who have made it possible for us to invest over $30,000 for much needed physical improvements at the Chapter House. As always, more needs to be done. We would like to take this opportunity to ask other Graduate Brothers, who have not yet pledged their financial support to make their investment in Theta Deuteron now. You TAX DEDUCTIBLE payment can be made out to OWU-Fiji Renovation Fund. Please mail your investment to: Chip Holcombe Purple Legionnaire 5710 Elmgee Drive Delaware, Ohio 43015 Please feel free to call me with any questions. (740) 881-5180 home. (614)792-8814 office. \r\nTHETA DEUTERON BROTHERHOOD (740) 368-2850 Class of 1999 368-2858 368-2854 368-2859 368-2868 368-2852 368-2853 Scott Accetella is from Islip, New York, studying Personal Training Matthew Dixon is from Delaware, Ohio, studying Politics and Government Grant Herbert is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, studying Economic Management and Pre-Law Douglas Mohl is from Mansfield, Ohio, studying Psychology Thomas Sheldon is from Baltimore, Maryland, studying Fine Arts Robert Van Keuren is from Darien, Connecticut, studying Economic Management Class of 2000 Matthew Fron, currently studying in London, is from Wilton, Connecticut, studying English 368-2869 Matthew Gilewicz is from Marion, Ohio, studying Economic Management 368-5979 Shane Heald is from Delaware, Ohio, studying Sports Management 368-5979 Cort Kisting is from Powell, Ohio, studying Economic Management Matthew McAlister, out of school until next fall, is from Bronxville, N Y studying Journalism 368-2862 Jason McCartney is from Mansfield, Ohio, studying Economic Management 368-2867 368-2857 368-5979 368-2870 368-2856 Matthew Miller is from Redding, Pennsylvania, studying Creative Writing and Biology Jared Schultheis is from Mansfield, Ohio, studying Politics and Government Daniel Stroka is from Flemington, New Jersey, studying Sports Management Andrew Waterman is from Toledo, Ohio, studying Economic Management Nicholas Welly is from Toledo, Ohio, studying Geology and Environmental Studies Class of 2001 368-2866 Matthew Cook is from Columbus, Ohio, studying Journalism 368-2855 Zachary Dunlap is from Circleville, Ohio, studying History 368-2865 Andrew Durniat is from Toledo, Ohio, currently undecided on a major Clinton Evans is from Mamaroneck, New York, currently studying at Emerson College in Boston 368-2860 Mike Fraifogl is from Mansfield, Ohio, studying Botany/Biology 368-2855 Jeffrey Jenks is from Toledo, Ohio, studying Sociology/Anthropology 368-2861 Brenden Lewer is from Johanasburg, South Africa, studying Pre-Physical Therapy John McDaniel is from Toledo, Ohio, currently studying at Ohio State University 368-2864 Matthew McGonigle is from Delaware, Ohio, studying Art and Pre-Law 368-2851 Peter Merrion is from Hinsdale, Illinois, studying Creative Writing 368-2871 Clint Sheer is from Lake George, New York, studying Politics and Government 368-2860 Matthew Ufferman is from Delaware, Ohio, currently undecided on a major 368-2851 Burton Welly is from Toledo, Ohio, studying Economic Management Mark your calendar. . . PIG DINNER March 28,1999 . details will follow later. \r\nOUTSTANDING PLEDGE By Matthew Cook, Star Chairman Zach Dunlap, the 1998 winner of the Jack McKinney pledge award, knew he was a strong candidate for the Thomas Courtice Outstanding Pledge award, but so were the other 10 nominees, each representing their different fraternities. Dunlap wanted that award. Dunlap won the annual award last spring for being selected as the best pledge in the Ohio Wesleyan fraternity system pre sented by the University and the Inter-Fraternal Council. Dunlap represents the second consecutive Phi Gam candidate to win the award. Nicholas Welly won in 1997. "I felt honored to have won the award," Dunlap said. "It is a very prestigious award, representing the whole fraternity system at Ohio Wesleyan." Dunlap, with an accumulative G.P.A. of 3.13, was an edito rial assistant for the Historian (nationwide history journal), a WSLN disc jockey, a scholar recipient, an American Degree winner for FFA, as well as other achievements throughout the' 97'98 school year. ground safely! It is amazing, the things you can make yourself do when you have the right mental attitude and the knowledge to back it up! There have been only a few times in my life that I have felt as confident as I did kneeling at the cargo door of the plane's belly, staring at the Academy's campus in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with Pike's Peak in the background. Needless to say, I completed all five jumps, was rated "excellent" on every one of them, and now proudly where the shiny Parachutist Wings on the blue blouse of my Air Force uniform. The second opportunity I have had as an AFROTC cadet was that of attending ROTC Field Training this past summer, at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, L.A.. Field Training is a one month long program that cadets must complete before moving into the upper ranks of ROTC and securing a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the activity duty Air Force (upon graduation from college). The program is across between basic training (stressful environment, random inspections, lots of physical fitness training, days, no telephone contact with home, etc...) and leadership school. While there, cadets; hold various leadership positions, learn wilderness survival skills, are trained in small arms use, perfect their drill and ceremonies skills, are evaluated on their ability to cope with stress, delegate authority, take charge of situations, and assert themselves. Believe me, the stress was unequal to anything T ve ever dealt with before. All the comforts of home were taken away, and I was forced to adapt to ROTC Experience Reinforces Fraternal Values By Nicholas Welly, Recording Secretary 1have had various experiences at Ohio Wesleyan University through my involvement in the fraternity, the President's Club, the Swim Team, and different intramurals. One activity that has proven to be extremely rewarding has been my participation in the Air Force ROTC program. 1came to OWU on a three-year, type II scholarship from the Air Force, which guaranteed me tuition assistance, book reim bursement, and a monthly stipend. In return, 1have been required to participate inAirScience classes, physical fitness training, and drill and ceremonies training at the Ohio State University, about twice a week throughout tbe school year. The commute is a little rigorous attimes, asany ofyou who have traveled U.S. 315 orU.S. 23 during rush hours may know. However, the lessons 1 have learned as a result of my involvement have been valuable to my development asaperson, ascholar, afuture officer, and aman that exemplifies the ideals of Phi Gamma Delta. I have been presented with two significant opportunities to grow, and to learn about and challenge myself, that many young men may never have. The first, took place the summer after my freshman year of college. 1was lucky enough to compete and be selected for the U.S. Air Force Academy's Free Fall program. This two week endeavor at the Air Force Academy in beautiful Colorado Springs, provides young Academy and ROTC cadets with theopportunity tolearn how tofree fall skydive, and earn the Air Force's Parachutist badge and rating. The firstweekof the programwasspentfocusingintenselyon a temporary lifestyle that challenged me to overcome adversity. I learned more about my abilities to lead and command, how to push past selfimposed limits, and how to work as a team to accomplish a commongoal in that month than at any other time in my life. Although I couldn't be happier to return home afterwards, I will savor the lessons and accom plishments of Field Training for a long time, and apply the knowledge I gained to many aspects of my life. ROTC hasn't always been loads of fun, or extremely convenient to participatein. In fact, it isjust the opposite. However, thereallifelessons I've learned, the opportunity to meetdifferent people and work together withthem,andtheprideof wearing theAirForceblue,areintangibles that I could not get anywhere else. I see my participation in the AFROTC program and eventually in the USAF similarly to the way I lookat being a brother of Phi Gamma Delta. The two provide an individual with an identity above and beyond one's self, and the rewards and opportunities to stay involved continue for the rest of one's life. I know that both have contributed uniquely to my development as an individual, and my ability to recognize that I am part of an organization larger than myself. FROM OUR PURPLE LEGIONNAIRE Dear Graduate Brothers: I am very pleased to report that with your generosity (over $32,000 raised), the Graduate Trustees have completed a successful renovation of the Theta Deuteron Chapter House. As we continue to move toward our goal of an alcohol-free and pro-academic living environment, this much needed renovation should help to present a more appealing message to quality young men on the OWU campus. Physical improvements to the ground training. The other cadets and 1spent long days learning, studying, and perfonning exercises that prepared usfor jumping. Chapter House include; Some of these exercises were made rather stressful, in an attempt 3rd floor bathrooms. to simulate the conditions and issues one might potentially have to deal with while in a free fall. As the week progressed, training got increasingly difficult and became more "jump specific." By the beginning of the second week of the program, we were completely focused on the task before us - to complete five successful, solo free fall jumps from a Twin Otter plane at 5000 feet above ground level. Just as important, was to return to the • Plumbing repairs, all new fixtures, and new paint in the 2ndand • A complete renovation of the 1st floor women's bathroom. • New paint and bathroom upgrade in the housemother's apart ment. • Shower repairs and face-lift for the Tiger Inn bathroom. • New door locks on all sleeping rooms, as well as, security locks on the front and back doors. (continued) \r\nPhi Gamma Delta 35 Williams Drive Delaware, Ohio 43015 • A complete renovation to the kitchen including new counter tops, new equipment, Additional capital improvement funds are still needed. If you wish to join the 125-t- new shelving and new paint- Mrs. T is very happy! Graduate Brothers who have invested in Theta • Upgraded landscape package around the Chapter House. Deductible check, OWU - FIJI Renovation, to Chip Holcombe, P.O. Box 1115, Dublin, This is an important and pivotal year for Ohio 43017. Call me with any questions or Theta Deuteron. A number of fraternities are treading water at best. We are determined to be the leader on campus by transforming our Chapter into the type of brotherhood-based organization which can not only survive but thrive into the 21st century. The first year of Graduate Trusteeship was difficult for both the Graduate and Undergraduate brothers. I believe, together, we have stopped the Chapter from going in the wrong direction. We now have momentum in the right direction. Our plan this year istoaccelerate ourprogress and gain the velocity we need to separateus from the other fraternities at Ohio Wesleyan. The physical appearance and living con ditions of our Chapter House are now much better. I willcontinue to inspire,challenge and threatenthe brothers to keepthe houselooking great, leveraging your investment into the fu ture. The dividends we expect and need are a strong pledge class this winter, enhanced cam pus relations and improved scholarship .I'm confident that our undergraduate brothers now understand the importance of committing their maximum efforts in pursuit of Excellence. Deuteron, please do so by sending your Tax comments at (614) 792-8814. Fraternally yours, Chip Holcombe, Purple Legionnaire Attorney John M. Halliday '89 (317 Fourth St., Marietta, OH 45750), who was senior class president, reports the birth of a child late last year. He also recently opened the "Marietta Brewing Company." Brother Halliday sends the invitation, "come down for a drink." We have recently received news that Derek Dickey '97, winner of the 1997 Wilkinson Award, landed a job as a paralegal with the United States Justice Department. GRADUATE UPDATES William R Jackson '29 (Pony Hollow Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143), who transferred to MIT in '27, and joined the lotaMie chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, has three children, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. SEND ANY QUESTIONS At the age of 89, brother Jackson was still OR COMMENTS TO: employed part-time, working five daysa week. Both his grandfather and father attended Ohio Wesleyan before him. Matthew Cook James "Flip" Phillips '53 (546 Westmount Box 1831 HWCC Ln., Venice, Florida 34293), is now retired and Delaware, OH 43015 Star Editor living in a country club development with three other Fill's, one also of Theta Deuteron. Flip reminds us all, "there is always a warm FIJI welcome should anyone stop by." P.S. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO WRITE.