.ff Illinois Fiji House ^ Corporation President Patrick C. Keeley '74 Chi Iota of Phi Gamma Delta I The University of Illinois I Champaign, Illinois June 2004 Wheaton, III. 630-653-8000 (O) pkeeley@pkalaw.com Vice President Charles R. leuter '83 Graduate Report 847-256-4562 (H) Let's Make It Happen: The Return of Chi iota Chapter cieuter@ieuter.com By Bill Martin, Executive Director, The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta Wilmette, III. 773-864-8782 (O) Treasurer Dennis J. McNamee '84 Park Ridge, III. 847-696-0310 (O) 312-499-4630 (H) dmcnamee@pclient.ml.com Phi Camma Delta should return to the University of Illinois! There, I've said it. No sense being tentative any longer. Phi Camma Delta is rebuilding its presence in the Big Ten. We expect to recharter at Michigan and Ohio State in the coming academic year. Our colonies at each of those schools are developing well and will seek approval for rechartering at the Ekklesia coming up in August in Atlanta. The reestablishment of these chapters will continue our recent success in returning to institutions where we have had chapters in the past. In the 2002-03 academic year, we rechartered at Arkansas, California at Berkeley, and Texas A&M. This February we rechar- tered the Omicron Chapter at Virginia. And in fall 2003 we recolonized at Hanover College and the University of Oregon. William Bengel '35 3(700 John Ringling Blvd., Apt. 812, Sarasota,jrL 34236-1572) Cenevieve died 10/24/02. As we anticipate the rechartering of the colonies at Michigan and Ohio State, it is time to plan for bringing on at least one more colony in the Big Ten. We would like to begin planning now for a return to Illinois sometime in calendar year 2005. Two important steps, among several, in this process will be: vVe were married 60 years and 10months. • Obtaining the approval of the IFC — Phi Camma Delta does not colonize at an institution We were extensive travelers and cruisers unless we have an invitation from either the IFC or the institution. We do not anticipate that this will be a problem at Illinois, but we must obtain this approval by working within whatever process the IFC has. • Confirming graduate support — Before a colonization can proceed, we need to fill the key covering a total of 42 countries and Islands. John W. Duff '41 (320 E. Mulberry St., Watseka, IL 609701728; j.w.duff@worldnet.att.net) I lost my Alpha Chi sweetheart in '98 but retain valued friendships from that classical Alpha Chi/Phi Cam bond group of the pre-war years. The Naples mini Club keeps the winters interest ing. We had a rare, fine poker club of Naples Fijis from Illinois, Cornell and Columbia. Jack Leifheit '42 was, and is, the youngest! William Mack White '44 positions of purple legionnaire and the board of chapter advisers and to bolster the existing house corporation. Surveys of Chi lota graduates in recent years indicate significant interest in and support for a return. Wewill want to havea meeting in Champaign thisfall to confirm that the commitment is sufficient to move ahead and to make further plans. The headquarters staff will work with a core group of graduate brothers on the details for the meeting in Champaign and will get notice out to you well in advance. Let's make this happen so that you will no longer have to ask, "When is my Chi lota Chapter going to be revived?" Pergel • (1100 Vandalia Rd., Hillsboro, IL 620492031; mkrink@webtv.net) I am pleased to see Chi lota getting back on track. My original class was '44. After serving in the Air Force, I was discharged in 1945 and finished up at the U of III. in February 1946. Since that time, I have been self-employed in the Cam, Bob Cress '46 is deceased. Occasionally, I see Bob Mueller '44. My granddaughter, Billie Huber, is a freshman this year at U of III. insurance and income tax business. I am now William Alex Greene '47 semi-retired, but still do income taxes. I also (700 W. Fabyan Pkwy., Apt. 25A, Batavia, IL 60510; wag9822383@aoLcom) We have returned to the Midwest, having lived in New Mexico for the past 20 years. served as president of Hillsboro Savings & Loan until it was sold. I've been married to Dorothy (Rink) McDonald since 1949. We have four children: Roi, husband Dan of .^atavia. III.; John B. here in Hillsboro; Dana, Jusband Kurt of Chatham, III.; and Ceorge, wife Ronda of Hillsboro, but he's currently serving in Kuwait with the U.S. Navy. We travel when we can. Our last trip was to San Francisco. My brother-in-law and fellow Phi Ralph C. Coetz '49 (1010 E. Olive St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5015) I have worked as a handyman and part-time at various companies since retiring in 1990. Presently, I am working part-time at Ace Hardware. Looking forward to another Chi lota golf outing. Allan F. SIndeii '49 (1521 Dexter Dr., Clearwater, FL 33756- 2418) I am back at work on a job located in St. Petersburg, Fla., and also attempting to complete my 30-foot boat. Robert C. Kesel '50 (20 Blue Heron Ln., Downingtown, PA 193351894; rgkesel@earthlink.net) After graduating from Princeton Seminary, I settled in the East and served churches in the Philadelphia area for over 40 years. We enjoy getting west for the Stephenson-Himes golf reunion in September! Retirement has been a busy time — preaching, teaching, visiting shut-ins and singing in the choir. (Continued on Page 2) \r\nBob Fischer '59 Passes Away, Will Be Remembered by Many ^ Robert Theodore Fischer '59 passed away on April 28 from a massive stroke. His close friend, Dan Damon '58, took some time to tell us about Bob, his family, his life and his incomparable talent for making friends. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, whom Bob called "M.j.," and their two daughters, Cretchen Felopulos of Natick, Massachu setts, and Elizabeth Fischer of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by his younger brother, Craig Fischer '64 of Clearwater, Florida, who is likewise a Phi Gamma Delta brother from the University of Illinois. Additionally, Bob is survived by his mother, Kathleen Fischer, of Evanston, Illinois, who is 91. Dan says Bob had a brain aneurysm In 1983 and nearly died then. "During that time a lot of his classmates from 1959 started swapping phone calls across the country for updates on his condition." Bob survived and thrived despite ongoing health problems, continued his long-standing career with Xerox (retiring in 1999), and also taught some high school and college business courses. He was described by one person at his memorial service on May 3 as "a really good mentor," says Dan. Several young men from the University of Akron's Fiji chapter attended the service, and even more had come to the visitation the day before. In fact, more than 500 people attended the visitation. "There was a steady line of people the entire time," Dan says. At the memorial service, Dan spoke about Bob's undergraduate days at Phi Gamma Delta. "I told how Bob came to the University of Illinois fresh out of Evanston Township High School in the fall of 1955, and after Initiation his first chapter responsibility was as social chairman. That immediately had 200 people in the room laughing, because he was one of the most social beings who ever walked the "Their oldest daughter, Cretchen, was named in honor of my wife," says Dan Damon. "She and her husband, Paul, have a 7-yearold son named Theo and a 4 1/2-year-old girl named Chloe. They recently adopted an 18-month-old girl from China, named Phoebe." After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, "Bob initially went into the service, as practically all of us did," says Dan. Bob received his master's degree in business from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y. "Later he took a job as a marketing trainee with the Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria. Within about a year or so, he went to work for Xerox in marketing in Chicago. There he met M.j., who was "He could go into a room full of strangers, and it would be like he'd known them for years. He made everyone comfortable in his presence. He handled his duties as social chair very expeditiously," also at Xerox." says Dan. Bob and M.j., a Chi Omega from the University of New Hampshire, moved to Akron, Ohio, in the late 1970s, when Xerox assigned him to the Akron area. "They stayed in Akron ever since," says Dan. "They've owned the same house the whole time. They bought it when they first got to Akron." Bob didn't forget his undergraduate years in Phi Gamma Delta, and was instrumental in organizing a Fiji colony at the University of Akron. He then served as their purple legionnaire. The Alpha Omicron Chapter was chartered In 1986. "The chapter at Akron has become one of the best in Phi Gamma Delta," Dan says. "They've received several of the major recognition trophies from the national fraternity. With the time he spent with the Akron chapter. Bob was more involved with Phi Gamma Delta than pretty much anybody else of our era. It was a lot of work to start a chapter and to serve as purple legionnaire." face of the earth," Dan recalls. "The last time we saw Bob we were at the home of Carol and Bob Passaneau '59 in Park Ridge. We and some others including Bill leuter Sr. '57 were there for dinner and were having a cocktail when we heard Bob [Fischer] walking through the kitchen saying 'What's a guy need to do to get a drink around here?' He and Bob Passaneau had arranged to have him surprise us. He was in town to get his mother. That was in December 2002," says Dan. Bob was very involved in his church, the Bath United Church of Christ, in Akron. Bob and M.j. lived just down the street from the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bath United Church of Christ Building Fund, and mailed to the Bath United Church of Christ, 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron, Ohio 44333. Brothers wishing to send condolences to M.j. may write to her at 3790 W. Bath Road, Akron, OH 44333. • (Continued from Page 1 Charles A. Brown '52 (331 River Edge Ln., Jacksonville, FL 322592886; brownzoo2u@hotmail.com) I am 73, have been retired for 10 years and my last son is just about to graduate from college. Whewl I am looking for Ray Brinkman '52 — any info? Richard H. Wilson '52 (711 Main St., Ste. 701, Houston, TX 77002- 3312; wilrande@aol.com) Still employed and enjoying iti After 19 years in the Chicago HUD office, I shifted to the Houston office as the director in December 2002. It was back to Texas for my wife, Elaine (a San Antonio Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, and two more grandchildren. Cene A. Wallace '54 ' (4506 Arcady Ave., Dallas, TX 75205-3607; gwallace@serviceasset.com) My last firm, Dain Rauscher Wessels, was acquired by The Royal Bank of Canada in a $1.7 billion buyout. I am now head of corporate finance for Samco Capital Markets with offices in married (since '97) to Sandi. Susan Black Drummond, my first wife, died of cancer in 1995. I have three children and five grand children. On July 4, I had a pacemaker installed and feel great. Stephen B. Lindell '57 (1234 Oakwood Ln., Glenview, IL 60025- 1816; jlindell@ameritech.net) The Phi Chapter of Northwestern University at the London, Montreal, Toronto, New York and Chicago graduate chapter held their first Dallas. Currently, I am working on several transactions in the U.K., Italy and the Middle East. Fortunately, we have an active Phi Gam Greek Town. Yours truly removed the apple alumni group in our area of Dallas. native and UT-Austin graduate), and me, Donald J. Drummond '57 annual Norris Pig Dinner at the Parthenon in on Thursday, April 24. Kent P. Brennecke'59 (3700 W. Westport Ave., #1 256, Sioux Falls having lived in Dallas and Fort Worth. This (1 616 Wildvi/ood Dr., Hastings, Ml 49058- SD 57106-6344; brennecke1@aol.com) put us further away from our daughter and two grandchildren in Delafield, Wis. We are 9766) I have been attending homecomings with great enjoyment. It would seem you Traveling full time in a fifth-wheel trailer and close to our son, a violin professor at Sam could piggyback that event. I am now seeing the U.S. Going to Chi lota Fiji reunion (Continued on Page 3) June 2004 \r\n>)t Us ^The Greek in Us Lasts Forever The average stay in a fraternity or sorority is two or three years and these years occur during one of the most formative and most impres sionable times in our lives. So it probably is not an understatement to say that almost every day, something we do reflects just a wee bit of our Creek heritage. What did you do today that you can trace back to your Greek roots? • In your office. Are you more often than not the person who leads the meetings and makes sure they are concise and to the point? Maybe this reflects back to when you had to cram house meetings in between a dull boring class and a wild and crazy party, but the point is, you know how to lead and lead well. • At home. Okay, besides making the meanest breakfast around for the 10 friends of your 8-year old son who slept over last night, you probably can also help your daughter sell more wrapping paper than your neighbor's kid. Despite what they say, competi tion is good, even for 12-year-olds! • In your community. And who do they look to when your church or your child's school needs to raise funds for a major improve ment? Yes, you have been there and done that. In large gatherings. Whether it's for a group of friends, family or neighbors, you can organize the most elaborate tailgate, the biggest bonfire and the most creative golf tournament — and you can do it for less money than anyone would ever expect! When a friend needs help. The bond was strong then, and it's still strong today. Loyalty is a Greek virtue that lasts a lifetime, and when a friend calls and says he or she needs help, you know you'll be there. When you need help. Chances are at some point in your life, you've needed a little help — maybe a connection to land a deal, a little networking when you wanted to change jobs, or maybe just some support when things were rough. You could count on your brothers then, and you know you can still count on them now. And last but not least... Fraternities did not get the "Animal House" label because they were dens of meditation. You knew how to throw a party then and you know how to throw one now! Does the name "Party Anima!" still apply? Okay, so your friends of today head home now before you would have even dreamed of going out way back when, but you still throw a mean one! • (Continued from Page 2 ate jn October at the University of Illinois. ames Eqqerichs 59 (5901 Stoneshire Ct., Dallas, TX 75252- 5159; jeggrich® swbell.net) Married Patricia Gallagher (U of III., 1959). Served 23 years in the Army and retired in Alexandria, Va., in Master of Divinity degree, seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. I am living in Portland with my wife, joanne (Chi Omega, Univ. of Mich., 1964). My two daughters and their families live nearby with our three new grandchildren. 1983. I was with Satellite Business Systems Rodney S. Bond '66 until IBM sold the company to MCl in 1986. (4908 Bull Mountain Cv., Austin, TX 78746- MCl moved us to Dallas In 1988, and I 2403; rbond@austln.rr.com) I stay active in retired from MCl in 1996 (before the Austin, working with emerging businesses and serving on the board of a public company. We now have our first grand daughter. Isn't this fun?l WorldCom crimes). Spent five years directing the construction and implementation of a two-way paging company called WebLink. Thought I had retired for the last time in 2001, but in 2002 our son and I acquired an apartment locator service called Moveyoufree.com which Iam managing. We are also buying HUD foreclosure houses, restoring and reselling them. Finally, I have been interning with Century 21 and in the process of getting my real estate license. I enjoy mentoring, biking, swimming and SCUBA diving. Patsy has her own design business. We travel as often as possible. We Peter F. Huson '66 (18A Main Dock, Sausalito, CA 94965; peterhuson@cs.com) Currently managing (Claremont, Calif.) in May 2003 with a The Illinois Fiji bjohnson146@attbi.com) Have been married to Mary Clare for 23 years. I have a son at Indiana University and a daughter at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, III. I have been a member of the Chicago Board of Trade since 1978. Golf and The War Between the States history are my hobbies. Contact Mike Gow '75 for information on the annual Fiji golf outing in Burr Ridge, III. Get the word out. John W. Ramsey '73 (5424 E. 103rd Place, Tulsa, OK 741 37; ful and varied cultural scene in the bay area. Stay in touch with Jim Holbrook '64 who recently retired from his position as a pilot at United Airlines. Eric L. Bach '69 August 1998 to enter seminary. I graduated from Claremont School of Theology Bruce P. Johnson '73 (3 Vernon Trail, Deerfield, IL 60015-1600; jsdramsey@juno.com) I am now living in Tulsa, Okla., and have been since 1993. I just celebrated my 30th anniversary with State Farm Insurance. I worked for 24 years on the (1223 E. Washington St., Bloomington, IL "from Miller Nash law firm in Portland in Terrier pups, and Cindy, too, of course. sales operation in San Francisco. Spend much of my free time enjoying the wonder have two unmarried adult children (Beth and 17201-2251; jimruyle@earthlink.net) Retired year-old house, gardening, our two Cairn the Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers showroom/ jim), both working and living in Dallas. Our oldest, Susie, Is married and living in Atlanta with our 10-year-old twin granddaughters. James B. Ruyle '60 C2714 SW Sherwood Dr., Portland, OR cars and wearing Bass Weejuns without socks, of course. Enjoy fixing up our 100- 61701-4243; bachs@a5.com) Married to Cindy Totheroh since May 1990. Left WjBC radio here in Bloomington in 1988 after 11 years, joined the Interstate Convention & Conference Center as event manager in early 1 999. just agreed to a two-year term as section chief for Section XXVII of Phi Gamma Delta that includes the chapters at Illinois Wesleyan, Bradley University and Knox. Still picking my guitars, driving old MC sports operations side of the business and for the last six years as a State Farm agent here in Tulsa. I have been married for 19 years to my wife, Sue, who was a Kappa Kappa Gamma at Illinois (class of 1977) and a good friend of Lance's wife, the former Colleen McNamara. We have one son who will be 18 in Novem ber and is a senior in high school. His top two college choices at this time are Illinois and Notre Dame. So if David ends up at Illinois, Sue and I will probably be attending a few mini games over the next few years in addition to a few Dad's Days! In August, I (Continued on Page 4) \r\n288-04 SN MH (Continued from Page 3) went to Chicago and visited Mike "Ricky" Clodfeiter '73. Ricky had a cookout on Friday night, and some of the brothers who attended were Ken "Zero" Ossoia '73, Dennis "Hoss" Kaprai '73, Tony "Bone" Porterfieid, Duane Kelly '72, Bruce "Hooper" Johnson '73 and Pete "Fur Pie" Bower. The next day Ricky, Zero and I attended the Cubs-Diamondbacks game at Wrigley Field. David L. Jump '76 (American Boat & Tow, P.O. Box 5005, Cahokia, IL 62206-5005; dave@ americanmillinglp.com) What happened to the money from the sale of the house? Is it available? Dear Brother, Andrew C. Blake '80 (27090 Maxwell Ct., Winfield, IL60190- 1171; agblake76@ hotmail.com) Would like to get brothers from '77 through '87 K. Thomas Klimmeck '84 leaders are the givers... of their time, talents and treasure. upcoming social activities, etc. (320 N. Ashland Ave., Park Ridge, IL 600683532; klimmeckfamily® the money from the sate of the house attbi.com) I am a invested for the express purposeof being partner in a leveraged available to finance a new chapter house finance business located in Chicago. I have been married John M. Welssert '76 (7597 Saint George Blvd., Fishers, IN 46038- since 1985 to Cindy, 1964; john_weissert@wvlcorp.com) I am vice boys, ages 9 and 13. We live in Park Ridge president of claims and revenue accounting for Wheaton Worldwide Moving in India napolis, Ind. My wife and I have two children, one grown and out of the house on her own and one still at home attending lUPUl in Indianapolis. Activities include golf, travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C., each year and ' attending the annual Fiji Open golf event in the Chicago area each year. Good to see 30 -. 40 brothers each year when we meet. Daniel C. Wombles '76 (511 Steepleton Court, Ballwin, MO 63021; advizr@sbcglobal.net) Hello brothers! I miss our days at Chi lota. I hope all is well with all of you and your families. I live in Ballwin (St. Louis), Mo., with my bride, Linda. Our daughter, Kara, just married another Purdue graduate, Ben Cardinal, on 7/19/03. She is now in graduate school to become a House Corporation. For many of us, we'll never have better friends than those we met during our formative college years. Though the miles separate us, some of those relationships stay strong 10, 30 or even 50 years later. We all grew up a lot at the University of Illinois and came to appreciate what friendship and loyalty really mean. We learned the value of leadership and how the real on a master e-mail list to communicate Editors Note: The House Corporation has when the time is right. Who are your best friends from the Universityof Illinois? Did you meet them through Phi Gamma Delta? Ifyou said "Yes," you gave the same answer that inspires many of your fellow graduates to contribute regularly to the Phi Gamma Delta and we have two near Dennis McNamee '84. I ran the Boston Marathon the past two years. Kenneth P. Canigiia '85 (10310 5. Hoyne Ave., Chicago, IL 60643241 7) We have a new baby, Sebastian Paul Canigiia, born 8/4/02. We want to stay connected to those memorable years and valuable people. Beyond friendships, many of us see Phi Gamma Delta as a great business network. Whateveryour motivation, your contribution now to the annual fund will keep the connec tions strong and the communicatioOOIines open. If you've given in the past but not yet this year (since September 1, 2003), this note is a simple reminder to please send a contribution today. Ifyou've never made a contribution, please consider what your Phi Gamma Delta experience meant to you, and join the others who support Phi Gamma Delta by sending a gift of $50, or more, today. You may send the enclosed form with a check or credit card information, or call 800-975-6699. Fraternally, Patrick C. Keeley, Alumni President Phi Gamma Delta House Corporation P.S. Your gift to the Phi Gamma Delta House Corporation today maintains our network of friends across time and distance. But whether or not you make a financial contribu tion, we want to hear how you're doing. Send us an update on the enclosed form. John |. Fredian '85 (4300 Ridgehaven Road, Fort Worth, TX 7611 6-731 2; cjfredian@earthlink.net) We have relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, from Alpharetta, Ga. I am opening my own home health care firm. physician's assistant. Our son, Ty, is attend ing Embry Riddle in Daytona, Fla., to I have three sons: John Jr. (5), Nolan (3) and Colin (6 months). become a commercial pilot. Linda and I Jonathan 5. Flusser '87 (54 E. Stone Ave., Lake Forest, IL 60045- would love to hear from anyone visiting the St. Louis area. Any brothers attending the 2966) just changed jobs after 16 years with Oshkosh air show in Wisconsin? If so, let me American National Bank (part of old First know, and we can hook up there. For the last Chicago, now Bank One). Still race on a 7020 years, I have developed a CPA and ft. sailboat with Jim Armstrong '88 and Sam financial advisory practice. For recreation, I Miller '85 (18 Chicago machinaw races). I fly my own airplane, and hunt deer and have three kids: Jonathan Jr. (8), Madeline turkey when in season. Would love to hear (5) and Daniel (9 months). Got back from any Fijis I attended school with. yesterday from a Grand Canyon hike. Have done 10 Chicago marathons and climbed six Steven H. Dohl 77 (10330 Commonwealth Blvd., Fairfax, VA mountains (12,000 feet). 22032-261 1; sdohl@cGx.net) Not much Michael Sands '90 really new. Go over 21 years in the Navy on (41 9 Timber Dr., Decatur, IL 62521; July 8 and plan on retiring a year from September. Have two children, Sarah (20) msands@insightbb.com) I am married and the owner/operator of a Bennigan's restau and Steven (1 7). rant franchise. Douglas B. Hayden '93 (61 31 Ellenbrook Way, San Jose, CA 951 23; fiji@doughayden.com) I got married 1 0/11 /02 in Mexico. David James Dunn II '96 (109 W. Tomaras Ave., #B, Savoy, IL 618749547; djdunn2@yahoo.com) I am back in school, finally, getting my paramedic license and partying on campus when I can. Jason H. Lee'96 (1124 25th St. NW, Apt. 209, Washington, D.C. 20037-1454; calljason@yahoo.com) Graduated from George Washington University with a J.D. and M.A. in interna tional relations in December 2003. Michael C. Hirniak '98 (31 77 Teal Bay Gt., Aurora, IL 60504; mhirn31 77@yahoo.com) I got married in October 2000 and finished my MBA in May 2003. • June 2004