THE PI CRUST PUBLISHED BY PI CHAPTER OF THE FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA AT ALLEGHENY COLLEGE MEADVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA WINTER 1996-97 BROTHER JAMES RENEWS FRIENDSHIPS Roy "Doc" James '48 and his wife, Ruth (AXQ), are retired. Doc tells brothers, "I really enjoy the annual golf outings with Art Bittner '46, Ted Blakely '49, Dave Carlson '49, Jim Garts '46, Bill Kirkpatrick '46, Joe McMillan '47 and Tom Wigton '44. Lee Donalson '46 and Jim Weber '46 join us occasionally for socializing. I recently enjoyed renewing acquaintances with Bill Fairbank '49 and Frank Steinle '49 after not having contact since 1948. I believe these associations illustrate the importance offraternity life. Red is the color. " Doc enjoys golf, reading, bridge and travel. Brothers can get in touch with him at 735 E. Powderhorn Rd. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30342. Brothers, Help Us! You may ask yourself, "How can I experience the togetherness that I felt as an active member of Pi Chapter? How can I see my brothers and experience the good times of college all over again?" The answer is simple, but not easy: contact brothers of your era, come back to the house and visit, support the chapter and get involved in the fraternity again. The actives enjoy the visits from alumni, but most graduates would, (Continued on page 2) Jeff Barber asks for help from graduate brothers. Brothers dressed up for the Fiji-Theta-SET Haunted House. Pi Chapter Fall Progress Fall semester is well underway, and Pi Chapter is back to business. Our spring GP A increased for the second consecutive semester, and we can boast a hard-earned 2.86, which is well above the all-men's and all-Greek men's averages. This is a 10 percent GP A increase in the last year. The following were recognized as Alden Scholars: Pat Baird, J.J. Bennett, Jeff Barber, Vince Coley and Josh Sankey, who is also scholarship chairman. We have issued 25 bids for the spring pledge class. We believe that they show great character and will be excellent additions to the fraternity. The brothers have entrusted senior Bob Tatsch to serve as pledge educator and to help the new members achieve the friendship, knowledge, service, morality and excellence which define Phi Gamma Delta. Phi Garns felt proud to be Greek when President Cook announced his Greek affiliation and recited the Greek alphabet at Greek Sing to kick off Parents Weekend. As always, Fiji was not out to win Greek Sing, we just had fun the best way we know how. We appreciate the parents, students, faculty and administration who helped make Greek Sing a great event. The brothers have been anxiously preparing for philanthropy events. As always, we are ready to boogie with the senior ladies at .the Active Aging Dance. Everyone's favorite event of the year, the Fiji-Theta-SET Haunted House, was held October 29-30. All Greeks who wore their letters were admitted free of charge, thanks to a $200 donation from IFC and Panhellenic. Proceeds were donated to our chapter philanthropy, the Green House for battered women and children-this year, we raised $800. Special recognition goes to Joe Errett and Brendan Murphy for donating their time and service to repair vandalism of the Oddfellows Building. Brothers Tim Malesiewski and Matt (Continued on page 2) \r\nPage 2 The Pi Crust is published regu1arl y by the brothers of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at Allegheny College for members and friends. Graduate news items, photographs and change of address notices should be sent to Pi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, c/o Newsletter Program Headquarters, P.O. Box 602, Needham, MA 02192-0007. 1997 Cabinet President .................. Marc Brozovich Treasurer ............ .... . Matt Radkowski Assistant Treasurer .......................... .. ..... Country Joe Errett Corresponding Secretary .... ... ........... . ..... Brendon Bates Secretary ..................... John Williams Historian ........................ Vince Coley CHAPTER PROGRESS (Continued/ram page 1) Radkowski have been donating their time to tutor Meadville students. Fiji has been leading the way toward drug awareness and the more .responsible use of alcohol at Allegheny. There have been no violations of our dry house policy, and we thank alumni, brothers and guests for supporting this policy. Junior Kurt Palmer .will be serving his second semester on the Allegheny Drug and Alcohol Awareness Committee, and Junior Marc Brozovich has been appointed to the New College Alcohol Policy Review Committee. Basketball player Michael Houser was elected a student athlete mentor (SAM) by his teammates; athletes are encouraged to approach SAMs with any drug or alcohol problems they may have. Pi Chapter would also like to announce the addition of 1996 graduates Pat McMahon and Don Galzarano to the Board of Chapter Advisors. Thanks to the alumni of Phi Gamma Delta, the Board of Chapter Advisors, the House Corporation and Allegheny College Administration, Pi Chapter is continuing on its journey toward friendship, knowledge and glory. THE PI CRUST Winter 1996-97 President's Message Pi Chapter on the Rise Again With the election of new cabinet members fast approaching, I decided to take this opportunity to reflect on my time spent in office. I feel Pi Chapter is better off today than we were a year ago. The improvement can be attributed to a few factorsthree to be exact. The first factor, and I think the main one, is the overall attitude of brotherhood. It would have been easy for us to let morale slip, but instead we realized a change was necessary. And change we did. As a result of the change, Fiji ' s overall image on campus improved. We improved our grades, and the house GP A is now above the all-college male average. We eliminated alcohol from the house, and the brothers have become more active in the college community, with many assuming leadership positions. The second factor is the increased involvement of graduate brothers. Dean Skarlis, Mark Pellis, Tim Brady, Bill Dawson and Ray Kovacs have all played crucial roles in getting Pi Chapter back on its feet. Much of their help has taken place behind the scenes, where it was not always visible to everyone. But, without their help, I seriously doubt anyone would be reading about Pi Chapter. I would like to thank these five graduate brothers and all those who have donated their time and effort. It is greatly appreciated. The third and final factor for Pi Chapter's improvement can be directly linked to the efforts of Marc Brozovich, our corresponding secretary. He has redefined the position of corresponding secretary to what I think is the most crucial position of the cabinet. Marc is responsible for the " paper trails" that publi cized the great things taking place. He has also gone to great lengths to establish relationships with various college officials that were lacking in the past. These two things can only help us in the future. In closing, I would like to thank the brothers for giving me the opportunity to serve as president. It truly has been a great learning experience. I also feel confident that the new cabinet will keep the ball rolling and that Pi Chapter will continue to thrive in the new college environment being created at Allegheny. J.J. Bennett '97 Chapter President BROTHERS, HELP US! actives are excited about this idea and are currently planning to raise the necessary funds. Pi Chapter would like to recognize David E. Hanaway '58, who lives in Meadville, PA, for making the first donation. Thank you, Brother Hanaway! Donations can be sent c/o Bill Dawson, president of the House Corporation. Checks should be written to the Pi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. The actives would like to formally invite graduate brothers to the house for the Norris Pig Dinner. "Pig Gig" is one of the best events of the year, and we encourage all alumni, especially those who have not recently attended a Pig Dinner or Homecoming, to attend. The dinner will be in April as always, and we hope for the same level of attendance and enthusiasm that we felt at Homecoming. (Continued/ram page 1) understandably, rather visit with the brothers of their era. We are challenging all alumni to organize reunions at the house or elsewhere and become active again. We want your support! There is one common link between everything that Pi stands for, all of our tradition and all our brothers. That link is the chapter house. Many improvements and repairs have recently been made to our house, including the replacement of windows and locks, painting of rooms, refinishing of the volleyball court and the addition of a computer. Graduate brother and architect Charles Rimer has recently proposed renovating the chapter house which has stood at 454 N. Main St. since 1913. The chapter advisors and \r\nWinter 1996-97 THE PI CRUST Page3 Fijis and Gator Football 1996 Once again, it was a phenomenal Sankey rounded out a Fiji-powered season for Gator football, and as defense that left opponents praying for always, Phi Garns led the way. Fourpoints. teen Fijis buckled up their helmets Renowned for his ability to "mash," to take the field this season. Fijis All-NCAC offensive tackle Mark "Meat" O'Loughlin provided the garnered six starting positions, three power up front. The 6' 4 1/i'' weapon of first team all-conference selections, destruction streamlined his gargantuan four school records and one conferframe to a trim 300 lbs. this ence record this year. season. Meat is an NCAC Offensive The 1996 season brought the Gators Bob Tatsch applies a sack. Player of the Year nominee and an their seventh NCAC title and a 10-0 All-American hopeful. regular season record. Much to the At the helm of Allegheny's offense, team's chagrin, dreams of a national junior Kyle Adamson set singlechampionship ended in Alliance, OH, ea-sen-reooFds--fuF-E]_-l+ar--te-r-bae-k-mting- ·• I - -with-a--J-1-26-l-G-S-S-t--G--n-U~r~ Gn,0 and touchdown passes (18). Kyle's ranked Mount Union College in the quarterback rating of 176 set not only first round of the national playoffs. So an Allegheny record, but an NCAC the Gators will begin preparation for record and was second in the nation the 1997 season and sorrowfully say this season. Only the single season good-bye to seniors who have posted and career passing yardage records are a four-year career record of 38-5. left in Adamson's quest to erase Phi Fiji senior "The Truth" Bob Tatsch Garn Paul Bell's name from the record led the Gator defense into battle. books. Tatsch's appetite for quarterbacks Senior Mike Ciocca Punter Vince Coley booted the ball paved the way for his 1995 single for the Gators when necessary. Punting season sack record of l l 1/ 2 sacks. Addonly 34 times this season, Coley was ing another 10 sacks this season, kept entirely off the field at Kenyon by Bob shares the career sack record of 1 the Gator offense. Also instrumental to 27 / 2 sacks with teammate Nick special teams was tight end Kurt Reiser. Among "The Truth's" accomPalmer, who appeared in punting and plishments are two first team NCAC kickoff situations and at the goal line to defensive line selections, a 1995 help the Gators punch it in. All-American selection and a 1996 All-American bid. A perfect complement to Tatsch, Mike Ciocca started at defensive tackle for the Gators Pi Chapter is now on-line! The and tallied 4 1/ 2 sacks of his own. With home.~n_be _found.. through_the_ _ - 4-rtacldes, -etoc-ca-lrac:hrrrrning-b-acks Allegheny homepage, and is linked running scared. Fiji defensive end through the Fiji International Headand US Marine Sam Balla added to quarters page of links. The address is Mark "Meat" 0 'Loughlin the threatening Gator defense. Senior http://www.alleg.edu/StudentLife/ Phi Garn and defensive tackle Josh Greek/FIJI/. The homepage is a bit crude right now, but I will be making many changes to it. The Pi Crust and information on activities will be found at our site, as will a list of undergraduates and their majors and several chapter updates. If you have an e-mail address, please send us your name, e-mail address and class year to fiji@alleg.edu, so that we may include your name on our homepage. Jeff Barber US Marine Sam Balla Senior defensive tackle Josh Sankey Pi Chapter Web Page \r\nPage4 THE PI CRUST Winter 1996-97 House Corporation Works to Improve Fiji The number of students joining Greek organizations is down at Allegheny College and across the nation. As a result, rushing quality fraternity members is becoming more competitive than ever. The fraternity house is one of the most important marketing tools a chapter has and perhaps the only tangible measure a student's parents will have to judge a fraternity's integrity. It is the House Corporation's goal to make the Fiji house one which freshmen desire to call their college "home," and which graduates can be proud to show family and friends. The board is taking steps to address its two primary duties: 1) Financial Responsibility: The number of active brothers has declined over the past two years, and as a result the house is at less than capacity. This presents a budgetary issue that will need to be addressed immediately, and it necessitates implementation of new chapter bylaws that will require brothers to reside in the house until it is at capacity. Brothers involved with the college's Residence Life and resident hall advisors and directors would be exempted. Also, each brother will be contractually bound to their fraternal financial responsibilities prior to becoming active and/or residing at the house. There has been a problem in the recent past with brothers leaving Allegheny with an outstanding balance. This contract will give the fraternity the means to recover these funds. 2) Structural Maintenance and Improvements: Structurally, the house is in good condition, thanks to the work of the previous board, presided by Mike "Radar" O'Malley. The house will be inspected to ensure compliance with current building and fire codes. Provided the inspection does not reveal a liability risk, the House Corporation is going to focus on the areas most visible to the Meadville and Allegheny College communities-the exterior and first floor. Meanwhile, a long-term plan will be Board of Chapter Advisors Report Dear brothers, On behalf of the rest of the Pi Chapter Board of Chapter Advisors, I would like to thank those graduates who have been supporting the undergraduates and the chapter house. It is sincerely appreciated by both the undergraduates and those of us who have been working closely with these young men. As most of you probably know, we have had some self-imposed restrictions placed on the chapter in order to better focus on scholarship and basic fraternity ideals. Speaking . as a graduate who·has attended chapter meetings with these men, I truly believe that we are going in the right direction. The undergraduates are doing great things both on and off campus. I would like to take this time to solicit you for the following: please contact me if you have is any interest in a graduate function centered around a 1997 Cleveland Indians regular season game. Tickets come few and far between at Jacobs Field but there are still options available for groups attending games. Also, the undergraduates are being provided with the academic skills by Allegheny. However, we as graduate brothers should assist them with some of the life skills that are learned by being involved with fraternity life. Consequently, I am also soliciting volunteers to help either the BCA or House Corporation. If you are interested, feel free to contact me . Once again, thanks for your past and future support. I hope to see some of my good friends at our first graduate function tentatively scheduled in Pittsburgh, PA, this winter. Fraternally, Ray Kovacs '8 7 Perge! developed to address larger cost projects such as the replacement of depreciated furniture, carpet and appliances and house renovations. Plans to expend substantial money and effort into the preservation of the house will not proceed without a commitment and guarantee from the residing undergraduates. The undergraduate contract will include a provision making each fraternity member fiscally responsible for any damages occurring during his tenure at the college. We would like to get as many graduates as possible involved in the planning process. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact a board member. It is important to remember that the chapter house belongs to the graduates and that the undergraduates are our tenants. Fraternally y ours, Bill Dawson '89, President 103 Hone Ave. Oil City, PA 16301 Home phone: (814) 676-0392 News from a Pi Chapter Alumnus William C. Mc Cotter' 40 and his wife, Patricia(Mercyhurst), are retired. They have a daughter, Constance. Bill tells brothers, "It will amaze many that I am still alive, living in Florida ('God's Waiting Room'), enjoying life and staying sober. " Of his fraternity experience, Bill tells brothers, "It gave me fellowship and lifetime friends. I am in a rest home now, and it is a basis for making friends. "Bill enjoys reading and golf. Reach him at 1324 Pasadena Ave. #406, St. Petersburg, FL 33707. If you have any questions, or information you would like to share with us, our e-mail address is fiji@alleg.edu, our office phone is (814) 333-1103, and our fax is (814) 33 7-5630. Patrick Baird, Treasurer