Nittany Ifftji 41'3'Jj— Gamma Phi Chapter of-Phi-Gamma Delta_Erat^nity , at(The Pennsylvania State University State College, PA H 14 im February 1985 United We Stand Improvement Stems from Active Involvement and Graduate Support As we move through spring semester, Gamma Phi continues to grow and improve in all areas. Since the beginning of the school year, the number of the chapter's undergraduate com mittees has doubled to include such areas as scholarship, public relations, graduate relations and philanthropies, to name a few. Most undergraduates are active in one or more areas, making the chapter's progress a united effort. With the house's condition better than ever, we are gearing up for an extremely busy spring, climaxing with the Norris Pig Dinner at the Nittany Lion Inn on April 20. In addition to our regular social calendar, Penn State Fijis will be participating in the 1985 IPG Dance Marathon with the women of the Chi Omega Sorority-hoping to raise $40,000 for cancer research. Other major events at the lodge will be Greek Week with Pi Beta Phi; Parents' Weekend; a cocktail buffet with selected University professors; and, of course, Fiji Island. Our Gamma Phi's own 1973 Heisman Trophy winner, John Cappeiietti '74, will be the keynote speaker for our Norris Pig Dinner on April 20. A weekend full of activities has been planned for your enjoyment; this is definitely one event you will not want to miss! Details are on page three. next concern is the accumulation of more active graduate support, particularly at the local level. An MIT grad, Chris Miller, has helped us with house repairs while Georgia grad John Growers has aided us with pledge education and graduate relations. Neither of these men are affiliated with Gamma Phi, but have given their time and advice to us as Fijis. We thank them. We are presently forming an official board of chapter advisors and would appreciate any help you can give us. If you are interested in meeting with and advising undergraduates on a monthly basis in any area of chapter operations, please contact us. Your concern wil l be appre ciated. Hope to see you at Pig Dinner on April 20. Graduate Dues Support First-Floor Refurbishment Brian M. Fraser '85 Chapter President If you haven't sent your '84-85 Graduate Dues, please do so now. Your $75 contribution wil l help us replace first-floor furniture. Our 35 undergraduate brothers are making steady progress toward self-sufficiency. They deserve our support. Brothers from some classes have volunteered to be agents. They wi l l be contacting their classmates regarding our graduate programs. Thanks to those many brothers who have forwarded their contributions! Please contact me with your suggestions and comments. Hai Wilson '51 Graduate Dues Chairman P.O. Box 296 State College, PA 16804-0296 Fred's Frame-Up a Class Act Fred Rogers '52 recently had many of the pictures in the clubroom reframed. Included among them were prints of our founders. Hum Fishburn's photo and others. Fred presented this work as a gift from his class. The chapter thanks Fred, who is currently serving on the house corporation board of trustees, for his generosity. \r\nPAGE 2 NITTANY FIJI The NITTANY FIJI is published regularly by the Gamma Phi Chapter of Phi Gamma Deita Fraternity at The Pennsylvania State University for its members and friends. Address changes, news items and photo graphs are always welcome and should either be sent in the enclosed envelope or mailed to Phi Gamma Delta Alumni Records Office, P.O. Box 296, State College, PA 16804-0296. Rush Reaps Rewards Shortened, Intensified Program Nets 10 Quality Pledges in recognition of his distinguished and exceptional service to the Gamma Phi Chapter, Bob Miller '54 (left) received a special citation from international. Alumni Corporation Presi dent Jeff MuHer '71 proudly presented the award. Fall '84 brought many changes to the lodge, including a revamped rush program. Shortened to six weeks, but intensi fied to procure full house involvement, the program began with a rush clinic to cover the "do's and don'ts of rush" as well as our strong and weak points. Overall, brotherhood involvement was excellent, and strong turnouts were evident at all rush functions. As for the events themselves, rush taps and dinners were in order again, but took a back seat to more popular activities. Fiji movie night was a big success and our Friday afternoon barbecues drew large crowds. More importantly than the crowds, however, was the atmosphere that allowed the brothers to meet many rushees on an informal, personal and relaxed basis. Fall rush was truly a house event that resulted in 10 young men anxious to become Phi Gams. Although the numbers weren't as large as we would have liked, the quality met our highest expectations. While the new program has some rough spots which will have to be smoothed out, it appears that the advantages of the revised program clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Each new pledge has evaluated the program and offered many good suggestions which should help. Also, Kent Zepick, our new Bob Miller '54 Honored at Homecoming At Homecoming this year. Bob Miller '54 received a cita tion from our International Fraternity for distinguished and exceptional service to our Gamma Phi Chapter. For over 20 years. Bob has been a member of the house corporation and has served in various officer capacities as well as that of Purple Legionnaire. Bob's best memories are of his under graduate days. Fortunately for Gamma Phi, his interest carried over for many years. Even his son, Jeff Miller '78, was an active Gamma Phi. Brother Miller stepped down from the board in October. We hope to see him at Homecoming and Pig Dinner for years to come. Bob is one of a group of determined brothers who had a positive fraternity experience and wanted to pass it on. We all owe him many thanks. national field secretary, has given us numerous ideas. One of these, soon to be implemented, is to assign each brother five or six rushees to try to further "personalize" rush. With this and other modifications, the shorter, intensified program should make it easier to "extend the order and guard the portals." Ed Clarke Sports Brief The brothers of Fiji have sported much athletic enthusiasm this year, as evidenced by our current ninth-place standing in the intramural rankings (compared to last year's 13th place overall). Basketball, headed by Jeff Brunie, Jeff Scarpello and John Lora, has already taken the lead with a score of 4-0 to date. And, With the likes of pledge E.J. Curran, who hit a 25footer at the buzzer to beat a tough Acacia team, hopes are high the team will go all the way to the championship. Things also look good for wrestling, with Drew Bycoskie and Butch Reynolds defending their current titles. Soon to start are badminton, handball, volleyball, track, and a new sport this year, racquetball doubles. The brothers and pledges are looking forward to a super successful spring Fall Pledges Augur Fine Future for Fiji On October 14, 1984, ten fine men pledged themselves to Gamma Phi. Led by their class president, John Yagel, this group is one of the most enthusiastic of recent years. John, a second semester chemical engineering major from Sunbury, Pa., is ably assisted by his vice president, Alan Kokolus (second semester) from Northampton, Pa. The position of secretary is held by Dave Strombia (second semester) from Westlawn, Pa. The seven other members of the pledge class are: E.J. Curran (sixth semester). Media, Pa.; John Hoke (fourth semester - architecture); Bob Kaunert (second semester - business). Sinking Spring, Pa.; Jim Duncan (second semester). Sinking Spring, Pa.; Jude Scarpello (fourth semester - business), Philadelphia, Pa.; Harve Shapiro (fourth semester - marketing). Old Bridge, N.J.; and Greg Singerle (second semester - aero space engineering), Millville, Pa. The pledges took their "bolt" to the Pittsburgh Fiji where they not only had a good time, but they also learned how another chapter operates. If these ambitious pledges continue to work hard and improve in their service to the fraternity, then brotherhood should soon be within their grasp. sports season. Mark Sweitzer Intramural Chairman Drew Bycoskie (Sixth Semester ■ Pre-Law) Pledge Trainer \r\nPAGE 3 FEBRUARY 1985 Plan NOW to Attend! Norris Pig Dinner Set for April 19-20 This year our annual Norris Pig Dinner has been set for the weekend of April 19 - 20. We have been progressing very well with our plans and hope to see many graduate brothers return for this very festive occasion. Mark your calendar now for the following events: Gamma Phi Friday, April 19 8 PM — Informal Welcoming Party House Corporation Board Saturday, April 20 9 am — House Corporation Meeting. Criticisms and remarks Jeffrey Muller '71 Brian Fraser '85 invited-as well as your presence. President 5455 Bartlett Street 319 N. Burrowes Road Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (H) 412/422-0195 (O) 412/922-8850 (24 hrs.) State College, PA 16801 (Room)814/234-8626 (House) 814/238-9292 Wes Boschert '75, Treasurer Larry Wert '64 Craig S. Pfautz '72, Secretary Thomas G. Steriopulos '69 Robert E. Speer '71 James A. Lilly '69 Frederick A. Rodgers '52 11 AM to 3 PM — Golf, Tennis and Softball Tournaments (foursomes, doubles, etc. pre-arranged would be appreciated). Starting times will be posted Friday evening at the chapter Undergraduate Chapter Pres. house. 5 PM — President's Cocktail Reception at Phi Gamma Delta. 7 PM — Norris Pig Dinner at the Nittany Lion Inn (jackets re quired). Our keynote speaker for the evening will be football great John Cappelletti '74. We are honored, indeed, that this Heisman Trophy winner and former Los Angeles Rams/San Diego Chargers running back will once again return to his Harold H. Wilson Jr. '51 Ronald P. Moehler '69 Dr. Rick Brown '73 Richard Knechtel '76 fraternal home. Dinner for the wives, family members and dates wi ll be served at Phi Gam. Upon conclusion of the dinner ceremonies, a closed party will begin at the chapter house with music supplied by a local Graduate Update "DJ." Rooms are available throughout the State College area. The dinner and parties carry a suggested tariff of $60 per couple, $40 stag. BRYSON M. FILBERT '36 is recovering from an appendec tomy at his home at 4001 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Apt. 1106, Naples, FL 33940. We wish him and his wife, "Steppie," As you can see, the dinner promises to be one of the best in recent years. A reservation card has been sent to you in a separate mailing. Please return it, along with your check made better health in 1985. payable to Phi Gamma Delta Pig Dinner ($60/couple, $40/ WALTER JR. '37 keeps busy part-time with such organiza tions as the Association of Naval Aviation, the Naval Aviation stag), as soon as possible so we may plan on you and your party. Please feel free to call me at (814) 238-9292 if you need any further information. Robert V. Maiorana '87, Pig Dinner Chairman Having fully retired from the U.S. Navy, A. DEAN Museum (Pensacola, Fla.), and the Up With People program. Also occupying Dean's time is the maintenance of his home at 1032 W. Highland Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373. ("That's a full-time job, as any homemaker knows!") Following his retirement last year from Gates Engineering, former chairman and chief executive officer RALPH C. BEER- Ken Holderman '31, a University trustee for the past 10 years, is running for re-election. Please remember his candidacy when voting this spring. BOWER '41 moved to 56 Live Oak Lane, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32069. He invites any brothers in the vicinity of this new golfing residential development south of Daytona Beach to give him a call at (904) 423-7433. ROSS PILLSBURY JR. '45 has also succumbed to the lure Will the Real Electrical Banana Please Stand Up? Here's your chance to set the record straight. How did you get your nickname? Let's hear from Brooms and Turtle; Psychedelic and Electrical Banana; Fast Eddy and Fast Freddy; 5P, Shooter and Shot; Nook and Kitchen Head; Chicken, Big Cat and Little Pig; Red and White Rat; Peepee; and all the rest too numerous to list. Did you dub a Phi Gam with his cherished/hated alias? We'd especially like to have your comments on the enclosed newsform. Future Nittany F/yVs will carry your replies. of (semi) retirement and balmy Florida living. Previously a development manager for the DuPont Corp. specializing in teflon resins, Ross has moved to 4420 Rum Cay Circle, Sarasota, FL 33583, from where he will pursue a relaxed career as a consultant. He also hopes to get a "lousy golf game either into respectable or disastrous shape!" JOSEPH F. MILLER JR. '46, on the other hand, "quickly replaced 75-hour work weeks with 75 hours of other activity" following his retirement from Motorola in 1984. He's been so busy, in fact, that he's even had to cut down on his golf games! Catch him, if you can, at home at 11 Grey Widgern Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. (Continues next page) \r\nPAGE 4 NITTANY FIJI FEBRUARY 1985 A physical therapist and half-owner of Physiotherapy Asso ciates Inc., ROBERT S. BUXTON JR. '76 makes his home at More News And the home address for JAMES E. BURLEIGFI '48 is 54 Cambria Road, Rochester, NY 14617. Jim retired from the Rochester Gas and Electrical Corp. last April. Currently on a year's sabbatical from Wayne State Univer sity Law School, OTTO J. HETZEL '55 temporarily left his permanent residence at 1360 N. Oxford Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, Ml 48236 for the Washington, D.C., area. Now work ing as a consultant for the Commerce Department's General Counsel and on a Capitol Hill project as well, he hopes to get in touch with some of his D.C.-based brothers. And one of these brothers just might be ROBERT N. SNYDER '61 of 4617-B 36th Street, Arlington, VA 22206. A life insurance agent and a newly designated Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow, Bob enjoys playing tennis, attending parties and keeping active with the National Capitol Fijis. 306B E. Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Bob, who was recently married, also informs us of a change in the l ife of his brother, JEFFREY BUXTON '78: Jeff and his wife, Julie, residents of 2569 Shrewsbury Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221, are now the parents of a baby girl! Moving right along, GLENN M. MERRITT '77, the regional transportation manager for Nabisco Brands Inc., has relocated to 1360 Worthington Hills Drive, Roswell, GA 30076. When last we heard from orthodontist HUGH R. PHILLIS '77, he was expecting his first child on Christmas day. Brothers anxious to learn the outcome may write to Hugh at 4 Sunshine Court, Nashua, NH 03063. The home address for GLENN S. TITLOW '77 is 2551 Skippack Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446. Glenn, who is with the U.S. Navy, is currently stationed in Spain. Our congratulations are extended to ROBERT F. GARDNER 79, now of 32 Wingate Court, Blue Bell, PA 19422, on his April 1984 marriage to the former Gretchen Dearolf. A manager with Burger King, Bobby is hoping to open his own restaurant within the next two years. Contractor DAVID C. NECKER '67 resides at 8855 E. Phillips Place, Englewood, CO 80112. He keeps in touch with classmate and neighbor A. BENNETT ORME JR. of 8039 S. Oneida Court, Englewood, CO 80112. Ben is a successful realtor with Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate. Across the continent, JOHN R.M. CURRY I I I '68 is like wise employed as a real estate (and insurance) broker. Write to Jack at R.D. 1, Box 377, Danville, PA 17821. Back in Colorado, we find TOM APPLE '69: he's the golf professional at the Country Club of the Rockies, a new Jack Nicklaus-designed course near Vail. Tom, who can be con tacted at Box Z, Edwards, CO 81632, also informs us that he and his wife, Suzi, had their first child, a girl, last August. Congratulations! Write to JAMES LASLAVIC '73, a sportscaster for KFMD- TV, at home at 1433 Sixth Street, Coronado, CA 92118. The new home address for DAVID PAXSON '74 is Route 1, Box 314, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. Farmer Dave keeps in touch with quite a few of his Fiji brothers; among them, his brother-in-law, DAVE SMITH '72 (1056 Northwest Street, Feeding Hills, MA 01030) and the newly married DENNIS DENARD '74 (1674 Sugarbottom Road, Furlong, PA 18925). Lots of "news" from BOB LANGDON '79: he was married on November 23, 1984 ("She's a beauty, as per usual!"); changed jobs to become a planner/analyst for Pennsylvania Power and Light; and moved to 2946 Aronimink Place, Macungie,PA 18062. Congratulations on all counts! Yet another man on the move is MICHAEL D. GUMAN '80. A running back with the Los Angeles Rams, he lists his new home address as 1441 Sierra Alta, Tustin, CA 92680. A salesman for the LTV Steel Corp., BRUCE HARNISH '80 resides at 811 Lordshi l l, St. Louis, MO 63119. He tel ls us that he and "Big" AL GESALMAN '79 (13100 Pandara Drive, #1704, Dallas, TX 75238) participated in the October '84 wedding of DEAN GUERRO '80. ("We didn't wear our Fiji three-piece, but we came close!") Dean and his new wife have since moved to Virginia and we are awaiting their new home address. Write to THAYER R. POTTER JR. '82 at 101 Tiffany Place, Maplewood, NJ 07040. "Terry" is a customer service manager for the Newark-based People Express Airline. We regret to inform you of the death of: LESLIE C. PYLE '27 "I've got a nice, quiet job now as commanding officer of the USMC Officer Selection (recruitment) Office in Columbus, Ohio," writes Captain STEVE PETROSINO '74, who saw action in the Grenada Islands during the invasion and has served in Beirut, Lebanon, as well. It's not been a l ife of al l work and no play, however; "Petro" is in the Guinness Book of World Records for yet another accomplishment-beer drinking! Through it all, Petro has also found time to get married and father two children. Write to him at his new Wanted: address: 2455 N. Star Road, Suite "B," Columbus, OH 43221. Also a new address for RICK CHARLES '75: 166Woolper Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220. Rick is the owner of a company which renovates old houses for resale or rental. TIM HEFFERNAN '75 is the regional manager for Porsche Cars of North America. He resides at 100 Yorktown Road, Springfield, MA 01108. Volunteers to Serve on Board of Chapter Advisors. Contact Chapter for Details.