THE FIJI NEW YORKER New York University Fall 1994 Founded 1892 NU EPSILON CHAPTER OF THE FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA We Win!!! .11 ^ ■ rik"' \r\nTHE FIJI NEW YORKER NU EPSILON OF PHI GAMMA DELTA FRATERNITY New York University Fall 1994 Founded 1892 Over 100 Years of Excellence JOHN TZANOS, Editor-in-Chief VLADISLAV NOVAK, Sports Editor RODRIC H. BROGAN, News Editor PUBLISHED BY THE NU EPSILON CHAPTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA 3 WASHINGTON PLACE. 2nd FLOOR NEW YORK. NY 10003 ERIC GIOIA. President. DANIEL PEREZ, Treasurer. MATTHEW DALLAS, Recording Secretary. MICHAEL DAVIS,Corresponding Secretary. NICK PELIS,Historian. © 1994 Nu Epsilon Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Table of Contents On the cover; The Nu Epsilon Cabinet pose with their newfound prize, the Cheney Cup. Cover Story Nu Epsilon wins Cheney Cup Features Fiji Island found in NJ? Social Service Report Fraternity Structure Report Rush: A huge success Fiji Machine in Gear P. 4 P. 6 P. 7 P. 8 P. 9 P. 10 Departments Letter from the Editors P. 3 Where are they now? P. 9 A.J. Catoline Awards P. 9 The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Pofte 2 \r\nEpsilon has ing a model ds are not the goals our chapter, and any econd and itself first, ntrary to the ideals upon jiided. The vast majority of experiences, to develop and forti^ zed that goal, not by merely acceptii y other men, but by understanding tlu hment is in no way as important as the am shments yet to come, commonplace in today's world, especially in "look out for number one." As a brotherhood, wi r subscribed to this ideology. VVe'recognize that the that we put into the fraternity on a daily basis is not r our own advantage, it is for those brothers who cai re us, and the brothers who have yet to wear our blacl^ diamond. None of the many awards we have received have given us a new chapter house. The task of acquiring a new home for our chapter cannot be accomplished by filling our trophy shelves; it can only be accomplished if we continue to "press on", by working hard to raise funds and budget our monies. Awards will never get us a loan or deed. The strength of our brother hood will. To be quite honest, our fondest memories this past year will not be winning the Cheney Cup, finishing second for scholar ship or honorable mention for best newsletter. Our fondest memories will be of all the long sleepless nights spent writing the awards report, of putting the newsletter together, and of the smiling, grateful faces we saw at the soup kitchen. Chief among our memories will be the bonds we have tied with oui rothers in a Joint quest to not Just be recognized as the ^ to truly know that we are the best. That is a feeling thatj rds committee can give, or take away. You see, the Joy^ aking and giving, not in the receiving of awards, different individuals becoming integrated r eyes and wondering when and how it ever h; ^e the brothers of Nu Epsilon are grateful to^ best chapter in Phi Gamma Delta, bi were not after a note on our resumes, at was started 102 years ago. W( ^onal accomplishments are not en. We believe that all men goc ro ph ies ultimately mean li tariiiaii, ana siive sheen w ill fade. The icj Delta are forever. FOHN TZANOS rrfl.RlC H. BROG/ Perge! \r\nNu EpsMon Orion H. NE wins Cheney Cup By: Vlad Novak '97 When the Nu Epsilon Cabinet left for Kansas City this summer, they had little idea of what was in store for them. Each was confident in the accomplishments of the Chapter, but, as Record ing Secretary Matthew Dallas '96 puts it, "I had no idea that events would turn out the way they did." The Awards were announced and it became clear that 1993-94 was a banner year for the Nu Epsilon Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Nu Epsilon took third place in an extremely competitive race for the Jordan Bowl. This award is presented to the chapter with the highest overall grade point Once heights. This year Nu Epsilon excelled in all aspects of campus life. In the words of Bill Martin '75 (Mississippi State), the Executive Director of FIJI, this years Cheney Cup Award proves that "fraternities not only can exist in untraditional universities, but can excel in them". Winning the Cheney Cup has had a tremendous average in Fijiland. Nu Epsilon also received an impact on the whole Chapter. It is great to be recognized as the best of the best. Nu Epsilon is honorable mention in the Zerman Trophy competi tion. The Zerman Trophy is given to the Chapter now the model chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Now more than ever before, Nu Epsilon must excell in that has excelled the most in extra-curricular ac tivities. These honors would have been more than all its activities. The brothers of Nu Epsilon have certainly responded to the challenge. Fiji is en enough to fill the heart of any Nu Epsilon Fiji's joying a successful fall semester in all aspects of heart to the brim, but there was much more to come. The New York delegation's excitement culmi nated on August 14, when the International Frater nity of Phi Gamma Delta recognized Nu Epsilon as the most outstanding chapter in North America out campus life. Scholarship, leadership and social service has never been better. Fiji is building a lasting legacy at New York University. (Vlad Novak is in the Pre-Medical program at the College of Arts and Science.) of one hundred forty two. For the second time in three years, Nu Epsilon won the Cheney Cup! As the cup was presented, the whole assembly rose to honor Nu Epsilon. "It is a great feeling to have over a thousand Fiji Brothers honor us with a standing ovation," said Matthew Dallas. "This prestigious award comes as the result of hard work from the entire chapter," Eric Gioia '95, Chapter President, said. The Cabinet members do deserve special recognition. Under the leadership of President Gioia, Trea surer Daniel Perez '95, Recording Secretary Dal las, Corresponding Secretary Michael Davis '96, and Historian Nick Pelis '96 along with the previ ous cabinet of President Todd Blair '95, Treasurer Gioia. Recording Secretary Michael lorio'94,Corresponding Secretary Brian Murray '95. and Historian Claude Kananack '93 the chapter was propelled to new The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Pa^e 4 pwelling with Pride: Brothers pose around the crest with the reward for being a Cheney winner. \r\nClaims The Cheney Cup \gain NE wins more awards By: John Tzanos '96 The Nu Epsilon Chapter received numerous accolades this past year, in addition to the Cheney Cup. The chapter also placed third for the Jordan Bowl, and received honorable mention for both the Zerman Trophy and the Coon Plaque. There are solid reasons for these achievement, not the least of which was social service. The The results are in: Members of the Archonate at house sponsored such University workshops as "Sex in the 90's" and "Drug Abuse". Nu Epsilons could be found at the New York University Catho lic Center on a weekly basis, helping out in the soup kitchens. This is not only a great way to help our community, but a great way to give the Fiji name a lasting luster within University eyes. The Brothers of Nu Epsilon also actively participated in the hugely successful "Kids' Olympics", an ath letic program for mentally retarded children. It was these activities which lead Nu Epsilon to claim best overall Chapter. Once again Nu Epsilon Fiji's could be found in positions of leadership throughout the University. Ekklesia announce the Ions awaited decision. From the Presidents of the House Council to the order of Omega, it is a common occurrence to find a Fiji at the helm, and University officials know it well. Indeed, the Presidential Service Award was given to Fiji Chapter President Eric Gioia '95. On the athletic front FIJI had a great year. Nu Epsilon won Greek Night, again. This competi tion always allows the Fiji diamond to shine bright, giving the men of Nu Epsilon the opportunity to show off their solidity to all. From relay races to the "song and dance" competition, the chapter's I athletic ability and creativity scored high every time. Nu Epsilon amassed the greatest amount of points ever for the University All-Sports Trophy. In winning the trophy. Nu Epsilon garnered mojre than twice the number of points the distant run ners-up did. Nu Epsilon's awards and accolades are justly received. As 1994 draws to a close, the brothers Peers Ears: One of the many programs sponsored by Nu Epsilon to promote responsibility at N.Y.U. strive to lay the brickwork for further excellence, continuing their rich tradition of success. The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Page 5 \r\nFiji IsHand Found By: John Tzanos '96 The annual Fiji Island of Nu Epsilon was held at Long Beach Island, New Jersey. This yearly ritual is the most unique of all the events Nu Epsi lon holds during the year. It is unique, because it is the only event which is not held in the familiar confines of Greenwich Village and New York City. The point of this event is for brothers to bond, to relax, and to see how other brothers are, sans the pressures of school and work. It is also a chance to meet graduate brothers on a less formal level. The trip is also a chance to see how brothers are in one of the most classical American settings... the road trip! This is where you find out the nuances of a person's personality you have never seen and are not privy to see every day at the Fiji floor. One may view the one who complains about the driver's driving or asks the question, "Are we there yet?" Or you can witness the person who looks at every car on the road and recites its engine specifications. Let us not forget to mention, the one who has to eat or go to the bathroom and makes all the people in the car wait for him. These and a great many more personality traits can be found Fiji Thanksgiving: Brothers huddle around for a yuick snapshot, before sitting down to eat a hearty dinner prepared by David Perazzo '94 and Chris Rapisarda '97. out inside a car for 4 or 5 hours, not to mention someone's personal hygiene. The caravan of cars make their way to the rented house, in spite of the bad directions. The water front house is slowly filled with brothers and soon a mixture of old and young brothers inhabit the house. Along with loud music, they therapeuti- cally wash away their stress in the company of each other. The barbecue is fired up and brothers enjoy hamburgers and grilled chicken fillets. Through out the night, there are 7-11 runs. The snack of choice was soda slurpee and beef jerky. By this time a years worth of stress is but a distant memory. There were a great many things to do during the day. Relaxing under the sun on the beach, casting a rod and reeling in fish from the ocean. There was also volleyball on the beach for the more active. The adventurous, such as myself, walked along the coast exploring. There 1 saw a mermaid made of sand, a couple making love and an endangered species sanctuary. One can rent a boat or play miniature golf, if they so desire. One day, brothers went to Six Flags Great Adventure theme park. A good time was enjoyed by all. After the sun went down, it was time for the The P'iji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Page 6 Fiji Hallo ween Ho-d own: The Nu Epsilon broth ers decorate the Fiji floor in style. \r\nin NJ? various night life activities, such as going out to eat or visiting the local public house. After that, brothers would make their way back to the beach house and resume festivities there. By the end of the night, little by little brothers would go to sleep. A few, however, stayed up rather late at night and trade stories, jokes and riddles. In the smoke filled air, brothers would voice their ambitions and vi sions for the house. Older brothers would pass down wisdom to the undergraduates. It is a very enriching experience. One night a couple of broth ers and myself, Todd Blair '94 and Christian Chung '96, stayed up so late we saw the crimson sunrise over the Atlantic. Only to be so inspired by it we did not go to sleep, but we went for some pancakes and played a little basketball. Fiji Island is an experience that all brothers both graduate and undergraduate should take a week off. It is worth it for every brother, graduate or undergraduate, to take a week off and unearth trea sures at Fiji Island, you do not need a map for, but you do need good directions. (John Tzanos is a Philosophy major at the College of Arts and Sciences.) Joth graduates and undergraduate brothers en, oy themselves in costume: (From left to right: Michael lorio '94. Morgan Spurlock '9.^. Roark Jtahler '96, Brian Murray '95 and Todd Blair '95.) The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Pcii>e 7 \r\nFraternity Structure Revamped By: Rod Brogan '96 The 1992 Ekklesia passed a resolution to create a committee which would review the organization a simpler, more user-friendly set of guidelines. The 32 committees which currently comprise the and governance of Phi Gamma Delta. Named the Committee on Governance and Structure, and com mittees should be drawn up when needed. All changes should be made by the new Archonate, rather than by the biennial Ekklesia. The Constitu tion would in no way prised of brothers with sufficiently diverse back grounds, the group rec Ekklesia should be reduced to 8, and ad hoc com ommended to the Archons be altered. seven organizational by the 1994 Ekklesia, Board of Conduct A new board, com prised of four Sec the COGS amendments tion Chiefs and one changes. Adopted are as follows: undergraduate Archon, Purple Legionnaires - The Fraternity's PL's should be praised for should be created to consider and act upon decisions regarding rou tine chapter discipline. FinancialAdvisory Board their volunteer ser vice, encouraged to involve themselves more - The Board of Trustees should be converted into a Financial Ad deeply in their chapter's affairs, and supported by the Section Chiefs. visory Board,comprised Section Chiefs - In ner: Honorary speaker Doug Dittrick (Ohio Wesleyan addition to the selection aks about C.O.G.S. and support of the PLs in their regions, the Section Chiefs should Wfiat Have yo u done for youf fraternity today? of six graduate brothers with extensive expe rience in financial matters. These highly experi enced advisors would ensure that each in oversee dividual chapterhouse has a working Board of Chapter Advisors and House Corpora Fraternity's permanent Reduce Permanent Com mittees - The current Fraternity Laws pro vide for 10 permanent PROPOSED VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE - of the assets. tion. Archonate all OF THE FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA The Fraternity's policymaking body will be committees. Many of these are no longer expanded to include needed, and should be twoelected undergradu removed from the Laws; ate brothers. These brothers will serve two- only the Committee BOARD OF rcRMANErnr AD HOC CONDUCT COMMITTEe CGMMirrEES year terms, and will APPOirfTED GENERAL opnccRS bring with them a much- Streamline Ekklesia be retained. Again, special ad hoc com needed undergradu ate perspective to the governing board. on Nominations should BOARD OP CHAPTER PURPLE LEGIONNAIRES HOUSE CORPORATIONS mittees should be ap ADVISORS pointed to address fra ternity needs when they UNDERGRAD UATE CHAPTERS - T\\q Acts ofthe Ekklesia, surface. the bylaws by which the Ekklesia governs, (Rod Brogan is a Jour nalism major in the College of Arts and should be drafted into Sciences.) The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Page H \r\nRush: A Big Where are Su they now??? * Thomas M. Jackman (1977- Washington Square University College) - refuses to comment on the fact that he may or may not be working. A confidential source believes that T.J. is working for I.B.M. in Yorktown Heights. Unconfirmed rumors include T.J. lurking around Westchester County with a machete hunting for past Fiji New Yorker reporters. Please call him to express your concern at (914) 237-0146. Fiji Dinner: Dean Santirocco dines with President * Richard G. Zoeller (1985- Business and Public Administration)- wed Jill S. Sebolewski on Sat Eric Unis '98 Brie Gioia '95 and the rest of the Fiji brothers. urday October 22 at St. Francis Xavier Church. This year's Fall rush was an unqualified success. It The reception was held at Essex House on Cen attracted 11 prospective members. Albert Behin tral Park South with twenty brothers plus guests '98, David Himmelstein '98, Ryan Utarnachitt '98, attending. A good time was had by all. Con Vincent DePasquale '98, Philip Gershgorin '98, gratulations to both! Sanjay Ahuja '98, Jamie Vasquez '98, Kevin Baez * Christopher Howe (1989- Tisch School of the '98 and Eric Unis '98 have decided to make their Arts)- has recently returned to New York from first semester at New York University, a Fiji one. Boston. He is an Account Executive at Blair Rush even brought in two juniors, Joel Weinberg Television. Obviously the baked beans got to '96 and Niko Moustakis '96. All, but one are not him. "Welcome Back Chris." from the Tri-State area. Do not let that fool you, this is a diverse group. The backrounds range fromGreece to Puerto Rico, from Russia to India. Almost every school at NYU is represented. There are four prospective members in the General Stud ies Program in the School of Continuing Educa tion, three in the Stern School of Business, two in the College of Arts and Sciences, and one each in the Gallatin Division and Tisch School of the Arts. These awards, named in honor of the former Nu Epsilon Chapter President, are awarded to those brothers who best exemplify the five values of Phi Gamma Delta. In their thoughts, in their words, and in their deeds, these brothers are the standard by which all others must judge themselves. Friendship: All have varied interests, ranging from pre-medical to business to acting. Several of the prospec tive members have already made valuable contri butions to the Fiji cause; from football to basket ball; from social service to house improvement. One thing that the prospective members have in common, is that they took part in the innovative Rush program that distinguished Fiji as one of the best fraternities on campus. Rush week was over Steven Inzerillo '97 seen by chairman Domenick Sgambelluri '97. Highlights included the Fashion Show, a trip to Central Park, Knowledge: Tommy Tsatsaronis'96 Service: Morality: Christian Chung '96 Rainier Rodriguez '95 and the Brotherhood Dinner. The dinner included a distinguished guest. College of Arts and Sci ences Dean Matthew Santirocco. The Dean spoke of the importance of organizations, such as Fiji, that can give young men a balanced college expe rience. The Brotherhood Dinner showed the unity and the commitment to excellence for what Fiji is known for. (Eric Uni.s /,v a Politics major in New York University's Excellence: Daniel Perez '95 Gallatin Division.) The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Pc/gc 9 \r\nFiji Machine By: Vlad Novak '97 always seems to dig the ball up and put it down on Athletics is an important aspect of Fiji life. It teaches the brothers teamwork and solidarity. These characteristics are extremely helpful in our every the oponent's side of the court. In the waterpolo department. Phi Gamma Delta has been the team to beat Th e house has always been able to boast its tremendous athletic ability. In the tradition of the Cann brothers, collegiate athletes like Stephen Inzerillo this season. One particular game deserves special mention. It is the game between Fiji and Alpha Epsilon Pi. AEPi was able to capture an early lead and kept a narrow margin of one goal above Nu '97 and Alcibiades Hernandez '97 are in the midst Epsilon. Fiji was hot on AEPi's trail. The Phi endeavor, on and off the athletic field. of their wrestling season. It has also become a Gams settled into their usual game rhythm ex time-honored tradition for us to win the all around changing goals with their opponent. sports trophy. Last year, Nu Epsilon set the all time record for points accumulated in overall sporting situation remained Thus, the until the last few minutes of the match. Fiji goalie Domenick Sgambelluri '97 showed the opponent how it is done by saving five This year is starting off well. In football, after consecutive shots at the goal. Roark Stabler '96, James Choe '97 and Danny Perez '95 served up a a tie in the season opener 6-6, due to a controver sial call by the referee, Fiji went on to beat its next well balanced attack. The Fiji team rendered all two opponents. We dominated the game against defensive attempts against them futile. The score Sigma Alpha Mu. Fiji defeated Sammy 38-0. However, was tied at ten apiece. With only a few ticks that same game proved to be rather costly for Nu remaining on the game clock Roark Stabler recieved events. Epsilon. Starters Nick Pelis '96 and Richard Londono the ball from defender Cliff Thornton '97. The fact '96 had to leave the game with injuries. They will that Stabler was closer to his own goal than the be incapacitated for the rest of the season. Mark opponents did not bother him in the least. Bhasin '96, our field general will continue to play for the duration of the season despite his injured ankle. "Winning is the most important thing," as he put it. This especially applies to football, since unloaded a bullet which zipped by two defenders and the goalie. Fiji wins at the buzzer! Fiji 11, He AEPi 10. it is "the most wanted and prestigious trophy. Football is the most popular game among NYU Greeks," continued Mark Bhasin. We currently have ad vanced to the semi-finals. On the basketball front. Phi Gamma Delta has been a dominant force. Our long and versatile bench can be resorted to anytime a starter needs some rest. Those of us who do not get to play, participate in the game by cheering our brothers on to victory. Anyone who knows about basketball, knows that that is the most valuable sixth man on anyone's team. In volleyball, Fiji continues its complete domi nation. As court captain James Choe '97 said, "We haven't lost a match in three years, and we are not about to stop winning now!" Power hitter Roark Stabler '96 has had tremendous matches for Fiji. He came away with 10 kills in one game. Fiji's thunderous spikes are only matched by our defen sive skills. The reason for Fiji's success on the volleyball court has been the opponents inability to score points. No matter what opponents try, Fiji The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Pape 10 'iji's Huddle: Brothers huddle for a picture oeFore getting ready to root for football. \r\nEven at this stage of the season, it is safe to say, without sounding to bold, that the volleyball championship will belong to Fiji this year. While participating in fall sports, Nu Epsilon already has its sights on the spring semester. In terms of athletics, spring translates into softball. Softball seems to be the fill in for our national pastime, now that baseball seems to have become ancient history. Phi Gamma Delta is looking to recapture the softball trophy which is a familiar sight on the Fiji trophy shelf. This year Fiji is considering giving back the trophy to the univer sity for "redistribution," since that has become a JrJSttWflr' formality. Both the university officials and all the Greeks know where the trophy will end up at the end of the season: in the Fiji house! In addition to softball, spring gives way to the soccer season. Even though soccer does not draw \?&{n! as much popularity as football or softball among the brotherhood, the games still are a lot of fun. m Fiji brothers combine their tackling skills with their dazzling footwork to move the ball up the field. Fiji sharp shooter Richie Londono does the m rest. .';vi> ■'4 mst£ verybody gather round: Presenting the most listinguished football team on campus Fiji. Along vith their secret weapon...a dog? The reason Fiji is so keen on sports cannot be found on our trophy shelves. Fiji does not win in sports for the glory. Simply stated, sports are a great opportunity to bond and to build a lasting camaraderie. Things like hanging out at bars and at parties cannot do that. Brotherhood is what drives Fiji to win, and all Fiji does is keep on winning. (Vlad Novak is a major contributor to Fiji sports, as well as being a Sociology major at the College of Arts and Science.) DATES TO REMEMBER CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL DECEMBER 17,1994 FRANK NORRIS PIG DINNER APRIL 28, 1994 iji do mination: Fiji rushe.s their way to the a m m y quarterback on their way to a .?8-() win. CASINO NIGHT ?????????? • • • • • • • ■ • ■ The Fiji New Yorker • Fall 1994 • Page II \r\nNew York University The Nu Epsilon Chapter of PHI GAMMA DELTA 3 Washington Place. 2nd Fl. New York\ NY 10012 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW YORK. NY PERMIT NO. 703 1 Address correction and forwarding requested. Nicholas Altweis Phi Gamma Delta 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KV 40544-4599