THE FIJI NEW YORKER Winter 1995 New York University Founded 1892 NU EPSILON CHAPTER OF PHI GAMMA DELTA c c The Purple Storm Reigns!!! \r\nTHE FIJI NEW YORKER THE NU EPSILON CHAPTER OF PHI GAMMA DELTA New York University WINTER 1995 Founded 1892 Over 100 Years of Excellence JOHN TZANOS, Editor-in-Chief RODRIC H. BROGAN, News Editor VLADISLAV NOVAK, Sports 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. Circulation 1,500 © 1995 The Nu Epsilon Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Table of Contents On the cover: The brothers of Nu Epsilon gather together, after a successful "Greek Night" campaign. Features Fiji"Winter Wonder"land New purple blood mixes in P. 4 P. 5 Letter from Section Chief Letter from Purple Legionnaire P. 6 P. 7 Brothers show Christmas and community spirit Volleyball domination the Nu Epsilon way! Purple Storm rages through NYU Greek Night Nu Epsilon Fijis rule over NYU Lacrosse P. 8 P. 10 P. 10 P. 11 Departments Letter from the Editors Where are they now? Nu Epsilon in pictures Dates to Remember Q.U otations The Fiji New Yorker • Winter 1995* Page 2 p. 3 p. 5 p. 9 p. 11 P. 12 \r\nLetter from the Editors Brothers, Throughout this past holiday season, you have ail shown the members of the undergraduate chapter why Nu Epsilon has been recognized as the brightest, most dedicated, and most vital chapter in Phi Gamma Delta. Whether it was by showing up and surprising us at our Thanksgiv ing dinner, by coming from as far away as Cali fornia to attend Brotherhood Christmas and Christmas Cocktail, or by the simple gesture of stopping by the house to share with us your observations and experiences in the day-to-day running of the fraternity, you have helped lead us out from our cherished past and into our bright future. For all this, we thank you. We know the reason we are viewed as a suc cess today is not because of our work alone. We recognize that the blood, sweat, and tears that brothers before us have given for the glory of our diamond is the ultimate reason for our suc cess. The wisdom our chapter has received from our graduate brothers has been immeasurable. You pass down the gems of knowledge that we turn to in moments of both adversity and vic tory. We would like to encourage more of you to come and see us; we want, and indeed need, to see you. It is imperative that brothers who are ten or twenty years removed from their under graduate years do not become so removed from the fraternity. Take it upon yourselves to en courage other brothers who have taken too long between visits to return to Nu Epsilon. Each of our brothers is a resource from which we draw knowledge and inspiration, especially in our allimportant quest to find a more suitable chapter house. With the continued help of our Graduate Chapter, Nu Epsilon has achieved the utmost this past season, in our relations with the NYU commu nity, university officials,and,above all, our brothers. In closing, we would like to thank you all again for your guidance and support. We hope you realize that there is never a time to stop attempting, to stop achieving. We must be wary of the contented men. We must continue in our efforts, for it is those efforts and more which we will need to call upon in order to reach our primary goal: a new chapter house. It will be a house for all brothers, young and old. It will be a proud house. JOHN TZANOS '96 RODRIC H. BROGAN '96 Perge! The Fiji New Yorker • Winter 1995* Page 5 \r\nSanta comes home: Matt Dallas 96 recieves his Christmas present on top of Santa Kananack '94's lap. Fiji"Winter Wonder"land By Rod Brogan '96 The Annual Broth erhood Christmas took place on Friday, December 16. Brothers young and old were on hand to exchange gifts in the chapter's for the occasion were two Not For College Days Alone traditional Secret Santa program, to relive old memories while flipping through the pages of the old photo albums, and to celebrate brotherhood together. The evening served as a testimony to the phrase, "Not For College Days Alone," as brothers who collectively repre sent over a decade of the chapter's history partied with one another long into the night. affair despite the ill-ef fects of what he termed A.J. Catoline '92 (who, along with Santa Kananack, now resides in sunny California), and Coring Tamaro '93. The spirit of brotherhood was truly in the air, as A.J. mocked Boring's laugh, and Coring returned the insult by stating, "You're so fat!" Following the gift-giving, the brothers and their guests watched as last Fall's ten new mem bers performed a skit which poked fun at many of the colorful members of the house. Cater, the party spilled out onto the unsuspect ing streets of downtown The role of Santa was played by none other than Claude Kananack '94, who managed to oversee the former Chapter Presidents, New York, lasting 'till Santa Kananack's "Big Night Out" "Santa's Big Night Out." Ofspecial note to the fashionminded was Santa's con spicuous lack of pants, having opted to forego the traditional costume in favor of a long grass skirt. Joe Natoli '83 observed his last Brotherhood Christmas one famous old Nu Epsilon Tony Voislawsky (City College 1892, New York 1 894) once called "the wee hig hours of the morning." But many of the chapter's gradu ate brothers opted to stay behind instead, remi niscing and enjoying the opportunity to spend time with one another once again, under the glow of the as Purple Legionnaire, remarking that although he Nu Epsilon Christmas tree. has enjoyed the Job tremendously, he is happy to (Rod Brogan is a Journalism major in the College see the torch passed on to another. Also on hand of Arts and Sciences.) The Fiji New Yorker • Winter 1995 • Pcifte 4 \r\nWhere are New purple they now? blood mixes in By Rod Brogan '96 On December 17, 1994, the entire undergradu By Eric Unis '98 Nu Epsilon is excited to announce that this past ate chapter and close to fifty graduate brothers Fall's Rush has resulted in the initiation of ten new attended the annual Christmas Cocktail. The event was one of the Fall term's most successful, as brothers, making the Chapter as large as it has been since 1989. The new brothers are Kevin Baez '98, Sanjay Ahuja '98, Vincent DePasquale '98, David Himmlestein '98, Ryan Utarnachitt '98, Eric Unis brothers young and old not only professed, but lived, the age-old Phi-Gam adage,"Not for college days alone." Here is a list of just a few of the '98, Jamie Vasquez '98, Philip Gershgorin '98, Niko brothers we saw at this year's cocktail, and what Moustakis '96, and Joel Weiberg '96. Last semes they are up to: Ted Chan '90 - Retail Broker Anthony Paras '86 - Programmer/Analyst, CIC (A French Bank) Jon Baker '82 - Junior High School Technology Teacher, Miller Place, Long Island, Bellport, Long Island; Track coach Tom Jackman '77 - Research Scientist, IBM James Carson '92 - Merrill Lynch (what he does there, no one knows) Morgan Spurlock '93 - National Spokesman, Sony Auto Sound It was terrific to see you, brothers! Thanks for your kind words and support. ter, two popular traditional chapter events were held to help welcome the new Fijis. On Sunday, September Fourth this semester's Parents Day was held, and on September tenth the brothers gathered for the Big Brother - Little Brother Dinner. Overseen by Shane Azzara '97, Parent's Day was a huge success, attended by almost the entire brotherhood and fifty guests. Not only parents were invited, but also grandparents, brothers, sis ters, and even little nieces and nephews. The event was also attended by graduate brother Frances Sheehan '92. Most of the families came to the Fiji House not knowing what to expect it would look like. Upon arrival most were pleasantly surprised and one shocked parent remarked that the house looked "pristine". Graduate Forum To all graduate brothers: As part of our continuing efforts to keep graduates as active as possible in the workings of Nu Epsilon, there will be a new "Graduate The families brought a wide variety of tasty dishes including spinach pies, lasanga, and roast beef for all of the guests and the brotherhood to share. One of the goals of Parent's Day is to show the parents of new brothers the value of their son's membership in Phi Gamma Delta. Chapter Presi dent Eric Gioia '95 spoke to the parents about the positive effects membership can have on scholar ship and in the achievement of career goals. Eric Forum" appearing in the next Gioia '95 also stated that what made Parents Day so installment of the Fiii New special was that it was a chance for the family a Yorker. This space will allow brother has at home to see the family he has gained graduates to share news and opinions with the entire chapter. at school. Please send all submissions t o: Phi Gamma Delta Nu Epsilon Chapter Attn: Fiji New Yorker 61 East 8th Street Suite 105 New York, NY I 0003 We thank you in advance for all your contributions. On Saturday September tenth, the new brothers and their Big Brothers met for the Big Brother Little Brother Dinner at the Beefsteak Charlie's Restaurant at Penn Station. The Dinner is a popu lar tradition at Nu Epsilon eagerly anticipated ev ery semester. This event offers Little Brothers the opportunity to show their appreciation for the guidance that their Big Brothers have given them by taking their Big Brothers out to dinner. The Dinner is a Nu Epsilon favorite because it is an evening filled with laughs and camaraderie and also because of its fabled aftermath. (Eric Unis is a Politics major in New York University's Gallatin School for Independent Study.) The Fiji New Yorker • Winter 1995 ♦ Paye 5 \r\nLetter from the Section Chief Brothers, Greetings from near the core of the "Big Apple!" Good-bye 1994, a very successful "Cheney Year" for the Nu Epsilon chapter, and hello 1995, which will prove to be another promising year for Nu Epsilon! Whenever I visit Nu Epsilon, it always is an uplifting experience! As chief of a geographic section of the country which does not seem as conducive to a great fraternity experience as my mid-western foundings, it is definitely a challenge, especially at a time when the societal climate does not shine so favorably on fraternities (much by our/Greeks own making i.e. hazing, alcohol, drug abuse and all around poor public relations). It is very unfair that we are not judged by our successes, but by our failings, and not as individuals but by our sub-culture or affiliation. 1 have often said that it is unfortunate that the public does not realize the contributions Greeks and especially Phi Gamma Delta's make to society by way of service to our college, community and country, not to mention the smiles and glimmers of hope we bring to those less fortunate than ourselves. This is where Nu Epsilon shines brightest!! The chapter has always managed to have its fair share of fun and good times, but in a responsible manner, never losing sight of its mission in the Quest for... Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality and Excellence. The undergraduate brothers of Nu Epsilon never cease to amaze me! Whether it be a simple telephone call to wish a Happy Thanksgiving or a Merry Christmas, or a gift of flowers for my wife, just because. They have certainly developed fine Eddie Haskel-like qualities. But in all seriousness, they think of everything, never leaving an unturned stone. That calls to mind our recent visit to Kansas City, Missouri. I think I received at least one phone call a week since last January regarding the status of the chapter's chances at winning the Cheney Cup, to which I could give no other insight rather than just to say, "That competition is very stiff and you have to just keep doing more than you think is enough and not to me, you need to be at a zero accounts/recievable balance with H.Q." I guess that was motivation enough, because the chapter went into Ekklesia with a zero balance and many achievements under their belts. The delegation said they thought they knew they would win, or why else would 1 have asked them to join my banquet table...? Maybe, but they sure did look surprised when Nu Epsilon was announced the winner! The expressions on their faces, I wished you all could have seen! One thought comes to mind when I think of the young men of Nu Epsilon "GENTLEMEN OF QUALITY"! You graduate brothers have sure left quite a winning legacy for the undergraduates to uphold and continue. I too come from a chapter with a winning tradition, so I recognize the enormous responsibility upon the graduates to continue to be the cornerstone of the undergraduate success. I have noticed in my service to the fraternity that there is nothing more that the undergraduates enjoy most than spending time with their graduate brothers, listening to grads reminisce and tell stories about the old days, all the stunts, parties, pledging and other chapter traditions. That is why 1 encourage more of you to become involved in the chapter, to be there more than just Pig Dinner and Christmas Cocktail. I know that the Alumni Association would like to re-form a B.C.A. and House Corporation (Something we would all like to see this spring). Without your wisdom and insight the chapter cannot continue to flourish as it has done. As I have told our Field Secretary, whenever you need a little pick-me-up, visit Nu Epsilon, and that will give you the lift you need! I wish you all a happy, prosperous, and "Silver-Filled" New Year! Very Fraternally, Brad Petrella Akron '87 Perge! The Fiji New Yorker • Winter 1995 • Pai>e 6 \r\nLetter from the Purple Legionnaire Dear Brothers, It has been a great honor and pleasure to serve the chapter as Purple Legionnaire during these last twoplus years. The time has passed quickly, as triumphs and accomplishments have outnumbered setbacks by at least five to one. The brothers of Nu Epsilon are one of the finest (OK, the finest) in all of FIJI LAND! You truly exemplify the values of Phi Gamma Delta; may you continue to shine brighter as you reach still higher goals, while having a more enjoyable time doing so. I would especially like to thank Loring Tamaro '93, Todd Blair '95, and Eric Gioia '95 for their invaluable leadership as presidents (Excellent!); the past three cabinets for making the goals of the chapter happen; and all committee chairs and co-chairs who have labored unceasingly to ensure events and projects were completed efficiently, harmoniously and on time. Thank you! Merci! Grazie! Special thanks goes to Brad Petrella (Akron '87), Frank Conti '85, George Sternad (Ohio Wesleyan '48), Dave Wilmer (Akron '92). Lance Stendal (Minnesota '94), Bill Martin (Mississippi State '75), Joseph Vicarisi 36 and Thomas M. Jackman '77 for their help guidance and support. Kudos to Morgan Spurlock '93 and Michael lorio '94 for winning our section's Wilkenson Award. Your efforts and inspiration have provided great motivation to our brothers over the last several years. Thanks to all the graduates who really made an effort to help the chapter with guidance, financial support and job offers. We really need and appreciate it. 1 would like to leave Nu Epsilon and its next Purple Legionnaire, Darren Billig *90, with my "Christmas Wish List" (just something to think about): (A) Making the Probationary Period as productive as possible. (B) Exploring other funding and sources in order to become more financially sound. (C) Saving money each year in a separate account, just in case of an emergency. (D) Restoring the B.C.A. 1 would also like to take this opportunity to apologize to any undergraduate that 1 may have overly annoyed or disenchanted during my term. Yes. it is true that even the Purple Legionnaire has some hard times. In closing, 1 would like to say that 1 will treasure my memories as Purple Legionnaire; I will miss it very much. 1 am proud to have served - and as always - VERY PROUD TO BE A FIJI! Joseph Natoli '83 Purple Legionnaire Perge! The Fiji New Yorker ♦ Winter 1995 • Page 7 \r\nnnCTODrs Brotherhood Let's eat already: Brothers pose before en joying their fill at the semesterly dinner Dinner A Team Effort: Brother David Perazzo '95 spent several hou-rs preparing the delicious three-course meal. Inset: Rod Brogan '96 spent about ten minutes mixin" the iced tea. Brothers show Christmas and community spirit By John Tzanos '96 On a brisk December 6 day at Washington Square Park, as the sky was reaching twilight, a large thing they all had in common -- being part of the Washington Square community. After the bitter cold could no longer be beared, crowd gathered around a towering evergreen near the brothers and the crowd moved to Loeb Student the arch. Whether it was a senior couple in loving Center. embrace or a baby who had not yet reached its first vocal chords and let someone else do the caroling. There the New York University Orchestra, Glee year, every section of the Greenwich Village com munity was represented. The gathering was to It was time for the crowd to rest their rounding area, especially its Greek system. That club. Gospel choir and others performed a concert. The concert proved very entertaining. "It was fun seeing so many people enjoying themselves and expressing their feelings for this occasion," said Carlos Zayas '96. The event was capped off by Fiji and New York University President L. Jay Oliva and his choir of faculty members. They were the smash success of lack of involvement was certainly not evident, looking into the crowd that day. There were many faculty the concert, if not for their talent, than definitely for their bravery. members and students in attendance, together com prising a crowd of about two hundred fifty people. Among that crowd were fifteen brothers of Phi This was definitely not an occassion in which critics could point and try to criticize fraternites. For this day, the Fiji purple showed how good it can look blended in with Christmas red and green. commemorate the lighting of the Washington Square Christmas Tree. It was also a chance for the com munity to come togetheras one, to show a unity not usually found in the impersonal city. NYU is a big part of this community, but it has sometimes been chastised for its lack of involvement with the sur Gamma Delta. These brothers extended their fam- ily by joining that group. They united in singing carols celebrating the festive occasion. There was an exuberance in everyone's face, reflecting the joy they felt in being brought together by the one The Fiji New Yorker • Winter 1995 • Pafte 8 (John Tzanos majors in Philosophy in the Col lege of Arts and Sciences. John is also taking a class taught hy Brother Oliva.) \r\n \r\nFiji Sports Purple storm rages through NYU Greek Night!!! By Vladislav Novak '97 On November 7, New York University's Greek community gathered at the Coles Sports Complex spikes a vicious ball on Nu Epsilon opponents. | Look out for that V-Ball: Roark Stabler '961 Volleyball domination the Nu Epsilon way! for the annual Greek Night competition. Greek Night is the one time of year where all of NYU's Greek organizations gather to "strut their stuff" and to show that there is unity found with the By Vladislav Novak '97 On the volleyball court this season, the Fiji Greek system as a whole. Machine has once again advanced to the finals. Despite the limited time Phi Gams are able to devote to practice, the starting squad plays like a popular events of Greek Night is the Song and Dance competition. The stands were rocking with well-oiled machine. For the Nu Epsilon chapter, one of the most cheers and laughter throughout the chapter's per Power hitter Roark Stabler formance, as a dozen Eiji brothers donned diapers '96 has been averaging 15 kills per match, with a and pacifiers, singing a slightly custom re-written whopping .730 attempt-to-kill ratio. His fiery per version of the theme from the musical "Oliver!": formance inspires the rest of the team to play their "Consider yourself, one of us!" Phi Gams also put best. However, no successful spike can ever be on a terrific acting skit, which emphasized the accomplished without a solid set. Fortunately, international popularity and multi-cultural charac Fiji's court captain James Choe '96 has been deliv ter of the fraternity. Such areas of Fijiland as ering nothing but on-target sets. Jimmy overcame Korea, Sweden, Persia, Greece and Brooklyn were an ankle injury early in the season to hustle up and represented in the act. down court after every ball. The numbers speak Greek Night also gave Nu Epsilon a chance to for themselves; General Choe leads his team in show off its athletic prowess in such soon-to-be- digs, averaging 6.4 per match. Olympic sports as the Sneaker Relays and the TugNo summary of the team's season to date would Of-War. The latter event deserves special atten be complete without mentioning Chris Rapisarda tion, as Eiji's All American anchor David "The '97. His awe-inspiring performance off the bench Rhino" Perazzo '95 helped Nu Epsilon accomplish in the game against Delta Phi lifted Nu Epsilon a swift and crushing defeat of its bewildered oppo from a three-point deficit to a dominating victory, nents. with a final score of 15-7. "Rap's" performance at Following the Greek Night games, everyone the net left the opposing team's blockers stunned, was invited to the Fiji House for what proved to be as he put down spike after spike in the empty one of the best celebrations of the year. This was corners of the opponent's court. indeed a proving ground for unity, which no scores With the Fall term complete, Nu Epsilon now or statistics can reveal. Three of the strongest boasts over 2,500 points in its bid to keep the All- sororities on campus; Alpha Phi Zeta, Delta Phi Epsilon, Zeta Sigma Phi; joined the brothers of Phi Sports Trophy, putting it ahead of its nearest com petitors by 600 points. The chapter's goal for this term will be to repeat last year's performance by Gamma Delta in their all-night festivities. Nu Epsilon Fiji s and their fans are eagerly anticipat sweeping Spring sports across the board. ing next year's competition. (Vladislav Novak is a starter on the Nu Epsilon (Vlad is a Sociology major and is in the Pre-Medivolley hall team.) The Fiji New Yorker • Winter JQ95 • Page 10 cal program in the College of Arts and Sciences.) \r\nExcellence Nu Epsilon Fiji's dominate in NYU Lacrosse By Mark Bbasin '96 The New York University Lacrosse program was started about six years ago by two Nu Epsilon Fiji's, Russell J. Redgate '93 and Vincent Suba '92. Each year since its inception at NYU, Fiji brothers have actively participated on the squad. 1995 is no exception, with a total of four brothers participat ing. Mark Bhasin '96 and Munged Hassan-Dolah Hoop it up!: Eyal Talassazzan '96 looks to get a good pass off as R oark Stabler '96 awaits. '96 lead a strong and balanced defensive unit, while Ryan Utarnachitt '98 will be an important addition to the defensive core. Rainier Rodriguez '95 is a talented mid-fielder, who will give it one last goaround on this season's squad. This year's Lacrosse squad is looking foward to yet another successful year, as each player posseses the combination of size, strength, speed and agility needed to dominate on the field. However, the combination of both a grueling schedule and only one home game out of twelve scheduled games, will be a great obstacle to overcome. But,just like FIJI'S are taught to "persist" and "press on", I'm sure our lacrosse team will do the same. College is for babies: Brothers dressed as babit for the Song and Dance competition at Greek Night. (Mark Bhasin is a Finance and Accounting major in the Stern School of Business.) Dates Your Ad H ere to Space is available. Remember Professor CocktoU Thursday^ April 13 6 p.m. Please call : (212) 4431740 Frank Norris Pin Dinner Friday^ April 28 5:30 p.m. All money goes to a worthy cause (us), and you get the advertisement at a Casino Night Saturday, March 25 6 p.m. discount price if you are a Nu Epsilon graduate. The Fiji New Yorker • Winter 7 99.5 • Page II \r\nQUOTA TIONS Brotherhood is not Just a Bible word. Out of comradeship can come and will come the happy life for all. The underdog can and will lick his weight in the wildcats of the world. -Heywoud Broun. The Fifty-first Birthday The man pulling radishes pointed the way with a radish. -Issa (1 763-1827) A wise old owl sat on an oak, The more he sat the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird? -E.H. Richards. A Wise Old Owl New York University The Nu Epsilon Chapter of NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PHI GAMMA DELTA PAID 3 Washington Place, 2nd FT NEW YORK, NY New York, NY 10012 PERMIT NO. 793 I Address correction and forwarding requested. Nicholas Altweis Phi Gamma Delta 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40544-4599