Sooner Publisfjed by Mu Onjega Chapter of tlje Trateroity of ^lw>/TO " Ph> CaiDiija Pelta at tfje University of OKIatjonja NORMAN,OKLAHOMA FALL 1996 BIGGER AND BETTER PHI GAMMA DELTA Dear brothers, Phi Gamma Delta is in the process of making many new improvements to our chapter house. Two years ago, we put in a volleyball court in the courtyard of our facilities. Over the past summer, we installed new carpet ties—we need to upgrade our kitchen to help meet the demands of 50 inhouse members and 50-plus pledges. Also, we have to make adjustments to meet new health requirements. Other adjustments and improvements that are needed are repaving brothers working with the undergraduate brothers. If you want to help the Nu Omega Chapter out with advice or donations, please contact (all in area code 405): President Steve Skinner 573-5120 Treasurer Jon Poglitsch 573-5111 for the long hall that cost the house over $4,000, we painted the interior of our parking lot, remodeling the bathrooms, improving the drainage sys- House Manager Gabe Graham 573-5114 the entire house, and the Moms Club tem for the volleyball court, installing Asst. House Manager Chuck Webb .. added a flagpole to the front of the house costing over $1,000. Repainting and recarpeting the house were two of our top priorities in a guttering system around the house, reshingling the roof and eventually. developing a library to help improve academic success. 573-5122 Or make checks payable to: Phi Gamma Delta House Improvements order to make the house look nice for Phi Gamma Delta is continuing to rush. Apparently our new improve- expand our facilities so that we can 1200 S. College ments and our new dedication to our continue to dominate on campus. The Thank you, brothers, for all your rush development program paid off, as we signed a quality class of over 50 only way that we can achieve our goals is with the support of the graduate support. House Manager Gabe Graham Norman, OK 73072 new pledges. As the house gets older, more and fT more improvements need to be made J ^ A1 UpCltttC Oft Clfl j\lUfflTlllS to either maintain our old systems or make improvements with new sys- J. Douglas Williams '64 is president/ tems. These new additions are needed Omni Doug has a degree in business to sustain living conditions for the house and help the chapter to continue Communications Corporation, management and a law degree from Oklahoma. After law school, he was a to prosper during rush. The only way Hi ^ EES. ownersofKALV- special agent for the FBI. He is a mem- to keep the house in good condition is AM, Alva, OK, ber of the National Association of for the in-house membership to take KWOX-FM, Broadcasters Radio Board of Direc- Woodward, OK. tors and past president of OAB. He is In addition, he is consultant to also on the board of the Oklahoma Broadcasters Association Education care of the house with continuous help Jr from our graduate brothers through their advice and support. Among a few of our next house improvements that are needed are: 1. New air conditioning units—our air conditioning units have been in our house for over 30 years. We have re- H^ft Vlv Williams Broad- Foundation and the Woodward Edu- casting Group, Station KJAK-FM, Lubbock, TX, and KMZE-FM, Woodward, OK. He is also president/CEO of Omni cational Foundation. Doug serves on the Journalism/ Broadcasting Council of the University of Oklahoma and on the Broad- ceived numerous words of advice Broadcasting Company, which owns cast Advisory Panel to the University from air conditioning experts; they and operates TV-101, Channel 24, a of Oklahoma Athletic Department, have informed us that our old systems TV station licensed to Woodward, He has a daughter, Brooke, a stu- will adequately serve us for two to three more years before they become OK. Since 1985, Doug has been The dent at Oklahoma State. President of Nu Omega Chapter in 1963-64, Doug ineffective. New air conditioning units will cost the house around $20,000. Moz-n/ngS/zow personality each weekday on KWOX.He is also the local area can be reached via his business address: KWOX-FM, 101 Centre, 2. Upgrading the kitchen facili- chairman and co-state chairman for Woodward, OK 73801. \r\nPage 2 THE SOONER FIJI Fall 1996 Promising FallRushfor Nu Omega College days provide a number of changes and winding roads for the nor mal student. Patterns tend to arise, es pecially within the Greek system, that predict and all but destine a particular fraternity to success. Such changes and winding roads have taken the Nu Omega Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta through a number of peaks and valleys in the last two years. With the probational stints and high maintenance changes in the en tire pledge program, questions arose concerning the whereabouts of our chapter in relation to where we ideally wanted to be. The patterns of intramural and so cial dominance, along with academics of course, appeared to be slightly dwindling. The house came to the con clusion that it was make it or break it time for the Phi Gams. The Nu Omega Chapter came to a decision that we had to focus on rush entirely to promote the kind of interGreek success that we have been known to have over the past years. It was time to get back in the graces of the Fiji house of old. And that was exactly what we did. The rush team, headed by Brett Brewer, Chris Blalack, Ryan Johnson and Mike Toole, put together an allinclusive effort this year to turn things around for the better. The member ship, together with the rush team, did an outstanding job this year in its re cruitment efforts. Rush began on Au gust 25 and lasted through August 29. Graduate brothers Simon Crossley, Shawn Linn and Greg Robertson con tributed to the effort by speaking to the prospective rushees throughout the week. Their efforts paid off. By the first night ofsigning,"unof ficial signing" as it is called, the Nu Omega Chapter had signed 34 pledges. There were still two days of rush remaining. It seemed that every one wasjumping at the chance to be a Pig Dinner is coming. Date: February 15, 1997 Information is on the way. Any questions or problems, call: Carter Cole or Corby Oliver (405)573-5110 ourselves and those around us what it truly means to be a Phi Gam. We over came a tough goal and did it with fly ing colors. We invite our graduate brothers to come and meet our newest Phi Gam. When it was all over, the additions to the Phi Gam tradition, membership had signed a total of 52 pledges, as special permission was granted by the Interfratemity Council to go over the accepted quota of 50 which is now definitely back on track. We think you will appreciate our hard work as we will grow,too, in the years to come. 1996 Phi Gamma Delta Rush Team men. The Evolution of Hazing For decades, hazing played an inte gral role in the education of future members in fraternities and sororities. From yelling to pushups, Greek orga nizations argued that such activities toughened the minds of pledges and made them physically fit while unify ing the pledge class and instilling re spect for the organization. These arguments notwithstanding, today's society fails to view such activi ties as viable since more college fresh men die because of hazing each year. University officials and Greek or ganization headquarters constantly re mind fraternities and sororities of the dangers inherent in hazing activities Since I pledged the Nu Omega Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta in the fall of 1991, nothing has changed more dramatically in OU's Greek system than the attitudes toward hazing. In light of this change, the chapter implemented a hazing-free pledge program in the fall of 1995. While the pledges still clean the house, take tests on fraternity facts and conduct a walk out, they now accomplish these rites of membership with the support ofthe members. The pledge program has proven a success, and I hope all graduate broth ers can visit the chapter house in order to meet the outstanding new initiates. and vigorously enforce anti-hazing statutes and regulations in order to pre vent hazing abuses. A general definition of hazing re volves around any mental or physical activity or punishment which nega tively affects an individual. Specific examples include pushups, wall-sits, running in place, line-ups, sleep depri Don'tForget! All in all, we are very proud of our new pledges and, in a way, proud of ourselves. We have finally proven to vation or forcing a person to eat foods or drink beverages. Today, more college students focus on academics as their number one priority rather than participating in intramural sports or socializing, let alone joining an organization which mentally and/or physically degrades them in order for them to "earn" membership. Rob Dean '96 Suggestionsfor 'The Sooner Fiji' If you have any ideas for future articles to be published in upcom ing issues of the newsletter, send them to: Phi Gamma Delta University of Oklahoma 1200 S. College Norman, OK 73072 Attention: Historian \r\nFall 1996 Page 3 THE SOONER FIJI Nu Omega Graduate News & Views William W.Rodgers '59 is president of Security Bank and Trust Company. He is active in Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce (president). Bill writes, "Iam heading up BankIV, Oklahoma's operation in Kay County." Bill and his wife, the former Linda Ray (IIBO), have three grown late Grand Duke Wladimir of Russia). He and his wife, the former Doris Cox (Virginia), have four grown chil dren, Catharine, Elizabeth, Alastair and Stephen, an Oklahoma alumnus. Stay in touch with Howard via his business address: 24 Kay St., New port, R1 02840. municipal judge and chairman of the Board of Review for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Paul and his wife, the former Betty Harbison(AAA), have two grown chil dren, Diane and Paul HI. Get back in touch with the Darroughs via P.O. Box 6086, Snowmass Village, CO 81615. children, Elizabeth, Rachel and William III. Bill further writes, "My fraternity William P. Knox '55 is regional vice Thomas W.Hatcher'51 is secretary/ president ofWaddell and Reed,Inc. He treasurer at AML Enterprises, Inc., a business management and theater pro experience, both in college at Okla homa and afterward, has had a very positive effect upon my life. The friendships created during my college days at the fraternity house have a professional baseball player, three years as a pi lasted and have been beneficial to me Force and 13 years both personally and professionally!" in the Tulsa, OK, Write to him at his business ad spent one year as lot in the US Air Air National duction company. He lives at 9 St. Luke's PI., New York, NY 10014. Royal E. "Eppes" Stuart '37 is a retired physician. He writes, "At Nu Omega, 1 was a business major. Left schoolfor work, left workfor premed dress: 101 N. Main, Blackwell, OK Guard. Bill is ac school. 1 earned a BS at Vanderbilt in 74631. tive in Rotary and has served as president of the Kansas '41; MD at University of Virginia in '44. 1 served active duty (Navy) in WWII and the Korean squabble. Sub Howard S. Browne '46 is a retired Golf Association, where he currently surgeon,orthopedic course director and serves on the golf rules committee. Bill and his wife, the former medical expert on Social Security. He lectures on orthopedic surgery at Harvard University and is an associate reviewer of the Journal of Bone and Patricia Lindsay (FOB), have four grown children, Shaun, Jeff, Sandy and John. Contact Bill at 1946 Ridgeview, sequent training was at Washington University (Barnes Hospital) and the University ofChicago (Billings Hospi tal). 1practiced in Tulsa in ear, nose and throat. 1 retired in '81, lived in nals. He is also publisher ofSo Few the Brave, a history of the Rhode Island senior advisor in engineering at Ethyl Arkansas 11 years, and now live in Tulsa with my wife, Mary, andfive chil dren (scattered)." Brothers can renew long-lost bonds with "Eppes" at 3018 E. 93rd St., Continentals. Corporation. His wife, the former Tulsa, OK 74137. JointSurgery. He is author ofThe New port Hospital, 1873-1973: A Histoiy Salina, KS 67401. and several articles in professionaljour- Howard is a fellow with the Ameri can Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American College of Surgeons. He is a member of a myriad of histori cal and music societies, including Donald B, Crawford '45 is retired as Shirley Woodruff(FOB), is registrar at Northern Oklahoma Junior College. They have a grown son, Richard. Of his fraternity experience, Don writes, "Those were happy college days ciety. He is also active in New York thatgave me lifetime brothers."Relive those times with Don by writing to him at 12232 Parkwood Dr., Baton Rouge, Yacht Club and The Army and Navy LA 70815. Military History Society of Ireland and International Military Music So Randal W. Clark '47 is retired as president ofClark Seals Ltd.He writes, "Fiji gave me many friends and expanded my social life by living with strong social brothers." Randy and his wife, the former Marianne Foster (Oklahoma State KKF), reside at 4011 E. 62nd St., Tulsa, OK 74136. Club and is president of Quindecim in Newport. Paul G. Darrough Jr.'45 is a retired Howard has been honored with the Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, attomey,in private practice for46 years. Commendation Medal with Combat "V" device. The Venerable Order of He writes, "I retiredfrom the active practice of law in Oklahoma City in 1984 and moved to Snowmass Village, CO,in order to devotefull-time to golf Jim MacKellar '65 is president of MacKellar Oil Company. He and his wife, the former Bette Burke (FIBO), have two grown children, Bruce (Oklahoma Fiji '92)and Jennie(Okla St. John of Jerusalem in the British and trout fishing." homa HBO '94). Realm (commander 1988) and The Order of St. Michael the Archangel, Knight 1988 (personal decoration by Paul is active in Rotary Club and is past president of the Oklahoma County Bar Association. He served as Cross Rd., Oklahoma City, OK Drop Jim a line at 2932 Charing 73120. \r\nMore Nu Omega Graduate News & Views Larry G. Lutz'61 is retired as logis group vice president of mining at tics consultant for Pennzoil and chairman/CEO of Battle Computer Sys tems Develop ment Corporation and Navy pro Mountain Gold Company. He is past chairman and director of the Sulphur grams manager. He spent 30 years as a commis sioned officer in the US Navy. Larry was inspector general for the US Naval Forces in Europe from 1988-91. Institute, past chairman and director of Polish and Phosphate Institute and past director ofAmerican Mining Congress. He served as an elder in the Presby terian church and is past president of the school board. Doug and his wife, the former Hilda Hess (KKF), have two grown daughters, Lauriell and David Woodward '62 is retired as branch managerfor Crawford and Com pany. He and his wife,the former Mary Ann Wright(AF), have two adult chil dren, Drew and Jill. Brothers can con tact David at 627 Cedar Hill Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87122. Charles W.Casey'54 is an attorney in private practice. He has served as presi dent of Ponca City Chamber of Com Janalee. Catch up with Doug at 310 merce and on the board of directors of Pioneer Bank and Trust and is involved He is a Vietnam veteran (US Naval aviator)and served on the supportteam Longwoods Ln., Houston, TX 77024. with YMCA and the United Way. for Desert Storm. John O. Sparks '61 is an attorney at ing citizen award from Ponca City in Larry is a United Methodist lay delegate and a member ofthe National Contract Managers Association. Ofhis Fiji experience,Larry writes, "I practiced thefraternal precepts of Sparks and Cook,PC.He is a fellow of Charles was honored with an outstand 1980. He and his wife, the former the American College of Trust and Bayard Stewart(KKF), have a grown Estate Counsel and a fellow of Ameri can Bar Foundation and serves on the Oklahoma Bar Foundation Board of son, Charles, who is also an attorney. Keep in touch with Charles via P.O. Box 2167, Ponca City, OK 74602. integrity, honesty and faithfulness to Trustees.John is vice presidentofOkla friends and family and God. I sup ported those Fijis I encountered through the years." Larry and his as commissioner ofthe Oklahoma De writer and historian for Phillips Petro partment ofTransportation from 198791, on the Oklahoma Bar Association leum Company.He serves on the board and is past president ofthe Washington County Historical Society and is also wife, the former Darlene Thomas, have raised five children between them, Lori, Niko, Merry, Gabrielle and Rachael. Brothers can reach Larry at his home address, 185 Gunston Dr., homa Heritage Association and served Board ofGovernors from 1983-85 and on the Bank IV Board of Directors in Woodward, OK. He has two grown on the Western History Collections Board. Robert's wife, Shirley, is a so children, Lisa and Grant. cial worker. Arthur C. "Chuck" Rahill Jr. '90 is senior tax consultant for Price Waterhouse.He belongs to the Univer This former chapter historian writes, "I have been influenced by the loyalty and idealism learned as a member of Phi Gamma Delta, Nu sity of Oklahoma Young Associates and Oklahoma University Foundation. Box 543, Bartlesville, OK 74005. Lexington Park, MD 20653. Allen W. Rigsby '27 retired as a US Air Force major general after 35 years of service. He also served 10 years as executive vice president of Clemson University. This former chapter schol arship advisor has two grown sons, Allen and Kent. Reminisce with Allen at2823DeKalbSt.,Durham,NC27705. Harvey L.Harmon Jr.'69 is an attor ney in private practice. His wife, the former Karlie Kenyon(Rollins KA0), is a professor. They have two children. Lee and Mike. Arthur B. "Brad" Rollow '85 is director of managed care at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. His wife, the former Kelly Durham (Okla homa Baptist),is a paralegal. Drop this "Fiji gave me many connections (net working). Seeing lifefrom 'both sides' (before and after graduation) allows me greater knowledge to (hopefidly) pass on to younger Phi Gams." Stay in touch with Chuck at 6700 N. St. Clair, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, or give him a ring about chapter go ings-on at(405)842-6196. Homer Paul '54 is chairman, presi dent and CEO ofCitizens Security Bank in Bixby,OK.He is involved in Rotary and serves on the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Board. Homer writes, "1 plan to prepare letters of recommendation for my grandson to become a Fiji. Fiji s focus on discipline, responsibilities, priorities and attention to quality in The Sooner Fiji is published by the brothers of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at the University people and in life are 'notfor college of Oklahoma for members and friends. Emmons (Oklahoma State KKF), is assistant state superintendent of the Oklahoma State Department of Edu Graduate news, photos and and rush chairman a note at 216 N.W. changes of address should be sent to Nu Omega of Phi Gamma Delta, c/o Newsletter Program Headquar ters, P.O. Box 410708,Kansas City, Douglas J. Bourne '43 is retired as chairman/CEO of Duval Corporation, Omega Chapter."Contact Robert via This former chapter treasurer writes, former Nu Omega Chapter president 34th, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Robert B.Finney'47 is retired as staff MO 64141-0708. days alone. Homer's wife, the former Ramona cation. Between them,they have seven grown children, Charles, Lela, Jamie, Jenna, Steve, Stuart and Jerry. Contact him at 2705 Windmill Rd., Edmond, OK 73013.