THE FIJI ■igj AVAYI RKER Summer/Fall 1995 New York University Founded 1892 1^ Founded NU EPSILON CHAPTER OF THE FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA We Win... ...Again! \r\nTHE FIJI NEW YORKER THE NU EPSILON CHAPTER OF PHI GAMMA DELTA New York University SUMMER/FALL 1995 Founded 1892 Over 100 Years of Excellence VLADISLAV NOVAK, Editor-in-Chief ERIC UNIS, News Editor MATTHEW DALLAS, Sports Editor JOHN TZANOS, Key Grip RODRIC H. BROGAN, Stunt Coordinator PUBLISHED BY THE NU EPSILON CHAPTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA 3 WASHINGTON PLACE, 2nd FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10003 MICHAEL DAVIS, President. NICHOLAS PELIS, Treasurer.. DOMENICK SGAMBELLURI, Recording Secretary. ERIC UNIS, Corresponding Secretary. MARCO LAVAIA, Historian. Circulation 1,500 Table of Contents On the cover: Nu Epsilon: the winner of the Cheney Cup for the second consecutive year. Features: Nu Epsilon wins the Cheney (again) Social Service Spotlight Young Purple Blood Fills House A Most Successful Pig Dinner Nu Epsilon wins All-Sports Trophy...Again Fiji Sports Excellence NYU Lacrosse: A Fiji Tradition p. 4 p, 5 p. 5 p. 9 p. 10 p, // p. 7/. Departments: Letter from the Editors President's Message Where are they now? P. 3 P. 5 P. 5 Quotations P. 7 Nu Epsilon: Tales from the Road P. 8 Dates to Remember P. 12 The Fiji New Yorker ® Summer/Fall 1995 • Page 2 \r\nLetter from the Editors Nfel EPSIbON Brothers, Another year has come to a close, and once again, "sol's swift wheels" have made our time together go too fast. Over the past twelve months, we have shared new victories, eelebrated long-held ideals, and cherished our brotherhood; understanding all the while that our chapter must progress, and not merely age. The chapter's 1994-95 academic year has been a banner one, notable chiefly for its balance of growth and tradition. The Nu Epsilon diamond, now the largest it has been since our move from 31 West Fourth Street, successfully defended its All-Sports trophy for the sixth consecutive year. Our social service program, which has traditionally included work with local homeless shelters and schools for the multihandicapped, has now been expanded to include events with such national volunteer and service organizations as the Junior League, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Muscular Dystrophy Associa tion. And our newly-restructured chapter newsletter is now published five times a year. To say that our brothers were elated and ecstatic upon hearing news of our third Cheney Cup victory would be an understatement. On behalf of our brotherhood, we send our greatest thanks to all the Archons, Purple Legionnaires and Field Secretaries who deemed us the best in all of Fijiland. We also would like to extend our thanks to all the graduates who assisted us in this unprecedented achievement. Sadly, seven brothers graduated this past year; among them are six former Cabinet members, including two chapter presidents. Their contributions were many, and their presence is missed. For them, service to the chapter was not an option, and at the same time, it was never a burden. These brothers reminded us that we have each taken an oath, and that the words of our ritual are not words to merely live with, but words to live by. They move on secure in the knowledge that their spirit and dedication have left a chapter better than the one they found. We close our year as we began it: strong, victorious, and proud to be Fijis. VLADISLAV NOVAK '97 JOHN TZANOS '96 RODRIC H. BROGAN '96 Back from a Leave of Absence: Rod flies in from Still remembered and missed: Good Luck, Lucas! Thailand (and John walks over from the New School) We hope you enjoy your new Fiji home at Michi to do the lavout. gan State University. The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall 1995* Page 3 \r\nNU EPSILON BRINGS HOME THE CHENEY FOR THE THIRD TIME IN FIVE YEARS By Vladislav Novak '97 Every summer, the International Headquarters of Phi Gamma Delta appraises its 130 chapters for their work over the academic year, and rewards those it deems the best in all of Fijiland. The criteria for the competition are; which chapter raises the most charity money? which has done the most social service? which is the most improved chap ter? which is the most efficient? International Headquarters repeated one chapter's moniker often and this particular chapter went on to win the coveted Cheney Cup. The Coveted Prize: The Cheney Cup awarded to Nu Epsilon for the second consecutive year. The New York University Chapter of Fiji con sistently ranks among the best. This year was not one Summer morning, just before the start of the any different. No Epsilon Chapter placed second 1995-96 school year, he received a phone call from in the Jordan Bowl competition. This award is Executive Director Bill Martin (Mississippi State given to the Fiji chapter with the highest grade '75), who announced the results of the 1994-95 point average. The chapter finished second in the Cheney Cup competion. The winner, once again: Baker Cup, given to the chapter recognized for Nu Epsilon! We Win... Again! This is NYU's third philanthropic excellence. New York Fiji's ranked Cheney in five years, an unprecedented record in third in the Zerman Trophy comprtition. This 103 years of the Chapter's existence. award is given to the chapter with the most extra Last year in an editorial published in the Fiji curricular activities. In addition, Nu Epsilon also New Yorker. John Tzanos '96 stressed the impor received Honorable Mention in the John Templeton tance of not becoming complacent after the Chap McCarty Chapter Proficiency Award. This award recognizes those chapters which demonstrate effi ciency in operations, adhere to Fraternity Laws and promote the high standards of Phi Gamma Delta. The Fiji New Yorker received Honorable Mention for the Coon Plaque, which is awarded to the best chapter newsletter. By now all the Brothers, young and old, have heard that NYU Fijis won the Orion H. Cheney Cup for the 1993-94 academic year. In,the words of the current Field Secretary Mike Raisor (Indi ter was recognized as the best of the best. His advice was heeded. Fiji has made great progress throughout the year. The Brothers of Nu Epsilon have excelled in positions of leadership through out the campus of NYU. Fiji is also well known as a major source of Social Service. In school, we are guidance counselors and orientation leaders. In the Greenwich Village community, we are known as the organization that donates to the missions, organizes clothing drives and street fairs for char ity. best chapter, "one that has managed to achieve the To be recognized as the best is a great respon sibility. Nu Epsilon will fulfill this responsibil most with whatever resources are available to it." ity. The Brothers are looking forward to another ana State '95), the Cheney Cup is awarded to the It is a fact that some chapters are larger than Nu outstanding year. There are great new things planned Epsilon. There are chapters housed in mansions, for this semester. Complacency is the last thing on but one fact remains: "Nu Epsilon runs the tightest Nu Epsilon minds. ship" in Fijiland (Michael Davis '96, President). (Vladislav Novak is a third-year Sociology major One can imagine Brother Davis' surprise when in the College of Arts and Sciences.) The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall 1995 • Page 4 \r\nWhere are they now? Peter Tomasi '85 will be directing a Joseph Natoli '83 has reconsidered play written by his wife Deborah. his move to California (Sorry T.J.). "The Essence of Kato" will be per formed at the American Theater of Actors, 314 West 54 street from No vember 15 to 21. Richard Zoeller '85 states that ev Joe has worked on Central Park West and Law and Order and should be in the movies "Sabrina" and "The Ju ror" this winter. Although Joe has made some headway in his acting career, he has spent even more time erything is status quo with nothing on the cutting room floor. Now what new to report. Rick just celebrated did Calvin Coolidge say about "Per his first wedding anniversary with sistence ?" his wife Jill. All is well on West 13 street. Scott Blechner '82 just celebrated his one year anniversary at Stuart, Albert Beecher '84 and his wife Deanne Coleman & Company. Scott is a will be celebrating their first wed financial consultant specializing in ding anniversary in December. Albert Stocks and bonds and has been a is finishing up a two-year assign broker for 7 years. Scott is happily ment for Deloitte & Touche in Ken awaiting the birth of his second child tucky and will be returning to the due in February. Northeast. Thomas Jackman '77 believes he is Ross Abrash '85 has been roaming the streets of Manhattan during the wee-big hours of the morning. (So what else is new ?) Rumor has it that Ross is writing for several televi sion productions including Saturday Night Live. Keep up the good work! "What's new?" joyfully announce the birth of their Graduates: given too much press coverage, so he has given a standard "no com ment" when asked for an update on Rumor has it that Tom is a year older and that he is still doing research at I.B.M. Tom welcomes telephone calls at (914) 237-0146and hopes to see many graduates Duncan Logan '86 and his wife Nadine at Holiday Cocktail. daughter Julia Rose, born June 6, If anything new and exciting is happen 1995. Duncan is very happy to be a ing in your life, please write to us and let us know. You'll get that warm,fuzzy new dad and is having a grand old feeling in your stomach(warm fuzzy feeling time playing with all ofhis new daughter's not shown.) Send all entries to address toys. O.K. Duncan, give Julia back on back page.(Fuzzy feeling guaranteed her rubber duck. to last for up to four months.) The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall 1995 • Page 5 \r\nFiji Aids Community By Edmund Wrenn '96 The Brothers of Phi Gamma Delta worked closely with local law enforcement officials and Commu nity Board 2 to help sponsor the Annual Youth Olympics, a day of friendly competition that drew 200 smiling children age 5 to 14 to a local play ground on 6th Avenue and Houston Street. The Youth Olympics was an astounding success and had a positive impact on the community. An article published in the Washington Square News (New York University's student newspaper) Brothers helping out: Brothers are pictured at the Youth Olympics, with Community Board 2. featured Phi Gamma Delta's involvement in the Youth Olympics as their cover story. Phi Gamma Delta has received numerous accolades from the community and local law enforcement officials who co-sponsored this event. The members of Phi Gamma Delta worked dili gently to raise $1,500 for the Youth Olympics. The money came from street fairs and the support of local businesses. Vincent DePasquale '98, a sophomore at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, and Chairman of Social Service for Phi Gamma Delta, was charged with organizing this event along with Community Board 2 and local law enforcement officials. "The purpose of the Youth Olympics was to get the children to participate in the community and to help promote community awareness." To that end, the members of Fiji supported the Youth Olympics in more ways than one. The Youth Olympics took place on a concrete playground on September 23, 1995. The day's events started at 8:00 AM when thirty-five brothers helped set up for the festivities. Through the course of the day, brothers supported the Youth Olympics by distrib uting refreshments and helping with such events as the long jump, a softball toss, relay races, basket ball shooting contests, and a football throwing competition. The day's events eventually wound down at 5:30 PM and brothers helped out by clean At the Ronald McDonald House: Brothers per form children's stories for the residents. GraduateForum To all graduate brothers: As part of our continuing efforts to keep graduates as active as possible in the workings of Nu Epsilon, we would like You to send updates ing up the playground and packing up equipment. and opinions. These will be appearing in the next installment of the Fiji (Edmund Wrenn is a senior in the Tisch School New Yorker.Please send all submissions of the Arts and is studying Drama.) what have you done to: Phi Gamma Delta Nu Epsilon Chapter for (Phi Qamtna (DeCta today? The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall 1995 • Page 6 Attn: Fiji New Yorker 61 East 8th Street Suite 105 New York, NY 10003 \r\nA Most Successful Pig Dinner Now presenting:Greg Poulos '78 accepts the best tie ward, while Lance Stendal (Minnesota '93) tries to swallow his fist. By Eric Unis '98 On April 28, 1995, Nu Epsilon celebrated its most successful Norris Pig Dinner in recent years. Held at the elegant Cornell Club in midtown Man hattan, nearly seventy graduate brothers and the 'ig's Last Hurrah: This year's pig strikes one aore pose before it is devoured. Duncan Logan '86 for their continued service to the chapter. In addition to the usual festivities, elections for the Alumni Association officers were also held. Ira Lieberman '78 will remain as President with Ted Chan '90 Vice President. This year's Pig Dinner was also an opportunity for undergraduate 9{mr[y 70 Qraduate brothers to better familiarize themselves with their new Purple Legionnaire Darrin Billig '91 and give thanks to Joseph Natoli '83 for three years of service as Purple Legionnaire. 'Brotfiers were assemSCed. entire undergraduate brotherhood assembled for the popular event. Guests of honor included Sec Chapter President Michael Davis '96 gave a speech reflecting on the chapter's accomplishments during the past year, and announced some of our goals for the upcoming year. The chapter has made Fall Rush a top priority, with many prospectives being set as the Rush program's goal. "Achieving this goal," President Davis said, "will be one more step on our way to acquiring a new chapter house." (Eric Unis is a History major in the College of Arts and Sciences.) tion Chief Brad Petrella (Akron '85), Feild Sec retary Lance Stendal (Minnesota '94), and guest speaker Archon Ken Sobel (Arizona '75), who flew in all the way from San Diego, California to take part in Pig Dinner. In keeping with tradition, the chapter's gradu ating seniors were honored at the dinner. Awards for distinguished service to the chapter were given to Daniel Perez '95, Eric Gioia '95, and Brian Murray '95. Brother Murray delivered the tradi tional Exile's Toast, a humorous speech that brought many brothers to laugh. Awards were given to graduate brothers Bruce Blau '80, William O'Reilly '86, Daniel Weiner VI '89, Greg Poulos '78, and Nu Epsilon's graduate base: Greiving the loss of his hair. Brother Natoli drinks his way into oblivion. The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall 1995 • Page 7 \r\nYoung purple Epsilon: Tales from the Road I've been around the world a couple of times or maybe more But when the people ask me the place blood fills the house By Thomas Wingfield '99 This year's Fall Rush attracted five prospective members. The four freshmen and one sophomore promise to be an extremely strong class. Adam Mancino '98 and John Grassano '99 are from New Jersey, Tripp Owen '99 is from Alabama, Thomas Wingfield '99 is from Georgia, and Dan Vitz '99 is from New York. Three schools are represented by the class. The prospectives are enrolled in courses at the College of Arts and Sciences, The Stern School of Business and the School of Con tinuing Education. Although most of the prospec tive members are undecided, two have declared a major in Finance and Politics. that I adore; Here's what I say: The prospective members enjoyed the numer ous Rush events organized by the Brothers. One of the highlights was the brotherhood dinner. It was Give me a home amongst the gum trees at this event that the prospectives got a real taste With lots of plum trees With lots of plum trees experience first hand the sense of unity and broth A sheep or two and a kangaroo A clothes line out the hack, a veranda of what it means to be a Fiji. They were able to erhood that lives within the walls of the Fiji House. The Brothers shared their personal stories with the prospective members. The variety of the stories out front showed the new class that Fiji is home to a wide And an old rocking chair... range of personalities. Even though the class is diverse, they share a common desire. They feel that Fiji is the place for On the Road By Todd Blair '95 With the temperature in the high nineties and the vegemite flowing like mud, it was my under them. It is their home. Many of the prospective members say that they were attracted to Fiji be cause of its continuing pursuit of excellence. Fiji's are never satisfied with any level of achievement. standing that three months in Australia would be Phi Gams always strive to take it up another notch in all areas: academics, social ties and personality. too short. Every prospective member believes that he has Coupled with confining responsibility, I found time on the weekends to spear fish off of Crote Island and hike the Rain Forest of Mugreeba. The trip went by too quickly and now I am home blow ing some tunes on my didgeree-doo. Watching the smoke waft off the barbie, contemplating my next journey. Perhaps it will be Alaska. Until then... (Todd Blair graduated with a degree in Resource Economics at the Gallatin School for Independent Study.} The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall 1995 • Page 8 made a decision which will have a profoundly positive impact on his life as a student and as an individual. Already the prospectives are showing signs of being a strong class. They feel they can rely on one another. They have also found that they have more in common with each other than just their desire to be a part of Fiji. Although they come from different backgrounds, they feel at home with each other. They are beginning to act as ONE. (Thomas Wingfield is a freshman at the College of Arts ans Sciences.) \r\nQUOTA TIONS Think where man's glory most begins and ends. And say my glory was I had such friends. -William Butler Yeats m. © The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall 1995 • Page 9 \r\nNE wins All-Sports trophy Sixth Consecutive Year Taking the Field by Storm: Fiji Machine's de fensive unit is hard at work NE wins Softball Championship and face each other in the finals for tennis By Vladislav Novak '97 Spring '95 was a phenomenal season for Fiji athletics. First and foremost: Nu Epsilon is the new undisputed Softball champion! The championship game was played on Sunday, April 30 against Al pha Phi Delta. When it was all over Fiji came out a 19 to 2 winner! Our own graduating David "The Rhino" Perazzo '95 had two stand-up doubles with four runs batted in. Israel's finest pitcber, Eyal Talassazan '96 pitched a phenomenal nine innings allowing only three hits. Both of these fine Fiji's, along with Vincent DePasquale '98 Around the diamond: Having completed a victo rious season. Brothers pose for Sports Illustrated his fiery performance during the semifinals. He came away with seventeen kills and seven digs on the match. Daniel Perez leads the team in blocks, averaging three per match and accumulating twenty eight stuffs for the season. Phi Gams had a strong showing at the First Annual New York University Purple-and-White Olympics. In fact, Fiji led all other fraternities for the number of events won, racking up over two hundred and fifty points. Niko Moustakis '96, Clifford Thornton '97 and Vladislav Novak '97 are the swimming gold medalists. Brian Murray '95, Mathew Dallas '96 and Domenick Sgambelluri '97 brought home the power lifting competition, were accountable for three moonshots that were while Eric Gioia '95 and Jonathan Eng '97 swept the track and field events, each coming away with four medals. In all, Nu Epsilon won nineteen deposited in the depths of the East River. Eyal's gold, twelve silver and twenty one bronze medals. personal physician and roommate, Christian Chung On the Soccer field Fiji is having a successful season. The team has benefited tremendously from its new recruits and its starters. Micheal Davis '96, also had a big day, connecting on four out of his seven at bats and scoring three runs. Daniel Perez '95 has completed another tremendous sea son leading the team with his .600 batting average. The Fiji Machine completed the year with a .487 batting average. The Softball championship, however, isn't the only thing Phi Gams can boast about this Spring. On the Volleyball court the Fiji Machine has once again reached the finals. To complement the starter's solid game, the bench executed well this season. Power hitters Tommy Tsatsaronis '95 and Chris topher Rapisarda '97 had a productive game dur ing the playoffs, proving to be unstoppable for the opponent's defense. Setter James Choe '96 el evated his teammates to a new level of play with The Fiji New Yorker • Summer/Fall J995 • Page 10 '96, David Himmelstein '98, Philip Gershgorin '98, James Choe , Domenick Sgambelluri '96, Brian Murray '95 and Eyal Talassazan have pro vided a powerful offensive punch, scoring thir teen goals. Nu Epsilon made its way to the semi finals, before being beaten on a questionable goal. The entire year has been a tremendous success in terms of sports for Nu Epsilon. Fiji came out strong and has not let up since. Fiji looks to fortify its ranks what with valuable sports con tributors such as Danny Perez and Brian Murray graduating. (Vladislav Novak is a Pre-Medical major at the College of Arts and Sciences.) \r\nAb ove & Beyond The Rest Fiji Sports Night, morale is high. As Carlos Zayas '96 puts it, "When it comes to Greek Night, the whole frater nity really gets involved. It's an event that really pulls us together." Excellence In the points race towards the Overall Sports Trophy, Fiji has established a marginal lead. For Sports Trophy in May for having the most sports the rest of the semester and the rest of the year, Nu victories last year, Fiji once again has a trophy to Epsilon will once again be the fraternity to beat. protect and a reputation to uphold around campus. With a firm grasp on the trophy already, it will not It's nothing new to the brothers of Nu Epsilon, who be an easy task to dethrone this "Fiji Sports Ma By Matthew Dallas '96 After winning the NYU Intramural Overall have had possession of this trophy for the past six chine!" (Matthew Dallas is a senior at the Tisch School years. Every year seems to get tougher. "Everyone of the Arts. He is studying Film.) has their sights set on Fiji," says Nick Pelis '96, "we must constantly stay on our toes." Fiji has done just that so far. We are literally off to a running start this year, after winning N.Y.U's NYU Lacrosse: A Fourth Annual Cross-Country Meet. It was a Fiji landslide victory as Matt Dallas '96 took first place,with Tripp Owen '99, Cliff Thornton '97, John Grassano '99 and Carlos Zayas '96 round Fiji tradition By Ryan Utarnachitt '98 Athletics have always been an important aspect ing out the top 5 positions. "We have won this of Fiji life. Six years ago Nu Epsilon Fiji's Russell event every year since it was started" says Matt Dallas. "It is a matter of pride to see that Fiji stays J. Redgate '93 and Vincent Suba '92 started the the only name that gets engraved on the trophy." Lacrosse program at New York University. Fiji This year sparked a series of new sports that brothers have participated in the lacrosse program since it was begun. This year is no exception, with three brothers returning to the program. Mark won, with Nu Epsilon's Tripp Owen taking first Bbasin '96, Munged Hassan-Dolab '96 and Ryan were added to N.Y.U's intramural curriculum. The Biathlon was one new addition which Fiji also place, and Cliff Thorton placing third overall. This Utarnachitt '98 are all veteran defensemen with early momentum carried over into football and years of experience. NYU's lacrosse program has never had a losing season since it began and has always has been known for its outstanding defen Starting off the Footbball season right, Fiji has sive units. Brothers Bhasin, Hassan-Dolah and already edged out two fraternities to take an early Water Polo as well. 2-0 lead. It is a sense of Fiji pride to finish the Utarnachitt, are all integral parts of the defensive Football season with an undefeated record and Nu team. Graduate Brother Russell J. Redgate returns Upsilon hopes to do just that. As the Water Polo as an assistant coach to help guide this year's team. After facing its toughest year ever, finishing with season progresses, Fiji is heading into the finals next week with a flawless record. Goalie Domenick a 6-4 record, the NYU Lacrosse team looks forward Sgambelluri '97 feels that "This year the team is playing really well together." Basketball is also off to a great start this year as Fiji has secured a to battling towards a more successful year. With the loss of key "middie" players from last year's squad, like graduate brother Rainier Rodriguez '95, this will be a tougher challenge for the team. His loss will make the transition game a lot more difficult for this year's team. The return of many seed in the upcoming playoffs. Team captains James Choe '96 and Roark Stabler '96 have been working hard to make it a clean sweep on the court this year. Volleyball is the only sport that has has been talented players from last year's team and the addi tion of a few bright freshmen prospects will assist concluded, and after a 6-0 undefeated season record, in trying to achieve a successful season. The team also counts on that famed Fiji defensive squad to Fiji has won the Volleyball Championships. Brother Vlad Novak '97 said "from the beginning of the carry on the winning tradition of the NYU La season it wasn't even a contest. crosse program. I knew that we would win because of the great chemistry Fiji Vol leyball had." As the brothers get ready for the annual Greek (Ryan Utarnachitt is a Pre-Medical student in his sophomore year at the College of Arts and Sciences.) The Fiji New Yorker ® Summer/Fall 1995 ® Page 11 \r\ndates to remember: pig dinner: april 2b, at 8:00 p.m. casino nife:march 30, at 6:00 p.m. street fair: may 11, at noon. fiji island: when? where? how much? New York University NONPROFIT ORG. The Nu Epsilon Chapter of U.S. POSTAGE PHI GAMMA DELTA PAID 3 Washington Place, 2nd Fl. NEW YORK, NY New York, NY 10003 PERMIT NO. 7931 Address correction and forwarding requested. Nicholas Altweis Phi Gannma Delta 1201 Red Mile Road Lexitigton, KY 40544-4599