The Bullet FIJI The Xi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity at Gettysburg College GETTYSBURG, PA SPRING 1986 President’s Message ! « \ FESS A few weeks ago | received my brother's pin from national. As | took it out of its case with its shiny jet black, its white star, and its gold Greek letters, a deep chill ran through my body as if the pin were a live electric wire. Why was | so moved by this symbol of our fraternity? | remember when | first saw the chain links hanging from the fireplace. There were all the brothers names from 1858 joined together. Again, | felt that excitement, that thrill, that unexplainable feeling of wonder. Why did | feel so? As | was handed the gavel of the presidency a few weeks ago, that rush hit me as, had so many times before. But why? Why was | so moved? It wasn't because the pin looked nice or the chain was aestetic or that the presidency is prestigious. | felt that excitement, that chapter tone, because | realized that | am in an all-encompassing unity of history, citizenship, love, companionship, friendship and brotherhood. As alumni, try never to forget the feeling | have just described. I'm sure all of us have had this rush through our body. Perhaps your college days are over, yet you are never forgotten at Xi Chapter. So pull out your brother's pin and look at it, or think about the links in the chain hanging together as one. And when you feel that chill of chapter tone, you will know that you are still a vital part of Phi Gamma Delta, Xi Chapter. Perge’ Michael A. Smerkanich House Corporation Report As we approach the later part of the school year, Xi Chapter con- tinues to be one of the top fraternities on Gettysburg's campus. Graduate Relations Report As new Graduate Relations chairmen we have recognized the shortcomings of Xi chapter in the area of undergraduate rela- tions. It has, therefore, become our intention to improve rela- tions between the graduate and undergraduate brothers. To do this we have determined to set a precedent of excellence by bet- ter organizing and establishing continuity with the publication of reminders, notices and of the Bullet Fiji. Xi chapter has set many goals for the upcoming year. Most important of these are the house renovations mentioned in the House Corporation's Report. In order to achieve these goals Xi chapter needs the support of its graduate brothers. Such sup- port could be shown by your attendance at future Fiji events and by filling out and returning the enclosed form. We are approaching the issue of improved graduate relations and the goals of the new Executive Committee of Xi chapter with much optimism and we are looking forward to hearing from you and meeting with you. Perge’ Thomas R. Hobbis Christopher H. Johnston The House Corporation, consisting of John Haas '74, Phil Dolson '76, Ed Riggs '77 and myself, have committed ourselves to work with the house more closely than in the past year. Our efforts com- bined with those of the present members will bode well for Xi Chapter in general in the near future. One thing some of us need to realize is that the actual physical structure we once called the ‘‘Fiji Hilton’’ has not had a major overhaul in 17 years. The brothers and alumni will be making a concentrated effort to fix up some of the hidden problems like plum- bing, heating and electricity, while also realizing that the more aesthetic features like landscaping and painting are in need of work also. Seventeen years of parties that Xi Chapter has always been well known for, have taken their toll. Finally, a good reason for sprucing up the house is because of an upcoming anniversary. Xi Chapter has been around Gettysburg 128 years but the cornerstone on the lodge reads 1890. We should be proud that it has been on campus for almost 100 years, and it should look like we take pride in it. Perge’ Steve Gutting '77 (H.C. Pres.) \r\nPAGE 2 Chapter Officers President Treasurer Kurt Sollenberger Recording Secretary Secretary Andrew Wilmot Eric Monheim Historian Thomas Shaffer Alumni News Jim Goodwin '70 - Asst. V.P. Equitable Life Bob McKearin ’70 - 27 Iranistan Rd, Burlington, VT. Attorney (still married to Mary and has two children). Bruce Young ’70 - Operations Staff Manager AT&T (wife Sylvia and two children). Ed Morgan ’65 - 725 Benson La., Green Oaks, IL. Asst. V.P. Allstate Insurance, (Susan and four children). Barry Shaw ’65 - 1111 Sheaffer Rd., Elizabethtown, PA. President Wengers Mills, Inc. '72 Dave Van Nostrand and wife Jean are expecting their second child this summer. '73 Bruce Limpert works with Barry Shaw at Wengers Mills and claims his golf game is in the 70’s (strokes or years?). ’73 Skip Shoemaker recently coached his 100th wrestling victory at Radnor High School in Radnor, PA. Jim Breck '80 - 58 Strathmere LA., Westport, CONN. 06880 - V.P. Executive Compensations Systems John Mathai ’80 - 3419 B Stafford St., Arlington, VA, 22206 - Systems Engineer, IBM. Gary Ostermueller ’80 - 21 Pheasent Run, Edison, N.J. 08820 - Sales Manager, Watson Metal Products. George Riter ’80 - 40 Wooddale Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19118 - Law Partner, Harris, Davis, Riter & Pavey. (Recently dated Richie Ashburn’s daughter.) 3 Corresponding Bill Groves ’75 - 810 Pocono Dr., Richmond, NJ. 23236-Underwriting Supervisor, Ohio Casualty Insurance Co. Bob Hines ’75 - 37 Mashapaug Rd., Sturbridge, Mass, 01566 - Owner, Fanfare Shoes. Peter Lyon '75 - 104 Cottage Pl., Ridgewood, N.J. 07450 - Constructor (still married to Donna). '82 Pete Cloutier is a senior media planner for Dancer-Fitzgerald- Sample Inc. in New York City. Chuck Samph 1964-1985 Much has happened in all of our lives since November. We have finished another semester, completed a very successful rush pro- gram, elected new officers, and begun a very fine pledge program. All of these fraternity activities with our academic pursuits and other various activities here at Gettysburg have not, however, clouded our memories of the tragedy that occurred on the twenty-first of November. As anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Chuck Samph can attest, his death has not faded from our minds. The time that has passed since Chuck’s death has given us all the chance to recall the joy that Chuck’s life brought to us all. The infectious spirit of someone like Chuck will never die. I'm sure all who knew Chuck can remember one instance, about or with him, that brings a smile to his face. This is the way to remember him. | learned a very great thing about this house through Chuck’s death. | have never seen so much emotion, closeness, and caring from a group of men as | saw that terrible November day - Allen- town. | will never forget the sorrow of that day; however, as long as | will remember that sorrow, | too will remember the feeling of brotherhood | felt that day. The support we gave each other, and the sense of closeness was really beautiful. It was great to know that there was so much love within our house. While this was certainly a terrible way to learn this about our house, it really did make me proud to be associated with this frater- nity. | guess if there is good to come from things like this, this feel- ing must be it. | hope that all of us can experience this closeness, and that the great memories of Chuck’s life will soften the pain of his loss. Perge’ Eric R. Monheim \r\n PAGE 3 Sports Update Traditionally, Fijis have excelled in athletics, and this year was no exception as Phi Gamma Delta was well represented at both the intercollegiate and intramural levels. Joe Reich '87 and Dave Tavalaro '88 helped the football team in enjoying its most successful season in the school’s history. The team won the Centennial Conference championship for the third consecutive year and was crowned Southwest Region Division III champs, before losing in the NCAA Div. III semi-finals to Ithaca, and finishing with 11-1-1 record. The soccer team had another successful season thanks to the efforts of Joe Johnson ’86, Bill Kent '86, Scott Cleary 86 and Kurt Sollenberger '88. The team went 9-7-1 and for the second season in a row won the western league of the Mid-Atlantic Conference. A highlight of the season was the play of Joe Johnson, who as freshman was voted a league honorable mention and this year made all-MAC 1st team and all Pennsyivania, New Jersey and Delaware 2nd team. Joe scored 9 goals in the season bringins his total over 4 years to 31 and thus making him the leading goal scorer in the school’s history. Due to injuries and academic problems the basketball team lost some key players through the course of the season and as a result experienced a disappointing season for 1st year Head Coach Don Anderson. Scott Kremp '87 contributed by coming off the bench as sixth man, while Scott Douglas '87, Gettysburg’s starting center, had to watch the majority of the season from the sidelines after an academic deficiency put him out of action. And in another winter sport, Fijis Sean Reily 88, Vince Powers '88, Bill Duffill '88 and Craig Frost 89 led the hockey team in skating to 8 - 6 - 2 record this season. Likewise in the spring, Fijis are participating in numerous sports. Andy Shelly '88 is starting at centerfield for the baseball team, after being moved from left where he started as a freshman. Mike Smerkanich ’88 is practicing for Fiji Island by throwing a javelin for the track team. And out on the links, playing for the golf team are Tom Shaffer '87, Craig Frost '89 and Rick Stanton ‘89. Lastly, the success of the tennis team this spring is largely at- tributed to the play and leadership of newcomers Bryan Palmer '89 at first singles, Jack Hoops '89 at fifth singles and Bill Higgins '89. On a lighter note, Fiji again put forth an enthusiastic and honest effort in the intramural program. Inspite of disheartening defeats in both the outdoor soccer and basketball play-offs, the Lodge was proud of its performance and hopes for better luck in softball and indoor soccer this spring. eee Fiji Academy We gathered from all parts of the country on this hot summer day. Our hearts were filled with anticipation for an event which might have a profound impact on our futures. With nervous excitement, we turned onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike. We were heading for Columbus, Ohio and the 19th Fiji Academy. Six hundred Fijis were in attendance. Among them five represen- tatives of Xi Chapter: Chris Biondi, Peter Shoudy, Dave Moran, Dave Niggeman and Tom Hobbis. An intense schedule of leader- ship conferences, alcohol awareness programs and business meetings kept us busy. During our stay in Columbus we held many private conferences to establish goals as an executive committee for the upcoming school year. Excepting a couple of tribulations and a trial, the Fiji Academy was an educational and memorable experience. Looking back on our administration | can say that we accomplish- ed many of our goals. The first and second floors have been recarpeted. Great strides were made by our treasurer, Peter Shoudy, in the accounts receivable department. Throughout the year, one could sense the unity of brotherhood throughout the chapter. | have been a member of the chapter for two years now and realize how difficult it can be for some of our alumni brother to come back and appreciate what we have here. Many things have chang- ed, not only in the physical structure but in the social atmosphere as well. | have spoken to many alumns who frown on the social life of fraternities which exists now. One thing | would like to stress to those brothers who have and have not visited their chapter in recent years,is that the ideals of brotherhood have not changed. Brotherhood is as strong as ever. Our feelings for Phi Gamma Delta are as strong as ever. Come back and visit your chapter. Come back to your brotherhood. Perge’ Christopher J. Biondi Philanthropy A major aspect of Fiji at Gettysburg is its community service. This spring the brothers and pledges at Xi chapter went around to all the dorms and into town and collected $700 for the Ronald McDonald House in Harrisburg. This money will be used for aiding parents of children with cancer. It will give them a place to live close to the hospital so that the children will be able to receive the loving care of their parents. Another project under way is in conjunction with the other Greek organizations at Gettysburg. Together we will be holding a yard sale during Greek week to raise money for S.C.C.A.P., South Cen- tral Community Actions Program, which is a non-profit organiza- tion aimed at helping poverty stricken people in Adams county. Last year the yard sale made $2,500. This year, with the aid of Fiji brothers collecting goods from the faculty and staff at Gettysburg, we hope to earn $3,000. We are also in the process of planning events for fall semester next year. We hope to become more involved by helping the Get- tysburg Hospice House and the Adams County Childrens and Youth Services Organization. Thus, by social services past, present and future the brotherhood gives many benefits to the surrounding community. Perge’ Philanthropy Chairman Raymond P. Bahr \r\n \r\nPAGE 5 GRADUATE NEWS NAME OCCUPATION FAMILY RESIDENCE i eg PERSONAL STORY ID RETURN BROTHERS YOU'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM DETACt" FUNNY STORY RUSH RECOMMENDATIONS \r\nPAGE 6 GRADUATE NEWS NAME OCCUPATION FAMILY RESIDENCE PERSONAL STORY BROTHERS YOU'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM FUNNY STORY RUSH RECOMMENDATIONS \r\nPAGE 7 Scholarship Report Not forgetting the primary reason we are here at Gettysburg Col- lege, Fijis have continued to ‘‘...pursue knowledge and achieve scholarship...” in order to “...not be left behind in the upward march of humanity.’’ Thus, we wish to recognize and congratulate the following brothers for their outstanding academic achievements. For the 1986 fall semester Steve Brenneman '87, Tim Houser '88 and Kevin Smith ’89 earned Dean's List honors. Craig Frost ’89 was named to the Dean’s Commendation List. Also, this fall at the Fall Honors Day Banquet, the Awards Committee of Gettysburg College awarded John Lord ’88 the John L. Ostrom Award for best improvement in freshman composition. Tim Foley '88 was recently appointed scholarship chairman. Aside from needling brothers to improve upon their grades and to turn in papers that are late, one of Tim’s first priorities is to update and organize the back test file cabinet. ee Homecoming 1985 Once again, Phi Gams of all ages flocked to the lodge to celebrate homecoming, proving to all that Phi Gamma Delta is not for col- lege days alone. Due to the large turnout, the weekend was a suc- cess and a good time for all. Following the challenging ultimate frisbee tournament, brothers gathered for a hearty buffet. Later, undergraduate and alumni brothers alike cheered the football team, including brothers Joe Reich and Dave Tavolaro, on to victory. The highlight of the weekend, however, was the post-game cocktail party. Graduate brothers shared many amusing memories, gave sound advice, and demonstrated their generosity by contributing funds to the Fiji col- lection bowl. For brothers who stayed until Sunday, there was the traditional Phi Gam brunch. Allin all, Homecoming 1985 was a success. Old friendships were strengthened; new ones were made. Now more than ever the undergraduate brothers of Phi Gamma Delta very much need, and therefore appreciate, the alumni support exemplified by the suc- cess of Homecoming 1985. We hope to see you all next year! Perge’ Rick Layer Being a Fiji pledge has given me a genuine sense of belonging as | have never experienced before. I've learned alot about myself. When pledging began | was working with seventeen other students, but now | am working with seventeen friends. Pledging has also brought me to realize what a fraternity is real- ly for-Brotherhood and helping one another. We find the daily challenge indictive to learning the basis of what Fiji is and what it means. Perge’ Class '86 \r\n Tosse NL JVIIAINO0D ANNBSAV 3235ULHIVAd L2ZS vilaG VWWY9 IHd JO AVL VL3HL AN3GIS3Ud Y3LdVHI 0000 39N= 003 d9¥Z0006 SZEL1 “ed ‘Bingshye5 “any UJOOUI] “M €9 ALINYSLVYS VL1S0 VWWY® IHd