The Rho Alpha Rumpus Spring 1996 Brothers, I hope everyone is enjoying a happy new year... hard to believe we're three months into it already. Speaking of the new year, how about that Sugar Bowl! More on that below, but also how about those Hokie Hoopsters! Tech fans e^'elyvvhere are surely in a state of euphoria over the success of Tech's revenue-producing sports teams. Congratulations to the new undergraduate cabinet and committee heads. I look forward to working with them and have already had some constructive chats with President Geoff Ax. You should soon be recehing the annual solicitation letter for the Rho Alpha Scholarship Fund. I'm really impressed with the generosity I've seen for this worthy cause over the past few years. 1 hope you will continue to be as generous as possible, especially now that those holiday bills are paid off! Remember that donations to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible, unless Steve Forbes is elected President - so you might want to get your donations in now! Speaking of tlie scholarship, %ve are now in the midst of the application period for the armtial $500 award, to be presented at Pig Diimer. This is where your contributions go. Some day we would like to award two $500 (or one $1000) scholarships, hence the need for your continued support. This year's application deadline is 18 March, and tlte scholarship committee will convene in Blacksburg on 30 March to interview the applicants. Good luck to all applicants! The imdergrads are really trying to pump up the percentage of graduate news in this newsletter. In order for that to happen, we the graduates have to supply the news! I ask you now to keep the imdergrads informed about what's going on in your life; drop a line to the Chapter House every so often. Better yet, drop by the House for a visit as Brother Carl Fastabend did. After receiving the chapter newsletter in his mail last fall, Carl and his wife stopped by the Chapter House the Friday night of Homecoming weekend and spent a few hours chatting with the brothers and relating stories from his days at Tech. I can tell you, it was a pleasure to witness. I will close with my own contribution; Laura and I dug deep into our pockets and traveled to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl! The weather was bad and the travel ej^jerience was a nightmare - but at least we made it there (condolences to Jon Parker). And the Game made it all wortliwhile! Amazingly enough, with all those thousands of people crawling the streets, we still ran into Brothers Craig Swanner and Jay Bumgardner not once but twice! The second time was on Bourbon Street an hoin before midnight - the most maddening, crushing mob I've ever been a part of. We soon lost Jay, and not much later Craig was swallowed up by the Bourbon Street throng. I've not heard from either one since -1 hope they got out of there alive! Everyone keep up the good work, and remember that Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone! I hope to see you at Pig Dirmer. Fraternally, Pete McDevitt ('90) Perge! \r\nFIJI Takes Second Place at AAll's Safari Hunt HOUSE CORPS. V.P. RENOVATION UPDATE Brothers, as we speak, the chapter house is transforming once again. The money we borrowed from the bank has enabled us to initiate the "FINAL PHASE " of the House Renovation Project started over(6)years ago. I am sure these changes will surpass any expectations you might have held for the future of our fraternity. The "Big Ticket" item of note starts witli the Upstairs Bathroom. We've expjmded the bathroom into the hall closet so as to allo-w room for(2)single pre-fab shower stalls, new double sink vanity and new water saver toilet. Actually, we've expanded a little further, by adding a Skylight and Cathedral Ceiling. With the addition of(12) new replacement windows, we will hopefully be saving electricity and water. Also, we're adding a "New Attic Access to make our storage area larger and safer. This access will be located outside of the cage door with a typical fold down ladder style. Next, in (3)of the bedrooms we're actually putting in real state of the art closets with their own locking hardware. So, the security of the brothers "Personal Effects" can be better controlled when they are not there. Granted, space in these rooms are somewhat altered, but the "(Quality of Living" has vastly improved. Such as the installation of a new " Brother Only" phone line into the upstairs living environment. Therefore, the chances of getting a call into a brother would increase by over 50%. On the main floor of the house we're basically putting down new carpet(as well as upstairs) re-tiling the bathroom, adding a new toilet, vanity and cabinet, new door and fresh paint. The mantle over the fireplace is being repaired and getting a new built in bookcase on both sides with a display cabinet in the middle. This new "Mantle" will be a better focal point for prospective brothers and visitors alike upon entering the chapter house. The Basement is getting its fair share of the remodeling. The "Stairs of Death" are getting another handrail and new wallboard all around. Next, the Mechanical room is being enlarged with a "New Closet" added behind. This closet will be for the undergraduates meeting supply storage only. Do to scheduling difficulties, the basement bedroom will be done this summer after school is out. New closets and lighting will then be added. Of course, no house renovation would be complete without the "E.xterior" getting a touch-up. The Gutters and Eaves will finally get repaired(2 years later) and the back pantry exterior exit (party entrance) will have that "Concrete Monster" removed and a new wood-treated deck type landing and stairs built in its place. This removes that cloud of "Liability" from over our heads. So, in conclusion, you can see that Rho Alpha is constantly changing to meet the needs of the Undergraduates as we press forward to the end of the 90's. And,from a Graduate view, a better environment to relive our days and tell our tales of how things used to be when we were there. Fraternally, Linwood Lejhvich Jr. House Corp. V.P \r\nGraduate News!! If you are not in the following list of graduate news, and would like to be in the next newsletter, write a letter to us at 202 Church St., or you can e-mail Jason Dean at qdty79a@prodigy.com, Glenn Kinnear at gkinnear@vt.edu, or James Hamric at jkhamric@aol.com. We will make sure pertinent information makes the newsletter! • Jeff Carter, bought a house and moved in October. His new address is Jeff Carter & Caryn Johnson, 451 The Great Road, Bedford, MA 01730;617-275-7579 617- 275-0230(FAX). Jeff has moved from "selfemployed" to "own my'own company ^th 1 employee(me)," and is still doing the same work(software consulting) Jeff plans to come to Pigger this year, but "I must insist that if anyone borrows my wife that she be returned in the same condition that she started in.(You know who you are )" "y presence at home has been ^tfnttago.'^ e»reed.ately foUowing childbirth. Go figure. I thought myjob was iv/rrk Hesse, is still working at Navalco-op Surface Warfare MD,coming up on 15AT, years ofservice including time' Dana Centeraini White t n n Oak a month)doing field planning and coordin«ion fbr hfe group betngclosed down^CTthe Base Closure Commission (in its infinite wisdom); (K transferred to NSWC Carderock site in Bethesda MD m 1997.It adds only 15 itules to the conmut^ but 15 ve^ painful beltway miles."Instead of working &om 0900 to 1730 I will be forc^ to work 0630 to 1500 ifI don't want to sit in traffic(quite a lifestyle ' adjustment for anyone who knows me weU!)." Dana's son Nicholas(11/12/941 keens Dana and his wife Terri busy. "He started walking at 10 months(good for us; he was too heavy to carry any morel), and will be asking me for the car keys any day now If he keens p-owmg at the same pace we wUl need a second mortgage on the house to feed him when he s a teenager. He is already well traveled like Dad, having been aU the way from Ft Lauderdale to Acadia Maine before his first birthday. He is looking forward to going to Pig Dinner this year and scoping out the women in front of Squires(a Danny Kallick in training?!? Henry and Sue keep an eye on your girls!). Nicky has told me he wants to pledge Fin at Rho Alpha but I told him we don't pin anyone who is stUl wearing diapers and only has 5 teeth, even if he is a legacy, dems da rules." • Glenn Kinnear,BF, "I am a 1994 graduate ofPA and here is a little news about my life: I need a job. I am still in grad school working on my masters. I need ajob I plan to graduate in May 1996.1 need a job. I live in Blacksburg. I need a job. Both my BS and MS are in physics. I need a job. I keep hearing rumors that my pledge brother Mike Morrone is coming to town, be he hasnt showed up for homecoming yet. I need a job. I am not married yet. I need a job. And finally I will be attending Pig Dinner this year, although I still need a date. PS. I need a job." Glenn is planning on job hunting after graduation. \r\n• Henry King, O,and his wife Sue are alive and well and living in Amarillo, Texas. Henry works for Mason & Hanger, Silas Mason Co. at the Pantex Plant. Sue is Senior Scientific & Technical Advisor for the Dept ofEnergy, Amarillo Area Office. Henry is almost through getting a private pilot license (just the check ride to go!). Daughters Lindsay(8 1/2) and Virginia(6) have adjusted to life in Amarillo and now think that it is supposed to snow sideways. At least one ofthem will be at NPDI (#18 for Henry,#16 for Sue - Damn they're getting old!) • Jon "Crash" Parker, has a new job as a Software Development Team Leader with General Research Corp. in Tysons Comer, VA,and has been there almost one year. You can reach him at work at(703)506-5631 or e-mail him atjparker@grci.com. "I still drive a fast car ('93 T-Bird SuperCoupe)and still have the occasional run-in with traffic law enforcement personnel, although I haven't crashed a car lately." • From Steve Debevoise,11: "Cheryl Debevoise(Wife and ex-little sister) has started a new job working with special education students. I've been doing a lot oftravel to Trenton NJ and have been bugging the Robl's, K, whenever possible. Mike Obrien, n, was married (a couple years ago)to Terri. He bought a house and is getting domesticated. His address is 16 Eden Ave., Oaklyn NJ 08107(609)854-4584. There is lots going on with Captain Stupid (Rooney), T, but it's too dynamic for me to keep track of Both him and his much better half have new jobs(Kind of). We've talked with the Gass's, n, Jordans,K,and Rooney's; all are planning on attending PD." • TYus year, we can look forward to seeing a man who has not been to the last two Pig Dinners. Camilo R. Mercado, AO. Camilo has been very busy, working and partying (which apparently are one in the same). "This past year I opened up a night club. Not very big(a little bigger than the old Marriot back in B-burg), but it's a hell of a place. It keeps me pretty busy but it's a lot offun. You get to meet people (girls) and make good money(about $20,000/month after taxes) at the same time. Actually it should get better. 3 months after I opened it, I received an offer to sell it for a 30% over what it cost me. Other than that, I keep working with my two enterprises. The one that I had 3 years ago, and a new one that I founded last year. Hopefully, in a short while revenues will be accorded to work input. Anyway,I wanted to let you all know that I'll be there for Pig Dinner." It sounds like Camilo hasn't had a very tough time in the real world, huh? • Here is some news about Matt Swinney, AZ. As of3/4/96, he was no longer employed by AT&T/NCR. Now Matt supports PC users in Windows 95, Windows NT, Microsoft Office and various other assorted software for Federated Systems Group, a division of Federated Department Stores. They own Macy's, Burdines, Bloomingdales, Riches, Lazarus, Goldsmiths, Stems, Parisians and Bon Marche. Furthermore, Matt will probably be a Flight Instmctor out ofPeachtree Dekalb Airport(PDK)this spring, for those of you who want to make the trek to learn to fly. That makes three Fiji's that I know of(Henry King, Steve Debevoise)flying our fi-iendly skies. Bring your parachutes. \r\n• Bill Woodward, AN, writes; "Well, let's see, what's going on with me. Nothing terribly exciting, I'm still living in Austin, TX,where the February temperatures are reaching up into the 90s. Almost time to go swimming. Other than that, my family is doing well. My wife, Kelly, and I now have two children, Matthew, age 3 1/2, and Aubrey(F),just turned 2. I'm working for PSW Technologies(formerly Pencom Software), an up-and-coming computer consulting firm (growing at about 50% per year for the last two years). I'm also working on my Computer Science Master's degree at Southwest Texas State University. Halfway through, and I'm maintaining a 3.83/4.0 GPA (which almost doubles my undergraduate GPA.)" • Ward Follette, E,is no longer in Spain, and is now on assignment in Waterford, NY, where he skis every weekend. Ward mailed many postcards to Blacksburg while overseas, and we all greatly appreciated it. We can expect to see him at Pigger this year. • Jay Bumgardner, AO,has joined the Air Force and lives on beautiful Eglin AFB in Florida. He was commissioned as an officer in January of 1995. Jay also had other big news last year when he was married at the Tech chapel on July 15, 1995 to Kimberly Hess (VT '92). Jay is hoping to visit from Florida to make Pig Dinner also. Jay's new address is 575 Chinquapin Dr., Eglin AFB,FL 32542. (904)651-9972. • As many ofyou know, John Friedman,AE,graduated in 1987 and went on to become an elementary school teacher. John was the recipient ofa teaching award and grant recently and was commended in a local newspaper; "...Mr. Friedman will join a research team in investigations regarding the conservation of Canis lupus- the gray wolf. The team will spend one week in Minnesota's Superior National Forest tracking collared wolves by use of radio telemetry and observing pack dynamics. They will also spend one week on Isle Royale in Lake Superior taking part in the world's longest ongoing scientific study of predatory- prey relationships." John is going to watch mooses(?) and wolves. He was quoted in the newspaper as saying "In children's literature, the wolfhas been portrayed as a cunning, dangerous, and deviant creature.[Does John know that FIJI'S have been described the same way??]It is my intention to investigate this misunderstood species and then return with the ability to provide others with a more informed perspective." )' - > • The big news in John Vert's, AY,life is his upcoming marriage on June 22nd to the lovely & wonderful Peggy Mueller. You might be interested to know that they will be — U1 the lilC Fiji Ay* islands. lOlttlXVAU. Rho Z X/MXA t. wait for a postcard! John's new address honeymooning in Alpha can't is: 80 S. Jackson #203 Seattle, WA 98104. 206-292-9020 • Rob Paine, A3,"had a really good gyro at Souvlaki the other day." Rob is back in Blacksburg working towards a Masters Degree at Va Tech. \r\nPig Dinner T-Shirt Design Pigger Is Coming Up! Pigger will be beld at the Blacksburg Marriott on Saturday, April 13, 1996. Our keynote speaker is Phi Alpha CW brother John W.Miller. Our DJ will once again be the fabulous Earl Brown. Twenty-five rooms were blocked oflf at the Mamott. Saturday s schedule consists of: 1. House Corporation meeting - 9:30 a.m. at the Mamott (doughnuts and coffee will be served!) Agenda: 1) Renovation Status 2) 25th Pig Dinner in '97 3) May '96 Bond Repayment 4) Election of New Officers for '96-'98 term 2. Picnic - 12:30 p.m. 3. Cocktails - 6:00 p.m. at Marriott 4. Dinner - 7:00 p.m. The glassware consists of23 oz. pilsner glasses at $7.00/each. The T-shirts will be $12.00/each. Once again, the chapter will bujang the liquor in bulk. The cost will be five dollars per person. If possible, please include this with your Pig Dinner reply. We hope to see all of you there! Don't forget the Graduate Party on Friday night, April 12! \r\n■m'M; A few graduates reliving old times and making new memories -«li .-4 Pig Dimvet Glassware iVT Where Are You? The foUowing Brothers are Missing In Action: Eric W. Kroeber, Ronald K. Gheen, John C. Grady, Richard W. Rau, Charles M. Rector, James M. Jeweler, Robert L. Phelps'll, George B. McClelland Jr., Carl Fasatbend, Steven D. Milstein, Walker T. Owen, Paul V. Ditto, Daniel A. Robl, Robert L. Stephenson II, Kevin A. Shinpaugh, Scott C. Weber, Mark S. Russell, Michael D. Maret, Andrew V. Bailey B, Robert D. King, Matthew W. Holland, Michael F. GrifBth, Gregory S. Neiman, William E. East Jr., Michael J. Martirano, Scott T. Junkins, David L. Brandt, Eric Siverston, Camilo Mercado. We do not have their current addresses, due to a fault on their part, or ours. If you know where these Brothers are, or how to contact them, please let us know, or let them know we need to hear from them. Thank You! \r\nUndergraduate President's Address With the start of 1996 and the spring semester here at Virginia Tech, Rho Alpha is off to a promising year. We are busy as ever with activities and events inside and outside of the chapter. Most importantly, five new brothers have joined the family of brothers here. Their names are Dave Carroll ('99), Joe Edgell ('99), Andrew Hooker ('99), Brandon Kelley ('99), and Jeff Scattergood ('99). The Brothers at Rho Alpha are always striving to better Phi Gaituna Delta here at Tech and to show others what Phi Gamma Delta is about. In the process, we are improving our Greek relations, maintaining our scholarship, increasing our service, and above all, keeping our excellent reputation here. We have recently been holding socials with many of the sororities here, as well as planning many tailgates for the upcoming fall football season. Many of our Brothers are currently involved with a program called Adopt-A-School. This program allows individuals to help children at local schools and just received an award from the Governor for the Greek system here at Tech. Recently Rho Alpha has become a member of the Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce. Through om membership in this. Brothers are able to attend luncheons and seminars where they can meet local merchants and members of other Greek organizations. In addition, we have elected to support the Tour DuPont bicycle race which is sponsored by the Chamber. In January we had another visit firom Field Secretary Towner Blackstock. He has provided the chapter with some excellent ideas to continue our improvements in all aspects. To the delight of all oim brothers he has given us great excitement in believing we should consider ourselves serious contenders for the Condon Cup in the next year. On behalf of the Rho Alpha imdergraduates 1 thank all of you for your continued support, for without it the chapter would be lost. We know we can coimt on you in the future and look forward to seeing all of you on April 13, 1996 for the Norris Pig Diimer! ^ -iFraternally, Geofirey Ax BI, Chapter President • Perge/ 202 Church St. Blacksburg, VA 24060 Address Correction Requested Dana W.Hesse 9531 Kings Grant Road Laurel, MD 20723 -.