tfje Sooner Fiji 'Awii/Tom Pablisbsd by Mu Omega Cfjapfer of tfje Fraternity of Pf)i Oamma Pelta at tf)e University of OHlaboma NORMAN,OKLAHOMA WINTER 1999-2000 NU OMEGA ENJOYS STELLAR RUSH The fall of 1999 was an exciting time for the men of Nu Omega Chap ter of Phi Gamma Delta. With the return of 60-plus mem bers to fix up the house for rush, the chapter was anxious to see if Phi Gam could pull off a stellar rush for two consecutive years, something seen only rarely by a few chapters on the University of Oklahoma campus. And, with the enthusiasm of last year's pledge class and the leadership of the older members, we did just that! With a cap of 58 pledges set by the Interfraternity Council, Nu Omega and Steve Wilkins, which 1 led, was accessed. When we establish an ad faced with the challenge ofraising our own funds while recruiting men from everyone. across the state. 1 would like to thank the gi^aduates who made this year's rush a success through their financial support. Throughout the years, Nu Omega Chapter has had unparalleled graduate support. However, that support has dwindled. The membership is going to gi-eat lengths to revive lost relations and sincerely hopes that you will take advantage of every opportunity. We have sent letters and e-mails dress and connection, we will notify Finally, we are working on having a graduates weekend which will be your chance to see how the house is and have a good time doing it. Until that is arranged, we want the first Pig Dinner of the century to be a huge success, and that can only happen if you and your pledge brothers attend. The rest of this newsletter will in form you on the numerous positive things taking place at 1200 S. College. Again, we hope you are as excited as managed to exceed that number by trying to establish a graduate e-mail we are about the chapter's current signing 60 men who met the standard database which will enable us to fre quently update graduates on current status and hope that you can be a part of the upward rise of the Nu Omega events and accomplishments. Chapter. set by Phi Gamma Delta. However, this was not as easy as it sounds. Due to a lack of funding, the msh team of Joel Edge, Todd Emerson Chapter Wins McCarty Award Website that is cuirently unable to be Jack R. Durland Sr. '38 is retired. In the past year, the men of Phi Gamma Delta have worked hard to an announcer on on campus. During the fall 1999 semester,there were Fijis in executive positions for Winter Welcome Week, College Bowl, Spirit Council, The Big Event, OU Student Association, Undergradu ates of Communication Association, Finance Club, Campus Activities Cain's Coffee in Oklahoma City (sold to Nestle Company, Vevey, Switzer land, in I960). "I was US State Department repre WKY, which I ob sentative to International Coffee tained since I had Association sessions in London, just won the Na England,from 1951-52. I was chair tional Debating man of the board of directors of Championship of National Coffee Association on Wall the Street in New Yorkfrom 1951-52.1 am US. From 1942-46, 1 was a currently a member of the World special agent of the FBI working with Mr. Hoover in Presidents Association and a retired Washington and in the offices at Chi cago and Little Rock. tion and Oklahoma Bar Association. "From 1946-50, I was an attorney Council, Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Greek Core and OU at law with the law firm of Embry, Johnson, Crowe and Tolbert, which Cousins. law firm is now styled Crowe and Dunlevy. Oklahoma City. As a chapter, the men of Nu Omega (Continued on page 2) Perge! Graduate is a Retired Attorney He brings us up-to-date, "Myfirst em ployment was as increase the stature of the Nu Omega Chapter at the University of Okla homa. Recently, Nu Omega Fijis gained individual leadership positions President Ryan Dlek We have also created a Nu Omega "From 1950-82, I was president of member ofthe American Bar Associa "I have always been proud of the friends I made at the old (Fiji) house in Norman." Jack and his wife, June (Af), have two children. Jack Jr. and Diane. Contact Jack at 1620 Queenstown Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73116. \r\nPage 2 THE SOONER FIJI Winter 1999-2000 Pledgeship Changes Very Successful In the 1990s, pledgeship changed a great deal. In an age of lawsuits and The men who performed in this show worked tirelessly for hours and, when enhance our service so that some day political correctness. Phi Gamma the final competition arrived, the Fiji pledge class did an excellent job of representing the fraternity. For all who derful organization. It is amazing to conceive of48 individuals coming to gether as one. Pledgeship has been a fun, but even more importantly, an educational, experience. Everyone always talked about how joining the right fraternity would be a life-chang ing experience and I never believed Delta members had to reinvent the way Fiji history and cornerstones are taught to the pledge class. I think what they have developed is very success ful. The first few months of being a pledge have been very eventful, not only for me personally, but also for our university and chapter. We re cently competed in a campus event. University Sing. Twenty-five pledge class members worked since August on a one-act skit to be performed dur ing Dads Weekend. We were teamed with the women of Zeta Tan Alpha and we were a very successful team. There were numerous fraternity/soror ity teams that auditioned to compete, but only six made the final show. Phi Gamma Delta was one ofthe final six! were involved in this show,it was well worth it. The next big project undertaken by our pledge class was chapter house improvement. We decided to rebuild the deck in the courtyard. This was a colossal task. The evening before, we we will become members of this won them—now I do! Pledge Class President Alex Yaffe had a brotherhood event and we rose early to start work on our endeavor. Fifty men were hammering and carry ing boards from 8 a.m. until almost 6 p.m., but in the end, our efforts ended with a new, sturdy deck that will be around for many years and be utilized by the men of Phi Gamma Delta. The Nu Omega Chapter pledges are striving to advance our knowledge and Graduate News Chris J. Chase '92 is a national sales training manager at AutoNation USA. Catch up with Chris at his new ad dress, 1600 S.E. 15th St. #414, Fort Lauderdale, FL33316. Jerry G. Shelton '75 is president of Devonshire Homes. He is a two-term McCARTY AWARD (Continuedfrom page I) have labored diligently to uphold the Fiji name in the community and on campus. In the community, we have set up an incredible philanthropic lineup, including taking kids from the J.D. McCarty Center to local parks and baseball games numerous times, hosting a Halloween Carnival for Kids and taking part in the Big Brothers program. We are also plarming to hold a Valentine's Day blood drive and vol tificate for exceeding the all-men's average at our fostering institution. We also were privileged to receive the John Templeton McCarty Award for Chapter Proficiency. If you come by the OU Fiji house, make sure to check out the awards hanging proudly on the wall. Nu Omega is enthusiastic about our stellar performance. We can only in city councilman and mayor. Jerry wrote to us in May, "/ have three children (Holly, Amber and J.G.). The oldest, Holly, is currently a Pi Phi at OU." His wife, Pam (OSU), is an educa tor. Renew Fiji bonds with Jerry at 400 Castle Rock Rd., Yukon, OK 73099. crease our stature with your help. An Chad Vesper '91 works in software e-mail database has been set up to in form you of OU Phi Gam successes. Please send your e-mail addresses to sales for Parametric Technology. He sends this news, "We had our second Gam house to witness our excellence in action. child, Kate, on Januaiy 5, 1999." This former chapter president and his wife, Susie (KA0), also have a son. Jack, 2. Chad enjoys golf and resides at 1906 Huntington Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73116. sity Sing, Homecoming, Delta ^ The Sooner Fiji is published b)^ Burton C. Wood '47 is senior staff Gamma Anchorsplash, Greek Week the brothers ofthe Fraternity of Phi vice president of legislation for Mort Gamma Delta at the University of gage Bankers Association of America. He lives at 3031 Cambridge PI. N.W., unteer for Habitat for Humanity. Our performance on campus has been nothing less than extraordinary. We have been one of the top contend ers in all campus activities, including intramurals. Sooner Scandals, Univer and much more. Because ofthis strong platform, we are looking forward to applying for the President's Trophy, the award given to the best fraternity and soror ity by OU President David Boren. The Phi Gamma Delta National Headquarters commended us for our achievements by awarding us a cer oufiji@hotmail.com. We can also give you information concerning other Fiji graduates. Come by the Oklahoma Oklahoma for members and friends. Washington, DC 20007. Graduate news,photographs and change ofaddress notices should be William H.Dysart'51 is retired from sent to Nu Omega of Phi Gamma Delta, c/o Newsletter Program Headquarters, P.O. Box 410708, Kansas City, MO 64141-0708. the investment business. He has six children and 12 grandchildren. Let Bill hear from you at 8633 E. 61st St. #5, Tulsa, OK 74133. \r\nWinter 1999-2000 Page 3 THE SOONER FIJI More Nu Omega Graduate News William Rea Jr.'52 is a retired viee president of Merrill Lynch. He wrote to us in May, "1 am a member ofRo tary and am most active in building work with Habitatfor Humanity. You can correspond with Doug at 310 Longwoods Ln., Houston, TX historian in 1991. I'm pleased to re port that you 've improved it by 1000 77024. percent. "I have lunch with Tulsa and Steve G. Thomas '67 is president of Landnet Systems,Inc. Reminisce with Muskogee Phi Gam brothers several times a year. I seiwe as trustee of a charitable foundation set up by a him at 6249 N. 78th St., Estate 2, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, or via e-mail at landnet@primenet.com. former chapter president of Nu Omega. We granted 10$10,000 schol arships last week in Bartlesville, OK, funded by Brother Robert Trippet '39." Bill and his wife, Nancy (KA0), a DAR regent, have a son, James(Mi ami of Ohio). Drop Brother Rea a note R. Joseph Crowder '50 is an insur ance agent at Stevens-Dell & Associ ates, Inc. Send him a letter at 510 Shadow Ridge Dr., Little Rock, AR 72211, or via e-mail at jerowder@ aristotle.net. at 3214 S. Florence Ave., Tulsa, OK 74105, or via e-mail at bigredtul@ David G. Hammons '91 wrote to us aol.com. in May, "I am now working as a child support enforcement officer in the DA 's office in Shawnee. I have a new baby boy (Patrick) and a 3-year-old daughter(Abigail)." David is vice president of the C.Blake Vogler'89 writes, "My wife, Sara (Texas Lutheran), and I live north of Dallas, in Richardson with our two dogs, Bart and Barry (as in Switzer). We spend as much time as possible on the boat at Lake Texoma. We love company—both at home or at the lake! "Between our mostly-Fiji softball team and the nationwide Fiji Fantasy Football League, many of my closest friends are guys that I shared the Phi Gam experience with at Nu Omega." Blake is a manufacturing sales rep resentative for Sage Products. He is a member of Dallas OU Club and en joys water-skiing, softball and photogi-aphy. Sara is a speech pathologist. You can share college memories with Blake at 243 High Brook Dr., Richardson, TX 75080, or via e-mail at CyBerVog@aol.com. Douglas J. Bourne '43 is retired and enjoys golf and sculpting. He and his wife, Hilda (KKF), have two daugh ters, Laurie and Janalee. "I recently graduated with honors from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.Iaccepted an offer to join the litigation department of the law firm of Mayer, Brown & Platt where I will begin in October. I have this to report to my brothers, 7finally got my s— together.'I don't have a photograph to send, butyou can check out my good-looking mug at www. patjones.com. "I highly recommend the law school experience, and DePaulin par ticular, to any of the present Nu Omegans who may be interested. "Fm afraid that my contact with Phi Gams is limited to myfantasyfoot ball league. The league, which was born in the lunch room at 1200 S. College, consists ofmyself, Billy Jones '88, Sean Blair '88, Dave Hammons joys golf, yard work and OU sporting events. David's wife, Amy (FOB), is a dietitian. They can be found at their '91, John 'Touc' Lupia '91, Glen 'Wally' Hathaway '92, Brett Vogler '92 and Blake Vogler '89. "Keep up the good work, guys." new address, 10301 Camden Ct., Oklahoma City, OK 73162. 661 W. Sheridan #810, Chicago, IL Pottawatamie Bar Association and en Touch base with Brother Jones at 60613. Kyle H. Hensley '81 is district man ager of the Western Region for Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates. ant at Arthur Andersen. He is a mem He writes, "I was named National ber of the Council of Logistics Wine Salesperson ofthe Year in 1998. I currently deal with wine export to Management and Institute of Indus trial Engineers. Say hello to Andy at Andy Hedrick'95 is a senior consult Asia. his new address, 371 E. Las Colinas "Fiji is definitely not for college days alone. Ijustgot backfrom a Cabo trip with my old pledge brothers, 22 years after initiation." Kyle coaches Special Olympics and Little League for the City of San Fran cisco. Look up this former chapter president at 190 21st Ave. #5, San Blvd. #263, Irving, TX 75039. Delta. 1played in 1999 Fiji GolfClas Francisco, CA 94121. sic held in Cincinnati in October 1999. Patrick M.Jones '92 wrote to us last not send representatives to the 1999 William O. Gamble III '61 is a self- employed private trustee, conservator and expert witness on trusts. He writes, "I was appointed an Arkon at the Pittsburg Ekklesia ofPhi Gamma "I was sorry to see Nu Omega did Doug comments on his Fiji experi ence, "I still have great reunions with Nu Omega Fijis from the '40s— Howard Kauffmann '43, Hank Simms spring, "You 're doing an excellentjob Fiji Academy." on the newsletter—keep them coming. '44, Forrest Shoemaker '45 and Jack I can't recall the details, but I will William and his wife, Alima, were mairied on October 23, 1999. Send Wolfe '45, plus other Phi Gamsfrom go ahead and credit myselfwith resus citating the newsletter when I was St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. other universities." your best wishes to them at 1242 19th \r\nPage 4 THE SOONER FIJI Winter 1999-2000 More Nu Omega Graduates Write In James L. Gibbs II '90 is an attorney. He enjoys hunting and golf. This former chapter president and his wife, Shaunagh (AXQ), an RN, can be William B. Lowry '39 retired as a vice president and marketing officer with Wells Fargo. He writes, "We found at their new address,6741 N.W. cific Northwest in August 1998, New Zealand and Australia in January 128th Terr., Oklahoma City, OK travel all we can—Canada and Pa 73142. 1999 and Central and Western Eu Hardy Summers '55 is chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He is a member of Rotary Club of Okla rope in May 1999. "I am 84 years old." Try to catch Bill and his wife, Wanda (Northern Iowa), at home at 8107 Ave."W," Lubbock, TX 79423. homa City and past president of American Inn of Court XXIII. Hardy enjoys fishing, quail hunting and mu sic. He and his wife, Marilyn, an OU graduate and librarian, have two chil dren, of whom he writes, "My daugh ter, Julia, is bilingual in Spanish, and is an attorney with Oklahoma County Public Defenders Office. Her son is Ted E, Lewis '59 is president and chairman of the board of First Option Bank. He and his wife, Janet(KA0), secretary ofthe bank board, have three sons, Gordon(Kansas Fiji), Gregg and Murphy. Ted writes, "My fraternity experience was tremendous. Gabe, 11. "Ispentfour years with Wards, six years with Kansas State Bank in New ton, KS, and 11 years with Miami County Bank in Paola, KS. Then, in 1970, I purchased control of First "My son, Andrew, is head baseball coach at Crowder Junior College, Neosho, MO. His (and Samantha's) son is Dalton, 3." You can reach Brother Summers at National Bank in Osawatomie, KS,for 3036 Rockridge PI., Oklahoma City, $4 million. Today, it's worth $78 mil lion, owned 95 percent by ourfamily; which are critical to success in busi ness, government and militaiy. The ability to lead is an outcome of the fraternity experience." Ken is a member of the National Order of Daedalians, a military pilots fraternity, and enjoys golf and travel ing. Ken and his wife, San, an OU graduate and teacher, have two sons, Travis, 12, and Brandon, 10. The most recent address we have for this former chapter president at 413 Napa St. #2, Travis Air Force Base, CA 94535. Fred B. Aurin '38 brings us up-to- date, "Since 1938, my home has been in Fort Worth, then, in the Army threeand-a-halfyears, two years overseas, returned to Cincinnati, OH, and went through residency in general surgery. In 1950, 1 completed residency, re turned to Fort Worth,practicedfor 50 years, retired 13 years ago and built a home on Shady Oaks Golf Course. 1 love life and my seven grandkids. "Fiji showed me how to be a gentle man, how to live, how to relax and He tells brothers, "We are building a Charles D.Cresap '56 is president of havefun and how to evaluate people." Fred is a trustee of Boys Club, St. Stephen Presbyterian Church and Medical Plaza Hospital. He enjoys ex ercise, golf and traveling to Europe, Asia, South America, Japan, Scan new main officefor our bank, at a $4 million-plus cost, on South Memorial Drive in Bixby. Premium Beers, Inc. Contact him at 100 Copper Cove, Afton, OK 74331, or via e-mail at alpacas@galstar.com. dinavia, Australia and New Zealand. He and his wife, Gene (Texas ZTA), have three children, Kathleen, Pamela OK 73120. Gregg is chairman." Homer Paul Jr. '54 is chairman, president and CEO of Citizens Secu rity Bank & Trust Company in Bixby. Drop Ted a note at 110 Rohrer Heights Dr., Osawatomie, KS 66064. and Fritz. Send Fred a letter at 620 "The lessons learned and experi ences enjoyed in college helped pre pare me for a responsible business and personal life." Homer is a member of Rotary Club Richard G. Taft '35 is a senior part Roaring Springs Rd., Fort Worth, TX ner at McAfee & Taft. Reminisce with 76114. this brother at 603 Okmulgee St., Norman, OK 73071. Chip Morgan '71 is vice president of business operations at Oklahoma of Tulsa, Metropolitan Tulsa Cham ber of Commerce Board of Directors, Ken R. Carson '80 is a US Air Force Medical Research Foundation. Look Greater Tulsa United Way,Oklahoma lieutenant colonel. He wrote to us in Bankers Association Board and Okla May, "1justfinished a command tour of one of our C-5 flying squads at him up at 1832 Dorchester PI., Okla homa City, OK 73120, or via e-mail at homa Finance Authorities Board. His wife, Ramona (OSU/Purdue KKF),is assistant state superintendent at the State Department of Education. He has four children. Chip, Lela, Sarnie and Jenna, and three stepsons, Steve, Stuart and Jerry. Homer resides at 2705 Windmill Rd., Edmond, OK 73013. morganc@omrf.ouhsc.edu. Travis AFB, CA.I will be at Army War College at Carlysle, PA, in thefall of Michael C. McKown '91 is senior 1999-summer of2000, then off to the Pentagon or flying a squad com land survey technician at R.L. Good- mander at Altus AFB in Oklahoma. "Phi Gamma Delta provides a healthy opportunityfor young men to develop leadership and societal skills son Jr., Inc. Write to Michael at his new ad dress, 5454 Amesbury #1815, Dallas, TX 75206, or contact him via e-mail at curtismc@aol.com.