The N ittany F iji Pennsylvania State University ‐ Gamma Phi Chapter ‐ Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity ‐ Summer 2011 FRONT WALK COMMITTEE UPDATE By: Ray C. Noll, Jr. (1950) At the House Corporation meeting on April 16, the new Fiji stone was unveiled in the Fiji Front Walk. The stone replaced the carefully molded stone by Robert Bour (1950) laid at the time the walk was rebuilt in the summer of 1949. Members of the Front Walk Committee, Ray Noll (1950), Bob Bour (1950) and Bob Allen (1950), came to town for the unveiling ceremony. Bour and Allen were both members of the original Front Walk Committee in 1949. The front walk, built the same time as the house, had no mortar Current Officers joints and had fallen into disrepair. The dates of the brothers were losing their high heels in the joints between the stones, therefore the 1949 Front Walk Committee was formed. During the summer of 1949, members and friends of the pledge class of 1947 went to Lower Greens Valley Road, just south of Pleasant Gap, and mined the stone used in the rebuilding of the front walk from a quarry or the land of “Nittany Noll Preserve.” The gravel, cement, and other supplies were procured at (Continued on page 2) President Tyler Schmitt (2013) Treasurer Kevin Hougland (2012) Recording Secretary Frank Santoriello (2012) Corresponding Secretary Ben Bastian (2014) Historian Jeff Glusman (2013) House Corporation Officers President Bill Oliver (1967) Vice President Matt Nee (1999) Secretary Charles Harte (1964) Ray Noll (1950), Bob Allen (1950), and Bob Bour (1950) pictured with the new stone. A NOTE FROM A PROUD, ACTIVE BROTHER By: Garuth Acharya (2014) I joined the ranks of the brotherhood of Phi Gamma Delta to better myself as a human being. Surrounded by gentlemen of the highest caliber has had a profound effect on my first year as a Penn State student and a Fiji. Every day I hold the five points of pledging friendship (Knowledge, Service and Mo- rality and Excellence) as the “gold standard” qualities I strive to achieve. In every facet of life, brothers in this great Fraternity accept nothing short of excellence. Service has always been a pillar of our Fraternity and this semester has been no exception. What sets FIJI apart from other societies is our dedication to bettering the community. Brothers tutored high school students in the subjects of mathematics and science. As a State College native, I was tutored by Penn State students and succeeded in my classes with the aid of their dedication. Our dedication to Service (Continued on page 2) Treasurer Bob Knechtel (1972) Inside this issue: Summer House Renovations 3 Thoughts from a Graduate Brother 4 Pig Dinner Photos 5 Lost Brothers 7 \r\nNittany Fiji Page 2 A Note from a Proud, Active Brother continued... (Continued from page 1) did not stop there. Brothers actively participated in a campaign to prevent sexual abuse against women during an event coincidentally held on Burrows Street, where our beautiful house basks in glory. Phi Gams as prominent members of the Greek and Penn State communities were instrumental in increasing awareness of this serious issue. Eight men from FIJI took on the embarrassing, yet rewarding, task of walking a mile in high heels, which resulted in an extremely rewarding and beneficial experience. Many families this year in Happy Valley struggled to fill their pantries. Again our brothers saw the need to aid those less fortunate and volunteered at the Food Bank. We sorted food donations and stocked shelves. The smiles we received carrying food to families’ cars were price- less. As the first fraternity chartered at Penn State, we share a century old bond with State College. As Phi Gams, it is our personal duty to serve those in need and our responsibility to be the light in the darkness. “For over 100 years, Gamma Phi has been refining the young men who pass through our lodge into gentlemen.” Millions of children are plagued with cancer. Thus Penn State Greeks started THON hoping that one day we will vanquish pediatric cancer. FIJI raised over $20,00 and danced for 46 hours straight for the kids. When the earthquake and tsunami ravaged Japan, our Fraternity was the first to hold a charity event. We raised well over $1,000 for the survivors of those catastrophes. The words of Brother Coolidge, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence” has become the mantra of the Gamma Phi Chapter. We look to this quote for inspiration in all of our endeavors. Our service to the community shapes our character. There are plenty of men at Penn State but few gentlemen. For over 100 years, Gamma Phi has been refining the young men who pass through our lodge into gentlemen. When I look back at our historical achievements, I am proud to call myself a brother of the prestigious fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Perge! Front Walk Committee Update continued... (Continued from page 1) no charge from Whiterock Quarries, another Noll entity. There was no charge to the House Corporation for this new stone, designed and completed by Brother Bour and installed by stone mason Gary Horner. All are welcome to come and enjoy its beauty! Stone Details: 18 1/8” x 16 3/8” x 3 1/2” slab formed from reinforced Portland cement and weighing approximately 70 lbs. The slab (pictured) has the letters Gamma Phi and a diamond of 7” x 4 3/4” with a 1 7/8” brass star inlet. AD ASTRA Gamma Phi was notified of the following deaths since January 2011. These brothers will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families. Robert C. Banes 1958 Wesley E. Blaha 1952 Chance B. Conner 1974 Carl W. Hasek, Jr. 1936 J. Douglas Huber 1951 George W. Walter 1932 William H. Ritts, III 1965 William R. Walters 1953 Raymond G. Sloan, Jr. 1937 Clifford T. Wright 1950 A. Dean Walter, Jr. 1937 \r\nPage 3 SUMMER HOUSE RENOVATIONS House renovations during the summer were somewhat curtailed due to the economy and funds available. The following work has been completed with the hard work of Bill First (1968) and Chick Harte (1964): • • • 18-20 windows in various locations have been replaced with our new “looks like leaded glass” replacement units. Both sets of double doors, leading from the kitchen and the Reception Room to the dining room, have been replaced with new stained, wooden doors. All dining room tables have been refinished and a durable, protective, clear coating applied. • The random stones around the flag pole were replaced with stone blocks to match the driveway wall. • Suitable furniture was purchased for the student bedrooms, including desks, dressers, bedside tables, and beds. In addition to the above physical work, our locally based graduates have been working on updating the Bylaws of Gamma Phi. This group includes Bob Knechtel (1972), Charles Harte (1964), Bill First (1968), Harry Streamer (1963), Casey McNeil (2009), and Steve Negrotti (2009). These changes are being communicated to our Purple Legionnaire, Gary Generose (1997) for his input and comments. NOT FOR COLLEGE DAYS ALONE This past June the FIJI house had many graduate brothers passing through its doors, rooms and corridors. A 50th reunion was held for the class of 1961, and a 40th reunion for 1971. Our local greeters included Chick Harte, Bob Knechtel, Harry Streamer and others. All who returned were delighted with the condition of the house and “damn proud” to be Fijis. Contact your classmates and plan your reunion around a visit to the Fiji house! Pictured above - The class of 1961 reunion: Front: Deb and Sam Kellams. Back: Chuck and Tish Hodges, Chick Harte, Janet and Jim Bruce, Ralph and Fran Waite, Don and Carolyn Bartoo, Greg and Sue Kelley, Mary and Bill Kettenring, Harry Streamer. Pictured right - The class of 1971 reunion: Seated front L R: Bob Hendricks, Harry Weinhofer, and Bill First. Seated in chairs L - R: Jeff Muller, John Fadden, Peter Miller, Jim Clawson, Jon Beerer, Rob Speer, and Jim Lilly. Standing L - R: Chick Harte, Pad LaPorte, Bill Ericcson, Dave Freas, Bob Knechtel, and five current undergraduate brothers. \r\nNittany Fiji Page 4 THOUGHTS FROM A GRADUATE BROTHER By: Peter Miller (1971) I read the article by Matthew Nee (1999) entitled "Our Island" in the previous issue of the Nittany Fiji. I was struck by the familiarity of Brother Nee's words. I too came from a rather small home town where I was also somewhat of a BMOC. Arriving at Penn State was true culture shock. However, I was also guided by home town acquaintances to the Fiji lodge, in spite of no real burning desire to be a member of a fraternity. I continue to feel that joining Gamma Phi was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Upon graduation from school in 1971, I attended law school solely with the intent of delaying the inevitable, active military duty. Yes, this was during the heart of the Vietnam War and I was hit by the draft. Long story made short, I was able to defer my active duty until I completed law school in 1974. I then served as a JAG officer with the First Infantry Division for the next three years. Upon my discharge, I secured a job with my current firm and now I am the chairman of the board of a 400 plus attorney law firm with 19 offices. I married my college sweetheart, have three outstanding kids, all successfully employed and happily married. I even have two grandsons. I am sharing all of this with you not in anyway as a braggart, but as a person who genuinely feels that my years at the Fiji lodge were some of the most instrumental years in my life. In spite of being somewhat of a professional "wordsmith" as a lawyer, I am struggling with my inadequacy in putting into words how my time at Gamma Phi was so invaluable in preparing me for what followed. However, I can honestly say that I feel deep in “I give much credit to my brotherhood for starting me on the path of success.” my heart and gut that the camaraderie that I shared with my brothers gave me a balance in perspective and goal achievement that has guided me throughout my adulthood. I do not use the word adulthood lightly for there were many times while I was at PSU that there was serious doubt that I would ever achieve that status in life. Being a teammate in a sport helps establish fundamental traits such discipline, hard work, and team work. But, typically the focus of the team is nar- row. Being a brother in a pledge class and throughout college days is a much broader experience. If it is meaningful, this experience builds character, insight, patience, acceptance, etc.. These qualities help form leadership. These are the qualities which began deep inside of me while I was at Gamma Phi, even though at the time I was oblivious to this fact. I give much credit to my brotherhood for starting me on the path of success. Regrettably, I began writing this at 8:00 this morning and it is now almost 11:00. I have been interrupted many times, as is typical. Thus this may be a bit disjointed and probably is coming to a premature end. However, I wanted to thank Brother Nee for expressing sentiments which I share. I have been a regular financial contributor and some may wonder why I have done so religiously. I feel a great debt of gratitude for all that Gamma Phi gave to me and feel this is the least that I can do. While I did not attend the Pig Dinner in April, I was able to attend our 40th class reunion in June. Since my class has generally been light in the giving, I have encouraged everyone to step up. Gamma Phi is entitled to more from the class of 1971. Perge! LEGAL UPDATE As you may be aware, we were charged with two separate incidents of underage drinking. These cases have now been settled with minor fines to the house and no other consequences. This puts behind us a long and stressful legal battle that began several years ago. We are still an alcohol-free house since our exemption from the International Headquarters has not been reinstated due to the brothers low GPA being below the all-men’s average and all-fraternity average for the fall semester 2010. Also, due to the above mentioned infractions, we received a “first strike” from the Phi Gamma Delta Board of Conduct for violations of the Risk Management Policy. This “strike” expires 7/2012 if no other infractions occur. The brothers have their work cut out for them prior to reapplying for an exemption! The next House Corporation meeting will be held on Sunday, October 16 at 9:30 am, Homecoming weekend. Watch for the new meeting format and announcement! \r\nPage 5 PIG DINNER 2011 On April 23, approximately 35 graduate brothers gathered at the Nittany Lion Inn to reminisce and fellowship at Pig Dinner. Dr. Roy Bertolet (1944) and Pranoy Mahapatra (2014) kiss the pig as the oldest and youngest Pig Dinner attendees. Ray Noll (1950), a key member of the Front Walk Committee was the key note speaker for the evening encouraging all undergrads to walk tall and be “damn proud.” Dr. Bertolet giving his comments before exiting the gathering. He has attended every Pig Dinner except for those during World War II. \r\nNittany Fiji Page 6 DEAR OLD DELTA AND THE WBA By: Mike Stewart (1972), Archon Secretary and Westmoreland County Bar Association President A few years back on New Year's Day, I had just watched my Nittany Lions lose to Auburn in the Capital One Citrus Bowl. As I was about to change channels to pick up the next bowl game, the broadcaster announced, "to present the championship trophy to Auburn is Capital, One's General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, John Finneran." Sure enough, it was Finny, my fraternity brother and old college roommate from Penn State. Finny's notoriety prompted a few e-mails, a telephone call, and some arm-twisting from yours truly for him to speak at our next annual Norris Pig Dinner held by our Chapter at Penn State. Finny delivered, and as he spoke to undergraduates and graduates at the dinner, he acknowledged that his undergraduate fraternity experience had provided him with the social and communicative skills that allowed him to advance in the legal/ corporate world. During the time that I have served on the Board of Directors of the Westmoreland Bar Association (WBA), I have also served on the Board of Directors of the International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. I see many common traits and experiences between the two organizations. Like Finny, my fraternity experience influences me daily in the practice of law and has prepared me to proudly take my turn leading the WBA. Our missions are similar. The WBA seeks to continue a long-standing tradition of fostering excellence in professional service by our members to their clients and to the general community while engendering respect, civility, and camaraderie among the members of the bench and bar. Phi Gamma Delta exists to promote lifelong friendships, to reaffirm high ethical standards and values, and to foster personal development and the pursuit of excellence. After all is said and done, the bottom line is both organizations continue to do good work. We promote good causes, we instill good values, and we give back to our communities. I respect the proud history of both organizations. I recognize and applaud the efforts of those who have served before me. The strength of both organizations reflects the efforts and sacrifices made by leaders before me. Both organizations have faced tremendous change during my time as a member. When I first started practicing law, you could count on occasional title examinations and closings to cover the overhead. Now, banks and real estate companies want to package title examinations and title policies with the services they render. A periodic personal injury case was the bonus that used to put you over the top. Today, in many cases, the personal injury work goes to the highest bidder, i.e., advertising. Technology has increased the pace of the practice of law tenfold. No one will ever convince me that there is another profession that gives more to its communities than the legal profession. Our members are coaches, Sunday school teachers, charitable board members, and civic leaders. Our association and our Bar Foundation promote the profession through mock trials, scholarships to worthy students, and Law Day and civic education presentations in our schools. Through our Pro Bono Program, we ensure that the legal system is available to all of our citizens, not just those who can afford it. On the fraternal side, undergraduates and graduates alike wrestle with the concept of "alcohol-free housing." Technology has placed its demands on fraternity housing and has impacted recruitment, graduate relations, and virtually every other aspect of fraternal life. The legal profession is often blamed for many of the ills of society. Lawyers are not the source of the illness, the cause of the injury, or the providers of treatment, yet we are blamed in part for the cost of health insurance. Yes, we walk around with targets on our backs. Misdeeds by lawyers or judges reflect poorly on the entire profession. We are visible. Likewise, hazing or alcohol-related incidents in a fraternity setting reflects poorly on the entire Greek system. We are visible. We are stereotyped. My Fraternity and its related Foundation have led the movement nationwide to alcohol-free housing, alcohol awareness, and TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures). The Foundation promotes academic achievement for pledges by awarding scholarships to academically qualifying pledges. Involvement in philanthropy is a way of life, not an afterthought, amongst our fraternities. Yes, both organizations do good work. Because of my positive experience with both of these organizations, today I find myself a member of two political action committees. Why? I am not willing to let the uninformed take shots at my profession and my fraternity without fighting back. I'm all for protecting our own turf. Both organizations have a message to deliver. It's a positive one, one that has shaped my life. Finally, I want to share the greatest reward that I have experienced from my involvement in these two organizations: friendship. I love what I am doing. Here's to dear Old Delta and the WBA! \r\nPage 7 HELP US FIND LOST BROTHERS We currently do not have a valid address for the following brothers. If you have information on their whereabouts, please email address@phigam.org. Wells H. Denney 1928 Joseph D. Santinoceto 1974 Joel E. Mitchell 1928 A. Thomas Sibley 1974 Malcolm H. Townsend 1928 Richard S. Charles 1975 Ralph C. Scotney , Jr. 1929 James M. Funk 1978 Arthur R. Cunningham 1931 James M. Musser 1979 E. Parke Montague , Jr. 1931 Kevin J. Murray 1981 Samuel Enion 1932 Tom Oprendek 1981 Harry M. Wilson 1933 Callas Richardson 1981 Bryson M. Filbert 1936 James R. Rhodes 1983 William Armstrong , III 1937 Brian Cornog 1986 Robert E. Schuler 1940 J. Drew Bycoskie 1987 Robert P. Kapp 1944 Michael A. Mosko 1987 Juan M. Quiros 1947 Ralph R. Reynolds, DMD 1987 Ross D. Pillsbury 1949 Matthew R. Sowash 1987 Raymond G. Husted 1950 Jason M. Scarpello 1988 Roger D. Mulhollen 1951 David P. Hughes 1990 Robert W. Patton 1951 Mark E. Baer 1991 Richard M. Tomb 1953 Alexander H. Schoonmaker 1994 Randell Washburn 1955 Cory S. Hillegass 1999 Richard A. Rivers, Jr. 1956 Jonathan K. Whitenight 2001 John A. Lessig 1957 Matthew A. Kicinski 2006 Robert D. Roberts 1958 William M. Nace 1961 Jonathan D. Stern , Jr. 1963 Thomas L. Parry, Jr. 1964 Peter J. Herrmann 1966 Steven L. Taylor 1968 Kenneth M. Thomas 1969 Thomas J. Haddad 1970 James R. Engel 1974 \r\nNonprofit Org Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Information Update - Tell us about you! Please detach and return with your contact information so we can update our records. We will feature graduate updates in upcoming newsletters. If you want to share your recent news, fill in the news section for your information to be published. Name________________________________________________________ School/year__________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone (H)______________________________________(W)_______________________________________ E-mail__________________________________________________________________________________ News to share with classmates: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Occupation ______________________________ Employer _________________________________________ CONTRIBUTE TO THE GAMMA PHI FUND I am pleased to make a contribution to Gamma Phi of : $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $25 Other $_______________ I would like my donation to be used in the following area: _______________________________________________. Donations can be made on-line at www.phigam.org/netcommunity/PennStateDonations, by phone at (859)255-1848 ext 136 or send checks payable to Phi Gamma Delta - Gamma Phi to: Gamma Phi/Pennsylvania State Donations, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 40544 and include this form. Design, printing and mailing services provided by the International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta.