JPuL CUfihcL (phljL TIjiwa. University of Michigan Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, MARCH 1981 NEW SERIES Vol. I THE YEAR OF THE "CAT" A! "Wildcat" Wall has been with us here at 707 Oxford for 35 years now. Over this time, he has repeatedly sacrificed his own needs for those of Phi Gamma Delta, it Is hard to think of anyone else who has devoted thirty-five years, Indeed nearly half of his life, to the caring and service of others. Certainly all of us who know Wildcat are aware of his dedication to the fraternity. Unfortunately, It Is all too easy to take for granted all the small, selfless deeds that he does for each of us every day. This Is true for all of us living in the house right now; Wildcat deserves more than that from all of us, a lot more! To honor Wildcat and his 35th year here at the Alpha Phi chapter, we brothers. In conjunction with the Alpha Phi Corporation Board, are planning an anniversary banquet to be held on Saturday, March 28, here at the house. In addition, we will establish the "Al 'Wildcat' Wall Honorary Fund" which we plan to allocate toward the renova tion of the old library (or trophy room) In Wildcat's name. Besides ■\ \)\ wm refurbishing the woodwork, buying new furniture and other general Items, we are having a large portrait of Wildcat framed which will be placed above the fireplace. We feel this Is the best way to per manently express our appreciation to Wildcat and honor his life here '707" second home of generations of young men as it looked in 1955.. at 707. We would l ike to extend to you an Invitation to join us In Ann Arbor for this unique opportunity to pay tribute to Wildcat and his contribu tions to our fraternity. The donation for the dinner Is $15.00, but If you cannot attend the dinner, your donation would still be most ap preciated. Please make checks payable to the "Al Wildcat Wall Honorary Fund" and return It with the attached RSVP sheet. Any questions concerning the occasion should be directed to either John Fullerton '82 at (313) 994-1451 or Matt Russert '83 at (313) 668-7893 March 28 promises to be a night to remember. Please stop to think of all the things Wildcat has done for Phi Gamma Delta, and help us to make this a special night for him and for all of us. We look forward to seeing you there. FIJI TRIVIA QUESTION What Is the meaning of Fiji culture shock? Simple, that's what hap pens when a Fiji from a small, mldwestern chapter transfers to the Alpha Phi chapter at the Big M. Imagine the consequences of coming from a house of eight men where the name of the game Is pure sur vival to a house where a tough question would be which sorority should we have a party with. Consider trying to rush where you might see ten Interested guys In a full year, to a chapter where over a hun dred men rush per term. Try coming from a bui lding that held ten peo ple to the virtual castle at 707 Oxford. These factors could be enough to thoroughly devlstate a fellow, except for one overriding factor; Fiji brotherhood. There Is the beauty and strength of Phi Gamma Delta; . Then ground was broken in 1966... . ...For a look at the house today see the next issue of The Phi Gamma Delta Magazine as 707 shows its colors. Yes, I will be attending the banquet on March 28th. the key factor that makes this fraternity transcend all the difficulties. So, once again, what Is Fiji culture shock? In the mind of this proud Fiji, It s a wonderful blessing and makes me say, thank God I'm a Phi I cannot attend but enclosed Is a donation to the Al Gam! "Wildcat" Wall Honorary Fund. _#attendlng . Patrick Rupen '81 Kappa Upsllon (Kent State) Alpha Phi Affiliate Year of Graduation \r\nTHE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Dear Brothers, As I type this message the state of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta is good and growing stronger every day. Since the mid-1970's there has been a resurgence in the Greek system at The University of Michigan, and Phi Gamma Delta has been one of the strongest forces in this renaissance. Part of this strength lies in the conscious effort the undergraduates have been making to rededicate themselves to the higher ideals of the fraternity. Alpha Phi Fijis have always been leaders and strong individuals, and, I am hap py to say that this trend is continuing. In addition, we have a growing sense of strength in the chapter house as a unit. With this positive attitude you can expect to see big things coming from 707 in the very near future. In keeping with this positive trend, the Chapter began the Winter 1981 semester with a chapter retreat. Over 80 undergraduate brothers attended the activity. Numerous topics pertaining to house unity, brotherhood, mutual respect, and fiscal responsibility were discussed. The six hour event ended with all participants sharing a fresh optimism for the coming term. The Winter 1981 semester is scheduled to be one of the busiest in recent history. With such events as Greek week, parents' weekend, a run-a-thon for charity with the Ohio State Phi Gam's, and the Fiji ' island Grass Skirt Dance, the undergrade will be keeping very active. The highlight of the term will be the 35th anniversary celebration of Al "Wildcat" Wall. For any graduates that have not met 'Cat, he came to the fraternity in 1946 as a house maintenance man. Since those early years he has grown into a veritable Alpha Phi Chapter in stitution. The list of friends he has made in his 35 years here at 707 could easily fill a small encyclopedia. The festivities will take place on March 28. Any brothers who plan to attend should R.S.V.P. as soon as possible. Cocktails (cash bar) and a buffet dinner will be served. The $15 fee will cover the cost of the evening, and the cost of renovating the old library which will then be dedicated in Wildcat's name. This should be an evening to remember. I hope to see you there. Much of the hope for the success of the Winter '81 term is based on the fine Fall '80 semester we recently completed. The Wolverine Phi Gams excelled in many areas of university life. Academically, our chapter grade point average is hovering above 3.1. Socially, the Fiji's hosted an all campus, 40 keg party at the beginning of the term which undoubtedly aided us in a successful rush. We pledged and in itiated 15 enthusiastic young men. Athletically, the Phi Gams were fourth out of 36 teams in the Intramural fraternity division. We had numerous philanthropic projects in and around the Ann Arbor com munity, spending 200 man hours in these endeavors. Much of the credit for the successful term must go to the emeritus chapter of ficers Dave O'Brien '81,(President), Andy Hans '81,(Treasurer), Gor- Another area in which the Alpha Phi Chapter has grown is with the corporation board and the International Fraternity. In the past year the Alpha Phi Board has been instrumental in making sorely needed improvements on the physical house plant. New plumbing in the old house, driveway resurfacing in the back parking lot, and a new fire extinguishing system for the kitchen head the list of improvements. All the members of the board under the direction of President C. Robert Carson, Section Chief Leo M. Calhoun, and Purple Legion naire Chris Cartwright have all contributed to the success of the past year. For the second year in a row the new cabinet visited International Headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. This is a valuable experience that all members should consider doing. The staff is a close-knit group of highly talented individuals. Sometimes we forget all the ser vices they do for us. We thank them for their hospitality and genuine concern for our wellbeing. One of the most important aspects of the fraternity that the above mentioned graduate brothers have been instrumental in revitalizing is improved graduate relations. I would like to consider this newslet ter the first small step by the undergraduate chapter in improving this area. In past years the undergrade have been a bit too short sighted to realize the importance of graduate participation. After talking extensively with Executive Secretary William S. Zerman '49 on the issue, the necessity of graduate support as the key to con tinuity of our chapter has been indelibly imprinted in our minds. In the Face of economic crises, our chapter finds it increasingly difficult to meet the demands of inflation by undergraduate financ ing alone. As we read in the Phi Gamma Delta magazine each year, the Alpha Phi Chapter is always in the top five donating chapters to the International fraternity. It makes me proud to know that so many graduates believe in the adage that Phi Gamma Delta is not for col lege days alone. Unfortunatey for the undergraduates at 707. we do not directly receive any of the Michigan graduate donations sent to International Headquarters. Money donated to the Alpha Phi Board does solely aid our house. Please consider this in the future. We have not been keeping in touch with the graduates as we should and this trend has changed. On behalf of al l the brothers, I cordially invite all graduates to stop by 707 to see some of the good things that are hap pening within these walls. More importantly, I encourage each and every graduate brother to let us know about the events taking place in their life. We would like to share your joys with Alpha Phi Phi Gams throughout the country. This is your fraternity. It is my hope that we undergrade can always be of service to you. Very pround to be a Phi Gam, Ken Harris '82 dy Eriey '82,(Recording Secretary), Jimmy Foster '81,(Corresponding Chapter President Perge! Secretary), and Alan Berkshire '82, (Historian). The undergraduate members are indebted to these brothers for the great leadership ex amples they set for the chapter. HOUSE HAPPENINGS ® In December, field secretary Brian Dunster (British Columbia '80) visited our chapter offering fresh ideas and advice. As a result, our organization within the house has been streamlined and our first Alpha Fiji' retreat was held upon our return from Christmas break. Thank you for your friendship, Brian, and we look forward to your • Congratulations to Steve Niergarth '82 who was accepted to The University of Michigan Dental School. "Gar" will start his studies next fal l . • Brother Craig Welch 82 has been selected Vice-President of UAC (University Activities Club for the 1981-82 school year. This is a massive job that we are sure Craig can tackle admirably. return visit to the house. • This year's football season was a two skinner! We were fortunate ® Our new cabinet was installed in December. The new officers in clude Ken Harris '82 President Tim Hill '82 Treasurer Gordy ErIey Craig Piper '82 '82 Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Stewart Greenlee '83 Historian to win two skins from other chapters this year on football wagers. We thank our brothers at Omicron Deuteron (Ohio State) and Sigma Tau (University of Washington)for their good sportsmanship. GO BLUE!! • Seniors led by Mark Manders '81 and Andy Hans '81 are planning a fantastic Grass Skirt Party. They have started many fun events this year as fund raisers. In one, Alex Mann '81 proved himself to be the best "hit man" in the house as he won "KILLER" —where brothers were given "contracts" to be carried out with their trusty dart guns. \r\nNEW FIJI BLOOD A PLEDGE'S VIEW Last fall we got off to a fabulous start with a rush that invited 15 men to pledge Phi Gam. Under the guidance of Steve Hudolin and Mark Manders our pledges enjoyed both a productive and fun semester. Some of their constructive efforts include several helpful When rehashing a pledge period many events are conjured up in the mind, yet some stand out as more valuable memories. One of the more memorable events of my pledgeship was the evening of our keg raid. Our pledge class was to attempt to infiltrate the house and sneak a keg of beer to the 3rd floor bathroom of the old house without being caught by any brothers. We had originally planned to do it during an exchange dinner. Thursday evening found us pledges and a pony keg on the sidewalk of Cambridge Street just around the corner from the Alpha Phi sorority house. Unfortunately Bill Wilson '81 also found us there while out jogging. As we could not pass up this chance for a little fun at a brother's expense, Bill was quickly subdued and locked in a pledge brother's car. Our plan was rolling. cleaning sessions around the house and the beginnings of a perma nent barbecue grill. For constructive diversion the pledges, accom panied by a large group of actives, visited the Phi Chapter at Northwestern. The hospitality of our Evanston brothers and of near by Chicago will not be soon forgotten. The Purple Garter pledge for mal was held this year at the Travis Pointe Country Club. It was a very nice evening as we discovered that some brothers look positive ly human when dressed up. The pledges' fine probationary period was rewarded with their initiation shortly after Christmas. We welcome the following new brothers: We crept across the front lawn with little difficulty except for the soaked duffle bag concealing the keg as the tap kept opening during our attack. As we neared the front of the house our whispers were Thomas Baird Orlando Cabrera David Clark Scott Desmond '83 '84 '83 *84 James Fitzgerald '82 Kelley Johnson '84 Patrick McRae John Melick Robert Pierce Brad Qua '84 '84 '83 '84 Michael Spaulding '83 John Staron '83 Kenneth Tiseo '83 Michael VanBeck '83 Keith Wong '83 East Lansing, Michigan Miami, Florida Vicksburg, Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Bedford Twp., Michigan Rochester, Michigan Benton Harbor, Ml Sylvania, Ohio Battle Creek, Michigan Shaker Heights, Ohio Southfield, Michigan Plymouth, Michigan Dearborn, Michigan Portage, Michigan East Lansing, Michigan drowned out by the pounding of our hearts. Just as we were ready to begin our ascent up the front steps we heard a voice from inside scream "Keg Raid!" Expected victory seemed to crumble before us as we expected actives to sieze the keg. Each of us ran in a different direction, not bothering to carry the keg or even look back. Several pledge brothers later admitted not turning around until safely in the Arboretum. Curious to see what was happening, I stopped, having crossed the street, and looked back into the house. I saw,seemingly, every brother run past the door and up the stairs. I can't imagine what it was like for our dinner guests, the women of Martha Cook dormitory, as all the brothers burst from the table and up the stairs without an explanation. Each sped past the door determined to catch us, yet, not one of them bothered to look on the porch where the keg was waiting for the thirsty soul who found it first. We then recovered the keg and completed our mission using a brilliant plan. Later that evening we hid in the cold rack room from where we sprinted to the Phi Gamma Delta enjoyed a successful winter 1981 rush which isn't something many houses on campus can claim. Seventeen new pledges were welcomed on January 28; they promise to be a fine group of future Phi Gams. Pledge trainers Mike Huff '82 and Steve Niergarth '82 have an eventful term planned for the pledges, in cluding a walkout to the Wisconsin chapter house. In order to maintain the high standards we have here at Phi Gam ma Delta, if you learn of some qualified candidate who will attend The University of Michigan, please send us any recommendations that may help. Your knowledge and input can be a great asset as we try to improve the quality of the house. We are proud of what we have here at 707 Oxford. Help us to keep the Alpha Phi chapter of Phi Gam ma Delta thriving. bathroom like an offensive line blocking for the halfback. After toasting ourselves several times over the prize, we triumphantly mov ed the keg to the Fiji Islander's hockey game, savoring our ac complishment with the actives. So you say "It's just a fraternity prank, fun but so what?" Granted, it wasn't the most crucial event of our probationary period but we all learned a valuable fact. We learned the importance of working together as brothers aiming for a common goal until its completion. We saw the brothers applaud our success. I learned more about the goals of Phi Gamma Delta—working for the common wellbeing of everyone. I'l l never forget looking back at the actives running up the stairs after us(passing the very keg they looked for) in our aborted at tempt. Even from outside I saw that they were running together. Dave Clark '83 Matt Russert '83 Winter Rush Chairman Fall 1980 Pledge Class We welcome the following new pledges for the 1981 winter term: James Anderson Franklin Bonasso William Eichhorn '83 '83 *83 Scott Ferguson Sean Fitzgerald Daniel Gresia Michael MaCrorie Brett Mclntyre John Schierloh '84 '83 '84 '83 '84 '83 Nicholas Shufro Robert Smith David Swastek Thomas Teenier MarkTrudeau Kevin Walgreen Ronald Werner Kurt Wolak '84 *84 83 '84 83 82 84 84 Rocky River, Ohio Farmington Hills, Michigan Warren, Michigan Jamestown, Rhode Island Bedford Twp., Michigan South Haven, Michigan East Lansing, Michigan Saginaw, Michigan Dearborn, Michigan Huntington, New York Menchen, New Jersey Dearborn, Michigan Saginaw, Michigan Warren. Michigan Lake Forest. I llinois Huntington Woods. Michigan Benton Harbor. Michigan CAN YOU HELP? With the tight economy in America today, it has become increas ingly more difficult for students to obtain summer job experience necessary for total education in their chosen fields. Here at 707 Ox ford, we have many qualified men in engineering, architecture, pre law, pre-medicine. natural resources, chemistry, biology, and liberal arts who can offer you valuable help as a summer intern, while gain ing the experience required before entering the professional working world. If you could help in any way. please let us know by sending job information to CRAIG PIPER,(corresponding secretary). \r\n\r\nGraduate Reminders.... - THE DETROIT GRADUATE CHAPTER WANTS YOU: The Detroit 'chapter is a great way to stay involved with a great organization. Now is a good time to join as the group prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Members meet the second Thursday of each month, at noon, at the UNIVERSITY CLUB OF DETROIT, 1411 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Michigan. if you live outside the Detroit area there are many other outstanding graduate chapters. We can help you find one near you. - THE ALPHA PHI CHAPTER BOARD can always use the input of our graduates, if you would like to help your chapter please contact us as soon as possible. We would especially enjoy the help of our newly graduated brothers. - Chris Cartwright, our Purple Legionnaire is forming a Board of Chapter Advisors. This is a group of recent graduates in the Detroit area who can help us perform house jobs as efficiently as possible with the aid of their experience. If you are Interested please contact REMEMBER WHEN.... us or Chris Cartwright at: 902 Packard Road Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105 - What do the classes of '06, '31 and '56 have in common? Those of (This section relates anecdotes from the Fiji Archives. We hope plea sant memories are brought to mind. Graduates are weicome to con tribute stories.) you in these graduating classes (or before) are eligible for owl "pins. The Diamond Cwl-75 years as a member '06 The Golden Cwl-50 years as a member '31 The Silver Cwl-25 years as a member '56 If you are eligible, we can help you obtain these awards and CCN- • In 1953. the trees around 707 Cxford blossomed with bicycles as high spirited pledges disrupted life as they hung about 25 bikes In trees, piled furniture outside, and disconnected electricity and water. • Tom "T-Ball" Mayer ('79) was a confirmed bachelor. GRATULATICNS! • Sophomores at 707 were a skinny lot as a result of sitting in the . . .Michigan's own Avery Hopwood ('05) is honored yearly as one of Michigan's leading playwrights when the Jules and Avery Hopwood Literary Awards are given to students for creative writing. Several Phi Gams have won this honor since the endowment was created after Hopwood's untimely death. We are trying to compile a list of these winners. If you were one or know of someone, please let us know. . . .We wi ll have our yearly report in "Chapter Days and Nights" of the next Phi Gamma Delta magazine. Make sure you take a look at what we've been doing. BEAT THE DRUMS, BEAT THE DRUMS We want to publish news about you graduates and your families. Please tel l us about your accomplishments, activities, or events. Also tell us about your fellow brothers. We're proud of you and want to pass the news. Direct all correspondence to: Craig Piper Corresponding Secretary middle of the longest fraternity dinning room table this side of the Mississippi. (47 foot six-and-three-quarters inch long oak table) Food was served at the ends leaving the Sophs to fight for scraps. The table, if cut properly, would furnish about 6 million solid oak toothpicks. No larger table was found but as Harold Holt '54 com mented "We were thinking of claiming the biggest fraternity table In the world, but we figured the Russians would probably claim a bigger one." • In 1939, Forrest "Cne Man Gang" Evashevski ('41) was sent in to catch during a baseball game against Illinois. Following the usual procedure Evie reported "Evashevski for Beebe." Furrowing his brow, the ump growled: "Who?" Evashevski repeated himself whereupon the arbiter said: "Ck, go ahead and catch. I don't think I'll challenge that one." And thus Evie's entrance in the game re mained unannounced. • In 1951, Duncan Eriey ('52) tried to license his unicycle that he rode at Michigan Stadium on Saturdays as a cheerleader. He foiled the City Clerk who could not find an applicable statute. • In 1966, the Phi Gams served as foster parents for a young girl, Nguyen Thi Men. In a short note the girl thanked the brothers for $935, a bar of soap and letters. She noted "I was happy and deeply moved in receiving your gifts. I thank you so much and pray God to keep you always in good health." Looking back, we applaud this aid as fraternity at its best; young people growing and working with people. May we always follow your example! THE NATIVES ARE RESTLESS! It's coming soon! That's right. Grass Skirt Is coming April 11th and all graduate brothers (and your mates) are welcome. The Seniors have been hard at work since September planning the best party of the year at The University of Michigan.(A Fiji tradition) This year pro mises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a budget twice that of last year thanks to the innovative fund raising tactics of the Grass Skirt Committee. If you are interested please contact: Mark Manders '81: (313)663-6318 Natives as they looked in 1938! Andy Hans '81: 996-2449 \r\nSPORTS BEAT NORRIS PLANS PROGRESS It's not too early to mark down the date of the 1981 Norrls Pig Din ner, The Alpha Phi chapter cordially Invites you to attend on Satur Vince LombardI once said "Winning Isn't everything, it's the only thing!" When the Fijis take to the field of play, this statement is day, October 17. The day promises to be eventful and enjoyable deeply entrenched in their minds. beginning with an exciting afternoon of Michigan football as the Wolverines host the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kickoff time is 1:00 p.m. and if you need tickets, please let us know. After a Michigan victory, the Fiji house will be set for what promises to be a great evening. For those of you who haven't seen old friends, this is a fun oppor tunity to renew friendships and revive memories. Hard work and plan ning is going on now (we're presently working on a speaker) to make our 1981 Norrls Pig Dinner, as always, a day to remember. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to call or write This year, the Phi Gams are battling to uphold a tradition of athletic excellence at 707, and are currently In 4th place out of 32 competing fraternities. The schoolyear was kicked off with a Fiji vic tory in the all-fraternity track meet under the coaching leadership of Mik Huff '82. Steve Hudolln '81 was elected most valuable competitor of the meet as he won 2 hurdling events and placed in the long jump. The Softball team, directed by Gordy Eriey '82 and Andy Hans '81, went undefeated at 4-0-1, but due to an intramural technicality, only won the "B" division championship. Coached by George "Bo" Duensing '81, the Fiji football team en joyed a fine season and went on to post-season play where they met defeat in the quarter-finals. Currently, the Phi Gam roundballers are undefeated as they enter the playoffs. Steve "Monster Slam" Hudolln is coaching superbly as the men have pulled off 2 overtime victories. With volleyball, our two-time defending championship water polo team, and many other intramural sports just ahead, rest assured that the Phi Gams will be strong contenders for the all-around intramural championship title. us. Fraternally, Chris Genther '83 Paul Bisaro '83 Go-Chairmen, 1981 Norns Pig Dinner PHI GAMS REACH OUT Gordy ErIey '82 This year has been an exceptionally productive one In the area of social services. Working closely with the Washtenaw County Social Service Department, we at 707 have been more invoved with the needy of our community. Some of the activities we were involved in last semester include: helping an elderly woman winterize her home by raking leaves and chopping firewood, and for Thanksgiving, we provided a full meal for a family who would otherwise have not had one. We also gathered donated furniture and delivered It to the grateful, needy families. The Fiji Christmas present to the communi ty was dinner for a family of 13, and also the delivery of donated Christmas gifts to children and elderly alike. This semester, we will try to help stimulate interest in the Big Brother program in the area by distributing literature and contacting other fraternities to gather more support. In conjuncilon with the Omicron Deuteron chapter at Ohio State, we will hold our second an nual run-a-thon. Last year we raised over $7,000 for the American Lung Association. This year, our goal Is $10,000 with all money going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Wayne Nettnay '83 Social Service Chairman 707 STANDING STRONG The house and property have undergone major improvements over the past few months, with more projects up ahead. Foremost among the improvements was last fall's repavement of the parking lot in an attempt to improve drainage. The lack of runoff had formed a pond In the lot, affectionately dubbed "Lake Fiji." Our sincere thanks to the graduate brothers who very generously paid the bill for us. Last fall, work was also begun to Improve the plumbing in the old part of the house; everyone reading this has used the same pipes!! Although the majority of the repairs have been completed, a few loose ends remain to be tied up. Due to the fact that the old house is prone to fires, some efforts have been made to reduce the hazard. An automatic gas shutoff system has been installed In the kitchen, and we are also periodical ly checking our smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to make sure they are In prime working condition. With energy bills a major expense, plastic sheets have been securely placed over the major windows of the house to Improve In sulation. New efforts are being made to cut back on unnecessary electrical usage. ALPHA PHI of PHI GAMMA DELTA 707 Oxford Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 »SV,X'' 0 9000208P COO ❖UGC 0000 chapter PRESIDENT UPSILON KAPPA OF PHI GAMMA 271 KALMIA avenue LEXINGTON KY 40508 oelt a 41"