THEPI CRUST PUBLISHED BY PI CHAPTER OF PHI GAMMA DELTA, ALLEGHENY COLLEGE PI CHAPTER LIBRARY IS INTRODUCED The Brothers of Pi Chapter are about to complete another step foward in their efforts to recognize and perpetuate the glory that is, the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Construction of the new Pi Chapter Library has almost been completed. The library is located in the basement by the south stairwell. Many newly discovered books and Pi Chapter artifacts will be added to the library which tells the story of 122 years of brotherhood in Fijiland. The construction of our library, which will contain our rediscovered treasures, was begun last year when brother Jack Cougan, our house mana ger, developed plans to form the libraries foundation. More recently, the brothers and pledges of Pi Chapter have revamped the library's internal structure adding more bookcases, lighting and a new door. The construction is slated for completion by early April. Many books of great interest have been found and will be added to our new collection. An entire set of encyclo pedias dating back to 1887 has been found and although the value of this set of encyclopedias is still unknown, many interested brothers have under taken the task of discovering their worth. describing life at Pi Chapter over three decades ago! Finally, the discovery of which we are most proud, is that of a book con A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Brothers: taining the minutes of meetings held Pi Chapter has once again returned to the top of the in 1878 - the year that our Constitution was being revised. The book is in fairly good condition and has lists of Brothers' Greek organizations names in it continuing up until the early twenties. The signatures of famous Pi Chapter Brothers like Fredric Howe and Gilbert Mead, can be found in this book. Plans to send this artifact to National Headquarters, so that we may discover more about our proud heritage, are being carried out. On a lighter note is the discovery of many overdue books that were checked out of Allegheny Colleges' Reis Library . . . many as early as 1935. Upon hearing this news, an energetic Brother quickly went to work in an attempt to calculate the amount of the fine that would be due on those books, at the current overdue rates. However, about half-way through his calculations he stopped, exasperated, at having already reached a figure well over the five thousand dollar mark! The form that our new library appears to be taking is that of a time capsule for future Phi Gams to look back on, and florish in an unending history of Pi at Allegheny. Since our last newsletter, we have more had two restrictions MIKE WILD lifted, with only three remaining. We have had major improvements in all areas of our frater nity. Our major objective now is to win the Condon Cup which is given to the most improved Chapter. Dean Skinner was quoted in the paper as saying that we are the "best run fraternity on campus." Financially we are also in the strongest position of any fraternity on campus. While other houses are threatened with having to close their kitchens, ours remains strong. Our scholarship has also improved drastically. We raised our house QPA by .45 of a point, the largest raise on campus. We are also one of only three fraternities to be above the all-men's average. publication is not in excellent condition, The physical appearance of the house also continues to be improving. Over December we layed a new kitchen floor and also did extensive painting. Some goals for the future are to have the house rewired and to have storm windows close and careful examination has re installed. vealed that the Brothers of '48 published With the taking of twenty-seven new pledges, the future of Pi Chapter looks A publication of the Pi Crust from 1948 was also uncovered. Although that an exceptional Pi Crust of great length containing many, both informative and amusing pictures, along with articles Chapter of The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Jim Hess '83 Historian very strong. I would like to thank the past cabinet, especially Bob McArdle, \r\nfor pulling the house together to face its problems over the past year. We faced near extinction less than a year ago, and now, The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta is the strongest house on Campus. I'd also like to thank all of the graduate SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE: ONLY THE BEGINNING The multitude of improvements that the house has made over the past year shows that Fiji pride assures all of us that the Star of Phi Gamma Delta will remain at 454 North Main Street for a long time to come. Fraternally, academics. Robert A. Stanton ('46) seniors John treasurer for the Educational Foundation thought this idea was superb and at the end of first term we were able to award ^ ^ i1 \ i BOBSOBOL* scholarship committee of Pi Chapter is part of the workings On Monday, g^nuary 10, the the year award was also won by one of our pledges this year. The Gators first I Brothers of Pi Chap- touchdown this season was scored by a °n the hill overlooking JIMHESS Brooks Circle. pledge, and two other pledges received All PAC honors. The pledges are: Kevin Baird (North At four o'clock run- east, Pa.), Terry Churney (Cannonsburg, out began and before long the Fiji Pa.), Sid Courtney (Oil City, Pa.), Curt Cramer (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Vince Donetelli pledge class of 1980 emerged from Brooks Hall. There were twenty-seven young men taking their first few steps on their journey to become Brothers of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Pi Chapter accepted the largest pledge class ever in its history. Brothers stressed that each young man must have the qualifications to become a true Fiji, and not just a number. This years pledge class is comprised of four sophmores and twenty-three freshmen. There are twenty-one football players, five baseball players, three wrestlers, one volleyball player and one basketball player in the 1980 pledge class. This years pledge class is not only noted for their athletic achievements, (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Mike Ferris (Cambridge Springs, Pa.), Scott Flinn (Cecil, Pa.), Kurt Lamendola (Arnold, Pa.), Randy Lamendola (West Leechburgh, Pa.), Ron Lamendola (West Leechburgh, Pa.), Dave Lorenz (Munhall, Pa.), Ron McCall (West Middlesex, Pa.), Ron Mumbry (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Mike Mutkus (Aliquippa. Pa.), Ed O'Connell (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Kevin Palermo (Erie, Pa.), Nathan Paskey (Orwell, Oh.), John Platko (Brad ford, Pa.), Tom Pierro (North Versailles, Pa.), Dan Roll (Bradford, Pa.), Gary Sessions (New Castle, Pa.), Paul Stanek (North Versailles, Pa.), Steve Susnak (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Josh Walters (Mars, Pa.), Mike Zampogna (Oil City, Pa.), Mike Zidek (East Vandergriff, Pa.), and Mark Sydlowski(Hubbard, Oh.). fraternities. At the start of term two, a filing system for academic work was set up which will assist the brotherhood in most of the academic areas. Now our main concerns are directed towards this year's pledges. They are meeting several times a week to study and have been attending study skills sessions set up by the scholarship committee and by Allegheny's Counseling Center. Al though, the scholarship committee is still in its infancy, it has improved tre mendously and we plan to continue working to increase the scholastic ex cellence here at Pi Chapter. Robert Sobol, Jr.('82) Chairman, Scholarship Committee faced such threats and defeated them. pride associated with that characteristic I am addressing the fraternity for f perhaps the last time as an undergraduate BOBMcARDLE Bi Chapter, and my time as a Brother. In my four years at Allegheny as a Fiji, there have been many changes. The physical structure of the house has changed drastically due to the persistence and we will work hard to ensure that of the undergraduate Brothers in attend grading period, numerous pledges had a grade point average of 3.0 or better. we will be able to be even prouder of them, when the time comes to call them ing to what necessarily needed done, and of the graduate Brothers in raising Presently we have a few pledges involved Brothers. the money needed for major structural Pledge Trainer Gator's football team. The raider of has been the basis of Phi Gamma Delta's continuation at Allegheny. Pi Chapter's pride, tradition, and closeness has lasted 121 years. Its character, like that of any family, will be passed on indefinitely. This brother hood will never be for college days tic achievements. At the end of the first pledges were also letter winners on the The reason is the one aspect of Pi Chapter that has not changed. Togetherness has always been, and will always continue to be, the foundation of the Fiji's. The LIL HOOT We are proud of all of our pledges, Jim Hess '83 pressure of disciplinary action. However, Phi Gams in the past 10 years have A FINAL WORD FROM improvements that we could not pro vide. Continued on Page 5 PUBLIC RELATIONS: FULL SPEED AHEAD! alone. Always Proud to be a Fiji, Robert M. McArdle '81 "The PI CHAPTER RUNS Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta A.STABLE SHIP is the best run fra- Beyond the fact individuals. In the early days of Pi's battles with the Phi Psis, Brothers were sent from meetings near the Richmond House in the Diamond to find intruders, and bind or kill them (70 Years of Friendships, Torch Press, 1930, p. 33). but they are also known for their scholas in accelerated courses. Many of our done it. Allegheny's Fiji's have always been a group of carefree, energetic Now Phi Gams are still unafraid to fight for their fraternity. But, times have changed. Fighting for Pi Chapter today means changing a philosophy of social standards. In a period of value shifts. Pi Chapter has faced its most serious challenge - threat of extinction. At the midpoint of the Phi Gam's fight for existence, the Fiji's have done more in a shorter period of time than was ever thought possible. Internal administration has been upgraded, a new set of By-Laws has been instituted, conduct has been exemplary, and the cumulative grade point average of Phi Gamma Delta rose .46 of a point, in one term. The "drastic" improvements of the Fiji House have been attributed to the G.P.A. from the previous G.P.A. of the house for we now have the third highest G.P.A. of the seven heimer. Our main efforts were to increase personality. If a group of men can indeed acquire a personality. Pi Chapter has improved weeks of first term the chairman and committee members worked dillegently with house faculty advisor, Jean Dex- ET"— ii» Awards are offered for high grade point The most significant change in Phi Gamma Delta at Allegheny has been its average and one is offered for the most term. This had a terrific impact on the GOOD THINGS GOME IN LARGE PACKAGES -Sm ter waited anxiously over two hundred and fifty dollars to thirteen brothers for academic excellence. of the brotherhood. For the first few Michael Wild '82 I cated by the educational foundation to structure formed last and support, and I'd like to remind all Tourney, to be held on May 2. mittee decided to use the money allo offer scholarship awards for excellence in Brothers for their continued involvement of you about the Norris Pig Dinner, preceeded by the Pi Chapter Golf the Q.P.A. of all the brothers. The com MIKE WILSON (Don C. Skinner, I fuel bills hit the Dean of Students, though run on a very tight budget, , has continued with out fault to produce nutritious, quality food. This has been accomplished despite the high cost of food, .and in actuality the kitchen, in some terms, has been able to save money. The success of the kitchen must be attributed to our cook and dietician Chris Wolfe. Chris, working for minimal pay, and with limited facili ties has done an outstanding job, and deserves the praise of the whole brother hood. Pi Chapter has made quite an invest ment in the kitchen, in fact, this area has become the showpiece of the chapter. With the addition of a new stove, a new floor, and a good paint job, the kitchen has improved 200% with further improve ments slated for the future. The Chapter has also renovated an area in the basement for the creation of a new library in order to continue to preserve Fiji tradition. In my ternity on campus." I that heavy winter chapter hard. Pi Chapter is in good shape financially. The kitchen, al- t Aa -^ B' conversations with other Allegheny College, Campus newspaper, November 12, DAVEMacLAREN iggi.) This was the culmination of second generation Fiji, Bob McArdle's two year presidency of Pi Chapter. During this time unprecendented improvements, revitalization and energy have characterized this chapter. This is a tough act to follow, but our current president, Mike Wild, is of the same caliber. For this year he has set Pi Chapter's sights on three main goals: (1) The Condon Cup; (2) The Baker Social Service Cup; and (3) The Cheney Cup. This year's chapter officers are amplifying and channeling Mike Wild's call for full speed ahead. Pi Chapter's image on campus is at an all time high, and with good reason. Academically we are the most improved group of students on campus. Our grade point average moved up .46 in our latest grading period. We have done numerous service projects for the school and com munity in the last two months including: raising money for the Mentally Retarded Association of Meadville through a raffle; raising over $6,000 for the College in a recent phonathon; and collecting door chapters, the collection of social dues to door for the March of Dimes. We always seems to be a problem. Here at Pi Chapter we have alleviated this pro blem by initiating an installment pro gram, in which the Brothers pay several smaller amounts instead of one lump have also scheduled a joint 150 mile sum. This creates a constant flow of run from Case Western Reserve's XI Deuteron Chapter to Allegheny College on April 25, 1981. Not only will this raise a lot of money for the American Heart Association, but it will also money for the Chapter, and seems to strengthen the fraternal bonds between lighten the financial burden for the our two chapters. Brothers. Not only are we strengthening bonds among Fiji's, but Pi Chapter is playing a leading role in unifying this campus. Fiji, Jerry LeHocky (president of the In conclusion I would like to say that the Chapter is doing well financially, and I would like to take this time to thank all of those alumni who have made donations. Your contribution is greatly interfraternity council), has actively and consistently lead the fraternities on appreciated and I assure you that the money will go to good use. campus into more cooperation with one Mike Wilson '82 newspaper currently hold us up as a mo Treasurer another. Front page articles in the college del for others on campus. The Fiji's here, \r\nfor pulling the house together to face its problems over the past year. We faced near extinction less than a year ago, and now, The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta is the strongest house on Campus. I'd also like to thank all of the graduate SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE: ONLY THE BEGINNING The multitude of improvements that the house has made over the past year shows that Fiji pride assures all of us that the Star of Phi Gamma Delta will remain at 454 North Main Street for a long time to come. Fraternally, academics. Robert A. Stanton ('46) seniors John treasurer for the Educational Foundation thought this idea was superb and at the end of first term we were able to award ^ ^ i1 \ i BOBSOBOL* scholarship committee of Pi Chapter is part of the workings On Monday, g^nuary 10, the the year award was also won by one of our pledges this year. The Gators first I Brothers of Pi Chap- touchdown this season was scored by a °n the hill overlooking JIMHESS Brooks Circle. pledge, and two other pledges received All PAC honors. The pledges are: Kevin Baird (North At four o'clock run- east, Pa.), Terry Churney (Cannonsburg, out began and before long the Fiji Pa.), Sid Courtney (Oil City, Pa.), Curt Cramer (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Vince Donetelli pledge class of 1980 emerged from Brooks Hall. There were twenty-seven young men taking their first few steps on their journey to become Brothers of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Pi Chapter accepted the largest pledge class ever in its history. Brothers stressed that each young man must have the qualifications to become a true Fiji, and not just a number. This years pledge class is comprised of four sophmores and twenty-three freshmen. There are twenty-one football players, five baseball players, three wrestlers, one volleyball player and one basketball player in the 1980 pledge class. This years pledge class is not only noted for their athletic achievements, (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Mike Ferris (Cambridge Springs, Pa.), Scott Flinn (Cecil, Pa.), Kurt Lamendola (Arnold, Pa.), Randy Lamendola (West Leechburgh, Pa.), Ron Lamendola (West Leechburgh, Pa.), Dave Lorenz (Munhall, Pa.), Ron McCall (West Middlesex, Pa.), Ron Mumbry (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Mike Mutkus (Aliquippa. Pa.), Ed O'Connell (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Kevin Palermo (Erie, Pa.), Nathan Paskey (Orwell, Oh.), John Platko (Brad ford, Pa.), Tom Pierro (North Versailles, Pa.), Dan Roll (Bradford, Pa.), Gary Sessions (New Castle, Pa.), Paul Stanek (North Versailles, Pa.), Steve Susnak (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Josh Walters (Mars, Pa.), Mike Zampogna (Oil City, Pa.), Mike Zidek (East Vandergriff, Pa.), and Mark Sydlowski(Hubbard, Oh.). fraternities. At the start of term two, a filing system for academic work was set up which will assist the brotherhood in most of the academic areas. Now our main concerns are directed towards this year's pledges. They are meeting several times a week to study and have been attending study skills sessions set up by the scholarship committee and by Allegheny's Counseling Center. Al though, the scholarship committee is still in its infancy, it has improved tre mendously and we plan to continue working to increase the scholastic ex cellence here at Pi Chapter. Robert Sobol, Jr.('82) Chairman, Scholarship Committee faced such threats and defeated them. pride associated with that characteristic I am addressing the fraternity for f perhaps the last time as an undergraduate BOBMcARDLE Bi Chapter, and my time as a Brother. In my four years at Allegheny as a Fiji, there have been many changes. The physical structure of the house has changed drastically due to the persistence and we will work hard to ensure that of the undergraduate Brothers in attend grading period, numerous pledges had a grade point average of 3.0 or better. we will be able to be even prouder of them, when the time comes to call them ing to what necessarily needed done, and of the graduate Brothers in raising Presently we have a few pledges involved Brothers. the money needed for major structural Pledge Trainer Gator's football team. The raider of has been the basis of Phi Gamma Delta's continuation at Allegheny. Pi Chapter's pride, tradition, and closeness has lasted 121 years. Its character, like that of any family, will be passed on indefinitely. This brother hood will never be for college days tic achievements. At the end of the first pledges were also letter winners on the The reason is the one aspect of Pi Chapter that has not changed. Togetherness has always been, and will always continue to be, the foundation of the Fiji's. The LIL HOOT We are proud of all of our pledges, Jim Hess '83 pressure of disciplinary action. However, Phi Gams in the past 10 years have A FINAL WORD FROM improvements that we could not pro vide. Continued on Page 5 PUBLIC RELATIONS: FULL SPEED AHEAD! alone. Always Proud to be a Fiji, Robert M. McArdle '81 "The PI CHAPTER RUNS Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta A.STABLE SHIP is the best run fra- Beyond the fact individuals. In the early days of Pi's battles with the Phi Psis, Brothers were sent from meetings near the Richmond House in the Diamond to find intruders, and bind or kill them (70 Years of Friendships, Torch Press, 1930, p. 33). but they are also known for their scholas in accelerated courses. Many of our done it. Allegheny's Fiji's have always been a group of carefree, energetic Now Phi Gams are still unafraid to fight for their fraternity. But, times have changed. Fighting for Pi Chapter today means changing a philosophy of social standards. In a period of value shifts. Pi Chapter has faced its most serious challenge - threat of extinction. At the midpoint of the Phi Gam's fight for existence, the Fiji's have done more in a shorter period of time than was ever thought possible. Internal administration has been upgraded, a new set of By-Laws has been instituted, conduct has been exemplary, and the cumulative grade point average of Phi Gamma Delta rose .46 of a point, in one term. The "drastic" improvements of the Fiji House have been attributed to the G.P.A. from the previous G.P.A. of the house for we now have the third highest G.P.A. of the seven heimer. Our main efforts were to increase personality. If a group of men can indeed acquire a personality. Pi Chapter has improved weeks of first term the chairman and committee members worked dillegently with house faculty advisor, Jean Dex- ET"— ii» Awards are offered for high grade point The most significant change in Phi Gamma Delta at Allegheny has been its average and one is offered for the most term. This had a terrific impact on the GOOD THINGS GOME IN LARGE PACKAGES -Sm ter waited anxiously over two hundred and fifty dollars to thirteen brothers for academic excellence. of the brotherhood. For the first few Michael Wild '82 I cated by the educational foundation to structure formed last and support, and I'd like to remind all Tourney, to be held on May 2. mittee decided to use the money allo offer scholarship awards for excellence in Brothers for their continued involvement of you about the Norris Pig Dinner, preceeded by the Pi Chapter Golf the Q.P.A. of all the brothers. The com MIKE WILSON (Don C. Skinner, I fuel bills hit the Dean of Students, though run on a very tight budget, , has continued with out fault to produce nutritious, quality food. This has been accomplished despite the high cost of food, .and in actuality the kitchen, in some terms, has been able to save money. The success of the kitchen must be attributed to our cook and dietician Chris Wolfe. Chris, working for minimal pay, and with limited facili ties has done an outstanding job, and deserves the praise of the whole brother hood. Pi Chapter has made quite an invest ment in the kitchen, in fact, this area has become the showpiece of the chapter. With the addition of a new stove, a new floor, and a good paint job, the kitchen has improved 200% with further improve ments slated for the future. The Chapter has also renovated an area in the basement for the creation of a new library in order to continue to preserve Fiji tradition. In my ternity on campus." I that heavy winter chapter hard. Pi Chapter is in good shape financially. The kitchen, al- t Aa -^ B' conversations with other Allegheny College, Campus newspaper, November 12, DAVEMacLAREN iggi.) This was the culmination of second generation Fiji, Bob McArdle's two year presidency of Pi Chapter. During this time unprecendented improvements, revitalization and energy have characterized this chapter. This is a tough act to follow, but our current president, Mike Wild, is of the same caliber. For this year he has set Pi Chapter's sights on three main goals: (1) The Condon Cup; (2) The Baker Social Service Cup; and (3) The Cheney Cup. This year's chapter officers are amplifying and channeling Mike Wild's call for full speed ahead. Pi Chapter's image on campus is at an all time high, and with good reason. Academically we are the most improved group of students on campus. Our grade point average moved up .46 in our latest grading period. We have done numerous service projects for the school and com munity in the last two months including: raising money for the Mentally Retarded Association of Meadville through a raffle; raising over $6,000 for the College in a recent phonathon; and collecting door chapters, the collection of social dues to door for the March of Dimes. We always seems to be a problem. Here at Pi Chapter we have alleviated this pro blem by initiating an installment pro gram, in which the Brothers pay several smaller amounts instead of one lump have also scheduled a joint 150 mile sum. This creates a constant flow of run from Case Western Reserve's XI Deuteron Chapter to Allegheny College on April 25, 1981. Not only will this raise a lot of money for the American Heart Association, but it will also money for the Chapter, and seems to strengthen the fraternal bonds between lighten the financial burden for the our two chapters. Brothers. Not only are we strengthening bonds among Fiji's, but Pi Chapter is playing a leading role in unifying this campus. Fiji, Jerry LeHocky (president of the In conclusion I would like to say that the Chapter is doing well financially, and I would like to take this time to thank all of those alumni who have made donations. Your contribution is greatly interfraternity council), has actively and consistently lead the fraternities on appreciated and I assure you that the money will go to good use. campus into more cooperation with one Mike Wilson '82 newspaper currently hold us up as a mo Treasurer another. Front page articles in the college del for others on campus. The Fiji's here, \r\nuniquely, have been invited weekly, as special guests of the other fraternities and sororities on campus, to private social gatherings. Twenty-seven pledges this year decided that this was the fraternity for them. Although student relations are at an all time high, our fastest growing friend ship and alliance on campus has been with the administration and faculty. Dr. Harned (president of Allegheny College) and his congenial wife, Elaine, were recent dinner guests. We have also received numerous congratulatory letters from Deans and Professors concerning both our academic and social achieve ments as a group. The most recent example of this esteem is the special bus chartered by the school for the Fiji's to ride over the President's Athletic Conference wrestling championships held on February 21, 1981 at John Carrol University. Saturday we'll be on the bus going to support the team, its captain, The Phi Gam "Phantom" proudly overlooks the crowd gathered to watch him on his perch at right. The "Phantom",finally revealed to be Jim Newton, stayed aloft 50 hours, collecting $76 for the Fund Drive. (Brother, Dave Sedmak)' and our school. Full Speed Ahead. David McLaren PI CHAPTER Non-Profit Org. U. S. POSTAGE of Phi Gamma Delta PAID 454 North Main Street Permit No. 428 Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335 ; JV Meadville, Pennsylvania 16385 Orf.r , lol !(hl 'ol (I Ol u't rian^ll hluovv 1 HDtfebfiiii m1 lliw iWqwiO isd; I /AM i K tcl Lwcaoiifl s'cU 01 ».fl' i'ii/Mv ' m Bvud c'rfw.i .KniO'* ton} to ;l« ?l(ir ti Vifrft i "lit !i til 1'!' lO,n; i«o / ;i .-v '> .• * ■ I '■.) :ie'? s h-i': M1'., V.