ROSE FIJI Rho Phi Chapter at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology ‐ Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity Spring 2013 Edition 2013 PIG DINNER RECAP On March 9, our chapter celebrated our annual Frank Norris Pig Dinner. In attendance were 15 graduate brothers, Former Archon President Bill Miller (Indiana University, Purdue University 1962), as well as our keynote speaker and the Educational Director for the International Fraternity Bill Bracewell (Georgia 1968). Bracewell provided us with a hilarious speech consisting of harmless little jokes poking fun at undergraduate brothers for some of their embarrassing moments. Bill also included a very powerful message to our chapter of brotherhood and having the drive to improve our chapter SAVE THE DATE Rho Phi Open May 18, 2013 Hulman Links in Terre Haute Jeff Ludwig (2016) kissing the pig while Shane Boschert (2013) watches. to be the best in the international fraternity. Along with Bill’s speech, our undergraduate brother Aus- tin Marshall (2013) presented a phenomenal Exile’s Toast. The dinner itself in(Continued on page 2) SCHOLARSHIP ON THE RISE By: Tim Harlan (Indiana State 1972) - Purple Legionnaire With grades hovering around the 3.0 mark for the past few quarters, we decided to make scholarship improvement a priority for the 2012-13 year. Then-Scholarship Chair (now newly-elected President) Ryan Landwehr (2014) decided to have an all-day review marathon on the Sunday prior to fall finals. While it was initially geared toward our new 40man pledge class (with up- perclassmen tapped as tutors by major), it soon became a “We decided to make scholarship improvement a priority for the 2012-13 year.” chapter-wide session with anyone needing help attend- ing. Ryan reserved Olin 267 (a huge room with multiple whiteboards), and I provided refreshments: donuts, fresh fruit, milk and orange juice. It began around noon, and by mid-afternoon we had in excess of 65 brothers and pledges combined. The ChemE’s worked together, the ME’s worked together and so on. Before the day (Continued on page 3) Inside this issue: New Rose Hulman President 2 Introducing the New Cabinet 4 Continued Dominance in Track and Field 5 Fiji Flashback 6 Graduate Updates 7 \r\nROSE FIJI Page 2 DR. JAMES CONWELL - NEW ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTION PRESIDENT By: Michael Bush (2014) On March 4, the Rose-Hulman Board of Trustees named James Conwell, PhD, PE as the new president of the institution. Dr. Conwell received his bachelor’s and a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee. He went on to earn his doctorate in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Conwell most recently worked as the vice president of Jacobs Engineering Group, one of the world’s largest providers of technical, professional, and construction services. Over the past five years, Conwell led his team to record financial performance. His responsibilities included engineering operations, business development, marketing and public relations, staff recruitment, and budget management. Prior to this, Dr. Conwell taught engineering at Vanderbilt University, Louisiana State University and Grove City College. The search for the new president took just over nine months. William Schindel, the Search Committee chair, said that “The Rose-Hulman strategic plan, the alumni community and the campus community were all vital to this search.” the vision of the institute moving forward at a very positive pace.” Rob Coons has been promoted to the position of senior vice president and chief administrative officer, where he will focus most of his efforts in the implementation of the school’s strategic plan. During the search, Rob Coons has served as interim president since the death of President Matt Branam last April. Board Chairman William Fenoglio states that “Rob kept the business and DO WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS? Much of our communication with graduates is through email. However there are some of you for which we do not have valid email addresses. If you have not received any email from us in a while, send us your email at info@rosefiji.com. 2013 Pig Diner Recap continued... (Continued from page 1) cluded devouring a 260 lb. pig cooked to perfection and a night full of fellowship and conversation. We, as a chapter, would like to thank all of the graduates who were in attendance. Next year, we are considering combining the Frank Norris Pig Dinner with the Rho Phi Open in order to create a graduate weekend. If this interests you and you would like to see this done next year, please send an email to RMeyer@rosefiji.com. Right: Keynote Speaker Bill Bracewell addressing our chapter at Pig Dinner. \r\nPage 3 CONGRATS GRADUATING SENIORS Shane Boschert - Mechanical Engineering Austin Marshall - Mechanical Engineering Timothy Buell - Mechanical Engineering Jordan Martin - Mechanical Engineering Trey Cahill - Computer Science Travis Nong - Biomedical Engineering Andrew Eslinger - Mechanical Engineering Caleb Richer - Mechanical Engineering Matt Fuson - Electrical Engineering Kris Geyer‐Roberts - Mechanical Engineering Derek Gagne - Electrical Engineering Garrett Roecker - Electrical Engineering Brent Gregory - Chemical Engineering Alex Sonneberger - Mechanical Engineering Daniel Guiney - Mechanical Engineering Andrew Siekmann - Chemical Engineering Zackary Howe - Civil Engineering Alex Will - Chemical Engineering Corey Humbert - Electrical Engineering Scholarship on the Rise continued... (Continued from page 1) was over, every white board was filled with problems and equations. Even though fall quarter fraternity GPAs do not include pledge grades, our own chapter GPA rose to a 3.02 (from a 2.99), and 39 of the 40 pledges made grades to continue pledgeship. (It’s worth mentioning that the remaining pledge DID make grades during winter quarter and is now officially a Rho Phi pledge). It’s rare, but welcoming, when 100% of the pledge class ultimately makes grades. With that success under his belt, Ryan again initiated the all-day study session for winter quarter finals. It should be mentioned that SCHOLARSHIP was a huge priority for the pledge class and the chapter at large. Many, many brothers gave of their time to assist pledges in studying for tests or figuring out labs. This time, the pledges had been initiated, so their GPAs did count for the entire chapter. We again had a huge brother participation with Ryan asking freshmen to attend their major study sessions and bring with them any handouts to assist in their preparation. I again provided refreshments, and we utilized Olin once more. notes to be sorted. And then there are the huge Scholarship Chairman shoes to fill. But for right now, Rho Phi is #1 in scholarship, and everyone is mighty proud to be a FIJI! The freshmen swear it’s their stellar pledge class that made the difference and—truth be told—they really ARE an academic bunch! When winter quarter grades came out, Rho Phi was #1 among all the fraternities, higher than two of the sororities, and above both All-Fraternity and All-Men’s averages with an amazing 3.16 GPA! Nobody in recent memory (and we went back 10 years) could remember our grades being that high. It feels so good to set the bar high, and everyone is now engaged in promoting strong scholarship. There is still lots to do. The chapter is behind in scanning old labs and exams into Fiji files, and there are folders of Kevin Garon (2016), Nevin Fansher (2016), Chris Grable (2016), Brandon Bullitt (2016) and Jeff Ludwig (2016) studying hard during finals study sessions. \r\nROSE FIJI Page 4 INTRODUCING THE NEW CABINET By: Trey Cahill (2013) The Rho Phi Chapter has recently elected a new cabinet for the 2013-2014 school year. This year we had quite a bit of competition for all cabinet positions from all classes. Here is the newly elected cabinet: President - Ryan Landwehr (2014) Ryan is a junior electrical engineering major from Tipp City, Ohio. He is currently on the football team as a quarterback and tight end/receiver and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Ryan was previously the scholarship chairman, and during his reign he led the chapter to first place in All-Men’s Greek GPA. Treasurer - Brian Soller (2015) Brian is a sophomore civil engineering major from Indianapolis, Indiana. Brian is on the football and baseball teams. Brian was previously on cabinet as the Corresponding Secretary and corresponded excellently during his term. Recording Secretary - Tyler Rockwood (2016) Tyler is a freshmen computer science major from Prineville, Oregon. Currently he is on the football and the track and field teams, where he runs the sprints. Corresponding Secretary - Ryan Meyer (2015) Ryan is a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Greenwood, Indiana. He is on the cross country and track teams where he runs distance races, including the Steeple Chase. Ryan pledged this year as a sophomore and quickly became involved in the Fraternity. Historian - Corbin Oliver (2014) Corbin is a junior mechanical engineering major from Columbus, Indiana. He participates on the football team as a defensive back. \r\nPage 5 ROSE-HULMAN CONTINUES DOMINANCE IN TRACK AND FIELD By: Ryan Meyer (2015) - Corresponding Secretary In the 2012-2013 Indoor Track and Field season, the Rose-Hulman men continued to dominate the competition, ending the indoor season with their third straight Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference title in February at Defiance College. In the running events for the Fijis, Andrew Thompson, junior, ran in the mile taking second with a time of 4:21.23. Ryan Meyer, sophomore, and Brandon Bullitt, freshman, competed on the distance medley relay team taking second. Later that evening, Meyer and Thompson returned competing in the 3,000 meters, scoring points with Thompson taking fourth and Meyer tak- ing seventh. Addison Williams, freshman, ran in the 5000 meters and placed eighth. Continuing their reign on the track, in the 60 hurdles, junior Phil Koranteng placed second, sophomore Blake Schulthies placed fifth, and freshman Tyler Rockwood placed seventh. For the Fijis in the field events, competing in the weight throw senior Trey Cahill placed third, junior Andy Hunkeler placed fifth, and sophomore Zac Erba placed sixth. Hunkeler also came home with second place in the shot put. All of the Fijis who competed in the meet scored points for the team accounting for 55 of the 206.5 points Andrew Thompson (2014) left and Ryan Meyer (2015) right. scored by the Fighting Engineers. At the end of the meet, the Engineers destroyed the competition, outscoring second place team Franklin by 88 points. The men opened the outdoor season on March 23 with a win over Franklin and DePauw, and had 11 first place finishes. The Fiji men accounted for six of them with victories in the 3000 steeple chase, 400 meter hurdles, 1500 meters, 5000 meters, shot put and hammer throw. These men look to continue their conference winning streak in the outdoor season by winning their sixth outdoor title on April 26 and 27 at Manchester College. Phil Korantang (2014) left and Tyler Rockwood (2016 ) right. Rho Phi Open - May 18 Hulman Links in Terre Haute, IN Details coming soon... \r\nROSE FIJI Page 6 FIJI FLASHBACK November 1969 - Charter Initiates Seated front (l to r): Richard Newman (1970), Donald Morris (1970), Stephen Whitesell (1970), Robert Meyer (1970), Steven Goble (1971), Daniel Phelps (1969), Bruce Williams (1970), Sidney Stoffer (1970). Second row (l to r): Albert Wernz (1971), James Lowes (1970), Jay Sensibaugh (1972), Robert Harrison (1970), George Butkovich, Jr. (1970), Walter Dye (1970), Thomas Jackson (1972), Richard Pace (1970), Thomas Hendrickson (1971), Dale Zelzenik (1972), Loren Doyle (1971), Roger Martindell (1971), Kevin O’Sullivan (1972). Standing (l to r): Thomas Dehne (1971), John Smith (1971), Jay O’Sullivan (1971), Theodore Smith (1970), Gregory Montgomery (1970), Gary Groff (1970), Gary Gladish (1970), John Hodsen (1970), James Graham (1972), Joel Sanders (1972). Rho Phi 1995 Owen Cup Winner Rho Phi pledges enjoying billiards (l to r): Matt Jackson (2004), Travis Stafford (2004), Andrew Gullonne (2004), Kurtis Preston (2004), Josh Smith (2004). Distinguished Guests at Installation Seated (l to r): Joseph Carney (DePauw 1950), Donald Mighell (Texas 1956), William R. Miller (Indiana, Purdue 1962), Frank Guthrie (Hanover 1950), J. Kurt Mahrdt (DePauw 1928). Standing (l to r): Robert Harker (Iowa State 1943), Owen Obetz (W & L 1962), Warner Paige III (Indiana 1964), Robert Faul (Wabash 1968), Philip Williams (OK State 1969), Louis “Bud” Mangels (Indiana 1956), Daniel Phelps (1969), Ralph Jones (Indiana 1942). \r\nPage 7 GRADUATE UPDATES Ron Andrews (1974) Ron still has a day job as a process engineer for Bausch + Lomb, but he is working on other options. Photography has long been a passion. He just (self-) published his first book. It is a small coffee table book entitled "Waterfalls of Rochester". If sales got to double figures, he will be happy. This goes along with his image editing service. If you have a photo that needs help to be great, he can help. He has had a few orders, but it is not keeping him busy yet. He is also exploring options to do some consulting with statistical design of experiments. Maybe one of these endeavors will keep him occupied if he ever retires from B+L. Alan Smock (1973) Alan is still living in beautiful southern Indiana. Aaron Weishaar (1997) Aaron and his wife Amber are expecting their 2nd daughter in late April. Their 1st daughter, Meghan, is very excited about being a big sister. Andrew Tochterman (2001) Andrew and his family relocated from New York to San Diego as part of a new job opportunity with Volcano Corporation. Andrew is the associate director of Diagnostic Angiography helping to develop the marketing and launch programs for two of the company’s global cardiovascular initiatives. Nick Klaserner (2008) Nick and his wife Laura had their first child on February 22, 2013 (pictured). They had a girl and named her Gracely Jean Klaserner. She was 6 lbs. 5 oz. at birth. Everyone is doing well. Send your graduate update to Corresponding Secretary Ryan Meyer at Meyerrj@rose-hulman.edu. SAVE THE DATE! Homecoming 2013 September 20-22 Graduates! Mark your calendar now to join us! \r\nPhi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 Nonprofit Org 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 RHO PHI CHAPTER I am pleased to make a contribution to Rho 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/RoseHulmanDonations, by phone at (859)255-1848 ext 136 or send checks payable to Phi Gamma Delta - Rho Phi to: Rho Phi Chapter/Rose Hulman 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.