Oklahoma State of Phi Gamma Delta The Sigma Omicronicle Nov. 10. 1962 Spring 2010 THE PERFECT STORM PIG DINNER By: Randall Whittaker (1970) In the same fashion as various climatological elements converged in the hit movie “The Perfect Storm,” so it was on February 27, 2010. Not only did the winter weather bring sunny skies for the 47th Norris Pig Dinner, but many other cosmic occurrences joined forces to make Sigma Omicron’s annual celebration a great event. To the credit of all who helped plan and produce this Pig Dinner, the Fiji Boat did not sink in the storm. Our vessel sailed through the night and made it safely to harbor by morning light. At the top of the list of fortuitous events was the scheduling of the keynote speaker, Brother Bill Martin (Mississippi State 1975), Executive Director of the International Headquar- Highlights Fall 1989 Pledge Class at Pig Dinner. ters. True to the precepts of Phi Gamma Delta, Brother Martin, through self-sacrifice of a weekend at his home in Lexington, made the journey to Stillwater to address the brotherhood. Although suffering from a mild bout of respiratory distress, Bill spent time meeting with the cabinet, touring the house and grounds, and joining a gather- ing of Silver Owls. Brother Martin began his speech with a song -- “Are the Good Times Really Over?” by Merle Haggard. While we are all glad Bill kept his day job, the point of the lyrics was not diminished by a flat note here and there. As the song asked, “Are the good times • Over 130 graduates and guests attended Pig Dinner. • There are some open positions on the SOHA Board. Anyone interested should contact rwhittaker@pixius.net. • Many upcoming projects are planned for house improvements (see page 2). We need your help! Fill out the form on the back and send in your contribution today. Inside this issue: SOHA Projects 2 Graduate Spotlight 3 Pig Dinner Photos 5 Welcome New Brothers 6 Lost Brothers 7 (Continued on page 4) A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT By: James Riter (2012) This fall marked the 20th consecutive year that Sigma Omicron achieved a GPA above the all-men's average. In the fall 2009, 18 of our new initiates received a 3.0 or above, qualifying for the AAA scholarship. We have continued to excel in athletics: Sigma Omicron has placed in the top three men's intramural teams every year for the last five years. We are also proud to share we have placed in the top two in Varsity Revue for four straight years and in the top two in Freshman Follies for two out of the last three years. We also participate and regularly place in Spring Sing every year. In Homecoming this (Continued on page 2) To ensure you receive a copy of the upcoming spring issue of The Phi Gamma Delta magazine, go to www.phigam.org to pay your $20 graduate dues to support the International Headquarters. \r\nThe Sigma Omicronicle Page 2 SOHA PROJECTS: COMPLETED AND PLANNED By: Randall Whittaker (1970) The past year was a busy time for improvements to our chapter house. The activity started in April 2009 when Stillwater was pounded by a HUGE hail storm. Our roof was damaged, as well as guttering, soffits, trim. The claim involved several bids for each of the different types of roof, including some copper, and exceeded $70,000. Because of the high demand for roof repair, as well as the somewhat complex task of replacing ours, the final shingle was nailed down on March 17, 2010. We are hoping that some of the persistent leaks from before the replacement have been eliminated. Another major renovation was completed during the fall semester. The Housemother’s apartment was given a complete makeover. Additionally, the adjoining powder room was upgraded. The cost for both projects was close to $15,000. Various minor repairs and improvements include painting of the back stairwell, done by the UGs; new carpet on 2nd and 3rd floors; wall repair and painting of both floors; ceiling repair in the dining room; maintenance to the north doors of the dining room; and repair to the dishwasher. Much of the junk and debris that has accumulated over the past several years has been taken away or, in the case of the materials used for homecoming, reorganized. The yard has been re-seeded and will be given some TLC for spring. These are recurring issues and eyesores that seem to go with the homecoming and Islander events, as well as our limited storage space. We have asked the homecoming committee to brainstorm methods to protect our property during the construction of the homecoming decorations. Upcoming projects under consideration include constructing a snack bar in the basement. This will hopefully solve the problem of having to keep the kitchen open in order to get ice and soda. Frank Crabtree (1973) is working with us to obtain an eight head dispenser/ice dispenser. This should make the health inspector happy, as he continues to grant us grace over this issue. The major project under consideration is the replacement of the tile flooring in the basement. House Manager Johnny Paxton (2011) has gotten bids for this job and we will be discussing the details at the next SOHA Board meeting. There are the usual maintenance issues to be dealt with, such as 1123 West University Ave toilet repair, shower valve replacement and refrigerator repair (the current unit may need to be replaced soon). The biggest dilemma regarding the maintenance of the house is how much to put into an old structure that will need to be renovated or replaced within the decade. We must have a safe and comfortable house if Sigma Omicron is to be competitive with both the other houses and campus housing. There are a few open positions on the SOHA Board. If anyone has an interest in serving in this capacity, please contact me at rwhittaker@pixius.net. A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT continued... “This fall marked the 20th consecutive year that Sigma Omicron achieved a GPA above the allmen’s average.” (Continued from page 1) year, we placed third in the house decoration competition. Individually our members are very involved on campus, with leaders and officers in Interfraternity Council, Student Senate, college student councils, Student Alumni Board, Homecoming, Orange Peel, Junior Greek Life and literally dozens of other campus organizations. Over the past five years, we can claim almost a dozen top ten freshmen men. While we have excelled in some areas, we are looking to improve in a few specific areas, including a stronger scholarship program, a more organized rush, and better communication with our graduate brothers. \r\nPage 3 GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT -CHARLIE POWERS (1969) How I came to OSU and FIJI: One of my best friends at John Marshall HS, Terry Byers (Oklahoma 1969) older brother was graduate brother at Kansas U. Terry and I had planned to go to OSU together and had been heavily rushed our senior year. At the last minute, Terry got a full ride Naval ROTC scholarship to OU. A neighborhood friend Eddie Melton (1968) was a FIJI, and all the guys I met had genuine pride in being FIJIs. I was rushed by several other fraternities, but as I was leaving for rush week, my mother predicted I would be a Fiji. There were too many adventures and most cannot or should not be printed. I think the most significant event was the fire at the old Ginger Bread House. Fortunately, this occurred at dinner and no one was hurt. This was a total loss and led to the purchase of 1123 and dynamic growth. I was a pledge at the time and only now recognize the vision and leadership of the upper classmen and National Fraternity. We always had great fun, but we also had a sense we were part of something bigger. The impact Phi Gamma Delta has had on my life is immeasurable. I can honestly affirm that if it had not been for PGD, I would have flunked out the first semester. I was ill prepared for college and did not know how to study. I just thought I was ready for the first Zoology test and had gone to bed when Rusty Kriegel (1967), a pledge brother, came and asked me some questions and I had no idea what he was talking about. I was obviously not prepared. We stayed up all night and crammed. As I recall, I made a B and he made a C, but over 95% of the class failed that first test and he did not curve the grades. The fraternity also taught me how to manage time, effectively use meetings, understand, and work with all personality types. While I went into medicine to dodge the draft, I fortunately could not have chosen a better career. I went to OU medical school, then LSU internship and Internal Medicine residency. I spent two years in Texarkana with a multispecialty clinic before moving to Bossier City, opening my own private practice in 1980. I was in full time practice until 2006 when I became Chief Medical Officer for Willis Knighton Health System, where I am currently employed, and still practicing about half time. I completed my MBA from Auburn University May 2009. My most rewarding experiences practicing medicine have been the mission trips to Honduras with the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. The village we serve, San Joaquin, is a two-hour hike into the jungle using mules to pack in our food and equipment since there are no roads, running water or electricity. The local cantina has horses and mules tied in front. It is like being in the 1800s but there are battery operated flashlights and radios. We are a full service operation with veterinarians, dentist, physicians, anthropologist, translators, and priest. We sleep in a church and bathe in a stream under a waterfall. Families walk six to eight hours to wait in line two to four hours just to receive rudimentary health care. The most important thing we provide everyone, animals included, is medication for worms and three months of vitamins with iron, since all are anemic from parasites. Anthropologists have been studying infant mortality, children’s weight and height over the last 20 years (since the inception of this mission) and have noted marked improvement in the overall health of those we serve. We work all day until the all patients are seen, then make house (hut) calls. Those who have not experienced this can only imagine the joy you get from the appreciation of those who can never repay you. At night, we play poker-using multivitamins as chips and curse the roosters for crowing. They do that all night, not just at dawn. I have stayed in contact with several brothers through the years but the Charlie in Honduras in 1994. closest have been Ralph Rogers (1970), Don Boyd (1969), Danny Deaver (1967), and George Ramey (1966). Don, Danny, George, and I have made several football road trips with our families. I have been coming to football games the last several years so I am seeing more guys and keeping up with more all the time. I have missed the Pig Dinner the last few years due to conflicts with my men’s group ski trip to Europe each year. I still wear my recognition ring and meet Fijis all the time. Three of the 22 members of my MBA class and one of the professors were brothers. We spent time at the house at Auburn and had great fellowship. I have three children, Andrew 34, Mike 32, and Katie 26, two-step children Laura 35 and Warren 32. All are self -supporting. Andrew is a high school band director in Baton Rouge and has my only grandchild, Lucy, and another on the way. Mike is an endurance bicycle racer and just rode the La Routa de Conquistadors across Costa Rico. Katie is getting a masters degree in Museum Studies and Non-Profit Management at Baylor this spring. Laura is a registered nurse, while Warren is selling Nissans in Atlanta. Charlie may be reached at 318455-6666 or capmd47@aol.com. \r\nPage 4 The Sigma Omicronicle THE PERFECT STORM PIG DINNER continued... (Continued from page 1) really over for good?” The convincing answer given by Brother Martin was absolutely not! Through a brief history of Phi Gamma Delta and the evolution of Greek life, the audience was made aware that the role of fraternities at America’s universities is not only not gone, but stronger than ever. The challenges of the last 25 years, including the “endless keg syndrome,” the “animal house” stereotyping, substance abuse, date rape, various forms of risk management, and cycles of dis-interest in the Greek system, have been addressed and effectively dealt with by all fraternities. As long as young men and women congregate for the purpose of higher education, there will be challenges to the entire educational process. The good times are not gone; in reality, the Greek system and Phi Gamma Delta in particular are in the process of making these days the good times. Brother Martin explained our Fraternity has been invited to colonize at Oklahoma City University. An increasing number of new chapters have been founded in recent years, still others have been re-chartered, and many more quality schools would like to have a chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. In closing, Brother Martin pointed out that among the many chapters Bill Martin and Jason Turner (1993) of Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Omicron shines brightly. He noted our 20-year record of academic excellence; our consistent leadership in campus activities and student government; the philanthropic service to the community; our recognition in various International Fraternity awards, including four of the last eight Wilkinson Award winners, and the strength and support of our graduate brothers. Brother Martin pointed out that, while he has never actually seen someone “kicking butt and taking names,” metaphorically speaking, that is what he expects of Sigma Omicron. Prior to the banquet, other serendipitous events had taken place which added energy to the 47th Pig Dinner. Many graduate brothers had another great reason to attend, like a Big 12 basketball shootout between the Cowboys and the Kansas Jayhawks. As fate and great teamwork would have it, the Cowboys upset the #1 team in the NCAA that afternoon and set the stage for the events to follow. At the banquet, Garrett Thomas (2011), current Rush Chairman and a member of the Cowboys basketball team, stated, ”We just upset the number one team in the nation….What else could you ask for?” Well, as it turned out, several other excellent things happened, either earlier in the day or after the buzzer sounded at Gallagher-Iba Arena. In preparation for the Pig, Chapter President James Riter (2011) and House Manager Johnny Paxton (2012) declared a “deep cleaning” for the chapter house. Like the fishing vessel of “The Perfect Storm,” our ship is showing her years, yet with the determination and elbow grease given by the undergraduates, the old gal was sparkling. She was draped in welcome banners, the black diamond in the foyer was stunning, the entrance was freshly painted, and there was not one “black hole” among the living quarters. Especially appreciated Overheard during Pig Dinner... “We pick up right where we left off.” - Andrew Crabtree (1994) “Why don’t we do Pig Dinner twice a year?” - Mike Jaskowiak (2000) “I’m surprised these old guys like the loud music.” - Unknown undergraduate brother “The weekend needs more, the day to leave comes too fast.” - Russ Tull (1993) “I couldn’t find my badge; I feel naked without it.” - Unknown graduate brother “The house was clean and looked better than it had in years!” - Mike Hill (1968) “It’s good to be back...cancer almost got me...life is too short.” - Tom Lucas (1966) was the opportunity to view the collection of memorabilia and photos in surprisingly good condition considering their age. The physical aspect of the house was in order. More importantly, the higher aspect of “The House” was in order. The undergraduates were out in force, greeting the graduate brothers, sharing details of their life at Sigma Omicron, asking questions of the older brothers (anybody remember the Fiji phone number…b4 the cell fon), making new relationships with those who had been there before….doing an excellent job of “Pumping Purple.” After the basketball game, visiting the chapter house, pounding down some grub from Joe’s or the Hideaway, and before the banquet, \r\nPage 5 THE PERFECT STORM PIG DINNER continued... many cohort groups had pre-Pig receptions. The conversation at all these gatherings was all about catching up with brothers not seen for years and the pride we all have in Sigma Omicron. Then, came the big happening -the banquet -- meticulously planned and executed by Shane Gibson (2012) and his team. Comments and suggestions taken after last year were implemented as continuous improvement of the Pig. There were over 130 grad brothers and guests in attendance. One notable difference was the voracious chowing down on Zeus. Standing near the pig was a hazard zone. Tom Lucas (1966) gave a brief history of the origins of the Norris Pig Dinner and delivered “An Exile’s Toast” to an energized room of Fijis. Hopefully, many thought of their brothers in exile, unable to attend “der poodle lunch” and watch “der team joost knock ’em into hell.” Those who were there stood and raised their glasses. Two graduate brother awards were presented. Purple Legionnaire Eric Knam (1993) was presented the Bob Hamm Graduate Brother of the Year honor. For his many years of dedicated service -- we stopped counting at 20 -- and finishing of his term as President of SOHA, Kim Cunningham (1975) was presented with both a certificate of appreciation, as well as a special plaque. Standing ovations were given to both. Not since Don Greenamyer (1972) came from Australia have we had a winner attend from a distant country for the most miles travelled. This year Brother Val Valdois (1993) joined us from Switzerland! Then…the final convergent event…THE PIG GIG!! The Fiji House Danny Deaver (1967) Kisses the Pig. The Changing Times Band. Band (aka The Changing Times) was gracious enough to play for a second year. These brothers had dedicated many weekends to practice for this gig, lugged their equipment from across the state of Oklahoma, set up, played their hearts out, packed up and left with a smile. They are truly exemplary of loyal Fijis and “Not for College Days Alone.” About an hour into the dance, word got around that the Fijis and Thetas had finished 2nd in VR!! So, Brother Martin, the good times are now at Sigma Omicron. Brother Garrett, in answer to what else could you ask for… How about a great turnout for a Homecoming Home Run (October 23, Cowboys vs. Cornhuskers) and a full house for the 48th Pig?! Perge! Bill Fowler (1970), Robert Keating (1972), A.L. Bennett (1972) and Steve Dennehy (1972). Ryan Bebee (1995), Omar Hossain (2010), Paul Parsons (1973), and Jay List (1997). \r\nThe Sigma Omicronicle Page 6 WELCOME NEW BROTHERS Here are the new initiates at a glance: • 6 Members in Freshman Representative Council • 2 Members in Junior Greek Life • 2 Campaign Committee Heads • 12 Campaign Volunteers • 5 Members on House “A” teams • 1 Member on Championship Team • Absolute Pledge Class Champions (All Members) • All Members Competed on at least one Intramural Team • 3.2 Average GPA for Fall Semester OSU GREEK COMMUNITY UPDATE By: Ival Gregory, Greek Advisor The OSU Fraternity and Sorority Community is strong. IFC recruitment was up this past year; it has only been down three times in the last 15 years. Overall growth is always the expectation. Panhellenic recruitment began with fewer women but more pledged than last year so Panhellenic continues to grow. Delta Sigma Phi, Sigma Pi, and Theta Chi are fraternities colonizing at OSU and a Latina sorority just initiated its first pledge class. Greek student performance continues to be amazing. Academically sound, OSU Greeks have been recognized by the Greek academic honorary, Gamma Sigma Alpha, for nine out of the last 10 semesters for having the highest differential between Greek grades and non-Greek grades in the Midwest Region. We are the only campus in the country with consecutive wins. One key reason Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie Institution for Outreach is the enormous amount of community service Greek students perform. Since all chapters do not report their efforts, the number is much higher than reported. Among those chapters that do report community service, Phi Gamma Delta reported 35.77 service hours per man for the calendar year 2009. Only two fraternities had more community service hours. OSU Greeks continue to be the leaders of campus organizations. A recent survey of the leadership of OSU’s 400 student organizations substantiates the claim; over 54% of campus leadership positions are held by Greek students. This is validated in another way when seven of the Top Ten Freshmen Men are Greek, including Shane Gibson (2012). While the undergraduates continue to raise the bar in all areas of collegiate life, Greek alumni are not standing idly by. The house corporation presidents have come together to form the Greek Neighborhood Association of Stillwater, OK, Inc. This not-for-profit has been created to help insure the health and safety of students living in the Greek Neighborhood. You will no- tice new black on orange street signs in the area to signify the boundaries of the Neighborhood. Additionally a group of Greek alumni are continuing to work on providing a gift to OSU to commemorate the 2008 Greek Centennial being celebrated in a number of ways. Fundraising has begun and hopefully Fiji will strongly support this effort. On March 31, 2010, the inaugural class of the OSU Greek Hall of Fame will be announced as events celebrating the Centennial continue. \r\nPage 7 HELP US FIND LOST BROTHERS We currently do not have addresses for the following brothers. If you have information on their whereabouts, please email address@phigam.org. D. Scott Johnston 1964 James M. Watt 1977 Ben J. Lowry 1991 Vernon R. Thornton 1964 John W. Lovejoy 1978 Jimmie L. Valentine, Jr. 1991 Allen C. Neimeyer 1965 Kelly W. Johnson 1979 C. Scott Whitman 1993 Dean C. Alexander, USAF 1967 Timothy J. McIlwraith 1979 Michael E. Finnell 1994 James E. Mayden , III 1967 Thomas W. Merry 1979 C. Scott Whitfield 1994 Albert L. McNew 1967 Alan L. Thies 1979 I. Fabian Beltran 1996 Gary D. Farmer 1969 Aaron L. Hillhouse 1981 Brian D. Smith 1996 Rickie C. Feddersen 1969 James H. Kopacka, Jr. 1981 Spike C. Henderson 1997 Walter H. Greenwood, II 1969 Richard L. Adams 1982 Joel L. Houk 1997 Douglas R. Herrick 1969 Ernest L. Collins 1982 Dax N. Ewbank 1998 David Moulin 1969 James D. Davis 1982 Michael P. Moore 1999 Royce M. Sample , Jr. 1969 Marcus A. Makar 1982 Jason A. Niven 1999 Staunton A. Baker 1970 Peter W. West 1982 Brian W. Sheehan 1999 Michael E. Colley 1970 Kenneth R. Wilkerson, II 1982 C. Brian Cross 2001 John R. Flood 1970 Duane A. Griffin 1984 Stephen L. Maison, II 2001 Ingram R. Henry, III 1970 Michael W. Metz 1984 Stephen J. Swagerty 2001 David L. Jones 1970 Keith W. Nehls 1984 Ryan G. Haynie 2002 Stephen F. Pontesso 1970 John A. Romano , Jr. 1984 Travis H. Moore 2002 Rayford T. Reid 1970 David L. Dailey 1985 Albert A. Colby, III 2003 Mont A. Smith 1970 R. Mark Dettle 1985 Brian M. Hawpe 2003 Stephen I. Smith 1970 Brian K. Spurrier 1985 Hal H. Robbins, DO 2003 Thomas A. Varner 1970 Adam F. Sutton 1985 Jason A. Barnes 2004 Donald L. Wyatt 1970 James D. Dyer , Jr. 1986 Dallas S. Hindman 2004 William P. Fry 1971 Mark D. McBurnett 1987 Daniel W. Holland 2004 A. Ross Ikemire 1971 Michael A. Reyes 1987 Scott A. Blakemore 2005 Wilbur W. Stanton , PhD 1971 Lucas N. Ward 1987 Michael L. Uphold 2005 Steven D. Bell 1972 Sean K. Blake 1988 Justin M. Lewellen 2006 Victor A. Dodge , Jr. 1972 Timothy E. Brown 1988 James A. Shaw 2006 Claud E. Reese, III 1972 James R. Hicks 1988 Matthew W. Warren 2006 Philip B. Smith 1973 Jeffrey S. Hogan, USAF 1988 Scott A. Bryant 2007 Charles C. Lord, Jr. 1974 John R. Newlin 1988 Patrick M. Quinn 2007 Scott A. Guysi 1975 Steve E. Owens 1988 Tony D. Swinney 1975 Chris A. Thompson 1988 Dennis Collins 1976 Ronald Q. Wilson 1988 David T. Zofness 1976 Alan L. Wynn 1988 Brett D. Anderson 1977 Todd A. Sullivan 1989 Ronald G. Bond 1977 Michael S. Mears 1990 Lon K. Cyrill 1977 David C. James 1991 Sigma Omicron Housing Association, Inc. President - Randall Whittaker ‘70 rwhittaker@pixius.net Treasurer - Chris Neurohr ‘03 cneurohr@scissortailenergy.com Secretary - Michael Martin ‘05 michaelpaulmartin@yahoo.com Directors & Members Kim Cunningham ‘75 Tanner Cooper ‘04 Jim Quigley ‘79 Mike Hill ‘68 Eric Lee ‘94 Aaron Wilson ‘08 Purple Legionnaire Eric Knam ‘93 eric.d.knam@gmail.com Sigma Omicron Board of Chapter Advisors Chairman - Taylor Shinn ‘07 Taylor.shinn@chk.com Member Education Advisor Ross Bebee ‘97 Treasurer Advisor Clayton Nelson ‘07 Advisor At-Large Jeffrey Pinter ‘02 Cabinet Advisor Trent McKnight ‘02 Historian Advisor Wesley Reed ‘02 Recruitment Advisor Jay List ‘97 Grad Relations Advisor Joel Embry ‘99 \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 SOHA FUND I am pleased to make a contribution to Sigma Omicron 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/OKState_Donations, by phone at (859)255-1848 ext 136 or send checks payable to Phi Gamma Delta - Sigma Omicron to: Sigma Omicron/Oklahoma 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.