The N ittany F iji Pennsylvania State University ‐ Gamma Phi Chapter ‐ Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity ‐ Winter 2011 FOCUS ON THON A primary focus of Gamma Phi for this year will be THON, the 46-hour dance marathon that raises money for childhood cancer. In regards to this, our Fraternity truly got off to a good start for this year. On the weekend of October 22, the first of four canning trips was held; standing with cans and signs on the sides of roads, highways, and intersections, the brothers of Gamma Phi raised a total of $6,185.44. In comparison, last year’s four canning trips amassed just over $9,000. Our fraternity truly has made leaps and bounds of progress in our involvement with THON. In addition to the tremendous canning totals, we had eight runners run for Phi Gamma Delta in the THON 5k race, where each runner raised money for children with pediatric cancer. Highlights Brothers supporting THON. The brotherhood is looking forward to the rest of the semester and the upcoming canning trips where Gamma Phi will continue to make a significant positive influence on the Penn State community. We would like to ask, in the spirit of THON, that we as Fijis band together on an even larger scale to combat childhood cancer. Donations of any size towards this noble cause directly contribute towards achieving the impossible; together, without limits. To learn more, visit www.thon.org. If you would like to contribute to THON 2011, which will take place from February 18 20, please contact Gamma Phi’s THON Chairperson, Joshua D. Allen (2012) at 570-295-0847 or jda5111@gmail.com. OUR ISLAND that, I was not. Now, I was just a number. In those first weeks on campus, I tried out for the baseball team. I got cut. I attended a boxing club team meeting, but my heart wasn't in it. I knew though that I would have to find a way to be more than just a number. I never aspired to be unknown and average. A good friend of mine from the neighborhood back home, Gamma Phi is working hard to raise money for childhood cancer through THON, which will take place February 18-20. Will you help contribute to this cause? • Submit your “Not for College Days Alone” photos to phigam@phigam.org for inclusion in an upcoming newsletter. • Pig Dinner will be held on April 23, 2011. Save the date and more details will come soon. Inside this issue: By: Matthew Nee (1999) – House Corporation Vice President I came to the Penn State campus in the fall of 1995. A relatively good student and the captain of the football team in a high school class that graduated 180 seniors, I really thought I was somebody. My first week, I began to digest that East Halls alone had a larger population than the city I called home. Back home, I had an identity and reputation. Now, the slate was wiped completely clean. While some were looking for exactly • David Sobolak (1998), was a year older than me and was now a sophomore at Penn State. He had joined a fraternity, was now living in the fraternity house, and he invited me not only to visit, but to bring any freshmen friends I was making by the house for a visit. That is how I found FIJI. From where I had come, I knew nothing about fraterni(Continued on page 2) Undergraduate Update 3 Fiji Flashback 4 Thank You Donors 5 Legal Update 6 Lost Brothers 7 \r\nNittany Fiji Page 2 OUR ISLAND continued... + year institution at Penn State. (Continued from page 1) ties and would have had no intentions to rush, but I found myself, along with fellow freshmen Jon Moses, Rick Flounders, and Sean O'Hara spending more and more time at the FIJI house. We were being introduced to the brothers of the house, but more importantly there were other freshmen and a couple sophomore non-brothers we were seeing frequently at the FIJI house: Ryan Black, Jeremy Askin, Lance Appleman, Matt Hogan, Mike Burdick, Chris Strom, John Sueberth, Corey Hillegas, Greg Strickland, and Steven Hoffman. The 14 of us became the fall pledge class of 1995. Upon reflection, I don't think there was one of us who was actively rushing fraternities and found FIJI. I'm fairly certain that FIJI found us, that if we hadn't pledged FIJI, we may not have joined a fraternity. The next four-plus years transformed my life. FIJI was the platform that I used to develop my identity at Penn State. On campus, I still felt like just a number, but I was becoming somebody at FIJI. Within the fraternity, we were all responsible for the day-to-day operation, the preservation of the history and the shaping of a future for the next generation. There was an interfraternity intramural program that provided an outlet for athletic competition. There were philanthropic and community service opportunities for brothers to use their own blessings and give back to society. FIJI was also one piece of an entire Greek system, the largest in the country. Additionally, an association to FIJI made all of us representatives of more than just ourselves as individuals. So now, in good times and in bad, we were standing for something larger than ourselves. I became something more than a number at Penn State through FIJI. I, like my brothers, had to represent a 100 By now, if you are still reading this, you may be able to relate to my experience. It's been 15 years since I began that pledge process. I've started a career which currently landed me in Detroit, Michigan, more than 400 miles from State College. I got married, and although I don't yet have children, many of you reading this do. Life moves on. Life can be hectic. Life is most certainly consuming. It's easy to reflect on those college days and all the fond memories that go along with it. As well, it's also easier than ever to stay in touch with old friends. I'm positive that those reading this would join me in saying some of the best friends they ever made came from within the walls of the FIJI house. Some may say that FIJI itself is a friend. So, what does that all mean to me? What does that all mean to you? And what does this all mean to FIJI? To me, FIJI had a strong impact in developing who I am today. I have 'Persistence' and 'IF' hanging on my office wall. I hold onto much of what I took out of FIJI, and so I feel a bit indebted to pay back. For you, if you have any similar feeling at all, can you give back too? For FIJI, I'm sure no offering is too small. After reading this, can you talk to your wife and kids, pull out your calendar, and book your room for April 23, 2011? Your presence at Pig Dinner would speak volumes to our institution. Can you plan it like a responsibility and make it a ritual? That gesture, that one day you show up in State College will be sure to perpetuate this 122-year-old fraternity at Penn State. If you cannot be there in person, can you write a note back to The Nittany FIJI? Can you simply describe where you are in life and note that FIJI still means something to you? We will all read it. Do not underestimate the impact of 3 or 4 sentences of “Your presence at Pig Dinner would speak volumes to our institution. Can you plan it like a responsibility and make it a ritual?” feedback to the alumni publication that is read by undergrads as well. Can you make a financial contribution? Your contribution, no matter the dollar value, helps. If there is absolutely no way for you to make your presence felt in person or in word, your financial support will be put to good use. Do you have children or know of incoming freshmen to Penn State? Is there any way for you to reach out to those people to let them know of the impact FIJI had on you? Please don't underestimate how eager all of us are for guidance from those that came before us. We may not express ourselves the same way each generation, but we all value it. Again, life goes on. Sometimes life goes on too quickly for us to keep up with it the way we would all like. The great thing though is that FIJI is not asking for our help every day, or every week, or every month. Just one day a year. Just one note or letter a year. Just a small effort to find a recruit. To FIJI it will mean everything. FIJI was here before you and me. Her founders laid down a template that was passed to each of us, and continually refined by each of us, and deserves to continue. Hasn't she earned it? Don't we all deserve to see her outlast us? SAVE THE DATE - Pig Dinner 2011 April 23 Details coming soon…. \r\nPage 3 UNDERGRADUATE UPDATE Recruitment Our Chapter’s first, and certainly most important, focus for the fall 2010 semester was recruitment. Last year, combining the fall and spring semesters, we initiated six new brothers. With the brotherhood’s newfound enthusiasm, and a fresh approach on recruiting, we are currently a house with 10 pledges seeking initiation into Gamma Phi. Furthermore, we have several dedicated prospects for the upcoming spring semester. With such successes this past semester, Gamma Phi will continue its aggressive approach towards recruitment, and both hopefully and likely, see this success extrapolate into the future. Philanthropy This semester, our Fraternity has already been heavily involved in communitybased philanthropic activities, as well as Greek-based philanthropies. Four brothers participated in the Homecoming Day of Service, where they cleaned mats for this year’s THON or sorted recyclables from the Kent State game. In addition, over 20 members volunteered to spend a Sunday morning cleaning the trails of Mount Nittany, where they were joined by a multitude of sisters from the Omega Phi Alpha sorority. Greek involvement has been no less however, with brothers participating in philanthropies such as the Chi Omega -TDX fantasy football philanthropy, and the AZD Kicks Soccer Tournament. Widespread as Penn State is, it is no wonder Gamma Phi has been able to find such a variety of places to serve the community and the University. CURRENT CHAPTER OFFICERS President - John Chaddon (2012) - jjc5244@gmail.com Treasurer - Josh Allen (2012) - jda5111@gmail.com Corresponding Secretary - Andrew Dunne (2012) - amd5316@gmail.com Recording Secretary - Ted Hanks (2012) - tgh135@gmail.com Historian - Frank Santoriello (2012) - fgs5035@gmail.com NOT FOR COLLEGE DAYS ALONE Sitting in the stands at the Penn State vs Illinois game are Mike Stewart (1972), Bob Knechtel (1972), Charles Harte (1962), and Bill Oliver (1967). During the tailgate of the Penn State vs Illinois game: Harry Streamer (1963), Bill Oliver (1967), Bill Bowman (1966), Charles Harte (1964), and Dave “Bear” Clark (1963). The class of 1971 will be having its 40th reunion on June 11, 2011. Contact Rob Speer at Joepa71@aol.com for details! \r\nNittany Fiji Page 4 FIJI FLASHBACK 50th Anniversary Celebration - April 1938 November 1952 Top: Thomas Schott (1954) and Theodore Brown (1954). Bottom: Graham Wilson (1950) and Kenneth Emerson (1948). 1909 - Members returned for a reunion 1966- Senior Football Players L - R: Jack White (1966), Bob Riggle (1966), Bob Andronici (1966), Joe Bellas (1966), Bill Huber (1966). 100th Anniversary Celebration - 1988 L - R: Ray Tiley (1971), Jim Lilly (1971), Jeff Muller (1971), Bob Hendricks (1971), Paul LaPorte (1971), and Rob Speer (1971). \r\nPage 5 THANK YOU DONORS Gamma Phi would like to thank and recognize our recent donors. Your generosity has resulted in contributions of over $12,000 between July 1, 2010 and January 10, 2011. If you would like to make a donation to Gamma Phi, visit www.phigam.org/netcommunity/PennStateDonations or send a check along with the form on the back page. Robert H. Hasek 1939 In Memory of Robert M. Yahres 1939 Robert R. Hutchison, Jr. 1939 David F. Titus 1964 Dean P. Guerro 1980 Richard L. Stover 1965 Bruce A. Harnish 1980 James W. Thomas (Knox 1965) Thayer R. Potter, Jr. 1981 John W. Harkins 1942 In Memory of William H. Ritts 1965 Roy D. Bertolet 1944 Robert L. Andronici 1966 In Memory of Lydon H. Beam 1920 William P. Mallory 1949 Robert M. Allen, M.D. 1950 A. Wayne Cole (W & J 1950) Robert L. Bour 1951 Frank H. McKean 1951 Frank D. Tussey, USA 1954 Edward E. Birkinshaw, Jr. 1955 Douglas B. Henderson 1957 Richard J. Shutt 1959 Harold J. Heffner, Jr. 1961 Samuel E. Kellams 1961 Donald W. Bell 1962 Winfred R. Boyer, USAF(Ret.) 1962 James D. Bruce 1962 Richard N. Pigossi 1962 W. John Soost 1962 J. Robert Banks 1963 Robert S. Cole 1963 Karl R. Fink 1963 Charles E. Knopf, Jr. 1963 Harry A. Streamer 1963 Charles R. Harte, III 1964 J. William Bowman, III 1966 Raymond H. McCune 1967 Jeffrey C. Neyhart 1967 William L. Oliver 1967 Gerald A. Curtin 1969 Ronald P. Moehler 1969 Peter S. Miller 1971 Robert K. Knechtel 1972 Thomas H. Stewart 1972 Robert S. Jones 1973 Christopher A. Klotz 1973 Michael K. Curley 1974 R. Wesley Boschert 1975 Robert E. Funk 1975 Jeffery D. Kendall 1975 T. Timothy Murray 1975 Robert S. Buxton, Jr. 1976 Mitchell S. Lukevics 1976 Richard K. Dandrea 1977 Gregory M. Kubas 1977 Robert Melso 1977 Edward C. Graham, Jr. 1979 David B. Watson 1979 Scott R. Sieck 1981 Graham C. Parsons, II 1984 Steven R. Schwin 1984 Edward G. Clarke 1987 Kevin J. Cull 1993 Kevin M. Hanson 1995 Gary L. Generose 1997 Matthew D. Nee 1999 Christopher J. Strom 1999 Michael P. Mastrangelo 2001 T. Seth Rothey 2001 Mark A. Reed 2005 \r\nNittany Fiji Page 6 LEGAL UPDATE By: Bill Oliver (1967) – House Corporation President It has been more than a year since the unfortunate accidental death of Joe Dado. He was last seen at the Gamma Phi house, however he did not participate in any chapter functions that night. He came to visit one of his friends in the house and was there only for a short while. The Chapter has never been charged with any wrong doing as a result of this accident. We have, however, been charged with two unrelated Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board violations. These cases are still outstanding. We have to wait until February for our non-trial findings. The chapter also lost its exemption to the alcohol free housing policy due to the above violations. The Gamma Phi house is currently a completely dry house. We are also waiting for a final investigation by the Interfraternity Council. We have been told this will not occur until after our legal case has been decided. I will further update you when final decisions have been made. AD ASTRA Gamma Phi was notified of the following deaths during the 2010 year. These brothers will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families. Harold W. Hooker (1943) Jonas B. Kauffman, Jr. (1940) Richard E. Lace, M.D. (1938) William H. Ritts, III (1965) James Z. Schultz (1957) G. Ronald Simon (1963) A. Dean Walter, Jr. (1937) PARK TO REPLACE PHI DELTA THETA HOUSE Another fraternity at Penn State disappears due to losing their national charter for not following established rules and regulations. We all said good-bye to our neighbors Phi Delta Theta this fall and a park will take its place soon. \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. Wells H. Denney 1928 Thomas J. Haddad 1970 Joel E. Mitchell 1928 Jonathan G. Beerer 1971 Ralph C. Scotney , Jr. 1929 David M. Joyner 1972 Arthur R. Cunningham 1931 James R. Engel 1974 E. Parke Montague , Jr. 1931 Joseph D. Santinoceto 1974 Samuel Enion 1932 A. Thomas Sibley 1974 Harry M. Wilson 1933 Richard S. Charles 1975 Bryson M. Filbert 1936 James M. Funk 1978 Carl W. Hasek, Jr. 1936 James M. Musser 1979 William Armstrong , III 1937 Kevin J. Murray 1981 Robert E. Schuler 1940 Tom Oprendek 1981 Robert P. Kapp 1944 Callas Richardson 1981 Juan M. Quiros 1947 Robert R. Ross, Jr. 1981 Ross D. Pillsbury 1949 Brian Cornog 1986 Raymond G. Husted 1950 J. Drew Bycoskie 1987 Roger D. Mulhollen 1951 Michael A. Mosko 1987 Robert W. Patton 1951 Ralph R. Reynolds, DMD 1987 Richard M. Tomb 1953 Matthew R. Sowash 1987 Randell Washburn 1955 Jason M. Scarpello 1988 Richard A. Rivers, Jr. 1956 Mark E. Baer 1991 John A. Lessig 1957 Cory S. Hillegass 1999 Robert D. Roberts 1958 Jonathan K. Whitenight 2001 William M. Nace 1961 Matthew A. Kicinski 2006 Jerome E. Scott 1961 David W. Ellis 1962 Jonathan D. Stern , Jr. 1963 Thomas L. Parry, Jr. 1964 Richard C. Dannerth 1965 Peter J. Herrmann 1966 Steven L. Taylor 1968 Kenneth M. Thomas 1969 \r\nNonprofit Org Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Save the Date - April 23, 2011 - Norris Pig Dinner! Information Update - Tell us about you! Please detach and return with your contact information so we can update our records. We will feature graduate updates in upcoming newsletters. If you want to share your recent news, fill in the news section for your information to be published. Name________________________________________________________ School/year__________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone (H)______________________________________(W)_______________________________________ E-mail__________________________________________________________________________________ News to share with classmates: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Occupation ______________________________ Employer _________________________________________ CONTRIBUTE TO THE GAMMA PHI FUND I am pleased to make a contribution to Gamma Phi of : $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $25 Other $_______________ I would like my donation to be used in the following area: _______________________________________________. Donations can be made on-line at www.phigam.org/netcommunity/PennStateDonations, by phone at (859)255-1848 ext 136 or send checks payable to Phi Gamma Delta - Gamma Phi to: Gamma Phi/Pennsylvania State Donations, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 40544 and include this form. Design, printing and mailing services provided by the International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta.