iiMin - PHI GAMMA DI-1 lA - u THE FIJI NEW YORKER NU EPSILON OF PHI GAMMA DELTA FRATERNITY Spring 1992 New York University Since 1892 Farewell, but not Goodbye. i THE TALK OF THE TOWN INSIDE... •NE moves houses...temporarily (Pg. 3) Nu Epsilon takes the Cheney Cup and other major awards Page 6 •Alumni Assoc. incorporates (Pg. 9) *Los Fijis van a Cancun! (Pg. 10) •Alumni Guide to N.Y.C. (Pg. 14) •A rough year in sports (Pg. 20) \r\nUNDERGRADUATE UPDATES NE upholds committment to service By DAVID PERAZZO '94 The Brothers of Nu Epsilon began the Fall semester with a great deal of enthusiasm, fueling an aggressive social service TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME: This Spring, NE took 20 city children to a New York Yankee game as apart of its continued committment to service. NE intitiates nine new, active Brothers This semester,the Nu Epsilon Hernan added his talent to chapter welcomes nine eager Nu Epsilon's great commitment to social service, recently leading a trip to take underprivileged city children to see a Yankee game. new Brothers into its proud ranks. They are: Alex Brown '95, James Carson '93, Eric Gioia '95, Michael Hernan '93, Derrel Johnson '95, Brian Murray '95, Derek Palmer '95, Morgan Spurlock '93, and John Wilkins '95. committment that lead the NYU campus. himdreds of dollars of toys for children in the NYU Medical Center's Rusk Institute. On December 14th, Santa Claus, portrayed by Seb-Elliot RosenthaU '92, and 20 of his Fiji elves delivered toys and "In spite of our setbacks this entertained the disabled children. year,our social service campaign The event made the holidays happy for 28 boys and girls, four to 19-years old. In February, the chapter sponsored its second annual blood drive. Though this event occured during the week that Fiji made its hasremained strong,"said chapter President LoringTamaro'93. He added that Nu Epsilon will be a strong candidate for the Fraternity's Baker Cup for best overall service. to the local community board, temporary move out of its house, the chapter still collected more than 50 pints of blood for the New and participation in their annual Youth Olympics. The York Blood Center. Nothing was going to stand in the way of Fiji's Brotherhood committment to service. Nu Epsilon began its efforts in September with a$1000don ation and many underprivileged youths from On April 3, Fiji sptonosred its Greenwich VUlage came together 4th aimual Kids Olympics with record of acievement, the for a day filled with fun, newly initiated class is committed to returing the Brotherhood "Olympic" activities. The Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. Nearly 100 underprivileged In addition to this fine children from the Child's School Brothers and the children had a great afternoon. Our Brothers were a regular enjoyed a day of fun in NYU's new initiates maintain the presence at the NYU Catholic fire and persistence they exhibited during pledging and their participants received a trophy for their sportsmanship. On Aptril Pledging these fine,upstanding, back to its home at 31 West young men proved they certainly possessed the qualities that proved them worthy ofbecoming Fijis - creativity, respect, unity, and hospitality. The Fourth Street. IfNuEpsilons Coles Sports Center. All members of the Fall'91 pledge the chapter is sure to be Center's weekly soup kitchen. In November,the chapter s annual Winter Clothing Drive for the New York City homeless was a class were initiated at the back at 31 West Fourth in tremendous success. In threeshort see the New York Yankees take on the Baltimore Orioles. The beginning of the semester, no time. all very eager to get in the (Compiled by Derek Palmer weeks, Fiji accumulated more event was so fun, that it will now '95 and John Wilkins '95, than one ton of clothing that was donated to the McAuley Water event. both freshmen in theStern Street Mission. swing of things by participating on chapter committees and running successful events. Brother Gioia was elected Corresponding Secretary this year. Brother Carson was firstfew months ofBrotherhood, School of Businnes and the College of Arts and Science respectively.) 26,Fiji took 25 children from the Mission City Cadette Corps to become an aimual chapter service "The Brothers of Phi Gamma Even as the year rolls to a close, the Spring '92 pledge class Delta have done a greatservice to the many homeless men and for the homeless, and Fiji held its recently completed a shoe drive annual street fair on May 9th, with proceeds benefiting the local successful Parents Day,Brother Nu Epsilon's home on women in the downtown area," said James Varnhagen, the mission's director."These clothes Murray was the sports chairman West Fourth Street, now vacant for renovation, are greatly appreciated." Nu Epsilon's service campaign charities. anxiously awaits the then went into high gear with the chapter's annual"Toysfor Tots" drive in December. Fiji purchased (David Perazzo '94 is served as the chairman of the very this semester. Brother Brown was the chair for Greek Week. Brother Palmer is this semesters ON THE COVER return of her Brothers. IFC representative, and Brother THE FIJI NEW YORKER • SPRING 1992 • PAGE 2 community board and other Nu Epsilon's social service chairmanfor the 1991-1992year.) \r\nUNDERGRADUATE UPDATES NE vacates house to assist NYU with repair After two decades at 31 W4th, temporary move is an emotional look to the future By LORING TAMARO '93 The beginning of the Spring '92 semester gave a change of address for the Fiji has not let this move damf)enits 100 year commitment to excellence! Nu The "Temporary Fiji Dormitory on 14th Street at Union Square. Life at both 3-5 and Carlyle is very different from what Epsilon chapter of Phi Gamma floor," as we like to call we were Delta. it, sleeps 18 brothers. It 31 West Fourth St. On February 7, accustomed to at Both the chapter moved from its home at 31 West and optimism, this did not happen. In fact, hard times brought the Brothers closer together. Another fear, which was also a big concern, was Fiji's Fourth loss of visibility on campus, Street to our temporary location in 3-5 Washington Place. a luxury enjoyed at 31 West Fourth St. This was indeed consistent To boost our presence in the campus news, the chapter added both a with Nu Epsilon's turbulent history of moving from house to house. The chapter moved blood drive and a shoe drive to our already long list of community service. Spring Rush, however, was obviously affected by the into 31 West Fourth Street in early 1974,following NYU's relocation from the University Heights campus to Washington move. A whole week's worth of events had to be canceled. Square in 1972. That move, of course, forfeited the chapter's beautiful home in John Ben Snow Hall. As a result, we pledged only four men this spring. However, they are indeed"certain gentlemen Afternearly 20 years ofprosperity of quality." at 31 West Fourth Street, Nu Epsilon now finds itself in its Brothers at 3-5. Fortunately, and thanks to great leadership The chapter will need good men to lead it back to 31 West Fourth 14th "house" since S treet. 1892 - its temporary home By no longer living in the house, Nu Epsilon realized why Phi Gamma Delta rises on the second floor of 3- 5 Washington Place. Representatives of the chapter and the Alumni Association met with NYU Vice President far above the rest. It's not the bricks and mortar of for Student Affairs Margo a house that keeps a chapter strong, it is the people who make up the Brotherhood. Nu Epsilon persevered through its hardships this semester, just as our alumni and undergraduates will work hard to eventually see the chapter move back to its Marshak and Vice President for Administration Robert WE'LL BE BACK: Phi Gamma Delta's home Goldfeld on January 30, to NYU's only true fraternity house - on West Fourth Street is temporarily closed for renovations with a grand Fiji reopening scheduled soon. learn that the house needed to undergo a renovation effort to meet with current fire and safety codes. Nu Epsilon will be working with the University to raise funds for the repair of 31 West Fourth S treet, with hopes of completing construction and moving the chapter back to its home early next year. In the meantime, however. has one single for the Graduate Assistant, seven and one quad. doubles, The other groups, however, are slowly making the adjustment. After all, this move is home. • • • • • • resides at the "Temporary When the chapter moved, (Loring Tamaro '93 is a junior in NYU's Gallatin Fiji Colony", which consists of three quads scattered throughout the Carlyle Residence it was feared that there would Division. He was recently half of the Brotherhood only temporary. be a division between the Brothers at Carlyle and the elected Nu Epsilon's 100th Chapter President.) THE FIJI NEW YORKER • SPRING 1992 • PAGE 3 \r\n100 Years of Nu Epsilon NEW YORK UMVERStTY PHI GAMMA DELTA NYU Alumni June 5th to Be there, 'cause you won't be Events and Activites Event Costs FRIDAY, JUNE 5th Entire Weekend • 5:00 p.m. Welcoming reception and cocktail party. Fiji reception to go on all night. Banquet& Dance....$100* SATURDAY, JUNE 6th • 11:30 a.m. Brunch • 12:30 p.m. Formal Meeting (Brothers only). $160* ♦Plus $15 NYU Registration Fee Housing and Travel Midtown Hotel Accommodations are secured through VTS travel. Double(per-night-approx.) $125 • 12:30 p.m. Inagural Meeting of the Mary McCarty Club (Women only). • 5:00 p.m. Cocktail hour followed by the Centennial Banquet. Black-tie optional. • 9:00 p.m. NYU Alumni Reunion Discount Air Travel is also arranged through VTS travel. Save up to %40 of ticket prices for certain air carriers. Dance with the Peter Duchin orchestra. For more info contact: NYU SUNDAY, JUNE 7th Alumni Reunion/Fiji Desk at VTS • 12:00 noon. Alumni-undergrad Travel at 212/998-1390 or 800/ sporting games. BBQ and beer. 782-5275. THE FIJI NEW YORKER • SPRING 1992 • PAGE 4 \r\nExcellence. Centennial Weekend 7th 1992 around for the Bicentennial! Fiji Centennial Registration Form Absolute Deadline: June 1, 1992 Mail to: Thomas Jackman, NE Alumni Assoc., 411 Bronx River Rd., Apt. 2H, Yonkers, NY 10704. Questions? Call 914/237-0146. NAME: Q Please register myself only. CLASS YEAR: Q Please register myself and guests. NYU SCHOOL: ADDRESS: I/we will be attending... QaII events $175/person QBanquet&Dance only. $115/person Enclosed is a $ donation to the Nu Fpsilon Chapter House Fund. Thank you. DAY PHONE: TOTAL ENCLOSED $ EVE. PHONE: Please make all checks payable to: Nu Fpsilon Alumni Association. THE FUl NEW YORKER • SPRING 1992 • PAGE 5 \r\nNYU: The 1Palk 100 years behind her, NE takes the By Paris Cavic '92 I his past summer at the 22nd Fiji Leadership and The Library. AnyPhi Gam who has been to Columbus Academy,a new chapter was opened in the life of knows ofthese fine watering holes that boast two-and-aNu Epsilon. We had passed the first 100 years of halfgallon buckets for cups. It was here that we met many our existence with relative anonymity. By the end of the of our feUow Brothers, and shared stories of Fijiland. Fiji Academy, however, we had been cast into the Each chapter leamed of the other's troubles and, in such spotlight with the eyes of all Phi Gamma Delta upon us. informal settings, ideas were exchanged that turned T problems into solutions. During the Academy, our days were filled with presentations on a variety of When Todd Blair '94, Loring Tamaro '93, A.J. Catoline '92, and I departed for Columbus, Ohio on August4,1991,we had little idea what was in store for us. We knew we were heading outto Columbusto find ways of making Nu Epsilon a better chapter, and to help our brothers in our Questfor Excellence; thus,it was with Ml topics: Rush, finances, pledge education, risk management, date rape prevention, racism, goal setting, and time management. We discussed the problems in our individual chapters; what we would like to change, and how we would like to change great anticipation that we set out for Columbus. our chapters for the better. The culmination ofthe Fiji Academy was the Pig Dinner on the evening of August Upon our arrival, we could tell there was something special in the air. The receptionistseemed to know 7th. It was on this day that we were the"boys from New Yoric." When we proceeded to reorganize our room arrangements so we all Nu Epsilon became the guiding light for the rest of the 130 chapters in Phi dormed together, no one Gamma Delta. Asthe awards complained. When we were announced, it was introduced ourselves to the obvious that Nu Epsilon was on a tear. We took 3rd place in the Coon Plaque for best staff from International Headquarters,it seemed they dying to tell us, yet couldn't. NUEPSILON'S CROW NING GLORY: Above: chapter publication, the esteemed Fiji New Yorker, After the opening sessions, Nu Epsilon made our rounds Todd Blair '94(Far left), Paris Cavic '92,Loring 2nd place in the Jordan Tamaro '93, and A.J. Catoline '92 receive a Bowl for best scholarship, boasting a chapter grade knew something they were of the Columbus beverage establishments. After a few stops, we found what would become Phi Gam solace in standing ovation as Nu Epsilon is announced the Cheney Cup Winner, Below: the NYU delegation posing with the trophy and Section Chief George C. Sternad. Right Page: the esteemed Cheney Cup returns to NYU. this distant land; Papa Joe's THE FIJI NEW YORKER • SPRING 1992 • PAGE 6 point average of 3.14; 2nd place in the Baker Cup for best social service, donating nearly 2000 man hours to \r\nOF THE Town!!! Cheney - the pride of all Fijiland George was speechless when Nu Epsilon was announced the winner. He could only stand and applaud, tears came when Nu Epsilon was announced as the 1991 Orion gathering in his eyes as he shouted"we did it! We did it!" H. Cheney cup winner for overall chapter efficiency. All of us at NYU - your grandchildren - thank you, charity; finally, 3rd place in the Brightman Trophy for best graduate relations. The final jewel in our crown Archon Vice-President SpencerFloumoy(Johns Hopkins '44)presented the cup to Nu Epsilon,praising the chapter for its contributions to the Fraternity. As the trophy was presented into our hands,the entire Academy assembly George. Winning the Cheney had a tremendous impact on the chapter once it arrived in New Yoric. Almostimmediately itseemed to light a fire within the Brotherhood, inspiring rose to its feet cheering and applauding. Chapter President A.J. Epsilon than ever before. Nu Epsilon realized that Catoline '92 thanked the its success also was its Fraternity on behalf of the chapter. He noted that,while the Cheney Cup is a shining became a model for the rest all to woilc harder for Nu burden, as the chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Nu Epsilon has had a long history of surviving under silver trophy easy to boast, Nu Epsilon does not perform for recognition, but more to adversity on the NYU campus. Our perserverance through the year's many struggles would attest to our honor the values of Phi Gamma E>elta. The Cheney Cup was donated to the Fraternity by Orion Cheney, a Nu Epsilon graduate of 1897. It is the highest honor awarded to a chapterin Phi Gamm a Delta. Though it took Nu Epsilon 100 years to be recognized for the excellence it label as the most efficient m chapterin the country. After all,"winning shows some of a man's character, adversity shows all of it." This was the first time in many years that the International Fraternity personifies.Brother Catoline awarded the Cheney to a said that at last "the Cheney Northeast chapter, proving to all that the Fraternity cup is returning home." One Phi Gam that deserves system is alive and weU in tremendous recognition and thanks is Brother George C. Stemad (Ohio Wesleyan '47), our Section Chief. In addition to George's this region of the country... especially in Phi Gamma Delta at NYU! (Paris Cavic '92 is a guidinglightto Nu Epsilon, graduating from NYU and heading to law school. He served as pledge educator he reviewed literaly every word of our awards report. and "Chief of Staff' to the president.) leadership always serving as THE FIJI NEW YORKER • SPRING 1992 • PAGE 7 \r\nGRADUATE FORUM President's Farewell / If our Fraternity Headquarters BROTHER,CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? Vinny Suba '92 (foreground) and Eric Gioia '95 solicit alumni donations to the Chapter Improvement Fund. More than $2000 was raised from several generous graduates. Chapter Improvement Fund prospers with alumni donations More than $2000 was raised in arecent alumni fund raising drive to support Nu EpsUon's Chapter Imjjrovement Ftmd. The fund, sp>ecifically kept separate from the chapter's $100,000 per year operating budget, supports scholarships, educational endeavors,and tangiblepurchases for the improvement of the Centennial Benefactors,and their names will be engraved on a handsome plaque to permanently hang in the chapter house. [A partial list of Centennial Benefactors is on page 18.] Some graduates, however, published a manual titled, "The Complete Guide to Running Your Chapter," my Brothers and I would have referred to every page this year. From the triumph to accepting the Cheney Cup at the Fiji Academy in August, to the crisis of National Lampoon magazine, to the emotional relocation from our home at 31 WestFourth Street,to the glorious we have run the intelligence, and a great desire to persist for enthusiasm, gauntlet from alpha to zeta in the history of our chapter. success. And we have achieved this The 1991- because we are year was a year united by friendship. It truly is "the that saw it all. Through the laughs and tears, inspiration and perspiration, sweetest influence." This is the genius of this was truly a A.J. Catoline '92 year in the life of Nu Epsilon. Chapter President And I firmly contributed material donations. believe that the welfare of our chapter prospered. Catoline '92, who initiated the Nu Epsilon as her president. However, Phi Gamma Delta and materials. The chapter was in great need of the computer and stereo equipment after these items were stolen in a break-in over the summer. Alumni were encouraged to donate $100 dollars or more. Those that did will be named who are deeply concerned with Nu Epsilon's well being." Chapter Treasurer Beau Flynn '92 agreed, saying that it's good for alumni to support a diversity ofchapter interests."Apwol table may not be educational, yet it is a fun game that contributes to unity of the Brotherhood," he said. THE FIJI NEW YORKER • SPRING 1992 • PAGE 8 Phi Gamma Delta, and it is no wonder why we have always been,and will always remain,the best Fraternity at New York University. I truly believe that my Brothers and I have left a better chapter for the future. It is my hope that 20 and even 50 years from now, a yoimg and naivefreshman atNYU will have the Fraternity experience 1991 - 1992 fund raising campaign,hailed the equipment, and new Ritual success 1992 academic collected at the annual Alumni Christmas Cocktail and Casino went towards the purchase of a Macintosh computer and Laser Printer, a pool table and stereo tragedy other than the one that exists now. Never in my life have Iseen such a fine collage of young men with talent, the Fall of 1988, I would never have dreamed to one day serve contributed. The money raised Brotherhood to surmount this creativity, Jim Kouzoukian '80 donated a successful alumniresponse."It is very encouraging to see the quick resjxDnse our alumni gave to the chapter's needs," he said. "It's great to know we have graduates When I learned the painful news that our chapter had to relocate from its home,I could only admit that there is no stronger Nu Epsilon's 100th birthday, This year, through a mail campaign and a donations Night, more than 50 graduates Brothers. celebration of VCR,and John Birmingham'85 was the lead donorin the purchase of the pool table. Former Chapter President A.J. Fraternity. without the tremendous support, guidance and confidence of my undergraduate and alumni When I first came to Fijiland as a young and naive freshman in the world on West Fourth Street inspired my life, and - as it did to to mold him that I had. And I thecountless Brothers thatpassed hope this expierience will be at Fiji. It is to this endeavor that I hope all Brothers continue to serve Phi Gamma Delta, repaying the intangible debt to her glory. In closing,I have no other words to say except "thank you..." For before me - molded me from a boy to a man. On the brink of WWII, Winston Churchill saidofhis leadershipof Britain: "all my life has prepared me for this moment." And so had my years at Nu Epsilon prepared me to guide it through the adversity of its centennial year. Yet there would have been no fruits born of my leadership the memories, for the education, for opening my eyes to the world; eyes that thought they saw it all. Always "Carry On." I bid you Godsf)eed. Perge! \r\nGRADUATE FORUM FROM THE PUBLISHER Alum Association incorporated to guide W4th funds waviiig a copy ofNational Lampoon magazine • in which a few Brothers appeared - was incensed. I^e article was aspooftm traditional fraternity activities and diere was no By Ranier Rodriguez'93 The success of any chapter of Phi Gamma Delta can always be traced back to it's graduate support. Recently,we wereforced to relocate our chapter because of structural defects present in our house at 31 West Fourth street In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail for the Indian peninsula. He overcame overwhelming oddstrying to convince the The repairs needed are very expensive. Nu Epsilon had to create a corporation to handle the hisimdergraduate days atFiji and he is on the Board of Directors for the corporation. "Despite all criticisms leveled at fraternities," Brother Jackman says,"Fiji provided avery positive expterience [for its Alumni] that we are not likely to forget, and certainly wantto continue to make available to the yoimg men who choose to study at NYU." It is no doubt this spirit of indebtedness mention of Phi Gamma Delta or NYU In the article. Nevertheless,the University was ready to drop the proverbial ax. Fortunately,the strength ofour convictimis and the truth prevailed. The National Lampoon issue was successfully dealt with. We were able to go on with our lives,or so we thought. Returning to world that there was more school after a much than one way to get to the Indies. Without realizing needed winter break, we were told that our house at 31 West Fourth Street was uninhabitable. A deadline was set fw our relocation to other it,Columbusfound a New World. This year, we are marking the SOOth anniversary of his facilities and,in a blink of incredible discovery and an eye, 31 West Fourth are being t