The B.C. Fiji Beta Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta AT Lehigh University Bethlehem, Pa. http://www.lehigh.edu/-inpgd/inpgd.htmi Beta Chi Association News Refurbished First Floor a Souree ofPride By Bob Davics, Association President ^ oil may recall that in last spring's newsletter, I stated that fraternities were under extreme pressures from their Januar}^ 1999 Peg Deliver 1999 Satejrday^ May I Mark Your Calendars NOW A great evening is in store — Please join us! 'nationals, alumni and universities. Believe me, that is still the case, and especially at Lehigh. As the female enrollment goes up, the male enrollment goes down and as the number of rushees decreases, the competition increases. Remember the law of supply and demand. It even not so good, but the\''re tliere for all to see. It puts our guvs on notice that grades are important, not just to them but to us. It tells us a great deal about their effort, time management and discipline. We also realize that a strong, active and interested graduate body is essential to provide direction, guidance, support and oversight for the undergraduates. The fraternities on the hill about 4,000 students, all male. Today there are 27 fraternities, that have closed their doors or are doing poorly have little or no 4,400 students and about 2,800 males. Four houses are gone and graduate involvement. scx'cral more are having severe difficulties. The Beta Chi Association has been active and involved, and I don't think one has to be a rocket scientist to realize that applies to rushing. Twenty-five years ago there were 31 fraternities at Lehigh with when one looks at the numbers, more houses will disappear from the Lehigh campus. The steps that your alumni association has been taking over the past few years have been made to assure vou that your chapter will continue to prosper in the years to come. First, we continue to emphasize that grades are prioritt' one; our undergraduate brothers know they can count on us. I view it as a team efrort, and I know it works. Jim Miller '65, Joe Walton '65, Jim Mirenda '68, Mike Danjczek '72 and Mark Torie '78 have been loyal and dependable members of your board for many years. Other graduates ser\'e on our board and tlteir sen-ice is also needed and appreciated. without good scholarship, evert'thing else suffers. Histoiy has An attractive, comfortable and \t'ell-maintained house is a must shown that when our chapter is among the leaders in scholarship, our house is usually doing well in most other areas. You will notice titat in c\'cry issue ol our newsletter, we show our aca demic standing. Sometimes the numbers arc good,sometimes Our refurbished living room looks great! and we have one. First impressions are most important when we have an open house for freshmen or social functions with sororities, or wiien we entertain graduatc.s, parents or guests. Although the reflirbishing ofour first floor took about six months longer than planned, we are most satisfied with the results. We're finallv finished — or \r-ill be bt- the start of classes in Januanwhen the floor refinisher will complete their work. When the final tallv is calculated, we will hax'c spent about S75,000. This is what we ha\-e done in the last year: replaced the fir ing room,sunporch and lihraiT carpet and padding; replaced all the fir ing room furniture, drapes, lamps and chandeliers; replaced the sunporch furniture and lamps; replaced one dining room table and had trvo others rebuilt; replaced all the dining rooms chairs; added a r alance ahor e the dining room rr indorr s; replaced the fihraiv lamps and ceiling fight; and repaired and recor ered the libraiv chairs. We are in the process of having the dining room floor, center hallwav, \-estibiilc, stainxay, baseboards, doorwax's and bannisters sanded, stained and sealed. Continued on page 6 \r\nPig Dinner 1998 a Wonderful Evening w m speakers. Although man\' years ast May, we held our annual graduate reunion have passed since these men lived in the house, it was most JL m and it again reminded evident that their experiences had a la.sting and positive effeet us all that Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone. What a great time, seeing old brothers, meeting new ones and simply enjoying the et'ening on their lives. Golden Owl Awards celebrat ing 50 t'ears of membership in Dick Allen'51 reminisced about that passed all too qtiicidy. Fiji, along with 25-year Silver Owl Awards, were presented to those eligible who attended. After the formal program, we returned to the chapter house and reminisced, compared life his Beta Chi undergraduate days a reception, and after several hours, we reconvened at Rathbone Hall for our dinner and Richard M.(Dick) Men '51 to speak at Pig Dinner 1998. Over 100 alumni, undergrads and friends met at the house for and Mike Danjczek '73. on campus, looked at the house and a most satisfying result. Try photo albums and had a few it, you'll like it. program. Al Beeken 73 traveled from Indiana Chapter President John Bolger '00 and Alfred D.(Al) Beeken IV cold ones. '73 spoke oftlieir da\'s at Lchiglt. Our dianks again to Mark Torie '73,for making tlte an-angements Dick came from his home in The evening passed all too quickly, but we look forward to Cumberland, Maine, and Al seeing you on May 1, 1999. Al His efforts assure us all that the from his home in Valparaiso, Ind. — quite a distance. We thank them for being our guest Beeken wrote and called his class mates and the class of'73 had a evening will be a success. Mark has chaired tlie Pig Dinner gratlu- great turnout — a little effort ate committee for several vears. and seeing that all was prepared. The Fourth Annual Riyalry Run Raises $2,500 for American Cancer Society than thirty brothers from each house took part, rediscovering The house successfully raised over $2,500, which will once again be donated to the American Cancer Society in honor of Tom Morgan (Lafayette '58, Lehigh baseball coach 1994-95) and Mark Kirschenbaum (Lafayette '80). We sold T-shirts and solicited businesses to earn the money. This year we also saw an increase in graduate donations and are veiy thankful for the support from our graduate brothers. Our next philanthropy event will be our annual Luigi Fiji their lost athletic abilities in the 16-mile run. The run was pasta dinner in the spring. Proceeds will go to the Children's capped off with a meeting between the two hon.ses at Lafayette. Home of Laston, whose exeeurit e director is Mike Danjczek The game ball was presented the following day by the presidents and representatives of both houses. '72. The brothers are looking fonvard to strapping on the -y—^ or the fourth consecutive year, the brothers of Beta Chi /y kicked off college football's oldest rivalry by teaming up » with the Sigma Deuteron chapter at Lafayette to run the official game ball from the Hut to Lafayette's chapter house. The run took place the day before the Lehigh/Lafayette game. Chapter President John Bolger '00 paraded through the Lehigh campus, signifying the official beginning of the weekend. More aprons in order to help the children of Easton. Scholarship Report Fijisfall to 20th; improvement expected 1993 1994 1995 We're on the Web 1997 1996 1998 Check out the Beta Chi Web page at http://www.lehigh.edu/ Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Beta Chi 2.67 2.90 2.77 2.92 2.84 2.88 2.84 2.75 2.66 2.716 2.64 All-Fraternity 2.77 2.73 2,79 2.75 2.72 2.72 2.77 2.69 2.73 2.689 2.74 many new features, including All-Men 2.76 2.73 2.79 2.75 2,76 2.77 2.83 2.76 2.82 2.786 2.84 an Alumni Contact Bulletin 2.46 2.43 2.49 2.25 2.46 2.47 2.53 2.46 2.52 2.486 2.52 Board, where you will be able to keep in contact with 11 3 9 1 8 2 8 10 20 12 20 Probation Level Beta Ctii Rank Among Fraternities Page 2 -inpgd/inpgd.html. The site is currently being updated with graduate brothers living all over the world. January 1999 \r\nBeta Chi Enjoys Year Filled with Progress By John Bolger '98, Chapter President Jf he brothers ofPhi Gamma Delta have enjoyed a terrifically productive year. The Hut has undergone many changes in the past two semesters, and we are proud to say that the Fiji legacy lives on. This year's dining room,sun porch and includes Treasurer Hunter Morris, library. Bob invested a great Recording Secretaiy Timothy deal of time into the refur complete success as well. The McCabe, Corresponding Secre tary Douglas Miller and Historian Christopher Piazza. These men bishment of the house, and we received tremendous support genuinely appreciate his effort. All graduates are encouraged to stop by to sec the improve throughout campus and among our graduate brothers. Once again the Rivalry Run for Cancer proves our dedication to a worthy charitt'. Our lliturc cabinet has made a personal commitment to promoting the Shotmeyer '00. His cabinet look forward to tackling the responsibilities their jobs entail. The year started off on a won- ments made to the house. The ing job, and we are pleased diat the new cabinet appears to have just as much enthusiasm. Association President Bob Davies announced that the Phi outside gi'ountJs of the Hut ar^c almost as impressive due to the amount of landscaping work and effort put into them. Heatfing the new cabinet will Gam house was to I'eccit e new This semester's charitable be President Timothy J. lurniture lor the living loom. cabinet has done an outstand derfi.ll note when Beta Chi fund raisers have been a establishment of the E. Tyler Mortis Scholarship Fund values of Phi Gamma Delta with utmost effort in our upcoming ffind-r-aising events. Kudos to Biddle Whigham '48 As cla.ss president and generttl chairman for the cla.ss of 1948's 50th Reunion in June 1998, Biddle Whigham was deeply involved in plans and prepaitttions for the event. In addition, he was the co-editor of the class's 50th Reunion Yearbook. At the Reunion, he ixceived two Lehigh Univei'sitv awards: the FTigene Gr-ace Awaixl for "distinguished service for encoui'aging support to l.ehigh University," and the Class Alumni Award for "per'sonal achievement and service to the Universitv." Both awards were pre sented to him by Bill Hittinger '44, interim pr-esident. Congratulations, Brother Whigham, on a job well done! Biddle Whigham '48, right, accepts Alumni Award from Bill Hittinger '44, interim president and Phi Gam graduate brother. Landscaping Enhances Front Yard v^'^vcr the past year, the brothers of Beta Chi have taken m m the initiative to reland.scape the front lawn. Our project included restoring the soil that had eroded, planting new shrubs, extending the brick walkwav and adding a slate patio. Before the renovations, the rain gutters on the house would dump water directly onto the front lawn. During heavy storms, large amounts of soil were washed onto t)ur steps and into the street. The first pha.se of the project involved laying almo.st two hundred feet of drainage pipe. The.se pipes are connected to the gutters and cany water under the lawn directly to the street. After which include rhododendron, spruce, hollies and azaleas. In all, 46 shrubs were planted around the lawn. The third and final phase ot the project included extending the brick walkway and constructing a slate patio. The brick walkway was extended approximately fortv feet to the east of the Iront stairs. The walkway leads to the new slate patio, which lies between the porch and the parking lot. I he work was led by Graig Rurmeister '98, Eric Williams '99, Dave Applegate '00, Peter Miller '00 and several other Fijis, whose efforts arc most appreciated. Many hours were spent on the pipes were installed, 32 tons of topsoil was spread over the this project and it has the look of a fine professional landscaping lawn,'fhe.se improvements should halt the erosion and ensure a healthy green lawn in the future. I'he second phase of the project invoh ed replacing the old shrtdas. A landscape architect was hired to select the new shrubs. job. It has improved the appearance of our front yard greath'. B.C. Fiji We also thank the Beta Cihi Association for prov iding the approximately $3,000 to complete this work. \r\nE. Tyler Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund Update By Timothy J. Shotmeyer '00 /n our April 1998 issue of JJjc B.C. Fiji,\vc reported the tragic loss of Brother Tyler Morris and the memorial scholarship fund being established in his honor. The $10,000 needed so this fund can be restricted to a Fiji is close to being realized. We have held fund raisers on campus and received generous contributions from undergraduate and graduate brothers and friends, but we're still about $3,000 short of our goal. We need you to help us reach that goal. It's easy to give, just write a check to Lehigh University' — E. Tyler Morris Scholar ship Fund, or if you wish, you can earmark a portion of your Annual Giving gift to Lehigh to the fund. Direct your gifts to; Lehigh University Development Office Attn: E. Tyler Morris Scholarship Fund Alumni Memorial Bldg., Bethlehem, PA 18015 Your gifts are tax-deductible. Thank youfor your support! As we begin a new operating year for our annual contribution program, we want to thank the graduate brothers listed below who supported us during 1997-98. Your support enables us to maintain our graduate programs, including the publication of our newsletter. Donald B. Morrison '51 Donald C. Watson Jr. '67 Kenneth D. Daley '31 A. William Reid Jr. '51 J. Douglas Breen '68 Raymond P. Trevisan '80 David W. Hoppock '36 John U. Wisotzkeyjr. '51 Richard K. Greevy '68 Charles A. Reinhart III '82 Robert Davies Anthony S. Pignataro '80 James P. Mayshark '36 William E. Henderson '52 David J. Sampson '68 David M. Dowling '83 E. Robert Riter jr. '37 James B. Kirgham '53 Gerald E. Frick '69 Thomas P. Durels '83 Charles E. Ahl Jr. '40 John R. Kingham '53 George R. Hanlon '69 Scott A. Edwards '83 Donald S. Martin '41 J. Allen Harper '54 Peter J. Hondru '71 Mark L. Gardner '83 Stephen D. Smoke '41 George B. Lemmon '54 Douglas W. Paige II '71 Steven G. Joseph '83 Robert E. Cullen Jr. '42 Robert H. Barton III '55 Gregg B. Deehan '72 Robert J. Reynolds '83 Daniel B. McAfee '42 Donald H. Dimmick '55 Stephen C. Rice '72 Andrew D. Rod '83 Richard E. Metius '42 John A. Hollingsworth Jr. '55 William Marsh Jr. '55 Alfred D. Beeken IV '73 William A. Sutman '83 John R. Muehlberg '42 Badgley A. Elmes '43 David H. Schaper '43 Frank J. Dunigan '44 Joseph C. Gonzales '73 David J. DeStefano '84 John K. Musgrave III '55 Richard M. Roy '55 William M. Miller '73 Gregory D. Keller '84 William J. Mosconi '73 John R. Hershey III '85 H. Carter Strauch '55 John F. Spahr Jr. '73 F. Paul Lumia '85 David F. Gearhart '44 Wayne D. Parker '56 Michael A. Kelly '75 Carl W. Solly '86 William C. Hittinger '44 Thomas W.Stone '56 Gregory G. Borsinger '76 Michael G. Fisher '90 Richard L. Murray '44 Charles S. Strauch '57 Geoffrey D. Brown '76 Robert E. Will '91 Carl Eisen Jr. '45 Brian P. Hogan '58 James P. Folkes '76 Timothy S. Hussey *92 Stuart R. Mclntyre '47 Charles F. Kindt III '58 John H. Long '76 Bryan D. O'Connell '92 William Whigham III '47 J. Andrew Corcoran '60 Thomas J. Porsch '76 Jerel D. Phalines '92 John D. Cullen '48 Peter C. Martin '60 Robert B. Currie '77 Sean Leary '93 Richard M. Smith '48 Jay A. Anglada '61 Frank J. Diana '77 Timothy B. Bousum '94 H. Gordon Smyth '48 Biddle A. Whigham '48 Harry Goodman Jr. '49 W. Scott Johns III '49 Charles P. Wentz '61 Stephen J. Mock Jr. '78 William W. Graham '94 Douglas A. Baillie '62 William D. Bast '79 Andrew J. Twiggar '94 John B. Webber '62 Kenneth L. Colangelojr.'79 Todd Meadow '95 Alan D. West Jr. '62 Robert S. Cortright '79 Zachary K. Morris '95 Guy R. Kachel '49 James A. Ritz '63 Lawrence P. Folkes '79 William H, Read '95 Charles R.(Bob) Macauley '49 Dwight W. Miller '64 Edwin E. Yerdon '79 John A. Chianese '96 Gordon J. Gebhardt '50 David A. Horning '50 Peter B. Beck '65 Peter S. Cohen '80 Christopher H. Cruger '96 Thomas G. Frazier '65 Michael J. Connor '80 Michael P. Gerhardt '96 Donald H. Stires '50 Joseph V. Walton '65 Robert T. Haase '80 Chris D. Moody '96 Richard M. Allen '5 1 George D. Hawes '66 Richard B. Manning '80 John Soininen '96 James M. Hazelwood '51 P.igc 4 lanuaiT 1999 \r\nGraduate News Robert E. Cullen '42 Our condolences to John D. IN 47404) wrote to us in the (Constantia Farm, 1058 Cullen '48(603 Old Mill Pond Rd., Palm Harbor, EL 34683) spring. His youngest daugh Kaolin Rd., Kcnnett Square, ter, Linda, was to be married While on a trip to Los Angeles, Andrew D. Rod '83 (122 Butternut Dr., Wayne, PA 19348) saw Frank on the loss of his wife of47 in May of this year. NJ 07470) visited Bill Dunigan '44 and John Muehlberg '42 in 1998. He reports that both are retired and doing well. years, Ann,in Februar\^ 1998. Biddle A. Whigham '48(1590 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601) received two awards "Many fond memories of the Hut," notes Daniel B. McAfee '42(3 Narrows Ct., Salem, SC 29676). He has seen John Tifft '41, Ralph Moss '42, Doug Paul '40 and Chuck Ahl '40. at his 50th class reunion in May 1998.(See stoiy and photo on page 3 for details.) Sutman '83 at his Universal "Special congratulations to the undergraduates on main taining a high GPA and full chapter house!" writes William D. Bast'79(1921 Richfield Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035; sbast@space-explorers. com). Through the Internet, Guy R. Rachel '49(137 Via Bill has rekindled his friendship Campana, Aptos, CA 95003) regrets missing the 1998 Pig Dinner, but hopes to attend with Richard Earl '79. As the new pastor of Mountain side Assembly of God Church, Studio offices. As president and owner of Consen ation Design Group, F. Paul Lumia '85 (475 W. Center Hill Rd., Dallas, PA 18612; plumia@epix.net) develops land in a conservationoriented manner, clustering homes and saving a large portion ofland as open space. Not long ago, he had a vv^on- derful v^acation in Argentina. Richard E. Metius'42(940 Breezewick Cir., Towson, MD the next one. He comments that he is about due for his Golden Richard H.Earl'79 has relo 21286) and his wife of53 years, Edie, continue to enjoy travel, but at a more leisurely pace. They visit their four children and six grandchildren around the country and have seen Jean and Ralph Moss'42 in Florida Owl Award."The names on this cated to 100 Diamond St., Raymond L. Mattel '86 has year's list of eligibles w^ere in the Shamokin,PA 17872. He also mov^ed back to the Northeast house w^hen 1 was there. It serv^es as president ofthe Lehigh Christian Alumni. His e-mail address is goodground® from Hawaii. Raymond is regional sales manager at Cranel Inc., a firm specializing in document imaging and mass storage integrating. "Daughter goes to kindergar ten next month (September and Irma and Bob Beck '42 in Arizona. Dick w^rites: "De lighted to hear the promising news about the house improve ments and organization plans. Keep up the good work." w^ould be great to see many of them after 49 years. Pergc!" internetmci.com. Donald H. Stires '50(280 W. Summit St., Somenille, NJ Attorney Raymond Trevisan 08876) is a consultant in heavy '80(11 Burnett Dr., Chester, construction and engineering. NJ 07930) reports that he In his spare time, he enjoys attended a Yankees game vv ith golf and boating. James M. Hazelwood '51 has Every year, David H. Schaper '43(204 Wyndham Ct., Harrisburg, PA 17109) spends several months at Hilton Head Island w^here he 1998) — can't believe it!" He now lives at 7033 Elm Court, Ken Colangelo '79, Scott Peck '80 and Rick Manning 08852; home e-mail: '80, and attended the 1998 Pig raylouis@hotmail.com. moved from Pensacola, Fla., to Dinner with Rick Manning 1108 Shoreview Dr., Ennis, TX '80, Jeff Eggert '80, Mike Monmouth Junction, NJ Michael P. Gerhardt'96(520 W. Third St., Bethlehem, PA 75119. Just before leaving the Connor '80, Ted Haase '80, Sunshine State, he saw Mike Peter Cohen '80 and Steve Yots'63 and Ted Brothers'51. Mock '79. "It was disap 18015), a student and teaching assistant at Lehigh, hopes to pointing to see so few familiar move to Boston this fall. He and Wynn Beverly arc planning a spring 1999 wedding. sees Badgley Elmes '43, a resident of nearby Moss When we heard from him in faces." Raymond vvx)uld like to CTeek. Last winter,"Gus" had March, John A. Hollingsworth Jr. '55(856 Augusta, Waterford, W1 53185) was looking see more brothers attend from forward to the arrival of his David M. Dowling '83, who Hill Rd., Woodbridge, CT has moved to 1663 Vallev' 06525) is in law school at '44(P.O. Box 459, second great-grandchild. "Holly" is a motor coach opera tor with lones Travel & Tour. Forge, Allentovvn, PA 18104 (e-mail address: ddowiing® Lhiivcrsity of C.onnecticiit. Ccntreville, MD 21617) enjoyed a golf game with Chuck Ahl '40, Doug Paul '40 and Dave Horning 'SO. mccus.jnj.com), announces Investment executive Chris Robert E. Myers '58 (3958 the birth of a son, Sean D. Moody '96 is a broker Ironwood C.t., Bloomington, Alexander, in lune 1998. a \ isit from Frank Dunigan '44 and Dave Gearhart '44. In May, David F. Gearhart the classes of 1976-84. Todd Meadow '96 (68 Peck Continued, next page B.( . Fiji Page 5 \r\nB.C. Fiji is published for the members and friends of the Beta Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at Lehigh University. Address changes, news items, photos and contributions may be sent in the enclosed envelope or mailed to Graduate Records Office, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, P.O. Box 2515, Southeastern, PA 19399-2515. Current undergraduate brother,) oend beot wioheofor a great year! Parents' Weekend 1998 More Graduate News By Ke\'in WehJer '00 his year's Parents' Weekend was a huge success for the Phi Gams. A wonderful tailgate kicked off the weekend at Goodman campus. The Fijis had by far the nicest setup with a large tent and more than enough appetizers, sandwiches and beverages. Our football team stomped a tough Wofford team, which added to the celebration. A reception at the house with catered food and drinks followed the game, and brothers enjoyed the opportunity' to mingle with friends and families. We thank Kevin Wchler '00, Sean Apgar '99 and Ryan Tufts '99 for their efTorts in organiz ing the event. We hope that this year's success will serve as a with PaincWcbber. He's had many visitors from the Hut and hopes the trend contin ues. "I have recently pur chased a house with a pool, so there is no e.xcuse for you guys not to come and visit." His new address is 3809 71st Ter. We regret to inform vou of the death of Ernest E. Krack '36 (August 18, 1997). Phi Gamma Delta mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family and other friends. E., Sarasota, PL 34243. model for future Parents' Weekends at Phi Gam. Beta Chi Association News Continued from Page I From what I have heard, we have the premier physical plant on the hill, a house the envy of many and admired by more. As 1 I want to thank each and every graduate who supports our newsletter by sending your check aiad news about you or fellow Fijis. T/jr B.C. Fiji is considered one of the best in the fraternitv, previously said, the undcrgrads have made a eommitment to me to better care for the house than they have done in the past. We'll be watching this very closely. I he really good news is that it is all paid in full. Good planning, sound financial management, undergrads who keep the house at or near eapacitv — all contribute to our being able fraternities. Ox er 168 graduates supported our dues progratn this past year attd gave $8,120, all of which is tnattaged by the to fund the improvements. newsletter that we can be proucf to receive. At our last Beta Ghi Association meeting, it was agreed that wc would explore enlarging the pool room (behind the kitchen) in order to make it large enough to be a legitimate partv room. Preliminai-y discussions ha\e been held with an architect to extend the back wall south to the bank, or about 10 feet, and to the east (toward the .Sigma Ghi House) another 10 feet. This would create and tnany thitik it the best of those published by Lehigh's Beta Ghi Association and used entirely for graduate relations. This enables us tt) provide a first-class, professionally produced And finally, I would like to remind you to remember your fraternity when you make a gift to Lehigh University. These taxdeductible contributions can be earmarked to your fraternity. These contributions, along with those from deferred mainte nance and budget surpluses, enable us to make the necessary improxements that keep our house among the top fraternities at a room about 30 teet se]uare less the area of the back stairway, or approximately 730 square feet. We are presentlv discussing Lehigh. this matter with Fehigh's Facilities Services Department. We Dinner on Mav 1, 1999. I'm mighty happv to be a Fiji. 1 hope to see you all at Pig hope to ha\e more intormation in our next B.C.'. Fiji. Page 6 lanuarx- 1999