RECEIVED JAN 07 1997 FRATE NITY or PH DEL INTER AT NAL HEADCHARTER IOTA MUSE IOTA MU CHAPTER PHI GAMMA DELTA MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS FALL 1996 President Reflects On Term In Office As another year comes to a close, I look rounds of songs, wine and old nicknames as and to have a little fun. Events like our back at the past one and just have to smile. memories came rushing back. I just sat Black Diamond Formal-complete with My turn at the helm of old 28 has been back and watched the night take its course. tuxes, dinner, and a boat cruise-have kept quite a ride, and although it's certainly been Many thanks to all who took the time to us in good spirits (and company); and trips a good one, I welcome the chance to turn make the trip. I hope to get one more like the one to Montreal over Columbus the controls over to the next year of enthu- chance to see and hear the legends again Day Weekend have certainly added their siasts. I've seen incredible spirit through next spring. share. Of course there's the ever-popular and through by everyone. Of course, a spe- The next major event was, of course, 3:00 a.m. foosball games echoing into the cial thanks goes to the purple man, Steve rush. Again, thanks to all of you who night. Peltzman-the coolest old guy around- helped out; every bit helped, believe me. So as 1997 draws near, we're again and the rest of the cabinet: Rob Cooper '97, The chapter really came together on this gearing up for another Pig Dinner, another Han Chou '97, Pang Lee '97, Shahram one and produced one mighty fine (if I do awesome rush (the class of '01), and some Tadayyon '98. say so myself) pledge class of 12. With the more good times. I'm sure the next cabinet But before I get all mushy and teary first bids accepted at 8:00 a.m. Monday will do all of them just as well. eyed, I'd like to recap a few of the high- morning of rush, we thought we did well to In any case, don't be afraid to drop by if lights since last spring. Pig Dinner was cer- have our 12 pledges by 8:12 a.m. you're in the area or give the house a ring. tainly awesome, with over 60 grads on hand With the hard work of rush behind us, to offer their support, "psyche," and broth- this fall has been a time to relax and rece- Fraternally, Joe Bishop '97 erhood. I think everyone enjoyed the ment the house around the pledge class- Self-Sufficient House Shows Improved Organization Regards from Boston. From a graduate perspective, I have nothing but good news. As you can read, rush went very well. I am happy to report the best part of the outcome of rush, as well as the term following, is that Fiji is once again self-sufficient. After a few years of graduate "coaching" and intense participation, it appears that the undergraduates are fully in control. Leadership is once again prevalent through- out the house, and the level of organization is unprecedented. The house looks great, the pledge program is back in order, GPAs are up, and "psyche" has re-established itself as the word of the land. Fortunately, this leaves me with little to do as purple legionnaire! Therefore, I have somewhat focused my efforts on graduate activities. This January will see the gala event dubbed "Fiji SuperVegas," wherein The Black Diamond Formal scores of lota Mu Fijis will gather in the mecca of all that is fun: Las Vegas, Nevada. We're out not only to gamble and party for (continued on page two) PAGE TWO IOTA MUSE Fiji Seizes Opportunity Rare Jazz Recordings To Build Community Appear On CD, Courtesy Relations Of Fiji Alum This fall term, the house has taken The following is excerpted from an article advantage of our opportunities to strengthen entitled "Selfish Feeling-All Those 50 Years," and repair our community and neighbor by Jim Weaver '44, as it appeared in an issue of Jazz relations. With auspicious beginnings with Jazzbeat magazine in 1996. our neighbors, we have maintained good relations by cleaning the grassy area (Editor's note: Jim Weaver is one of those between the Fenway and Park Drive. In mysterious benefactors who originally recorded addition, our neighbors agreed to provide us great jazz and swing off the air back in the '40s more opportunity to resolve conflicts with when many of us weren't born and most of the them in a one-to-one situation. They can rest hadn't figured out that it was possible for a now reach a member of the house during private individual to own and operate recording equipment. Now anyone can throw a cassette any house event with a beeper if they have in the machine and record airshots from National Public Radio or elsewhere, even program- a concern. The house also arranged for an ming the recording to take place while we're sleeping or out of the house. But it took a special alcohol awareness seminar for the entire person to sit home with a pile of acetates pulling remote broadcasts out of the ether. Jim MIT campus sponsored by Budweiser to Weaver is responsible for our lead Jazzology release this issue-the Max Kaminsky-Pee Wee promote responsible use of alcohol. Russell Jazz Band At The Copley Terrace, 1945 on Jazzology Records, JCD-15. Here is some As usual, we plan to invite the Boston of the background on his early recording activities and the Boston jazz scene of the 1940s, After-School program to the fortress to give from Mr. Weaver's own writing and a presentation he made a few years ago at an IAJRC con- these underprivileged children gifts for vention.) Christmas. Finally, the work is already in For 50 years, I've felt selfish about not sharing-and not being able to share-some lovely progress for holding a flag football tourna- 1945 performances by Max Kaminsky and Pee Wee Russell. It's been 50 years since they were ment involving Boston University, Boston playing in Boston and I used my little acetate 78 rpm cutter to record them from a sustaining College, Harvard, and MIT, with the pro- radio show. Now the rest of you jazz fans can have this CD with over half of the performances ceeds going to the American Heart I've listened to regularly, at first on record, later copied to reel-to-reel tape, and finally to Association. cassette. Fraternally, Somehow, I always wanted to hear jazz performances more than once. I knew I'd get more Charles Yoo out of them on repeated listening. In 1945, I obtained a little Lafayette radio-recorder from a Community Service/Public Relations Chair fraternity brother [Bob Copsey '44] who was drafted. I recorded what jazz I could from sus- taining or commercial, live or recorded radio shows. The "hi-fi" of the moment was 10" or 12" acetate disks, and because it was wartime they were hard to obtain. So I often had to use glass- based disks, which were very fragile. They were even more breakable than the old shellac 78s. Fiji, Send In Your Newsform! I know some were lost to breakage Please take a moment to fill out your It amazed me how few listeners were apparently willing and able to copy radio material newsform and return it to the address pro- in the 1940s. There were many "sustaining" shows, with no sponsor, and jazz was a higher vided at the bottom of page three. Write and proportion of radio fare in those days. I didn't even know if such copying was illegal. Earlier let us know what you've been up to before in 1945 I'd recorded a series with Sidney Bechet and Johnny Windhurst. They were once the next issue of lota Muse. available on LP, using my acetates and others, but are out of print. And I'm SO happy finally to be able to share these great perform- ances with more listeners. We should all recognize the major service NORRIS PIG DINNER APRIL 12, 1997 George Buck [Jazzology Records] is providing by reissuing such ancient gems, as well as more modern performances Jim Weaver '44 Jazzbeat, 1996 Self-Sufficient House (continued from page one) four straight days, but also to prove that Fiji is truly not for college days alone. Through our participation in these and other Fiji events, graduates can reunite with their brethren as well as rekindle the Fiji All spirit. graduate brothers Which brings me to the Norris Pig Dinner. Last year's Pig Dinner are invited to return to was epic, and I thank all those who came. I'm concerned that since 28 The Fenway to share wis- everything is going SO well at the house, graduate brothers might be dom gained from their college years inclined to believe that their participation is not needed. Nothing and beyond. A slide show is planned, SO con- could be further from the truth. Please consider going to Pig Dinner tributions of slides (and photographs) would be most again (especially members of the class of '87-10 years out!) and appreciated. For further information, call 617/262-3529. consider giving something back to the house in one way or another. Fiji did a lot for us-let's remember that. Thanks! Steve Peltzman Mark your calendar Purple Legionnaire Norris Pig Dinner to be held on Saturday, April 12, 1997 Perge! FALL 1996 PAGE THREE Fall Rush Yields 12 Enthusiastic Pledges If you haven't already heard, rush this California grads. of infinite wisdom, Joe Bishop '97. year went extremely well. In a year when Texas and Massachusetts continue to be Efforts are already under way to work fraternities did not meet their desired goal, Fiji's highest-yield areas, with this year's with local sponsors who may want to sup- Fiji came out of rush with 12 psyched additions bringing the total to six Texans port our rush efforts in the fall of '97 in pledges and renewed confidence to start the and five Massachusetts residents living in exchange for some advertising publicity, new year. the house. and we have prefrosh visiting as early as Of course, this could not have been done Special credit for this year's successful October. without the help we received from various rush goes to Michal Al-Salem '99 and With rush chair elections just around the graduate brothers, who either stopped by Nasos Dousis '99 for having done huge corner, I pass off the responsibility fully during rush, helped out with summer rush amounts of rushing over the phone, to Jon confident that things will go even more parties, or even collected cash from alumni Loflin '99, who was responsible for the smoothly next year. too far away to return for rush. This year success of our rush book, to Shahram Han Chou '97 marked the third year that I can recall that Tadayyon '98, who coordinated and made Perge! Lyle Tripp '85, currently a California grad, reservations for the rush events, and, of has raised over $500 from the Northern course, to last year's rush chair and source Meet The Class Of 2000 Pledges Learn Fiji History And Tradition A new academic year has begun at Phi Gamma Delta, bringing with it the pledge class of 2000. I am fortunate to have been given the task of educating this group of young men in what it means to be a member of Phi Gamma Delta. Since the brotherhood is the most important part of life at Iota Mu, the pledges have spent a lot of time getting to know the brothers. In addition, I assure you the traditions and history of Phi Gamma Delta, and Iota Mu in particular, will not be forgotten. The class of 2000 is learning the values that unite us as a house and is gain- ing the feeling of pride we all have when we think of our connection to good old 28. In addition to teaching the pledges about Fiji, the brotherhood and I are ensuring that the class of 2000 is making a smooth transi- The Class of 2000 tion into college life. The pledges are learn- ing well how to deal with their new free- Steven Karwin Chan Berkeley, California doms and responsibilities. Not only are Daniel James Crawford Newark, Delaware weekly study sessions held SO that the broth- Matthew Howland Damiano Plymouth, Massachusetts ers in the house can help the freshmen in Robert Joseph Dyer Fairfax Station, Virginia their classes, but the freshmen are also liv- Pedro Fuentes Jr. Pharr, Texas ing it up in true Fiji fashion. Adam Hauptman Cambridge, Massachusetts I am glad to have the opportunity to be a Munir Rupin Javeri Arlington Heights, Illinois part in the development of the class of 2000. Pedro Ledesma III Bryan, Texas I'm sure that they will be a valuable addi- Thomas Jonathon McBride Martinsville, New Jersey tion to Phi Gamma Delta. Kevin Edward McDonald~ Pensacola, Florida Christopher James McLean Westwood, Massachusetts Neil Waggoner '98 Matthew Bryan Potts Fairfax Station, Virginia The pledge class of 2000 comprises 12 Black Diamond Formal and were over- IOTA MUSE diverse freshmen from all over the country. whelmed by the excitement of our weekend Although we come from a broad spectrum visit to Montreal. We look forward to con- lota Muse is published on a regular basis of backgrounds, our class has come togeth- tinuing our development as a unified pledge by the Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Gamma er to form a tight-knit group of friends. class throughout the remainder of our days Delta at MIT for its members and friends. Despite the little amount of time we have at Phi Gamma Delta. News items, contributions, and changes of had to spend together, we have already address should be sent to Phi Gamma Delta formed a strong bond. After scrambling for Pedro Ledesma III at MIT, Alumni Records Office, P.O. Box dates, we enjoyed their company at the Pledge Class President '00 390575, Cambridge, MA 02139-0007. PAGE FOUR IOTA MUSE A N I News "Worn out from hammer-throwing and Maybe that's why my hair is still blonde address in your address book and replace it Russian dancing, my left knee is ready to be but my beard is going white. (In fact, I've with 1750 N. Range Rd., #C302, Bloom- exchanged for a silver replica," writes ALF been accused of gluing one or the other in ington, IN 47408. R. BJESCKE '44. He had to skip a panel place because of the mismatch.)" Eric discussion at the Rotary International con- reports that his kids are doing fine. "All BERT ASHBROOK '83 continues to vention because of it. Alf is currently work- four boys, their wives, and kids have moved work in the family business building homes ing with ARB Publications, advising inven- to Boston or Connecticut, something Laura in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Last year tors and fledgling companies. He is part and I always wanted to do but could not he was one of three crew members to cross owner of the Svalbord Polar Hotel in bring off." Keep in touch with Eric at 603 the Atlantic on a 32-foot sailboat. "It took Spitzbergen. He also coordinates Europe's Maple Lane, Sewickley, PA 15143. us 29 days." This year, he was elected a fel- 131 districts and heads the family and com- low of the National Speleological Society, munity concerns task force for Rotary. "I HAROLD P. SMITH JR. '57, his wife, "the world's largest cave-related organiza- had a terrific 75th birthday party. I became Marian, and their three children have resid- tion." He is currently mapping a 20-mile- honorable member of the Norway Inventor ed in California since 1960. He received long cave in West Virginia. To find Bert's Society and got a march composed for me his degrees from MIT: BS in mechanical place, follow your roadmap to 1257 Lehigh by the royal guard's orchestra leader." Alf engineering, MS in nuclear engineering, Parkway S., Allentown, PA 18103. writes that he still digs for emeralds in PhD in nuclear engineering. He held a Zambia. "My eldest grandson, Hakon Alf Sloan National Scholarship as an under- "This ain't no party-this is Pig (23), graduated from the University of Utah graduate and a Nuclear Technology Dinner!" writes GEORGE ZACHARY '87. in media (TV) and is now working with Fellowship as a graduate student and was Now in the venture capital business, Zach is Fox TV in SLC. His brother, Björn Emile an honor initiate of Tau Beta Pi, a member "still living bachelor life, racing my '93 (20), is ready for Denver University and of Sigma Xi, and fraternity alum of Phi Viper on the racetrack, and having a great will be 'chief chef.' He stands six feet five Gamma Delta. He is currently assistant to time with the 15 or more Fijis out here in inches and looks like Mephisto." Best the Secretary of Defense for nuclear, chem- the Bay area. I see AUGIE PECCEI '87, wishes can be sent to Alf at President ical, and biological defense programs, CARLOS 'Fuddy Duddy' FERREIRA '85, Harbitzgate 14, Oslo 2, NORWAY 0259. responsible for the planning, moderniza- SAMIR NORIEGA '90, MIKE DONO- tion, security, and survivability of the HUE '87, JOHN NEWTON '85, and Max Kaminsky & Pee Wee Russell At nuclear stockpile. He oversees programs for ALAN WILLIAMS '85 frequently, and all The Copley Terrace, Boston, 1945 is the destruction of chemical weapons, acquisi- of us attended Alan's wedding." Send your name of the jazz CD for which JAMES B. tion of counterproliferation technology, and regards to Zach at 812 Revere Way, WEAVER '44 provided musical material management of arms control treaties. He Redwood City, CA 94062. and annotation (see article, page two). "I has the responsibility for implementing pro- recorded these performances while still at grams for the safe and secure dismantle- JEFFREY DRAKE '91 is starting the MIT, albeit working on a graduate degree ment of weapons of mass destruction of the MBA program at the University of by then. Yes 50-plus years ago! Also, I former Soviet Union. In addition, Harold Michigan, so his address has changed to wasn't living at 28 The Fenway by then; I chairs the NATO Senior Level Weapons 2523 Packard Rd., Apt. P, Ann Arbor, MI was at home in Winchester, Massachusetts. Protection Group, which ensures the securi- 48104. I couldn't have recorded these from Boston ty and survivability of NATO's nuclear anyway-remember direct current? The forces and advises alliance ministers on "Our Fiji honeymoon was spectacular," music was taken from a Boston radio pro- matters of nuclear protection. Harold writes MARC A. INDEGLIA '92, who was gram in 1945, just after my graduation. receives mail at 1300 Crystal Dr., #1403, married on March 9. "My wife, Karen, and When BOB COPSEY '44 left for the serv- Arlington, VA 22202. I visited Fijian villages, drank 'kara' (also ice he sold me his old Lafayette radio- known as 'yangona')-a tranquilizing nar- record player-acetate recorder, the machine If you use the old address, you won't cotic beverage similar to the Fiji island on which I recorded these performances. reach ALAN T. JOHNSON '58. You have party punch!" They have bought a new The same setup recorded Sidney Bechet's to use this new one: P.O. Box 2069, condo in Santa Monica, where they will set- group with Johnny Windhurst earlier the Wolfeboro, NH 03894. tle as he begins his new position of associ- same year, some of which was issued on ate attorney with Jaman, Kahn & LPs about 1982." James reports that most "After our daughter graduated from high Associates in Beverly Hills. Best wishes of his retirement activities have shifted to school," pens JOHN SCHMITZ '69, "I can be sent to Marc at 903 California Ave., music and tennis and that he is still coping made an attempt at a career change to ele- #206, Santa Monica, CA 90403. alone with the "too-large" house, since the mentary school teaching. It didn't work out, passing of his wife, Judy, five years ago. SO I am back in the software business with a We have a new address for JOHN S. News will reach him at 4773 Greencroft tiny, but growing, company named McCLOY '96: 35 Park Dr., #3, Boston, Road, Sarasota, FL 34235-8233. Cornerstone Technology. DAVID HIATT MA 02215. '69 and I were regular biking buddies Equipment builder for Herr-Voss, ERIC before his move to San Diego to become DECEASED THEIS '55 writes, "My wife was ordained CFO at Molecular Simulation. Any bike- We regret to inform you of the death of an Episcopal deacon. Our kids now call her riding Fijis who are slow but steady should 'the head mother.' I still call her 'Laura.' I give me a call." Keep in touch with John at RUSSELL HASTINGS '34 continue my duties as section chief XII, 39 Woodcliffe Rd., Lexington, MA 02173. which, after eight or nine years, alternative- FOODS ly keeps me young and makes me old. Erase MICHAEL S. REESE's ('82) old RETURN TO: What's news? Phi Gamma Delta at MIT Alumni Records Office P.O. Box 390575 Cambridge, MA 02139-0007 (The lota Muse wants to know.) Name Nickname Class Home address This is new information. Business address (include title/company name) This is new information. E-mail address Home phone number Business phone number Please print or type legibly, and include news of fellow Fijis if possible. Date filled out MALCOLM COTTON BROWN CORPORATION SUGGESTED ANNUAL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION First five years out of college $25.00 Charge your contribution if More than five years out of college $40.00 MasterCard you wish. Simply provide VISA your account number and MALCOLM COTTON BROWN SOCIETY expiration date below. Donors contributing $100 or more will be given special recognition for their support at this level $100.00 Visa MasterCard (check one) OTHER Card # More or less than the amounts suggested above $ Amount $ Exp. Date Name Class Signature Address Is your address correct as shown on this mailing? Yes No Please make check payable to Malcolm Cotton Brown Corporation. Also remember: When you make your gift to MIT, mark it for the IRDF, the Independent Residence Development Fund. This helps both Fiji and the institute. Contributions are not deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes. You Can Play An Important Role Preserving the strength of lota Mu and the value of Phi Gamma Delta within the MIT community must XVKUTDTR be a joint effort of undergraduate and alumni brothers. In recent years, the undergraduate brothers have kept Fiji in the top rank of MIT fraternities by maintaining a spirited and enthusiastic brotherhood. Our new voluntary annual dues fund will provide a source of income to support the alumni relations efforts of the undergradu- ate brothers. This will be a most graphic way to indicate that alumni are working with the present undergraduate brothers to sustain the strength of Fiji at MIT. Income received from the annual alumni dues program will be used by the Malcolm Cotton Brown Corporation to encourage worthwhile programs that add to the value of fraternity life. The corporation expects to underwrite the full cost of the alumni relations program, including lota Muse, which keeps alumni informed of both undergraduate and alumni news. Your support is needed this year. Make the alumni relations program a team effort by sending your support in this postage-paid envelope.