1975 Spring Meeting Minutes
Condensed Minutes of the Spring Meeting of Directors and Alumni Corporation - May 10, 1975
The following officers and directors were present: Howard Alter, "Abe" Doan, Dave Heitzenroder, Win Orben, Bob Patterson, Ralph Stuck, Charley Zink and Ed Keller. Also in attendance were 19 enthusiastic and interested active Brothers. It was one of the best attended meetings by the Actives in a number of years. A summary of the reports and discussion follows:
Treasurer: The Treasurer was absent but an informal report was given by Brother Ed Keller who had been advised by the Treasurer that the treasury was at rock bottom due to the fact the Corporation had just purchased an $1100 freezer and made a payment on taxes. He also reported that 12 additional Alumni had paid their dues since the recent issue of the Omegaphone. This makes a total of 88 paid members for the school year 1974-75. (The latest figure is 94.) The Active Chapter is still not paying their full share to the Corporation to keep the house in a healthy financial condition. This problem should be corrected in a year or so with increased membership.
Grand Chapter: The Executive Director of Grand Chapter, Brother Howard Alter, advised that on a nation-al level, Theta Chi Fraternity looked very good. There are presently 147 active Chapters and their prospects for the future are very optimistic. He praised the Omega Active Chapter for its spirit and pride saying, "The report I received from my field representative who visited Omega Chapter was the best for this Chapter in the last 9 years."
Financial Advisor: Brother Keller advised the Chapter is definitely on its way back. As an example an average of 22 men lived in the house a year ago; 27 this year, and he predicts an average of 33 next year. ('75-'76) Hopefully next year will be the break-even point. He pointed out the Fraternity was a victim of inflation like everyone is experiencing today. The utilities alone have increased 40 percent. A new chef (retired from the Army) had to be hired as Harry Gifford (Giffie's Father) became ill and could no longer work. The new chef's wages are up 100 percent. The answer to a successful financial operation for Omega is to have a full house of 40 men.
Active President: Brother Dave Douglas reported 13 men of 15 acceptees had been initiated this school year. Brother Douglas also stated they expected a total of 17 men to graduate during the three terms of 1975-76. He felt with the spirit, pride and teamwork of the present membership it would be no problem replacing the losses next year. He also re-ported on the Regional Conference that was held at Shippensburg Chapter. Brother George Kilavos, National President, attended the Conference and his untiring enthusiasm for Theta Chi was most inspiring to all Brothers present.
Corporation President: Brother Heitzenroder complemented the active members for their enthusiasm, spirit and pride. He said it was the best group of Actives he had seen in many years. The house and yard were clean and looked to be in good condition which showed a lot of work had been done. He thanked Brother Keller for his help, guidance and advice to the Active Chapter as their financial advisor and Brothers Orben and Patterson for their work in publishing the recent issues of the Omegaphone.
Living Room Ceiling: Brother Douglas asked what could be done about the living room ceiling which is badly cracked and needs repairs. It probably won't come down, but it gives the room a poor appear-ance. Brother Alter advised this had been a problem for years and once repaired it will crack again. Due to the low finances of the Corporations it was felt no major expense could be attempted at this time. It was suggested an estimate be obtained to see what the cost would be to repair the present plaster or cover it with sheet rock.
Alumni Directory: Brother Patterson advised he had received a cost estimate from a printer to offset the computer printout lists giving name, address and year graduated. They would be bound in book form, 9x6 size, at a cost of $300 for 700 copies. If we were also to include a list of names only, by States, the cost would be a little more. In addition to the printing cost, there would be postage. It was suggested that to cover costs we charge $5.00 per copy to anyone who is not a paid member. This informa-tion to be placed in the fall issue of the Omegaphone with a tear-out form to be returned with payment.
Bulk Mailing: Brother Doan reported he had contacted person-nel in the local Post Office regarding the mailing of the Alumni News Letter at a bulk rate. The probable cost would be less than two cents per copy where we now pay ten cents. There is another Fraternity doing this and there is a good chance we can quali-fy. Brothers Doan, Fred Roesch and Bill Jenkins will pursue the matter further.
Wiring: Brother Sipp, House Manager, advised the electrical wiring in the house was in bad condition and needed replacement except for the kitchen which had been done. The insulation on the main feeder wires is falling off where they are attached to the wiring of the fixtures. Brother Zink and Kaufman and two actives, to be appointed by President Douglas, are to investigate this problem and also consider repair of the ceiling.
Club Room Furniture: The club room furniture, mainly sofas, has been repaired by the brothers but will not last forever. Therefore, there will be a need to purchase new furniture in a couple of years.
Nominating Committee: President Heitzenroder will appoint a committee to nominate Alumni for the various offices in the corporation and Board of Directors which expire in the Fall.
Closing Remarks: Brother Alter introduced a visiting Alumnus from the San Diego Chapter, Brother George Harrison, who is currently the Counselor for Region ill-Central. He also advised Brother Charley Zink was soon to be appointed Counselor of Region Ill-West. Brother Alter then commented on the pride the present Actives are showing in their Fraternity. He said Omega ranks with 3 or 4 of the best he has seen this year.