Fall 1986 Omegaphone
Going Up!!! - 523 Fund Raises the Roof and Other Improvements
By John Wszalek - Alumni Corporation President
Homecoming 1986 has to go down in the books as one of the best. The returning alumni were met on Friday by an immaculate house, a new front lawn and 14 enthusiastic pledges. Needless to say, a fun time was had by all.
Saturday was equally successful. Following the Lions' romp over Syracuse, the corporation met in one of the best-attended meetings in recent years. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to discussion on the necessary roof repairs. An engineer's report showed that further patching would only forestall the inevitable, so it was decided to go ahead and replace the whole roof. We hope to have the work completed soon.
The meeting concluded with Alumni Vice President Mike Perkins introducing "The 523 Fund," a campaign to raise the money necessary to replace the roof as well as other needed repairs. You will be hearing more about this in the near future.
The meeting was followed by an excellent dinner and a social gathering.
I would like to thank all those alumni who were able to attend; the turnout was spectacular. For those of you who could not make Homecoming, remember that you are welcome at the house anytime. Please make an effort to stop by.
Continuous Progress Catapults Omega to the Top
By John E. Stagliano Chapter President, Fall '86
Theta Chi Omega continues to ascend the ranks of Penn State fraternities. Our progress and improvement have been so strong and continual that even our alumni were amazed when they returned to the house for Homecoming 1986, Not only did the brothers, pledges and little sisters of Theta Chi participate in the events of Homecoming this year for the first time in recent history, but they entered all events, including the float, crazy band, banner and window painting contests. We finished third overall in Homecoming and were the only group to place in every category, with two second-place and four third-place finishes. These Homecoming trophies now adorn our mantlepiece majestically.
In addition to Homecoming, the brothers have been busy with rush, athletics and academics. We recently pledged a class of 14: prospective Omegas the third time in the last five semesters that we have had a 14-man pledge class. The hard work the brothers have put into our rush program has indeed paid off, The house is now completely occupied, with 42 brothers living in the house, We expect the house to remain full for at least the next few semesters.
In athletics, we have fortified our fall standings with two individual championships and first-place marks in both foot-ball and bowling, and expect to climb into the top five in athletics. Our most impressive gain, however, has been in academics. Our overall house cumulative average rose from 2.32 in the spring of 1985 to 2.45 in the spring of 1986. With that improvement, we rose eight places in the fraternity scholastic rankings.
The brothers of Omega Chapter hope to continue our current climb to the top of Penn State's Greek system. With the revived attitude of the brotherhood and continued support from our alumni, we shall soon attain our goal of making Theta Chi - Omega the very best fraternity at Penn State.
Chapter Officers
President - John Stagliano '86 (Economics)
Vice President - Bill Ross '87 (Ceramic Engineering)
Treasurer - Ed Brown '87 (Labor Studies)
Secretary - David Yohannan '88 (Aerospace Engineering)
Rush Chairmen - Joe Kopetsky '86 (Speech Comm.) & Steve Dodge '88 (Industrial Engineering)
Rushees Prefer Omega: Theta Chi Excellence Now a Known Fact
By Joseph F. Kopetsky and Steven A. Dodge Co-Rush Chairmen
This fall semester has brought many changes to our rush program. In accord with the growing national concern over alcohol use and abuse, the IFC established a mandatory one-week dry rush period for all of Penn State's 52 fraternities. Upon completion of dry rush, which began the evening of the semi-annual rush mixer, each fraternity returned to its own format once again.
Theta Chi's fall rush program featured a complementary balance of the old and the new. Returning rush chairmen Steve Dodge and Joe Kopetsky supervised the intense rush program we adopted from national two years ago. On the new side, we shed our motto, "The best kept secret at Penn State," in favor of the more current and factual, "The secret is out!"
That the secret is indeed out was underscored at the rush mixer where over 500 rushees signed our preference rush list. Because of this unprecedented number of interested rushees, it was especially difficult to narrow the field to a manageable number. But, through intense scrutiny, we found 14 men whom we believe are the best Penn State has to offer. (I'm sure the alumni who visited us for Homecoming '86 can attest to that!)
Semester after semester, Omega has been getting stronger. Amazingly, the growing number of undergraduate brothers has not affected the unity and bonds of brotherhood that have become synonymous with Theta Chi. We feel confident that our 14 new pledges, upon completion of their thoroughly meaningful pledge program, will be ready, willing and able to carry on these same fine traditions.
We Care Enough: Friendship and Brotherhood Are Our Hallmark
By William Ross Vice President
Over the past several months, the Omega Chapter has seen many changes. Brothers have come and gone, house improvements have been completed and new interests have been adopted. However, the biggest change that I have witnessed is that in the overall attitude of the brotherhood.
It's hard to describe the attitude that pervades our house these days. Perhaps the words friendship, enthusiasm and pride describe it best. It's no secret that we did really well in rush and have 48 brothers and 14 pledges. The reason for this success is due to one thing; we offer friendship. Combined, friendship and brotherhood are just about unbeatable.
Our enthusiasm for the house affects everything we do. Intramural sports, Homecoming and community service are just a few of the activities which we have recently tackled and scored in.
Nearly 100 people are associated with the house and Theta Chis are noticed and envied wherever they go. Those not associated with the house wish they could be--because they want to share in our Theta Chi pride!
In closing, I would like to draw your attention to an important point. The current actives' pride was installed upon them by you, the alumni. We are an extension of your efforts and your traditions and those of the generations before you. So, return to Theta Chi - Omega whenever possible, or at least phone or write. Share in our pride!
Omegathletes on the Ball
By David Noll Athletic Chairman
Theta Chi is striving for the No. 1 spot in intramural sports more so this year than in any other, We have seen an increase in support, desire, sportsmanship and involvement, all of which are leading us to a successful '86-87 season.
Omega athletes have participated in every intramural event of the season. The bowling team, led by Doug "Skutch" Craig of Washington, Pa., remains undefeated and hopes to avenge the loss in last year's championship. The football team, led by Bill "Buddy Ryan" Ross of Center Township, Pa., is of now unscored upon and is sure to be a playoff contender. Success was also obtained by Joe Kidda of Beaver Falls, Pa., who reached the final round of the intramural golf championships. Through Kidda’s effort, Theta Chi gained many important points on its way to No. 1.
But, the best news of the season is Omega's first championship in many a year. However, it seems the championships are coming in pairs with Jamie Alder of Havertown and David Noll of Wyomissing securing the cross-country and tennis titles, respectively. Noll also made the semifinals in handball.
With the bowling playoffs, basketball and volleyball yet to come next semester, Theta Chi is in reach of the No, 1 spot in the intramural standings at Penn State.
Sixth Annual Theta Chi Open Finds '70s Alums Teed Off - Worthy of Forethought: 1987 Outing Tentatively Set for May 1
The Sixth Annual Theta Chi Open was held last May 9 at the Radnor Valley Country Club. Mike Delesio '73 drove away with the "Red Jacket," proving, once again, that golf requires no real athletic skills. Bill Jenkins '75 made the trip from Texas worthwhile by winning the "closest to the pin" competition, leaving his ball less than two and a half feet from the cup. Three putts later he walked away. Paul Cunningham '77 took "longest drive" honors. Paul's only comment was, "Thank God for hard cart paths."
A special award goes to Dr. Bob Mooney for winning the first annual "putter toss."
Congratulations to the winners, and a special thanks to Tom Raymond '73 and Dave Matthews '76 who, as before, did a great job organizing the event.
The tentative date for the '87 outing is May 1. Once again, Dave Matthews is in charge.
1986 Theta Chi Golf Outing
Alumni News
RICHARD CROWERS '45, of Crowers & Co. Inc., can be found in Atlanta, GA.
DAVID S. RAMEY '46 is a vice president/partner of Multicraft Inc. A resident of Winston-Salem, NC, Dave tells us in October 1985 he stopped by the house and saw his old room and the "kitchen sink, where I shampooed three million glasses, dishes and cups - not to mention countless pots and pans - for Emanuel Traveso Gifford, a great guy!" The trip also included a visit to (for all those named Ramey) the "Mecca," the town of Ramey, Pa. "Lots of fun," reports Dave.
An engineer with Western Gear Corp., ROBERT B, BOSSLER JR, '49 resides in Hacienda Heights, CA.
GEORGE F. KELLER '55, of Keller Marine Service Inc., can be contacted in Port Trevorton, PA. George ended his term as president of the Warehouse Distributors Association on December 31, 1985.
"I was recently promoted to the dual position of Ohio Valley area tax partner . . . as well as partner in charge of tax services in our Pittsburgh office," writes Price Waterhouse's JAMES C. STALDER '62, A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, Jim tells us he gets back to the Penn State campus several times each year in connection with speaking and recruiting activities and writes, "I'm always looking for out-standing Theta Chis looking for a position in public accounting."
VICTOR HOWE '76 announces he and his wife, Dee, added a son, Mark, to their family last January. Vic is director of materials management at the Memorial Hospital of Burlington County and resides in Westhampton, NJ.
When we last heard from PAUL BENDER '79, he reported he was moving to Hong Kong on November 1 to assume the position of regional underwriting manager for Chubb & Son, We have not received his new address as yet, but correspondence can be sent to his home in Media, PA. Prior to the move, "Gumby" reports a Far East tour was made with KURT "IGGY" ROHRBACH ’79 and brother PHILLIP "POKEY" BENDER '83.
JOHN E. GRACE '80 announces the arrival of daughter Allison Leigh, born September 1986. "Snake" also reports he has changed careers and is now working as a courier for Federal Express. Brothers visiting North Carolina are encouraged to contact him in Raleigh, NC.
And the aforementioned PHILLIP BENDER '83 reports his latest job with the U.S. Army is headquarters company executive officer. "Pokey" can be found in Milliard, HI.
After three years in the Marine Corps, TIMOTHY BOYD '83 is moving back to Southeast Pennsylvania to work for a civil engineering firm in Ambler.
"During the last two weeks of July, I got married, switched jobs and moved to a new city," writes a very busy TIM DUTCHER '83, now of Arlington, VA. "Dutch" is employed as a logistics analyst with Syscon Corp. in Washington, D.C., and writes, "We love to have visitors - just call ahead of time."
CHRIS ALLOCCO '84 reports a recent transfer to the EDP audit unit of Citibank. A resident of Baldwin, NY, Chris welcomes any communications from his pledge class.
Chapter Eternal
We regret to inform you of the death of:
A. NORMAN DIETRICK '34
Donors to Date
Our sincere thanks are extended to the alumni listed below for their generous contributions to Theta Chi's 1986-87 annual giving program (as of November 25, 7986). If you have not yet sent us your support, we hope to hear from you soon. Thank you!
Charles M. Avampato '61, George H. Beer '73, Harry F. Baker '40, Paul V. Bender '79, Phillip H. Bender '83, Anthony J. Bernardo Jr. '77, Randal R. Betz '73, Howard H. Sink '45, Robert B. Bodenschatz '81, Richard A. Bolopue, '45 Robert B. Bossier Jr. '49, David G. Bowden '64, Timothy Ambrose Boyd '83, Charles A. Cantley '37, Richard R. Cole '80, Robert A. Coleman '78, Benjamin J. Conard '32, Robert T. Corley '36, Frank Crissy '49, Richard Crowers '45, Joseph T. Crudo '55, Michael J. Dalesio '73, Timothy P. Dutcher '83, Robert E. Eberly '39, Ralph J. Ettinger '49, Thomas A. Eyerly Jr. '59, David P. Ferro '86, James V. Forsythe '56, Todd B. Fortier '77, John E. Grace '80, Edmund G. Geiger '40, Edward W. George '45, Frederick P. Greiner '28, Paul S. Handwerk '42, Max H, Hofmann '31, Victor J. Howe '76, William K. Kahler Jr. '82, George F. Keller '55, Robert C. Kennedy '50, Guy W. Knight '30, William R. Kress III '60, George P. Loulis '60, John R. Mallino Jr. '60, Walter O. Manning '58, John F. McElwee Jr. '47, Charles M. Mitchell III '63, Douglas C. Mory '66, Kenneth J. Oeschger '77, Edward J. Osterhout '40, Samuel K. Padjen '65, Michael F. Passero '65, Donald S. Pearson '29, Michael R, Perkins '76, Henry F. Pierce '43, Daniel T. Powell '81, Rand D. Putterman '82, David S. Barney '46, Thomas J. Raymond '73, William H. Rooney '75, Kenneth P. Slaby '73, Matthew G. Soccio '62, Robert J. Sorisio '60, R. Stephen Spinazzola '81, James C. Stalder '62, Harold W. Stetson '50, David J. Straka '77, Keith L. Straley '62, Paris H. Sweigart '31, John D. Swift '64, Drew Tomlinson '79, Frederick T. Vansant '20, Thomas H. White '36, George R Wood '48, Bernard Woodward Jr. '38,
We don't want you to miss even a single issue of the newsletter, so be sure to keep us up to date on your address!
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
Checkout past issues of the Omegaphone by clicking here.