January 1994 Omegaphone
Mortgage Secured for Renovations
By Ed Brown '87, President of Theta Chi of Penn State Inc.
Omega's 1993 Homecoming celebration saw the return of over 40 alumni from classes representing the 1940s through the 1990s. A special thanks goes out to all alumni who visited the chapter house over the weekend and to our undergraduate members, who hosted another fine event.
Mortgage proposals, bathroom renovations and our upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration at the Nittany Lion Inn were the major topics of discussion at Saturday's corporation meeting. Through our October ballots, members of the Alumni Association voted overwhelmingly in favor of securing a mortgage to fund second and third floor bathroom renovations. Members of the Board of Directors present for the meeting discussed five mortgage proposals and selected that of Mellon Bank.
Theta Chi of Penn State, Inc., will borrow approximately $60,000 to pay off our existing $15,000 mortgage with the National Board of Trustees of Theta Chi Fraternity and to perform much-needed renovations. This is a commercial mortgage for a term of 15 years. Interest is fixed at 8.5% for the first 60 months with adjustments made in the 61st and 121st months using a 350 basis point index over the Five-Year Treasury Bond Ask Yield as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the adjustment month. We will be afforded an initial 90-day construction period with payment of interest only on the amount drawn. Thanks to all of you who participated by returning ballots and calling with questions on the proposed mortgage.
Leo Sugg '88. 75th Anniversary Committee chairman, made a presentation at Saturdays meeting. The invitations are out, and the excitement, as well as the list of attendees, is growing rapidly. If you have found memorabilia that can be displayed at the Celebration, please contact Kevin Shayer '92. If you need help tracking down a brother whom you would like to encourage to attend, our Alumni Treasurer, Rich Maltz '90, can help you find him. Please help us plan by returning your response card and check as soon as possible.
To top off a fine Homecoming celebration, our undergraduate members placed first overall in the Homecoming competition. Congratulations! Another proud moment in our 75-year history. hope to see all of you at our Anniversary Celebration, where we will truly show that Theta Chi is for life!
Anniversary Theme Announced
by Leo Sugg '88, 75th Anniversary Committee Chairman
A Tradition of Excellence — a phrase that summarizes 75 years of dedication, enthusiasm and premier brotherhood at Theta Chi of Penn State. The 75th Anniversary Committee, in conjunction with undergraduate and alumni brothers from all years, have created this theme to guide us in our anniversary celebration this March and to set the tone for our many future years of unparalleled success.
The Anniversary Committee recently mailed out formal invitations to the Gala 75th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place on campus the weekend of March 25, 1994. The response to date has been surprisingly overwhelming given the October mailing date. Alumni from all class years and areas of the United States have been busy planning their return to Penn State and Theta Chi with family. friends and classmates.
We expect a tremendous showing, particularly from our brothers present at the 50th Anniversary Celebration held in State College in 1969. Brother Bill Renton '46, the 50th Anniversary Committee Chairman and our high-spirited 75th Anniversary Honorary Chairman, will address alumni and banquet guests as he reaffirms our commitment and dedication to the chapter and the University for the next 75 years.
Check your mail for a complete weekend itinerary and Nittany Lion Inn reservation information. If you have not already received this mailing, it should be arriving shortly. Keep in mind, we have a limited number of guest rooms at the Inn; accommodations, therefore, can only be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis via the Inn's reservation desk.
The Anniversary Committee gratefully welcomes all offers of suggestions, memorabilia and assistance. As our celebration draws near, our enthusiasm and excitement will not be daunted by the effort required to finalize our activities. Please direct all 75th Anniversary correspondence to the Anniversary Committee Headquarters.
We are 75 Years Young
By Leo Sugg '88, 75th Anniversary Committee Chairman
A warm Penn State welcome awaits all alumni and fraternity friends at the Nittany Lion Inn the weekend of March 25-27. 1994. The weekend will kick of with a hospitality reception at the Inn's Alumni Fireside Lounge on Friday at 7:00 p.m. The Fireside Lounge has long been a Penn State tradition and will provide the perfect setting to kick off our anniversary celebration.
On Saturday, March 26, we will officially commemorate 75 years of Theta Chi and Penn State excellence with a gala celebration in the Inn's Alumni Ballroom. The 16-piece Dan Yoder Big Band has been engaged to provide entertainment for all ages as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past 75 years and the hopes and dreams of the next 75.
The 75th Anniversary Committee is honored to announce the following keynote speakers:
Carlton F. Bennett — Brother Bennett, a graduate of Old Dominion '72, is currently Theta Chi Fraternity's National president. He has been a member of the Grand Chapter since 1988, a regional counselor from 1973-88, and has held many positions with Zeta Pi Chapter as both an alumnus and undergraduate.
Howard R. Alter Jr. — Brother Alter, Omega Chapter '41, has been a member of Grand Chapter since 1960. He is presently the president of the fraternity's National Board of Trustees, executive director erneritt.is and ex-officio director of the Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education. Howard has been with the National Board of Trustees since 1990, has served on the Board of Directors of the Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education from 1991-92. was the president of the Grand Chapter from 1962-66, and was the east region deputy and counselor from 1956-60. Howard has received numerous lifetime achievement and service awards from both the Grand Chapter and Theta Chi of Penn State as well as the National Interfraternity Conference and the Fraternity Executives Association.
William H. Renton — Brother Renton, a graduate of Omega Chapter '46, is our 75th Anniversary honorary chairman. He was Theta Chi Omega's 50th Anniversary Chairman in 1944, and has been a member of Grand Chapter since 1970, serving as a regional counselor from 1966-70, Grand Chapter historian and secretary from 1970-78. Bill is also a member of the National Board of Trustees, serving as vice president and president from 1982-92 and has been a faithful member of the Omega Chapter through many undergraduate and alumni offices.
As the Anniversary weekend draws near, accommodations at the Inn will fill quickly. Please remember to reply to our January mailing to ensure your place at this memorable event. As always, suggestions and offers of assistance are welcome.
Through the Years
The 500th chapter meeting was held October 14, 1935. It started at 10:15 p.m. and ended at 11:28 p.m.
The house rent for fall 1938 was $700.
On February 23, 1942, Omega Chapter favored a proposed merger with Beta Kappa Fraternity. The merger would add 18 chapters to Theta Chi. Beta Kappa gave as reasons for the merger: 1) It was financially defunct. 2) There was no national organization. 3) There were too many inactive chapters.
The 1000th chapter meeting was held on April 2, 1951.
800 meetings were skipped in the minutes on September 11, 1956, going from meeting 1199 to 2000. This has since been corrected.
April 10, 1976, marked Theta Chi's 120th birthday. It was on that day that Winfield Smith (Roster #1) visited the chapter to commemorate Founders' Day.
Notes, Ideas and Thoughts form Steve Martin '88, Editor
On behalf of the Alumni Corporation and the entire chapter, I would like to thank Chris Heidrick '91 for his pro-bono work on the 1991-92 taxes . . . The 75th Anniversary of Omega Chapter will be held March 25-27, 1994, at the Nittany Lion Inn. Please plan to attend; it'll be worth the trip….Walter White '48 and Bill Renton '46 are trying to organize a reunion for brothers from the '40s to coincide with the 75th Anniversary. If you are interested, contact them directly or through our Alumni[Records Office…Austin N. Lentz, Beta Kappa Fraternity '35, would like to hear from other Beta Kappas…Don't forget that with any donation of $35 or more to the fraternity, the Alumni Corporation will send you a beautiful ink portrait of the Theta Chi House . . . Do you host an annual alumni dinner, golf tournament, or other outing? If so, take a few pictures, write down a few words and send them to me for inclusion in an upcoming Omegaphone …Want a better Omegaphone? Have any ideas for improvement or stories to tell about Theta Chi? Write an article for a future Omegaphone and send it along.
Joost Keesing and the big paddle from his days at Epsilon Sigma
Joost Keesing Gives Omega a Big Helping Hand
When you start to think about brothers who have extended a helping hand to Omega, one of the first names that should come to mind is Joost Keesing (Epsilon Sigma 71), Omega Chapter alumnus adviser.
After moving to State College in 1986, Joost's first involvement with Omega came through his attendance at a dinner for local alumni held at the chapter house during the fall of 1988. The following spring. Joost ran across Chris Heidrick '91 and Rich Maltz '90 standing on his lawn watching the Delta Tau Delta Bed Races. Fortunately, Maltz and Heidrick were wearing letters and Joost struck up a conversation with them. He attended another dinner at the house and soon after, he was asked by the undergraduates to come speak to the current pledge class. Since that first dinner. Joost gradually increased his participation in the chapter to the point where he was asked to become alumnus adviser.
In his role as alumnus adviser, Joost takes on a variety of responsibilities. He acts as a liaison between the undergraduates and alumni and encourages open communication to help solve problems. He attends chapter functions and chapter meetings and provides guidance when necessary, As he's become more involved with the house and more familiar with house practices and problems, he's been able to help revise some house policies concerning alcohol and initiation to keep Theta Chi advancing despite the changing times. His local residence permits frequent visits to the chapter house, and he encourages pledges and undergraduates to visit and talk one-on-one in an environment away from Theta Chi. The satisfaction he derives from his role comes from helping to solve the difficult problems that turn up, such as risk management. The easy problems work themselves out."
In terms of what he's trying to accomplish as alumnus adviser. Joost says simply, "I'm just trying to keep the chapter moving forward, provide advice, and draw on my personal experiences to help the guys make the transition from lesser responsibility to greater responsibility in life." In honor of his contributions to the chapter, Joost was made an honorary Omega in November 1991. The honor took Joost by surprise, and it's one he considers very special.
Joost is employed as the personnel director for Uni-Marts, Inc., in State College. He and his wife Kathi (who is the adviser for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority) have two children, Darin, 18, and Mortice. 14. Joost enjoys collecting ocean liner memorabilia. He has a large collection of items from a variety of ships, including his favorite, the S.S. Statendam.
State of the Fraternity
By Eric Kraus '96, Chapter President
I am extremely pleased to announce that Omega Chapter is having one of its best semesters. With probation behind us and the kegs finally gone, we are able to concentrate on the important things, such as rush. At the end of September, we pinned in 14 pledges, 10 of whom are freshmen. The chapter needed a large pledge class, having only 35 undergraduates with 28 living in the house.
On Saturday, October 23, we held our annual philanthropic event, KI.C.KS., which was officially renamed this year as The David P. Ferro K.1.C.K.S. Classic in memory of Brother Ferro '86, who started the event when he was an undergraduate. We raised $7,000 with the help of the sisters of Alpha Delta Pi for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The soccer tournament drew 30 teams this year from all across the campus, and Alpha Tau Omega finished in first place. Thanks to all of you who were able to donate to make this event a success.
Once again, we are joining the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta for the 1994 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. After raising $19,500 for the Four Diamonds Fund last year, our goal is $50,000 in ’94. Many of us are already on committees, and we will have four couples dance again this year. We will be sponsoring a Four Diamonds Family for the first time.
Lastly, the undergraduates are looking forward to the 75th .Anniversary celebration in March. We are happy to announce that National Vice President Allan Calarco called and said hell be here. Also William "Big Bill" Thomas. an alumnus from the University of Alabama, is talking to national about getting a sketch or portrait done of Howard Alter '41 to be presented to the house at the celebration We hope most of you can make it back for this one-time event and look forward to seeing you here at Omega!
Andy Dolan ’94 accompanied his mother, Narda Wolf, to her 25th Georgetown University reunion this past summer. They ran into Narda’s former classmate, President Clinton, at the celebration.
Andy Dolan ’94 Awarded Second Annual Alumni Scholarship
The second annual Alumni Scholarship was recently awarded by Theta Chi of Penn State, Inc. This scholarship is awarded to the undergraduate brother who perpetuates the objectives of Theta Chi and excels in academic, Greek and community activities during the preceding academic year.
This year's scholarship was awarded to Andy Dolan, an accounting and international business major from State College, Pa., who will graduate in May 1994. Andy currently serves as chapter secretary, and has also held the offices of president, treasurer, philanthropy chairman and K.I.C.K.S. chairman. While serving as president, Andy was a member of the Presidential Advisory Board for the IFC. In the community, Andy is the leader of a local high school youth group. Before graduating in May, he will spend the spring semester studying Spanish and international business in Costa Rica.
Theta Chi of Penn State, Inc., is in the process of establishing an endowment fund to support this Alumni Scholarship in the future. If you would like to support or receive additional information on our annual scholarship, please contact Alumni Treasurer Richard Maltz '90
The Allans, Left to Right, Dave Allan ’86, Greg Allan ’89 and Norm Allan ’64 at Greg’s wedding last May
The Allan Legacy
Of Theta Chi, Greg Allan '89 says It's family you can always come back to." That's true, but it's easier for Greg than most Theta Chis.He's just one part of a Theta Chi family that includes his brother Dave (Beta Zeta '86) and father Norm (Omega '64).
There wasn't a lot of Theta Chi influence in the Allan house when Dave and Greg were growing up and leaving for college. Norm did not push them toward Theta Chi; he wanted them to make up their own decisions regarding fraternities in general and their own choices when it came to houses in particular. "Whatever they wanted to do was fine. I just wanted them to find a house with a good mix of guys," Norm said about his influence.
Even though he was a legacy, greg did not take much advantage of the fact in his early Theta Chi experiences. "I didn't emphasize the fact that I was a legacy at all. I didn't want the chapter to feel like they had to give me a bid."
By the time Greg received his bid and started pledging, dave Allan was wrapping up his time as an undergraduate Theta Chi at Michigan State. When asked if Dave provided any hints about pledging, greg replied, "No, he acted just like an Omega brother." Well done.
The Allan's have no regrets. "The chapter helped make life more manageable at a big school. The 40 or so guys in the house made it more fun," Norm reflected on his time as an undergraduate. Greg agrees. "No matter how long you're away, Theta Chi always appears from time to time."
Norm and his wife, Barbara (once a runner-up for the Sweetheart of Theta Chi), currently reside in Pittsburgh. Norm is senior vice president of marketing with an investment firm. Dave and his girlfriend, Marci, currently reside in Seattle. He works for REI, a large outdoors supply company. Dave is planning a trek to the summit of Mt. McKinley in the spring. Greg married Jessi in May, and they currently live outside Orlando, Fla. Greg is in training to run industrial air conditioning and refrigerator compressor remanufacturing business.
Homecoming 1993 Photos
This Homecoming 1993 photo - back row, left to right. John McIntyre Jr. '91. Joost Keesing, Steve Martin '88, James Koppersmith '88, Edward Brown '87, Tim Burke '88, Kevin Shayer '92 and Chris Burke '93; Third row, left to right, Robert Kramer '88, Shawn Elliott ’93, Jeff Damcott '91, Chris Bartnik '91. Erwin Les'Pere ’90 and Robert Miller '75; second row, left and right, Richard Maltz '90 and Charles Schmoyer '93; first row, left to right, Rodney Miller '89. Chris Heidrick '91, Daniel Carn '65, James Walker '93 and John Fischer '91.
Joost Keesing, Alumnus Adviser, Daniel Cam '65 and Robert Miller '75, left to right, waiting for the fun to start.
Wanted!
Family Trees - We are trying to tackle the difficult task of tracing the Omega family tree all the way back to the beginning of the chapter, and we need your help to succeed. Do you remember any-parts of your fraternal family? Did you have any "little brothers?" If so, please take a moment to jot down what, you remember and send it along to Richard Maltz '90. We are hoping to display the family trees at the 75th Anniversary celebration , March 25-27, 1994.
Past Issues of Omegaphone - We are attempting to compile a complete set of all Omegaphones ever published, to be made available as a commemorative volume for the chapter's 75th Anniversary in March 1994. If you have any past issues to donate, please send them directly to Gary Hicks.
Alumni News
"Having been a member of Theta has given me confidence in myself," writes 96-year-old Frederick T. Vansant ’20. Fred served as vice president. president and a trustee of SAGE during his 20 years as a volunteer for the organization.
Retired as a member of the Levittown Lions Club after 17 years of service, Oscar A. Booz '40 is now more actively involved with his local church. "Oak" notes that his favorite memories from college days include the fellowship and social activities of Omega Chapter, the special dances and dinners, and the "big band" weekends.
A professor of business administration at the University of LaVerne, John F. McElwee Jr. '47 teaches graduate courses in marketing and quantitative science. This year, he received a 20-year service award from the university.
"Randy and I have been pinned for 39 years and are expecting our 12th grandchild," wrote Joseph F. Zimmerman '56 in June. Joe's favorite recollection of undergraduate days: 'The eloquent graces at mealtime by Tom Laferrera '55.”
James A. Davies '58 relocated from southern California to South Carolina to build a new home. If you enjoy tennis, golf and ocean swimming, come on down and see us."
Attorney Alexis Barron '60 is a partner in the firm of Synnestvedt & Lechner. On the board of directors of several organizations. Alexis serves as president of The Philadelphia Singers, as vice president of the Bach Festival of Philadelphia and as a member of Chorus America
"I travel, travel, travel," notes William R. Weaver ’70, who has visited all 50 states in the U.S. and every country in Europe. He has traveled to Asia. Africa, Australia and South America as well. This year, he became more ambitious and took a trip around the world. William is an international agent for USAir and is an R.N. at Mayview State Hospital.
In June, S. Thomas Hornyak '72 wrote that his oldest son, Adam, would be a Penn State freshman in the summer. Tom is president of Micro Management Concepts Inc.
"I am happy to again be in touch with the fraternity. Its been a long time writes George E. Hoffman Jr. ’75. "Jay." the vice president of finance for Surnma Health System, also noted: 'The best times are always found in remembering the friendships made for life as a member of Theta Chi."
Evan J. Rosenberg '80, an under-writing manager at Chubb & Son, now resides in Neshanic Station. NJ. He announces the birth, in February, of his third child, Sara.
Edward M. Brown '87, an attorney, reports that Sally and Al Guber '87 welcomed the arrival of a daughter, Alexandra, in September.
While in San Francisco this past May, Sean P. Tirney '88 got together with Rich "Bruce" Maltz '90. Sean is in his final year of medical school and hopes to move Into a surgery residency in March.
When we heard from him in August, Christopher J. Trentini '88 wrote that he and his wife, Cheryl, were expecting a son in November. Chris and Cheryl are both in their second year of an orthodontics residency at the UNC School of Dentistry.
With his promotion in June, Michael J, P. Feeney '89 is now store manager of The Sharper Image in Stamford, Conn.
Scott R. Taylor '89, an account director for Marriott, now lives in Baltimore, MD.
James M. Gavula '91, an associate consultant for CSC Partners in Bridgewater, NJ., completed the firm's associate training program in Chicago in the spring. He has moved to Bedminster, NJ.
In July, Christian J. Koczur '91 informed us that he and Heather Kincaid were planning an August wedding. Chris, an accountant with Cleveland Range Inc., relocated from New Jersey to Lakewood, OH. He keeps in contact with Bob Kurek '92, Chris Bartnik '91 and Greg Hancock '91.
As a teacher's aide at Pride of the Neighborhood Academies, a day-care center for low-income families. John D. McIntyre '91 has been inspired to take up a career working with children and plans to return to college to obtain a teacher's certification. He has moved to Carlisle, PA 17013. In August, "Mac" wrote that he and Megan Voigt would be married later in the month and that they planned to spend their honeymoon in St. Thomas. Shane Balcik '91, Scott Fitzgerald '91, Jim Smith '89 and Bob Kramer '88 were to attend the wedding.
Now patrolling the roads as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, Mark J. Prushinski '91 completed six months of military training earlier in the year and is looking forward to specializing in accident reconstruction.
Traveling throughout the United States and Canada, Robert W. Kurek Jr. '92 is a service engineer for Alfa-Laval Separations Inc., which rents and sells centrifuges for oil field applications. Robert, who enjoys tennis and has started playing the drums, served as an usher at the wedding of Heather and Chris Koczur '91 in August. He sends this message to Shawn Elliot '90: "How 'bout them Cowboys!"
Chapter Eternal
Since publication of our last issue, we have learned of the death of the following brothers:
Ross G. Miller '31
John M. Metzger '39
Richard M. Kerwin '46
Theta Chi mourns their passing and extends condolences to their families and friends.
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
Checkout past issues of the Omegaphone by clicking here.