January 2001 Omegaphone
Alumni Report - A Succesful Year
Although there hasn't been a lot to cheer about this football season, Omega chapter has had a successful year since our last newsletter.
The "Howard R. Alter. Event" held March 18, 2000, was a most memorable occasion. Howard was first surprised by a fine reception hosted by the undergraduates at the chapter house. There, Howard was greeted by representatives of classes from the '40s through the '90s. I was proud to host an evening with good friends and fine food that followed at the Nittany Lion Inn. Howard was both honored and roasted by a strong delegation from Theta Chi's International Headquarters, including Executive Director Dave Westol, National President Jim McEachern, President of The Foundation Chapter Dr. Wesley K. Wicker, Director of The Norwich Housing Corporation and Past National President Dale Taylor and Chairman of Theta Chi Funds Warren Hoffman III. O. Keith Evans '65 entertained the audience with a story that typified the helping hand so often extended by Howard. The alumni and undergraduate members unveiled an oil portrait of Howard which is now hanging above the fireplace in our chapter living room. Alumni and guests attending included Fred Grun '47, Bill Grun '47, Jean and Carl Korn '40, June and Joe Flagler '40, Don Williams '42, Wilma and Phil Chapman '57, Marion and George Chapman '49, Dorothy and Paul Handwerk '42, Ann Chapman Waters. Barbara and David Heitzenroder '64, Laura and O. Keith Evans '65, Judith and Jim Stalder '62, Tracy and Hugh Cadzow *83. Al Vladimir '85 and Aimee Rudman, Autumn and Ed Brown '87, Kristin and Jim Stuhltrager '89, Tim Wagner '98, Jessica and Paul Glace '97 and Anne and Greg Rogalski Undergraduate assistance, attendance and participation was outstanding.
Regarding the chapter house itself, the exterior saw one repair that cost the capital fund just over $8,000. An insurance inspection led to the dismantling of the side steps. Loose bricks and railroad ties required a fix that satisfied both the insurance company and the State College building code. The steps were removed to reveal what appeared to be the original poured concrete steps. A pressure treated wooden deck with safety railing was installed. Repairs to the boiler were also required at a cost of $2,000. New area rugs were cut for the pool room, foyer and living room. While carpeting is an improvement, the entire first floor is in desperate need of new furniture. Please keep those donations coming!
No recount was needed for the election of alumni officers at the 2000 Homecoming Corporation meeting. Ed Brown will continue to serve as president, Jim Stuhltrager as vice president, John Fisher as secretary and Al Vladimir as treasurer. Both John Fisher and AI Vladimir have served as officers for several years and are ready for some much-needed time off. If you are interested in serving as either secretary or treasurer of the Alumni Association, please contact me. I will be glad to discuss the responsibilities and time commitments for each office.
Five alumni members will be elected to our Board of Directors at Homecoming 2001. If you have questions about serving on the Board, feel free to contact me. Ify ou are interested in being on the ballot, contact either me or Jim Stuhltrager Current members include Jim Stalder '62, Tim Boyd '83, Hugh Cadzow '83, Phil Katchur '89 and Scott Mayhew '90.
Congratulations to our Alumnus Adviser Joost Keesing, who was chosen "Advisor of the Year" among Penn State fraternity advisors. Thanks go out to Joost for nearly a decade of service to Omega Chapter.
Thanks also go out to an alumnus brother who donated 100 shares of BellSouth Corporation stock to our alumni association. Unfortunately, we don't have your name and address. Please e-mail them to me so you can be properly thanked!
Plan to visit the chapter over Blue-White weekend, April 21, 2001. A barbecue and informal corporation meeting will be held at the chapter house after the football game. I look forward to seeing you there. Keep in touch.
By Edward M. Brown '87, Alumni Association President
Alumni Report from Chapter President
During the spring 2000 semester, we demonstrated perseverance, determination and optimism. We began the semester with a great deal to accomplish in a matter of months. This year we raised a total of $39,000 with the Alpha Xi Delta sorority for Dance Marathon. The entire philanthropic event broke the $3 million mark: it was quite exciting and a phenomenal event. Thank you to all the alumni who extended a helping hand with our fund raising.
On March 18, 2000, we had an event to honor one of the most generous members of our chapter, Howard R. Alter Jr. '41. This was a truly outstanding affair! It brought members of Omega together from various decades ranging from the 1930s to the present. On this day we dedicated our living room to Howard and placed an oil painting of him over our mantel for all to see. Howard, we are ever so proud of your accomplishments and all that you have done. Thanks also to our alumni, The Grand Chapter and all those who made this day so special.
In other news, we participated in Spring Week with the Alpha Xi Delta sorority this year For the first time in several years, and we are proud to report that we placed second overall, missing out on first by a mere 18 points. Our philanthropic calendar was full as we were competed in every philanthropic event except one that was sponsored by our brothers and sisters in the Greek community. We also won the second annual Kappa Alpha Theta Bowl for the second year in a row; it was quite exciting. We extend a special thanks to Brian W. Spencer '01 of Wall. N.J. Without his superb leadership, we would not have participated in nearly so many events.
We thank our alumni for their many efforts to improve our house. Our pool room was just renovated, and a new floor and carpeting were laid a few months ago.
Also, Honorary Omega Joost Keesing, our alumnus advisor, won "Advisor of the Year" at the Greek Oscars this year. A very special thanks goes out to him, for all his time and dedication to our chapter. We look forward to another outstanding year.
As you can see, it has been quite a year for Omega chapter. Thank you for all your much-needed support, and have a great holiday season and new year!
By Paul Tagliareni '02
Alumni News
Paul S. Handwerk '42, who retired as a fishery biologist in 1974, stepped down as secretary of the Slatington Sewer Authority in 2000 after 25 years of volunteer service.
At age 80, William A. Grun '47 remains active. He teaches one day a week, enjoys biking and is raising his 16 year-old grandson. In 2000, William was involved in three mission trips.
Gerald T. Karver '48 had breakfast with Paul Handwerk '42 and has spoken with George Chapman '49.
Two days each week, Walter A. White '48 works as a rehabilitation specialist at Manasota Lighthouse for the Blind. As a competitive runner, he participated in the Great Race in Pittsburgh in September and was training for the Hops Tampa Bay Marathon in December.
Retired veterinarian Bruce S. Blauch '49 resides in Manhattan, KS.
While in Indianapolis, Ind., George W Chapman Jr. '49 and his wife stopped at Theta Chi National Headquarters. They met the staff there and were given a tour of the place. George notes, "The building is something that all Theta Chis can be proud of and I urge anyone who has the chance to visit."
Joseph M. Jackson '50 is active in the Bloomington Exchange Club, serves as president of the McLean County Shrine Club and mentors honor students at Illinois State University as an adjunct professor. He and his wife spend January and February in Florida each year and usually get together with Bob Clarke '50, John Storer '50, Herb Wittman '50, Bill Hanley '48 and Ted Collins '50 for golf and/or dinner.
"I am enjoying my retirement with trips to London, Hawaii and Spain - spending my children's inheritance," notes Albert W. Johnson HI '60.
Paul H. McConnaughey '60 was planning to retire in January 2001 as a general manager at Reynolds Metals Co.
After 37 years of service with the Civil Aeronautics Board and U.S. Department of Transportation, John V. Coleman '61 retired in December 1999. He is now chairman of C&L Strategies, an aviation consulting business.
James C. Stalder '62 retired from Pricewaterhouse Coopers in June 2000 and found a new challenge. He is now dean of the undergraduate and graduate schools of business at Duquesne University.
David A. Heitzenroder '64 is managing partner of Rosewood Capital Partners, a financial services and investment banking firm. He is also the firm's industry specialist for industrial equipment manufacturers and distributors. Dave is listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Finance and Industry.
For the last couple of years, Gary A. Riser '64 has been enjoying his motorhome full time.
Ed Messmer '70 has a new passion - running. He completed a 65-mile trail run and is hoping to place well in the Boston Marathon.
Michael J. Dalesio '73 and Randy Betz '73 were Theta Chi roommates for three years. Their sons, John Dalesio and Randy Betz Jr., are brothers of PSU's Delta Upsilon chapter and their daughters, Julie Dalesio and Aimee Betz, are sisters of the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter at Penn State.
Kurt P. Rohrbach '79 is a marketing manager at Carpenter Technology Corp. He took three Austrian customers and a German salesman to the PSU/ Purdue game. Kurt reports that his guests felt most welcome at a Theta Chi tailgate party.
Working in the field of advertising, Paul M. Baker '80 is president of Super Coups. At the Super Coups national convention in Arizona, he won the top video award for his "Super Coups Man" flying routine.
Joseph G. Berger '83, director of Starwood Hotels, sponsored a Penn State tailgate party at William Penn in Pittsburgh for Joe Paterno and the football team. "A great time was had by all."
Vicki and Keith S. Williams '83 have two children. Keith, a CPA, serves as financial and administrative manager at Matthews International Corp. In his free time, he enjoys coach in youth sports, especially soccer. Keith continues to attend PSU football games.
After 15 years in banking, attorney Chris G. Allocco '84 opened his own law practice. He specializes in real estate acquisition and finance, wills, trusts and estate administration. Chris would like to hear from members of his pledge class and others of his era.
Anthony P. Agentowicz '85 is a regional director for Nationwide Retirement Solutions. He and his wife, Brenda. are busy with their three boys.
Alesia and David C. Whalen 185 announce the birth of their first child and son, Tristan. in September 2000. David is a financial consultant with Solomon Smith Barney.
Paul E. Vassil '86 is a primary care physician at Rothsville Family Practice. He and his wile, Marie, have two daughters. Paul has enjoyed continued contact with his Theta Chi contemporaries. "As busy as we all are, the friendships don't fade away?"
In October 2000. Edward M. Brown '87 and his wife. Autumn, celebrated their first wedding anniversary and welcomed the arrival of a daughter, Gabrielle.
James E. Noll '87, a business development manager at Hewlett-Packard, is married to Christy.
James R. Koppersmith '88 spent a year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While overseas, he traveled to East Asia, Australia and Europe.
Urologist Sean P. Tirney '88 has finished his residency and is starting to build a practice. He and his wife, Linda. have moved from Pennsylvania to the Pine Tree Stare.
In a new job, Rodney D. Miller '89 is a member of the technical staff at Lucent Technologies. He and his wire, Lorajean, are expecting a child in February 2001.
Cameron J. McKenzie '90 is an account manager for CorNet International, a company specializing in custom sales force automation software solutions and services. He is married to Angela.
Katie and Michael D. Stein '90 have three sons. Michael is a sales manager at PR Newswire.
Dennis G. Foley '91 joined American Eagle Outfitters as supervisor of distribution. He has a 1-year-old son, Grant.
Jason P. Ross '92 is the new director of athletics at Ringgold High School. He also coaches football, as well as track and field.
When he last wrote, Ronald Beadenkopf '93, a lieutenant in the Army, was completing a three-year tour of Germany, including a six-month stint in Bosnia. He was enjoying lots of travel around Europe.
Mallin Wedding - Pictured at the event are (L-R) James Venture '93, Matt, Dave Mikita '92, Tom, Kevin Shayer '92 and Brian Leauby '92.
Matthew M. Mallin ’94 is stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two young children. Matt attended the wedding of Tom Dymek '94 in August 1999.
Kathleen and Eric At Goodhart '95 have purchased a home in South Riding, VA. Eric is an actuarial consultant with Milkman & Robertson Inc.
Thomas J. P. Lennon '95 is a senior logistics analyst at Madison International Sales Co. He and Michelle Muscarnero married in August 2000 and spent three weeks in Europe on their honeymoon. Brothers in attendance at the wedding included Anthony Nero ’95, Mike Daugherty '95. Mark Kelly '95, Ralph Baez '94, John Schanne '95 and Gerry Siaton '95, (We need an address for Gerry. Can anyone help?)
When Eric M. Kraus '96 and Jennifer Minton wed in August 1999, Eric Seifert ’95 and Andrew Schumacher ’95 were in the wedding party. Many other Theta Chis also in attendance.
Jessica and Paul J. Glace Jr. '97 moved south to pursue career opportunities with the Logistics Management Institute. a consulting firm.
As an aerospace engineer at Boeing Rotorcraft in Philadelphia, Timothy D. Wagner '98 has worked on the flight controls of the V-22 Osprey.
Steven L. Vazquez '99 is a national media specialist at Venture Direct Worldwide Inc. He and Alyssa Feld are planning to be married in June 2001.
Chapter Eternal
Since publication of our last issue, we have learned of the death of
Forrest G. Thompson '30,
Benjamin J. Conard '32 (10/12/99),
Kenneth O. Bonebreak '33 (4121/99),
John R. Reines '40 (6/27/99),
Frank E. Chipak '45 (9/28/99),
David IL Frankenfield '49 (10/4/99),
Bruce M. Wallace '61 (4/18/99),
Craig W. Rupp '53 (9113/99) and
Robert B. Pawelski '58 (4/99)
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.