Spring 1952 Omegaphone
The President's Report
It is with a deep sense of pride that I report to you in this issue of the Omegaphone pride in the fact that the actives and pledges have strived toward the common goal of improving our chapter. Naturally, I realize this was the aim of all of you during your undergraduate days, and should still be your aim to some extent.
To expound more fully, our furniture on the first floor is badly in need of repair. Those of you who returned on Alumni Weekend know of the new dining room chairs and the other house improvements that have been made. However, we were informed by Al Frey that the alumni could not possibly aid us in furniture improvement, according to the present budget of the Alumni Corporation. He stated we would have to accomplish this on our own, and this is what we have set out to do.
In early December, a furniture committee was established under the able direction of Craig Rupp. The committee considered various proposals for raising money for furniture without actually taxing the active chapter members for funds in addition to their monthly fees. The idea of raffles was decided upon, and several were conducted in the ensuing weeks with great success. By offering prizes of socks, ties, and other "useful" articles, the committee was able to obtain a good start. We have thus far raised slightly over 4,100 through this method.
A major raffle was conducted during the Christmas vacation - each man selling tickets at home, the prize being a $25.00 Savings Bond. The results of this venture were also. quite gratifying. Profits realized after the purchase of the bond amounted to $150.00.
Still another method of raising money was begun during the week of finals, and is continuing throughout this semester. The more recent graduates will know what I mean when I say that Theta Chi now has its own "Sa -a-a-lies" - only we call it "Ge -e -er -ties". It is merely a snack concession which we ourselves operate and sell sandwiches, milk, candy, and ice cream.
By a combination of these methods and with the help of an unused savings account in the local bank, the furniture fund now has a balance of $700.00.
We have decided to ask the alumni, as part of the organization, to aid us in our endeavor. Since our Christmas raffle had such favorable results, and because we have not asked the alumni members for donations, we solicit your help in an Alumni Raffle. You will find enclosed in the copy of the Omegaphone two tickets. If you care to purchase one or both of these, please send your stubs and money here to the chapter house. The chances will be sent only to alumni, (to improve your chances of winning) and the prize will again be a $25 Savings Bond, the winner to be announced in the next issue of the Omegaphone.
Jim Phillips
Alumni News
With the advent of a new semester, alumni ranks are swelled by the addition of George Bope '52. George's departure was viewed with some consternation on our part, but we feel that our loss will be your gain. George will be heading for the "Smokey City" better known as Pittsburgh and will be a great asset for the new alumni group there.
Speaking of the Pittsburgh alumni group....I'd better if I know what's good for me...the gang in Pittsburgh; namely, Stan Wittman, "Pop" Collins, Vaughn Stapleton, Harry Lang, Bob Clarke, etc., have, after much efforts, established an active alumni organization. The first meeting was held on the Pitt-Penn State weekend at the Webster Hall Hotel with 23 brothers present. The new prey is Vaughn Stapleton, and C.G. Gifford was elected vice-president. Another meeting is scheduled for the middle of February with a subsequent one during Easter vacation so that all the brothers in the Pittsburgh area may meet some of the alumni in an entertaining affair complete with dates.
We at Omega are very proud of the steps taken in Pittsburgh and hope, that the efforts of Bob Baylson will result in a similar organization in the Philadelphia area. The grapevine informs us that Dick Rogers and wife are enjoying a tour of duty up Alaska-way. Dick, a 2nd Lt. in Uncle Sugar's Air Force is currently flying a jet-propelled desk. Angie Spinnazola is reported to be in New York city working for the Finance Deplt of the Army. Dave Evans got a new revolver for X-mas.. he's in the FBI at Milwaukee. Bruce Gerwig is now an Ensign in the Navy currently assigned to a can, down Norfolk way. "Uncle" Bob Clarke finally sneaked out of his racket in the Navy.
With much regret on my part this, alas, is all the news...there ain't no more. We could have a bigger and better column if all you grads would let us in on your where-abouts.
Hope to hear from all of you real soon.
Larry Van Gorder
Parties and Pinnings
A new semester is starting, and we are looking forward to a highly successful social year. We would like to thank our Alumni Club in Pittsburgh for a very entertaining Pitt weekend. For those who didn't attend, a little enlightenment on the subject: everything started at George Eyrich's house with a buffet luncheon; after the game everyone met at the Vogue Terrace for liquid refreshment and dancing; the weekend culminated with a party at Mel Bickel's house which lasted until the wee hours of the morning.
We are not sure about our spring.houseparty on April 5th, because that is the same date as the regional convention at Phila. The guys can't seem to decide which they would rather attend. We had a bang-up Shipwreck party this year. All the tables and chairs were taken up, and the dining room was turned into an island beach, the sand being a few truckloads of sawdust. The Theta Chi Players presented "Kon-Tiki", a dramatic portrayal of four fraternity men floating down a river on a marble slab. Refreshments were real coconut juice from the Dixie Belle and Gordon's isles.
The pledge dance was held in conjunction with Theta Phi Alpha sorority, shortly before Christmas. All the pledges turned to, and the formal was considered a success by all.
Two of our brothers weren't satisfied by getting pinned. They made the big step of slipping a ring on her finger: Craig Rupp to Jo Jarvis - Mt. Pleasant, Pa., and Tom Lewis to Mae Ralph, Kappa Delta. Who knows? If we paid the Social Chairman, maybe he could afford a ring too?
Al Martin
Sportscope
Here we are just starting another semester of IM sports. I'm happy to report that Theta Chi is right near the top in athletics. Our IM standing to date is 11th place. True we are not top team in the league, but we're in there fighting. Here is a rundown of the point awards to date. The touch football team, captained by Jim Phillips, worked its way up to the quarter finals and there by collected 40 points for the cause. We used the two-platoon method this season, and it seemed to work out very well. It kept the boys fresh and also permitted more fellows to enter the sport.
The swimming team, composed of Jim Phillips, Bob Handwork, George Walz, Ralph Stuck, George Eyrich„ Herbie Kurtz, Alex "it's deflating my ego" Martin, and Jim Nelson, also picked up 30 points. Bob Handwork showed that he could swim a mean backstroke, while George Walz proved to be a pretty tough man to beat in the 60-yd. freestyle.
While we managed to collect only 15 points in boxing, it still helped to keep us in the running. Phillips, Rupp, Parker, and Nelson lost by decisions in their first fights, but Fred Fieni came through with a victory, only to run into a fellow about twice his height in his second bout.
Our other points came via John Leister's dexterity and skill in swinging a golf club. John, who placed sixth in the golf-medal playoffs, shoved 20 points our way.
Ralph Stuck, secretary of the IFC bowling league, again proved himself top man in the Penn State bowling centers by winning both high average and high totals honors.
We will miss both Herbie Kurtz and George Bope in our basketball lineup. They each played a very important part in keeping Theta Chi in the basketball limelight. However, maybe we can get some new talent from this spring's pledge class.
We still have handball, wrestling, volleyball, softball, track and badminton to play this semester. Wish us luck, fellows, and we'll do the best we can to put Theta Chi at the top in Intermural sports.
Our foremost man in varsity sports is Jack Horner, who was elected captain of the cross-country team. He also is expected to do well in track this spring.
Oh, lest I forget, we intend entering a Theta Chi sponsored team in the Clearfield basketball tournament again this year. I have a hunch that we'll add another trophy to our large collection.
Jim Nelson
House Hi Lites
At the end of the fall semester, Kevin Dorman, the British boy from Leeds, left us to go to Detroit. He had been studying fuel tech here at State, and was going to Detroit to study actual production methods. Kevin, a quiet, thoughtful boy, did a good job in adapting himself to fraternity life. We are looking forward to seeing him when he passes through State College again....We lost several people from the house besides through graduation. Dick Kerwin, (the poem dedicated to him was the hit of the Christmas party) left to continue his studies in antibiotics in West Chester. Two of our local boys, Dave Miller and Ed Keller, are now displaying their bus driver style uniforms at Grenier Field in New Hampshire. They joined the air national guard as a sort of part time job when things were nice and peaceful. Tough. After a winter of mild 20 below weather, they are expected to visit Texas, by request, for a pleasant summer. Bill Shomberg, our favorite cheerleader, postponed the day of reckoning, by clinging on here through the R.O.T.C. program...Theta Chi at Penn State again gained campus recognition, as four of its brothers were listed in the publication, "who's in the News at Penn State." Jim Phillips, Sven Schiff, Pete Fairchock, and Shomberg were our B.M.O.C....For a while the pledges had the brothers walking the plank. They tore up a portion of the front walk in order to wire up two lamps out front. Outlets for two flood lights completed the pledge project. A plank was used to cover the hole in the walk. The project was finished just in time for initiation.
Hal Wells & friends
Rushing News
With the coming of a new semester, yours truly and Joe Wire are pinch-hitting in the rushing department since Mel Bickel's sudden exodus. Right now we're up to our ears trying to contact men who have been recommended to us by letter, and, much to the surprise of all, we're not doing bad at all. Let us hear from you if you have any good prospects in mind; a little background information would be appreciated.
Let's take a look at cur new pledges; believe me they're a great bunch. Presenting the pledges:
Ken White - Pittsburgh„ Pa. - Liberal Arts
Ross Snedeker - Meadville, Pa. - Forestry
Lou Martini - Philadelphia, Pa - Liberal Arts
Rod Wiseman - Monessen, Pa. - Mechanical Engineering
John Brown - Wilkes Barre, Pa. - Poultry Husbandry
Francis Patterson - California, Pa. - Mechanical Engineering
Kay Huston - Allentown, Pa. - Civil Engineering
William K. Elmore
Fall Pledge Class
George H. Eyrich - "Irak," as he is called by his friends, hails from Mt, Lebanon. He is a 6th semester student. George is one side of the hilarious "Herk and Jerk" comedy duet.
Richard E. Fronko - Dick comes to us from Monaca, Pa. He was one of the prime forces behind the very successful pledge dance. Dick is a Navy veteran and is majoring in Metallurgy.
Warren L. Hammas - Warren is the dancer of the pledge class. He is always busy doing Tyrolienne folk dances with one group or another, Besides this, he dances for Thespians and is on the gym team. Warren is a 3rd semester CE from Reading.
Charles V. Meassick - Chuck is one of the quiet type - that is, until you get him goings then he becomes the life of the party. He spends most of his time studying or tending to his job as assistant house manager. He lives in Venetia, Pa. and is majoring in ME.
Joseph T. Parker 'Moll" is the clown of this bunch. When you're giving him the dickens, he'll make one of his remarks, and you just can't, be mad at him any more, Joe is another Navy vets right now he is struggling through in Education. He was a member of the Lacrosse team, and hails from Philly.
Eugene R. Raup "Rapu" is a senior in Journalism. He was a quartermaster first class in the Coast Guard before he came to State. His sense of duty, humor, and gratitude made him the natural, choice for pledge captain. He hails from Carlisle.
John T. Richards - Jack is the other half of the "Jerk and Jerk" duet, He is a fifth semester Animal Husbandry student. Jack's exceptionally good nature makes him the target of lots of ribbing, but he takes it all in his stride. Jack's home town is Pittsburgh.
George L. Walz - George is another ex-Coast Guard man. Under his careful supervision the pledge project moved ahead steadily. He is from Oil City.
Harold N. Wells - Hal is the beanpole of the pledges. He is a 5th semester EE who call Pittsburgh his hometown. His height made him a natural for the Omega basketball team.
Robert E. Will - "Ea" Will is the only rearrie man in this pledge class. Bob is a jack-of-all-trades, and a master of quite a few, Bob's favorite pastime is going home to Erie to visit his wife.
Sven Schiff
Board of Directors
At the Alumni meeting held at Homecoming weekend last October, it was the consensus of opinion of those present that nominations for the members of the Board of Directors of Theta Chi of Penn State should be conducted In a more democratic fashion. "Abe" Doan, Vice-President of the Alumni Association, acting in the place of Dale Kaufman who was absent, appointed a nominating committee to repare a slate for this year's forthcoming election to be held at Homecoming Weekend , this October. This committee consisted of Ed Geiger, John Doty and Herb Wittman, with Ed Geiger being appointed chairman.
At a subsequent meeting, this nominating Committee decided upon using an article in the Omegaphone to notify all the alumni and to solicit nominations for this years election. After the receipt of these nominations, the nominating committee will then decide upon a slate to be presented to the members for final election.
Section 3, Article II(c) of the By-Laws requires that one of the elected Board members be a resident of State College, Pa. The two residents of State College now serving on the Board go out of office in 1952, making it mandatory that one of the State College alumni be elected, not just nominated.
The followlng are members of the Board of Directors of Theta Chi of Penn State,
Corporation President - S. Dale Kaufman
Corporation Vice President- P. J. Doan
Corporation Treasurer - A. A. Frey
Active President - J. Phillips
Active Vice President - L. Dietrich
Corporation Secretary - H. Alter
Directors whose terms expire October 1952
E. B. Cassel
W. H, Renton
F. J. Doan
Directors whose terms expire October 1953
G. W. Chapman, Sr.
J. A, Irwin
R. B. Patterson
Fred Green
Actives are in office for their tenure in offices of Omega Chapter only. Corporation Vice-President and Secretary are not voting members of the Board.
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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