April 1958 Omegaphone
President Cooke Presents His Views
Upon graduation from high school and enrollment in college, every young man should ask himself, "What do I expect out of college life?"
Every serious minded student feels that his educational advancement is of the utmost importance, However, the question also arises, "What is education?"
The men of Theta Chi feel that an education includes all the developments that go into the maturing of an individual. Scholarship, of course, is of paramount importance. Also, the social events, activities, athletics, school spirit, and character development are just a few of the components of what we feel are necessary for a well-rounded education.
Omega Chapter is, slowly but surely, climbing higher and higher in all these respects. Omega is determined to be the best at Penn State! The key to this success lies primarily in the rushing system, Our new rushing chairman, Bill Kress, is doing an outstanding job, but has a limited field in which to work. Men — and by men I mean those with outstanding qualities — are for some reason not obtainable this Spring semester. To make matters worse, the University has passed the deferred rushing bill, commencing next Fall, which prohibits freshman men from entering any fraternity, or socializing in any way with fraternity men, until the following spring. This means that in the spring of the year there is going to be a horrible mass rushing program and Omega must immediately impress all rushess in order to achieve its goal of an outstanding fraternity — tops on campus.
This is where the alumni association and the active members must work in hand — Brother for Brother. We will supply the men and the personalities to help get these rushees if you will help supply the physical plant. Our house is not in good condition and the furnishings take more and more of a beating every year. In a jungle, such as ours here at Penn State, it is a matter of the survival of the fittest. We are trapped! Our location is poor; the house is in great need of repair; the furnishings are old and decrepit; and the lawn and shrubbery are in a dead, burned-out condition. Let's make Theta Chi a strong institution — Pledge to Alumnus.
I must emphasize the need for a good attendance this Founders' Day. There are many things of great interest to all to be discussed.
I am sure you will find the program interesting and enjoyable and am looking forward to a fine Founders' Day.
Doty Named to Replace French
John Doty, prominent State College real estate and insurance man, has been named to replace Cy French, who left us to accept a position with the United Nations. Mr. Doty has attended several executive committee meetings and is becoming better acquainted with the members of the house all the time. We are sure he will take up where Dr. French left off as a very welcome and capable guiding hand for the chapter. We are at present also looking for someone to take the job of financial advisor for the chapter and we expect to have someone in the near future.
Bonne Baldwin
Bonnie Baldwin, New Dream Girl
At the 1957 Pledge Dance, held on December 7, 1957, a new Dream Girl was crowned by Carol Davies, last year's Dream Girl and the wife of Brother Jim Davies. The new Dream Girl is lovely Bonnie Baldwin, who is pinned to Brother Bill Kress. This is in keeping with the recent tradition of having the girl of a pledge receive the title of Dream Girl, as Brother Kress was a member of the pledge class being honored by the pledge dance. Bonnie Baldwin is a sophomore at Penn State from Camp Hill, Pa.
Omega to the Rescue
Delta Theta Sigma, one of our neighbor houses, was gutted by fire recently. The DTS's were routed out of bed at 7:00 a. m. by one of the pledges who smelled the smoke. Fortunately, none of the boys were injured. Not so fortunate was the fact that most of the boys lost all their possessions. A general appeal to the town brought enough clothes to equip a small army. Omega came to the aid of her neighbors by inviting the DTS's to breakfast and lunch on the day of the tragedy. The University has housed the DTS's in Pollock Dorms for the rest of this semester.
Intramural Athletic Report
Here we are again, with the round-up of the sports happenings since Septeniber, 1957.
The fall semester started out with touch football and Theta Chi was quickly eliminated from competition, losing out in the second game.
In the fall tennis campaign, the Jones twins picked up a few points for Omega. Dave drew a bye in the first round, won his next two matches, but lost in his flight final. Bob won. his flight, but couldn't manage to get any farther.
The swimming team entry was defeated rather badly in the first meet, and therefore was eliminated very quickly.
The intramural boxing matches saw only one man pick up some valuable points. Dave Frick fought and punched his way into the semi-finals, where he suffered his first loss and was out of contention. The good effort by Frick gathered a good bit of merit.
Theta Chi's best showing to date in the sports circles has been in basketball. In the fall semester the team lost its first but went on to win the next six in a row. However, the first and only loss was at the hands of our respective league winner. Theta Chi had to be content with second place. In the present semester, the team made an all-out effort and won their league championship. In the playoffs for the overall league championship the hoopsters drew a bye in the first round but lost all hope in the second game, losing to KDR, who eventually won the championship. The members of the team which did such a fine job are: Keller, Rhoads, Davies, Hill, Jim Coleman, Eyerly, Weishaar, Mailing, Starr, Potter, and McConnaughey. Congratulations for a fine showing!
Three men were entered in the handball matches, but two of them lost their first match. Dave Jones won his first, but lost the second match. The bowling team from the fall semester didn't do very well in league action, and the spring team is presently at the .500 mark, registering eight wins against a like number of defeats.
Last year's volleyball team finished a strong second in league action, posting a very commendable seven and one record.
In the fall semester Omega did not have a golf team entered in the fraternity action, but is expected to place an entry this spring.
Last spring's track team picked up a few points, with Gene Griffin making a very good second place showing in the high jump. We should have a fairly strong team to compete in this year's activity of the sport.
The wrestling team from last year didn't come up to previous expectations with only Dave Jones able to get as far as the semi-finals. This year so far three of our men have been eliminated, with three still in the undefeated ranks: Dave Jones, Paul Baroutsis, and George Loulis.
And that about sums it up from this knothole. Have a good year sports-wise until you hear from us again.
Fireside Chats
This year we actives here at Omega Chapter have begun a new program to acquaint ourselves better with our local Alumni members and at the same time give the Alumni the opportunity to meet us.
We have been trying whenever our mutual schedules permit, to invite all the local alumni to dinner once each month. Following dinner, one of the alumni presents a short talk on a topic of his choice which is of interest to all. This gives us a change to become well acquainted with the person who presents the talk, and at the same time provides an interesting and enlightening period of entertainment.
Speeches which have been presented so far have been "Food Radiation" by Frank Thomas, "Apples" by Loren Tukey, "Pakistan" by Cy French, and "Covered Bridges" by John Doty. One is scheduled tentatively for the near future by Abe Doan. We feel that these sessions have been beneficial to both actives and alumni since it creates a friendly and understanding atmospheice for both. We hope to continue these get-to-gethers as often as possible.
Social Season Smashing Success
The past months have found the brothers and pledges of Omega taking periodic respites from the academic grind.
With November's chill came the Junior Prom weekend. Omegans and chicks whirled to the melodies of Woody Herman at the Prom, ending the evening on a fraternal note at the House. After the cocktail party and banquet Saturday, the annual Bowery Brawl strained the timbers to near breaking, the party being climaxed by the usual "mob violence" group picture, courtesy of one of the local shutter-flutterers.
December's snows brought the Military Ball weekend to Penn State and Omega. The good military yielded to public pressure this year and permitted civilians to attend their staid affair. The Great Mercury Orchestra of Buddy Morrow pointed the way and the lieutenants-to-be and their ladies provided the sway that set Recreation Hall to a precarious bounce that panicked the Geology Department with their seismography. An unimpeachable source reports that even the stone Lion statue was caught in an unguarded moment bobbing his pontifical head in time with the music.
Omega's Pledge Formal was held that Saturday and it proved to be a very full day. With a Christmas theme the first floor was transformed into a winter wonderland. The seasonal tree, beautifully decorated, graced the foray, casting a jingle bells glow. Copious pines festooned the windows and ceiling climaxing in a solid pine band stand. Strategically placed mistletoe rendered all women fair game and few opportunities were lost. Omega House bulged with an unusually heavy influx of imports all strikingly beautiful—who arrived pink of cheek and heavy of hand with luggage that yielded some of the most striking gowns ever seen by these tired eyes.
The cocktail party, banquet, crowning of the Dream Girl, carol singing, and dance set the evening into .a swirl and the only complaints heard were that it ended all too soon.
A review of the Fall semester shows that a very heavy traffic of co-eds passed through the outer portals of Omega. That ingenious device called a "Mixer" provided the license for inviting Gamma Phi Beta, Pi Phi, and Alpha Gamma Delta sororities and three freshmen dorms for coffee, coke, and chatter. The girls must have been impressed for some of them are becoming familiar faces around here on weekends.
In a tribute to the Patron Saint of dear old Ireland, Omega capitalized the weekend of March 16 With a Bermuda Party. The services of a band were commissioned from nine till twelve and green beer was served to the shorts-cladded guests.
The saying has it that March goes out like a lamb but Omega sent it out with a blast. I.F.C. weekend descended and party spirits ascended to the delight of all. Ralph Marterie just happened to be in State College that day so a few of the boys talked him up to Recreation Hall and darned if there wasn't a whole crowd of people there all dressed up in gowns and suits. So they had a big dance and a lively one it was at that.
Penn State Theipians were presenting "Pajama Game" at Schwab that weekend so Omega picked up her cue and had a Pajama Party. If people wear to bed what they wore to that party they sure don't get much sleep. As the spirit was casual so were the spirits. Bathtub gin was served and a few of the old timers were caught in a corner nostalgically recalling the '20's and '30's. Appears as if they had the whole country on social pro back in those days, and people used their bathtubs for something other than taking baths. No wonder we had a depression.
All eyes are now focused on academic averages — and the Senior Ball coming up on May 1. Plans call for a picnic that weekend and just the thought of Giffy's outdoor broiled steaks are setting mouths to watering.
"TV Jubilee" Spring Week Theme
The biggest week of all does not come in the fall. It comes in the spring. Spring Week is gay, lively, and exciting and Omega plans a full one.
In conjunction with Gamma Phi Beta Sorority we are furiously at work planning a grandiose float and a stupendous booth and skit. The theme this year is television, the groups having their choice of Western, Panel Show, or Detective plots. Omega and Gamma Phi are attempting a Detective — a takeoff on Sherlock Holmes. Security measures preclude the revealing of any further details concerning this. Come and see it.
One of the many Gamma Phi beauties will be placed in contention for the title of Queen of Hearts. The well-known beauty of Gamma Phi's renders nomination tantamount to election. We hope this truism proves valid and sincerely believe it will.
An event that usually proves to be the star attraction of Spring Week is the He-Man Contest. This is the Penn State equivalent to the old Creek Decathalon, The competition is very stiff for the He-Man title and requires strength, speed, agility, endurance, bravery, and a deep tan and if you ask me that's sure an awful lot to expect one guy to have. Omega will have her entrant there, however, but goodness knows who it will be. All deep breathers, front and center.
We are all looking forward to Spring Week, which this year promises to be the biggest and bestest yet.
Looking Forward To Greek Week
Annual Greek Week will come to Penn State the week of April 12 to 19. As this is the time for the Greeks to show their staff Omega will stick her thumb in the pie and see just what comes out of it.
Dave Jones is proving a true task master in grilling the boys into shape for the I.F.G. Sing and with magical skill in placing personnel has managed to counteract the sharps, flats, and monotones to such a degree that if you really listen hard you can recognize the melody — if you are familiar with the song. Honestly, though, the boys are really working hard and we are confident of a good showing.
The Bridge Tournament should find a couple of the Omega no-trumpers battling double and redouble for a win, place, or show. The Bridgers are avidly consuming every written work of Charles Goren and diligently practicing for this most important tournament. Omega is behind you, 0' galant knights of the cardboards.
Greek Week also brings exchange dinners whereby Omegans take their polished banners to other houses and they in turn visit with us. These exchange visits are always welcomed for many friendships are formed through them and all houses benefit greatly from the exchanged ideas.
The entire week promises to be a. full one and Omega anxiously awaits it,
House Improvements
Several additions and improvements will be noted by those alumni who return for Founder's Day.
Most conspicuous is the hi-fi system which was installed by the last pledge class as part of their project. Chords are now echoing through the house with more zest than ever before.
Two new yew trees have been installed next to the walk in front of the house and should add consider-ably to the exterior appearance of the house.
Another part of the last pledge project was to reinstall the basketball court which has been missing from the parking lot for several years.
New lighting fixtures have been in-stalled in the second floor hall to go with the new rug which was put in last fall.
Another noticeable thing is the fact that many of the brothers have gotten ambitious lately and repainted their rooms. Green seems to be the dominant color.
In the near future we hope to revamp the lighting in the dining room and on the first floor, and this spring we will be back at work on our old bugaboo — the front lawn which was as usual marred up quite badly by coal trucks during the winter.
News of Past Omegans
As a tribute to our dear deprarted brethren, and with the hope of aiding keep-in-touchers we include the following information on a few of the alums:
Bob Baker now in the Navy, with last known address as Newport, Rhode Island.
Bob Urban now gracing Army khaki at Fort Myers, Virginia.
John Starkey beating English and literature into the thick heads of high sehoolers.
Ross Snedeker keeping the country on an even keel down in Washington, D.C.
Don Keilin in the Air Force on the West Coast. Don due for discharge this spring and word has it that he intends to take a wife. Good luck, fella.
Bill Reid also in the Air Force at Camp Moses in the State of Washington.
Joe Zimmerman down in Dupont territory in Seaford, Delaware. Sounds like the name of a shaving lotion.
Chuck Leech helping defend the country with an address of Eau Gallie, Florida. (Ed. all we have to do is spell it right; you have to pronounce it.)
John Lichliter guarding all the gold at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Joe Crudo dressed in Air Force blue in Harlinger, Texas,
Tom Donahue with the Army in Arlington, Virginia. Sounds like good duty.
Jim Forsythe dazzling all the frauleins in Germany. Brown uniform. Buckle in the back, Jim?
Bill Hammel located in Johnson City, New York.
Don Zellum bread and buttering it in Washington, D. C.
Joe Bucci now teaching high schoolers all he knows about history.
Truman Burch now learning to fly for Uncle Sam. This time he is even using an airplane.
Ron Davis with wife back home in New Castle. How's married life, Gino?
Ron Hansen robbing the government blind down in Washington, D.C.
Al Klimke back here at State tutoring English composition and literature.
As can be seen our notes are brief, skimpy, outdated, incomplete, and certainly far from adequate. But we can't do a darn thing about it unless you let us know what you are doing and where you are doing it. So if you want your name in the paper how about dropping us a card about yourself. Be glad to hear from you.
Spring Officers Elected
With this spring's elections, Omega adopted a new policy of holding election's twice a year instead of just once. This gives more opportunity for the qualified man to take a position in running the affairs of the Chapter. Although this will mean a quicker turnover in the offices, we feel that it will stinaulate the desire to assume responsibility.
The present Executive Committee, consisting of five men is: president, Rupert Cooke, eighth semester Electrical Engineering major from Drexel Hill; vice-president, Alexis Barron, fourth semester Chemical Engineering major from Peckville; secretary, Robert Jones, eighth semester Electrical Engineering major from Bethlehem; pledge marshall, Lawrence Reader, eighth semester Landscape Architecture major from Malvern; and treasurer, Louis Brast, sixth semester Business major from Coraopolis.
The remaining offices and their officers are; caterer, Mike Kuhar; rushing chairman, Bill Kress; house manager, Keith Vansant; first guard, Cliff Brandt; librarian, Al Johnson; athletic chairman, Jim Starr; chaplain, Jack Mallino; historian, Walt Manning; publicity chairman, Bill Read; social chairman, Dave West; second guard, Paul Baroutsis; alumni secretary, Tom Herrala; assistant house manager, Barry Herr; and assistant caterer, Rich Jones.
This ticket rode into office on a progressive platform, obviously dedicated to the proposition of a bigger and better Omega. Their ideas are innovating but sound, and the enthusiasm and drive so vital to the conversion of ideas into actualities characterize the men newly elected to administer the affairs of Omega Chapter.
Region III Convention Draws Near
Omega Chapter members are looking forward to attending the Region III Assembly on April 19, at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. A fine program has been scheduled and much benefit will be derived from it as well as the fine time that is always had by everyone. A workshop session will be held early in the afternoon including the topics "What makes a good Chapter President," "Manners and Morals as taught and applied in the College Fraternity Chapter," "The Chapter Treasurer," and "The problems of the new or struggling Chapter."
The business session will follow later in the afternoon with features such as a round table discussion of Hell Week and drinking, Alumni relations, Grand Chapter report, and voting on the name for the Region III Assembly.
The Annual Banquet will feature the song and skit contest, awards presentation and Banquet Address.
Omega Chapter, in keeping with tradition, expects to come home with a good percentage of the awards, such as song contest, man miles, percent attendance, percent participation, outstanding chapter, and the prize for submitting the name for the Region III Assembly.
New Additions To Brotherhood
February 10 was the day that the Chapter Room ranks were swelled by the addition of twelve new faces. Those welcomed were Bill Kress, an Electrical Engineering major from Harrisburg; John Coleman, Business Administration from Gettysburg; Al Johnson, a prospective lawyer out of Roaring Spring; Bill Read, majoring in Business Administration and hailing from Monessen; Jack Mallino, headed for teacherdom from Monessen; Glenn Weishaar, a budding mechanical engineer from Gettysburg; Paul McConnaughey, majoring in Industrial Engineering, an out-of-stater from West Orange, New Jersey; Richard Jones, a psychology major out of Bethlehem; Barry Herr, Mechanical Engineering from Lancaster; Lamar Rohrback from York, majoring in Industrial Engineering; Torn Heralla, another Monessenite and studying Mechanical Engineering; and finally Walt Manning, a Labor Management Relations major hailing from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Omega welcomes these men to the ranks and wishes them a fruitful ca-reer in Theta Chi. They are men of proven ability and leadership and their addition will go far in promot-ing a bigger and better Omega.
Men On Campus
Omega, as it should be, is well represented in Campus group activities. We realize the true value of on-camp-us activities and encourage participation by all members. Following is a sample of Omega's representation.
Bob Adams' chief claim is as captain of the very successful Penn State Debate Team. Bob also is secretary-treasurer of the Interfraternity Council Purchasing Association; member of Skull and Bones Hat Society; member of Delta Sigma Pi National Business Honorary; member of Delta Sigma Rho Debate Honorary; and a member of the Scabbard & Blade ROTC Honorary.
Dave West gives Omega a political flavor as vice party chairman of the University Party, the newest political party here at State, being organized just this semester. Dave also finds time to serve as house manager of the Penn State Thespians; chairman of the Greek Week Work Projects Committee; chairman of the Young Republicans Club of Centre County; member of the staff of IFC News; member of the business staff of the Daily Collegian; circulation staff member of Circa, the new Liberal Arts College literary magazine; and member of Alpha Phi Omega Service Honorary.
Lou Brast serves as chairman of the Interfraternity Council Safety Committee of which Barry Herr is a member. Jack Mallino is member of the IFC Chaplain's Committee and Bill Kress is a member of the IFC Song Committee.
AI Johnson serves on the Greek Week Work Projects Committee and Dick Hill is a member of the circulation staff of Circa.
Jim Davies serves very ably as vice president of the Economics Club, an organization just established here at Penn State.
These are just a few of the boys but it should give you some idea of the scope of Omega's interests.
Brothers Bite the Dust
Shunning the advice of their better knowing fraternity brothers a number of Omegans have taken themselves to wife. Among the married are George Walker, Jim Davies, Tom Eynon and Win Biedler, As we have a silly little rule forbidding the keeping of wives, or for that fact any women, in the fraternity house, these boys are required to take residence elsewhere. It is our happy duty to report to you that not one of these boys is henpecked. Worn, weary, haggard, broke of spirit and pocket yes, but henpecked, never.
Inter-Fraternity Purchasing Association
The Interfraternity Council Purchasing Association is an organization established with the economic principle of "the larger the quantity, the greater the saving" foremost in mind. It is the purpose of this organization to serve as central purchasing agent for foods for all the fraternities here at State.
The administration of I.F.C.P.A. is carried out by an eleven-man board composed of five students elected by IFC and students chosen by IFC and maintained to offer assistance the main board. A manager and secretary are chosen to handle the ordering and the bookkeeping of the organization.
Briefly, the I.F.C.P.A. plan works in this way. Each fraternity determines their money outlay for foods for one month. At the beginning of each school year the fraternity deposits this amount in the I.F.C.P.A.
The fraternity then orders all of its food needs through the I.F.C.P.A., the cost of the food being deducted from the initial deposit. At the end of each month the fraternity is obligated to bring this deposit back up to the initial figure, thus continuously maintaining an account in I.F.C.P.A. in the amount of one month's expenditure for food. At the end of the school year the fraternity may do one of three things with money still in account with I.F.C.P.A. They may take the money out, they may take part of the money out, or they may leave the entire amount in to serve as the initial deposit for the next year.
This I.F.C.P.A. plan has been in operation since last fall. Omega is not now a participating member in I.F.C.P.A. However, next fall will see serious consideration being given to our taking advantage of the obvious benefits of such a plan. We would be quite interested in hearing your opinions on I.F.C.P.A.
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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