April 1960 Omegaphone
Brother Coleman's Views
The 1959-60 scholastic year has witnessed several distinct improvements at Omega. One of the most impressive has been the initiation of a scholarship program, which has paid dividends. The plan was primarily based on incentive projects, such as a steak dinner at the end of each semester for men who make a 2.75 or better average. Others must be content with eating beans. The result of the program was a high rank among fraternities.
Socially, Omega has been quite active, having mixers with many sororities and working in particular with Phi Mu in preparation for Spring Week.
Many improvements have been made in the physical plant of the house, including new window sash cords, venetian blinds, shower fixtures, and a badly needed front door.
We were pleased to have several of our local alumni visit with us during brother Starr Lasher's recent visit. The evening was a very enjoyable one and we are looking for-ward to having all our alumni return for Founder's Day Weekend, April 8, 9, and 10.
Founder's Day
We, the brothers and pledges of Omega chapter, wish to extend to all you alumni a cordial invitation to attend the annual Founder's Day celebration. Present plans call for a cocktail party at 4:30, followed by one of Giff's famous dinners at 5:30. The evening will be yours to visit with the brothers and attend our party. If any of you wish overnight accommodations, please contact brother George Bukes, alumni secretary, and he will be glad to make arrangements for you. See you all on April 9th.
George Starr Lasher's Visit
On Monday, March 14, we at Omega were privileged to welcome brother George Starr Lasher to our house for a short visit. Mr. Lasher, one of the foremost figures in Theta Chi for many years, stayed with us until Wednesday morning at which time he departed for Indiana State Teachers College. He visited many chapters in the East before returning to his home in Athens, Ohio,
Brother Lasher has been editor of the Rattle of Theta Chi since 1925, and was president of the Grand Chapter for two terms during the early 1930's. He was influential in initiating Greek Week, a project which is now practiced on campuses throughout the country, and he is credited with the title of "Mr. Greek Week." This is indicative of the many constructive ideas and programs that Mr. Lasher has advocated.
We must certainly agree that George Starr Lasher is an invaluable credit to Theta Chi and the fraternity system, and we are looking forward to having him on our campus again sometime.
New Officers
Annual spring elections at Omega chapter have produced a capable group of officers to carry on the duties and responsibilities of op-erating the chapter. John Coleman, a seventh semester business student from Chevy Chase, Maryland, succeeds Rich Jones in the capacity of president. Dave Atkinson, a seventh semester student from Fipersville, is our new vice president, replacing Lamar Rohrbach.
The job of secretary was taken over from Al Johnson by Keith Straley, a fourth semester business student from Jacobus. Ian Ransey took over the thankless job of collecting house bills and paying the debts, from Bill Kress. Ian is a sixth semester student from Glenside. Bill Kimmel, a sixth semester student from Lemoyne, took over the job of pledge marshal from Glen Weishaar. The other officers include Joe Perugini, rushing chairman; Norm Steen, social chairman; Mike Lazorchak, caterer; Chuck Avampato, house manager; Jim Stalder, athletic chairman; Bill Szapper, Librarian; John Hewetson and George Wilt share the positions of historian Omegaphone editors, and publicity chairmen; George Bukes, alumni secretary; John Weidner, chaplain.
Social Report
Attention socializers of Theta Chi, This report is meant to inform you of our social activities this semester. Due to sorority rushing the month of February was rather quiet with the exception of our Beatnik party and a combined party with Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity on February twentieth.
Sorority ribboning took place on Friday night, March 4. On March 5 we had a ribboning party for the Phi Mu sorority with whom we are working for Spring Week this year. Last year they placed second in the carnival and we took second in carnival, float parade, and all-around, so we are looking forward to winning this year. The following Friday we had a mixer with Zeta Tau Alpha, followed by a Pirate Party Saturday night. The next Wednesday saw a mixer with Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. But due to the N.C.A.A. gymnastics meet held at Rec Hall, we did not have any mixers the weekend of March 1.
On Friday, March 25, we have another mixer with Phi Mu. One of the events of the mixer will be to pick our candidate for Miss Penn State. The following Wednesday we have a mixer with Theta Phi Alpha sorority, who are also using our house for their pledge formal in April. On Friday night, April 1, the I.F.C. Ball will be held at Rec Hall, followed on Saturday by a cocktail party and the Moonshine Brawl party, both held in the chapter house. The Dave Atkinson quartet will be featured, and a rather unusual container will be used for the drink. The following Friday we have a mixer with Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. We have not scheduled any socials during the following week since that happens to be Spring vacation. However, we will be getting back in the swing of things with a social with Alpha Gamma Delta the following Friday. That Saturday we will not have a house function due to the Theta Phi Alpha pledge formal mentioned above.
The next week is Spring Week, which we are looking forward to with high spirits. Spring Week....April 28-May 4. On May seventh we have a conflict between Mother's Day and the regional convention at Rutgers University. We are going to do our best to see that Mother's Day is a success and those of us whose parents will not be able to be here will see what can be done about furthering Omega's tradition of winning most of the trophies at the convention. The following Wednesday we have our last official social of the semester with Chi Omega Sorority, followed on Fri-day, May 13, by the Senior Ball and an undetermined party here on Saturday night. The Phi Mu So-rority has suggested the possi-bility of having a combined party.
After May 21, the social chairman will be placed on the shelf and our ever-working scholastic chair-man will do his best to get us through our final examinations.
New Brothers
Since the printing of the last Omegaphone, six pledges were initiated into Omega chapter. Due to deferred rushing there were two pledge classes and two initiations. The first class was brotherized. December and was composed of Joe Perugini, Keith Straley, and Al Stahl. At the beginning of this semester, Walt Bilger, Jim Stalder, and John Weidner were brotherized.
Joe Perugini, a sohpomore in Chemical Engineering from Springfield, is doing a commendable job as rushing chairman.
Keith Straley, a sophomore in Business Administration was elected to the office of secretary this semester. Keith is from Jacobus.
Al Stahl, a sophomore Mechanical Engineering student from Tarentum, is assistant house manager.
Walt Bilger is from Louisville, Kentucky. Walt is a Business Administration major.
Jim Stalder, upon initiation was elected athletic chairman. Jim is in Business Administration and is from Pittsburg.
John Weidner, also a sophomore in Business Administration is from Sumneytown. John is a good athlete and plays on many of the house's intramural teams.
The interest and enthusiasm of the new brothers typifies the brand of members which make up Omega chapter. Thege attributes help towards making Omega a chap-ter of which we can certainly be proud.
Sports at Omega
Again this year, Omega has made a fine showing in the sports field. Early last fall we started on our way with impressive victories in Intramural football over Phi Sigma Delta and Alpha Zeta but dropped out of contention after a one touchdown loss to Phi Mu Delta. The team was sparked by the fine passing of Glenn Weishaar. Jack Mallino, George Loulis, John Weidner, Bill Frame, and Jim Stalder were standouts on offense as well as defense.
Our basketball record follows closely that of football. Again after strong victories over Delta Sig, Sigma Chi, and Kappa sigma, we were defeated in two games and thus lost any chance of winning the league. Johnny Weidner led the team scoring with his smooth jump shots and he received assistance from George Loulis, Glenn Weishaar, Trig Rehrbach, Jim Stalder, Paul McConnaughey and Wally Bilger.
We were represented in boxing by Bob Burlbaugh and Glenn Weishaa Glenn won his first three bouts with his fast, alassysstyle but was defeated in the semi-finals. Bob, last years champion in the 135 pound class, was defeated early in competition.
Again this year Al Johnson represented Omega in the handball singles and he will combine with Tom Herrala for the doubles competition. Al Stahl and Jim Stalder will comprise a second doubles team. Competition, which begins shortly, is expected to be very strong.
Our bowling team comprised of Al Johnson, Al Barron, Ed Walker, Walt Bilger, Glenn Weishaar Matt Soccio, and John Coleman, finished lest semester's competition in third place in a league of twelve fraternities. This semester we are hoping to better our standing and thus far have been doing well.
In swimming, which is single elimination competition, Omega was defeated by Theta Xi in an excellent meet. After capturing the diving event, Bill Kress led the team throughout the meet and he, along with George Wilt, Glen Weishaar, Don Landenberger, and Matt Soccio lost in a blistering finish in the freestyle relay.
With five returning starters from last years championship team, the volleyball team shows great promise. These five, composed of Jack Mallino, George Loulis, Glen Weishaar, Tom Herrala, and John Coleman along with new hopefuls George Wilt, John Weldner, Jim Stalder, Trig Rohrbach, Bill Frame, and Wally Bilger looking forward to the oncoming season.
Although we have not won any trophies, the full participation and high spirit expressed this year by the men of Omega have made this one of our most successful and outstanding years in athletics.
A Letter from Giff
This is Giffie asking you for your attention - thanks. May I have the honor and pleasure to thank each and everyone of you for the most wonderful gift and plaque which was presented to me at Homecoming, My wife, Mrs. Giffie, joins me in saying thanks to all of you for this wonderful honor that was bestowed upon us, and we are indeed grateful. It was just as wonderful as the twenty years I have spent at Omega chapter of Theta Chi. Twenty years of service filled with enthusiasm and excitement, surrounded with honesty and brotherhood. I am highly honored to have had the privilege of working with and knowing so many splendid of your men. Your respect acquaintance, and friendship I shall always treasure. May I also express thanks to those who were not able to attend but were so thoughtful as to send me cards, letters, and telegrams of congratulations. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am looking forward with great anticipation of serving and being with you on this Founders Day. So don't forget we have a date. My plaque will be on display at that time so you can all look at it.
The newly elected officers are trying to make everything very interesting and comfortable for you, in hopes that this Homecoming will be the greatest. Our number is small but courageous, and after meeting them I am sure you will go along with me in saying. that we have a wonderful group of brothers end pledges.
This being my twenty-first Founders Day, I do trust you'll join me end. the boys of Omega in making this a very succesful Founder's Day. Yay God bless and keep you.
I sincerely remain your most obedient servant,
Giffy
New Pledges
Tim Nelligan, a fifth semester Law student, hails from Chevy Chase Maryland. During his time at Penn state he has been active in student government in various capacities. He has been on the freshman, sophomore and junior advisory boards, a junior prom chairman, host of S.G.A. coffee hours, chairman of town affairs committee of S.G.A. and as the chairman of a political party. He also was active in the local chapter of the association of tilt advancement of management.
Matt Soccio, a native of Lewistown, is enrolled in the Electrical .En.gineering curriculum. A transfer student from the Du Bois Campus, he is interested in sports especially wrestling. He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1958 and began his pledging the first week of January, 1960,
Prominent Alumni Die
Two prominent alumni of Omega Chapter, Arthur Tobias and Cyrus French recently passed away- a great loss to their family and to the fraternity.
Arthur L. Tobias was a retire Associate Professor of Engineering Drawing at the University. He graduated from Penn State with the class of 1912 and returned in 1926 as an instructor. Professor Tobias taught until a few years ago during which time he was advisor of TUO.
Cyrus (Cy) French was a Professor of Nutrition until he resigned to accept a position with the United Nations. During his term at the University he served as advisor for Omega Chapter. Professor French's work with the U.N. consisted of teaching nutrition to the natives of India and Pakistan. While in these countries he contracted a native disease and was brought back to the States, where he died in a New York Hospital.
Chi the Mascot
The inevitable has happened - Omega Chapter has acquired a Dog! The pup arrived at the beginning of the spring semester, when he was purchased by two enterprising brothers after a diligent search throughout western Pennsylvania. "Chi" is a throughbred (?) collie, with black, brown and white coloring. The problem of housebreaking the dog was and still is of major importance, but he appears to be an intelligent animal and is learning fast - much to the glee of the pledges. He. loves to play and his antics provide rich conversation topics for rushees and dates. We at Theta Chi love our dog and welcome him as "Brother Chi".
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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