March 1961 Omegaphone
From The President's Desk
by Jim Stalder
Omega Chapter of Theta Chi, in the past two semesters, has enjoyed a period of growth and definite improvement. In conforming with the changes made by our Interfraternity Council, Omega formally began rushing Freshmen early in the semester, and the results to date have been excellent. We have set a high quota and will continue to rush with that number as our goal.
Looking ahead, it is evident that our chapter will have to make many policy adjustments to cope with the changing conditions here at Penn State. The two immediate problems which we must face are the four term plan for class scheduling, and the scholarship requirements which have been placed on fraternities. Early last fall, the Administration said that the new plan for scheduling will go into effect in September 1961. The new ten-week terms which will replace the old system, will bring about changes in pledge training, rushing, and a considerable change in policies and customs. The first full terms will, of course be a trial period for all of the fraternities, but I feel certain that, with the cooperation and strong brotherhood of this chapter, we at Theta Chi will face these new situations and make any adjustments that may prove necessary.
Our second major problem at present and for the future will be that of scholarship. Since the scholastic average of the house has been slightly below average, we have begun to construct a new scholarship program with heavy emphasis on enforced study for the pledges. Along with other changes we have begun the use of study tables and the reward of small scholarships for the most improvement and for the highest average. This work is largely being stressed by our Vice President, Bob Zedelis, in keeping with our motto Alma Mater First, Theta Chi for Alma Mater.
As we look forward, many questions come to mind which can be answered by studying our goals for the future. Our outward manifestations will include the attainment of a large and good pledge class, the raising of our scholastic average, and the improvement of our social standing on campus. But we at Omega realize that these efforts will be successful only as they are backed up with the inner spirit of brotherhood and cooperation which makes Theta Chi's top men.
"Chi" - Chapter Mascot
Chapter Mascot
During the past two years Omega has been the proud owner of a rapidly growing canine who answers to the name of "Chi." The mascot was first brought to the house by Tom Herrala at the beginning of the fall semester, 1959. Since then he has adjusted to fraternity living quite well and he is now fully at home here. To visitors--don't be frightened by his bark. His bite is non-existent.
Gifford's Views
I feel highly honored to have the privilege of greeting you again. It was indeed a pleasure to see so many new and old alumni return for Homecoming in the Fall. I was very happy to see so many looking so prosperous. I would like to thank those how were so thoughtful in sending me letters of my twentieth anniversary, which was last year. I feel indebted to those who were instrumental in preparing such a wonderful ceremony. This is something I shall never forget. I would also like to thank Mr Carl Stauta for the wonderful letter I received from him last May 5, acknowledging the items of national value that I salvaged many years ago during a cleanup at Omega. These items were turned over to Mr. Starr Lasher for his approval. He then turned them over to Mr. Manta, the National Historian. Now they are in their proper place.
Again I would like to thank the Alumni Corporation for coming to the aid of our Omega Chapter, which was so badly in need of assistance. We are working overtime to meet our proposed obligations and at the same time keep up our chapter activities. I am very happy and grateful that I am in the position to do all I can to assist them in their every effort.
Those of you who return year after year can easily see how the university has expanded, and with this growth how-it-has also provided facilities that are most adequate for students who are exposed to them. The dormitories are being constructed more and more extravagantly. This has made quite a problem for the Greeks. We are plugging away trying to fill the house, and I think that the boys are doing an excellent job. They have at present a pledge class of thirteen men, a most high number for the spring semester. And they are never letting up.
The financial guidance so vital to fraternity has been provided this year by Dr. Remaley. Dr. Remaley has given his time most unselfishly to the boys and him time and efforts are greatly felt and appreciated. I can echo the feelings of the boys by saying that the honorary membership extended him was only a small token of our appreciation for his wonderful help. May I again thank you for the help rendered.
May we have your prayers to help us carry on this task. Good luck to all of you. I will anticipate serving you on Founders' Day. Until then, your most obedient servant,
"GIFF"
Looking Back
During the Spring and Fall of 1960 Omega met several situations which required immediate attention and definite action. One of the most prominent matters was that of the badly depreciated furniture on our first floor. For the solution to that problem we sincerely thank our alumni--through their efforts we now have a complete new living room suite in modern Jamestown furniture. We are deeply grateful to those alumni who worked so hard on our behalf.
A second problem was that of membership. With twelve men graduating last June, rushing became vital. The call was answered competently by Joe Perugini, through whose rushing efforts we had a fine Fall pledge class of twelve men.
In trying to set up a long-range policy we have considered the perennial possibility of financial problems as a result of low member-ship. A chapter with low membership must have all of its members contributing to the house's support. To accomplish this end, we have required men who live outside the house for some reason to pay an equal share of the chapter's fixed expenses.
The ever-present question of scholarship improvement was dealt with by the I. F. C. Fraternities with below a 2.1 scholastic average (4.0 System) are placed on academic probation. This is not a new rule; however, the scholarship committee did put in a few new rulings. Houses with an average lower that the All Men's average, or houses with a pledge class average of less than 2.0 must report periodically to the committee. If the requirements are not met for four consecutive semesters, the houses suffer academic probation . This step is a definit advance in raising the standards for the fraternity system at Penn State.
Chapter Awards
Omega Chapter has selected as its outstanding senior, a man who has taken an active part in no less than twenty student activities. We mention only a few: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Class Advisory Boards; Junior Prom Chairman; University Senate Student Representative; Chairman of University Party; and Chairman of Student Government Public Relations. Tim Nelligan has deservedly earned this destinction given to him, and his fine record of leadership and participation serves as as inspiration and guide to those who follow.
Bestowing the title of "the one who contributed most to the welfare of the chapter" is but a meager attempt to repay a man such as John Coleman for his outstanding service. Always jovial, always congenial, John has indeed contributed greatly to the joys and pleasures of fraternity living. Taking an active role in the functions of the chapter since the moment he entered, he has held numerous positions of leadership, highlighted by the office of President. As a representative to the I.F.C., John has admirably fulfilled his duties by actively participating in several committee assignments reflecting credit both to himself and to the chapter.
Quiet Hours
Bob Zedelis, new Vice President of Omega, dasheE1 from his room recently to reprimand a quiet hours violator. The alleged violator, Joe Perugini, argued that he was the victim of circumstance - the real violator was the person who had entered Joe's room and left the door open. A heated argument followed, during which Bob raised his voice in vehemence to warn Brother Perugini not to break quiet hours again, at the risk of being fined if he did. Meanwhile, John Weidner emerged from his room, entered the Perugini abode, and declared," You're fined, Zedelis." Now I. ask you—is there any justice?
New Brothers
We have a fine crop of new brothers in the house who we hope will live up to the resourcefulness and ingenuity they exhibited as pledges.
Chuck Mitchell is a fourth semester aeronautical engineer from Villanova, Pa. Chuck plays the clare inet in the Penn State Blue Band.
Bill Charron is keeping up our athletic name on campus through his efforts on the varsity lacross team. He is from Ithica New York, and is a fourth semester student of Civil Engineering.
Jim Wood is a fourth semester business student from York, Pa. He transferred from York Junior College last semester.
The politician of the new brothers is Joe Wells, a psychology major in his fourth semester, from Pittsburgh, Pa. He is the President of the Young Democrats Club on campus.
Ernie Letcher, a fourth semester Hotel Administration major from Pittsburgh, is our new matchmaker. Single alums, see Ernie for dates.
Bob Krankewicz is a transfer student from the New York Maritime School. He is a fifth semester Business Administration major from New York.
We have a new bowler to help out our team this year. He is Al Gates, a fourth semester Business student from Pittsburgh, Pa.
Our new rushing chairman is Ken Vandenburgh, a transfer from Ryder College. He is a fourth semester Business student from Harrisburg.
John Wroldsen, a transfer from the University of Toledo, is a Business student from Manhasset, New York.
The only one of the new brothers to be pinned already is Bob Dockstader, a fifth semester Commercial Advertising major from Kennet Square, Pa. He is pinned to Sandy Hannum, an Alpha Gam.
Jim McDeavitt is the only married member of our new brothers. Jim an eighth semester Business student from Butler, Pa., is married to the former Janice Iliddeman, also a Penn State student. You finally made it Jim!
Sports
At the close of the Fall Semester of 1960, Theta Chi has done well in sports. The house finished in eighth place with 126 points total for four major athletic events.
Our football team did well this year behind the quarterbacking of Bill Frame. With his accurate passing and his two favorite targets, Capt. John Weidner and Bill "Ralf" Kimmel, he led the team to a 6-2 record. The losses were to Beta Sigma Rho and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and both were close games.
The bowling team finished fifth in a twelve team league. Led by Capt. Wally Bulger and Chuck Mitchell, both of whom had averages near 150, the team finished strong. Toward the end of the semester, all bowlers were hitting close to the 150 mark, and the five man total usually ran around 730 points. Prospects look even better for the Spring Semester.
Tennis is definitely on the upswing at Omega. In the fall, Wally Bilger lost a hard fought opening raund 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, while Bill Charron went to the finish before losing to Beta Theta Pi. This spring, with a couple of the new pledges having had some high school experience, Theta Chi just might take the doubles championship.
Omega's recent president, John Coleman (R), presents Dr. Remaley (L) with honorary Omega Chapter membership.
Honorary Brother
Omega chapter is proud to have added a new name to its membership-- that of Dr. J. W. Crane Remaley to whom we have awarded an honorary membership.
Dr. Remaley is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he was initiated into Alpha Beta Chapter. He has been a member of the Penn State faculty since 1948.
In his capacity of financial advisor, Dr. Remaley has put forth much time and enthusiasm. Nothing but praise can be said, and we can't begin to thank Dr. Remaley for all that he has done in our behalf.
Through the years Omega has been fortunate in having alumni from other chapters willing to act as advisors, there having been Dr. Carl Samans, Delta, and Dr. Cy French, Theta, both of whom were also honorary members of Omega Chapter.
Congratulations
Edwin A. Rhoads, '58, has been appointed Regional Counselor for our region. Knowing Ed, we are sure that he will do a fine job.
For Him the THETA CHI Bell Tolls
Carl A. Bartle, Omega Class of '16, died September 29 at his home in Sarasota, Florida. He was sixty—five years old.
Mr. Bartle was sales manager for the rubber chemical division of the E. I. DuPont de Nemours Company, Wilmington, Delaware, until his re—tirement last year. He is survived by his wife and three brothers.
Alumni Bite The Dust
Jack Mallino, '60, Monessen, will be married on April 1 to Miss Kathy Toreson, Mercer. Jack is teaching in Carneghie. Kathy is a graduate of Clarion State College.
Bill Read, '60, was married on September 7 to the former Miss Laura Maxwell, Belle Vernon. Bill, formerly from Monessen, is employed by the Packaging Corporation of America in Rittman, Ohio.
Announcement has been made of the engagement of Marie Funk, Bethlehem, to Richard W. Jones, also of Bethlehem. Rich, President of Omega in 1959, is attending George Washington University where he is working toward his Masters Degree.
Alexis Barron, '60, Peckville, was married last September 3 to Miss Martha Bovard, also of Peckville. Al is attending the Temple Lew School.
Lamar "Trig" Rohrbach, who was a January graduate this year, will be married April 15 to Miss Helen Hendrix, Shewsbury. Trig, who cut the population of Glen Rock in half when he moved to Harrisburg, is employed by the Bell Telephone Company.
Paul McConnaughey, '60, West Orange, New Jersey, will be married August 5 to Miss Mona Lou Bergman, Derry. Mona Lou is also a Penn State graduate with the Class of '60. Paul Paul is serving with the U. S. Navy at Yorktown, Virginia.
Glenn Weishaar, '60, Gettysburg, has announced his engagement to Miss Marilyn Bjorkman, Homesworth Ohio. The date has been set for June 10. Glenn is employed by Babcock and Wilcox in Akron, Ohio.
Sally Ann Leight
Dreamgirl
At the annual Pledge Formal in December, Social Chairman Tim Nelligan announced our 1961 Dream Girl as Miss Sally Ann Leight. Sally, a ZTA, is a Speech major with the Class of '62. The lucky young man is Brother Mike Lazorchak, '61. To Sally our sincere congratulations.
Serenades
Theta Chi, late during the Spring of 1960, set perhaps the greatest precedent in the history of Penn State. After a serenade for the pinmate of one of our brothers, the chapter members serenaded an entire sorority in which four sisters had been pinned to Theta Chia. However, two of these ladies had become de-pinned during the prior week. The song--"Don't Take My Pin." Ironically, within a few weeks, the other two pinships were also broken.
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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