Q & A with the Gala Chairmen

Why is Omega Chapter important to you?

Dick Jones: Answer changes with time. Originally a residence and a group of friends. Now a link to the past, good memories and a chance to help an organization that I consider valuable.

Ed Brown: Omega Chapter is important to me for the fantastic experiences and opportunities it provided to me as an undergraduate and for the the life-long friendships it created that have endured for nearly 30 years.

George Chapman Jr.: I spent 4 years there and learned a great deal..Omega connections led to Freshman Class positions

Why did you Rush Theta Chi while at Penn State?

DJ: In my freshman year I visited many fraternities along with my roommates from the Pollock Quonset huts. My brother , Bob was a brother at Lehigh University and he encouraged me to look up the Theta Chi House. I did, and found the members to be welcoming and most interesting. Back in 1956-7, its was a "jock" house , loaded with varsity football and wrestling team members and several Korean War vets. Also the school Nittany Lion mascot was a brother.

EB: I stumbled upon a friendly group of Theta Chi brothers at the rush mixer and felt comfortable with Theta Chi right away. Even though the food at the first rush dinner wasn't the best, and in spite of the fact that Brother Owen Fishman forgot to load me into his Nova for the drive back to East Halls afterward, I liked both the diversity and closeness of the brotherhood that was readily apparent.

GC: I had little choice since Father was one of the very first Omega members. Impressed by 3 remaining Actives in summer session- others in Service.

What message would you give to today’s brothers?

DJ: When you graduate from Penn State you will be caught up in things like: jobs, money issues, marriage, children, houses, vacations, etc. But try to save a little time to remain in touch with your classmates and with the active chapter. Phone calls and e-mails to your brothers are important. Periodic cash donations to the Fraternity will go a long way to maintain the house. Visits to the Chapter are very important-to let the actives know that it is a life long brotherhood.

EB: You'll never forget your time spent at 523 South Allen Street; the memories and friendships will last a lifetime. I hope today's brothers will follow the direction offered by former Executive Director Brother Dave Westol to "leave the woodpile a little higher" when you graduate. Treat the Chapter House with respect, treat returning alumni as coveted rushees and pledge to support Omega Chapter after graduation in order to make the Theta Chi experience available to future generations of Penn Staters.

GC: Maintain or improve what you have as members of the best on campus. Do Not Relax. Your reputation can go far in job interviews.

Why did you agree to be honorary chair of the Theta Chi and Penn State: a Century in the Making Gala?

DJ: At my age I'll do anything possible to help--but no climbing ladders.

EB: As both an undergraduate and graduate brother of Omega Chapter, I have endeavored to do what I could to strengthen Omega Chapter and guarantee its continued existence at The Pennsylvania State University. It was an honor to be asked to serve as an honorary chair, and if my service can in any way assist with the overall success of the event, how could I refuse?

GC: I was glad to have the chance to represent the Brothers of the 40s ,most of whom, including myself, were WWII veterans--we were a proud but older group.

What has been the most important lesson / skill you have learned as a brother of Theta Chi?

DJ: The most important skill that fraternity life teaches is "how to get along with people of different faiths, nationalities, races,and backgrounds."

EB: Brotherhood in Theta Chi strengthened my interpersonal skills through the invaluable opportunities to rush new members and to hold offices that involved leadership and financial management.

GC: Working together, buying into OX ideals can to a greater chapter, develop leadership skills for PS class positions.

What do you think the Theta Chi for Life campaign means for the future of Omega Chapter at Penn State?

DJ: The Theta Chi For Life campaign is critical if the Chapter House is going to continue to exist. We can't let it deteriorate. The exterior has certainly improved over the past three or four years. Much more must be done. Then after the basement and kitchen are complete, get a landscape engineer out there to make "curbside" improvements in shrubbery.

EB: The capital campaign is an important step in ensuring the viability of Omega Chapter at Penn State. It will relieve, in part, financing requirements for the all-important improvements to the physical plant. I trust that the ongoing campaign and upcoming Gala will bring brothers, old and young, back to Omega and strengthen their resolve to keep Theta Chi at Penn State.

GC: If we as Alumni and Alumni Officers continue the work of the recent chapters, we can remain the best of PS Fraternities and PS student leaders.The feeling of Pride in being an Omega member can result in greater leadership ability in college and business.

What would you say to brothers who are “on the fence” about giving to the campaign or coming to the gala?

DJ: Regarding the Campaign, I don't think that Omega Chapter will turn away any money. But to meet the goals, which are certainly necessary to save the house, we must dig into our assets a bit to insure the success of the effort. I'm very impressed with what has been done so far and I want to take part in the "celebration" October 19, 2013.

EB: With respect to giving to the campaign, it's impossible to put a price tag on the Theta Chi Omega experience. I hope that no brothers are "on the fence" about giving since any gift, no matter the size, will assist with improvements to our Chapter House that have been needed for a very long time. Regarding Gala, I'd strongly urge all to attend. There will only be a very limited number of significant milestones and celebrations during our lifetimes that will bring generations of Omegas back to State College. Most recently, our 75th Anniversary was fantastic as all will attest. The Gala is sure to be a great time. Lets party like it's 1999 as we head toward the first 100 years of Omega Chapter at Penn State.

Who do you hope to see at the Gala?

DJ: I hope I'm able to find at the Nittany Lion Inn at least a few brothers from the era 1956- 1963, along with some of the actives--who have been very generous to me during my recent stay at the house. Ed and Neil Rhoads, Larry Reader, Ian Ramsay, Bill Kress, John Coleman, Mike Kuhar -plus 100 others--hope to see you there.

EB: I hope to see brothers in attendance from all class years to demonstrate our support for Omega. I particularly look forward to seeing those brothers that lived in the house during my class years including those that rushed me into the brotherhood and convinced me to pledge, the class of 14 who I guided as Pledge Marshal and all my "little brothers". Is that too much to ask?!