Omega Shows an Elephant Trait - The Rattle, June 1940
As appeared in The Rattle - Vol. XXVIII No. 6 - June 1940
Omega Shows an Elephant Trait
It has often been told how an elephant never forgets. This is true to a certain extent in regard to Omega Chapter. They may never forget, but sometimes it takes them twenty-one years to remember. However, Omega's memory slipped back into cog at its recent Founders' Day and Alumni Celebration when the chapter honored Frederick W. Ladue, national treasurer, for the part he play-ed twenty-one years ago in bringing Omega into the Theta Chi fold.
In 1918 the now Omega Chapter was an inconspicuous local on the Penn State campus. Bolstering up courage that was unusual for their size and age the members petitioned Theta Chi. Frederick W. Ladue inspected the local on two or three occasions and also inspected other Penn State locals which had Theta Chi aspirations. Chiefly because of his recommendations, the local which was to be Omega was accepted. He headed the installation committee which did their assigned job March 14, 1919.
In appreciation of his service to the chapter and the national fraternity the actives of Omega elected F. W. Ladue as the first honorary member of Omega Chapter. Theta Chi of Penn State, the alumni corporation of the chapter, also presented him with their Ruby Eye Award, a seldom presented recognition which consists of a specially designed and engraved ring set with a ruby.
In making the presentation, George W. Chapman, national marshall, read the following citation for Frederick W. Ladue: "He has served with distinction as national president and in other Grand Chapter offices. His personal influence and concern were instrumental in the granting of the Omega Charter, and through the years he has continued his interest in the chapter. Able administrator, enthusiastic leader, gracious gentle-man and sincere friend, his service, loyalty, and devotion to his fraternity for nearly thirty years truly exemplifies the meaning of Theta Chi."
National Treasurer Ladue has visit-ed Omega Chapter many times in the past twenty-one years. He has never failed to respond, in all these years, when called upon for a brief talk. However, this was the exception, and, for once in his life, he was momentarily speechless when presented with the award. He soon recovered his usual composure and responded as well as his surprise permitted.