April 1955 Omegaphone
Chapter Awarded Scholarship Trophy For Advancement
Omega chapter of Theta Chi was awarded the Sigma Chi scholarship award for outstanding scholastic improvement between the fall semester of 1954 and this spring.
The chapter attained a 1.36 average last fall and came from 44th to 17th place in scholastic standing Penn State fraternities to win the award.
The award is given each semester to the fraternity which shows the greatest scholastic improvement over its average for the previous semester.
The trophy which accompanies the award is at present on display in the foyer of the chapter louse. It is an impressive golden loving cup which stands about 45 inches high.
Four gold columns on the base support a large bowl with a figure on its top. Around the base are plaques with each of the previous winning fraternities engraved on them.
The cup was awarded at the an-nual outstanding pledge banquet held Sunday, March 30 in the ballroom of the Hetzel Union Building on campus.
Jim Caldwell represented Theta Chi at the banquet as Omega's outstanding pledge for the spring semester of 1955.
The award came as a complete sur-prise to members of the chapter who were not aware that enough scholastic progress had been made last semester to warrant it, The award is an achievement of which actives, pledges and alumni can be proud. Theta Chi has long been a well known name on the Penn State Campus for achievement in many of the other phases of campus activity. It is a symbol of the well-rounded program of extra-curricular and scholastic work of members of the chapter and shows that scholarship is not the forgotten phase of campus life at Omega.
Thanks Alums
After noting the fine support we have had from our Omega chapter alumni, both actives and pledges here at the house want to express our thanks for all you've done for us this year and in the past years. Living here, we of course can't help but notice the many improvements around the house which were made possible by your generosity, You, too, were no doubt grateful for the support you received from alumni when you were actives here at State. We are too. We all here are awaiting the new roofing on the house, and the new heating unit which will make Theta Chi literally the "hottest" spot on campus.
Without your help we couldn't have had so many of our recent physical im-p•ovements. Many thinks, alums; we're very proud to claim you.
Fall Pledge Class Undertakes Noteworthy Pledge Project
By BUD SEGL Howe Manager
The fall semester pledge class undertook one of the most noteworthy pledge projects ever attempted in Omega's history: That of finishing the game room adjacent to the dining room. The room, now sports knotty pine paneling to chair-rail height with a green tinted composition board from there to the ceiling. As an added attraction, the ceiling and player piano, which is still going strong, were painted shocking pink.
The past fall semester has shown the ever increasing need for our promised new heating installation. There had been talk of installing a stoker-fed anthacite burner, together with a new hot water heater, during Christmas recess but the heating contractor advised us he had not been notified far enough in advance to complete the job in the allotted time, The work is to be done during the summer.
As the spring semester progresses, bringing with it the "monsoons," the original roof of the house has finally reached the point where it will required a new "built-up" roof. This project is to be undertaken later in the semester.
In the overall picture, the house is in excellent condition. The past year, thanks to "Gerties," the ground floor was repainted. The main living room was treated to rose colored walls, the hall way and foyer were given a pale gray coat, and the music room a light green one, All have white ceilings and trim. A used 21" television set completes the new additions; this too from funds from "Gerties."
Of greater interest, perhaps, is the fact that George Chapman has promised that an "L" extension might be built onto the rear of the house, if the house could increase its active chapter to approximately 60 members. Looks like bigger and better things are in store for Omega. Should such an "L" extension be built onto the house it would accommodate a great many more "Omegamen."
Many Old Alums Returning to Alma Mater
By Dan Zellum, Alumni Secretary
The brothers and pledges of Omega were certainly glad to see so many of our alumni return to the campus last fall and also during this spring semester. We were all pleased to have such fine participation from our alumni, especially during Homecoming Week. Our Lions lost a tough one to West Virginia that day, but already our alumni are looking forward to next year's Homecoming weekend when the Midshipmen from Annapolis will parade on Beaver Field. To those planning to return for next year's Homecoming it is urgent that your applications for room and ticket reservations be placed extra. early.
We have been especially glad to have our alums drop in this year to help us cerebrate Penn State's centennial. Also in the very near future 1956— our national chapter will celebrate its first one hundred years of progress. So why not drop in and help us celebrate or just stop in to see what's new at Omega?
This past fall Omega had four seniors taking part in the graduation exercises. They were our past president Tony Crisci, our past caterer George Walt, our past chaplain Dave Miller, and Frank Cressman, who was president of Thespians. Crisci and Walz, graudates in mining and petrolatum engineering respectively, are both employed by the Manufacturer's Light and Heat Company. Tony is working in the Somerset area as a field engineer, while George is working in Pittsburgh. George also married Margaret Bell on April 2. Frank Cresnnan, a graduate in mechanical engineering, is working under a training program for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh. Dave Miller, our other graduate, received his degree in Agricultural and Biological Chemistry and at present is residing in State College.
Among some of our recent alumni visitors at the chapter were Mr. and Mrs. George W. Chapman of Jenkintown. Mr. Chapman is national director of the Theta Chi fraternities.
Another alum who has come back frequently is Ralph Stuck '52, who has returned from his job in South America and is now working in New York. Others are Bob 'Cohn '53 and Dick Lewis '54, both working for New York Life Insurance.
Ralph Ettinger '49, is doing research work with the National Security Association in Arlington, Vir-ginia. Ralph was interviewing seniors for. a few days here at State for his employers.
Jack Horner '53 has just returned from Korea and was discharged from the army, Just discharged from the Navy is Bill Elmore also in the class of '53. Bill recently married Mimi Dupont of New York.
Others still in the service are Lt. Hal Wells '53 at Orlando, Fla., and Al Gregal '54 at Big Springs, Texas. Lt. Ken White '54 and Lt. Ken West '53 are in the Air Force, as is Warren Mommas '54 and Rod Wiseman '54. Wiseman and Hommas are both at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
Jim Krug '54 is with the U. S. Army now, as is Paul Fieni '52 and Dino Fieni, stationed at Camp Gordon, Ga. Our congratulations go to Ray Ritz '48 who recently became the father of a new baby girl.
Angelo Spinazzola. '51, of Altoona, now holds the position of head of the department of accounting in the Altoona School of Commerce.
Edward W. Noyes was recently commended for his outstanding work by Vice President Paul R. Palmer of the Prudential Life Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey. Ed, a graduate of '51, was one of the leading underwriters for the company last year.
Once again I'd like to mention that we're looking forward to seeing you alumni and we hope that we'll be seeing many of you on Founders Day, April 23.
Newly Initiated
February 13, 1955 was a big day in the lives of nine new Theta Chis. It was the day of their initiation. And no childhood Christmas was ever more highly anticipated than this auspicious ceremony was by those seven men, who could still hardly believe they finally made it. But they had. And the seven new initiates are: John "Dutch" Lichlighter, Ross Snedecicer, Bob Spinazzola, John Starky, Moe Sanger, Tom Smith, Jack Miller, Dan Zellum, and Al Klimcke.
Rushing Program Provides Eight New Spring Pledges
With the beginning of the new semester the chapter boasted eight new pledges, seven of whom are sophomores.
JERRY MCCANN comes to Nittany country from the steel capital of Pittsburgh. While at Pittsburgh, he graduated from St. Wendelin High School — where he gained fame as a class officer in his junior and senior years. While not engaged in executive functions, he played football and belonged to the History Honor Society. Jerry is a geology major, and a member of the Newman Club. He played freshman lacrosse.
BILL STRAUSSER hails from the progressive town of Sunbury, Pennsylvania. Bill gained fame in the east-central part of Pennsylvania, while setting numerous records for Sunbury High School. He proved himself worthy of fame on the wrestling mats and on the. gridiron. Bill began his college career at Lycoming College. Then the lure of the sea got into him and he served four years in the United States Navy. After visiting various areas of the world, Bill returned to civilian life and set out to complete his college education at Penn State. Presently, he's active in the Thespians.
JOHN WARKER made his way to Penn State on pretzels and beer, hailing from Reading, Pennsylvania, the heart of the Dutch country. John graduated from Mt. Penn High School, where he took part in the glee club and the gun club. In the athletic department John filled the slot of center for the Mountaineers basketball team. Back in "49" John decided to do his college work at Wilkes College. While at Wilkes he earned a varsity letter after participating in baseball and soccer. He was a member of the Accounting Club, the Economics Club, and the University Glee Club. After two years at Wilkes, John did a three-year hitch with the Army Security Agency, after which, he came to State. Here at State, he's a member of the Accounting Club and the Newman Club.
RICK REMMEY came to State from Jenkintown, Pa. As pledge captain, Bick acquired the name "Cap." Bick graduated from Aburgton High School, where he was outstanding on the football field, the track and the wrestling mats. Presently Bick is studying ceramic engineering. Around campus he's been active on the freshman boxing team, the Thespians, and the Lion Party.
FRANCIS "BUCKY" PAOLONE hails from New Castle, Pa. He graduated from New Castle High School, where he made a name for himself and the school on the gridiron and in track events. "Bucky" served as vice-president of the Student Council and was an Honor Roll student and a member of Senatus Romanus. He's majoring, in physical education and athletics and has a football scholarship at State.
JIM CALDWELL, hails from Albion Area High School, Albion, Pa. He was an all-around athlete there, playing football basketball and baseball for four years each and was a track man for one season. He also found time to take part in his high school chorus for three years and be in the senior and junior class plays. At Penn State Jim has played football for two years.
JOE CHICO is a third semester dairy science major from Morgantown, W. Va., where he attended St. Francis de Sales high school and played football for two years. He also took part in the glee club, the senior class play and was president of his class.
JAY LIVZIEY is a fourth semester physical education major from Danville, Pa. He has played football and wrestled for two years and is the State Party representative in the Phys Ed Student Council. In high school he was active in athletics, playing football four years and captaining the team his last year. He also played basketball baseball. He was also president of his freshman and junior classes.
Brothers in Politics
There are Theta Chis active on the political scene, too. Roger Vogelsinger was the State Party candidate for senior class president. Bob Urban and Bob Baker hold important positions in the State Party, and James Forsythe, Jay Livziey, and John Starkey are student council representatives.
Brother Kaelin Wins Ag College Speaking Contest
Brother Donald Kaelin, ninth semester dairy husbandry student from Wuxord, Pa., spread the name of Omega of Theta Chi just a little more around the Penn State Campus by winning first place and a prize of $50 in the College of Agriculture's speaking contest for his speech entitled, "The Atom and the Farmer."
Brother Kaelin won third prize in the same contest during the last school year. His prize winning speech will be published in a national farming magazine, the Farm Bureau Mirror.
Pointing out that atomic energy is by no means new to the world, Brother Kaelin listed several ways in which atomic energy was paving the way toward better living through better farming.
Brother Kaolin placed the importance of atomic energy to the farmer in four categories: first, the use of tracers in agriculture; second, radiation sterilization; third, the application to genetics; and fourth, atomic power plants.
The research that has been made in the last few years is changing the concepts of livestock management, crop production, marketing and many others, Kaelin said.
On the use of tracers in agriculture Kaelin described a tracer as a radioactive form of an element normally used by a plant in carrying out its life processes. The tracers are fed to animals and are then followed through their life processes and through the intricate chemical changes that take place by means of a counter or photographic film sensitive to the radiation. Scientists are thus able to determine to what extent the animal's body can utilize different elements.
Brother Kaelin went on to talk about the other three uses of atomic energy in farming, going into each in considerable detail. The speech was of ten minutes duration.
One of the most interesting points made by Brother Kadin was that there is a possibility that farm equipment may some day be run by atomic energy. He concluded his talk by saying that there is a place for atomic energy in farming, and that its future seems unlimited.
Social Calendar Provides Diversion For Omegamen
So you want to know a little about Omega's social life. We'll sit over there.
Hey, Mabel, we'll have two over here."
Have you heard that the boys have got a new distinction? They're being called the jam session house by the, campus crowd. Why? tell you. Last semester Dan Grove's Dixieland band player here for three afternoon jam sessions, But greater still, we combined forces with Phi Kappa Sig and had Mike Pedecin, an R.C.A. Victor artist play for a Saturday afternoon jam session. We took in enough at the door to pay him off.
What about the pledge dance you ask? Last fall's pledge class did a mighty fine job, along with the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Holy cow, you downed that one quick! I'll get you another and we'll take it out of the social fund.
What were we saying? Oh yeah, sororities. We're going into spring week with the Phi Mu girls. Besides, we've entertained about half a dozen sororities at the house, Theta Chi players is still going strong, too. Tony Richards, you remember him, is president of Theta Chi players.
I almost forgot. Sigma Delta Tau joined forces with us to throw a Christmas party for some local kids. sorta made a guy feel good down inside.
Because of concentration on Saturday classes our parties are confined to Saturday night. Oh, oh, it looks like one coke will have to be enough for me. I have a class in five minutes. This new student union building is really something. Be sure and see the rest of it, and of course you'll be over to the party this weekend. You won't forget to drop in on Founders' Day, will you? Find see you then.
So long, for now,
Bill Reid, Social Chairman
Omega Athletes Making Name In Varsity and Intramurals
By BOB HAMMEL Athletic Chairman
Omega athletes have made a really fine showing this semester, moving. the house from 43 to 21 in the standings in over all intramural competition for the semester. Much of the success of the intramural program thus far can be credited to the fine work of retiring athletic chairman Ron Hansen.
The Omega basketball men, led by high scoring Jack "Monk" Miller, picked up four wins in seven tries, and prospects for a real championship ball club next Fall look very promising.
The chapter has three men entered in intramural wrestling. They are Huss Sommers, Buzz Burch, and Bill Frame, all of whom are expected to make a good showing.
In handball, Pledge Jim Caldwell is really marking up the points, having won four straight without defeat to date.
Prospects for a fine showing in volleyball also look very promising this Year, with our A team averaging well aver the six-foot mark.
Spring intramural sports at the University are just getting under way. The softball beer league has been organized once again, but no games have been played, as yet.
Chuck Leach and Bob Baker, our touch football passing duo, have been appointed co-captains and a turnout of some excellent material is expected to help win back the title we let slip away last spring.
Theta Chi lacks varsity performers in University sports this year, but the slack is expected to be taken up in the years to come by such prospects as Jim Caldwell, Bucky Paloane, Jay Livziey, Bob Urban, and Bill Frame, who will don the blue and white football togs next season. Caldwell scored the final touchdown against Holy Cross last season, and Paloane played to outstanding Freshman season.
In track, Bill Youkers now rates among the best hurdlers in the country.
Theta Chi is rising rapidly in prestige on the campus, and is becoming known as a growing threat in the intramural sports domain. And we have the men and spirit to make the grade this year.
President's Message
Dear Alums, This is Proxy with his l'il ol pen again, but not the same one you heard from last time. Brother Crisci has since passed out into the cold cruel world, and now I've taken over the awesome task of filling his shoes and those of the men who went before him. It's a big job!
Speaking of those who went before, the chapter received quite, a blow wish the news that past president, Brother Richard Johnson was killed in a jet-plane crash last fall.
We, Omegamen like to think of this semester as a special one, though, because of the things we're both planning to do and working on at present. The house has made tremendous strides, socially and physically, this year. The first floor has a fresh paint job and the cracked plaster in the foyer has been replaced. Also, the game room next to the dining room is paneled and refinished even to the extent of a coat of pink paint on the player piano which many of you fondly remember. A contract has been let for the application of a new roof over the entire house, and the work is being delayed only by the weather.
The tabulation of last semester's grades has not as yet been released by the Dean of Men's office, but I'm sure they aren't as good as we would like them to be. The scholastics here in the chapter have been one of our weakest points for the past few semesters, but we're presently in the process of formulating several positive steps for alleviating this situation.
We're all looking forward to seeing all of you at Founders' Day, which, in case you haven't already been informed is set for April 23 when we again hope to have a great time meeting all of you all over again. Be sure to plan for it.
Fraternally,
William Landis, President Omega Chapter
Miscellaneous Activities
Some Theta Chi brothers active in various campus activities are Bill Reid, who is art editor of Froth, and Al Klimcke, who has taken over Alex Gregal's old job as Nittany Lion. Every new pledge is active in at least one campus activity.
A Dog's Eye View of the chapter
A lot of funny things have been going on around here! I haven't been around here long, but, man, I can tell things just ain't right. These guys are all nuts, Wait a minute, Before I go any further I'd better tell you a little about myself. My name is Omega, Now do you do, You want to know what I look like? Well, I'm about eight inches tall, with brown curly hair, and the prettiest pair of big brown eyes you ever saw. Yes, that's right. I'm a dog. Well, not really, Actually I'm just a little puppy.
How did I get here? That's a long story. And maybe it will show you a little of what I mean when I say that these guys are all crazy around here. The last guy who owned me left me all alone in his car one day next to the Jordan Fertility Plots, And if you don't think that was torture! I was just dying to get out of that car and add something to all that fertility, But the doors and windows were closed, and after a while it started to get kind of hot, And it didn't smell like any bed of roses by this time either. That's when I met Joe Chico. He's one of those pledge-type characters that the other guys are always hollering at. Man, was I glad to see him. He let me out of that oven and put me in his own car, and away we went.
Then I saw Theta Chi for the first time, and boy, did it look good! Now I'm living with a couple more animals named Don Kaelin and Dan Zellum. And frankly, they're not the neatest roommates I could have hoped for. In fact, they're pretty sloppy. But I guess just have to put up with them until I'm finished pledging. I was pretty proud of my one roommate, Kaelin, a few weeks ago though. He came through to win the Ag speaking contest. My gosh, he should have! Half the guys in the house helped him write the darn thing. But seriously, he really did a fine job.
I made my debut at the South Sea Islands party a few weeks ago, and they tell me I was quite a success. I sure had fun burying things in all that sand. All the girls were hugging me, man, I really had a ball. But I couldn't stay long, because I had to take my turn on door duty along with the other dog, Jim "Lightnin" Caldwell. I guess you can figure out where he got that name. It sure is ironical.
A lot of the guys have been kidding Frank Miceli about his nose. But I don't really think it's so big. Some of the guys say it looks like a banana. But personally, I think it looks more like a potato. Lightnin' says it's the only thing in the world bigger than Tom Donahue's appetite. Oh, you haven't heard about "Late Meal" Donahue? He was pretty mad last Saturday night. His date ate the last late meal before he could get to it. Come to think of it, she was bigger than Micecli's nose too.
Somebody said the other day that Jim Forsythe and Bob Baker were engaged. But I don't think it's true. After all, they're both boys. I think, but they're roommates. Oh, they're probably just pinned. Anyway, I heard one of them say he never has to make his bed.
Well, I guess I'd better quit writing and go to bed. I just thought you alums might be getting tired of hearing the same old story about what goes on around old Omega. So I thought I'd give you a little of the "inside dope." Like I said, all these guys are a little bit balmy. But they're funny, anyway. I suppose just about the same things were going on when you all were actives here. Oh, you think its unusual for a puppy to be writing with a typelyriter? Well I'm not really as small as I look. And besides, my penmanship is terrible.
But you know I lead a dog's life around here. Somebody's always stepping on me or yelling at me for something or other. People are always accusing me of doing things in their rooms. And honest, I can't figure out what they're yelling about. I just do what comes naturally.
Did I tell you about the time the cop was here looking for me. Yeah, me. I'm a pretty important character around here, Well, he didn't exactly come here, but he was looking for me. Chico came back to his car one day and found a cop looking it over. "What's the matter, officer?" Joe asked.
"I'm looking for dog hairs," he answered. A fellow in a car like this stole a dog over at the fertility plot the other day.
Well, Joe's leopard skin seat covers saved him that tune. But he was shook. I guess the cop was, too, because he didn't even notice that Joe was parked in a no-parking zone. Anyway that same afternoon Joe called up the guy who had reported the theft and bawled him out for leaving me there like that. The guy wanted me back, but we talked him out of it. It took about $5 worth of talk. So now I guess I'm the official mascot of Omega. Some of the guys say I won't he around long, but, who knows?
I hope you guys will drop over and see me some time.
Fraternally yours,
Omega
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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