April 1957 Omegaphone
Two Brothers Survey Rushing
Brothers Gerhard and Hansen are currently working on a statistical rushing report. Although this is only for our own personal interest, it might also be interesting to the alumni. The report is being compiled for the purpose of discovering how we of Omega compare with the other fifty-four fraternities here at Penn State in our rushing program. We have taken into consideration such basic items as number of eligible rushees; location, and physical plant.
With the help of the Dean of Men's office, and the Recorder's Office, Brothers Gerhard and Hansen have arrived at a figure which represents the average number of men from which each house may choose each year. They followed two freshman classes through at least three consecutive semesters to see how many men had a sufficient average to allow them to pledge. Amazingly enough, they found that if the number of eligible men were divided equally among the total number of fraternities each house would have a total of twenty-seven men to rush — per year! This of course, does not take into consideration those who do not wish to go fraternity, or those who cannot go fraternity for financial reasons.
Next, consider some of the prime selling points for rushees — location and physical plant. Our location isn't one of the best. We are not on "Fraternity Row" and we are not on campus, but we are located off the "beaten path" near only two other fraternities. This in itself makes maintenance of a rushing program difficult.
Upon consideration of the physical Plant, it is easy to see that it is not all that it should be. The first floor furniture sometimes makes us feel ashamed; we need new beds; some of the dressers have one or two drawers missing; we could use some desks. As of this moment, no improvements have been made or even attempted.
The diminishing number of eligible and the inadequacy of some of our most important selling points make it difficult to maintain a full house, let alone trying to raise the active membership to sixty as once was suggested.
New Officers Are Elected for 1957
At the beginning of this semester new officers were elected for the coming year. They are as follows:
President, Ed Rhoads '58
Vice Pres., Sam Mastroroceo, '57
Treasurer, Bob Adams, '58
Secretary, Jim Coleman, '58
Chaplain, John Keller, '58
Marshall, Jay Livziey, '57
Librarian, Bob Pawelski, '58
Historian, Dick Potter, '59
Social Chairman, Bob Pawelski '58
First Guard, Tom Eynon, '58
Second Guard, Starr, '59.
Caterer, Ron Davis, '58
Assistant Caterer, Mike Kahan '58
Rushing Chairman, Larry Reader, '58
House Manager, George Walker, '58
Alumni Secretary, Mike Kuhar, '59
Athletic Chairman, Dave Jones, '58
Publicity Chairman, Don Cadzow, '57
We feel these officers are very cap-able and under them we expect to continue our quest for continued im-provement.
Substantial Jump Made in Scholarship
The Omega Chapter has finally made a noticeable improvement in scholarship. The fraternity averages just released for the fall semester, 1956 showed that Theta Chi fraternity had an average of 2.32 (based on the fear-point system.) This average ranked the house twenty-seventh among the fifty-five Penn State fraternities. Omega had been ranked fiftieth last fall so that was an improvement of twenty three places. This jump, however, was not quite enough to capture the scholarship improvement trophy as we finished third.
The average of 2.32 placed us just above the All-Men's average of 2.31, and very close to the all-Fraternity average.
The active chapter is very pleased with its success and hopes to continue to improve its scholarship rating. The fall scholarship chairman was Robert Adams, and this semester's chairman is Sam Mastrorocco.
Jay Livziey Tops Athlete Grade List
Jay F. Livziey, senior halfback from Danville, Pa., topped all Nittany Lion athletes during the fall semester.
Jay attained an average of 3.82, falling just short of a perfect 4.00. Jay has attained a fine record for the house during his years at the house, among his more outstanding achievements being the 165-pound Intramural wrestling championship last spring.
His athletic activities have been curtailed since he was injured in the Holy Cross Football game last fall.
Great Plans Formulated For Founders Day — April 27
Although this year is not a centennial of Theta Chi, we actives here at Omega feel that we have a highly interesting program in line for those of you who can find time to get back here to State for Founder's Day, which falls this year on Saturday, April 27.
A committee has been formed and is in the final planning stages of the program at this time. While we are sure you will have a wonderful time reminiscing with your old buddies and living it up to your heart's content, we wish to call your attention to the business meeting which we feel concerns a matter which is of utmost importance to us all — one which is discussed on other pages of this paper.
So, for a great day of fun and merriment with all the old gang, come on .down on the 27th. Bring the family, too. We'll be looking forward to seeing all of you again.
Regional Confab Hosted by Omega
We are rather convention conscious here at Omega chapter this year, because it is our turn to hold the Regional Convention. This should make the other chapters happy, because they will have a chance to win some brown jugs this year. However, we will still win the award for hospitality, although, we won't get a trophy for it. But satisfaction for a job well done will be award enough. And with the group of brothers and pledges in the house at the present time, and their air of cooperation, I'm sure 'a Regional Convention at Omega chapter will be a successful one.
The Centennial National Convention was held at Norwich, Vermont, during the summer recess last year. Omega Chapter was represented there by Brother Jerry McCann, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Brother Truman Burch, Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
Walker Reports On Physical Plant
Through the cooperation of the brotherhood and the alumni associa-tion the physical plant is in comparatively good shape. Although major repairs were limited to the kitchen and parking lot much repainting and minor repairs were necessary to maintain the condition of the house left by Brother Segl, house manager of last year.
Giffy, along with the active mem-bers, greatly appreciate and wish to thank the alums for the replacement of the kitchen stove and sink which were badly needed. With an oven than can be used, Giffy's working conditions have been made some what easier and his pastries have reached a most excellent quality. Those of you who return on the 27th will surely see. These improvements have also increased the efficiency of the kitchen staff.
The pledge class of this fall enlarged the parking lot, as the increase of the number of cars and new overnight parking restrictions by the borough of State College compelled an increase of space. The new area has not been paved but is covered with shale purchased through the house manager's fund, keeping the cost to a minimum. This space increases parking capacity by about eight cars. The fall pledge class also repainted the fire tower in the same shades as before.
Last spring the window shutters were repaired and repainted by the pledge class. This involved much more work than one would expect as nearly all of the hinges had to be reset.
Speaking of the exterior of the house, the front lawn has survived the winter better than it usually does. If our early seeding is successful we expect the exterior to be in good condition to greet the returning alums on Founder's Day.
Many of the individual rooms have been refinished by those who occupy them. The woodwork of most of the main floor has been repainted and the rest is soon to be completed.
A Special Hello From Giffy
Boy! How time flies. Here we are looking forward to our 101st year, and it seems only yesterday we were celebrating our centennial.
Well, it has always been said that the first 100 years are the hardest; so here we go with the second. At this time I would like to thank those alumni who found it necessary to visit with us last year, and the results of that visit are just wonderful.
The interest that was created among the alomns and brothers has been wonderful, and whey you return you will be amazed at the unity and improvements that have been accomplished in such little time.
My parlor (the kitchen) is getting all dressed up. My old army stove has been replaced by a new one, a new sink and a much needed new coffee urn. I am very proud of the new things for the kitchen because so many things are needed for the house in general, replacements are needed on the first and second floors. These replacements would aid us in meeting the new requirements of the university in its Fraternity expansion program and would also aid us in rushing.
I am sure that all of these things can and will be properly attended to in the interest of the: house we so dearly love. I want to thank each and every one of you for your splendid cooperation and with such wonderful efforts put forth I know it won't be long before our house in general will be in appearance as to coincide with our good taste. So I am inviting you to be present. Come and meet your old friends, and new brothers. I, too, will enjoy seeing and talking to you. I have something cooking that should be a humdinger. You could guess if you think hard enough. Weil, it is about me and our 20th anniversary. Boy, that should be a Founders' Day that will be well remembered by all.
So come with your suggestions. We want to make this one a good one. Our spaghetti is still the same oId Afro Atalio spagto with all the trimmings.
Now with the Regional at Omega this year we are expecting to see many of you back to help us make this convention the best in Omega's history; so come and we will try and make your stay an enjoyable one. As you know I am always around to add as much color to the affair regardless of what the occasion may be.
Much more could be said on this subject but I will leave the rest up to your imagination, so I trust you will with us on Founders' Day. It would be a wonderful thing to see all of you again.
May God bless you and your families. May you continue to enjoy all the success and happiness in all the forthcoming years. I still remain your faithful servant.
Fraternally,
Giff
Nine New Men Initiated Recently
Omega initiated nine men at the beginning of this semester. Three were holdovers from previous semesters, and six were members of last fall's pledge class.
First on the list was Donald A. Cadzow. Don has been waiting a long time since he first pledged prior to entering the Navy some years back. Don is an eighth semester advertising student who hails from Harrisburg, Pa.
Jerry McCann was next on the roster to be initiated. Incidentally, Jerry passed another milestone at about the same time, since he was married between semesters. He is a seventh semester geology student from Pittsburgh.
Jim Coleman, newly elected secretary of Omega, was next in line. Jim is a junior Liberal Arts major from Gettysburg, Pa. Incidentally, Jim also represents the house as our 128-pound wrestler.
Starting with last semester's pledge class, we have Mike ( Mic) Kuhar, ex-pledge captain, who is a fourth semester Business Administration student hailing from Monessen, Pa.
Fifth in line was Dick Potter, fourth semester Industrial Engineering student from North East, Pa. Dick, as historian, is assuming responsibility for this publication.
Paul (Ferocious) Baroutsis, who is a fourth semester Business Administration student from right here in State College, Feroch's claim to fame is his striking physiognomy.
Tom Eyerly, sixth semester Mechanical Engineering student from Springfield was next on the list. Tom claims to have the hottest car in our parking lot.
Jim Davies, another new brother, and a fifth semester labor management relations student, has the distinction of being married to Omega's present dream girl Carol Davies.
Last but not least is Jim Starr, forth semester Business Administration from -Sunbury, Pa; Jim was a mainstay on our highly successful basketball team this past winter.
That completes our list of newly initiated. brothers.
President Rhoads Presents His Views
Each year a new man is given the responsibility of coordinating the activities within the chapter. Probably none of us will ever see the termination of this continuing process.
It is indeed heartening to think of the many predecessors, who have held this position, and the many snore successors who will extend infinitely. Obviously all have had to face problems; the past and the future, will not be different. However it tends to be an ever-changing problem and possibly no two of us have faced the same ones. It is necessary that everyone be aware of difficulties that face us now and perhaps eliminate them before they must be faced by future members.
It is well known that enrollment has increased greatly here at Penn State and is expected to increase still further in the near future. The fraternity system has also enlarged as new groups have bee it recognized, but the membership has not increased proportionately to the university en-rollment. We are well aware of this, and the IFC has taken steps in search of a possible solution to the problem. With a relatively smaller membership the fraternity system cannot command the respect and exercise that is rightly ours.
Within the last two months a thorough investigation was made by a committee through IFC, and they made several recommendations to the body which was composed of presidents of each house. These were acted upon last week and the outcome, we believe, will be helpful. For a freshman to be pledged to a fraternity, he must have an average of 2.2, in contrast to the previous 2.0. The other suggestion - would have prohibited rushing of first semester men at anytime and condensed the rushing program to the first nine weeks of his second semester. This was not passed although there was much discussion on the issue. Those are the developments thus far. However, IFC is continuing the study and I feel certain more recommendations will be presented.
This clearly illustrates the concern that exists here and the seriousness that is displayed. The administration is also disturbed and feels that some steps must be taken by individual fraternities of the system as a whole. Many of the houses (approximately half) are under-capacity now and are beginning to feel the consequences of this situation. Omega is below capacity this year for the first time in years and others are in the same condition. Elsewhere in this paper are the results of a rushing report compiled by members of this chapter. I merely want to draw to your attention the limited number of men from whom we are able to select. With conditions as they are at present, the outlook is not optimistic. We are forced to compete for this limited number of men with houses that have a vastly superior and remodeled physical plant. Our house is not in comparably good condition now and the furnishings are mostly antiquated. To add to the problem we are not in a desirous location and draw less attention for this reason.
The situation is now developing, into survival of the fittest and undoubtedly some will succumb to the increasing pressures. The spirit at Omega is relatively great and none here with the end of our existence. On the other hand all are concerned and are working diligently to improve our standing in every way. However, as you recognize, the problem is greater than the actives can handle alone. The aid of all is required because of the large financial burden that must be assumed. The improvements that are necessary will require the hearty support of all alumni and full cooperation of the actives is assured.
I want to impress upon you all, young and old alike, the seriousness of the situation and the necessity for a forward step. It is imperative that as many as possible of you return for the Founders' Day celebration so that some definite action can be taken immediately. I'm sure there will be an interesting program for you, and we will all enjoy the visit thoroughly.
Edwin Rhoads
Omega Remains Socially Active
Hi there! We're happy to announce that Omega is well on its way to surpassing any social record in the past. Things have really been moving these past few months and the coming months look even greater. Fall and winter have always been tops as far as athletic and social activities are concerned, and last semester was no exception.
Coming back from the summer vacation, everyone was in the socializing mood, and we did have some parties, believe me! The alums had a hand in starting off October (and by the way, finishing it also) during Alumni Homecoming. As always, the veterans were far ahead of the actives. Soon after that the Omegas played host to the Penn State Thespians, an organization to which many of the locals belong.
Junior Prom weekend saw the annual Bowery Brawl with original art work all over the paper covered walls. Our annual fall Father's Day brought in another football victory to impress our Dads (We won all our home football games) in addition to the swell time they had.
Everyone got the Christmas Spirit while preparing for the annual Pledge Formal during the Mil Ball weekend. The house was bedecked in holly, pine, and mistletoe, and you couldn't find a cozier setting anywhere. On Saturday afternoon we had Dixieland Jazz session followed by a cocktail party, banquet, and formal. Lovely Carol Davies, wife of brother Jim Davies, was presented the Dream Girl award.
Looking ahead to the spring semester, Omega is well on its way to surpassing last fall's social calendar. Off weekend parties are becoming real blasts in themselves! This is reflected by an event as "An Evening of Dixieland" with the Myron Cherry Combo. IFC weekend will bring Brother Sammy Kaye to the Penn State campus. Everyone's hidden desire will come out that Saturday evening at the house party "Hidden Desire" backed by the Serrins-Kuhn quartet.
Omega has been looking forward for a long time to hosting the Regional Convention, and it will be a reality on April 13. The Penn State Campus will be buzzing with Theta Chi's from all around the region, who will he treated to business meeting during the day, and a banquet and dance that evening in the HUB ballroom.
The closing weeks of this semester won't find Omega sitting back. Spring Week will find us participating in Spring Week activities with S.D.T. sorority. During that weekend will be the Senior Ball and our annual steak fry at Poe Paddy Park. The following week the guests of honor will be our mothers on Mother's Day.
It's been nice talking to you again. As you can see Omega is upholding the tradition of being one of the top social fraternities on campus, a precedent set by our Alums.
Bob Pawelski, Social Chairman
Intramural Athletic Report
Omega chapter of Theta Chi looks like a sure bet to finish the year within the top ten fraternities in total intramural points. We have been doing better thus far this year than at a comparable time last year when we finished twelfth among all fraternities in intramural athletics.
We got off to a slow start last fall by losing our first and consequently our only football game to Phi Epsilon Pi. It was a heartbreaking defeat since we went into overtime tied at zero, and Phi Ep scored on a disputed play.
Dave Jones and Dick Potter picked three wins between them in tennis singles to raise our point total 15 points over last year.
Led by Bob Maurer and Jay Livzicy, the swimming team captured two victories before losing to a very tough Delta Sigma Phi aggregation.
In boxing, lightweight Jerry McCann battled his way into the semi-finals before he was forced to retire because of an arm injury.
Led by the fine play of Jim Starr and Ed Rhoads, the basketball team won six and lost only one game to finish the season a very close second to an undefeated Sigma Chi team.
In the first half bowling league we finished with thirty-four wins and ten defeats while being led by Don Costanzo who racked up consistently high series.
Jim Caldwell and Dave Jones picked up five wins between them in handball singles.
The outlook in other sports is good, too. Tom Eynon. and Dave Jones expect to lead the wrestling team to a good season, and the prospect for such sports as softball, track, tennis doubles, golf, volleyball, and badminton are such as to indicate a fine intramural yea for Omega.
Ten Men Pledged This Spring
The Omega pledge class of spring, 1957, is composed of what we feel are ten outstanding young men.
Alexis (Al) Barron is a fourth semester Chemical Engineering student from Peckville, Pa., having transferred from Drexel Institute, where he began his pledgeship. He is working on the spring Thespians show, is a member of the Glee Club, and he also claims to be a bowler.
Next on the list is Clarence (Clem) Bauer, an agriculture student from Tidioute, Pa, He is a dorm president and a member of the Lion political party.
The third man is Louis Brast of Coraopolis, Pa., a fourth semester Business Administration student. He is a Young Republican, a member of Thespians light crew, and a member of the Lion Party Steering Committee.
John Coleman, brother of our sec-retary, Jim Coleman, is a second semester Business Administration and is very active in intramural and dormitory activities.
David E. Frick, a second semester Mechanical Engineering student, is very active on the Freshman track and Cross Country teams, and has seen action on our Volleyball team this semester.
The assistant pledge captain is Richard R. (Dick) Jones, from Ivyland, Pa. He is a second semester Business Administration student and he is active in Alpha Phi Omega Service Honorary.
Robert F. Nocera is fourth semester student in Secondary Education and he hails from New Castle, Pa. He is a member of Props crew for the spring Thespian show, a pledge of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, a member of Lion Party Steering Committee, and a Daily Collegian candidate.
Theodore F. (Ted) PauIoski is a second semester Landscape Architecture student from Sharon, Pa. Ted is a very busy boy, being active in intramurals, Chapel Choir, Glee Club, Penn State Players, and he has the lead in the Thespian's production "Guys and Dolls."
Keith F. Vansant is a sixth semester agriculture student from Summit, New Jersey. His main interest is organization of the Association of the United States Army.
Captain of the pledge class is David W. West, fourth semester Busf-ness Administration student from Erie, Pa. He is a Young Republican, Thespian's House Crew Manager, member of Alpha Phi Omega, and was a candidate for Junior Class vice-president.
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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