Fall 1987 Omegaphone
Let's Shout It From Our (New) Rooftop: "Everyone Associated With Omega Has the Right to Be Proud"
By John Wszalek, Alumni Corporation President
The first corporation meeting under the new roof took place at the homecoming meeting on October 10. It was a great feeling not to have to worry about pieces of plaster falling all around us.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those alumni who contributed to the 523 Fund to make the roof possible. When the fund drive first started, a lot of people said Theta Chi could not raise that kind of money. Luckily, Mike Perkins was hard of hearing. He didn't listen to those people: instead, through his efforts and your help, the roof is bought and paid for. Thank you.
There is one problem with the new roof, however: it's too small. Sure it fits over the entire house, but it's too small to fit over the entire brotherhood. The active chapter continues to grow and prosper. With seven pledges and an already strong brotherhood, this group continues to exceed all expectations.
One of the great things about having a large active chapter is that some of them graduate and become alumni. It was excellent to see a large number of young alums at homecoming who want to remain active in the house.
Each year the active chapter seems to get better and there is no question they are being supported by a solid alumni base. I think everyone associated with Omega has the right to be proud. See you in the spring!
Omega Chapter is Doing Great!
By Robert Kramer '88, Chapter President
Fall '87 finds Omega continuing its tradition of excellence. Our brotherhood of 49 actives and seven pledges consistently ranks among the campus leaders in athletics, academics and popularity. Once again, we participated in homecoming, this year with a sorority, and made a strong showing.
Omega is also extending its influence into other campus areas. Many brothers are active members of 1FC committees, establishing our presence among the fraternity leaders.
Alumni support, as evidenced by the turnout and mood at homecoming, is stronger than it has been in years. The chapter house and grounds are getting better all the time. Among the improvements are our new roof and a revamped plumbing system. The active brothers of Omega extend a great big "Thank you" to the alumni; without your concern and support, these necessary improvements would not have been possible.
In brief, Omega Chapter is doing great. And we want you, our alumni, to share in the glory. We strongly encourage you to visit whenever possible. To borrow the words from an airline commercial, "find out how good we really are."
Senior Profile: Steve Dodge's Fraternity Career Proves that "The More You Put In, The More You Get Out"
By Stephen Marlin '88 Secretary
Steve Dodge
Steve Dodge, a senior in industrial engineering, has been a brother of the Omega Chapter for nearly four years. In that time, he has seen the chapter more than double in size, and become active in homecoming, philanthropics, sports and greek activities. He has held the offices of homecoming chairman, little sister chairman, rush chairman (twice), vice president and president.
Now at the top of Omega's active roster, Steve has stepped back to allow younger, up-and-coming brothers to hold executive offices, while he has become more involved in the Interfraternity Council, where he is currently chairman of the IFC Expansion Committee/Review Board. Recently, I had the chance to speak with Steve:
Steve Martin: What is the most important thing you've gained from fraternities in general and Theta Chi in particular?
Steve Dodge: I think the most important thing I've gained is the ability to communicate and cooperate. By this, I mean that I have a better understanding of how to meet and work with unfamiliar people to achieve a common goal.
SM: There are no actives left from when you pledged. How do you feel about the big turnover that has occurred since then?
SD: I really admire and respect the people who worked so hard to pick the house up and get it moving when there were only 19 active brothers. I wish they could be here now to see how much their hard work has paid off, to see us win the Most Improved Chapter Award this past spring, or to see us finish third overall in homecoming last year.
SM: What has been your most memorable experience as a Theta Chi?
SD: Receiving the Most Improved Chapter Award on behalf of Omega Chapter while hosting the 1987 Region Ill Assembly. The pride I felt when we were announced as the winner was incredible.
SM: What advice can you, as an "older" brother, give to the younger brothers who still have several semesters left in their undergraduate careers?
SD: The more you put in, the more you get out. The benefits and satisfaction are immense if you are willing to put effort into being a good brother.
SM: What plans do you have for your future?
SD: Well, I'd like to hold the office of chaplain before I graduate. I want to make the chaplain a more inspirational office, especially for the pledges. I'd like for them to be able to talk to me without reservation, like a second big brother. After graduation, I'd like to work in the artificial intelligence or robotics/automation fields, hopefully in a way that would allow me to get into technical management. As to where, Washington, D,C., Philadelphia or Boston would be fine.
Chapter Officers
President - Robert Kramer '88
Vice President - Robert Price '87
Treasurer - Scott Taylor '89
Secretary - Steve Martin '88
Rush Chairmen - Mark Lynch '88 and Chris Thomson '89
Social Chairmen - Robert Scavello '88 and John McHenry '88
Athletic Chairman - Rick James '89
Pledge Marshal - William Ross '88
Homecoming '87 Sets Trend for Great Success
By Michael Carbaugh '90 Alumni Representative
Homecoming 1987 was a tremendous success for Omega Chapter. For the first time in many years, our chapter participated in homecoming with a sorority. The sisters of Sigma Delta Tau combined with the brothers of Theta Chi to place 11th overall. Our second-place trophy in the banner division was the highlight of the parade.
Many alumni returned for the weekend to join in the celebration. Upon their return, they found an improved chapter house, with a new roof and several internal repairs and improvements.
Friday night featured an alumni open bar, while Saturday consisted of a well attended tailgate, football game and corporation meeting.
Michael Perkins was recognized by the active brotherhood for his devoted work on the 523 Club fund drive with a commemorative plaque.
A sit-down dinner followed the meeting. In Theta Chi tradition, the oldest brother in attendance, Howard Alter, and the youngest pledge, Reed Goodwin, kissed the main attraction—the roast pig.
All in all, everyone who made the trip back was rewarded with a fun-filled and enjoyable weekend.
Inside Theta Chi: Constant Improvements Keep House in Good Shape
By Robert Price '87, Vice President and Scott Taylor '89, Treasurer
The Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity is a strong and growing brotherhood. Unfortunately, our 58-year-old chapter house is another story. There are always new projects that must be undertaken in order to keep the house in good condition.
Thanks to considerable alumni support, our old, leaky roof was removed and replaced with a brand new roof this summer. The actives responded by repairing the water damage in the poolroom and repainting the entire room as well.
Another major project this summer was the professional installation of new piping in the kitchen, made necessary by a ruptured water main. We would like to thank the alumni for their help in getting both of these problems solved.
The house furniture has taken a beating in recent times, and we have started to replace the old, worn-out and broken pieces. Our first priority was dining room tables: we purchased five for the dining room and two for the study room.
The acquisition of several chairs has given our first floor an entirely new look. In addition to the chairs, the TV room and study room have been interchanged, with the TV room now next to the poolroom.
With constant attention and upkeep, our house will remain home to many Theta Chi brothers for years to come.
Academic Ranking Rises by 16 Places! Mandatory Study Hours Start Pledges on the Right Scholastic Track
By Jens Bolch '89 Scholastics Chairman
Scholastics have not been one of Omega's strong points over the past few years. With all that fraternity life has to offer, it is easy to lose sight of the real purpose for attending college. For exactly this reason, we began a scholastics program last year.
Under this program we introduced mandatory study hours for pledges. These study hours were conducted outside of the chapter house, under the scholastic chairman's supervision. Brothers were encouraged to attend, and many took advantage of the opportunity. The study hours not only provided an opportunity for both brothers and pledges to study on a regular basis, they provided guidance and instilled good study habits in the pledges that should continue through the rest of their academic careers.
By moving up 16 places in the academic all-fraternity rankings last semester, Omega Chapter is working towards becoming one of the top academic leaders in Penn State's greek community. It is very important to be involved in activities inside the fraternity and out, but we must also remember to abide by our motto: "Alma Mater first, and Theta Chi for Alma Mater."
Thanks, But 523 Club Well. Short of Goal
By Michael R. Perkins Alumni Vice President
Many thanks to all our alumni for their support to date of the 523 Club fund drive. As a result of your gracious contributions, we have been able to complete the construction of the new roof.
Unfortunately, our job is not quite done. Our slated goal at the start of this fund drive was to raise a mini-mum-of $40,000 to be able to pay for all required capital improvements. We are still well short of that goal. Recently you may have received a letter requesting your help. Please don't do what I always do and set it down for a later time.
As indicated in this issue of the Omegaphone, whatever help you can provide will make a strong house only stronger. For the pride of Theta Chi, send what you can to Todd Fortier.
Alumni News
The address for F. T. Vansant '20 is in Summit, NJ.
Write to Conway Paden '27 in Benton, PA.
Benjamin J. Conrad '32 retired as head of English at Roxborough High School in 1970.
William C. Ings '36 was designated "Meritorious Accountant of the Americas" at the XVII Conference of the Interamerican Accounting Association in Ecuador.
Daniel D. Mearns '36 is retired.
Franklin H. Pritchard Jr. '37 retired from GE.
“I am serving as national treasurer for The Campaign for Penn State and I am also very active as a board member of our local PSU Fayette campus," writes Robert E. Eberly '39.
Retired, Floyd W. Lang '48 divides his time between Pennsylvania and Florida.
"Recently retired and settling into a more leisurely life of golf, grandchildren, skiing and travel. Best regards to all from classes of '48, '49, '50," writes George W. Chapman Jr. '49.
The new home address for Edward W. Noyes Jr. '51 is in Williamsport, PA.
Robert E. Gohn '53 is supervisor of training and communications for Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown.
Dominic Alisio '54, aka "Dom," is an accounting supervisor for AT&T in Allentown.
John N. Warker Sr. '56 is an insurance and equities broker.
The home address for Philip C. Chapman '57 is in West Chester, PA.
Keith F. Vansant '58 is involved with the Penn State Club of Georgia. "We are trying to become No. 1 and received a silver award this year."
The address for Michael P. Lazorchak '61 is in TX.
Hugh McClure 72 tells us, "The first annual Theta Chi 'Crab Roast and Bocci Tournament' was held on July 18, 1987. The spirit of brotherhood was overflowing."
George H. Baer '73 resides in Gillett, WY 82716, "where the deer and antelope play."
Jeffrey D. Lammed '73 is president of Diamond Corp. inc.
Edward M. Beidel Jr. '76 is a landscape/golf course architect. "One of my golf course designs is under construction in Warrninister Township, Pa. Perhaps the annual Theta Chi golf outing can be held there when the course is completed."
Bennett D. Lazar '77 is vice president of finance and administration of Spectaguard Inc.
The new address for Kenneth J. Oeschger '77 is in Oreland, PA.
The address for Robert Coleman '78 is in New York, NY.
The home address for Kurt P. Rohrbach 79 is in Temple, PA.
"I spent three terrific months in Honduras in the summer of '86 where I 'fell' for one of the Latin beauties. We were married on February 2, 1987. Now if I could just learn Spanish!" writes Reid A. Squirer '79, aka "Valdez."
The home address for Drew M. Tomlinson '79 is in Petersburg, PA.
Bradley K. Davy '82 is out of the Navy and working for Tracor Applied Sciences as a nuclear systems engineer. He would like to hear from others living in his area.
William K. Kahier Jr. '82 is with Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co.
The new home address for Timothy Boyd '83 is in Wyndmoor, PA.
The address for John F. Cunningham '83 is in Miami.
Scott Kotcamp '83 married Theta Chi Little Sister Barbara Capuzzi on May 31, 1986. Scott is a marketing representative with ltek Graphics.
The home address for Keith S. Williams '83 is in Library, PA.
Owen Fishman '85 says he is going to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, with Chris Casciato '85. “O” would like to know it anyone knows the whereabouts of Bob Dunston '85.
Paul J. FormIchella '86 is a retail account manager for Joseph E. Seagram and Sons Inc.
Chapter Eternal
We regret to inform you of the death of:
John P. Schwenk '35
Lindsay Harpen '39
Alvin C. Dili Jr. '41
Harry Maloney Jr. '43
Thomas D. Ward '51
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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