March 1992 Omegaphone
Alumni President's Corner - Undergraduate Chapter on Probation
Dear Brothers, I am sending this open letter to all alumni to inform you of a matter of importance concerning Omega Chapter. The undergraduates have been placed on probation by Theta Chi International Fraternity for a violation of their alcohol policy. The specific violation involved the purchase and consumption of bulk alcohol (i.e. kegs) at a September party. Kegs and other common containers of alcohol are no longer allowed to be purchased by the undergraduates. This, as well as a variety of other rules, has drastically impacted the way of social life as we knew it. Theta Chi, as well as many other fraternities and schools, has adopted these stricter rules as part of a program to reduce their potential liability and to help chapters to better manage alcohol related problems.
This by no means is a passing interest; standards are also being set for such things as drug abuse, sexual harassment and AIDS, and they must be followed. If not, chapters are placed on probation and could lose their charter if additional violations warrant it. We as the Omega Brotherhood must pull together and clearly understand these rules and what we face in the future. We must be proactive not reactive.
For now you can help by realizing that we must honor the no bulk alcohol policy as set forth in the probation. If you wish to consume alcohol at the house, you must bring your own. Please do not hassle or abuse the undergraduates for they are following the rules. We as alumni are responsible to police this probation and it would be extremely difficult to do so if alumni members are actively violating it. If the lack of free alcohol is not a problem for you, you can help by encouraging the younger brothers to minimize their reliance on alcohol. Interact with them and give them encouragement, for that is what Brotherhood is about.
If you have any questions about this probation, please attend the Founders' Day meeting on Saturday, April 25, after the Blue-White football game. See you there.
Fraternally,
Hugh D. Cadzow '83. President Theta Chi of Penn State, Inc.
Theta Chi National and Local Funds - Clarification of What They Are and A Sincere Thank You for Your Support
By Hugh D. Cadzow '83, Alumni President
I recently received a copy of the Rattle, our national fraternity magazine and was proud to see that Omega was first, second and third, respectively, in money donated, number of contributors and percentage of contributed to the National Theta Chi Fund for Leadership and Education. A total of 106 Omega alumni participated in giving to this tax-deductible fund. Of those brothers many had also given to the Theta Chi of Penn State funds, and for that we sincerely thank you. However, I am concerned that the number of Omegas who donated to the National Fund is roughly double the number of contributors we've had for the local funds in the same time period. We hope that recent increasing amounts donated to the corporation are a sign of departure from this trend.
To help clarify what funds we are solicited for, I offer this brief breakdown:
Theta Chi Fund for Leadership and Education — A tax-deductible fund that the National Fraternity sponsors. Donations to this are for all Theta Chis and go toward seminars, conventions and publications, all of which Omega has taken advantage of in recent years.
Theta Chi of Penn State Operational Fund — Sponsored by your alumni corporation, these are monies used for maintaining alumni records, publishing the °megaphone, mailings and other related costs. These are your annual "alumni contributions" that are normally requested during the school year.
Theta Chi of Penn State Capital Fund — This is an account that is solely used for capital/physical plant improvements on the Omega Chapter House. It was recently used (along with a mortgage) to install fire safety items such as an alarm system and fire doors. Due to the age of the house, a major capital drive is likely in the near future.
I hope this will help to clear up the misunderstanding often associated with what the various Theta Chi funds are. Any monies received for our two funds would go directly to improving service to Omega and her alumni, while donations to the National fund will also benefit us through the educational services it offers. Whichever way you choose to give, your fellow alumni, undergraduate brothers and I all thank you.
A New Way to Give to Omega Chapter
Tired of hearing about Omega's poor financial condition? Out of about 600 living Omega alumni, a little over 100 actively donate money to the chapter. Isn't this the place we dedicated our souls to in college?
We have a simple, long-term solution: Make Omega Chapter the beneficiary of one of your current life insurance policies. If you don't have life insurance, you can buy a policy for a low annual premium. Assuming you live, you can use the cash value of a whole life insurance policy to finance your own children's college education.
Charitable giving through life insurance is a popular funding method used by colleges and universities throughout the nation. It is the single most cost-effective way of donating large sums of money. The death proceeds can be used for an Omega Chapter scholarship fund, intramural sports equipment, renovating the chapter house or paying off debt.
John Fischer will present more information about this option at the Founders' Day meeting.
Thanks for The Memories of “Giffy”
Thanks to the many alumni and friends who sent cards or letters with memories of “Giff”.
On this and the next page we have shared a sampling of the many happy moments you wrote about. We hope you will enjoy those spotters just as much as we have.
In Giff's Own Words....
(from the April 1, 1959 Omegaphone - by E. T. Gifford)
Greetings Alumni of Omega Chapter of Theta Chi.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you home again. I am looking with great anticipation of seeing you who graduated from this great institution in the past twenty years. Seeing and serving you will be a great pleasure and honor. I do feel that it is the will of God, the great Architect of the universe, who blessed us with the best health, enabling us to carry on our duties of service in the communities where we live.
Since this is true, I do think that you should take time out to visit me, and help celebrate my twentieth year of service at Omega Chapter. Seeing those who were instrumental in employing me for this job, of which I am humbly proud, will bring me much happiness. Many changes have been made through the years, and they have been great ones. Through these changes have come progress and achievement. And, I have enjoyed the love and friendship of the entire brotherhood.
Giffy and Count Basie - "What do you play?" . . . "The skillet. "
Dear Brother,
I'm responding to your request for anecdotes about our fabulous cook, Emanuel Travasso Gifford. One of the finest men I've ever known. I have one, of many, which stands out in my memory, and which I shall never forget! It is absolutely true, although the exact date is lost in the mist of time. It goes like this:
It was during my junior year, 1942. I was house manager, which meant I was in charge of firing the old coal furnace. Since I had to arise before most of the other brothers in order to get up steam in the system. I spent a fair amount of time with Giffy in his kitchen while he prepared breakfast, and I awaited my first shovelfuls of coal of the morning to take effect.
One morning. I mentioned to Giff that in a few weeks, as spring approached, an all-college dance would feature the Count Basie Band (a leading black bandleader of the day). To my surprise, and disbelief, Giffy replied. "Hey that's great, the Count and I are old friends."
The word quickly spread throughout the house that Giffy, once again, was into one of his wild tales. Thus, it wasn't long, before a group of us hurled the gauntlet at his feet, and dared him to meet us at the dance, during the first intermission, at which point we would escort him to the bandstand. There he could greet his old pal, the Count. Much to our surprise, Giffy accepted the challenge, and there the matter lay until the night of the dance.
Sure enough, Giff showed up, mounted the bandstand and, shouted. "Hey Count." Basie, hearing his name, turned, and with surprise showing on his face. replied. "Giff, where the hell you been?" The two men embraced, and Giff, looking over his shoulder, favored us with the smug look of the victor.
At this point, students began asking Giff for his autograph. One girl wondered, aloud, what instrument he played. Giffy was quick to reply, "The skillet." The Theta Chi brothers and their dates then gave our esteemed cook, and friend, the ovation he deserved, while we, too, relished his moment of fame!
Fraternally.
Henry F. Pierce' 43
Giffy Was a Good Friend
I met Giffy in the fall of '48. It was House Party Weekend, and I was up from a Penn State Center to visit my high school sweetheart. When I moved to campus in '49, spaghetti lunches before football games, lobster dinners for Mother's Day, and steak and corn barbecues at Whipple's were a large piece of my life at Penn State - and still some of my fondest memories.
We were long-since pinned when my boyfriend went into the Air Force. I was still at Penn State for another year. Giffy understood - I was so alone. One night he called me at the dorm and said he just happened to have an apple pie left over. Now Giffy NEVER just happened to have an extra pie. He counted, everything for his kitchen carefully, but that night he drove a pie over to Simmons in his big Caddie - just for me.
Than one night, I was doing a show at Center Stage and Giffy asked me to stop at Theta Chi after the show for a bite to eat. Yeah, a BITE! He cooked me a whole huge steak and gave me a vegetable dish full of fries with salad and dessert accompanying. I sat in Giffy's kitchen late that night telling him all about the Air Force as I ate.
Giffy was a good friend to me, generous, kind and understanding. I wrote him when we were married (39 years, 3 children and 1 grandchild ago). I knew Giffy would care.
Fondly,
Bea Wallace (PSU '52 - Mrs Bruce M. Wallace '51)
Giffy Cooks - But Does Much More
(reprinted from the Autumn 1959 issue of The Rattle of Theta Chi)
September 1, 1959
by Howard Alter '41
Hiring a cook from a restaurant that has just closed its doors would not perhaps be evidence of good judgment on the part of any chapter's executive committee, but that is how E. T. Gifford came to Omega Chapter at Penn State in the spring of 1939. By the end of first semester "Giff" was an institution.
This year Omega Celebrates twenty years of this happy association, or as Giff puts it, "this s the end of my fortieth semester." The chapter and its alumni look forward to many more years of this relationship. For these forty semesters and the summers in between, Emanuel T. Gifford has been much more than Omega's chef.
In World War II when the chapter house was occupied by the army, Giff acted as custodian while cooking for some one hundred G. I.'s. His eagle eye noting damage paid off when the time came for final settlement with the military. After the army moved out and a few members started drifting back the school, Giff's help in reactivating the chapter was invaluable; he operated the dining facilities until such time as sufficient number of members and pledges were available to take over normal operation. Without his interest and help during this period, the chapter would certainly have suffered greater financial loss, and reactivation would have been more difficult.
If you want to know where one of your classmates is, and what he is doing, you ask Giff. Alumni Day sees more brothers entering the house through the basement kitchen than through the stately front door.
One more than one occasion, Giff has appeared on behalf of brothers running afoul of the local police, and on at least one such occasion furnished bond for a brother temporarily short on finds; it was suggested that this wouldn't look "so good" in print, but it is so much a part of the character of Emanuel Travasso Gifford that it could hardly be left out. His bright red Imperial lends distinction of the chapter's parking lot as his habit of always presiding over his kitchen in full chef's regalia does to the chapter house. His sage advice and constant interest in the brothers have aided the chapter.
This year the Alumni Day banquet on October 17 honored Giff and his service to the chapter. Following the dinner he was presented with a bind and a scroll affirming that:
"Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity and Theta Chi of Penn State, Inc., present this token of affection and appreciation to Emanuel T. Gifford in recognition of twenty years of faithful, loyal and conscientious service to Theta Chi Fraternity. He has shown unselfish interest in the welfare of the fraternity, always performing duties above and beyond those called for. He acted as caretaker to the chapter house and its furnishings during the period of army occupancy in World War II and was instrumental in the reactivation on the chapter following the conflict. He enjoyed the respect and esteem of hundreds of members of Omega Chapter who have known him through the years. His genial personality, his loyal interest, his helpful service have endeared him to all".
Omega thus honored this man who is many things to Omega men everywhere. Giff means much to us, but perhaps least of all in his official position of chapter chef.
Giff and Louis Armstrong
June 22, 1991
Omegaphone Editor,
Sorry I don't know your name. Thanks for the copy of your May issue. Your request for items about Giffy brought back a few memories. In 1954, I was a second-year journalism student at PSU and a pledge at Theta Chi. My buddy John Strakey had your job, editing the Omegaphone, and he asked me to help him fill the space. For about a semester I contributed chapter news items. We always ragged Giffy about his belly-busting pancakes, and to tease him, I wrote a little piece of doggerel that went something like this:
Ode to Giffy's Pancakes
Heigh diddle-diddle,
The fat's on the griddle,
The batter is whipped with a spoon,
I lauged and laughed,
The cook's gone daft,
He's mixing it in the Spittoon!
It wasn't too good, but Giff dutifully chuckled when he read it. Another time, when Louis Armstrong was appearing on campus, Giff began regaling is with stories about his early years in New Orleans. Giffy said he and Louie were pals in the old days. He said he'd been a chef in a fancy bawdy house, and that Satchmo used to play there, to entertain the customers. As I recall, most of us who heard the story took it with a grain of salt.
But after Louie's performance, he appeared at Theta Chi late at night, aced to speak to Giffy, and they had a grand reunion that lasted until the wee hours. I wasn't there, but the brothers who were said the two old friends sat in Giff's bedroom next to the kitchen sipping good whiskey and swapping stories for hours.
The other thing I remember most about Giffy was his fabulous cooking - particularly the broiled South African lobster fest he cooked up one big weekend. In my memory, it's still the best lobster I ever tasted.
Again, thanes for the newsletter. I enjoyed reading it. Best wished for success in college and in your career.
Tom Smith '56
Alumni News
Peter H. Marvel '29 writes, "Forrest Thompson '30, Tommy Jackson '31 and I all live at the same retirement village. We wound up here together after not seeing each other for years! Good luck to you all for a good year."
"Before the merger with Theta Chi in '40," remembers Charles A. Schmidt '31, I was a member of Theta Upsilon Omega Chapter at PSU." He corresponds with Blair Henderson '28 and Dick Ziegenfuss '30.
In 1991 Robert E. Eberly '39 received an honorary Doctorate of Letters and the 1852 Award from California University of Pennsylvania.
Richard Knowles '39 lives in Southampton, PA.
Last summer C. J. Newman '39 spent his vacation with Joe Flagler '40 in Cape May.
"I'm looking forward to my 50th reunion in three years," writes Edward W. George '45. I hope to see lots of my brothers." Ed keeps in touch with Bill Renton '46 and Walter "Whizzer" White '48.
After taking one course a semester for nine years at Princeton Seminary, William A. Grun '47 has served three terms as a Volunteer in Mission (V.I.M.) for the Presbyterian Church. Currently, Bill is a V.I.M. in Kentucky teaching G.E.D. classes. He also reports, "I average 1000 miles a year on my bicycle and have biked in 17 states, Canada and Scotland. I hope to bike to State College for my 50th reunion in June." Bill talked with Burton Willard '48 in December.
Thomas Iezzi '48 is "enjoying retirement" in Bristol, PA. He has two grandsons.
Lester B. Strickler '48 has retired and makes his home in Vancouver, WA.
Since retiring from the State of Florida Department of Education in May '91, Walter A. White '48 has served as a counselor at the Manasota Lighthouse for the Blind two days a week. A runner. “Whiz" has participated in two biathlons and two triathlons as well as lots of road races. When he wrote in January, Whiz was planning to get together with Bill Renton '46 and Ed George '45 in February. "I'd like someone to organize a summer reunion of all the guys who lived in the house from '42 to '50."
"Best regards to my post-World War II classmates," sends George W. Chapman Jr. '49. Since retiring, George enjoys watching his grandchildren grow and traveling to Florida and Martha's Vineyard.
"I have only heard front one brother since the day I graduated in 1949: George Chapman Jr. '49," writes James L. Taylor '49. Jim has been retired almost three years and spends his time reading, flying radio-controlled airplanes, walking and traveling. This year he plans to visit California twice, attend his high school reunion in Pennsylvania and reunite with his Army unit in Virginia. Jim and his wife have two children and two grandchildren.
In August '91, after a 35-year career with Nabisco Brands, David W. Miller '53 retired and purchased his family home in State College, PA. Dave and his wife, Lindy, enjoy cruising in their 32-foot sailboat on Chesapeake Bay.
Thomas J. Peters '53 retired in June '91 after over 35 years of service in basic education in Pennsylvania. "Jim," the former director of the Crawford County Federal Programs Consortium, still serves as an independent contractor for the consortium and a law firm. He saw Ron Hansen '57 in August.
You can reach Dominic Alisio ’54 in Bethlehem, PA.
"It was nice hearing from you," writes Roderick J. Wiseman '64. Rod recently retired after 37 years with Union Carbide Industrial Gases.
President of Keller Marine Services, Inc., George F. Keller '55 is also a member of the board of trustees at Albright College and has been elected vice chairman of Sun Banc Corporation. I plan to retire in '93." "Red" hears from Tony Richards '55, John Beachley '56, Ric Codori '56 and Tom Laferrara '55.
George L. Walz Jr. '55 lives in Washington, PA.
A senior vice president at Discovision Associates, James A. Davies '58 plans to retire to the South Carolina coast in '93. Jim and his wife, Carol (PSU '55), have two children, both of whom are PSU grads. Bick Remmey '57 visited them last year.
Mona Lou and Paul H. McConnaughey '60 have moved to Germany. Paul, the managing director of Alcoa Industrial Chemicals Europe, stays in touch with Robert W. Adams '58 and Richard H. Potter '59.
Charles W. Schug '62 is a C.PA. with MacDade, Abbott and Company.
Mark M. Burroughs '63 has begun a second career as dean of engineering technology at Colorado Tech since retiring from a 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force in 1990.
A captain in the U.S. Navy, O. Keith Evans '65 became comptroller at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard last summer. Keith saw Tom Kiley '65 in Pittsburgh last summer. He also occasionally talks with Dave Heitzenroder '64 and corresponds with Jim Scattergood '65. Keith and his wife have one son.
From his new home in Westlake, OH, Douglas C. Mary '66 reports, “I have a new job as senior vice president-private banking division for Huntington National Bank."
"I've been out of touch with Theta Chi for a long time." writes Jerrell W. Habegger '69, a professor and head of the accounting department at Susquehanna University. He is faculty advisor to Beth Omega Chapter at Susquehanna.
A civil engineer with Alfred Benesch and Company, Thomas W. Schreffler '73 was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel at his U.S. Army Reserve unit, the 1079th USAR Garrison at Fort Indiantown Gap. Tom and his wife, Sandra, have two children. He talks to Charlie Hummel '68 frequently and is in touch with Stan Terzopolos '69.
In the fall of '91, Todd B. Fortier '77 formed Advani and Fortier, a specialized financial accounting consulting firm. Todd reported, "I had a great time at the wedding of Mike Perkins '76. It was a Theta Chi reunion."
A business planning manager at AT&T Paradyne, Charles S. Englehardt '78 and his wife have two children.
Paul V. Bender '79 recently joined the The Cologne RE, a German firm, as regional manager of their Far East office. He now resides in Hong Kong. Paul is in contact with Phil Bender '83, who is in Baltimore.
A police officer with The Millcreek Township Police Dept., R. Scot Herman '80 hopes that one day his three-year-old son, Cory, will be an Omega.
Ronald J. Biernacki '81 is an Orthoptist with Biernacki Eye Associates. Ron is in touch with Rob Krauss '83 and Kerry Becker '82.
A patent attorney with Synnestied and Lechner, Scott J. Fields '81 announces his marriage to Joanne Wellikson in August '90.
After receiving his master's degree in computer science from the Naval Post-graduate School in Monterey, Duston L. Hayward '82 has become a computer scientist at the Naval Ocean Systems Center. Duston and his wife, Brenda (PSU '81), a former Theta Chi little sister, have moved to San Diego, CA.
A sales manager for CBS Radio Representatives, Michael P. Garrity '84 has moved to Wynnewood, PA. "Dirt" wrote in January, "Other than tying the marriage knot in March '92. I'm just skipping and whistling through life."
A student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Paul E. Vassil '86 plans to receive his medical degree in May '92 and take a residency in family practice. He is looking forward to returning to campus for Founders' Day Weekend. Paul sees Doug "Skutch" Craig '86.
Edward M. Brown '87, deputy counsel to the president pro tempore, Senator Robert C. Jubelirer, reports, "Al Guber '87 is engaged; Mike Marcella '85 is a student at Loyola Law School; Dave Mattiace '85 owns the Powerville Inn; Scott Mayhew '90 is now in State College; and Joost Keesing was made an honorary Omega Brother.”
Mark R. Lynch '88 a field examiner for Mellon Bank, recently corresponded with James Stuhltrager '89.
An inspector for the U.S. Customs Service. Randall S. Siegman '88 has moved to Iselin, NJ.
A manufacturing engineer for Philips Display Components Company, Rodney Miller '89 writes, "Absolutely nothing is new in Ottawa, Ohio. I hear about all the get-togethers in Philly and D.C. Please send me East Coast job info!"
Kristin Stuhltrager writes that her husband, James M. Stuhltrager '89, a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy, is currently stationed on the USS America in the Mediterranean. “He will be back in June '92, and we invite you to visit us at our new home in Norfolk."
A freelance photographer and photo assistant, Richard B. Maltz '90 reports, "Mike Stein '90 has a new baby boy and Scott Mayhew '90 has moved back to State College."
Christopher J. Bartnik '91 is associated with Merrill Lynch.
"I was impressed with the mailing. I hope it reaches many and gains much needed support." writes John A. Buyarski '91. John, a manufacturing trainee with Copper Industries, plans to move in June. "I will try to make it to the Blue-White game."
An insurance agent with Northwestern Mutual Life, John G. Fischer '91 has moved to Media, PA. John writes, "I'm glad that we as alumni are taking a more active role in Omega Chapter. The undergrads need our guidance. Mike Becker '90 and I have taken several trips to visit Theta Chi. We've been impressed by the undergrads’ enthusiasm for rush, I like the new ping-gong table and the new floor in the utility closet, which was installed by my little brother. Kevin Shayer,"
The new address for Gregory Hancock '91 is in Hackensack. NJ. Greg is a transportation analyst with Matsushita Electric Corporation of America.
A store investigator for Caldor, John D. McIntyre Jr. '91 hopes to be transferred to either a Philadelphia or Baltimore location soon. "Mac" is in touch with Ed Brown '87.
Chapter Eternal
We regret to inform you of the death of the following alumni:
William T. Windle '27
Harold P. Paden '29
Edward W. White '32
John W. Hosterman '48
Harold N, Wells '53
Aubrey Y. Smith
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
Checkout past issues of the Omegaphone by clicking here.