July 1994 Omegaphone
Tremendous Anniversary Celebration
By Edward M. Brown '87, Alumni President
"A Tradition of Excellence." There could nor have been a more fitting theme for Omega Chapter's tremendous 75th Anniversary Celebration. The historic weekend reunited old friends, established new friendships and provided a host of fond memories. My sincere thanks to all those who helped with the event and to the many enthusiastic attendees who clearly demonstrated that Theta Chi is for life!
The 75th Anniversary corporation meeting focused largely on the condition of our house and on the planned capital campaign to fund major renovations. Board of Directors member Hugh Cadzow '83 volunteered to arrange for a new architectural assessment of the house to prioritize and put a price tag on needed renovations. Several brothers graciously volunteered to serve on the Capital Campaign Committee, including O. Keith Evans '65, Hugh Cadzow '83, Joe Kopetsky '86, Phil Katchur '88 and Leo Sugg '88.
Second and third floor bathroom reconstruction is nearing completion. Norris Plumbing gutted both bathrooms and is doing a fine job. The project should be done by the end of May.
A great gathering of Alumni Brothers at the Theta Chi 75th Anniversary Celebration
Howard Alter Jr. ’41, president of the Theta Chi National Board of Trustees, executive director emeritus and ex-officio director of the Theta Chi Funds for Leadership, speaks about the accomplishments of Theta Chi’s past 75 years, and his future hopes and dreams for its future
Leo Sugg (L), 75th Anniversary committee Chair receives an award of recognition for his work on the 75th Anniversary from Edward Brown '88, President of Theta Chi of Penn State
Bill Renton ’46, 75th Anniversary Honorary Committee Chair, addresses guests and alumni as he reaffirms Omega Chapter;s commitment and dedication to Theta Chi and Penn for the the next 75 years.
Our house will he closed this summer, including during Arts Festival weekend, but brothers are welcome to park at the house. Both Alumnus Adviser Joost Keesing and several undergraduate members living in State College for the summer will tend to house maintenance over the summer months. Thank you brothers for the helping hand!
Homecoming 1994 will be on October 28-30. Elections will be held at Saturday's corporation meeting. You will be receiving a ballot as well as a weekend schedule of events. If you are interested in serving as an officer, please contact Alumni Vice President Bob Kramer '88 no later than August 1, 1994. I look forward to seeing you at Homecoming!
1946-49 Brothers Reunite at Anniversary Celebration
Walter White '48
By Walter White ’48
Bill Renton '46 and I had been talking for a couple of years about a reunion of all the brothers who lived at the house during the post-World War II years. Considering our (cough) age, we didn't want to wait too long. Then the fraternity organized the 75th anniversary party, and we were in business. With the help of Richard Maltz '90, Alumni Association treasurer, I contacted all our pals by letter. The response I got was remarkable. Many let me know they would be there, and many more called or wrote to let me know that for one reason or another they couldn't be there. One of the best was a call to my room at the Nittany Lion Inn as I was dressing for the formal party Saturday evening. It was from Bruce Blauch '44 calling to let me know that he wished he could have been there. What a great surprise.
It was special seeing old friends after 46 years. My Navy pal, Bill Staley '48, and I visited Jack Branigan '47 on Saturday afternoon. Jack is confined to a wheelchair and couldn't make the party.
The memories flooded back as different events and happenings were recalled. Laughs and camaraderie were the order of the evening. Some people didn't look quite the way they used to back in '46-'49. However, there was no "who is that" when George Chapman '49 arrived, looking just like he did as a pledge (almost).
One delightful outcome of our group grope was that a good many folks would like to do it again - maybe at a resort in Florida. If you are interested, let me know. Bill and I will think up something.
Thanks to all who came. I will be sending you a copy of the group picture we took after the dinner. And thanks to all who contacted me to let me know they couldn't come. What a great Surprise.
It was great to see and hear from you. We're going to do it again.
Notes, Ideas and Thoughts
From Steve Martin '88 Editor
On behalf of Theta Chi of Penn State Inc. and Omega Chapter, I would like to thank 75th Anniversary Chairman Leo Sugg '88, Honorary Chairman Bill Renton '46 and all the volunteers who helped make the 75th Anniversary a great event.
Congrats to the chapter for placing first overall in the 1993 Homecoming events. Well done, guys!
Keep in mind that alumni officer elections are coming up; do your part and vote.
Through the Years
Fall 1987 - 7 Years Ago
Omega Chapter helped install Bloomsburg as a colony on October 28, 1987. Omega conducted the initiation in February 1988 at Omega Chapter.
Spring 1984 - 10 Years Ago
Doug Burry '88 was the last Omega to complete the pledge program by himself
Spring 1974 - 20 Years Ago
Pledges were still able to attend a portion of the Brothers' Meeting in the chapter room, a practice long since ended.
House bill For spring term 1974 was $400.
PSU was on a term (fall/winter/spring) system as opposed to a semester system.
The social bill for fall 1974 was $45.
Greek Life Awards
Theta Chi would like to congratulate the following brothers who were recognized by Penn State's Office of Greek Life for their achievements in academics, service and leadership during the 1993-1994 academic year at an April 1994 ceremony.
IFC Scholarship Award: Eric Kraus '96
IFC's G. Kenneth Nelson Outstanding Chapter Adviser Award: Joost Keeling
State of the Fraternity
By Michael Hetrick '95, Chapter President
The spring semester at Omega Chapter was a semester of hard work combined with a lot of fun. In February, we teamed up with the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority to raise over $20,000 for the Four Diamonds Fund in the 1994 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. In addition to raising so much money, many of our brothers served on Dance Marathon committees and helped to coordinate the event.
As you all know, we celebrated our 75th Anniversary at the Nittany Lion Inn the weekend of March 24-26. It was a wonderful weekend. The highlights included a reception/cocktail party, rededication of the house, and a grand ball to culminate the festivities. If you had to miss this weekend, you really missed a special event.
In April we participated in IFC’s Spring Week with the sisters of Alpha Phi Sorority. This was a week of fun and socializing, We competed in various sporting events and built a chariot.
Well, the third-floor bathroom is finally finished and it looks great. The plumbers were behind schedule, but it was worth the wait. The second-floor bathroom will be finished this summer. If you did not notice, we also painted the living room and foyer in preparation for the 75th Anniversary.
We have just completed a very successful year at Omega Chapter. Next fall we are expecting 38 brothers to live in the house. The 1994-95 year promises to be just as successful as this past year. Have a great summer! We hope to see many of you at the house October 28-30 for Homecoming!
Academics
The Spring 1994 Academic Rankings were just released and Theta Chi placed 10th out of the 57 fraternities on the Penn State campus! Omega Chapter's spring GPA was 2.89. Way to go!
Alumni News
Retired physician Peter H. Marvel '29 resides in Greenville, DE.
Sherwood K. Booth '32 spends his summers in Bethany Beach, Del. As a hobby, he plays the organ. Last year "Sher" got a note from Guy Knight '30.
Oscar A, Boot '40, vice president of sales and marketing for Business Network Communications Inc., is also a district lay speaker with the Emilie U.M. Church in Levittown. Earlier this year "Os" spent 10 days in the Holy Land and five days in Egypt.
As a volunteer in mission for the Presbyterian Church USA, William A. Grim '47 has served in various states for three months each winter. An avid bicyclist, William cycles about 1,000 miles every year and has traveled to 15 states and toured Scotland. He has many vivid memories of Omega, including his first day at the fraternity when the rainy weather and slippery sidewalks made it hard for him to manage his suitcase.
Ralph J. Ettinger '49, a retired electronics engineer, is busy with retirement activities and as a community volunteer for the Red Cross and the schools.
The new address for Richard E. Fronko '54 is in Moon Township, PA.
Attorney Alexis Barron '60 specializes in intellectual property law with the firm of Synnestvedt & Lechner.
Paul H. McConnaughey '60 is the managing director of Alcoa Industrial Chemicals Europe and travels extensively. A resident for three years of the original section of Kronberg, Germany, Paul notes that a tower and part of the courtyard at his house were built by the Romans in 1300 AD.
The new address for Michael P. Lazorchak '61 is in Hampton, VA.
You can reach Robert J. Sorisio '61 in Brookfield, CT.
Transferred to Europe four years ago to serve as president of Betz Europe Inc., Joseph J. Perugini '62 is now moving back to the United States with Betz Laboratories to become president of Betz Entec. Joe and Kathy have four children, all graduates of the University of Texas at Austin.
Peter B. Lake '64 is president of SRI Quality System Registrar Inc. Pete recently received the Senior Examiner - Malcolm Baldrige Award.
John D. Swift '64 is vice president of finance and secretary/treasurer of Mohawk Industries Inc. John's two children graduated from college last year.
Formerly general counsel and vice president of corporate development for Genentech Inc., Thomas D. Kiley '65 is now self-employed as an attorney and consultant for the biotech and high-tech industries. He serves on the boards of many corporations.
Robert N. Caruso '74 is president of the GAC Technologies Co., a new subsidiary of a Fortune 500 company. The business is involved in the research and development, engineering and technology licensing of aluminum processing equipment.
Jodi and Robert B. Mooney '78 have moved with their three children to State College, PA. The family has lived in State College since 1991 when Bob joined Pandolph, Phillips & Mooney, a family medical practice. "Moonman" is organizing the second annual Theta Chi Summer Open and would like to hear from brothers interested in attending the August event.
With his promotion, Anthony P. Agentowicz '85 is now field development manager for The Copeland Companies, a national financial services business. Tony and his wife, Brenda (PSU '86), first met a decade ago at a Theta Chi/Phi Mu social at the House. They have been married six years and welcomed the arrival of their first child and son, Alek, in August.
After completing work on his Ph.D., Adam E. Ruskin '85 left a position as an AIDS researcher in Georgia to become senior medical epidemiologist for a private research Erin in San Francisco, Calif. In January, Adam sent his congratulations to Alan Vladimir '85, who, he informed us, was planning to be married.
A second-year physician and a resident in family practice at Harrisburg Hospital, Paul E. Vassil '86 is enjoying his work and looking forward to beginning a practice next year, probably in Pennsylvania. This summer he plans to do the "shore house thing" in Avalon with Leo Sugg '88, Mark Hoist '88 and Little Sister Anne Corcoran (PSU '90). "It's going to be great seeing all the other Theta Chis who will be down there - we'll see you on the beach!" Late in August, Paul will be traveling to Anchorage, Alaska, for a four-week rotation with the Alaska Native Health Service. He intends to rent a car and do lots of sightseeing. Paul secs Shane Balcik '91 and reports that Doug Craig '86 is still managing Craig's Rustic Inn near Washington, Pa., and would like Theta Chis to stop by.
In May Stephen Martin '88 sent us the following report: "After several years of engagement, Steve Dodge '88 married Lisa D'Arcy on April 23 in Oxon Hill, Md. In attendance were Anthony Panichelli '85, James Derrah '87, Joe Kopetsky '86, Phil Katchur '88, Tim Paulson '86, Jamie Koppersmith '88 and myself. Also, word has it that Tim is engaged to former Tittle Sister Mary Ann Rasich. They are planning an August wedding. Congrats”
Sean P. Tinley '88 writes that he has joined the ranks of Paul Vassil '86 and Chris Trentini '88 as a full-fledged doctor. After graduating from the Jefferson Medical College in June, Sean will be off to Pittsburgh for a six-year residency in urology. Accompanying him will be his fiancee, Linda Dallasta, who is also a graduate of the Medical College. Scan will send along his new address when he's settled.
When Richard K. James '89 and Laurette Carter were married in February 1993, Scott Taylor '89 and Alan Lauder '90 served as groomsmen. The newlyweds moved to Troy, OH and have attended a couple of PSU games. In January, "RJ" was promoted to packaging manager at The Dannon Co, in Minster, Ohio.
A lieutenant in the Navy, James M. Stuhltrager '89 was stationed on the U.S.S. America and saw action in Bosnia and Somalia. He was due home from his final deployment in February and looking forward to seeing everyone at the 75th Anniversary celebration.
John G. Fischer '91, a life insurance agent with Northwestern Mutual Life, is studying for designation as a chartered life underwriter. Over New Year's, he enjoyed skiing in the Poconos with several brothers including Kevin Shayer '92, Scott Morton '92, Dave Mikita '92 and Mark Kelly '89.
Daniel S. Kahl '91 now lives in Pittsburgh, PA 15216. He can be reached here through the summer.
When we heard from him in February, John D. McIntyre '91 was teaching a pre-school class at the Pride of the Neighborhood Academies and had applied to the master's program in elementary education at Wilmington College. He and Megan Voigt were married last August and planned to move to Wilmington, Del., in May or June. "Mac" has been in touch with Mark Prushinski '91 and spoken with Dennis Foley '91.
David L. Schrader '91 finished graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania and is now a designer and project manager at L. Robert Kimball & Associates, an architectural and engineering firm. He lives with Mike Becker '90, Mike Engleman '91 and Brian Leauby '92 in Bala Cynwyd, PA and still owns a sailboat with Mark Franz '91 and Chris Heidrick '91. David, who plans to marry Jamie Arrington in June, reports that Mike Engleman and Mark each became engaged.
An English teacher at the Ligonier Valley Senior High School, Jason P. Ross '92 is also an assistant football coach and the head boys' track and field coach, He is completing his master's degree in adult education through Penn State. Jason updates us on two of his pledge brothers: Jamie Wilkins '91 is teaching English at Eisenhower High School in Warren, Pa.; and Rob Gough '92 is living in California where he is teaching marine biology. Jason is trying to organize a July reunion for all members of the "Pledge Class with Gas." ‘
Chapter Eternal
We regret to inform you of the death of the following alumni:
Frederick T, Vansant '20
Walter B. Shaw '21
Thomas Re Jackson '31
James A. Noonan '39
Lester B. Strickler '48
Theta Chi mourns their passing and extends condolences to their families and friends.
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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