June 1998 Omegaphone
Alumni Report - Good Times at Homecoming ’97
Homecoming '97 was a time to remember for all those involved. We spent the week preparing the float and enjoying the week's festivities with Theta Kappa Pi sorority. Our theme for this year was "Under the Sea,” so we created a giant submarine large enough for four passengers and complete with surrounding fish. seaweed and a man-eating shark. In the many other competitions and events held throughout the week, we won three trophies. Our banner. which was carried in front of the float during the parade, took first place. We took second place in Nittany Pursuit, a Penn State trivia game and scavenger hunt. Finally. we placed third in Crazy Band, a song and dance routine complete with costumes and props. The hard work of Homecoming co-chair Andy Schmidt '99 and all the brothers and sisters who pomped, painted, glued. glittered. sang and danced paid off when Theta Chi and Theta Kappa Pi took fifth place overall.
Lee Agin (L) and Howard R. Alter Jr. kiss the pig - Homecoming 1997
Other events of the week included a beach party. a pajama parry. a semi-formal and the Penn State versus Minnesota homecoming football game. And of course, who could forget the delicious pig dinner enjoyed by the undergraduate brothers and many visiting alumni, including our esteemed Howard H. Alter Jr, '41 . It was an enjoyable week for all, and we thank all those who made donations to lower our costs. We look forward to seeing more alumni at this year's Homecoming, on October 16- 17.
Jonathan Scott ’99, Homecoming Co-Chair
Chapter President Report - A Stronger Sense of Unity
This spring semester began on a very positive note. Our brotherhood grew by 14 men in the fall, and we were extremely eager to initiate the seven pledges we received in the spring. Our numbers are on the rise and our motivation level in the house is, for us, at an all-time high.
In January, our chapter received a terrific blow when our kitchen burned. yet the unfortunate incident provided our brotherhood with a strong rallying point. Since then, the house has been thriving with a stronger sense of brotherhood and unity, which has led to numerous improvements on the structure of the house. Currently, as a brotherhood, we have painted all the outside windows, the doors within the house and the interior. We have also replaced the curtains in the living room with new, military red drapes.
In October, we held our annual philanthropic event, the David P. Ferro K.I.C.K.S. Classic, in memory of Dave Ferro ’86. We were joined by the sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi and, as a group, we raised over $2,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The weather was beautiful and it was nice to see many alumni come back for this great event. Thank you to all the alumni who helped us reach our financial goal with K.I.CK.K.S.
On October 13, we worked with the sisters of Theta Kappa Pi for our annual week of fun and excitement, Homecoming. Homecoming was a great success for our chapter: this year we earned many awards for first place, and we received fifth place for the overall competition. We undergraduates had a great time and encourage many more alumni to stop in and witness the progress we have made improving our - and your - home!
Thank you again to all of the alumni who returned: we enjoyed your company and look forward to seeing many more alumni returning.
Sisters of Alpha Xi Delta with Brothers Toryne Howe, Tim Wagner and Ryan Gibbens - Thon 1998
We once again teamed up with Alpha Xi Delta for the 27th annual Penn State Dance Marathon. As a team, we helped to raise moneys that put the overall total at an all-time high - over $2 million! We thank Tim Wagner ’99, Ryan Gibbens ’00, and Toryn Howe ’99 for an outstanding job dancing. Congratulations, gentlemen.
We undergraduates thank Edward Brown ’87 and Joost Keesing, Honorary ’91, for their efforts in the restoration of our kitchen. We also thank all the alumni who have visited and spent time with us and who continue to show us that Theta Chi is for life!
Andrew Schmidt '99, Chapter President
Founder's Day Alumni Report - Undergraduates Lend a Helping Hand to the Community
If you were at Penn State and Theta Chi during Blue/While Weekend, you know that the alumni weekend was a success. People were in good spirits, the weather cooperated and the football game. meeting and post meeting picnic were all well-attended. There's nothing like playing volleyball and eating hamburgers alter a board meeting.
Among the chapter house guests were Bonnie and Dave Hurley, and their daughter Madison. age 10, who was diagnosed with nonmalignant histiocytosis at 8 months old, During the last 6 years, our undergraduates have sponsored Madison through the Four Diamonds Fund and Penn State's Dance Marathon. Just last month. doctors at the Hershey Medical Center told Dave and Bonnie that Madison is completely cured. Now it seems as it Madison has found 20 or 30 big brothers at Theta Chi. She and her brother and sister were at the chapter house on Founders' Day playing with the brothers. As for her parents. they couldn't have seemed happier. This kind of relationship ought to make us all very proud of our undergrads.
My main concern about Theta Chi of PSU is that alumni donations have been dwindling steadily for a little over one year. As you read on in the Omegaphone, please see the good things that Theta Chi is doing for the community and find a reason to show your support. You will see that they have made many positive changes during the last several years. I urge you to visit the chapter house, attend homecoming and make any size, donation that you can manage. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions. please don't hesitate to call me.
John Fischer '91
Alumni News
An avid traveler, Frank E. Chipak '45, has visited all 50 states and been to every continent except Antarctica and Australia. From December through April, he is active as a volunteer for the IRS.
"Still slugging after three wars, an air crash, four children and geologic consulting in Europe, Asia. Latin America and the U.S., reports David B. Dean '48. He is new working with the U.S. Geological Survey.
From undergraduate days, Floyd W. Lang '48 remembers rooming with Bill Renton '46 and Howard Dunham '46 at the Beaver House. Later. when they were accepted as pledges. the three moved to Theta Chi. These days, Floyd and his wile. June. enjoy traveling in their large motor home. The couple were expecting their third great-grandchild.
Matt Schwab - Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program: Santa Claus
Walter A. White ’48, a rehabilitation counselor at Manasota. Lighthouse for the Blind, continues to run competitively. When he wrote in the fall, he had recently participated in Pittsburgh's Great Race and was training for the Dsney World 1/2 Marathon and Gasparilla Distance Classic. With his wife, Elizabeth, Walter visited France and Ireland last year. He was looking forward to playing some golf with Bill Renton '46 and Herb Wittman '50.
“We enjoy the Omegaphone." notes George W. Chapman Jr. ’49. 'Keep up the goad work!" His granddaughter is enrolled at the university and represents the family's fourth generation al Penn State,
Michael A. Kuhar '59, who is retired from the Defense Investigative Service and as a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. is now self-employed as a contract consultant. He and Carolyn have been married 31 years and are the parents of three children.
Patent attorney Alexis Barron '61, is a managing partner in Synnestvedt & Lochner, a law firm specializing in intellectual property law. He is also a Republican committeemen in Springfield Township and serves on the boards of several organizations.
Robert J. Sorisio '61 tells us that he “closed business in Connecticut" and moved to Happy Valley to start a new venture —raising sheep.
When we heard from him in November. Mark M. Burroughs '63 was still working on his mountain cabin near Gore Pass, Colo.
David A. Heitzenroder '61 serves as managing partner of Rosewood Capital Partners and is the firm’s industry specialist for industrial equipment manufacturers and distributors. He is listed in Who’s Who in Finance and Industry.
Early last year, Gary A. Riser '64, retired after 30 years with the Sandia National Laboratory, In March and April 1997, he worked full time for the Santa Fe Ski Area and became Level 1 certified professional ski instructor.
John D. Swift '64 associated with Mohawk Industries Inc. He and Kathy are looking forward to becoming grandparents in mid-1998.
Stanley Terzopolos '69, principal of Ringing Rocks Elementary School, has been awarded his doctor of education degree at Lehigh University and serves as president of the Delaware Valley Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. He is married to Karen and has two daughters.
With Thomas W. Schreffler & Associates, Thomas W. Schreffler '73 is working as an environmental engineer. He is also a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and serving as chief of the Public Utilities Division, 358th Civil Affairs Brigade.
“New job and two new horses dawn in sunny Florida!” reports Charles S. Englehardt ’78, "Stop in for a ride at our little 2.5-acre ranchette.” Chuck is now business director at Arthur Andersen Technology Solutions,
For Kurt P. Rohrbach 79, living al the Theta Chi house was the "consummate College experience." He made lifelong friends through the fraternity and continues to meet Theta Chis in the business world. Kurt is a marketing manager at Carpenter Technology.
Timothy J. Golden ’82, a senior employee benefits consultant with Standard Insurance Co., was planning to be married in April of this year.
Timothy P. Dutcher '83, notes “New job, house, phone numbers and e-mail. Same loving wife, daughter and spaniel." He is now an outfitting manager with the Naval Sea Systems Command.
Owen R. Fishman ’85, has a new baby. Alec, born in May ’98. Owen informs us that Bob Dunston '85 moved to Hawaii and enjoyed a visit from Eric Ruskin '85.
Physician Paul E. Vassil ’86, is associated with Franciscan Family Care. He and his wife, Maria. welcomed the arrival of a daughter. Kerri, last August. Paul had a great time at the 1997 weddings of Bob Kramer '88 and Anthony Panichelli ’85.
Edward M. Brown '87 is now a partner and vice president at Central Penn Settlement Co. He is also a broker for his Family's independent insurance agency and in solo practice in the area or estates and estate planning. With Owen Fishman '85, Jim Derrah '87 and Chris Casciato '85, Ed enjoyed attending the PSU/Louisville game. He had a great time at the weddings of Anthony Panichelli '85 and Al Guber ’87. Ed extends congratulations to Maria and Paul Vassil '86, Beth and Tom Strauss '87. Christin and Dave Yohannon '88 and Pam and Tim Boyd 83 on the new children in their lives.
At Wilmington Trust Co„ Thomas M. Strauss '87 has been promoted to assistant vice president. He and Beth were expecting a daughter in October 1997_
Brian C. Fincher '88, a civil engineer with C.S. Davidson Inc.. would like to hear from Jim Fox '90.
James R. Koppersmith '88 is a systems engineer at Analytical Graphics Inc., a company that provides specialized software to aerospace companies and organizations around the country
Cheryl and Christopher J. Trentini '88 are in their third year or orthodontics practice. The couple reside with their two young sons in Greensboro, NC.
As a manufacturing manager with Dannon,, Richard K. James Jr. '89, moved to the Salt Lake City area over as year ago to complete construction on and start up the company's newest yogurt/spring water facility. For recreation. he enjoys skiing and flyfishing. “RJ " and his wife, Laurene, welcomed the arrival of their second child. Emily. last year.
Jason P. Ross ’92, the athletic director and football coach at Hanover Senior High School. was selected as one of the high school coaches in the stale to coach with the Penn State football staff at their summer camps. He reports that Jamie Wilkins '91 is an English teacher and the head boys basketball coach at Eisenhower High School.
After earning his MSME from GWU, aerospace engineer Bryan B. Cooley '91 moved to the Golden State to take a job with the Aerospace Corp. He sends congratulations to Pam and Kevin Shayer '92 on their marriage.
In a new position, Thomas J. Lennon '95 is an international logistic analyst at Madison Paper International.
Chris. A. Zavecz ’95, a financial analyst al The Andesa Corp., is working toward designation as a certified financial planner. In his spare time, he tutors math and enjoys the outdoors,
Eric M. Kraus '96 is living with Eric Goodhart '95 and Andrew Schumacher '95. He also sees Andrew. Dolan '91, Erie Seifert '94 and Mark Selvitelli '95. He notes that his cousin, Kathleen Healey, and Brother Goodhart are planning to be married in October 1998.
Industrial engineer Paul Glace '97, is employed with AMP Inc. He and Jessica Smichnick are planning a July 1998 wedding.
Chapter Eternal
Since publication of our last issue, we have learned of the death of.
William A. Lange '35 (22/29/96)
John H, Keely II ’37 (2/1/97)
Albert E. Powell '41 (7/3/97)
Daniel M. Kreider '43 (11/23/96
Howard H. Bink '48 (9/18/97)
Robert M. Baylson '51 (8/20/97)
Joseph J. Posh Jr. 70 (9/2/97)
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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