Filter: Undergrad
Alumni, Historical, Undergrad
Congratulations to Omega Chapter from National Chapter
The following text appeared on National's website - The below is from Omega's history from the 1927 Theta Chi history book and Rattle articles from 1919 & 1933. The installation article is a reprint from the April 1919 Rattle
Omega Chapter and Installation Committee, Penn. State College, PA. - March 14, 1919
Omega Chapter at Penn State University was installed on March 14, 1919. The installation brought Theta Chi's third chapter located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Penn State, located in State College, began in 1855 as The Farmers' High School. In 1862 it became the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania and finally in 1874 the Pennsylvania State College. The college was established in accord with the Morrill Act making military training mandatory for practically all male students. State College, a town of 2500 people, is located almost in the geographical center of the State of Pennsylvania.
In the Spring of 1915, a group of young men who were members of the Philadelphia Northeast High School Club of The Pennsylvania State College met with the purpose of forming an organization that would perpetuate certain ideals and standards in which these students believed.
At the opening of the college year in 1915, the Northeast Club was established on a local fraternity basis. New members were selected with the greatest care and were of the highest type. By the Fall of 1917 the Club was well established and strong bonds of friendship existed among its members. Fully realizing that greater advantages could be gained by closer association with the fraternities of State College, action was taken to change the character of the organization to that of a local fraternity.
On February 23, 1918, permission was granted by the fraternity committee of the General Faculty, and the Northeast Club became the Phi Tau Alpha Fraternity. On April 6, 1918, the change was formally announced to the other fraternities by a smoker and reception at the chapter house. Shortly afterwards Phi Tau Alpha was admitted to the Intra-Mural Council, this marking the final step in the official recognition by the fraternities of the Pennsylvania State College.
The ambition of Phi Tau Alpha was to perfect a fraternity in which all of the members would "practice kindness and toleration toward one another, and attain, as nearly as possible, that brotherly feeling which exists between brothers of the same parentage. In doing this each should ever aspire to be considerate of the rights and opinions of others and never let any act go undone which would bring happiness and joy to another."
Members of Phi Tau Alpha researched different national fraternities and Theta Chi rose to the top of their lists of finalists as it was the oldest and had the best record and reputation. Phi Tau Alpha members Raymond Poeppel and William Thompson had a friend who was a Theta Chi at Kappa Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania and they were convinced that Theta Chi was the best choice.
Phi Tau Alpha reached out to the Grand Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity expressing interest in affiliation and were subsequently visited by National Secretary Frederick W. Ladue and representatives from Kappa/Pennsylvania, Lambda/Cornell, and Pi/Dickinson. Following the visit, Theta Chi advised Phi Tau Alpha to submit a formal petition for installation.
On December 2, 1918, Phi Tau Alpha President George W. Chapman submitted a petition and wrote, "Believing that affiliation with a well established and well reputed national fraternity would be most desirous, and believing the Theta Chi Fraternity to possess these qualities, we, the members of the Phi Tau Alpha Fraternity of the Pennsylvania State College, do hereby respectfully petition for consideration as a chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity."
On February 25, 1919, National Secretary Frederick W. Ladue informed Phi Tau Alpha that their petition had been approved and that plans would be made to install the chapter in the weeks ahead. It is interesting to note that another local fraternity at Penn State was petitioning Theta Chi at the same time as Phi Tau Alpha.
Phi Tau Alpha became the Omega Chapter of Theta Chi on March 14, 1919. The Installation Committee was chaired by National Secretary Fred W. Ladue (Iota/Colgate 1912) and was composed of Earl R. Scrafford (Delta/RPI 1909), Herbert D. Leary (Gamma/Maine 1910), W. Howard Gottlieb (Kappa/Pennsylvania 1919), and Clarence R. Anderson (Pi/Dickinson 1909).
The installation began at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, 1919 and was completed around midnight. Winfield E. Smith was elected and installed as Omega's first Chapter President. After adjourning for the night, all remaining ritual work was completed by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday prior to the installation banquet.
The installation banquet was held in the chapter house on the evening of March 15 and served the following menu: Penn State Cocktail, Center County Consomme, Baked Shingletown Trout, Roast MacHall Chicken, S. A. T. C. Potatoes, Nittany Valley Filling, Green Navy Peas, Co-ed Sauce, Old Main Salad, Ice Cream a la Phi Tau Alpha, Lemont Bits, Bonbons au Gorgo, Danville Nuts, State College Demi Tasse, and Bellefonte Central Smokes. According to records, such a menu had never been seen before or since, but was evidently greatly enjoyed by those present.
The Charter Members of Omega Chapter are: Fred F. Bastian (1922), Clifford E. Beaven (1921), Ellwood B. Cassel (1919), George W. Chapman (1920), Charles A. Frederickson, Jr. (1920), Frederick J. Fuchs (1921), Maurice E. Kressly (1915), Donald E. Magill (1922), Murrell D. McKinstry (1920), Russell B. Nesbitt (1914), Robert E. Ockford (1922), Emil A. Petzold (1924), Anthony V. Pickard (1921), Raymond B. Poeppel (1920), Ellwood J. Rittenhouse (1920), Joseph E. Rowe (1910), Albert F. Schoeppe (1920), Walter E. Segl (1921), William W. Seltzer (1921), Walter B. Shaw (1921), William J. Shaw, Jr. (1921), John R. Skeen (1921), Winfield F. Smith (1919), William L. Sowden, Jr. (1922), Ralph D. Stauffer (1921), William C. Thompson (1919), Frederick T. Vansant (1920), and Hugo E. Zetterlof (1922).
Two of Omega's Charter Members made notable achievements: Dr. Joesph E. Rowe (1910) would become President of Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY (home of Delta Sigma Chapter) and George W. Chapman (1920) notably served Theta Chi Fraternity in a number of capacities: as the first Regional Counselor, the key developer of the School of Fraternity Practices, for nine years on the Grand Chapter as National Marshal and National Treasurer, and as Executive Director from 1948-1967. During Chapman's tenure as Executive Director, Theta Chi experienced a period of unprecedented growth, with 75 chapter (re)installed. He also authored and edited the first edition The Manual of Theta Chi Fraternity in 1947. George Chapman also chaired the inaugural meeting of The Order of The Arrow, the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America.
In the decades to come, Omega would produce additional notable alumni, including, Robert E. Eberly (1939), Former Chairman of Eberly Natural Gas Co. and namesake of the Eberly School of Science at Penn State and the Eberly School of Business at IUP; and Past Theta Chi Fraternity Inter/National President and former Executive Director, Howard R. Alter, Jr. (1941).
Congratulations to the alumni and collegiate brothers of Omega Chapter on 100 years at Penn State!
You can send personal notes of congratulations to Omega Chapter President Carson Schulz by clicking here. Omega alumni are planning to host a formal Centennial Celebration during this fall's Homecoming at Penn State, October 4-5, 2019. For more information, on Omega's Centennial Celebration, click here.
In honor of their Centennial Celebration, we are re-printing the original article on Omega Chapter's Installation from the April 1919 issue of The Rattle.
Installation of Omega Chapter
The Installation Committee arrived at State College about noon on March 14th, and was met at the station by a delegation from Phi Tau Alpha.
After the introductions and a visit to the chapter house, a sight-seeing party was organized for a short trip around the beautiful campus and the nearby town.
Upon returning to the house, which is very pleasantly and conveniently situated about two blocks from the main entrance to the campus, the Committee got down to business. The necessary paraphernalia was checked over and the remainder of the afternoon spent in preliminary arrangements.
Shortly after dinner, the hall was prepared and the ceremonies started at 7:30, with Fred Ladue, Iota, chairman, assisted by the following committee: Earle Scrafford, Delta; Herbert D. Leary, Gamma; W. Howard Gottlieb, Kappa; Dr. Anderson, Pi.
After the opening exercises the ritual for installation was followed and in due course the ceremony performed. New officers were then elected and installed and a short meeting held. The meeting closed in the regular form shortly after midnight.
Saturday morning, the committee instructed the officers of the chapter in the minute details of their various duties. After lunch, the committee put the brothers through the initiative degrees for new members and the chapter installation was complete by five o'clock, in time for the initiatory banquet.
The following brothers were initiated and now compose our Omega Chapter: –
Alumni–Winfield F. Smith, of Philadelphia; Maurice E. Kressly, of State College; Joseph E. Rowe, of State College; Russell B. Nesbitt, of State College.
Albert F. Schoeppe, of Philadelphia; Ellwood B. Cassel, of Philadelphia; Ellwood B. Rittenhouse, of Philadelphia; William C. Thompson, of Philadelphia; George W. F. Chapman, of Philadelphia; Charles Frederickson, Jr., of Philadelphia; Murrell D. McKinstry, of Hatiboro, Pa.; Raymond B. Poeppel, of Philadelphia; Frederick T. Vansant, of Philadelphia; Clifford E. Beavan, of Philadelphia; Frederick J. Fuchs, of Philadelphia; Emil A. Petzold, of Philadelphia; Anthony V. Pickard, of Philadelphia; Walter E. Segl, of Philadelphia; William W. Seltzer, of Coatesville, Pa.; Wnlter B. Shaw, of Philadelphia; William J. Shaw, 3rd, of Philadelphia; John R. Skeen, of Philadelphia; Ralph D. Stauffer, of Reading, Pa.; Theodore G. Smith, of Philadelphia; Fred F. Bastian, of Berlin, Pa.; Donald E. Magill, New Hope, Pa.; Robert E. Ockford, Philadelphia; William L. Sowden, Jr., of Philadelphia; Hugo E. Zetterlof, of Philadelphia.
The banquet table was set for 5:30 and by this time several more visiting brothers had arrived, among them being Capt. James Beazly, Kappa, and Brother Harris, Pi. The banquet hour passed very pleasantly, the college and fraternity songs being giveen with great enthusiasm and spirit.
The post-prandial exercises immediately followed with Albert Schoeppe of Omega acting as toastmaster. The members of the initiatory committee were called on for a few remarks, followed by visiting brothers, alumni and active members. The banquet closed with the singing of the Omega Chapter song: –
COME OMEGA!
Words - G. W.F. C.
Music - W. B. S.
Come Omega let us all join
In the highest praise
Singing of thy wond'rous fame
And of the joy of college days.
Ever to thee we'll be loyal
Honor we thy name
Every faithful loving brother
Helps to swell thy fame.
Loyal brothers of Omega,
Whereso'er we be
Whether home or on the campus
Let us think in joy of thee
We shall ever be as brothers
Steadfast to the core
Now and evermore.
When life's brightness, fair Omega,
Turns to shadows deep
We shall cherish all thy teachings
We shall then thy glories reap
Ever hon'ring ever praising
Till Life's span is past
Keeping foremost Theta Chi's
Teachings to the last.
Telegram from National congratulating on becoming Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity
Following the custom of the institution, a smoker was held at the Chapter House, after the banquet. All the fraternities on the campus were invited to attend and become acquainted with the new chapter, its alumni and visiting brothers. The smoker was a great social success and lasted until the wee sma' hours.
In concluding the report of the installation, the committee wishes to say for the benefit of the fraternity at large that Omega Chapter enters upon her career as a member of ΘX with as brilliant prospects for the future as any chapter ever installed. They have the college, the location, the house, the members and the spirit, and should make one of the best chapters of the best fraternity in the country, and we assure the members that ΘX is as proud of them as they are of ΘX.
Alumni, Undergrad
Omega's 100th Anniversary!!
Today Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity celebrates its 100th Anniversary of joining Theta Chi Fraternity.
House in 1918 LaVie
Phi Tau Alpha
Phi Tau Alpha House - 251 South Allen St. Reproduced with permission of the Special Collections Library Pennsylvania State University Libraries
523 South Allen - Construction New Theta Chi House at Penn State as it look on Sept. 30, 1929
523 South Allen - Construction Left side/front view of house Nov. 6, 1929
523 South Allen - Construction Two Stories - Pratically complete Nov. 16, 1929
523 South Allen - Construction three stories, minus roof topping, cornice, etc. Dec. 1, 1929
1939 House LaVie
523 South Allen St. - Omega's New Home - as appeared in the March 1933 The Rattle
The House in the 1950's from the Theta Chi Manual (aka the Redbook)
The House 1953 Photo courtesy Robert Kennedy '50
Theta Chi house in 1953
The House as it appeared in the 1980 LaVie
The House in the of Winter 1977
The House Winter of 1980
2015 Work Weekend - Chapter House - April 2015
523 South Allen St. newly repurchased chapter house Homecoming Weekend
Labor Day Picnic
Omega Chapter - Dec. 2014
Telegram welcoming Phi Tau Alpha to Theta Chi Fraternity
Media, Photos, Undergrad
Photos from THON 2019
Photos of the brothers during THON 2019 - we will continue to update the gallery, as the images are uploading from the undergraduates.
2019 THON - Jake and Carson
2019 THON - Kawsar and Dancer Jordan
2019 THON - Kyle and Dancer Jordan
2019 THON - Robbie, Jake, Jeremy
2019 THON - Robbie and Jeremy
2019 THON - Shay, Kawsar, Bella
2019 THON - Trey and Kawsar
2019 THON - Fundrasing Total Reveal
2019 THON - Bryce Jordan Center
Tagged: Thon
Philanthropy, Undergrad
One Week Till THON 2019 - Support THON
In just one week, the yearlong efforts of more than 16,500 student volunteers and 25,000 alumni will culminate in an annual forty-six-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. For those forty-six hours, the Bryce Jordan Center will transform into a home of boundless energy, lively colors, and endless laughter all in support of families affected by childhood cancer.
From February 15-17, the Penn State community will once again stand together to show what cancer cannot do. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $157 million for our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds. THON's contributions cover the cost of treatment for childhood cancer patients at Penn State Children's Hospital, ensuring that no family ever receives a medical bill. THON's support also funds innovative cancer research, helping to advance cancer research worldwide.
Join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a gift today. With the help of our generous supporters, we will one day dance in celebration of a cure.
Undergrad, Philanthropy
THON - Support Dancers and Kids with Mail Call
To scan and send Dancer Mail, click here.
Alumni Dancer Mail Call
Unable to make it to THON weekend, but still want to get involved? Dancer Mail Call is a great opportunity to show your support for the dancers so they can be there for the kids. This year the THON community is asking all alumni to either mail in or upload mail that will be distributed to dancers throughout the weekend.
SEND THETA CHI THON DANCER - JORDAN REED SOME MAIL - DANCER #52A
Former dancer? Feel free to write a note about your dancing experience in order to inspire those standing up to childhood cancer for 46 hours this year.
For paper copy submissions, you can write messages on construction paper and mail it into the THON office at 227D HUB, University Park, PA 16802. You can also scan and upload your letter in the dropbox below. Below are some helpful hints for making dancer mail. If you have any questions, please reach out to alumni.campaigns@thon.org.
Hard copy submissions must be received or postmarked before 2/5/2019. Online submissions are due by 2/8/2019.
Keep it general (no specific names or organizations)
Make it positive
Be creative!
Tell jokes
Keep it FTK!
Tell your story with Penn State or THON
Things to avoid:
Sleeping or how tired they must be
To scan and send Kid's Mail, click here.
Alumni Kid's Mail Call
We are calling all of our alumni to write Kid's Mail! Kids' Mail Call is an hour-long event during THON Weekend in which Four Diamonds Families receive a collection of mail from the THON Community. This year, Kids' Mail Call is circus-themed! A year's worth of kids' mail and support from the THON Community aims to further inspire and create "a million dreams for the world we're gonna make." You can write Kid's Mail today by writing fun, inspiring notes on construction paper, and sending it in to the THON Office at 227D HUB, University Park, PA 16802, .
or by scanning it and uploading it here.
One important note is that there are some things to consider when writing Kids Mail. Below are some things that we ask that you do or do not do when writing. If you have any questions, please reach out to alumni.campaigns@thon.org.
Encouraging messages, quotes, lyrics, kid-friendly jokes, etc.!
Have fun with it! Add drawings, lots of color, and/or stickers!
Specific names of kids
Any indication of illness (such as "Get Well Soon" or "Keep Fighting!")
Any specific upcoming holidays
Any messages or jokes that are not FTK
2019 IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon Support
Dear Brothers,
Life is made up of millions of little moments. Moments that make us laugh, cry, feel deeply, and connect with others. It is through these experiences that we create the memories that will stay with us forever. For many children, their lives are changed forever by the diagnosis of childhood cancer. Yet, as a community we have the ability to shape their experience so that no family has to go through this process alone. We have the opportunity to shape dark moments into our motivation, and light moments into our inspiration. For over 40 years, incredible supporters like you have impacted THON in the most positive light, so that our THON families' lives can be filled with laughter, smiles, and happiness. How will you help shape the moment?
Thanks to the support from individuals like yourself, THON has continued to grow as a yearlong fundraising and awareness campaign committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Since 1977, student volunteers, alumni, and supporters have worked tirelessly so that one day we will dance in celebration of a cure. This year is no different, as Theta Chi supports THON by fundraising so that no family sees a bill and can focus on being by their child's side.
To date, THON has raised more than $157 million for our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital. Last year alone, THON raised more than $10 million For The Kids. We are proud of the fact that over 95 cents of every $1 contributed will directly provide emotional and financial support to more than 4,000 Four Diamonds children and families affected by childhood cancer, in addition to funding critical research with a global impact.
Through my involvement with Theta Chi, I am committed to spreading THON's mission even further in 2019. With your continued support, we can help to ensure that all children's lives are shaped by beautiful moments. Please consider joining as in the fight against childhood cancer today by making a gift to THON in the name of Theta Chi. You can donate online at www.THON.org or make a check payable to the "Penn State Dance Marathon."
DONATE TO THON
On behalf of the entire THON community, we thank you for your support of our organization and the fight against childhood cancer. On February 15th, we will take a stance through our 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon to show the world what cancer cannot do.
Growing up is a beautiful thing. Let's fight for it.
For The Kids,
P.S. You may be able to double your impact through the support of your employer. Find out if your company will match your gift at www.matching.psu.edu. 227D Hetzel Union Building, University Park, PA 16802 - 800.392.THON - www.THON.org
We would like to congratulate the latest graduate (and newest alum) of Omega chapter. Good luck with your new pursuits and please keep in touch.
John Sylvester
Tagged: Graduation
Omega Initiates Six New Brothers - Fall 2018
We are proud to announce six new members have been initiated into the brotherhood of Theta Chi. Congratulations to Nick, Jeremy, Trey, John, Jake, and Rob.
Welcome to our the newly initiated brothers!
Newly Initiated brothers with their Marshal, (from left to right): Nick, Jeremy, Trey, Kawsar (Marshal), John, Jake, and Rob - Nov. 2018
Newly Initiated brother with with big brother - Jeremy and Marion - Nov. 2018
Newly Initiated brother with with big brother - Rob (L) and Nate - Nov. 2018
Newly Initiated brother with with big brother - Carson and Jake - Nov. 2018
Newly Initiated brother with with big brother - Nick and Josh - Nov. 2018
Tagged: initiation
Photos, Undergrad
Fall 2018 Photos
The Fall semester is in full swing!
2018 Fall Pledge Class with thier Big Brothers - (from left to right): Marion and Jeremy, Jake and Carson, Nate and Rob, Adam and Trey, Nick and Josh, and lastly John and Mike.
2018 Fall Pledge Class: (from left to right) Jake, Jeremy, Rob, Trey, Nick, and John.
Chapter House - Sept. 2018
THON 5k - Oct 2018
THON canvassing trip to Hershey, PA - Oct 2018
Tagged: Big Brother Ceremony, Pledging
One Day We Will Dance in Celebration
In just one week, we will celebrate 100 Days 'Til THON. From February 15-17, 708 dancers will stand together as they begin their 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping journey in the fight against childhood cancer. Last year, THON raised $10,151,663.93 for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital, bringing THON's total contribution to Four Diamonds to over $157 million since 1977. However, there is still work to be done.
To celebrate the countdown to 100 days 'Til THON, THON is launching the second annual One Day We Will Dance In Celebration campaign. This campaign encompasses THON's hope to one day dance in celebration of a cure for childhood cancer and our commitment to continue dancing until that day. We have set a fundraising goal of $300,000 over the week of October 31 to November 7, 2018 in an effort to raise awareness of THON's mission and to ensure funding for innovative family care and critical research at Penn State Children's Hospital. I'm asking you to consider supporting this movement by making a gift of $100 to celebrate the 100 days remaining until THON 2019.
A gift of $100 will provide four hours of music therapy for a family impacted by childhood cancer so that they can communicate and heal in their own way. As a community, we remain dedicated to the deeper meaning behind the monetary amount that we raise in hopes that kids are able to create positive memories despite this disease.
Join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a gift today. Together with the continued help of our generous supporters, we will one day dance in celebration of a cure.
For The Kids™,
Kelly McCready
THON 2019 Executive Director