BETA ETA
DATA
SUMMER 2005
PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY • FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY BETA ETA CHAPTER ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
A Few Good Men BETA ETAS FIGHT TERROR
The “Beta Eta Data” recently caught up with three chapter brothers who are on active duty and are serving, or have recently served, in the War on Terror. Army Lieutenant Bryan Hamilton ’91, Air Force Captain Nick Marotta ’92 and Captain Mike Rovins ’96 represent the “tip of the spear” in the United States’ effort to quell an active insurgency in Iraq, keep Al-Qaeda on the run in Afghanistan, and assist peoples of both countries plan for a safe and more prosperous future. Where are or were you deployed? BH: I am currently deployed to Baghdad with
the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, GA, and I’ll be here for one year. NM: My last deployment was from Nov 02 to
While in Iraq, Captain Rovins flew support for then-Secretary of State Colin Powell during his visit last year.
June 03 in support of Iraqi Freedom. Before that I deployed 3 times to support Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
conduct mission planning for all UAV missions in my Area of Operations in support of the commanders and soldiers on the ground. Our missions are designed to give the commanders and staff that “eye in the sky” which creates an improved level of situational awareness. This situational awareness we provide then contributes to the commander’s decision making process.
MR: In February 2003, we deployed to Northern
Kuwait in support of the Global War on Terror as part of the build up of Coalition forces in the Middle East. I first entered Iraqi airspace on 21 March 2003 as part of the air war. We returned to Kuwait after that mission and then moved north into Iraq on 23 March 2003. We remained in Iraq in support of the invasion and follow on stability operations until February 2004, when we returned back to Germany.
What were the major responsibilities of your deployment, and how did that fit into the broader war? BH: My responsibility here in theater is that of
the Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Platoon Leader for 2nd Brigade, 3ID. I am responsible for the health and welfare of 22 soldiers here in theater to include 1 Warrant Officer and 6 Non-Commissioned Officers. I
NM: I was the chief intelligence analyst for
Special Operations Forces in Iraq. I looked at Iraqi tactics in engagements against Special Operations aircraft and ground teams. This enabled our aircraft and teams to refine our missions and avoid threat areas. I was also the Joint Special Operations Air Component Commanders lead intelligence briefer--keeping him aware of critical information so that he could make timely decisions. MR: My Platoon’s mission was to conduct
Combat Command and Control Operations; specifically in support of Task Force 11 Attack Helicopter Regiment’s Deep Strike Missions
and the V Corps’ Commanding General (LTG Wallace during the invasion and later LTG Sanchez who was then named the Commander of CJTF-7 (Coalition Joint Task Force 7 – the Commanding General for all forces in Iraq). The second part of my mission was to safely move the V Corps’ Commanding General around the battlefield while providing him a communications platform that would allow continuous control of the entire war while in-transit. Additionally, we flew Combat Command and Control Missions (C3) in support of several 82nd Airborne Division air assaults and ground attacks to include the battle for As Samawah, several air assaults by the 173rd Airborne Brigade from the Southern European Task Force, missions in support of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Special Response Teams, and with Apache armed reconnaissance missions along the Iranian border to engage insurgents crossing the border as well as destroying remaining Iraqi forces that we could find.
(continued on page 4)
BETA ETA
DATA
BETA ETA ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Seeing the World from China
—by JOHN GARRETT
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. P.O. Box 11244 Tallahassee, FL 32302-3244 fsupikappalumni@yahoo.com
The Beta Eta Data is published three times per year by the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. Please submit questions, comments and corrections to Tom Atwood at tatwood@pikapp.org.
Everhart poses with Professor and ViceDean Chen Xiaojun of the Law School at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law at the First Chinese and American Law School Dean’s Conference held in Beijing, China, last March.
HOW TO JOIN If you would like to join the BHAC, Inc, contact Michael Loy at mnloy@comcast.net or visit http://home.comcast.net/~wahlens
SUMMER NOTES ANNOUNCEMENTS RUSH–If you know an undergradute at FSU who would be a good candidate for membership in Pi Kappa Phi, please contact Archon Chris Spring at chs02@garnet.acns.fsu.edu NAMES–The number after each name in this newsletter represents the year of initiation. CALL FOR PHOTOS–Do you have photos from your days in the chapter? The BHAC is collecting photos to be used in upcoming issues of the Beta Eta Data. If you have photos you would like to share, please contact Tom Atwood at (800) 929-1904 or at tatwood@pikapp.org. Please include any caption information that explains who is in the photo and about the activity. All photos will be scanned and promptly returned to the owner. CORRECTION–The listing of Ed Lief ’90 in the Chapter Eternal report of the spring issue of the Beta Eta Data was an error. We are pleased to report that Ed and family happily reside in California. SPECIAL THANKS–John Garrett ’55 Now retired and living in Ellijay, GA, John is a contributing writer for the Beta Eta Data.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE...
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity recently turned 100. A new strategic plan lays out the vision for the fraternity’s first decade in its second century. Learn more about this plan in the next issue.
2
Stetson University College of Law Professor, former Florida State Judge, and current Fulbright Lecturer, alumnus Stephen M. Everhart ’65 tells of his experience traveling and lecturing throughout China. Stephen Everhart sees many similarities between his Chinese students and those in the U.S. The people of both countries, he observed, “all want the same things—to live a better life, to love and be loved, to take care of our families, to get a better education and to help those less fortunate than ourselves.” But he also sees some marked differences. For one thing, the Chinese students thrive in conditions that Americans would never tolerate. Everhart, who is nearing the end of a yearlong stay in China as a Fulbright Lecturer, said the Chinese “will do anything to get an education.” For those who might think he is exaggerating, he offers some details: “While it is snowing outside, because they have no heat in their dorms or their classrooms, they soak their feet in hot water and sleep with hot water bottles so they can go to classes and study in freezing classrooms all day and all night.” “They do the same the night before they take national entrance exams to get into graduate school. Some students run in and answer the test questions as fast as they can so they can go back and soak their feet to get warm.” “Some teachers and students get frostbite. But they never complain. They are grateful for
the chance to improve their lives not only for themselves, but for their families.” What this means for the future is somewhat troubling to him. “Our young people are and will be competing with this great economic power. We are and will be at a great disadvantage I think,” said Everhart. By the time Everhart returns to his regular duties as a professor at the Stetson University College of Law in August, he will have given some 40 lectures at top law schools across China. His Chinese students – all fluent in English, a language they begin studying at age 8 -- will also conduct a mock trial under Chinese laws, but using Western skills and techniques. “The trials will be conducted before practicing Chinese judges and lawyers so everyone can compare and contrast the U.S. and Chinese dispute resolution system and see a blending of the two systems.” Steve’s interest in China dates back to his undergraduate days. At FSU, he majored in international affairs with a concentration in Asian studies. “I have continued to study the culture, political and economic system and the spiritual and martial arts traditions of China from afar over the years,” he noted. But those studies were on a back burner for some time. After earning his law degree at the University of Florida, Everhart practiced on both sides of the criminal bar, as a prosecutor and as a chief in two different public defender offices. (continued on page 7)
ALUMNI UPDATES Rich HALL ’67 Rich and his wife, Andrea, are now retired and have recently moved from Kansas City, Missouri to the Panama City, Florida, area. 850/271-8283 or rich.hall01@comcast.net
Chris Mueller (left) and Brian Baber (right) celebrate on the steps of the capital building in Tallahassee.
Alumni Cycle for Disability Awareness On Saturday, May 28, 2005, Directors Brian Baber ’92 and Chris Mueller ’92 completed an 800-mile cycling journey as members of Push America’s Gear Up Florida 2005 cycling team. Comprised of undergraduate and alumni members of Pi Kappa Phi from 14 different chapters, the Gear Up Florida team made its an annual journey from Miami to Tallahassee over the last two weeks of May. The purpose of the trip was to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities in the Sunshine State. The Gear Up Florida team traveled through 13 cities in 16 days. After hours on a bicycle seat, sometimes having traveled up to 100 miles per day, team members made
“friendship visits” to local facilities that serve people with disabilities. Each cyclist on the team of 33 raised a minimum of $2,000 to participate. Together, Baber and Mueller raised over $6,300. Each year, the trip ends among a police escort and to the cheers of loved ones and friends on the steps of the Florida capital building. Push America is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Established by Pi Kappa Phi in 1977, Push America has donated countless hours and more than $10 million in support of people with disabilities since its inception. To learn more about Gear Up Florida or how to participate, please contact Basil Lyberg at (800) 929-1904 ext. 125
Paul AASE ’85 Paul is the Director of Acquisitions and Development for Roberts Commercial Real Estate. His wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Caroline, are happy to announce the latest addition to the Aase family, second daughter, Meredith, born April 18, 2005. The Aase family resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and would love to connect with fellow Pi Kapps from the 1980’s. paul@robertscommercial.com R. Clarke COOPER ’90 Clarke was recently deployed to Iraq as an Army reservist on active duty with Combined Joint Task Force -7 (CJTF-7) and MNF-I from January through October 2004. He served as Aide-de-Camp to the Director of Civil Military Operations (CMO). In March 2005, he was redeployed to serve as a Policy and Plans Officer at the Ministry of Interior. In this capacity, he serves as liaison to the Deputy Ministers Council on National Security (DMCNS), the U.S. Mission Political Military (POLMIL) working group and the Multi National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) Joint Planning Group (JPG). CooperRC@state.gov
Winter Named Chapter Advisor, Niedenthal Facilitates Retreat In collaboration with the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. and the Beta Eta Housing Corporation, the National Fraternity recently named Greg Winter ’83 as the new Chapter Advisor, replacing Ben Bush, Alpha Alpha (Mercer), who had been in the role for approximately one year. Bush had served with distinction, seeing the chapter through several hearings before Florida State University and the National Fraternity for a myriad of conduct related issues. Winter eagerly steps into the role and has already built a relationship with the current undergraduate Executive Council and, along with fellow advisor Clayton Bell ’98, is
working to build an undergraduate chapter of which all alumni can be proud. Last March, Director Jeff Niedenthal ’67 spent time in Tallahassee facilitating a strategic planning retreat for members of the undergraduate chapter. Using a template created by the National Fraternity which challenges chapters to set goals and create action plans in the critical areas of chapter operations, Niedenthal led the students and officers in attendance through the exercise. This Fall, the chapter will be tasked with implementing much of what was developed during this day-long exercise.
(L to R) Lieutenant General Sir Robin Brims, Deputy Commanding General of Multi-National Force Iraq, Clarke Cooper, His Excellancy Baqur Jaber, Iraq Minister of Interior, and General George Casey, Commanding General of Multi-National Force Iraq.
Franklin CLARK, Jr. ’93 Franklin, his wife, Christine, and their son, David, are pleased to welcome the newest member of the Clark family, Ian Christopher – born April 17, 2005. The Clarks live in Safety Harbor, Florida. fdclark@tampabay.rr.com (continued on page 7)
3
A FEW GOOD MEN (continued from cover)
What has been the most challenging aspect of your job since the United States has entered into this global War on Terror? BH: The toughest part of my job has been
finding ways to improve the existing UAV system. When we arrived in country and replaced 1st Cavalry Division, there was already an existing operations procedure for UAVs. The difficult part was finding ways to improve upon those existing tactics. I felt it was important to continue to push the limitations of our system, and we are doing just that by attempting to push our UAV operations down to the lowest level . . . right to the soldiers on the ground. It hasn’t been done before, and I believe that it will pay big dividends in the fight against insurgents here. NM: Most challenging for me wasn’t the job
itself, but being away from home all the time. I deployed 10 days after September 11 and kept going for about 21 months. The pace I was keeping was the hardest thing. MR: One of the most challenging jobs has
been trying to share information as to what is actually happening in Iraq and what happened
mass destruction. Colin Powell said it best in a speech to the Atlanta Press Club prior to resigning as the Secretary of State, “We found everything we said we were going to find except a warehouse full of loaded chemical weapons.” His reference was to the mobile laboratories, starter agents found hidden in scientists’ homes, scientists with the knowledge to operate the labs, and banned weapon delivery systems.
You have recently been deployed, but have also spent time in the States, too. What is the “reality on the ground” overseas that you see but, perhaps, Americans living at home do not realize? BH: First of all, I will have to say that the
soldiers that I work with day in and day out are some of the finest young men and women that our nation has to offer. Remarkably, they remain motivated through some of the toughest circumstances you would imagine. Secondly, the casualty rates which the U.S. media continues to report isn’t the only story in this country. So much gets missed because all the media go for are the shocking stories. No one reports that 3-15 Infantry BN distributed
the good things that we are doing here to make a difference on a daily basis. NM: Reality is that we are doing the right
thing and we are doing a damn good job at it. Much of the time, the news only covers the bad things like soldiers being killed or the “prison abuse scandal”. So that will be what goes into the public opinion about the war. Most people know the truth, though. I can’t go anywhere in uniform without someone saying thank you or shaking my hand. That makes it all worth while. MR: The mass media and our government
have done a terrible job reporting the actual happenings in Iraq. I can remember one case in particular when after having flown an embedded CNN reporter during an actual attack mission we landed and he immediately begin a live report via satellite phone with Wolf Blitzer; the inaccuracies were amazing. During the invasion it was common place to see women and children tied to the front of Iraqi tanks and fighting positions while the Iraqi soldiers would shoot at U.S. forces. It was punishable by death not to have a picture of Saddam hanging in your home.
During your time overseas, each of you has seen people struggle since the fall of Saddam and the Taliban. What insights can you share regarding their hearts and desire for a better life? BH: I personally have befriended a few Iraqis
here. They are kind people whose only wish is for a better life and to live as they see fit. So, many have joined their country’s armed forces in one way, shape, or another to make a difference. During a conversation with some local Iraqi policemen the other day, it was conveyed that life in Iraq was much better than it ever was under Saddam. Their family members have all been able to secure good jobs, and they can live well now without fear of persecution from the government. The only concern they had was the fact that they wished it could be safer. The bottom line is that the average Iraqi citizen appreciates and understands what we are attempting to do for them. MR: The quality of life is immensely better 1LT Hamilton stands in front Baghdad’s “mega mosque.”
while I was there. This is especially true during conversations about whether or not we should have invaded, the pre-war intelligence presented to the world, the progress being made, and issues surrounding weapons of
4
hundreds of pairs of shoes to under-privileged children in Sadr City, one of the most dangerous suburbs in Baghdad. You don’t hear about the millions of dollars that have gone into repairing the basic infrastructure in this city, such as sewer lines and electricity. It is unfortunate that the media cannot provide a glimpse into so many of
now then it was before. For example, free enterprise rapidly took a solid place in their society. Next to the helipad in the Palace Complex in downtown Baghdad, an Iraqi gentleman was given permission to bring coolers of drinks and small snack items onto the base for sale to the soldiers. Within a few weeks
BETA ETAS ON
ACTIVE DUTY The Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. proudly salutes the following chapter brothers for their service in defense of America’s interests at home and abroad.
ARMY SGT Sean Golder ’88 (National Guard) SGT Jack Taylor ’88 (National Guard) 1LT Bryan Hamilton ’91 2LT Geoff Lynch ’95 CPT Mike Rovins ’96 CPT Shane Messner ’96 1LT Nate Adams ’98 (National Guard) CPT Anthony Martinez ’99
Kuwaitis show their appreciation to American service men and women. Captain Rovins is pictured on the far right.
AIR FORCE COL Rick Lester ’72 SGT Tyler Outten ’84 (National Guard) CPT Nick Marrotta ’92 MAJ Chris Downs ’94
MARINES Lt Col William Holdorf ’75 1stLt Mike Carrasquilla ’94 2ndLt Greg Youngberg ’99 LCpl Michael Loving ’03
NAVY LT Todd Homan ’94
he had earned enough money to re-invest in his “business” and he bought a pretzel and pizza oven on wheels (one similar to what you would see on a New York City street corner). Later, he convinced the Coalition to give him a room in one of the now unoccupied buildings in the complex from which he could sell his cold drinks and snacks. Six months later, he had a room with over 15 high-speed satellite linked internet computers, a wall of CDs and DVDs for sale, small furniture items, a small restaurant, plenty of Iraqi souvenirs (postcards and such) for sale and several employees.
In what ways has your Pi Kapp experience helped you in your military career? BH: If there was anything that I could say Pi
Kapp truly contributed to me, I would have to say confidence. That obviously doesn’t relate only to my career, but it affected me as a person. I cannot quite put a finger on any one
thing from Pi Kapp that contributed to this, but I would have to say the experience as a whole helped made me much more confident in what I could accomplish. In the military, self-confidence is a huge factor in being a leader because if one doesn’t have confidence in himself, how can one expect others to respect and follow him?
Arizona for the Captain’s Career Course where I will receive my follow-on assignment. There, I will hopefully be rewarded with a company command. I would love to remain in the UAV realm for a while as the progression of technology is amazing, and the potential to impact the battlefield is enormous.
NM: Strength and determination. Leadership.
for another deployment to support my new unit. It has been a while since I last deployed so I am looking forward to getting back to the fight.
Pride. Being a Pi Kapp was the first real challenge in my life. I succeeded there and took what I learned from failures and successes to my next challenges--the Army, the Air Force, life as a whole. MR: My PKP experience has definitely shaped
my leadership style and enhanced my success thus far in my career. One of the reasons I joined PKP at FSU was the diversity of the Brotherhood. Learning to work with such a diverse group, especially in leadership roles on the Executive Council, taught me a great deal about successful ways and not-so-successful ways of conducting business and reaching a desired end state. I truly feel this helped me to achieve the goals I had within the fraternity, in campus organizations, and later in the military.
What’s next for you? Another deployment? BH: As far as my future in the Army, I will hit my 11th year of service in August of this year. I will return home to my wife, Jennifer, hopefully in early 2006, and I will begin preparing to proceed to Fort Huachuca,
NM: I have recently moved and I am training
MR: While deployed I was promoted to
Captain and am currently attending the Captain’s Career Course at Ft. Rucker, AL. I will find out in July where I will be moving to in September of this year. The majority of my classmates will be returning to units for deployments to either Iraq or Afghanistan. I am in the process of pursuing a career in federal law enforcement and because of this the Army is attempting to find me a duty assignment within the United States for the remainder of my time in service to allow for the processing of those applications.
If you would like to send a note of thanks to these brothers for their dedication and service to our country, they can be reached by e-mail: Lt. Bryan Hamilton seminole2@hotmail.com Cpt. Nick Marotta lacktoothgrin@netscape.com Cpt. Mike Rovins michael_rovins@yahoo.com
5
Beta Eta Alumni Attend Area Receptions UPCOMING EVENTS WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Pi Kappa speak. “The BHAC is providing a great way for BETA ETA
All events are open to alumni and undergraduate members of the Beta Eta chapter, their guests and family. For more information, visit www.pikapp.org/alumni/alumnievents.cfm.
TAMPA Alumni Chapter Annual Meeting
February 10-12, 2006 Reception and Banquet Election of new officers (More info to follow)
TALLAHASSEE Miami Game Alumni Reception
September 4, 2005, 7:00 p.m. Andrew’s Capital Grill 228 S. Adams St. RSVP by Aug. 30 to Mike Loy (301) 762-3009 or mnloy@comcast.net Syracuse Game Alumni Brunch
October 2, 2005, 10:00 a.m. – Noon Marie Livingston’s Texas Steakhouse (Located in the Cabot Lodge on N. Monroe and I-10) RSVP to Brian Baber (850) 248-8587 or bbaber@arhomes.com Homecoming Festivities
October 27-30, 2005 (See below for details) Sponsored by the Beta Eta Housing Corp.
FLORIDA STATE
HOMECOMING 2005 FSU vs. MARYLAND Saturday, October 29, 2005 Game Time TBA THURSDAY 10/27 7:00 p.m. Early Bird Dinner* Nino’s Restaurant FRIDAY 10/28 TBA Homecoming Parade 7:00 p.m. Beta Eta Alumni Dinner* Silver Slipper SATURDAY 10/29 9:00 a.m. Housing Corp. Annual Meeting Chapter House SUNDAY 10/30 8:00 a.m. Golf Tournament Killearn Country Club and Inn Contact Jim Schalow to register (850) 222-0687 *For more info or to RSVP for dinner, contact: Chuck Cutajar at upchuckfsu@aol.com, (850) 878-5383 or (850) 544-1970
6
Phi National Fraternity hosted an alumni reception in conjunction with a National Council meeting on April 15 in Washington, D.C. The BHAC used the event to stage their own alumni gathering. While over 45 Pi Kapps attended the event, Beta Eta had the most alumni present from any chapter (including UVA). Jonathan Stevens ’92 said, “I enjoyed meeting the National President Ernest Johnson, but I came to the event to see my chapter brothers.” National Chaplain Robert Shindell, was not surprised by Beta Eta’s strong showing. “Everyone on the national level knows that Beta Eta is surging ahead of everyone else when it comes to alumni involvement and programming.” MIAMI—The BHAC held an event on April 30 in Miami at John Martin’s Irish Pub, which was organized by Director Jeff Pujals ’94. Andrew Kiernan ’97 was impressed by the Alumni Chapter’s goals after hearing Pujals
our alumni to reconnect with each other. I am excited about the future of this organization,” he said. Jason Klein ’91 agreed with Kiernan and remarked, “I will definitely attend the next event in the Miami area.” TAMPA—Beta Eta alumni showed up in mass for the BHAC event held on May 7. Twenty alumni attended a happy hour at Whiskey Park, which was organized by Director Chris Mueller ’92. President Michael Loy spoke about the BHAC, its goals, and how to get involved. Roger Randolph ’57 was excited about the event and the Alumni Chapter. “It has been 20 years since a Pi Kapp event was held in Tampa, and I was then the only Beta Eta alumnus in attendance. Things are changing and this is great opportunity for our alumni to network with others,” said Randolph. Mark Mills ’88 remarked, “It is great to see so many guys in attendance and catch up with old friends.” LEFT: Students and alumni catch up with one another at the Tampa alumni reception. Left to right: Bobby Sampson ’04, Archon Chris Spring ’02, and Mark Mills ’88. BELOW: Beta Eta alumni gather at an alumni reception in Washington, D.C. From left to right: Jonathan Stevens ’92, Michael Loy ’91, Tom Atwood ’92, National President Ernest Johnson, Alpha Iota (Auburn), Micah King ’93, Emilio Sanchez ’93, and National Treasurer Jeff Wahlen, Alpha Epsilon (Florida).
BETA ETA ALUMNI CHAPTER, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Loy, President (301) 762-3009 mnloy@comcast.net Brian Baber, Vice President (850) 248-8587 bbaber@arhomes.com Lee Nichols, Treasurer (850) 893-6267 Leenichols@hotmail.com Eric Wahlen, Secretary (770) 938-8101 wahlene@watkinsind.com Chris Mueller (813) 831-9323 mueller@tampabay.rr.com Beta Eta alumni members Jason Klein ’91, Marc Straus ’90, and Jeff Pujals ’94, along with guests, attended the Miami alumni event. (See article on page 6). ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 3)
Matt MORAN ’93 After graduation, Matt earned his Master’s degree in wildlife biology, completing a thesis on black bears in Alaska where he lived for seven years. Recently, Matt and his family have relocated to Powell, Wyoming where he is the biologist for the Bighorn National Forest. ursusarctoshorribilis@hotmail.com
Chris DOWNS ’94 Major Chris Downs deployed this summer with the 607th Air Intelligence Squadron to South Korea. This is his second tour in country (he was stationed there from 19971998), but different responsibilities this time around. He will be stationed at Osan Air Base and can be contacted via e-mail. USAFSMNOLE@aol.com
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: CHINA (continued from page 2)
Later, he partnered with former Florida Bar President William F. Blews in a civil trial practice. Before joining the Stetson faculty, he also served as a State Judge of Industrial Claims. At Stetson, his specialty is Evidence and Trial Advocacy. He also has served as faculty advisor for the school’s Trail Competition Teams, and coached two Stetson trial teams to national championships (which helped Stetson attain its first number one ranking in Trial Advocacy). His time in China has put him in contact with Chinese at all levels: “high government officials, brilliant academics and students, Chinese millionaires, and farmers and peasants.” “I have become Chinese in a lot of ways,” Everhart added. “I now look at the West and how we relate to the rest of the world
differently. I see more clearly how the Chinese look at us. How they view the West, the U.S., our economic systems, our culture, the way we entertain ourselves, our values, our ethics, our legal systems, and how we relate to the rest of the world based on those traditions.” “I am better able to compare and contrast our worlds to see the differences, yes, but to also find the great similarities that lie between the people of our two great countries. I now see and feel their hopes and their fears for the future and how their lives are so affected by how the U.S. leaders relate to China socially, politically, and economically versus how our leaders relate to other Western and Asian countries and the other countries of the world.”
Jeff Niedenthal (757) 222-2808 niedenthaljeff@netscape.net Jeff Pujals (305) 595-2905 fsupujals@yahoo.com Brian Murphy, Housing Corp. (850) 893-3299 Brianm@mail.co.leon.fl.us Greg Winter, Chapter Advisor (850) 514-0514 gswdvm@aol.com Chris Spring, Archon (813) 294-4213 chs02@fsu.edu
CHAPTER ETERNAL These Beta Eta alumni members were reported to the national fraternity as having passed on to the Chapter Eternal. Our thoughts and prayers are with these departed brothers and their families.
–Rob Fortuna ’01
7
8 Pictured from Left to Right are Craig Chase ’90, Steve Bunch ’90, Darren Brooks ’89, then National President and Mr. Pi Kappa Phi 2002, Stephen P. De Palma, Beta Alpha (NJIT), Jimmy White ’90, Clarke Cooper ’90, Graham Woodruff ’90, and Brian Parker ’90. Members of the chapter pose with the fraternity’s National President while attending Pi Kapp College in Charleston, South Carolina, in August 1991.
14 YEARS AGO REMEMBER
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. P.O. Box 11244 Tallahassee, FL 32302-3244
The mission of the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter shall be to reestablish a viable alumni group, dedicated to connecting alumni with each other and to their fraternity through timely communication of relevant alumni news and through meaningful events. This group shall promote the ideals of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as expressed in our ritual of initiation and Supreme Laws and encourage Beta Eta alumni to renew their lifetime pledge to the brotherhood and this fraternity.
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter
Annual Report (2004-2005) FROM THE CHAIRMAN Sometimes the truth can hurt, but changing that truth can salve the wound. At last summer’s Supreme Chapter celebrating Pi Kappa Phi’s 100th anniversary, a group of concerned Beta Eta alumni realized that Beta Eta, once a leader in all fraternity areas, had slipped down a precipitous slope and was seriously lagging as a chapter and as an alumni base. While the undergrads committed themselves to regain their prominence on FSU’s campus and within the National Fraternity, these concerned alumni realized that something needed to be done to reinvigorate our alumni base. I was fortunate enough to be a part of that group, and we collectively understood that our generations had failed to shoulder the burden in organizing alumni events and creating a mechanism to facilitate communication and networking for our 1,300+ alumni. We committed ourselves to the goal of making Beta Eta the alumni experience par excellence within Pi Kappa Phi and at FSU. In light of that goal, we reviewed the Second Century Vision adopted by Pi Kappa Phi at that Supreme Chapter, which incorporates the mission statement that, “We [Pi Kappa Phi] will lead.” Accordingly, we, the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. (BHAC), have committed ourselves to redefining that mission to read “Beta Eta will lead.” The first step to accomplish that goal is to make Pi Kappa Phi a rewarding experience for our alumni. Over the past few months, we have been developing several means by which to provide a positive, tangible fraternal experience for our alumni. These efforts include: an improved and regularly scheduled Beta Eta Data, a website that we hope to unveil this fall, and, as reported in this issue, organizing events for our alumni. We are, in effect, bringing fraternity to our members wherever they may live to encourage networking and reconnecting with friends. This effort also depends on our members. We are in the process of creating a system that has not been utilized by any Pi Kappa Phi chapter. This system involves organizing local alumni committees in each urban area in Florida to coordinate events for our alumni in those areas. The BHAC is committed to this approach and will provide support with planning and promoting the events for each local committee. I recently had the opportunity to attend BHAC events in Tampa and Washington, D.C. The turnout in Tampa was impressive, with over 20 brothers (spanning 48 years) in attendance. Based on my conversations with these brothers, there is great enthusiasm for alumni events that provide opportunities for alumni to network with others while enjoying Pi Kapp fellowship. Moreover, several brothers stepped forward to help plan the next Tampa event. The D.C. event provided a chance to showcase our efforts to others. With alumni from venerable local chapters like UVA and Maryland present, FSU dominated in attendance. National Council members and headquarters staff were impressed with our showing and they are looking at our approach as a model to implement at other chapters. Still, my personal highlight of the night was overhearing other attendees saying, “Why are so many Beta Eta guys here?” Looking back on our first six months, we have accomplished much. We have: (1) organized the BHAC as a Florida not-for-profit corporation, (2) drafted and approved bylaws, (3) created a budget and monthly financial reporting system, (4) published two editions of the Beta Eta Data, (5) hosted three alumni events, (6) created a database containing all of our alumni, (7) established a committee to create a BHAC website, (8) recruited writers to assist preparing future Beta Eta Data editions, (9) assisted alumni to find their college friends, and (10) conducted a strategic planning retreat with the undergrad chapter. All of this was accomplished with minimal overhead ($700), and, as noted in the included chart, the bulk of our 2006 expenditures are budgeted for producing the Beta Eta Data. Moreover, 91 alumni joined by the end of our first fiscal year and 100 have joined as of the date of this publication (nearly 10% of our living alumni with a current address), far exceeding our goal of 50 members by June 30. I hope that you will consider joining as well. (See page 2 for details.) Further, I offer a hearty thanks to Brian Murphy and the Beta Eta Housing Corp. for financing the Spring 2005 Beta Eta Data, which was crucial to our recruiting effort. In closing, all of us on the Board of Directors are excited about the possibilities before us. We look forward to working for you to make Pi Kappa Phi a rewarding alumni experience and reestablishing Beta Eta as FSU and Pi Kappa Phi’s leading chapter. While it is great to be a Pi Kapp, it is even better to be a Beta Eta!
Michael S. Loy
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter Annual Report (2004-2005) YEAR END REVENUES & EXPENSES
Active management of the BHAC resources, careful budgeting, and the generosity of Beta Eta members and friends created a scenario where revenue exceeded projections and expenses were kept below their budgeted level. Of particular note were the direct gifts contributed by the initial steering committee as start-up capitol and the substantial in-kind gift of the Beta Eta Housing Corporation to cover the expenses associated with the Spring 2005 Beta Eta Data.
Actual FYE 2005 ($700)
Budget 2006 ($3,675) ($100) ($300)
($100)
Annual dues
($79) Legal
($150)
Beta Eta ($200) Data costs
fees
IRS fees
P.O. Box ($20) fees Bank fees ($152)
($96) ($57)
Annual dues
Meeting expense
Legal fees
P.O. Box fees
MEMBERSHIP Membership in the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. provides the financial resources needed to effectuate the mission of the organization. Set purposefully low at $25, the BHAC measures success, in part, by the number of brothers who participate through their annual contribution. Close to 10% of the chapter’s living alumni participated in this first ever membership drive, exceeding budget in both number of members and total dollars raised. Members as of August 10, 2005 1950 – 1959 A.L. Benoit ’56 Don Bowlin ’56 John C. Garrett ’55 James Lloyd ’59 Richard Lukas ’54 William D. Myers ’50 James B. Newman ’56 Raymond L. Raines ’57 James Ralston ’50 Roger Randolph ’57 1960 – 1969 Ralph Archibald ’61 Don Chao ’65 Robbie Costin ’63 Chuck Cutajar ’62 Hugo de Beaubien ’68 James Douglas ’67 Randal Geoghagan ’60 William Gladwin ’67 Jeffrey Hogan ’66 Lester Kaney ’66 Vernon Khail ’66 Henry Land ’60 Ken Lippincott ’60 Charles W. MacMillin ’62 W.W. Malphrus ’61 Howard McCall ’65 James Newman ’61
Paul L. Nichols ’64 Jeff Niedenthal ’67 Robert Orr, Jr. ’65 David Pavesic ’62 Frank M. Ryll ’62 Donald Steiner ’67 1970 – 1979 Bryan Caruthers ’79 Rick Lester ’72 Chris New ’75 John C. Varvi ’77 Kevin S. Webster ’75 1980 – 1989 Paul Aase ’85 Marshall Atkinson ’84 Dan Dantzler ’88 Jeff Eacker ’82 John Eaton ’85 Steven Louchheim ’82 Mark Mills ’88 Brian Murphy ’87 Lee Nichols ’87 John Pierce ’86 Rich Pope ’82 (ΔΛ) Eric Wahlen ’85 Jeff Wahlen ’81 (AE) John Weinberger ’87 Greg Winter ’83
1990 – 2002 Jolyon Acosta ’93 Tom Atwood ’92 Brian Baber ’92 Geoffrey Bowles ’96 Tom Brady ’92 Jeff Butler ’92 Stephen B. Cook ’90 Clarke Cooper ’90 Jason Cooprider ’92 Brad Cottrill ’94 Phil De Young ’93 Chris Downs ’94 James Fritz ’95 Michael R. Gaudio ’95 James Godwin ’95 Ryan Hay ’92 Greg Hoerbelt ’93 Raymond Jones ’91 Peter Kalmes ’96 Micah King ’93 Jeremy Kissel ’97 Jason Klein ’91 Seth Klondar ’91 Jeff Korb ’92 Brad Lewis ’93 Chris Lindsay ’93 Michael Loy ’91 Joseph Menello ’92 Scott Middlebrooks ’93 Chris Mueller ’92 Jim Nigro ’93
($3,122 )
Beta Eta Data costs
Travis Olson ’92 Chris Pasibe ’93 Jeff Pujals ’94 Chris Ricci ’94 Michael Rovins ’96 Christopher D. Ryle ’93 Ryan Sampson ’02 Emilio Sanchez ’93 Darren M. Scott ’91 Greg Sieman ’98 Jonathan Stevens ’92 Shawn Thomas ’96 Durwood Thompson ’95 Michael W Tugwell ’92 David Wynne ’92 Friends of Beta Eta J. Robert Shindell (BI) University of Toledo National Chaplain Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity Members in the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. are eligible to run for office, may vote at the annual meeting held each spring, and are listed in the newsletter and on the eventual website of the organization. All members noted above, and recruited subsequently, are considered active until June 30, 2006.