NEWSLETTERS Troy TEKE Vol 96/2 A Publication of the Beta Sigma Alumni Association Fall 1996 Beta Sigma is Now on the Internet You Can Reach us at http://www.tkeusc.org The Beta Sigma Alumni Association has taken a huge step into the Information Age by teaming up with the active chapter to create one of the Internet's most exciting sites. The TKE-USC home page will allow visitors to look at photographs of social events, learn about the Triangle Achievement Scholarship award, preview new pledge classes, review composites of the active members with vital statistics and access David Bohline's Chapter Advisor corner for the latest updates on Beta Sigma and the entire Row. Alumni will also have a section all of their own on the site. From the alumni section visitors will be able to read past issues of the Beta Sigma TEKE, leave messages on a billboard and review a schedule of upcoming events. Everyone who has E-Mail can link themselves to their name on the site. The site was created at no cost by Web Site Consulting firm Apollo Interactive. Apollo is the creation of Beta-Sig alum Justin Woo, who deserves credit for creating a spectacular page. If you have any questions about the site or would like to add your E-Mail link please call Justin Woo at (213) 829-9085 or E-mail him at woo@apolloi.com. E-mail accounts with the TKE USC domain name are available from Apollo Interactive for $10 per month. (Sample myname@tkeusc.org) TKE and the Row 1996 - An In Depth Analysis Chapter Advisor David Bohline gives us the Scoop on House Standings You have probably heard all the good news about Beta-Sigma over the last 3-5 years. For those of you who want more than just flashy headlines and positive propaganda about The House - this is the article for you. We will discuss an overview of TKE's position on the Row covering several different levels of analysis. The Row has changed dramatically in the 1990's and so has the Teke House. So sit back and enjoy the results. There are four objective categories that rank fraternities on the row in 1996: Sorority Exchanges, Ironman, Songfest and The Presidents Award. You are probably wondering - what about Rush !? Rush is probably the most important category for long term growth and success, however the results of Rush never immediately or dramatically change the image or rating of a fraternity. Rush results have a four year affect on reputation. Let's look at some raw data. Sorority Social Rankings (as related by guys in the house) The Best: Delta Gamma, Pi Phi, Theta Upper Middle: Kappa, Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, Tri-Delt Lower Middle: Alpha Chi, AD Pi Lowest: *** Chi Omega, Alpha Epsilon Phi *** ***at the end of the Spring 1996 semester both of these chapters were shut down. Some things just don't seem to change. The sorority rankings have remained pretty much the same over the past 20 years which means it is almost impossible for a sorority to improve at USC. The same is not true when it comes to fraternities. Fraternity Social Rankings (as related by sorority girls) The Best: SAE, Phi-Delt, *Beta*, Pike Upper Middle: TKE, ATO, Sigma Nu, Phi Psi Middle: Kappa Sig, Lambda Chi, Fiji, Sig Ep, AE Pi Lower Middle: Chi Phi, Sigma Pi Lowest: Delta Sig, Phi Sig * Beta was given a "death penalty" four year suspension for a serious risk management violation. The old powers, Sigma Chi, SAE and Beta, have been severely affected by change at USC. Sigma Chi was given a four year death sentence in 1993 and Pike now occupies their house. Beta will be kicked off for at least 4 years after a very serious risk management incident that almost killed a member this past Spring. Their house is owned by the University and will most certainly be rented to another group. Finally there is SAE. SAE is still going strong and shows no signs of giving up its number one social position on the row. Phi Delt has been a good house for many years and is just now assuming the position of super-power. They have the tradition and membership to consolidate their position for the years to come. The rags to riches award goes to Pike who colonized at 'SC just 5 years ago. Pike now resides in the rented old Sigma Chi house. Pike's problems are that they fail to focus their talent on anything but social and may fall apart after the inevitable boot from the Sigma Chi house. The riches to rags awards go to Lambda Chi, ATO and Kappa Sig. All three of these fraternities have taken steep drops in prestige. Lambda Chi was TKE's nemesis in the 1980's and even continued to dominate us athletically until 2 years ago, but they are now a house lacking leadership, direction and members. TKE currently exchanges with houses on the Gamma Phi Beta - Tri-Delt level. This has been the slowest area of growth, however this past year huge strides were made. In order for TKE to become the "best social fraternity" at USC they must exchange with sororities in "the best" level. On the other hand, TKE has participated with Pi Phi in Songfest for the last three years and has held socials with every good sorority on campus. The Alumni Association has played a critical role in the dramatic rise of the house. We need the continued support of every alumni member to consolidate our position and eventually assume the title of "best house on the row". TKE Beta-Sigware Now Available Join the Beta Sigma Boosters and get it for free! This cream colored long sleeve USC - TKE shirt is perfect for cooler football games and goes with anything. It is 100% cotton and available while supplies last for only $20 including shipping and handling. Extra-Large Only. This navy short sleeve TKE Ironman Champion shirt will go fast. It is perfect for those retired athletes who helped build the current Beta Sig athletic dynasty. Available for $15 including shipping and handling. Extra-Large Only. This white short sleeve 9th Annual Volleyball Tournament shirt features Smack Sportware and the patented Teke Volleyball Logo. Very limited supply and available for $15. Extra-Large Only. If you join the Beta Sigma Boosters for only $100 we will send you any short sleeved T-shirt of your choice for free. This is in addition to the incredible perks and prestige already included. Spotlight on George Woolery Beta Sigma boasts many famous alumni including astronaut Gerald Carr, our late Olympian Sim Innes, Congressman Bob Barr and Disney motion picture director Stephen Sommers, however when it comes to Tau Kappa Epsilon itself there are no alumni more decorated than George Woolery. George Woolery (Beta Sigma pin number 20) was one of the young men who chartered Beta Sigma at USC back in 1948. On the chapter level he has served as Rush Chair, Hegemon, Histor, Epi-Prytanis and was recognized as the Top Teke Alumni Member. At USC he was President of the College of LAS, President of Blue Key, a member of Skull and Dagger and a Trojan Knight. George has served the National Fraternity as PR Chairman (1959-1969) and a member of the Grand Council (1969-1975). Currently he is District President for Southern California and the Expansion Chair for TKE International. When it comes to talking Teke George Woolery is unmatched. We decided to sit down with him and get the real scoop about Beta Sigma now, Beta Sigma then and the future of the fraternity. BST: How did you end up becoming a charter member of TKE at USC? Woolery: I was interested in pledging a fraternity and was considering Acacia and Kappa Sigma, but when I met the guys from the Scorpion Club I knew we had the foundation for a great group. BST: How did you ever manage to find a fraternity house on "the row" in 1948? Woolery: Well, 631 West 28th Street had been a naval cadet program house. It was converted to semi-apartment type living to accommodate the cadets during the war. After the war the house was put up for sale. We asked Chancellor Von Kleinsmid to finance it -and he agreed to do it. BST: The current Board would love to have had Von Kleinsmid to deal with when it came to building a new house. I guess this was the first example of University backed fraternity house financing? Woolery: No, no, no - you see Von Kleinsmid financed the house personally with $25,000 of his own money. He was a true believer in the fraternity system and felt it would be a real asset to have TKE on campus. BST: I know that the USC Greek system was highly political when TKE attempted to join the IFC, how did you do it? Woolery: The Row was really ambivalent about letting TKE on. They were split politically at the time and did not know where we would fall in the mix of things. In fact we were voted on the row by a very narrow margin. BST: Did we take off from that point? Woolery: Our original group was half high school graduates and half World War II Veterans. We had around 50 members, but the big houses at the time like Sig Ep, Kappa Sig, Sigma Chi and Pike had over 100. We knew we had to work to get ahead. When I served as Rush Chair we used the UCLA TKE house to rush and were able to recruit 26 members. We were able to gain influence in groups on campus by pledging independents who happened to be members. For example, our first Knight and Squire were former independents who we convinced to join. BST: I know that TKE became famous in the 1950's and 1960's for having extensive political control of the University and Greek System. How did that happen. Woolery: Our house was filled with politicians at the time. We had lots of talent. We quickly used the fraternity as a launching pad to take over campus and Greek government. At our height we controlled the Student Senate, Blue Key, Trojan Knights, the Associated Men Students and the College of LAS. In fact we were instrumental in helping the Greek system take back the Student Senate in the early 1950's. I think the row kept control until 1970 when the University finally broke up the at-large Senator seats and gave the Greek system only 25% of the legislature. BST: Could any of this influence be tied to the infamous TNE? In fact TNE sounds a lot like TKE? Woolery: No comment. BST: What would you say were some of your proudest moments in TKE? Woolery: I am really proud that we filmed the Rush movie starring Ronald Reagan at the Beta Sigma house. I am also very proud of the fact that I had something to do with recording the Letterman singing the Teke Sweetheart Song. But most of all I am proud to have watched TKE grow from a fraternity with 40 chapters in the 1950's to become the largest fraternity in the world in 1996. I should add I was very pleased when we won the Top Teke Chapter Award in 1995. I think we deserved it. BST: How do you compare Beta Sigma 1996 with Beta Sigma 1950? Woolery: The house in the 1990's is an internally very strong house. The guys are tight knit and very good friends. I think it shows in their enthusiasm and their ability to accomplish just about anything. The chapter in 1950 was an externally strong house that focused on dominating other organizations. BST: How would you like to be remembered? Woolery: I think it would be just fine if I was remembered as the guy who helped. George was being very modest during our interview. He will no doubt be remembered as one of the greatest Tekes ever and is a tremendous asset to all of us. On a personal note George is recovering from a heart operation and should be back better than ever this Fall. We hope to see him at the alumni tent before a football game. Beta Sigma is Now on the Internet You Can Reach us at http://www.tkeusc.org The Beta Sigma Alumni Association has taken a huge step into the Information Age by teaming up with the active chapter to create one of the Internet's most exciting sites. The TKE-USC home page will allow visitors to look at photographs of social events, learn about the Triangle Achievement Scholarship award, preview new pledge classes, review composites of the active members with vital statistics and access David Bohline's Chapter Advisor corner for the latest updates on Beta Sigma and the entire Row. Alumni will also have a section all of their own on the site. From the alumni section visitors will be able to read past issues of the Beta Sigma TEKE, leave messages on a billboard and review a schedule of upcoming events. Everyone who has E-Mail can link themselves to their name on the site. The site was created at no cost by Web Site Consulting firm Apollo Interactive. Apollo is the creation of Beta-Sig alum Justin Woo, who deserves credit for creating a spectacular page. If you have any questions about the site or would like to add your E-Mail link please call Justin Woo at (213) 829-9085 or E-mail him at woo@apolloi.com. E-mail accounts with the TKE USC domain name are available from Apollo Interactive for $10 per month. (Sample myname@tkeusc.org) The Chapter Cleans Up! Presidents Award Winner Back to Back Ironman Champions For the first time in 10 years a fraternity at USC has won both the Ironman trophy and the President's Award for Excellence - and that fraternity was TKE. It is very rare that a house combines the killer instinct and athletic talent necessary to win Ironman with the consistent outstanding leadership and responsibility needed to win the President's Award. Past President Mark Easterday commented, "We can all be proud now, but I won't be happy until we are a dynasty in both of these crucial areas." Congratulations active members!! Alumni Event Calendar Tear this section out and Post it on your Refrigerator!!! USC v. Oregon State at the Coliseum September 14, 1996 3:30pm This is the incredible under the tent extravaganza you have been waiting for. We will make an epic return to the tent located at the northwest corner of the Coliseum in the Exposition Park area. The first time of the season will be the best time. USC v. California at the Coliseum October 5, 1996 TBA Once again we will spread out a full bar with a full menu of appetizers under the tent for this pre-game must. Make sure to arrive early because the crowds will start to form as word travels of this unparalleled event. USC v. Arizona at the Coliseum October 12, 1996 TBA The weather will start getting colder and the action under the tent will start heating up. Food, drinks, fun and the most obvious presence of any group will be the trademarks of this game. Watch us trash the Wildcats. USC v. Washington (Homecoming) November 2, 1996 12:30PM The location will change but the excitement won't. Do not miss this traditional event located on Trousdale Parkway under the TKE House tent. The active chapter, parents association and a lucky sorority will all join the alumni for this annual favorite. USC at UCLA November 23, 1996 TBA The alumni will meet at the TKE house and board buses headed for the Rose Bowl three hours before the start of this game. The bar, food and fun will always follow. Do not be late because we are leaving three hours before the start of the game. USC v. Notre Dame November 30, 1996 5pm Under the tent - same time - same place - just win baby. Game times are subject to change. All events will occur three hours before game time. All paid Association members, family and guests are welcome to attend events for free. Alumni who are not members of the association must pay $10 per friend, guest and family member who attends any event. Football Tent Mania Extravagant Football Game Spreads make Membership a Must! If you had the pleasure of joining the Alumni Association under the tent near the Northwest corner of the Coliseum last year then you have an idea of the food and drink splendor that awaits all paid members and their guests this year. We will remain the only fraternity organization with a full bar, hot food and more people than you can possibly shake hands with. The tent will be set up three hours before every home game. We have taken extra time, effort and money to make these spreads memorable - so plan on attending every one of them. All events are open to paid alumni members, active chapter members and their guests. All non-paid members will be charged $10 per person per event. The Alumni Speak Keep the news coming. We have happy news, sad news and even some more Jerry Naegeli news. We love to get it and we promise to print it - so send it in. George Strella (21) commented on our early photo we entitled "the first pledge" class. He said it was a pre-chartering photo of the Scorpion Club who had petitioned National. Unfortunately many in the photo may not have become Tekes according to George. JP LoMonaco (789) and his wife Michelle and Fred Leland (781) and his wife Noelle are expecting babies that should be due somewhere in-between the ASU game and the Stanford game. The Beta Sigma TEKE is rooting for a Halloween baby in the bunch. Extra -Extra - wedding debriefing - both Ken Sweeney (822) and Mike Sobolev (795) competed for the most enjoyable weddings of the year. The verdict - it's a toss up. If you like a 300 foot tent with the band Earth Wind and Fire you vote for Sweeney. If you like cocktail parties that start before the ceremony, imported caviar and unlimited Absolut Vodka you vote Sobolev. Ken Smeton (712) has been watching and hearing about how USC Tekes have been successfully rising to the heights we always knew we could. "I'm proud to say I'm a part of the Teke Tradition." Ken is currently in legal affairs at 20th Century Fox, supervising commercial film clip licensing. He wanted to make sure the actives knew he was involved in the Miss America pageant and will need plenty of 'SC referrals! Arlyn Baggot is having fun in Atlanta where he is surrounded by "Georgia Peaches". He is planning on attending homecoming under the tent this year. We can't wait to see you Arlyn! Charles Cobb (42) is still active as an Insurance Broker after 37 years. He is an avid Beta Sigma TEKE reader and promises to visit the alumni tent regularly. John Thompson (742) has had several milestones in his life recently. He has purchased a new home in Pasadena (reportedly it is walking distance from the Rose Bowl), his son Christopher will be 2 in November (only 16 years away from pledging TKE at USC), and is now Vice-President and Branch Manager for Metrociti Mortgage in Pasadena. Tom Miller (643) and David Ferris (650) took issue with our decision to print a letter concerning our article "Spotlight on Jerry Naegeli". The letter was not favorable and Miller and Ferris commented, "considering all the positive, wonderful news about the hundreds of TKE alumni, it strikes us as unfortunate that the decision was made to include comments that single out for ridicule one of our alumni." The Beta Sigma TEKE considers this a point well taken!! On a sad note we have had two Beta Sigs pass on to the chapter eternal. John Deacon (390) was a graduate of Beta Sig in 1967 and very much loved by all of the Tekes that knew him. He died of cancer this last Spring. On June 29th Sim Innes (161) ,our Olympic gold medal winner in the discus, died of a heart attack. We will miss both of these assets and wish their friends and families the best. Back