NEWSLETTERS Troy TEKE Vol 99/1 A Publication of the Beta Sigma Alumni Association July 1999 A Celebration of the Ages Hundreds Cheer 50 Years of Beta Sigma What took a half-century to build and over a year to plan, the celebration of 50 years at USC was epic. Culminating with a party like only TKE can throw, the anniversary weekend brought out fraters from each decade of Beta Sigma history. "Wonderful memories. It's great to be here again," remarked Beta Sigma 275, Pat Rowland, as he leafed through one of the scrapbooks. His sentiment was echoed time and time again at the Friday night cocktail party. Fraters gathered around the piano as Frater Bill Teaford played a few familiar tunes and reminisced with Frater George Woolery. "This is why I'm a Teke," gloated a Fall 1998 pledge. Fraters were able to wander the halls, visit their old rooms, and share stories. Saturday morning brought a huge gathering that coincided with USC homecoming on campus. Upwards of 400 people gathered in the morning sun as TKE and Pi Beta Phi hosted the annual homecoming tent. After the game, fraters and family members gathered under a huge tent in the parking lot of the TKE house to cap the celebration. Frater Joe Ramirez, who planned the event was extremely happy with the atmosphere. Joe worked countless hours to assure that all who attended enjoyed themselves. One of the highlights of the evening was a retrospective video produced by current frater Coleman Engelenner. "The video brought to life some of the stories that we hear about," commented Frater David Bohline. Fraters Rex Rolf, Conrad Solum, and George Woolery were inducted into the TKE National Chapter Advisor Hall of Fame by Executive Vice President Tim Murphy and Grand Officer Chris Grasso. Near the end of the evening, a brother was heard saying, "Wow, with a party like this, I hope I'm around for 100." We do too. -To get a copy of the video, contact Mark Easterday (888) 813-1782. Beta Sigma Remembers our Fraters Who recently passed into the Chapter Eternal George W. Woolery 1927-1999 Brian LaForce 1976 ­ 1999 Beta Sig Remembers Fraters Who Made Impact On Old and New. The Spring of 1999 will be remembered as a bittersweet time for Beta Sigma. The loss of fraters George W. Woolery and Brian LaForce shook fraters up and down the scroll. "Uncle George" as Frater Woolery was affectionately known, succumbed to illness after many years of suffering. You would have been hard pressed to know that George was ill if you saw him at many House events over the past year. "The house meant everything to George," recalled David Bohline. George was a student-leader at USC. Not only was he an original Founding Father of the Fraternity, but he was also Student Body President and mentor to many. One of his proteges, Greg McAndrews remembered George's advice in the late '60s. "He was my source for advice on tactics in pushing through legislation to get female cheerleaders approved in spring '69. That's right, there would be no world famous USC Song Girls without George's advice." In March, many of George's fraternal friends gathered at the house to share pleasant and often humorous memories of the dedicated frater. Stories of George's nationwide influence upon many TKE chapters were sprinkled among tales of carousing and tomfoolery. A man who devoted his life to the fraternity, George woke up every day enjoying his work and loving TKE. Appropriately enough, George's name will title the Triangle Achievement Award that recognizes the most outstanding recruits to the fraternity and USC. Brian LaForce, a graduate in May of 1998, passed into the chapter eternal in early April. Brian, an accomplished trombone musician and Trojan Marching Band Alumnus, passed away from injuries suffered in an auto accident in Tahiti. "Brian died doing what he loved," said Kevin Breen, Brian's closest friend and frater. Brian was in Tahiti while working for Princess Cruises as a musician. Brian never had a bad word to say about anyone and always had a constructive comment regarding the direction of fraternity affairs. Brian's impact upon those around him was never more apparent than at a memorial service that Tommy Trojan himself would be fond of. Trojan Marching Band Director Arthur Bartner remembered Brian as a tremendously talented musician and leader. Members of the band and over 400 friends and family packed the University Chapel. Fraters Steve Ngo, Paul Longhenry, Paul Smit and Evan Bernstein eloquently spoke of Brian's friendship. A background of Conquest and 400 victory signs raised as a tribute to Brian sent a collective tingle up the spine of all present. Brian and George were brothers and friends who will be missed dearly. House Keeps up Growth with Rush in '98-'99 Fall '98 Pledge Class ­ 17 Spring '99 Pledge Class - 8 Graduating Seniors ­ 20 After three straight years of huge rush numbers that were amongst the top 3 on the Row, the current members of the house continued their strong showing with a total of 24 members pledging the Fall and Spring of '98 and '99. With a retention of 95%, the fraternity will have net growth once again. As the chapter looks to graduate nearly 20 seniors, that will put the house at approximately 65 actives going in to the final Rush of the millennium in Fall of 1999. "We were really looking at the quality of freshman," said Rush Chairman, Tawan Martinez. With retention issues over the past couple years, the house felt that selectivity was important now more than ever. The process of growth is a tough one that must be navigated very carefully in today's Greek environment. The Row has seen a tightening of policies on social interaction and parties. "Greek life is cracking the whip," said Board of Advisor member Jason Rzutkiewicz. With terrible accidents and careless treatment of members in Greek systems around the country, USC administrators do not want USC to be in the headlines with these damaging events. As a result, regulations and oversight have levied stringent rules on conduct. With that in mind, TKE has taken a progressive approach and looked at Rush as being a critical area to assess the risk of potential members while building a quality, well-rounded active chapter. President Marc Van Hoose said it best: "We don't want members who put the house at risk. There is too much to lose." TKE Fraters Caught in the Web The era of the Internet has taken hold of Beta Sigma Alumni. Fraters have been able to keep in contact with one another via email. "It's really funny. I now hear from bros that I never thought I would hear from again," said Frater Erik Brannon. Using such tools as "Return to All" and "Personal Distribution Lists" their email addresses to tens of others and use this as a very popular method of communication. Everything from digital photographs to basketball league schedules have been forwarded. "It's so much easier than writing a letter and it's instantaneous," said Internet guru, Mike Ranshaw of Apollo Interactive. To get on a list of email addresses, contact Mark Easterday at (888) 813-1783 or via email at mark_easterday@ml.com. As always, you can contact the Alumni Association at www.taukappaepsilon.com Millennium Membership 2000 Wow, what a year for TKE! First the 50th anniversary in October, then the National Centennial in January. All of this excitement has given the active chapter a boost and strengthened the Alumni Association like never before. But this is a critical time. When we were in the house, we all discussed the concept of moving to the next level, getting that new exchange, or winning a particular award. With the leadership of the Board of Trustees and Alumni Association, we are prepared to make the push into the new millennium. Get on board! The Chapter and the Alumni Association need your participation. As you know, your membership is valid from August through the following July. Alumni Association programming is highlighted with the Football pre-game tent that has become the premier tailgate party at the Coliseum. Your membership dues include your admission to the tent and family or one friend. The Alumni Association has expanded its programming this year to include TKE Day in the Park at Dedeaux Field this past May and the first annual Alumni Association Tee-Off Classic Golf Tournament coming up August 13th. Additionally, we will renew the tradition of giving the active chapter a gift from the Association. The big screen TV in the West library was a previous gift from us. I look forward to seeing you at the golf tournament in August and the first Alumni Tent event on September 18th. Your participation and generosity is greatly appreciated. Fight On! Yours in the Bond, MarkEasterday, President. Beta Sig has finger on the Lewinsky's Pulse Frater Bob Barr Led Charge to Impeach Clinton In a case that will go down in the annals of history as one of the most embarrassing moments of the Presidency, a Beta Sigma Frater was at the forefront of President Clinton's impeachment trial. Appointed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Henry Hyde, Congressman Bob Barr from the 7th Congressional District in Georgia served as one of the 13 impeachment managers who presented the House's case to the Senate. In the early days of the House testimony, Barr separated himself as one of the hard liners against talk shows, Barr articulated the graveness of the President's conduct in the Lewinsky affair. Although Barr could not be reached for comment, his Legislative Director Jonathan Blythe, stated that the Congressman was selected to manage the House's presentation due to his previous work on the Judiciary committee and knowledge of the issue. Mr. Blythe did not elaborate on that comment. A Law and George Washington University with his MBA, Frater Barr was re-elected to his 3rd term from Northwest Georgia. Aside from the Judiciary Committee, he also sits on the House Banking and Financial Services Committee as well as the Government Reform and Oversight Committee. He is also the Vice-chairman of the Sub-committee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources. He is a strong proponent of the preservation of the 2nd Amendment that protects a right to bear arms. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association. Congressman Barr has a staff of 20 which work to represent the wishes of his constituents in Congress. You can reach Frater Barr at (202) 225-2931. Lucky 13th Annual Volleyball Tournament a Smash! The premier philanthropic event on Fraternity Row returned for its 13th year and it was everything but unlucky. A break in unseasonably poor weather allowed the participants to enjoy a perfect day. What has taken on a festival atmosphere, the day's events were far more than just a Volleyball Tournament. Week long activities culminated with the Saturday Tournament. Sorority contests, live music, and a beverage or two were just some exciting goings on at the TKE Invitational. Of course, all of the day's activities revolve around the sorority volleyball tournament. Defending champion Kappa Kappa Gamma lost their title to Kappa Alpha Theta, but who really cares who won ­ it was just a great day. "It was huge," exclaimed Volleyball Tournament Director, Matt Seror. Sponsors lined up at the door to get their name on the TKE Invitational. The University's Philanthropy Fund, which supports philanthropic endeavors by student groups, couldn't write a $4000 check fast enough. The growth of the Volleyball Tournament has vaulted it above such Row events as Kappa Sigma's Rodeo Days and Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Paddy Murphy. Great job guys! Margaret Grey Retirement Fund Looking for Caring Support -Letter from Jeff Hall Beta Sigma 968 This year you have been hit up for money for the 50th anniversary of Beta Sigma and for attendance at the 100th Anniversary of TKE nationally. While definitely TKE related, I am writing for a much more humble cause. Do you remember the Mountain Man? How about the famous Chicken Parmesan? For eleven years, Margaret Grey continuous "jiving" that she "can't hang with." Perhaps what is more surprising is the fact that Margaret has absolutely no money saved away for her retirement. Then again, maybe it is not all that surprising. Margaret has quite a few children, and will indubitably be collecting Social Security when she retires. She has not told us that she will be retiring any time soon, but since I have quite a bit of free time now that I am not president any more, I wanted to take this time to do something for Margaret. The board of control has agreed to put all funds collected for Margaret in a trust fund. The TKE chapter will have NO access to these funds. Margaret will get all of the money that you give her. I would like to raise about $10,000 for Margaret. While this is not a lot of money for retirement, I do not expect alumni to donate an extreme amount of cash. However, this means that all of the alumni since 1988 will have to donate about $100 a piece to do this. However, if you give anything, it will be good for our beloved cook. If you choose to give more that $100, then "God bless you, Jack." Yours in the Bond, Jeff Hall Beta Sigma 968 Send your donation to: TKE C/O Margaret Gray Retirement Fund to the TKE Office at 531 Main St. #902, El Segundo, CA 90245 Trojan Football Kickoff Right Around the Corner With a promising Spring practice behind the Trojans, the Fall cannot come soon enough. For the fourth year, the Beta Sigma Alumni Association will celebrate Trojan Football every Gameday, three hours prior to kickoff. The tent keeps and better. As you know, your membership in the Alumni Association is what makes the tent run. Two fraters host the tent each week. If you are interested in hosting the festivities and adding your personal touch call Mark Easterday at (888) 813-1782 to reserve one of the following games: September 18 - San Diego State 12:30pm October 2 ­ Oregon State October 23 ­ Stanford November 6 ­ ASU (Homecoming ­ House hosts tent) November 20 ­ UCLA (Handicapped parking unavailable for this game) November 26 ­ Louisiana Tech Back