1975-1976 School Year

The end of the summer brought with it the news that Rho Phi had earned two first

places at the Lexington Ekklesia, in the Condon Cup and Coon Plaque. The chapter

had never taken home a first before. To add the icing on the cake, we also received an

honorable mention in the Cheney Cup. To augment this auspicious start, the brothers

proceeded to rush like crazy.

Two parties and a rush cookout, complete with watermelon seed spitting contest, kicked off the first weekend. A South Sea Island party graced the garage the weekend of the IFC informal rush parties, and an open bar party Friday night of Homecoming opened the eyes of many. The next night Purple Passion closed them. October 24 saw the beginning of a new tradition, theBlack Diamond Dance, with music by "Rage."

A dance of a different kind was held in the ISU arena on November 1, as the chapter sponsored a dance marathon benefiting the United Way. With the help of

local merchants, WVTS, and Gamma Phi Beta, the project turned out to be a success in all areas. Another successful project was the tutoring of the children at the Glenn Home one night a week by many brothers.  The chapter also continued to sponsor a biddy basketball team, coached by Bill Potter.

The beginning of winter quarter brought with it the excitement of Bid Monday, as the chapter was overjoyed with its catch of 20 pledges. The new pledges and all headed to Turkey Run state park br the annual retreat. Tom Hendrickson spoke after the formal pledging on the phases of membership in Phi Gamma Delta. Only a few weeks later, it was time for elections again, with the winners:

Spring quarter began with the Neil Garbo film fest, and didn't let up for a second. The next weekend was Purple Garter, which was held at school in the Hulman Union. "A good time was had by all." And the next weekend Pig Dinner graced the chapter as President Dave Penner compared the present chapter with the Delta Colony, noting that both had numerous presidents and secretaries of student organizations, such as SGA President Randy Ridgway and IFC President Bruce Schmidt.

The next weekend was no breather as the pledges threw everything but the kitchen sink at the actives during the Road Rallye. The Disciples of Ed came home the winners, logging only 68 miles on a 73 mile course. In contrast, Al Ruszkowski finished up with 160. Ed Fain and Mike Cherbak managed to finish second for the third year in a row.

The next event on tap was Parent's Weekend, accompanied by Greek Weekend. The Rose Show Saturday was followed by a meal at the house, in preparation for Sunday's contests. The chapter was determined this year to break its string of fourth place finishes. But after the cart hit another runner, the pyramid team missed second by only .1 seconds, the canoe was swamped on the last leg, and the tug-o-war team fell on its first pull, we were again relegated to fourth place. But the spirit and teamwork shown all day by the Phi Gamms was always first. The day ended on a high note as the chapter was awarded second place in the Songfest. 

Sullivan County Lake was the site chosen by Social Committee for the year-end Fiji Isle party, and proved to be an excellent choice. The dance Friday night featured music by Gil Bauger and his band JAKE. Saturday's fun included a sack race, treasure hunt, basic kite flying ocntest, and a softball game. The marriage ceremony provided a pleasurable end to the social season. The nine graduating seniors were honbred at the Senior Recognition Service and dinner May 10, and everyone was sorry to see such a fine class leave. After final goodbyes the brothers headed home for the summer happy with a year well-spent.