1976-1977 School Year

 

News of the great successes at the Washington, D.C. Ekklesia reached the brothers as they returned, where the chapter received second places in the coon Plaque and Brightman Award, an Honorable Mention in the Archon's Trophy, and an award for having the third most brothers in attendance. Best of all, Don Mighell graduated from the Chapter's Purple Legionnaire to serving as an Archon Councilor.

The first quarter was full of activities, beginning with rush parties, and continuing until Fiji Olympics in Nov. Homecoming was a great time, with 35 graduates returning, a fantastic bonfire, and a victory for Fiji's banner in the contest at the pep rally. The Black Diamond dance was held at the Imperial House, and afterwards Darrell Staggs entertained with "world renowned" renditions of popular hits.  

Rush proceeded well throughout the quarter, and many freshmen found 1121 S. 6th the place to be. In particular, the Casino party and Untalent Night were big hits. Fiji Olympics was again a big success, as over 150 women participated or cheered in the Rose Fieldhouse.

After the quarter break the brothers traveled to Indy for the annual Pacer's game trip, and the stop at the truckstop was great fun for the 40 invited freshmen. All the hard work paid off on Bid Monday when the chapter added 21 men into the fold. It was, of course, "the best pledge class ever." With all the new pledges, everyone was anxious for Retreat, and they were not disappointed. The football game was a good time, but the talk by Don Mighell and discussions afterwards were better. Everyone was sorry to see Sunday come, especially the world championship bumper-sliding teams.

 

The chapter was also anxious to party with the new pledges, and they wasted little time. Santa McGuire visited the house before Christmas, helped exchange gifts, and read a special poem. Purple Passion at Installation helped ward off the winter cold, as did the "Blizzard Buster" punch at the winter wonderland party. With Purple Garter the very next weekend, there was no end to the merriment. Finally, the new Cabinet was greeted with flying pies at a quarter-end party on Feb.18.

Social service played a large part in winter quarter activities. The chapter collected money for the March of Dimes, raising over $500, distributed posters for the United Way, worked for the Glenn Home, and sponsored a Biddy Basketball team.  The brothers also began preparing for their best showing in Greek Weekend yet.

Before that, however, there were many other things to take care of. In IM sports the men in purple took first place in bowling and volleyball, and were undefeated in IM basketball. Pig Dinner was well-attended at the Sheraton, and the pledge class Road Rallye was a spectacular success. Mike Mann, Tom McGuire, and Field Secretary Bill Johnson were the champions. The annual Camp Gulick work session was a lot of fun for everyone, especially those who filled Rob Christenson's convertible with leaves. 

Finally, Greek Weekend was upon the chapter. The high expectations were dampened in the cart race, as a bad exchange relegated us to 4th. A strong showing in the canoe race gave us momentum, and a 2nd. The pyramid was next, and months of practice paid off as we swept to easy wins over tour opponents, only to lose to LXA by .05 sec. An upset over ATO the tug-o-war gave us a third, and then came the bike race, our strongest event. The long weeks of practice were worth it as the team rode to an easy victory, the chapter's first ever in any Greek Weekend event. The second place finish overall was also our highest ever.

Needless to say, the accomplishments of Greek Weekend made the rest of the year a lot easier, including a fantastic Fiji Island. At the Senior Recognition Service, the chapter wished the fine class of 1977 well in their future endeavors, and said good-bye for the summer.