The Legacy of Theta Omicron

Theta Omicron chapter at Indiana State University is one built heavily on tradition, as you all know. Theta Omicron was colonized in the fall of 1978 by a group of men who desired to form a fraternity that was dif-ferent and stood out from the other fraternities who were already here on campus. They wished to form an organization, a brotherhood that stood for more than a Saturday night party, they wanted to make a dif-ference. That fall those men had that chance. Ed Pease, an initiate of the Delta Xi Chapter at Indiana University came to campus and with the help of a few undergraduates they put into motion what is now the best fraternity on Indiana State's campus. Throughout the years, Theta Omicron positioned itself into the most dominant Chapter in the na-tion, winning an unprecedented 18 Smythe Awards consecutively. Af-ter a short period of restructuring, the Chapter has rallied and won two more Smythe Awards in 2009 and 2010. More than 1200 men have been initiated through Theta Omicron in the past 33 years, men who have built a legacy that will continue to grow.

This Issue

Chapter Executive Board

Dave Stowe (Beta Class) Chapter

Advisor

Al Perone (Alpha Class) Faculty

Advisor

Ed Pease (Chapter Founder) Alumni

Relations Advisor

Mark Savoree (SDI) Financial Advisor

President

Matthew Folz

Internal Vice President

Jason David

External Vice President

Spencer Timberlake

Treasurer

Ian Redman

Secretary

Logan Sager

Pi Kappa Alpha Theta Omicron Chapter Yearly Report

2010-2011 School Year

The Legacy of Theta Omicron P.1

What It takes P.2

Campus Update P.3

A Word from the Chapter Advisor and Chapter President P.4

Community EngagementP.5

Thank to our Alumni and our Future P.6

Upcoming Events P.7

R.S.V.P. P. 8

Advisors

What it Takes

Explaining the Breakdown

The Raymond L. Orians Chapter

Excellence Awards recognize overall

chapter excellence. The chapters

that win this award are among the

best on their campus and Pi Kappa

Alpha’s most competitive chapters

To receive this award you must re-

ceive a Consultant Visitation score of

at least 3.25, have 50 active mem-

bers or more, an alumni advisory

board as deemed by regional presi-

dent and Chapter representation at

all Pike University Events.

CVA is the Consultant Visitation

Analysis. Once a year a Consultant

from the international headquarters

comes to the chapter to visit for a

week and meet with chairmen. Dur-

ing this period the chapter is ana-

lyzed and its overall functionality is

noted. The CVA reflects the effi-

ciency, involvement and education

of the members of the Chapter.

The tradition of winning Smythe Awards is

one that Theta Omicron takes seriously. In

the past we were known across the nation as

the chapter that continuously won Smythe

Awards and raised the standard for other

chapters.

In recent years there has been a restructur-

ing of the way we as a chapter do things.

This restructuring has turned Theta Omicron

back into one of the leading chapters in the

nation. After winning two Smythe Awards

in a row, we as a chapter are running with

high efficacy. Our goals continue to be sur-

passed and we continue to rush the “most

best men”. In the past 3 years we have rees-

tablished our place as the top fraternity in

grades, athletics, and service to the commu-

nity. Continuing the legacy left by all of you.

Our outstanding members have continu-

ously outperformed other organizations on

campus. Not only do we receive recognition

for our efforts on campus, but within the

fraternity Theta Omicron has been cited for

being one of the best chapters for rush in

the nation.

The graph above shows how Theta Omicron

stacks up against the other Smythe Winning

chapters across the nation. As you can see

we are well within the margin of great chap-

ters. We as the active chapter have taken

the initiative to recreate the legacy left by

our forefathers.

Theta Omicron still holds the record of most

Smythe Awards won in the nation. We are

now at 20 Smythes and we are pursuing

number 21 by raising our own standards.

The requirements of a Smythe Winning Chapter have changed since the beginning of our chapter.

Smythe Breakdown

Category Smythe Low Smythe High Smythe Average Excellence Average Theta Omicron

Consultant Visitation Analysis 3.5 4.25 3.99 3.58 4.19

Size 70 men 213 men 114 men 81 men 95 men

Size Rank (Campus) 3rd 13/18 1st 2nd 1st

# of Fraternities on Campus 4 46 18 14 12

Initiates (09-10) 26 78 39 33 36

Initiate Rank (Campus) 2nd 14/18 1st 1st 2nd 1st

Comm. Service Hours 1715 19500 7154 38233 5130.95

Hours Per Man 17.68 263.5 66 46.68 54.58

Dollars Raised $3,985 $81,151.87 $25,520.86 $14,053.96 $12,598.57

Dollars Per Man $39.07 $693.61 $241.71 $167.92 $134.03

Above All Fraternity GPA

GPA 2.51 3.31 3.01 2.9 3.06

Collection %

Athletic Rank (campus) 3rd 11/18 1st 1st 2nd 1st

Pike U. Attendance 9 62 28 24 22

Campus Involvement 87% 11/18 100% 98% 80% 100%

Pledge Retention 45% 100% 87% 80% 78%

15/18 Smythe Winners were above the All Fraternity GPA

5 Chapters at 100%, only 1 below 85%, Ave=94%

Campus of Change

Over the years every organization will go through changes. By changing loca-tion, building new structures or reno-vating buildings, change is continuous for Indiana State University. Over the past few years the campus has changed. The renovation of University Hall, the new home of the Bayh College of Education at Indiana State Univer-sity, has been completed. The $29.8 million dollar project was completed in 2009, and features high-tech class-rooms, a 475-seat auditorium, an en-closed atrium and a comprehensive clinic. The building, which is listed on the historic register at the Indiana Divi-sion of Historic Preservation and Ar-chaeology, celebrates a rich history in education, having been built as the Laboratory School in 1936, and pro-vides a solid foundation for the future of education at Indiana State.

Also new on campus is the Student Recreational Center. Dedicated on July 10th, 2009 the new SRC has a three-court gymnasium, natatorium, fitness center and two multi-purpose activity studios. The total cost of the facility was $21.7 million and no state funding was used in the construction of the facility. Some other new fea-tures in the Recreational Center are fitness assessments, massage therapy, juice bar, sauna and an indoor track.

Continuing in the renovation and changes on campus, a new College of Business is being renovated. The old Terre Haute Federal Building is being changed into the new College of Busi-ness. A donation was made by retired businessman Donald W. Scott to help with the renovation project..

These changes on campus are making campus life more interesting and fun. The renovations allow students to learn in nicer facilities and has played a roll in the increase of new students on campus.

Basketball Season

President Bradley

First year, Head Coach Greg Lansing,

has led the team to a Missouri Valley

Conference championship this year.

With every game being more impor-

tant than the last, and a team that

proves its worth in the final seconds,

the Indiana State Sycamore Men's

Basketball team has surpassed ex-

pectations this season. The game

against Missouri State for the con-

ference title was one that will be

long remembered. Congratulations

ISU Men’s Basketball Team!

Daniel J. Bradley became Indiana

State's eleventh president on July

31, 2008. Bradley had served as the

president of Fairmont State Univer-

sity, located in Fairmont, W.Va.,

from 2001 to 2008. He previously

held positions at University of Mon-

tana, including vice chancellor for

academic affairs and research, dean

of engineering and head of the pe-

troleum engineering department.

A Word from the Advisor

President’s Post:

Since my election in April 2010 I

have tried to be a servant leader.

During these semesters in office, my

main priority has been to continue

the legacy of greatness that has

been left to us by you, the alumni.

Through the help of some of the

most productive men I have ever

worked with, the chapter has solidi-

fied its position as a dominant force

on campus. As the largest Fraternity

on campus we have amazing oppor-

tunities to support the school. From

sports games to scholarship dinners,

Theta Omicron’s men are hard to

miss. Continually striving for perfec-

tion in everything we do, we are

continuing in the path that you have

laid before us. Pressing onward

while continually improving and

teaching our younger members what

it is to be a “true pike”.

We are grateful for your support and

the legacy you have left us. It guides

us to be better men, and better

Pikes.

In the bonds of ϕϕ κα,

SMC,

Matthew Folz

The guiding principles and beliefs established at the time of our Fraternity’s founding at

Indiana State University continue to be demonstrated today. The commitment to ex-

cellence and the perseverance to be the very best is evident in the endeavors carried out

by the current undergraduate Chapter. A commitment to dry rush; offering our new

members a solid and meaningful associate education period; the pursuit of academic

excellence; and service to others continue to be values of the Chapter. Theta O Pikes

continue to win major campus events – Homecoming, Spring Week, and the “Fraternity

of the Year” honors. The level of commitment and engagement to community service

has truly been outstanding. Theta O Pikes continue the tradition of being a dominant

force on the National level as well. Theta O has once again established another mile-

stone by earning its 20th Smythe at the 2010 Austin Convention. At present, we are the

only Chapter in the nation to have achieved this benchmark of excellence.

My recent visit to Pike University in Chicago this past February, formerly known as the

regional conference, reinforced the fact that the strength of any Pike Chapter is directly

related to the commitment Alumni make to the Fraternity. Theta Omicron’s continued

success can also be attributed to the many generous and caring Theta Omicron Alumni.

The Alumni that serve as advisors of the many programming areas of the undergradu-

ate operations, officers and members of the alumni association, and board members of

the house corporation are vital dimensions of a well functioning Chapter. I cannot be-

gin to count all the Alumni that have donated to the Chapter’s scholarship program,

Chapter House Fund, Alumni Association, and/or have paid for miscellaneous events

for the undergraduate membership. To each of you, thank you for your support of the

undergraduate Chapter whether it has been financially, attending events, serving as a

member of a respective board, or sending emails or notes of encouragement to the

undergraduate Chapter. The chapter and I are so very grateful for your generosity.

I am blest to be the current Chapter Advisor and surrounded by so many caring and

generous Alumni. I find comfort in knowing that I can call upon Theta O alums, at

anytime, and they will provide the support necessary to meet the needs of the under-

graduate Chapter and assist me in providing our undergraduate members with the best

possible fraternity experience! Thank you for living up to the charge - Once a Pike,

always a Pike!

In the bonds,

David Stowe

Community Service and Philanthropy

Fire Truck Pull

This event is held in the spring of

every year. All proceeds of this

event go to the Special Olympics.

Our chapter has teamed up with the

chapter at Rose-Hulman Institute of

Technology, Iota Delta, and are now

on the 4th year of this annual event.

Teams sign up every year and pay a

small fee to enter the competition.

The teams are then placed in divi-

sions by their caliber. The teams

then pull a fire truck a specified dis-

tance and attempt to beat the times

set by the other competing teams.

Food and beverages are provided

and many businesses across the

community have donated to the

cause.

As graduates of Indiana State University and alumni of

Theta Omicron, recognition of four fine gentlemen in

office is required. Greg Ewing (88), Bob Heaton(78) Terry

Modesitt(79) and Lee Reberger(88) are all leaders in of-

fice here in Indiana. Some are also are part of the alumni

council that meets on the first Friday of every month to

discuss the chapter’s progress.

Alumni In Office

Community Involvement Community involvement has always been a staple of our fraternity. These past two years

Theta Omicron has taken it to new heights being involved with the Bethany House, Habitat for

Humanity and the new Children's Museum here in Terre Haute.

In 2010, Theta Omicron gave a total of 5,130.95 hours of service and donated $12,598.57 for

various causes. A few notable Philanthropy events have been our annual Fire Truck Pull, Rent-

a-Pike and Run through the Jungle. These events are used to get Pikes and the community

both involved with donating to causes such as the Special Olympics, Relay for Life and the

American Cancer Society. Rent-a-Pike integrates philanthropy and community service. Com-

munity members “rent” members of the fraternity with a donation to Relay for Life. The mem-

bers of our chapter then do upwards of 4 hours of community service on behalf of the person

who “purchased” them.

Future Plans Each of us had a uniquely different fraternity

experience which in part has been directly re-

lated to our living arrangement as an Active

Member of the Chapter and our time in history.

The original founders and earlier generation of

Theta O Pikes lived in the makeshift Fraternity

House at Ed Pease’s home in Brazil. After Ed

relocated his home to Terre Haute, so did the

Pike House. For others, it was living in either the

6th floor of Burford or the 8th and 9th floors of

Sandison Hall where 62-65 Brothers resided. In

1999, the Theta Omicron of Pi Kappa Alpha

House Corporation secured the current chapter

house located at 840 N. 7th Street which cur-

rently houses 13 men comfortably and provides

the Chapter with a central location for various

Chapter functions.

The present structure has undergone three

renovations. The purchase and retrofitting of

the current house took place in the Summer of

1999 in order to make it habitable for the first

residents. The 2nd renovation occurred in 2003

and involved replacing the windows and roof.

The most recent renovation completed during

the summer of 2007 included the addition of

the brick walled courtyard, extensive interior

renovations to all common space within the

facility. New carpet, new ceilings, and the laun-

dry and bathroom areas were also refurbished.

Presently, the House Corporation has been

advised to install a comprehensive fire suppres-

sion system in the facility and to make other

safety upgrades by our insurance company.

Unfortunately these safety upgrades do not

come without a significant price tag.

As the Chapter Advisor, I have been exposed to

each of the described living arrangements the

Chapter has experienced through the years. We

currently miss the day to day synergy and en-

ergy of having 65 men housed in one central

location. I often find myself pondering what

could the Chapter accomplish if they would have

the added benefit of 40 men living together in a

Chapter House similar to the days when we

occupied Burford and/or Sandison Hall. I have

encouraged the House Corporation, and they

have agreed in principle, to begin exploring the

possibility of constructing a new housing unit as

opposed to retrofitting the current structure.

The initial idea is to construct a apartment units

adjacent to the existing Chapter house. The

long range plan is to relocate the current resi-

dents to the new structure and to provide cur-

rent Chapter members with all the amenities

students are used to having and the safety re-

quirements of current building codes. At pre-

sent, the House Corporation has begun prelimi-

nary discussions with landowners in proximity of

the Chapter house, negotiating the possible

purchase of their parcels in order to make the

possibility of constructing a new facility possible.

In the weeks and months ahead the House Cor-

poration will keep you apprised of any potential

updated housing developments.

Fraternally,

Dave A. P. Stowe, House Corporation Treasurer

A Thank you to Alumni:

Within the next month the House

Corporation will finalize the purchase

of the adjoining lot to the Chapter

property from Indiana State Univer-

sity. It is because of the following

Brothers that have financially contrib-

uted to making this acquisition of the

property possible. On behalf of the

House Corporation and the Active

Chapter, thank you for your generous

and on going support.

John Brady

Bill Carls

Chris Davies

Brian Freyberger

Steve Fukumitsu

Mike Highland

Ken Hull

Mark Jorden

Tim Luker

David Mischler

Ed Pease

Mark Poisel

Troy Price

Dr. Robert Puckett

Jon Stephenson

David Stowe

Tim Wiseman

Alumni Golf Outing (Sunday, April 10th, 2011)

Formal (Friday, April 15th, 2011)

Alumni Pike Basketball (Saturday, April 9th, 2011)

This year the chapter is hosting a Golf outing for alumni. This will take place at the

Hulman Links Golf Course starting at 9:00am on Sunday, April 10th. This will allow for

a great experience for the alumni to get to know some of the active members of the

chapter while having a great time.

Every spring we sponsor the Alumni Pike Basketball Tournament. This will take place

in the Health and Human Services building in the South gym on Saturday April 9th.

This event allows alumni to come and play against active members.

On April 15th the Gamma Psi class will be celebrating their initiation into the Theta Omicron

Chapter. Formal will be held at Saint Mary of the Woods College and will begin at 7:00 pm

eastern standard time.

Upcoming Events Alumni Weekend (Friday, April 8th thru Sunday, April 10th)

On Friday April 8th, the Gamma Psi Class will be initiated at the Chapter House start-

ing at 6:30pm. The next day the Pike Basketball Tournament will take place. See in-

formation on next page for further details. Spouses and Children can swim in the

Student Recreation Center during the day. A cookout will be held throughout the

day on Saturday at the Chapter House with various games for youth. On Sunday a

golf outing will be held. For further details see below. To RSVP, please see next page.

Save The Date: Homecoming 2011

Homecoming Is approaching fast for next fall. Homecoming will be held on October 15th. We

will once again have an alumni tent at the Stadium. As always it would be our pleasure to

receive you and your family for an afternoon of fun and brotherhood.

Alumni Golf Outing ($35.00 per individual)

Please mail RSVP

and checks to:

Pi Kappa Alpha

P.O. Box 9575

Terre Haute, IN 47808

Questions can be directed to Aaron

Stoermann, Alumni Relations

Chairman at

aaronstoerm@gmail.com

Formal ($25.00 per guest)

Alumni Pike Basketball Registration Form ($100 per team)

R.S.V.P. Alumni Weekend

Attending

Number of Family and Friends

Not Attending

Attending

Number of Family and Friends

Not Attending

You may have a minimum of 5 players with a maximum of 10 players per team. Starting time

for the tournament will be 9:00am on Saturday, April 9th in the Health and Human Services Building South Gym. This will most likely be a

double elimination tournament. Advanced registration for the tournament is required. Please note there will be a cook out that will take

place throughout the day at the Chapter House at 840 N. 7th Street. Families are encouraged to attend.

PLEASE ONLY ONE REGISTRATION FORM PER TEAM

Team Name:___________________________________________ Team Captain: _______________________________________________

Team Captain Phone Number: ________________________________________Team Captain email________________________________

Team Members are: ___________________________________ ________________________________________

___________________________________ ________________________________________

___________________________________ ________________________________________

___________________________________ ________________________________________

___________________________________ ________________________________________

Questions regarding the basketball tournament should be directed to Brian McLane: bmclane@indstate.edu

or call 812-631-2045

Attending

Number of Family and Friends

Not Attending