via Chris Bowling
Here is my recollection of how this came to be. Others’ recollections may be different. In the early 80s, Delta Chi brothers enjoyed the partying times and never got heavily involved with official UPJ Homecoming activities. One such activity was each Greek organization would decorate one of the windows in the old Tuck Shop in the Student Union with whatever theme homecoming was that year. We were taking heat from the Administration for a variety of reasons (as usual) and we thought participating in some Homecoming activities would be a gesture of goodwill to the Man…er i mean Administration. At a chapter meeting, Phil Herman said he would take care of it. So after a few beers Phil went up to our assigned Tuck Shop window with a can of paint and with his finger wrote in big dripping letters on the window “Delta Chi, Bigger Than Life!” Very minimalist compared to all the other fancy Greek windows. It was a source of pride for all the Brothers and an annoyance to the Administration. It became our tag line before there were even tag lines. The MF was added later one night after a bunch of beers. Decorum prevents me from spelling out what MF means but you mofos get it. BTMFL!
0 Comments
Delta Chi Fraternity Celebrates 50th Anniversary at University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus12/15/2022 Johnstown, PA - On Saturday October 15th 2022 the Johnstown Chapter of the Delta Chi Fraternity celebrated their 50th Anniversary.
On October 15, 2022 the Brothers of Delta Chi - Johnstown celebrated and remembered the founding of both organizations and recognized the men who have guided the organization to success for over half a century making it the oldest local and oldest surviving international greek organization at Johnstown. "In the Bond" Friday CocktailsOn Friday eventing October 14th there was an "In the Bond Meet n Greet" held at Tap 814 Pub and restaurant, formally known as The Gingerbread Man, at 800 Scalp Avenue. There was a very strong turnout of alumni from the 1970's many of whom had not seen each other together in decades. There was quite a bit of catching up own each others lives and families as well as a toast to several of those brothers who had passed. Ritual ReviewAlumni and active brothers met on Saturday morning at 10am for a Ritual Review at Blackington Hall. Active brothers went through the ritual as well the recent changes made at the 2022 Convention to the Delta Chi ritual. UPJ Convention delegates and other brothers conduct this review and some where quite surprised how much many of the the alumni form 30 to 40 years ago remembered and even explained their understanding of some local traditions and interpretations. Mimosa BrunchStarting at 11:30am and running until 1:30pm brothers, their wives and significant others gathered at at UPJ's Living Learning Center for a Mimosa Brunch. One again, different groups gathered at the various round tables to recall their undergrad experiences and the cemetery that had once occupied the place where the Living Learning Center is now located in what was formerly the E&S Lower Parking lot. Alumni where welcomed by David Janusek, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Giving. The Campus TourThe Campus Tour began outside the Living Learning Center after brunch with visits to to visit the The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, the PPAC, the Murtha Center, the Nursing School, a stop by the Panther Statue. With the helped of Founding Fathers Carl Brinkoff and Larry Widmer, the group visited the original room in Biddle Hall where the Phi Delta Psi men decided to become a part of the International fraternity of Delta Chi. According to Brother Widmer, Johnstown was still effectively a two year school when he pledged Phi Delta Psi, and literally the entire group of upper classmen whom his group had pledged under had moved the Pittsburgh to continue their education. It was made very clear to his group while pledging that it would be in the best interest of the fraternity to become aligned with a national organization instead of remaining a local fraternity. The outside tour continued past the dorms including Oak hall, the original home of Phi Delta Psi, and Laurel Hall where the idea of becoming part of a national greek organization was first developed. Many of the group then visited the Log Cabi and Zamias Aquatic Center while some others took a break from the tour to relax at the the Larkspur house. The groups met up again near the former home of Delta Chi at Briar Lodge only to finish up at Foxfire lodge for a reminiscing time touring the three levels of the house and Adirondack shelter. 50th Anniversary Dinner at SunnehannaThe 50th Anniversary Dinner started with some opening remarks from Roger Ritter, Founding "A" of the Johnstown Chapter via video. It was followed by a Recognition of the Founding Fathers and a moment of silence for those brothers that we had lost. We then offered the microphone to any brother who wished to recognize any of their departed brothers. Needless to say, that there where several tears shed and several laughs remembering those of our brothers who had passed away while we enjoyed our dinner We where honored to host several guest for our celebration. This included Dr. Jem Spectar, President, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, who spent some time thanking everyone for attending an was quite gracious in complimenting our brotherhood for our recognition of those that had departed. Dr Spectar also thanked the many alumni in the room form the 1970's who where instrumental in the fundraising to build not just the Foxire Lodge but the entirety of the North Lodges which was an effort for all Greeks to have housing. Patrick Alderdice, the current “AA” of Delta Chi Fraternity followed Dr Spectar and talked about the significance of the 50th year mark. He was followed by Steve Bossart, the 49th "AA" of Delta Chi Fraternity. Brothers John Wozniak & John Rafferty, Former Pennsylvania Senators, made presentations from the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives honoring the significant milestone of celebrating 50th years as an organization. That was followed by Patrick Alderdice presentation to chapter and Cyle Martindale, Delta Chi Johnstown's current "A" providing an update on the chapter. Brother Bernard Martin, acting as MC for the evening, explained that there was some extra funds that where raised from the weekend events and some of those monies would be spent on fixing the composites that where being stored in the house, as there was no room to hang them in Larkspur, albeit plenty of room to hang them in Foxfire, which lead to a big round of applause in the room. The evening was followed by quite a bit of dancing. Special thanks to Jessica Vamos, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, for the photography she contributed to all of the Saturday activities.
editors note: Below is the emailed newsletter from UPJ delivers November 29th , 2022 A Message from the President: Greetings! I hope you and yours are doing well and looking forward to the holiday season. I am honored to share a few words with you, our alumni, friends and supporters who represent UPJ in the world and make us so proud. I firmly believe that the accomplishments of our alums are a crucial support pillar upon which the University's reputation rests. As we celebrate our enviable position in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report rankings and being selected as a Best College in the Northeast by Princeton Review, we are grateful for the great foundations of excellence you helped to establish. This outstanding legacy was in full display during the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Delta Chi Fraternity at UPJ, an occasion also marked by warm fellowship, nostalgic remembrances, and merriment. As I mingled with the Brothers, past and present, the passion and pride for UPJ was palpable. There was also plenteous evidence of UPJ's power and impact, with so many successful alums from all walks of life. For example, I enjoyed conversations with Dr. Edgar Hartle ('77), a notable pathologist in Charlotte, NC. I was fascinated by the globetrotting ways of Paul Amos ('92), who now resides in Ecuador. I was honored to meet Steve Wexell ('86), Vice President at HW Lochner, ranked by Engineering New Record as one of the nation's premier engineering design firms. The next generation of leaders was also well represented by the current Delta Chi Brothers, including Rob Baumgarten, who displayed his dancing skills as the King of "the Worm!" Quite clearly, UPJ alums worldwide are making a huge impact, making the most of the educational foundation that prepared them for success and leadership. Other Fall highlights included our Fall into Research symposium, where our talented faculty shared their scholarship with members of the university community, and our annual Homecoming celebration topped with a beautiful fireworks display. Our student-athletes continue to leave their mark with tremendous victories in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and of course, wrestling, where Coach P's Mountain Cats recently walloped West Liberty in a dramatic match. Homecoming and Halloween celebrations enlivened the Campus with dazzling fireworks and lots of fun for students and kids from the surrounding communities. The University continues to impact our local community in numerous ways that promote economic development and enhance the quality of life. Our partnership with the Flood City Youth Fitness Academy marked a major milestone with the launch of the CODE 4 STEM learning initiative. In addition, the community sidewalk and wellness trail project dubbed REACHLand is nearing completion, and we are hoping for the grand opening in the next few weeks. Let me conclude by thanking you, our alumni, friends and supporters for all you do to support and sustain Pitt Johnstown through thick and thin. I hope that as you pursue your endeavors, you remember to make time for self-care and that you and yours stay safe and sound. Embrace & Enjoy Our World, Jem Spectar The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown welcomed back 70 alum, along with family, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Delta Chi on Saturday, October 15th. Traveling near and far, Brothers from all over the world as far as Cuenca, Ecuador once again gathered here on campus for a beautiful fall day of celebrating and reminiscing.
That evening, the Brothers of Delta Chi and guests came together for a dinner celebration at Sunnehanna Country Club. As part of the celebration, they heard from speaker and University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown President, Dr. Jem Spectar and current Delta Chi Johnstown Chapter President Cyle Martindale.
They were presented with Citations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate by Former Pennsylvania Senators, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Alumni, and Delta Chi Brothers John Wozniak and John Rafferty as well as a Commemorative Plaque distinguishing the founding of Delta Chi by Delta Chi International President Patrick Alderdice. As history would have it, founding fathers Dawn McKee, Geoffrey Miles, and William Miles formed Phi Delta Psi Fraternity in the Winter of 1962. And, on January 22, 1963, the official Chapter Founding date, Phi Delta Psi became the second Fraternity founded in Johnstown. Eight years later, the Brothers of Phi Delta Psi were sworn into the pledge program of Delta Chi, making them the first international Fraternity at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. And, after 50 plus years, these brothers continue to cherish a friendship formed “in the bond.” Elections where held on Sunday November 6 for the 2023 calendar year of Officers. The new E- Board is composed of the following men:
HAPPY FOUNDERS DAY!JOHNSTOWN, PA - The Delta Chi Fraternity Johnstown Chapter will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their chapter's founding on October 15, 2022 with a banquet at the Sunnehanna Country Club. The year 2022 is, in fact, a celebration of two anniversaries. The foundation of the Delta Chi chapter at UPJ was laid in the Winter of 1962 by Dawn McKee, Geoffrey Miles and William Miles when they started organization of The Phi Delta Psi Fraternity. Phi Delta Psi's official founding date was January 22, 1963 making it the second Fraternity founded on the Johnstown campus. On April 2, 1971 The Brothers of Phi Delta Psi where sworn into the pledge program of Delta Chi and the chartering Delta Chi - Johnstown took place October 13, 1972 at at banquet at North Fork Country Club. Delta Chi became the first international fraternity on the Johnstown campus. On October 15, 2022 we celebrate and remember the founding of both organizations and recognize the men who have guided the organization to success for over half a century making it the older local and oldest surviving international greek organization at Johnstown. Roger Ritter, the fist President "A" of the chapter prepared a welcome statement to all of the attendees. The welcome message with premier on Saturday Night at the opening of the dinner presentations. Friday, October 14
On Friday there is a "In the Bond Meet n Greet" from 7:00pm - Midnight Tap 814 (formally known as The Gingerbread Man) at 800 Scalp Ave, Johnstown, PA 15904. Brothers, Little Sisters, UPs Alumni. On Saturday October 15 a very full schedule is planned for the Delta Chi Alumni. It starts off at 10:00am with a Ritual Review and Meeting that will be held at the Delta Chi House, Larkspur 2 Lodge followed at 10:30am by an Alumni Rededication Ceremony also to be held at the Delta Chi House, Larkspur 2 Lodge From 11:30am- 1:00pm there is a Mimosa Brunch at the Living Learning Center followed by Campus Tour starting at Living Learning Center at 1:00pm and running to around 3 or 4pm in the afternoon. To learn about the details of the tour please see the article: 5oth Anniversary Camp Tour Announced for Returning Delta Chi Alumni. The evening will culminate with a 6pm reception a Sunnehanna Country Club with Peel and Eat Old Bay Shrimp followed by a Surf N Turf dinner of Prime Rib, au jus and Pecan Chicken. At 7:45 attendees will be greeted by Roger Ritter, the first President of the Delta Chi - Johnstown Fraternity. We need to get the speakers underway at this time because Delta Chi Founding Father and the last President of Phi Delta Psi, Larry Widmer, needs to leave the event at 8pm. After Roger Ritter's Welcome the evening will proceed with:
After the presentations, there will be music and dancing until 10pm with the event finishing for the evening at 11pm On Sunday, October 15th their will be an Alumni Board of Trustees meeting at 10am in Blackington Hall. We anticipate livestreaming the event speakers and presentations on Saturday Night. Be sure to tune in about 7:45pm Click HERE for a comprehensive itinerary of events. by Bernard Martin, ΓΩ -10 The 50th Anniversary of the Delta Chi Johnstown Chapter are well under way. With the help of David Janusek, the Director Of Development at UPJ and Kathleen Clawson, Director of Conferences & Events at UPJ and a Delta Chi Little Sister, an exciting tour of all of the new buildings on the campus is planned. Many of the buildings that you will see date back to the early 1960's when Phi Delta Psi was founded. Dr Theordore Biddle had an architectural plan for the campus that extended to the year 2000. Amazingly many of those buildings now exist. The Campus Tour will start from the Living Learning Center and then proceed to the following venues:
HAPPY FOUNDERS DAY!Join us as Brother Eliot Shubert - Kansas City '66 takes us on a journey to visit our spiritual Founder, Sir Edward Coke's Final Resting Place. On September 28- 30, 2012, The Delta Chi Fraternity celebrated it's 40th Anniversary in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Phi Delta Psi at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Phi Delta Psi was second local fraternity founded at UPJ which became the basis of the founding of Delta Chi. The Phi Delta Psi Fraternity was founded in the Winter of 1962 by founding fathers Dawn McKee, Geoffrey Miles and William Miles. It was chartered at UPJ on January 22 1963. On May 15, 1971, Twenty Four (24) brothers of Phi Delta Psi where fully initiated into the Bond of Delta Chi Brotherhood at Penn State University. Each Brother was then assigned a 'Gamma" Number in alphabetical order of initiation until all 24 letter of the Greek Alphabet where used making everyone that has a Gamma Number ending in the number one (1) a Founding Fathers. On December 6, 1971, the brothers of Phi Delta Psi formed an official Delta Chi Colony upon unanimous approval of the InterFraternity Council to become the first National Fraternity on the campus. On October 13, 1972 Delta Chi was chartered at the North Fork Country Club. Delta Chi's 40th Homecoming event was held from Friday September 28th 2012 through Sunday September 30th 2012. Friday night included a reunion dinner and open bar at the Ambrosia Nectar Lounge, beginning at 7:00pm. The dinner started with a cocktail period, a long time Friday tradition at Delta Chi in which members of the UPJ administration, including President Spectar mingled with the Alumni. A group of speakers from the various decades, including Senators John Rafferty and John Wozniak highlighted the significant events of their era. On Saturday Alumnus and their wives attended the annual Delta Chi pig roast starting at 1:00pm plus activities throughout. That evening the undergraduate house hosted a live band that played will into the night. On Sunday there was a brunch hosted at the Ambrosia Nectar Lounge that started at 11:00am.
The parade is to begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Richland Cinemas entrance and ends at the gazebo.
Following the parade, there are to be inflatable rides and an animal exhibition, the “Pitt-Johnstown Zoo,” is to take place around 2 p.m. at the campus mall. A special concert was added to the events’ list this year. Elenowen, a band that performed on the TV show “The Voice,” is to perform in front of Owen Library 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Students can attend the show for free. An essential part of every Homecoming is, of course, crowning of a queen at the parade’s conclusion. Senior women have been nominated for queen by student organization members. One Homecoming queen nominee is Ashlyn Ahearn, an education major and Alpha Sigma Alpha member. “It is an honor to run for Homecoming queen because my sisters in Alpha Sigma Alpha and the brothers of Delta Chi have been so supportive,” Ahearn said. “I couldn’t ask for a better start to senior year.” Ahearn said she is excited about the upcoming experience. “The best part will be spending time with my sisters, alumni and fellow seniors,” she said. “I am excited to show my UPJ spirit.” Pitt-Johnstown Dance Ensemble nominated biology major Jessica Tardio as their their queen nominee. Tardio said she was humbled and honored. “I was hoping to get a nomination, but not expecting one,” she said. “My friends have been extremely supportive throughout this whole process.” Tardio said she is excited about participating in the parade, her favorite part of the Homecoming festivities. “I’ve been in the parade every year for dance and have been on the float, so to be able to still participate this year, but in a different way, will be pretty cool,” she said. Tardio said she considers it a huge honor to represent the Dance Ensemble. “The group of girls running for queen this year are absolutely great,” she said. “I hope I do Dance Ensemble proud.” A total of 12 nominees are running for queen. They are Ahearn, Lauren Hoover and Leslie Galando; Jessica Repovz, Dedra Totin and Emily Cernic; Megan Girimonti, Morgan Maloney and Tardio; Melody Barkhimer, Katie Sullivan and Sierra Lasko. - See more at: http://www.upj-advocate.com/features/2012/09/26/homecoming-music-lights-and-beauty/#sthash.9jyjhMqd.dpuf Former president of the Johnstown campus Frank H. Blackington III died June 19, 2012, in Duxbury, Mass. He was 84. Blackington served as the third president of Pitt-Johnstown, 1974-93, a period during which the campus experienced significant growth
Baccalaureate degree programs established during his tenure include secondary education programs in biology, chemistry, Earth and space science and general science; geology; chemistry; computer science; geography, and business economics. An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy also was established, as were certificate programs in business and international studies. Blackington also established the UPJ president’s scholars program. His tenure also saw the introduction of women’s intercollegiate athletics and the campus’s membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He oversaw the successful “Shaping a Future” capital campaign that raised more than $16 million; sponsored six major symposia, and established the Center for Technological Training of the Unemployed and the John P. and Joyce Murtha Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development. Blackington also was instrumental in the creation of the National Center for Excellence in Metalworking Technology, which evolved into today’s Concurrent Technologies Corp. Additionally, Pitt-Johnstown became a Regional Computer Resource Center during his tenure. During his time at UPJ, Blackington was involved in the community, serving on several local boards, and was a champion for the economic development of the region. Following the local flood of 1977, Blackington opened the campus to evacuees and relief workers. More than 400 community members were provided with temporary housing in the campus’s residential facilities and 540 volunteers and workers from relief organizations were provided with other accommodations. At the time of his retirement in December 1993, when asked to reflect on his accomplishments, Blackington said, “All I did was my job. Then I remind myself that it is important for people to have the opportunity to say this is a job eminently worth doing and I look at it as a celebration of the enterprise rather than the individual.” A native of Keene, New Hampshire, Blackington earned his bachelor’s degree in education at Keene State College, his master’s degree in education from Boston University and his PhD in education from Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean conflict and held the rank of sergeant major. After completing military service, he briefly served as director of publicity at Keene State, and then was appointed as head of the social studies department at Peterborough High School in New Hampshire. He also taught history and held appointments as head of the social studies department and assistant principal at Marshfield High School in Massachusetts. After earning his PhD in 1960, he joined the education faculty of Michigan State, later serving as director of its Honors College, where he remained until accepting the presidency of Pitt-Johnstown in 1974. Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar said, “The University is grateful for the excellent service of Dr. Blackington and for the enormous contribution he made to enhancing the quality and impact of Pitt-Johnstown and strengthening links between our University and the greater Johnstown community. Our campus, our community and our world are a better place because of the service of Dr. Blackington. Our hearts go out to his family.” Blackington is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosella; his daughter Deborah Blackington; his son Bradley Blackington; his grandchildren Courtney, Tyler, Brynne and Grace Blackington, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family suggests that contributions in Blackington’s memory be made to the Frank Blackington Memorial Fund for the Pilgrim Church of Duxbury Choir, P.O. Box 186, Duxbury, MA 02331, or to Snug Harbor Community Chorus, P.O. Box 945, Duxbury, MA 02331. —Peter Hart, via University Times Editors note: Below is from the Timeline of Events celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the founding to Pitt Johnstown in 2017. Notably absent is any mention of the Greek Housing and numerous other capitol projects that happened under Blackington's administration.
|
The MartletThe latest news from the house Archives
January 2023
Categories
All
|