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.
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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.” Brandon Zeris, Copy Editor
September 28, 2011 Filed under Features Pitt-Johnstown’s Homecoming Weekend gave students multiple ways to celebrate. The weekend kicked off with a carnival Friday and Saturday in the Biddle Hall parking lot. Rides included a Ferris wheel, a giant slide and a carousel. At least one student, Cory Strittmatter, welcomed the carnival. “The carnival is a good thing, it doesn’t get much more legit than that,” he said. “You could go have a kegger in the woods, but this is a (relatively) dry campus, so you take what you can get.” Sherri Rae, Director of Student Life, said that the carnival was better than a concert. “A lot of people who are here for Homecoming are looking to visit with friends and socialize more than dedicate several hours to a concert in the Sports Center,” she said. People who would rather have a concert may get their wish in the future. “We may revisit the concert idea, especially if we could do a smaller, more casual setting, like a lawn show or tent, but we wanted to give the carnival rides one more try as well since we have a larger variety of rides coming this year that may have more appeal.” Friday’s events concluded with a fireworks show choreographed to music provided by Zambelli Fireworks, which has been featured on the Discovery Channel show Mythbusters. The Homecoming parade began at 11 a.m. Saturday where the theme, “Broadway,” was apparent. With a perceived lack of student involvement in choosing the theme, Rae said students, faculty and staff were able to make suggestions about the theme. “We took those suggestions this summer and did a survey via Facebook, for current students, and the LinkedIn alumni group to vote on the possible choices.” She added, “We had 115 people respond to the survey, and it was a close call: the second choice was ‘superheroes,’ so we’ll add that second choice as an option next year again.” Rae said a campus- wide vote, much like the one used to select Homecoming Queen, remains a possibility for the future. The parade traveled from Richland Cinemas to Blackington Hall, where floats were on display. The first place float award went to the American Society of Civil Engineers with their “South Pacific” theme. Shortly after, Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar named Lauren Dziagwa, a senior civil engineering technology major, the 2011 Homecoming Queen. She was sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. ASCE girls have made winning Homecoming Queen a regular occurrence and Dziagwa wanted to continue the streak. “It feels good. Our girls won the last two years, so I felt like it was my job to win,” she said. Natalie Aikens, a senior biology major, sponsored by Pitt-Johnstown Cheerleaders, was named first runner-up. Leah Sporio, a senior humanities major, sponsored by Delta Chi and the Black Action Society was named second runner-up. Later, Dave Willey, Delta Chi, held a show in which he used laws of physics and humor to wow the crowd for an hour with his stunts. Willey has showcased his talents on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno among other television shows. His final stunt yielded a loud applause from the crowd. Willey, who laid on a bed of nails, had a smaller platform of nails resting on his stomach with a cinder block on top. His assistant crushed the block with a sledgehammer, doing no harm to Willey. Afterwards, the Pitt-Johnstown Zoo was on display in the Cambria Room. A leopard, scorpion and a king toad were shown, among other animals. The weekend wrapped up with a birthday party for former Pitt-Johnstown Dean of Student Life, Lowell Shaffer. - See more at: http://www.upj-advocate.com/features/2011/09/28/homecoming-a-medley-of-happenings/#sthash.pJ02rKsp.dpuf A UPJ instructor will hit the national airwaves over the weekend. David Willey, who teaches physics, (and a Delta Chi brother) was featured in a multi-segment science show on the National Geographic Channel. Beyond Bizarre and Indestructible premiered back-to-back Sunday night. The show will be repeated at 8 and 11 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, and at 1 p.m. Sunday, December 13.
In July 1998, Mr. Willey earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for distance fire walking.
Article originally posted on ABC23 WATM. David Willey, Delta Chi, physics instructor at the Johnstown campus, has received the 2005-2006 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award was presented at the UPJ commencement ceremony on May 6.
According to UPJ President Albert Etheridge, “Dave approaches his teaching with an uncommon passion for the students to learn and for them to understand the principles of physics. He instills students with an unfulfilled desire to know more and to understand more.” Willey’s student evaluations are filled with praise for his teaching, Etheridge added. “He challenges his students to craft their scientific inquiries carefully, to think critically and to formulate nontraditional approaches to problem solving. Through open dialogue and an insistence for excellence, he consistently prepares students to think and solve problems in different ways.” Willey might be best known as a frequent guest on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” Etheridge said. “He has wowed audiences with his demonstrations of physics. Through his appearances on ‘The Tonight Show,’ Dave is reaching millions with his message of the importance of science and its application in everyday life. His devotion to physics and, more importantly, his ability to inculcate students with a love and appreciation for science has won the admiration of colleagues from across the region and beyond. As a teacher, colleague and role model, [Dave] is regarded as intellectually spirited, challenging and enthusiastic.” Willey earned his B.S. from Aston University, U.K., a certificate in education from Birmingham University, U.K., and an M.S. from Ohio State University. He joined the Pitt-Johnstown faculty in 1975. In 1990 he received the Dr. Ed Vizzini Teacher of the Year award. via University Times Family-oriented informal classes, performances and field trips highlight a weekend getaway this summer at Pitt's Johnstown campus June 23 – 27.
Guests will stay at the UPJ Living/Learning Center. Located in a wooded setting, the center includes on-site cafeteria, exercise room, recreation lounge, sauna and laundry facilities. Each room has a private bath, telephone, microwave and refrigerator. Optional activities include performances by Johnstown Professor Dave Willey, Delta Chi, also known as the Mad Scientist, who has appeared on The Tonight Show; a re-enactment of infantry tactics of the Civil War; an exotic reptile and amphibian collection display, and star-gazing under the direction of Johnstown astronomy instructor Steve Lindberg. Fieldtrips include jaunts to off-campus sites such as Idlewild Park. For more information, call 1-800/875-5958. Last week, state Sen. John Wozniak, D- Johnstown, Delta Chi, convinced the Senate appropriations committee to delay the University's state funding request for next year until Pitt addresses the Johnstown campus's chronic budget problems.
This morning, Wozniak is scheduled to meet here with Chancellor Mark Nordenberg to continue discussions they began earlier this month about UPJ. Both men called their earlier talks "constructive." Both said they are confident about working out a compromise to ease UPJ's budget crunch and end the delay in legislative consideration of Pitt's request for a $164.5 million state appropriation for the fiscal year that begins July 1. "I have always found Sen. Wozniak to be a reasonable person who cares deeply about the Johnstown campus," Nordenberg said. "When we last met, we had very constructive conversations focusing on the means by which lingering issues could be fairly and expeditiously resolved. I would expect us to continue on that path." Wozniak, a UPJ alumnus, said: "For the last 49 years, the main campus has been saying to the Johnstown campus: 'I hear ya. I understand your problems.' But it never came to anything." In recent years, he said, the campus has been forced to take $1 million annually from its auxiliary budget to cover salaries and classroom expenses. "You should never cross that line" between the auxiliary budget and educational and general expenses, Wozniak said. On the positive side, Pitt recently agreed to pay $600,000 in debt service on UPJ construction and to wire Johnstown residence halls for Internet access, Wozniak noted. "It's a two-way street," he said. "Pitt needs to help eliminate UPJ's indebtedness, and UPJ has to do its part by reviewing its curriculum and doing the long-range planning that Pitt's other campuses have been doing." Unlike Pittsburgh campus schools and the University's three other regional campuses, UPJ has not yet submitted to the Provost's office a long-range plan setting goals and priorities based on existing funding. Nor has UPJ thoroughly reviewed its curriculum since 1972. But UPJ began making up for lost time this month. A 13-member strategic planning steering committee held its first meeting April 21. The committee has been assigned to design a planning process for the campus, identify priorities, and propose actions and tactics. UPJ President Albert Etheridge, who chairs the steering committee, wrote to Johnstown faculty last week: "Developing a new plan for our college is an exciting opportunity. Your ideas and thoughts concerning this important process are always welcome." "It looks like a pretty good committee," said Johnstown English professor David F. Ward, who helped organize the Committee to Save UPJ last fall. The group has been pleading UPJ's case for more funds to state lawmakers and through the news media. "By fall, we [Johnstown faculty] hope to have a solid outline of a plan and a good idea of where we want to go, academically and financially," said Ward, who is not a member of the steering committee. Provost James Maher, asked whether UPJ can expect an increase in University funds, said: "It's premature to say there's going to be more money when the plans haven't been either formulated or reviewed. "What is true," Maher added, "is that when we decided to wire the residence halls here [on the Pittsburgh campus] for the Internet, we simultaneously asked each of the regional campuses to review their needs for Internet access. Some of them wanted to put their share of the money into public labs. Johnstown took some time to decide what it wanted, but recently — and by 'recently,' I mean within the last couple of weeks — Johnstown brought us a plan stating that they would like to wire their residence halls. That project should go forward rather quickly." Delaying consideration of a university's funding bill is a common tactic for state legislators, said Ann Dykstra, Pitt director of Commonwealth Relations. Last year, for example, Sen. William Slocum, R-Warren, temporarily put Pitt's appropriation on hold to protest the fact that two Pitt law professors helped an environmental group block the sale of timber in the Allegheny National Forest. The forest is in Slocum's district. Currently, Temple University's budget request is on hold while lawmakers study last year's merger between Temple and the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. The latter used to get a separate funding allocation from the state. "At this point in the [budget-making] process, it's not that big of a deal that our funding bill is on hold, especially considering the positive discussions going on between the chancellor and Sen. Wozniak," Dykstra said. The state House and Senate are aiming to agree on a proposed budget for Gov. Ridge's consideration by the week of May 10, Dykstra said. House and Senate leaders, together with governor's office staff, are negotiating a compromise between the House's $18.9 billion budget bill and the Senate's $18.6 billion proposal, which is closer to what Ridge proposed in February. All three proposals recommend increasing Pitt's state funding by almost $4 million to $162.2 million next year. The University has requested $164.5 million plus one-time appropriations of $2.5 million for advanced research and $1.5 million for programs to prepare Pitt students for the 21st century economy. Nordenberg and Dykstra said Pitt will continue to lobby for more than the 2.5 percent increase proposed by the House, Senate and Gov. Ridge. "The process of crafting a final budget is still underway, and it will be a couple of weeks before we'll know better how that is unfolding," the chancellor said. "Obviously, we hope for more than the governor recommended." –Bruce Steele, via University Times |
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