Alpha Star - Fall 2008

University of California, Berkeley

Fall 2008

Productive Summer: New Fire Escape Installed By Robbie LaBare, House Manager

As the new semester progresses, we have many new and exciting improvements scheduled for our house, and others have already been completed. The lengthy installation of our new state-of-the-art fire escape is has drawn to a close, and prompted us to begin further plans to totally re-do the rest of the backyard area. We've decided to replace the old fence between Cal Alpha and Beta Theta Pi, and construction is already underway. The options for replacing for our rear deck has roused an ongoing discussion within the house, but we currently plan to put in a hottub-level patio with a central fire pit. Many thanks to Terry Maiken, our Housing Corp Secretary, who donated $500 to jumpstart fundraising for the next stage of improvements. Periodically over the semester, the men of Cal Alpha will meet for work-days designed to maintain the neat and tidy condition of our house, as well as to work on any minor projects as they come. We appreciate the help of the Cal Alpha Board of Directors as well as Up to code: new fire escape installed over summer every alumnus for helping us maintain and vastly improves safety for brothers living in the house improve the house we live in. Thank you to everyone, and please consider making a donation to the Cal Alpha Building Fund to help us in our efforts to leave the house even better than when we joined it.

Tying the Knot By Konrad Knusel

This past summer, twenty California Alpha brothers attended the wedding of Chris and Erika Ithurburn on a sunny Saturday in July. The ceremony occurred in Berkeley's Newman Hall, and the reception took place at Bancroft Hotel, four blocks away. After having witnessed Chris and Erika's Continued inside!

2726 Channing Way • Berkeley • California • 510-540-9036 • www.calphidelts.org Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Current Officers 510-540-9036 President David Ginsberg #1310 Vice President Adam Woo #1313 Alumni Secretary Brian Wantz #1336 Treasurer Charlie Litchfield #1320 Secretary Fernando Altamirano #1333 House Manager Robbie LaBare #1317

California Alpha Association Board of Directors President Dennis Sidbury #1150 415-902-5834 Vice President Adam Garfinkle #1203 Secretary Terry Maiken #1060 Treasurer King Tuck #860 Chapter Advisor Evan Basakis #1301

Directors Rodney Pimentel #1050 #1191 Derek Molnar Greg Byard #1178 Decker Flynn #1139 David Ginsberg #1310

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Wedding, continued relationship progress over the course of several years, the brothers were proud and elated to share in the couple's special moment. After attending the wedding ceremony, the brothers enjoyed the reception (and the reception's open wine and beer bar) to their hearts' content. Arthur Agag, Chris' little brother in the house, says of the reception, "It was really fun and we danced the night away…the moon couldn't stop us." The California Alpha brothers know Chris and Erika will live a life of happiness and prosperity together, due to Chris' adventurous nature and Erika's relaxed sense of humor. We wish them the best of luck. Yours in the Bond, Konrad Knusel, #1309

President’s Report Another semester passes and the California Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta just keeps improving. With five more outstanding men choosing Phi Delt as their fraternity of choice, the house’s future has never looked brighter. Chadd Hollowed led the recruitment process and successfully extended the Bond to an amazing 1337. During their pledge semester they bettered the house by repainting and adding non-slip grip to the house’s basement stairs. Since crossing Phi Delta Theta’s letters, these new members have shown themselves to be major assets to the house by taking up officer positions, putting together Cal football gamedays, and managing the house’s event information. I have the utmost faith that these gentlemen will transmit the fraternity better than when they entered in Spring of 2008. Some significant changes occurred in the house over the past semester and summer, most notably the addition of a more secure and up-to-date fire escape to the back end of the house. Large thanks go out from California Alpha to the housing corporation and the Alumni who contributed to project. The complex and expensive project was no easy undertaking, but the house is now a much safer place for Phi Delta Theta brothers to live. We must also thank our neighbors to the East, Beta Theta Pi, for their amazing compliance with contractors, construction crews, and the City of Berkeley. California Alpha has also seen a renewed pledge to maintain the physical cleanliness of the chapter house. Through the hands-

Newlyweds: Chris and Erika take a stroll down College Ave. on work of brothers, our House manager Robbie LaBare (#1317), and our Chapter Advisor Adam Garfinkle, as well as the financial backing of our Housing Corporation, the Phi Delt Chapter house is becoming a much safer and cleaner place to live. Our house also made large steps in its philanthropy work by taking the Spring Music Festival for ALS to a larger San Francisco venue. With the coordination of busses, the Verdi Club, and brothers of Phi Delta Theta, the event garnered much more participants and donations than before in the past. Overall the night was a huge success we hope to duplicate from and build upon in the future. Overall, Phi Delta Theta is once again growing to be one of Cal’s best, brightest, and largest fraternities on campus. We hope to continue this trend in the future and make Phi Delt the premiere fraternity for people of all interest. Yours in the Bond, David Ginsberg, #1310

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Founders’ Day: Links, Good Food and Brotherhood On Saturday, April 26, 2008, active brothers and alumni alike came together to celebrate Founder’s Day at Tilden Golf Course in Berkeley. Sunny skies, pleasant conversations, delicious food, and, of course, 18 scenic holes of golf ensured that this annual commemoration of the founding of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity was clearly one to remember. The quality of the golf in the morning was only matched by the festivities back at the clubhouse in the afternoon. Virtually all of the actives and numerous alumni were present, including most of the Housin g Cor por ation Board. Additionally, pins and certificates were distributed to the 2007 Legionnaires who attended: #579 Joseph A. Woods, Jr. (65-Year Legionnaire), #779 Herbert M. Kennedy (55-Year Legionnaire), #860 William “King” Tuck (50-Year Golden Legionnaire), #1030 Andrew M. Roberts (25-Year Silver Legionnaire), and #1050 Rodney S. Pimentel (25-Year SilFestivities: Brothers and alumni celebrate Founders’ Day at Tilden Park ver Legionnaire). But of course, in return the Legionnaires had to entertain the audience with a true Phi Delt story. And disappoint they didn’t. Our Founder’s Day Celebration always takes place on the last Saturday in April, so mark your calendars for a surefire good time on April 25, 2009. We hope to see you there! Yours in the Bond, Kevin Amirehsani, #1318

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Alumni Events 2008 Home Football Schedule Date 8/30 9/27 9/04 10/25 11/01 11/22 12/06

Time 5:00 PM 3:00 PM 12:30 PM 12:30 PM 12:30 PM 12:30 PM TBA

Opponent MSU, W 38-31 CSU, W 42-7 ASU, W 24-14 UCLA, W 41-20 Oregon Stanford Washington

The 2008 Cal football season has begun and, as usual, we will be having gameday BBQs at the Chapter House at 2726 Channing Way before and after every home football game. If you and your families will be in Berkeley to attend any of the six Cal home games, I invite you to stop by the House for some food and soft drinks before heading up to the stadium. This is also a great chance to see your fellow alumni and to meet our current members.

This year’s Duck Dinner will be held in the Great4 Hall at the Faculty Club on Thursday, November 20th at 7:00PM. As usual, many members plan to meet at Henry’s at 5:00 before heading over. Mark your calendars! Please call or email your RSVP and meal preference AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Phone number is 805-216-5272, and the email is [email protected]. Meal choices are steak, fish and of course duck. We will hopefully also have our “Active vs. Alumni” softball game the next day, Friday, November 21st. Make sure to stop by and test your softball skills after Duck Dinner and the day before The Big Game at noon. Yours in the Bond, Brian Wantz Alumni Secretary

A Few Hot Days in Oxford at the Emerging Leaders Institute This summer in Oxford, Ohio, members from Phi Delta Theta chapters across the continent came together at the Phi Delta Theta Emerging Leaders Institute. This meeting is held every summer to promote unity across chapters and to reinforce the principles of the fraternity. This year, our chapter sent me. After arriving in Oxford we all rushed to the first event, a dinner at which Cal Alpha received the Gold Star, GHQ Award and Community Service Citation. We listened actively at the lectures and participated in the smaller group discussions. Each of the three full days had a focus. The first day's pillar was ritual and was headlined by a model initiation. The second day taught the us about successful recruitment tactics. Throughout each day the young leaders met with their groups and discussed the triumphs and shortcomings of their respective chapters with respect to the day's topic. The third day reinforced the moral and legal dangers of hazing. The three R's: Ritual, Recruitment, and Risk Management. The conference culminated with a moving story of a young man whose Greek experience ended tragically; everyone was visibly affected by Sparky's story. I definitely returned this semester with an even better attitude and more zeal than before. The experience gives a clear new perspective on the fraternity, and I will be encouraging brothers in the future to attend the Emerging Leaders Institute. Yours in the Bond, Brian Wantz #1336

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2008 DUCK DINNER

Thursday, November 20

The annual Duck Dinner will once again be held at the Faculty Club. Last year we had a great turnout and this year we are again trying to break 100 guests, so please make an effort to come on out and see your brothers! The evening begins at Henry’s at 5:00 followed by Beverage Service at 6:30 at the Faculty Club. The evening finishes off with Duck Dinner at 7:00 in the Great Hall. The Brothers of Phi Delta Theta would be pleased to have you as our guests. Please return the form below by November 10th or contact Brian Wantz at 805-216-5272 or at [email protected]. The BEST way to RSVP is by phone or email.

YES, I would like to attend Duck Dinner. Name: Please Select an entrée: Roast Duck

N. Y. Steak

Fish

Yes! I would like to make a lasting commitment to the Brothers of Phi Delta Theta, Cal Alpha! Please accept my contribution of: $500

$200

$100

Other $_______

Please make your check payable to the California Alpha Association, with a memo entry of “Building Fund” and mail to California Alpha at P.O. Box 4338, Berkeley, CA 94704. Thank you for your generous support.

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House Furnishings — Got Junk? The Chapter House is constantly in need of new supplies and we graciously accept donations of furniture and other equipment in working condition. We are continually trying to improve the appearance of the house and would gladly accept any donations. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Brian Wantz at 805-216-5272 or at [email protected]. We could use the following items: Tools/Hardware Kitchenware Cleaning Supplies

Lost Phi Delts PLEASE HELP US LOCATE THE FOLLOWING PHIS. IF YOU KNOW THEIR STATUS OR CURRENT ADDRESS, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO [email protected]. 213 Mr. William J. Wood

749 Mr. Richard N. Peterson

970 Mr. Dennis J. Fitzgerald

299 Mr. Michael E. Rakestraw

754 Mr. Warren B. Richards

976 Mr. Richard L. Armstrong

408 Mr. Walter L. Mathews

757 Mr. Robert A. Smith

977 Mr. Carl A. Northcraft

409 Mr. Richard O. Devine

779 Mr. David A. Rose

1001 Mr. William P. Leary

501 Mr. Douglas M. Leale

792 Mr. David K. Brown

1002 Mr. Mark R. Thorp

512 Mr. Laurin F. Tolman

800 Mr. Curtis K. Townsend

1042 Mr. Matt E. Clark

520 Mr. George W. Shipley

801 Mr. Robert M. Watkins

1068 Mr. Timothy E. Salter

536 Mr. Charles H. Coyle Jr.

818 Mr. Donald B. Shea

1070 Mr. Stephen D. Machado

540 Mr. Edmund R. Sewell

829 Mr. Donald M. Howard

1075 Mr. Mark D. Fowler

541 Mr. James E. Hug

832 Mr. James D. Rhoades

1079 Mr. Bradley W. Coburn

553 Mr. Richard W. Steere

839 Mr. Laurence D. Oliveri

1085 Mr. James W. Fannin

566 Mr. Richard E. Baum

868 Mr. John B. Nance

1086 Mr. James M. Hirst

627 Mr. Jack D. Griffith

890 Mr. Richard B. Griffin

1092 Mr. Dennis G. Lee

632 Mr. Richard C. Apman

892 Mr. James J. Kennington

1115 Mr. Eric C. Hoffmann

645 Mr. Henry A. Kinnison Jr.

896 Mr. Mark C. Covington

1125 Mr. Jeffrey T Han

648 Mr. Marion E. Willson

897 Mr. William E. Dempsey

1128 Mr. Lasse B. Kjelsaas

649 Mr. Gordon W. Nelson

902 Mr. Thomas J. Seed

1132 Mr. Frank R R. Avenilla

651 Mr. Warren E. Davis

918 Mr. Jeffrey M. Brennan

1134 Mr. Felix A. Torres

652 Mr. Roger H. Ransom

946 Mr. James E. Richards

1142 Mr. Christopher S. Brown

661 Mr. Richard W. Henley

954 Mr. Joseph A. Wharton

1144 Mr. Lee S. Roberts

667 Mr. George A. Leatherman Jr.

957 Mr. Richard A. Potts

1149 Mr. Vladimir Douhovnikoff

669 Mr. George W. Smith

958 Mr. John Wisnom IV

1161 Mr. Jason M. Redd

673 Mr. Jack R. Howell

959 Mr. Alan C. Doscher

1164 Mr. Philip S Mah

691 Mr. Ben E. Foster

960 Mr. Steven C. Morrell

1189 Mr. Manuel R. Lozano

698 Mr. Burks L. Hamner III

964 Mr. Clayton T. Rowley

1200 Mr. Jason Shuster

706 Mr. Robert N. Whitehead

965 Mr. Craig S. Nelson

1201 Mr. Alex B. Szeto

710 Mr. Ruben L. Navarro

966 Mr. Michael P. Schelp

1219 Mr. Clayton A. Everline

721 Mr. James R. Payne

968 Mr. H. D. Roebuck

1233 Mr. Nicholas Cravalho

736 Mr. Nathaniel M. Ball

969 Mr. Robert L. Johnson Jr.

1234 Mr. Neil H. Ogimachi 1254 Mr. Ryan Carney

We very much appreciate the feedback we receive regarding lost Phi Delts. If you sent in updates, please be sure that we received them. If you have provided information on a brother who continues to appear on this list, it means the information that was provided is either the same information we already have as their most recent address which is no longer valid or that we confirmed that the new information provided is out of date. Thank you.

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Please look closely at all the names. The list gets smaller every year. Let’s make sure every Phi is found.

Let’s Go Camping! A Brotherhood Chair Update Brotherhood is defined as an association of men united for common purposes. As Brotherhood Chair of California Alpha, I believe, we as Brothers, embrace this ideal wholeheartedly. One new way that we are promoting Brotherhood is through our first annual Brotherhood Camping Retreat. We will be making the trip over to Mount Diablo State Park where we will engage in numerous activities that will strengthen our bonds with each other. Other activities that I will be planning include: trips to Golden Gate Fields for race days with the thoroughbreds, Big Bro Little Bro sports days, trips to the city, and other exciting activities that get the Brothers energized about the Fraternity. With this revitalization of planning and execution, we can expect to usher in a new era of Brotherhood within the house. Yours in the Bond, Todd Andrich, Brotherhood Chair #1303

Poverty: Facing it Down in the Philippines This past summer I had the rare opportunity to spend six of my weeks in Manila, Philippines. Instead of pursuing internships or traveling elsewhere for vacation, I spent my time as a missionary in a small slum community with a host family. I have never seen poverty laid out in front of my eyes like that before. The shanty house I lived in was small, barely having enough room for the six members of my host family to sleep in. The exterior was made up of sheet metal and planks of wood. Some nights I would wake up to a crawling cockroach on my neck, but the thing that took the most getting used to was the lack of toilet paper and a flushing toilet. Instead of building churches and houses, I mainly devoted my time on building relationships with the people of the community and living daily life with them. Learning Tagalog, singing karaoke, trying new foods, and playing sports were some of the few things I did with my host family. From this trip, my eyes have been opened to the harsh reality some people face. I learned how poverty is a problem of love disguised as a problem of resources. Yours in the Bond Adam Woo, Vice President #1313

Another Semester, Another Fine Batch of Recruits The brothers of California’s Alpha chapter welcome nine new pledges this fall. Although recruitment was a lot of work, our newest members are a welcome addition to the house, and the end result was definitely worth all the stress. During rush week, we threw a hog roast, a game night, and several barbecues. The brothers also participated in ice blocking, a biannual pledge event that consists of sliding down Berkeley campus’ 4.0 hill on blocks of ice. The new pledges have already gotten involved with the chapter’s intramural softball, basketball, and soccer teams, bringing a fresh burst of youth and enthusiasm to practices and games. We are proud and excited to have such an accomplished batch of guys for our Fall 2008 pledge class. Yours in the Bond, Matt LaCoste, Recruitment Chair #1323

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8 New Website California Alpha's website, www.calphidelts.org, has been redesigned! If you have any suggestions for making the website better, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

What are you doing? Has something interesting happened to you in the past year? If so, please contact us and let your brothers know what’s new. We are always curious to learn about the various experiences or accomplishments of our fellow brothers. Please contact Brian Wantz at 805-216-5272 or [email protected]

PHI DELTA THETA

Speedster Jahvid Best hurdles over a fallen Arizona defender, racking up yet more yards on the ground for Cal

The SF Alumni Club holds a luncheon on the first Friday of every month . Lunch is served at the famous Schroeder’s Restaurant, which is located on 240 Front St. in downtown San Francisco. The lunch is informal and begins at noon. Alumni are encouraged to attend.

PO Box 4338 Berkeley, CA 94704

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