OMICRONICLE Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi H University of Alabama H Spring 2015
PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY OMICRON CHAPTER • THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA Founder’s Circle ($200,000 and above) In honor of Emmett O. Dendy ’46 C. Steve Trimmier Jr. ’63 William J. Barton Jr. ’68 Centennial Circle ($100,000 to $149,999) Anonymous Crossed Swords Circle ($50,000 to $99,999) Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Roman Shaul ’92 Steve Miller ’93 JD’s Grocery & Package Store Cicatiello Family Gift Black Diamond Society ($25,000 to $49,999) Emmett O. Dendy ’46 Joe C. Cassady ’47 Gene Cartledge ’48 Warren D. DeBardelaben Jr. ’56 Paul Wesch ’75 Gregory Richard ’81 Warren D. DeBardelaben III ’82 Randy Cimorelli ’83 Smith Family Gift John A. Smith ’85 Ron A. Smith ’85 John A. Greaves Jr. ’88 In honor of Kendrick Reaves ’87 Coby Orr ’89 In honor of his father, Coleman Orr Richard M. Faust ’91 Red Rose Society ($15,000 to $24,999) A.J. “Lonnie” Strickland III ’70 Robert A. Argo III ’72 William T. Bishop Jr. ’74 Nathan Hightower ’75 Cengiz “Jim” Kilic, M.D. ’77 In memory of Jeffrey Michael Kilic and David Tansan Kilic
Skip Steed III ’77 Bridgeport South Realty Advisors, Inc. Felix D. Fudge ’81 David DeBardelaben ’84 David J. Sharpe ’84 Jeffrey D. Wiggins ’85 Bradley N. Ray ’90 Omicron Society ($10,000 to $14,999) Darryl Robinson, Alpha Eta ’87 George E. Aiken Jr. ’47 E. Bruce Harrison Jr. ’51 James P. Phillips ’52 Dr. John E. Bennett ’63 Clarence “Whit” Callahan ’64 William M. Schroeder ’64 James M. Brown Jr. ’68 Harrington Family Gift Michael Harrington ’75 Christopher Harrington ’07 David L. Hinton ’75 C. Brightman Skinner Jr. ’76 Dr. J. Noble Anderson Jr. ’81 Malcolm Clynt Parrish ’82 Patrick W. Cogburn ’83 George V. Weston III ’83 Duffy Thaxton ’85 Gerald Jowers II ’90 White & Gold Club ($5,000 to $9,999) S.W. Jackson Jr. ’45 James W. Jackson ’48 James I. Owens ’52 William C. Taylor ’55 In memory of Robert Jeffares ’54 Robert M. Wilson Jr. ’57 John A. Elsevier ’63 Wayne P. Turner ’63 Larry J. Contri ’64 Jerry R. Truitt ’64 William M. Westbrook Jr. ’64 H.C. Bounds Jr. ’65 Richard S. Taylor ’65 Thomas E. Norton Jr. ’67 Laurence D. Vinson Jr. ’67
Tim Russell ’68 In honor of Kevin Russell ’95 Kenton Russell ’95 R. Waid Thompson ’69 Edwin V. Caldwell II ’74 In honor of Harry ’72, Bob ’72, and Bill Caldwell ’76 Michael D. Snow ’74 Jack E. Brunson ’75 James A. Robertson ’75 Champ Bowling ’76 In memory of Frank Fleming ’76 and Al Ware ’76 Thomas J. House ’75 James G. Madison III ’76 William L. Brunson, Jr. ’77 Joseph B. Martin Jr. ’80 In memory of Greg Frazier ’81 Sid Trant ’80 Ladson F. Montgomery ’81 Stewart Powell ’81 William Hampton Singleton ’82 Daniel E. Beggs ’84 Seth Chapman ’84 R. Stan Woodson ’84 Mark A. McBride ’87 Scott Hannon ’89 Mark Gelman ’90 Stan Snipes ’90 Chris Helgoth ’91 Brian Hydrick ’91 Brian Hubbard ’92 Bryan D. Edwards ’93 Thomas M. Hidell Jr. ’93 R. Ray Nettles, M.D. ’93 Cory Blake Edwards ’94 In memory of Alex H. Crotwell ’95 Daniel J. Weber ’95 W. Jason Whatley ’97 In memory of Clayton White Nick O. Wilmott ’97
1917 Club ($2,500 to $4,999) Robert L. Bowers Sr. ’47 Robert L. Shepherd ’53 In memory of Curtis Wright Barry N. McCrary ’58 Tom B. Vaughan Jr. ’60 Robert Frederick Inman ’62 In honor of Emmett Dendy’46 Hon. Thomas P. Stowe Jr. ’62 In memory of Jack Pate ’60 Justice Terry Lucas Butts ’63 In honor of Kells C. Carroll III ’91 Clinton E. Clark Jr. ’64 Lamar C. Kelly Jr. ’64 Ruben R. Montiel III ’64 Harvey Pesnell ’65 R. Glenn Eubanks ’68 Barry J. Brock ’72 Ray H. McLaughlin, DMD ’73 T. Brooks Henderson ’75 Leon B. Newman ’76 Mark F. Jacobs ’79 In honor of Landry Jacobs ’12 Lester Nelson III ’80 Dr. Harvey A. Sikes ’80 In memory of Mr. L. Don Norton John C. Boggan Jr. ’81 Keith D. Obert ’83 Mark D. Stenmark ’84 Bert A. Barr ’85 Mark T. Cotton ’85 James “Blue” Morrow ’85 John “J.B.” Blevins ’86 Steve Eaves ’86 J. Noel King ’86 Brian C. Neill ’86 Bryan Prewitt ’86 Thomas S. Sawyer ’86 Kendrick W. Reaves ’87 Jeffrey M. Cull ’88 Benjamin W. Dooley ’88 Chuck Eaton ’88
Drew Outzen ’88 In honor of Andrew H. Outzen Jr. Stephen G. Smith ’88 David R. Adams ’89 Daniel E. DiGuglielmo ’89 Christian Duhaime ’89 John Humphreys ’89 Thomas L. Joy ’89 Russell G. Hanley Jr. ’90 Daniel DeChellis ’91 Matthew P. Daley ’92 D. Brian O’Dell ’92 Charles D. Stinson ’93 Brandon S. Minor ’94 Tom Borton IV ’95 In memory of Alex Crotwell ’95 R. Clint Brown ’95 Brian D. Jennette ’95 C. Matt McNeese ’95 In memory of Alex H. Crotwell ’95 John W. Pfaudler Jr. ’95 In memory of Alex H. Crotwell ’95 David H. Richardson ’97 D. Todd Spivey ’97 Thomas Grimsley Jr. ’98 Andrew J. Milazzo ’02 David M. Wise ’02 Joseph B. McComick ’03 Tyler M. Chapman ’05 Matt Wisda ’05 In memory of Preston Parish Robert Hollingsworth ’07 Michael R. Foxhall ’08 In honor of Jake Peterson ’08 David A. Fowler Jr. ’10 Dash Zahringer ’11
NOTHING SHALL EVER TEAR US ASUNDER
Is Your Name on the Donor Plaque?
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hank you to those brothers who have contributed to the Building for the Next 100 Years campaign. Above is a mockup of the 3’ x 4’ donor plaque that will be prominently displayed in the new Chapter House living room. Is your name on the list? If not, submit your pledge card before the campaign ends on June 30.
All alumni contributing $2,500 or above will be recognized on the plaque. If your name is already listed, please review your listing and ensure everything is correct. We hope you will take advantage of this last opportunity to give back to Omicron.
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CAMPAIGN TO END JUNE 30 Final Chance to Make Your Mark on This Page in Omicron’s History
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he Omicron campaign created a new standard for fraternity houses at the University of Alabama. Thanks go to everybody who contributed financially and assisted otherwise. The campaign will close on June 30, 2015. This is your last chance to be a part of the magnificent fraternity house, which assures the long-term viability of Pi Kappa Phi at the University. Although we have raised more than $1.6 million, we needed to raise $2 million to ease the financial burden on the undergraduate chapter. We need whatever help you can provide, including urging participation by your contemporaries whose names are not shown on the plaque. Don’t hesitate any longer. Send your pledge or extend your pledge for another year. Every cent and every alumnus counts in these final days of the campaign. You still have time to pledge $2,500 or more so your name appears on the major donor plaque. Your children, grandchildren, and fraternity brothers will know that you played an important role in the building of the Chapter House. As the campaign comes to an end, the campaign committee is refocusing its efforts from fundraising to alumni participation. The brothers who participated in the Omicron campaign constitute the largest, most active alumni group in Omicron history. The campaign committee wants every campaign participant to receive membership in an Omicron alumni organization. We envision this group networking with graduates, organizing social events, and engaging and enhancing all alumni’s sense of belonging. Future graduates will become members of the Omicron alumni organization as a part of an annual graduation ritual. The Omicron Club focuses on operational matters related to owning the fraternity house, but this group is purely social. We contemplate minimum annual dues, satisfied by contributing to the University Pi Kappa Phi Building Fund. Recent graduates and Omicron campaign participants will be initially exempt from dues. If you have ideas or questions regarding the Omicron alumni organization, contact David Adams ’89 at rush1527@yahoo.com, who has assumed responsibility for organizing this effort. Submit a pledge today and join with your brothers in focusing on Omicron’s future. Fraternally, Emmett Dendy ’46 Honorary Campaign Chairman Steve Trimmier ’63 Campaign Committee Chairman
Visit uapikappaphi.com to donate today.
Campaign Status At-a-Glance As of April 3, 2015
Goal: $2 Million Total Committed: $1,665,358 Number of Contributors: 249 16% Participation
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Rocky Cicatiello ’96 Thankful for Pledge Class and Omicron Values
Update on Challenges Initiation Class Challenge for Band Room Naming Rights
Our new band room will be named for the initiation class pledging the largest amount. A large bronze plaque with each donor’s name and nickname will be permanently displayed in our new band room.
Competition Requirements:
1. Pledges previously used for naming rights cannot be used for the initiation class challenge. 2. Pledges are calculated by initiation year. For example, the fall 1978 pledge class (initiated in January 1979) is combined with the 1979 spring pledge class. 3. The winning initiation class pledge amount must exceed $120,000. The class currently in the lead is 1985 with $59,000 raised.
Class Challenge
Naming rights for three rooms will be awarded to three lucky initiation classes. The three winning initiation classes will be: 1. The initiation class with the highest participation rate of donors. Current leaders: 1964 (43%), 1963 (40%), 1962 (33%) 2. The initiation class with highest dollar amount donated after the campaign announcement in April 2013 (excluding funds used for other naming rights). Current leaders: 1974 with $25,825, 1984 with $25,279, and 1972 with $23,000. 3. The initiation class demonstrating best results in both participation and dollars raised (as determined by the campaign committee). Results will be calculated once all pledges have been turned in after the June 30 campaign end date.
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oming to the University of Alabama from Oregon, Rocky Cicatiello ’96 was in search of a place he could call home and friends he could call brothers. He found Omicron Chapter had a great mix of guys from all over the country and felt right at home. In Rocky’s pledge class, 42 guys were pinned but only 19 were initiated. Those 19 became an extremely tight bunch, going through many ups and downs together, and are still close today. As social chairman, Rocky enjoyed the varied social events of Omicron, especially the New Orleans formal. Rocky became close with his big brother, Willie Wareham ’95, who helped him through the homesickness and tough times, and would love to relive big brother night and eating at the City Café the next morning. In addition to a great group of friends, Omicron provided Rocky with lessons and experiences that have made him who he is today. “Growing up in a small town in Oregon, meeting guys from all over the country at Omicron allowed me to see different opinions and lifestyles. It was a real melting pot of guys, which helped me become a more well-rounded individual.” Rocky hopes today’s undergraduates are still learning to walk a mile in other’s shoes and see both perspectives. The social aspects of Omicron also taught Rocky many valuable lessons. “Omicron teaches you how to respect your elders and helps you remember there are roles in society you need to be aware of. Nothing is handed to you, so work hard. It’s up to you how much you get out of “It looks good to recruits and college and your family life.”
their families to see there are a lot of strong, successful alumni who have given. So give today, no matter how big or small.”
Rocky contributed to the campaign with a gift because he remembers the draw the Chapter House had on him as a freshman. “You are only as strong as the kids you get in there, so the better looking the house, the stronger the Chapter. Quality pledges are how you make Omicron last long term. It looks good to recruits and their families to see there are a lot of strong, successful alumni who have given. So give today, no matter how big or small.” Rocky and his wife, Jessica, and three children, Sydney (14), Ava (8), and Rocco (6), live very close to campus so they visit the new Omicron Chapter House often. He works at Liberty Recycling, his family’s business, in Tuscaloosa. Reach out to him via e-mail at tcicatiello@gmail.com.
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Where Does My Money Go?
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hank you for your continued support of our fraternity. The Chapter House was a huge financial commitment, but in the end I truly feel that we have the premier fraternity house at the University of Alabama. This was a very expensive project, but after much planning and support we were able to execute it and not spare any expense. Our cost for out-of-house membership is right in line with other fraternities on campus at around $3,700 per semester and in-house membership falls at $6,000 per semester. While those numbers may seem high at first, this is a bargain for students at UA. We provide hot meals during the week and cold meals on the weekends, as well as hot meals for game-day events and numerous social events. We are proud to say the cost to be a member of the fraternity and live in the house is still less expensive than living in a dorm with Alabama meal plans. This shows the misconception that only wealthy people can be in a fraternity is simply wrong! Fraternity membership is available to anyone. We aim to be good stewards of our money as an alumni group. The Omicron Club owns the house and through part of the membership bills we receive rent nine months a year to maintain the facilities. We try and keep six months in reserves in case something unexpected happens and we always try to hold our costs down as low as possible.
The Building for the Next 100 Years campaign has fostered brotherhood among brothers of all ages.
Now that we have built our final Chapter House we must maintain it. We have made a commitment as a Chapter to pay down the debt as quickly as possible so any surplus in funds and unexpected alumni contributions each year will be used to reduce our principal balance to zero. Again, thank you for the donations that you have already given or intend to give. Sincerely, David Hartley Richardson ’97 Treasurer The Omicron Club, Inc.
OMICRON CLUB BUDGET New House Budget Contract Price
$6,405,780
Costs Furnishings $175,000 Development costs fundraising $125,000 Related construction $70,000 Site development $848,000 Contingency $323,789 Architect/engineering fee $434,360 UA project management fee $114,714 Telecommunication and data $40,000 Security $20,000 Audio visual $65,000 Fees $8,000 Total project cost $8,629,643 Revenue: Sale of old house Omicron Club operating account Fundraising Total:
$1,759,400 $786,360 $1,500,000 $4,045,760
Net loan after fundraising
$4,583,883
Annual Operational Budget Revenue: House rent from brothers $405,000 ($45,000 per month 9 months) Expenses: Debt service $360,000 Property insurance $25,000 National contributions and support $3,000 Repairs and maintenance $10,000 Other incidentals $5,000 (Work weekends, OC meetings, etc.) Total annual expenses: $403,000 Estimated net surplus or deficit: $2,000 Please note: We have six months of cash reserves to operate.
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Omicron’s Presence Felt Nationally and at Alabama
he Omicron Chapter is making strides locally and adacemically this year. My goal as archon is to increase our presence not only on campus, but also at the national level. Through new movements in academics, volunteerism, and activities on campus, our fraternity is growing stronger than ever.
Omicron Introduces Study Hours
This semester, we have passed a new scholarship plan headed by our newly elected scholarship chairman, Preston Kreisler ’12. The purpose is to engage academically at-risk students through required study hours at our libraries on campus. Academic programs at Omicron have been almost non-existent in recent years. This is a huge step in the right direction for Omicron.
Philanthropy Events Keep Omicron Involved
Our philanthropy chairman, Michael Robertson ’12, has been keeping us busy with events impacting our community. Every month, we hold a party for the Best Buddies chapter of Tuscaloosa. Their recent Mardi Gras party was a huge hit and we look forward to having them back. We have cookouts planned with many sororities and fraternities across campus that will be posted on our Chapter website.
Send in Recruitment Recommendations
Recruitment is off to a great start. Cooper Page ’13, our vice archon, is still looking for brother recommendations and legacies. If you have a name for Cooper, please don’t hesitate to contact him at (601) 259-0499.
Focus on National Involvement
Nationally, I am looking for our presence to become greater. Last summer, Ben Douglas ’13, a sophomore, and I attended Pi Kapp College. This was a great experience to connect with brothers from across the country and learn from our leadership at the national organization. We have a few more brothers who have applied and will hopefully be attending the program this summer. In addition, the executive council attended Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers (aka Mid-Year) in January. We received three awards: Master Chapter in Communication, Master Chapter in Campus Involvement, and Retention Excellence Award. At Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers, I was awarded the David D. Morgan Extra Miles National Scholars Award and Jeff Back ’11, our chaplain, was awarded the status of certified ritualist. I have encouraged other brothers to apply for Pi Kappa Phi spring scholarships, which we should be hearing back from soon. Without alumni support and guidance, Omicron would not be where it is today. I welcome alumni to come drop by the house whenever you are in town. We always love to have y’all. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me. Fraternally, Parker Troutman ’12 Archon phtroutman@crimson.ua.edu (914) 539-5369
Omicron Chapter held a Mardi Gras event for Tuscaloosa’s Best Buddies program in February.
Chapter Officers
Strong Campus Involvement
Campus involvement has been a strong point for our members this year. Drew Bridges ’11 is finishing up his term as SGA vice president of external affairs and Thomas Mills ’14 is both a member of first year council and running for a senate seat in the Culverhouse Business School. We have a presence on IFC with Colin Bourland ’13 as a member of the judicial board. In the sports sector, Brother Michael Ahearn ’12 is a member of the Alabama hockey team, which is finishing up their season in Pelham, Alabama (the nearest skating rink to campus). In addition we have many brothers participating in honor societies, academic clubs, and other service organizations on campus.
Parker Troutman ’12, recipient of the David D. Morgan Extra Mile Scholars Award at Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers, with Dr. Tim Hebson, UA dean of students and the national chaplain of Pi Kappa Phi.
Chris Hopson ’11 taught a fourth grade class on entrepreneurship through the Junior Achievement program.
Archon Parker Troutman ’12 (914) 539-5369 phtroutman@ crimson.ua.edu
Historian Derek Vergata ’11
Vice Archon Cooper Page ’13
Warden Dan Back ’13
Treasurer Peter Winter ’12
Chapter Advisor Walt Dendy ’72 waltdendy@gmail.com (205) 242-5793
Secretary Drew Thomas ’13
Chaplain Jeff Back ’11
OMICRONICLE PI KAPPA PHI P.O. Box 1880 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Address Service Requested
ATTENTION: This newsletter is intended for alumni and parents. If your son is still attending the University of Alabama, he will receive a copy at the chapter house. If he has graduated, please mail us his new address to help update our records. Thank you.
CAMPAIGN ENDING JUNE 30. Is your name on the donor list?
Keep Up with Omicron Online
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Visit www.uapikappaphi.com for the latest on Omicron Chapter and to make a gift.
ALUMNI NEWS Charles A. Richard ’79 has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Richard serves as commander, Submarine Group TEN, in Kings Bay, Georgia, where he is responsible for the readiness, training, logistical, administrative, and personnel support of all U.S. ballistic missile and guided missile submarines in the Atlantic fleet.
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Twitter: @UA_PiKappaPhi
Alumni Facebook: Pi Kappa Phi-Omicron Your gifts have helped make the Omicron Chapter House the premier house at Alabama.