University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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pin When it was announced that Playboy Magazine would be searching the University of Pittsburgh for models to feature in their April issue, Delta Zcta pledge “Leigh Ann Pratte” said no one from the sorority ever informed her that she could be “depledged” if she agreed to pose. Pratte, who is using a pseudonym to avoid excess phone calls from admirers, will face disciplinary charges at a Delta Zeta meeting this evening for the photographs appearing in the “Women of the Big East” issue of Playboy, featuring undergraduate women from Pitt as well as Syracuse, Villanova and other universities in the Big East conference. According to Pratte, she received a phone call Monday night from the president of her sorority, Maria Pekich, informing her that she was no longer a pledge of Delta Zeta. Pekich refuted the allegation, saying, “I informed her that we will be taking disciplinary action, but that is the meeting tomorrow. I told her she may no longer be a pledge [following the meeting]”. Pratte was instructed that the possibility of her being depledged was apparent, but that it would not be decided until a later meeting. Collegiate Chapter Director Robin Bcdwell explained that when news of Pratte’s posing surfaced, she contacted the Delta Zeta regional headquarters. At that time, Bedwell was instructed to take appropriate actions. “I can see if I would have worn my letters in the picture, or used my real name but I didn’t,” said Pratte. “Every time I did publicity, I never said anything about the sorority. Some people knew that I was in a sorority, but now everybody knows.” Pratte contends the pledges were not told that posing for the magazine could jeopardize their standing in the sorority. Delta Zeta Vice-President Pledge Trainer Andrea Mercurio explained, “At the first meeting [during the fall of 1989] the entire group of pledges were read our sorority’s code of regulations and each pledge understood that their actions represent the entire sorority.” Perkich would not quote the exact text that Pratte reportedly violated, citing the material as a “secrecy of the sorority.” Pratte said she was warned not to say anything “bad” to the media about the sorority or charges could be brought against her. Pekich again disputed Pratte’s allegations, “The word, charges, or legal whatever, was not brought up. I told her if slander was done there may be repercussions.” Pratte appeared on WTAE-TV’s Pittsburgh’s Talking where she talked about her experiences with Playboy with host Ann Devlin. When asked whether or not posing had had a bad effect on her life, Pratte revealed her sorority’s reaction. “If they had not called me,” Pratte said, “I would not have said a word about the sorority. Even though I knew they were upset [with her posing], I still wasn’t going to say anything [until Pekich’s phone call].” Bedwell said in a prepared statement that she was “disappointed” Pratte had talked to the media before the sorority had a chance to consult her about the disciplinary charges. By Erik Kridle and Scot Ross The Pitt News 68 Playboy

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Campus Safety Actions speak louder than words. So, Bill Brennan, the new director of Public Safety at the University of Pittsburgh, began his plan of action. At an awards ceremony for Campus Police Officers held in the Faculty Club in January, Brennan brought together campus police, city police, local businessmen, administration officials and students. After two weeks on the job, Brennan said he was beginning to form the “community partnerships” he has stressed as being crucial to preventing crime in Oakland. This is the main objective of Brennan’s plan for the Campus Police. “Without communications, barriers form between people of different organizations,” Brennan said. “When you bring peo- ple together in an informal set-ting, you break down the barriers.” Part of the ceremony involved the promotion of personnel who Brennan said were key to his success. Walter Walters was promoted to first assistant director; Janet Thomas was promoted to assistant director of administration; and Timothy Delaney was promoted to captain for field operations. Gary Moses will retain the title of assistant director of field services, but his duties will be expanded to include training plain clothes and detective units. Brennan also gave out commendations for good service. “We’re quick to criticize these people when they make a mistake,” Brennan said. “But often, we’re not so quick to recognize the good things they do. These people are uniformed professionals who are out there day after day, doing a very important job: protecting your life and property.” Brennan continued to stress the friendships he was trying to form with the community. “I want each and every one of you to look around this room,”he said. “We have a cross section of people here. Now, the name of the game is working together.” Bill Keller, president of the Oakland Business Civic Association, and owner of Dorothy’s Millinery on Forbes Avc., was optimistic about the new director. “I think he’s right on the nose,” Keller said. “In the final analysis, we’re all in this together.” by Lou Grieco The Pitt News Campus Police 67

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MEETS PLAYBOY Ann Marie Haggerty, of Villanova University, autographed copies of the Playboy Big East issue at Gus Miller’s Newsstand. Playboy 69