Manhattan College - Manhattanite Yearbook (Riverdale, NY)

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Phi Kappa Fraternity is a national social fraternity of Catholic men chartered To promote social and intellectual intercourse among its members, to identify students and alumni more closely with their college, and to cultivate a spirit of loyalty to their Alma Mater. Phi Kappa is distinguished from other social fraternities in that it lays down as a first principle, the Fellowship of Faith. On the national level, Phi Kappa was founded in 1889, at Brown University. In the years that followed, chapter after chapter was added so that today Phi Kappa boasts thirty- seven chapters, two colonies and twenty-four alumni chap- ters. In all, 10,000 men have banded themselves together under the colors of purple, white and gold. PHI KAPPA Which one is Queeney? The beginnings of Phi Kappa fraternity on Manhattan's Ca pus can be traced back to 1947 with the formation of thi Manhattan College Collegiate Society by a confident grou of ten Engineering students. In 1948, upon the advice of t national organization, the group changed its designation Gamma Sigma Fraternity. Two years of zealous work c minated in the initiation of Gamma Sigma as Alpha E Chapter on May 25, 1950. Since that time the chapter h- increased both in prestige and in strength of numbers. I period of growing pains over, Phi Kappa has been definite established as one of Manhattan's foremost fraternities. One of the best known contributions to campus social Ii is the annual Phi Kappa Ball. This year, in order to acco modate the large crowd, the Ball was held at the Hot:

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OLPhi on October 28. This forum featured Brother Basil Leo and Doctor Howard Floan of the college faculty as guest speakers. Another event sponsored by the fraternity in keeping with one of its purposes as outlined in the constitution of furthering interest in the tradition of the American heritage was the folklore festival held in early March. This latter event is an annual affair. Cultural lectures held during the activity periods on Wednes- day afternoons were other events sponsored by the arts com- mittee of the fraternity, which was chaired by Walter Neff. Two very successful pledge periods were conducted during the year under the direction of Marty Ward and Paul Whaien, pledgemasters. Through these periods, some of the outstand- ing men on campus were inducted into the ranks of OLPhi. . . . and then, Paul . . . The Madhatters themselves. The reorganization and solidifying of the alumni body was also effected during the past year through the etTorts of George Mahoney, alumni president, and his committee. Con- tact with the campus body is maintained through close contact with Associate President Paul Diamond, liaison chairman Frank Flynn, and John Loughran. The social life of the fraternity brothers was furthered by a series of smokers and dances during the school year, and by beach parties and boat rides during the warmer months. The remainder of the otticers who so ably directed these activities during T955156 were: Dave Wixted, president; Jim Colligan, corresponding secretary; John Moran, treasurer; and Marty Kelly, sergeant-at-arms. 165

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Roosevelt. Under the chairmanship of Bob LaBlanc, the ball which was held on February 10, was a tremendous success. Two communion breakfasts, at the end of each pledge period, serve to keep the spirit of Catholicism which is an essential to Phi Kappa ever present in the hearts of the brothers. President Jim Daley has maintained an effective policy of strengthening the already existing bonds with the alumni. The Chapter news letter, which is appropriately called the Alpha Eta-torial has, under the leadership of Rog Evans, established an almost constant stream of correspondence with the alumni group. As a result a strong and active graduate force has been formed which is vitally interested in Manhattan and everything having to do with its welfare. B.M.O.C.? ? ? Learning about the pledges. Noon hour studying. Twice a year men are chosen from among the students on campus to pledge for Phi Kappa. Under the watchful eyes of pledgemasters Dick Esau for the fall pledge class and Bob Lawlor for the spring pledge class men have been chosen because of their outstanding moral, intellectual and extra- curricular fiber, and have been invested with the amethyst and pearl. This will in some way make up for the loss of graduating brothers who have labored for four years to make Phi Kappa a success. So as to promulgate and make permanent the religious and social bonds of friendship which exists among the under- graduates, and thus to foster a deeper appreciation of all that is Manhattan, three men of the Class of '18 banded together and founded the Alpha Chapter of Phi Rho Pi Fraternity. 167