Manhattan College - Manhattanite Yearbook (Riverdale, NY)

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Organized in 1916, and established on the Manhattan campus in 1917, the notable founders of Phi Rho Pi were John Paul Sweeney, an attorney and former professor at Manhattan College; the Honorable Francis J. Mahoney, a State Senator in Albany; and the Reverend Leo M. Shea of'the Dominican Order. Their purpose at that time was to establish a fraternity which brings to its members an appreciation of their duties. toward God, toward life, toward their school, and toward their fellows. It is often pointed out that these men truly signified these principles, and they have wrought the tradi- tions and ideals of Phi Rho Pi for nearly forty years. PHI RHO Pl Lenihan, pledge or brother? A candidate for membership in Phi Rho Pi is first pledged for a six week period. During this period, his personal conduct. as a Catholic gentleman is observed and tested in every possible situation, his cooperation in supporting the fraternity's interests is noted, and he is iudged and Finally selected on the basis of personal liking and requirements established by the fraternity. Socially speaking, Phi Rho Pi conducts numerous social events during the pledge period so as to further acquaint the pros- pective pledges with the brothers. They include smokers and pledge entertainments, and the semi-annual Sweetheart Dance. After he has been accepted, the Induction Banquet and Social is his first get-together as a brother of Phi Rho Pi. The highlight of the social season in Phi Rho Pi is its Sweet- heart Dance at Glen Island, where the alumni and brothers

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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

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decide on the new Sweetheart of Phi Rho Pi. The Sweetheart is presented with on award symbolic of her title, and she reigns as Queen for the entire year. The Black and Orange comes to the fore in campus attairs when the annual Dixieland Jamboree comes to town. One of the most unique informal dances of its kind, the Dixieland this year was host to four hundred couples at the Bronx Winter Garden where New Orleans iazz came to New York in the person of Stan Rubin. Previously featured was the renowned Jimmy McPartland. In College affairs, Phi Rho Pi funds the Brother Benignus Medal in Philosophy which is presented annually on gradua- tion day. The Jasper Award in Baseball is sponsored by the Which one is the sweetheart? Brass gathers in front of libravy. Hold it! fraternity at the Block M Dinner. The Junius Kellogg Award Trophy, honoring the former Sub Praetor. of Phi Rho Pi, is presented jointly by the Alpha Chapter and the Beta Chapter at St. Francis College. The ten year trophy is presented to the winning team for one year, and the award is presented to the most valuable player of the game as selected by the New York sportswriters. This year has been known for its exceptional alumni associa- tions, and its many successful events. No event can compare, however, with the fraternity's annual Palm Sunday Mass and Communion Breakfast, in which the celebrant and servers were all alumni and brothers of Phi Rho Pi. It is the occasion when the men of Phi Rho Pi are truly united as brothers in the reception of the Holy Eucharist. 169