Stephen F Austin State University - Stone Fort Yearbook (Nacogdoches, TX)

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Greeks undergo change First ever dry rush Written by: Cindy Barnes Reported by: Lisa Santinoceto In the Fall of 1986, the Greek fraternity system underwent a major change - the decision to ban alcohol from rush parties. With the enforcement of the new drinking age of 21, on September 1, 1986, the fraterni- ties were forced to make some decisions about the format of rush parties. We had to take into account that the ma- jority of prospective members that go through rush are under the legal drinking age limit, Sean Guerre, Nacogdoches junior and presi- dent of the Interfraternity Council, said. In the Spring of 1985, the Interfraternity Council voted unanimously to have a completely dry fraternity rush. No alcohol was allowed to be served at any of the rush parties. In addition, prospective members were not allowed to consume alcohol at any time while participating in rush. Rushees favored the dry rush, according to Guerre, because it allowed them to acquaint themselves with each fraternity and to thoroughly examine the purpose and goals of each one. You were able to see the real fraternity, David Larza, Spring junior, said. Everyone was straightforward and more organized. According to Guerre, there were men who went through wet rush and didn ' t pledge because they saw nothing they were interest- ed in. They then tried going through dry rush and found that the fraternity system had made a good impression on them. Trenton Davis, Houston senior, said, You found the ability to move around and meet more people - to get to know the real person, without getting drunk. Before, people could come and go as they pleased without much organization, Guerre said. Rush was extremely structured, with set meeting times for each fraternity which enabled the prospective members to get a full view of the Greek system. Fraternities promote close lifetime friend- ships that are maintained after college and teach its members leadership through exper- iences of working with others on common goals. The Greeks here at Stephen F. Austin found that this can be done without the use of alcohol. i K I Pike fraternity members and rushees gathered together during the first ever dry rush at SFA. Drenun Bull During dry rush activities, participants had to find other ways of entertain- ing themselves. 18 - L Rush

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SFA ' s 12th annual Parents Day The theme of SFA ' s 12th annual Parents Day was, A Texas Tradition. Highlighting the day was the season ' s third consecutive Lumberjack victory, a win over Lamar University 38-25. Parents were welcomed to the Uni- versity by President Johnson, Dr. Pattillo, and Mr. Larry Jackson. Speeches concerning changes on the campus were given. After the University welcome, parents were encouraged to tour the buildings on campus and listen to lec- tures given in several departments. Receptions were later held in the various resident halls. Riders in the Sky, a musical trio from Nashville, performed for parents and students in Turner Auditorium. The trio also did several comedy acts to keep the audience laughing. RHA ' s annual Parents Day BBQ was held in the SFA Coliseum. Fol- lowing the BBQ, 15,100 fans cheered the Jacks on to a victory in the newly renamed Homer Bryce Stadium. The final event of the day was a street dance held in front of Steen Hall after the football game. : x.: frr.-. to ! Km J Janet Bartsch Janet Bartsch A standing room only crowd of 15,100 fans cheered the Jacks on to a vie- Several fans took advantage of the. hillside view at Homer Bryce Stadium tory over Lamar. for the Lumberjack football game. I Janet Bartsch Quarterback Todd Whitten takes a time out to discuss the next play of action. Parents Day - 1 7

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Frats remember wall By: Lisa Santinoceto Along standing tradition among SFA fraternity members was broken due to the dedication of the Stephen Fuller Austin statue. The long time tradition among fraternity me mbers was their connection with the fraternity walls . The fraternity walls were located in between the education and business buildings, a location which is now oc- cupied by the statue. Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Tau Gamma and Theta Chi members were forced to relocate their meeting places to other areas around campus. Many of the members gath- ered at the walls before class to meet with other brothers in their fraternity. After learning about the wall situ- ation, many fraternity members had mixed feelings. I was mad at first because the wall has been a fraternity tradition for many years, said Robert Lagon, Phi Delta Theta member. However, according to Kyle Moss, an Alpha Tau Omega member, I was very excited, I feel the statue adds a whole new feeling to the campus. The tradition of the fraternity walls represented not only a meeting place but also represented a sense of unity and togetherness among friends. It ' s a place to mix and min- gle, gather important test information, and meet with the brothers, said Lee Kemick, member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Students tended to gather at the walls before morning and afternoon classes to socialize and spend time with friends. One could walk by the walls and observe students with Greek letters on, girls talking to boys, or students just killing time between classes. When members were asked about their feelings toward the statue, many felt that the statue would in fact enhance the atmosphere of the campus and would also be a nice and attractive place to gather and socialize with friends and brothers. Mark Hollingsworth, member of Phi Delta Theta, felt the wall affected his fraternity by enhancing brotherhood since members were able to visit with each other on a daily basis. Futhermore, when asked where they would rebuild the wall , if giv- en permission, Keith Stulb, member of Alpha Tau Omega suggested, I would extend the wall from the library to the statue and have the wall along the walkway. Although plans are not being made about the rebuilding of the wall , it seems fraternity members are adjust- ing well to their relocation. Fraternity members gather around the old loca- tion of the wall . Standing behind the credit wall , fraternity members recollect old memories of times spent at the wall ' (irnii Pulli-.rson The wall - 19