Sigma Zeta Alumni Association

The Sigma Zeta Colony of the Chi Phi Fraternity officially came into existence on May10,1989. It possessed an impressive list of accomplishments, and perhaps,more importantly, a great strength of friendship among the Brothers. The diligence and hard work applied by the Brothers in this period has served to strengthen the fraternity in meeting the challenges that the SUNY Albany campus puts forth.

The notion of building a new fraternity sprang up one day close to Thanksgiving 1988 over a phone conversation between schoolmates Jason Epstein, sophomore,and Wade Klein, junior, both of whom were dissatisfied with the current Greek system on campus, and were interested in the idea of bringing together young men of strong character, who shared the same beliefs and ideals.  Both of them had seen many of the local fraternity failings, and were thus anxious to create an entity that would build on the favorable aspects of what was currently being offered, while discarding the unproductive elements.Epstein had intimate knowledge of this through his initial pledging of another fraternity the previous spring.

 

Epstein and Klein proceeded to inform their friends about their idea for a new fraternity on campus, who in turn informed their friends. A chain reaction took place as Klein invited Steve Rhoads and Robert Pickus, whoin turn invited Richard Felsher, Jude Usera, and Brian Linett, and EvanLevy who in turn invited Morris Auster. Morris then invited his roommateMatthew Kirschenbaum, and this new entity on friendship had begun. In all,25 prospective members attended the first few meetings, which were heldin December and January. Epstein and Klein were elected President and Vice-Presidentrespectively, and an executive board was elected to represent and govern this infant group.

 

The spring semester saw fluctuations in membership and leadership. Epstein dedicated the majority of his presidency to working with, and developing stable working relations with the SUNY Albany Inter-fraternity Council(IFC), and communicating with several national fraternities who were interested in expanding to the Albany campus. Sophomore Evan Levy replaced Klein as Vice-President, and actively pursued planning activities to allow the new members to know each other more fully, and create a common bond.

As finals grew nearer, the omnipotent decision had to be reached as-to which national fraternity best represented our ideals, and would be able to grant us all the support we needed to grow and strengthen. After much discussion and debate, the Chi Phi Fraternity was the overwhelming choice, and colonization followed shortly thereafter. On May 10,1989, twenty SUNY Albany students were installed as the Alpha pledge class of the Sigma Zeta Colony of the Chi Phi Fraternity, as Brothers Jan Rusanovsky and Ed Thom of the Pi Zeta Chapter at SUNY Binghamton performed the ceremony and oversaw the oath that all Chi Phi pledges must take.

In order to cement the new relationship with Chi Phi, elections were called to fill an executive board based on the Fraternity¹s design.Freshman Brian Haberly was chosen to be the Alpha (President) and the Beta(Vice-President) position was won by freshman Morris (Moe) Auster. TheGamma (Secretary) role went to Michael Litvack, Delta (Treasurer) was AdamSiegal, Richard Felsher was elected Epsilon (Keeper of the Lodge), andthe Zeta (Historian) position went to Epstein.

Upon returning from the summer recess, the Sigma Zeta Colony began tofinally take shape as those unable to meet the challenge of becoming ChiPhi dropped, and a core group of members dedicated to working togetherfor the success of the Chi Phi Colony remained. At the meeting on October2, Levy became the Alpha as Auster remained the Beta.

The Sigma Zeta Alphas soon faced the challenge of becoming Chi Phi Brothers,an unenviable task, being that the colony also carried the burden of establishingthemselves as a viable organization on the SUNY Albany campus. And whilethe process of learning about the Chi Phi Fraternity progressed from weekto week, the structure and strength of the colony was gelling. Successfulcommunity service projects were undertaken, such as a raffle for the localarea homeless, a United Jewish Appeal charity bowling match, and a RedCross wine and cheese fund-raiser. An account was opened at a local bank,and $75 was agreed upon for local dues for, each semester. A constitutionwas drawn up and approved. Advertisements and a letter to the editor inthe Albany Student Press promoted our forthcoming rush schedule. Many membersactively participated in the campus intramural softball and volleyballleagues. As all this was going on, Levy devoted his strengths and talentsto negotiate with the IFC and the University on the subject of allowingfor the colony's inclusion in the Council. Pledges Felsher and Levy werealso very instrumental in the learning process, providing the leadershipand pneumonic devices necessary to aid their pledge brothers in learningChi Phi's abundant history in their quest for true Chi Phi Brotherhood.

The pledges also had the somewhat humorous task of designating theirown pledge names. The results were as follows: Moe "Beaver" Auster, Jason"Sphincter" Epstein, Richard "Godfather" Felscher, Matthew "Rowdy" Kirschenbaum,Wade "Fingers" Klein, Evan "Brainy Smurf" or "B.S." Levy, Ken "Cone" Liner,Brian "Salami", "Pastry", or "Pudding" Linett, Rob "Hormone" Pickus, Steve"Cicero" Rhodes, Jude "Troit" Usera.

The Alphas' journey on the path to Brotherhood culminated in a gruelingweekend that saw the eleven pledges travel to the Pi Zeta Chapter at SUNYBinghamton, where along with their Delta pledge class, they traveled tothe Xi Chapter at Cornell University. Finally, in the early morning hoursof November 12, 1989, the Sigma Zeta Colony Alpha pledge class became Brothers.

In the words of Winston Churchill, "This was not the end, nor was itthe beginning of the end. It was perhaps the end of the beginning." Concernsof expanding the Brotherhood faced the new Chi Phi Brothers. The Beta pledgeclass was taken on as long time friend David Chittum "Spooch" and MiklosFarkus "Splonge" decided to meet the challenge of becoming Chi Phi. Ashe had done with the Alphas, pledge educator Felsher directed the pledgeson their quest to Brotherhood. Important fraternal lessons were impartedto them on a road trip to the Pi Zeta Colony in December, and the Brotherhoodbecame a reality for the Betas when they were initiated at the Mu Chapterat Stevens Institute of Technology in February 1990.

The Gamma pledge class came soon thereafter as Dave Chittum¹s reallife younger brother Russell "Guppy" Chittum and Louis "Spuds" Conigliolearned what it took to become Chi Phi, once again under the tutelage ofBrother Felsher. Pledges Chittum and Coniglio displayed their intestinalfortitude and desire to become Chi Phi's on their journey to the UpsilonChapter at Hobart College, as they became Chi Phi Brothers in April 1990.

Brother Steve Rhoads was elected Alpha for the 1990-91 school year asBrother Moe Auster resumed his duties as Beta. Chi Phi's image on campuswas enhanced as Brother Rhoads was elected President of the SUNY AlbanyStudent Association, the most powerful student position on campus. TheSigma Zeta Colony also benefited from a spirited Delta pledge class, whichincluded Peter "Dartman" Byron, Douglas "Q" Lovenberg, Robert "Gonzo" Pearlman,and Steven (³Pie²) Schaeffer under the tutelage of long-timemember Epstein. The Deltas have the distinction of being Sigma Zeta's firstdivided initiation, as illness prevented pledge Pearlman from being initiatedwith the other three pledges at Stevens Institute of Technology. Pearlman¹sinitiation took place at the Beta Chapter at Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology.

The addition of Byron and Schaeffer added strength to Chi Phi's lessthan awesome softball team. Furthermore, the Delta's helped bring abouta newer, more social era in Sigma Zeta's existence. The Brothers had alwaysbeen close, but the addition of the Deltas started Chi Phi's rend of becominga more socially oriented fraternity on the SUNY Albany campus.

Sigma Zeta further gained momentum as Chi Phi's most spirited pledgeclass, and largest to date, the Epsilons, came on the scene in January1991. The pledges were Theodore "Scud" Beisler, Richard "Al" Bombardo,Shawn "Squigy" Goodspeed, James "Blitzer" Maniscalco, Martin "Webster"Massy, Thomas "Wart" Mertz, and Jonathan (³Patriot²) Ripchick.They were initiated in March 1991 at Stevens Institute of Technology. Itwas during their pledge period and immediately following it that Chi Phi'sbiggest parties in it's short history took place, as the Brothers broughta newfound popularity to the fraternity that had been absent in the past

The success also carried onto other fields. Several successful communityservice projects were completed, including the sale of hockey tickets andshamrocks to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the recyclingof newspapers. Though they were still denied membership by the IFC, ChiPhi gallantly managed to place third in the IFC stickball tournament outof a field of 20, thanks to the pitching of Brother Rhoads and the hittingof Brother Maniscalco. Finally, with the election of Brother Auster tothe University¹s Central Council and the nomination of Brother Lovenbergto the Student Association Supreme Court to join Brother Rhoads¹ Presidency,Chi Phi had a member in each branch of student government, with no otherGreek letter organization being represented on more than one branch.

Graduation and changes in leadership brought about reorganization inthe fraternity for Fall 1991, though Chi Phi did achieve its ever presentgoal of membership in the IFC. In November, after a few disparaging weeks,Sigma Zeta declared a "new Beginning," and under the leadership of newAlpha Lovenberg, Beta Russ Chittum, and exemplary efforts by Brother Massy,Chi Phi never looked back. A string of enormously successful social eventsbegan with the popular Friday afternoon to mid-evening Happy Hours. TheBrothers also began sponsoring a night each week for Don¹t Walk Alone,the campus escort service. A fire was rekindled in the spirit of the fraternityand Chi Phi shone brightly once again

The modest success of the colony foretold greater fortunes in the secondsemester. A new fraternity house was found and it was christened with atoga party and pajama mixer. Several more enormously successful socialevents ensued, culminating in a bash that initiated Greek Week 1992, SigmaZeta's first participation in this yearly mammoth campus event, as SigmaZeta opened its house to four other fraternities and sororities in thespirit of Greek Unity. Sigma Zeta's efforts were instrumental in aidingits Greek Week team to victory over all the other Greek letter organizationon campus.

On to initiation, where Chi Phi added three more to the ranks of itsBrotherhood as the Zeta pledge class, Anthony "The Ripper" Compagna, Sean"Who" Fitzgerald, and Seth "Norm" Rogin, completed the most challengingpledge program to date in Sigma Zeta's short history under the tutelageof Brother Massy. To keep a tradition going, the pledges were initiatedat Stevens Institute in April 1992.

The summer saw the Brothers of Sigma Zeta Colony attending the AnnualChi Phi Beach Weekend, held at Lido Beach on Long Island. Here they enjoyeda weekend of relaxation and fun. Everyone came back from the summer refreshedand ready to take on the new school year.

With that in mind, the Eta pledge class was formed, consisting of Greg"Deuce" Gibel and Peter "Gordon" Watkins. During their pledging, PledgeGibel was injured in a car accident and Pledge Watkins had to work mainlyon his own. Fortunately, Gibel recovered in time for initiation and thetwo were initiated in November 1991 at the Rho Iota Kappa Chapter at theUniversity of Rhode Island.

Quickly, the Sigma Zeta worked hard to get in shape for the spring.With a successful rush, the Theta pledge class came into existence. Thesethree men were Thomas "Crash" Chang, Jason "Ruprik" Kitt, and Craig "Mr.Plow" Markowitz. Again, Chi Phi join the rest of the Greek community inthe Annual Greek Week competition. Not faring as well this year, the fraternitystill put forth their best effort and enjoyed the festivities. Finallyin April 1993, again at the University of Rhode Island, the Thetas wereinitiated and became Brothers. The friendship between each other and withother Brothers of Sigma Zeta grew more profound and enabled these new SigmaZeta's to work together to build a better fraternity.

With the election of Brother Rogin as Alpha and Brother Felsher as Betain the Spring 1993, the Sigma Zeta Colony took on a new direction. Calledand alternative group by the SUNY Albany campus, Chi Phi now achieved anew status among the Greek community.

The summer again brought the annual Beach Weekend, where many of theSigma Zeta alumni had the chance to meet some of the newly initiated Brothers.A good time was had by all who attended.

Again the Brothers came back ready to tackle the oncoming semester head-on.This time, only one person would start on the road to Brotherhood. He wouldform the Iota pledge class. Scott "Oscar Mayer" Weiner worked long andhard to achieve the goal of Brotherhood. During his pledging, under theorganization of Brother Massy, Chi Phi had the first Mason & SheehanGreek Home Invasion. DJs Mason & Sheehan of 106.6 WPYX Albany set uptheir morning radio show from the Chi Phi house and broadcast themselves,and us, to their listening audience. A great time was had by, all and this,hopefully, will not be the last time they decide to invade our home. Theroad to Brotherhood came to an end when, in November 1993, Oscar Mayertraveled to Stevens Institute of Technology, and joined the Theta Colonypledges from Renssalear Polytechnic Institute and became the next additionto the Sigma Zeta Colony.

The following semester, four men would start their beginnings as ChiPhi's. The Kappa pledge class consisted of Tzannetos "Snotsie" Philippakos,Derek "NWROC" Iannucci, Jake "Opus" Burgholtzer, and Scott "99.44" Kesecki.The Kappa class had the distinction of being the second class to have asplit initiation. Because of religious reasons, Pledge Philippakos couldnot attend the initiation of the rest of his class, so he was initiateda day earlier at Stevens Institute. the rest of his class would be initiatedat Hobart College. These four became Brothers of Chi Phi in April 1994.This would be the last pledge class to see our house on 457 Hudson Ave.The loss of our house brought back many memories for the Brothers, as theyremembered all the good times that were had there.

In the fall of 1994 Sigma Zeta initiated two pledges, Kevin "Popeil"Bisner and Joseph "Juice" Gusner. They formed the Lambda pledge class.This was a turbulent semester for the Sigma Zeta Colony. During this semestera decision was made under the guidance of then Alpha Seth Rogin to removeourselves from the IFC due to certain drastic circumstances. The pledgeprogram for this semester was cut short. This was due to a new strategyfor member recruitment. The Lambda class was initiated on March 4, 1995at the Mu Chapter at Stevens Institute. This semester also saw the graduationof Brother Jay Kitt.

At the end of the previous semester, two bids were given and acceptedby Shachar (Steve) "Bull" Kedem and Craig "Grease" Michaelson who becamethe Mu pledge class. By not being on the IFC, we were no longer forbiddento bid post-rush. Sigma Zeta Colony held a number of successful partiesthis semester. Many Brothers attended the Theta Colony's "All For A Dollar"party. We were also visited by a number of National representatives includingGrand Alpha James C. Edgerton, National Director Steven L. Schneiderwind,and Director of Chapter Services James B. Miskimen. The Mu pledge classwas initiated at Phi Lambda Theta Chapter at Bucknell University on April1, 1995. The initiation took place at a Leadership Conference held at theChapter house.

Fall of 1995 marked the beginning of a new era for Sigma Zeta. ChapterLeadership Consultant Kirk North's visit early this semester helped usredefine our Colony goals. After his departure the Colony¹s focusfell upon a stronger Brotherhood, a successful rush, and re-involvementin the University Community. During this semester, under the leadershipof Brother Weiner as Alpha and Brother Michaelson as Beta, the Brothersheld social events each week and purchased entertainment equipment to strengthenbonds. A fruitful rush provided us with a class of four promising youngmen. The Fall semester also marked our return to the IFC with applicantstatus. Gary "Mother" Bloom, Jason (Denny) "Kamala" Denman, Jacob "MoFo"Prairie, and Patrick "Justed" Trippany comprised the Nu pledge class andwere initiated December 10, 1995 at the Tau Zeta Chapter at Boston University.The Nu pledge class has the distinction of being the first initiation tobe performed at Tau Zeta for a visiting colony/chapter. The Brothers atBoston University had only performed one initiation prior to this one,and that one being for their own pledge class.

The Spring 1996 semester saw the Brothers of the Sigma Zeta Colony enacta very successful Rush program. Bids were given and the Xi pledge classtook shape as Scott "Malcolm" Camp, Brian "Woody" Kelly, Christopher "Gezer"Lazaro, and Michael "Tova" Rivadenyra traveled the road in search of Brotherhoodin the Chi Phi Fraternity. During their pledging, the Xi class participatedin a community service project that entailed treating Albany area homelesspersons to a lunch. The Brothers and pledges alike also participated inother programs such as a red Cross blood drive, fund-raisers and communityservice projects for other Greek letter organizations on campus, and anintegral role in the Student Safety Patrol. March 22-24 saw the productionof Roller coaster Story, a play written by Brother Seth Rogin and put onat The Egg in downtown Albany. Many of the Sigma Zeta alumni were Re-unitedby visiting Albany to see the play. All the proceeds of this productionwere donated to two local AIDS charities. In April, the Brothers of SigmaZeta released the first issue of a monthly newsletter to the colony¹salumni, entitled "The Tradition." Brother Weiner also took on the positionof IFC Public Relations Chair, quite an accomplishment for a member ofan organization that is not a recognized member of the IFC outside of beingon applicant status. Initiation for the Xi pledge class finally came onApril 27th, 1996 at the Zeta Delta Chapter of the Chi Phi Fraternity, locatedat the University of Connecticut. The end of the semester marked anotherachievement for the SZ Colony as, by unaminous consent, Chi Phi was approvedto make the move from applicant status to probationary status, a votingposition within the council.

Once again the Sigma Zeta Colony had a successful rush for the Fall1996 semester. We marked the return to our house at 503 Washington Ave.,where raging parties were thrown and where six pledges were pinned: Steven"Sealy" Bielik, Kristen "Styles" Carpenter, Dan "Snowball" Miller, David"Chaplin" Schwartz, Vincent "Junior" Ucci, and Dave "Bulbous" Zeller. Oneof those pledges, Vincent "Junior" Ucci is a legacy. His father, Tony,is a Brother from Lehigh University, the Psi Chapter. Many great thingshappened that semester to the Sigma Zeta Colony. We returned to full statuson the IFC after a two year hiatus. Along with that, we were also allowedto return to organized sports. In community service, the Brothers madethe campus a safe place by once again participating in the Student SafetyPatrol along with other community service activities we held, which allowedus to lead IFC in community service. Our own Alpha, Brother Pat playedin the TKE faculty vs. Greek basketball game. The Omicron class was initiatedin UCONN the Night of November 23, 1996.

In the Spring of 1997 we pinned seven people, but due to difficulties,only one was initiated at Uconn on April 12. That person was Brendan "Opie"McAteer. During the semester, everyone saw Brother Mike Rivadenyra enterand embarrass himself in the Mr. Greek Unity contest sponsored by Phi SigmaSigma. The spring of 1997 also saw the Brothers of the Sigma Zeta Colonyreturn to Greek Week. We were members of the Blue team that year and finishedin second place. Chi Phi also that year returned to organized softball.Brother Dave Zeller had an unheard batting average of .777 to lead ourteam while Beta Brother Gary won season honors for most games played. BrotherPat was once again Alpha.

The Fall 1997 semester was once again a successful one with rush. UnderAlpha Pat Trippany and Beta Gary Bloom seven men were pinned. In the endthere were six new brothers initiated as the Rho Class They were Larry"Rerun" Benson, Mike "Rudy" Bielik, Felix "El Guapo" Fernandez, Jason "Bubbles"Lazar, Faro "Sparky" Levy Smith, and Phil "Beeker" Martin. The third legacyin Sigma Zeta history was initiated during this semester because Mike "Rudy"Bielik is the younger brother of the Omicron class's Brother Steve "Sealy"Bielik.  The semester saw Chi Phi lead community service once again,with events such as Bowling for Kids, a Heart walk, fishing, Don't WalkAlone, Middle Earth, Thanksgiving Food Drive, and a neighborhood BlockCleaning. Our Alumni showed us their interest with incredible turnoutsin Alumni events such as our alumni parties, and at the Rho classes initiationat Rutgers University on November 22, 1997, which saw a turn out of 18Alumni. On Halloween weekend the pledges split apart. Some stayed in Albanyfor one of our parties, Larry went with 7 brothers to watch our CLC DennisWolkin compete in the New York City Marathon, and meet up with the ZetaDelta Chapters from UCONN. Meanwhile, Mike (Rudy) went to Boston Universitywith his Big Brother Scott Weiner, to have a party with the Brothers atTau Zeta, play football, and even participate in a few pledge events, TauZeta style.

The spring semester of 1998 saw the Chi Phi's from Sigma Zeta do a lotof traveling.  On Valentines day, Brothers Mike Bielik and Jason Denmantook a 14 hour drive to the Alpha-Chi chapter at Ohio Wesleyan, to meetwith National's Director of Undergraduate Services and Expansion, AdamLangley, and our Adopted Alumni, Scott Herring.  The purpose of thetrip was for us to see what the goals of their successful chapter havebeen and what we can do to accomplish our goals and get our charter. Brother Faro and Dave Zeller made numerous trips to Binghamton to pickup Brother Pete Watkins and bring him back for some Brothers only parties. Regionals were held at the Beta Chapter of M.I.T. where eight of our Brothersattended.  And finally, we were going to go to Boston University toinitiate our Sigma Class when a few problems arose that forced us to initiatethem at M.I.T.  Those three new members that we initiated were Thomas"Puck" Gleason, Michael "Mr. Pink" Klusacek, and Michael "Tortoise" Buttigieg. The sigma class and the rest of the Brothers of the Sigma Zeta Colony wouldlike to extend  our thanks once again to the Brothers at M.I.T, fornot only letting us initiate there under such circumstances, but also forletting us join in their mixer with the Delta Zeta sorority of Northeastern.

The week prior to Regionals, Adam Langley and Scott Herring paid usa visit and talked to us about getting our charter.  In order to receiveour charter, we must complete a number of goals by the Spring semesterof 1999 (just in time for the celebration of the 175th anniversary of ChiPhi.  Many of those goals we have already completed and even exceededsuch as: doing a required number of community service, sending at least50% of active Brothers to Regionals, National Reports must be handed inon time, Brothers must be active in outside fraternity  on-campusactivities, Recruit 25% of total actives each year, and more.  Goalsthat we are working towards and will accomplish: having our GPA at or betterthan the all-man's GPA on campus, Having at or above the average numberof Brothers in our Greek system, and others.  Once again we have donemore than our share of community service.  We participated in theSynergy, a program in which high school students stay with us for a fullday and experience college life first hand.  We organized a food drivein which we collected over 200 pounds of food for the homeless.  Weonce again took part in the Student Safety Patrol for which we receivedan award for most hours done the previous year.  We attended alcoholawareness meetings and some of us were TIPS (Trained for Intervention ProcedureS)certified.  On the social side, we had our first mixer with the wonderfulwomen of Delta Zeta not only from Northeastern at M.I.T. but with the onesright here at Albany.  It was a huge success and they asked us foranother one soon.  We held many great invite only parties.  Thefirst one saw many Alumni show their support.  Dave Chittum, DougLovenberg, Rick Bombardo, James Maniscalco, and Jon Ripchick, were amongthose.  Brother Gary Bloom made a fool out of himself just like hislittle brother Mike Rivadenyra, did the year before at the Mr. Greek Universetalent show.

Because of many personal and health problems we had three E-Board membersresign.  Alpha-Gary Bloom, Gamma-Larry Benson, Eta-Jason Lazar. Due to this we decided to hold elections at the end of this semester. The following is the new E-Board as of April 26, 1998.  Alpha- DaveZeller, Beta- Dan Miller, Gamma- Thomas Gleason, Delta- Brendan McAteer,Epsilon- Faro Levy Smith, Zeta- Michael Bielik, Eta- Michael Klusacek. We all look forward towards this summers brother retreats, Congress, andCOE.