L to R:  EP President Brent Ulreich from Brimfield, OH, Treasurer Zach Summy from Lancaster, PA, Secretary Jacob Priester from Mercer, PA, Vice President JT Seelman from Jefferson Hills, PA.

(L) Diver Earl Mays ’62 and Soccer Goalie Dick Manley ‘67

Three EPs, Earl Mays ’62, Dick Manley ’67, and Tom Shear ’67 were inducted into the GCC Hall Of Fame at ceremonies and a dinner hosted by the college. An audience of over 200 people, including more than 20 EPs, attended the event. Mays was a terrific diver for Coach Jim Longnecker’s swimming teams. Manley was honored for his feats as a soccer goalie and Shear, honored posthumously, was a football and track star for the Wolverines. Each inductee played a major role in his chosen sport for four years while at Grove City. The three new members of the HOF class of 2010 brings the total number of EPs now in the Hall of Fame to 13 in the first four years. Congratulations!

The annual EP Alumni basketball game has been scheduled for Saturday, March 6th, from noon till 3:00 PM in the main college arena. Plan to arrive early and prepare for a highly competitive game with the actives. We will need a strong contingent of alumni to counteract the youth and stamina of the actives.  Steve Hamel is coordinating the event and he can be reached at steven_hamel@msn.com if any additional details are required.

In 2009, the EPAA Guthrie Scholarship Endowment Fund grew by $49,885.00 to reach a total endowment of $93,951.00 as of December 31, 2009.  This is by far the most money ever contributed in one year since the Guthrie Scholarship Endowment was formalized in 1993.  The gifts were contributed by a total of 104 different people representing EPs, widows of EPs, and friends of EPs.  A few people contributed more than one time during the year.  The average gift per donor was $480.00 which speaks directly to the generosity of the EP Nation and two significant contributors, in particular, who both contributed more than $5,000 each to our fund. Congratulations and thank you to all who honored the memory of Dr. Guthrie and the great enduring legacy of the Epsilon Pi Fraternity this past year.

With nearly 750 former EP’s living, the 104 contributors represent only 13% of our total EPAA database.  If we could increase the number of donors to 25% (one in four EPs) we could easily have another record year in 2010.  Whatever the reason, if you are not one of the 104 who stepped up and made a contribution in 2009, please consider it this year. Let’s make it happen in 2010!

A friendly reminder that if you wish to make a contribution to the Guthrie Scholarship Fund and claim a tax deduction for 2009, your check must be dated no later than December 31, 2009 and your letter must also be postmarked no later than December 31, 2009.  This is important because the college administration will be on vacation during the latter part of December and to insure you can claim a tax deduction for a 2009 contribution, the above procedure must be followed.  Happy New Year!

As of November 30th, the Guthrie Scholarship Endowment Fund has grown to $44,719.64 YTD for 2009. Remarkable in these times of economic challenge.  This amount is the result of the generosity of 87 EPs, EP widows, and "friends of EPs" donors for an average gift of $514.00 per donor.  We now have doubled the amount of the endowment principal to $89,000 (that amount from which the scholarship is funded each year) in a little over eleven months.  With less than one month before the end of the year, we have the chance to really raise the bar.  At present, we are the only Greek organization to offer such a scholarship. Please consider a gift to the Guthrie as you consider your year-end tax planning.  If you need a gentle nudge, consider making a gift if you and your spouse had the good fortune to be married by Dr. Guthrie, maybe he advised you with regard to a personal challenge or family matter, or maybe you just appreciated the fact that he attended every EP IF athletic event wearing his EP jacket.  Do what you can do and know that every gift is very much appreciated and contributes to his legacy and ours as EPs. Thanks to all who have stepped up and made this a truly remarkable giving year. Just click on the above contribution form and take it from there.

In what represents a significant return to dominance, the EPs have won their fourth straight IF Football Championship.  They defeated the Beta Sigma Fraternity in convincing fashion in early November and thus took the first step toward another IF All-Sports Championship.  Congratulations EPs.   

The EPs have elected new officers who will begin serving next semester. They are as follows:

President – Brent Ulreich (2012)

Vice President – J. T. Seelman (2011)

Treasurer – Zach Summy (2011)

Secretary – Jake Priester (2012)

Chaplain – Aaron Palmieri (2012)

Many thanks to the outgoing officers, especially the seniors, who have provided great leadership during the past year.  Very well done!

Two EP juniors, J.T. Seelman ‘11 and Aaron Palmieri ‘11, are in search of internships for the coming summer.  Securing a college approved internship is a graduation requirement and if you might be in a position to provide such an opportunity, it would be greatly appreciated by these young EPs.  More important, providing an internship or a career for an undergraduate EP is just another way to tangibly demonstrate what “brothers working for the good of all” really means and our commitment to the great EP fraternity.  J.T. Seelman can be reached at 412-414-9079 or by e-mail at Seelmanjt1@gcc.edu. Aaron Palmieri can be reached at 724-612-7181 or by e-mail at Palmieriat1@gcc.edu.

Two EP seniors, Ben Cratsley ’10, and Michael Herringshaw ‘10 are looking to begin their working careers upon graduation this coming May.  Cratsley, an Accounting Major from Pittsburgh can be reached at cratsleyba1@gcc.edu or by cell phone at 412-848-3675. Michael Herringshaw ’10 is from Cleveland, OH and is a Business Management Major and he can be reached by cell phone 216-210-8102 or herringshawmj1@gcc.edu

All four of these EPs are well known to the members of the EPAA Board and we highly recommend them to you for your consideration.  Simply put, they are leaders in the EP Fraternity.  Their résumés will be posted here on the website and be available for your review in the very near future.

Guthrie Endowment Fund Swells to Over $41,400.00 YTD 

2009 EPAA Dwight Guthrie Scholarship Fund Contribution Form is now available for download.

As of October 31, 2009 the Guthrie Scholarship Endowment Fund has grown to $41,429.64 YTD for 2009.  Remarkable in these times of economic challenge.  This amount is the result of the generosity of 88 EPs, EP widows, and friends of EP donors for an average gift of $470.00 per donor.  We have nearly doubled the amount of the endowment principal to $85,000 (that amount from which the scholarship is funded each year) in a little over ten months.  With less than three months before the end of the year, we have the chance to really raise the bar. At present, we are the only Greek organization to offer a scholarship.  Please consider a gift to the Guthrie as you consider your year-end tax planning.  If you need a gentle nudge, consider making a gift if you and your spouse had the good fortune to be married by Dr. Guthrie, maybe he advised you with regard to a personal challenge or family matter, or maybe you just appreciated the fact that he attended every EP IF athletic event wearing his EP jacket.  Do what you can do and know that every gift is very much appreciated and contributes to his legacy and ours as EPs. Thanks to all who have stepped up and made this a truly remarkable giving year. Just click on the above contribution form and take it from there.

In what was a truly magical and unforgettable evening, three EPs received the 2009 EPAA Guthrie/Nivison Scholarship Awards during the 90th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner of the Epsilon Pi Fraternity.  Dick Jewell, President of Grove City College, spoke first and congratulated the fraternity on 90 years and the "brand promise" associated with the "EP franchise."

Senior EPs Andrew Didonato, Mark Scriven, and Jake Patton were presented their awards by Major General Robert Kane '79 during his address to the attendees at the Homecoming Dinner.  Major General Kane, Commanding General of the Coalition Air Force Training Team responsible for building the Iraqi Air Force, spoke via a two-way video Internet hook-up direct from Bagdad, Iraq.  He then announced the three EP Guthrie-Nivison Scholarship winners and they in turn spoke directly to their distinguished EP fraternity brother, thanking him for presenting them their Guthrie Scholarship.  By the way, it was 3:00 AM Bagdad time when General Kane made his presentation and announced the Guthrie Scholarship recipients.  He was welcomed by a standing ovation and continuous, enthusiastic applause for what seemed like several minutes.  His appearance on the large screen and his remarks throughout his address were, to say the least, very moving and can best be described as both highly inspirational and very emotional. Ask anyone who was in attendance and they will tell you this was one of the great evenings in EP history.  We thank General Kane for his great service to our country and we all anticipate his safe return to the United States in January where he will assume his next assignment as the Commandant of the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base.     

In addition, Jack Kopnisky '78, Vice Chairman of the Grove City College Board of Trustees, spoke on the need for EP’s to demonstrate leadership, both actives as well as EP alumni, and how important that quality is within the college community.  Jack also serves on the Development and Governance Committees within the Board of Trustees and is a great role model for both our actives and alumni.  We are very proud of his past service and contributions to our fraternity and currently to the larger Grove City College community.  The evening concluded with the traditional singing of the Loving Cup by the 135 people in attendance.  Our EP Tent continues to grow and grow in popularity as over 200 people stopped by during the day Saturday and either had lunch, purchased EP merchandise, or just visited with other EPs and recalled stories from past EP days.  It was truly a great, great EP Homecoming.

EP Marcus Magister '12 Named to 3rd Team, Division III All-American In Baseball

Catcher Marcus Magister '12 was named to the Division III All-America Third Team this past summer. He also earned First Team All-PAC honors.  This past spring he set GCC single-season records with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs.  He led GC in hitting (.443), total bases (104), slugging percentage (.852), on -base percentage (.506), and runs scored (43).  When not setting records on the diamond, Marcus served as the EP Pledgemaster this past spring.       

Friday, October 2, 2009

Tee times are still available at the Grove City Country Club for those EPs wishing to play golf on Friday. The format is a shotgun start beginning at 10:30 AM and you or a foursome can sign up through the college by contacting Tricia Corey at 1-888-GCC-GRAD.  Greens fees and cart are $45.00 and this price includes lunch.

We have a hospitality suite at the Microtel Inn & Suites reserved as a gathering place for all EPs arriving in town early for Homecoming on Friday Oct 2, 2009. The time is 5PM to 9PM.  The location is on Rt. 208 just west of the Grove City Outlet Mall and across the road from My Brother's Place.  Beverages and light snacks will be available for a small fee.   Microtel Inn & Suites, Phone 724.748.9920. 

Saturday, October 3, 2009

The EP Tent will located on lower campus directly behind the press box at the football field. This location will be the gathering place for EPs during all activities on Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM.  Families are welcome.  Lunch will be served in the EP tent—$10.00 per person, $15.00 for couples, $20.00 for a family.

The 90th Anniversary EP Homecoming Dinner will be at the Legacy Banquet Center located three miles northwest of Grove City on the Grove City Mercer road and will start immediately after the football game. The dinner cost will be $35.00 per person and this price will include a gift commemorating our anniversary.

Make your dinner reservations for the dinner at the Legacy today by e-mailing Dr. Ralph Carlson at RECarlson@GCC.EDU.  You must have your reservation and check in no later than September 23rd to assure your reservation.  Please make your check payable to "EPAA" and mail to Ralph Carlson, Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127. 

Call your pledge brothers and make your plans to attend this very special EP Homecoming. 

If you have any EP memorabilia (old Octagons, class pictures, pledge pictures, paddles, EP jackets, programs, etc,) that you would like to put on display in the EP Tent or donate to the EPAA for safe keeping and preservation, please bring it with you to Homecoming or if you cannot attend, consider sending it to Ralph Carlson at the college.  We are anticipating having an EP display in the new Alumni Center sometime in the near future.

Rob Kane ‘79 was promoted this week to Major General in the U. S. Air Force.  He is currently serving in Bagdad, Iraq where he is Director, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission and Commander, 321 AEW.  Rob’s duties include responsibility for training and developing pilots who will serve in the Iraqi Air Force.  It would be hard to understate the importance of this critical assignment.

Rob and Brigadier General Ken Merchant ’80 were the guests of honor at last year’s memorable EP Homecoming Dinner and both appeared together on the cover of the Spring Edition 2008 GēDunk Magazine.

Congratulations Rob on your very significant promotion.  All in the EP Nation are extremely proud of you today and your accomplishments.  Thank you for your service to our country and we look forward to your safe return to the United States.

The new EPAA Guthrie Scholarship Endowment Agreement, recently signed with the college, and members of the Octagon Club can now be viewed here on the EP website under the banner heading "Scholarships."  Please visit these two locations to learn more about the EPAA Guthrie/Nivision Scholarships and how to gain membership in the Octagon Club.  We hope the membership in the Octagon Club "explodes" as the EP Nation embraces our campaign to significantly increase the size of the annual EPAA scholarship award.

The EPAA Dwight Guthrie Scholarship Endowment Fund has received gifts totaling $32,960.00 for the Grove City College fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.  The total amount represents the generous gifts from 81 donors for an average of $407.00 per donor.  Keep in mind that our three-year campaign began only seven months ago just prior to the end of 2008.  This generosity is testimony to the great memory we all treasure of Dr. Guthrie.  Those who have made a contribution in his memory truly honor yourselves.

The winners of last year’s 2008 EPAA Guthrie/Nivison Scholarships were Mark Scriven and Andrew DiDinado, both members of the class of 2010.  This fall there is again more than one EP recipient of our scholarship and those award winners will be announced at the EP Homecoming Dinner.

There are two important announcements regarding the EPAA Guthrie Scholarship that have occurred over the very recent past.

New Guthrie Endowment Agreement Signed Between the EPAA and GCC

On June 15, 2009, Bill Hladio, EPAA president, signed a new agreement with the college regarding the administration of the EPAA Dwight Guthrie Scholarship.  The highlights of the new agreement specifically address working collaboratively with college in the event of a period of probation or if the fraternity is ever dissolved.  It provides for the passing of monies to descendents and relatives of EPs if either probation or dissolution of the fraternity ever occurs.  In short, it provides for scholarship monies to continue to pass along “EP bloodlines.”  You may read the entire endowment agreement by going to the menu bar entitled “Scholarships,” and clicking on “Endowment Agreement” located by scrolling down the left-hand column.

Establishment of The Epsilon Pi Octagon Club

The Epsilon Pi Octagon Club was recently established by the EPAA Board of Directors to recognize all EPs, widows of EPs, and the friends of EPs who contribute, or have contributed $1,000.00 or more to the EPAA Dwight Guthrie Scholarship Endowment Fund.  Membership in the Octagon Club is both retroactive and cumulative, meaning it includes those who already have contributed $1,000.00 or more since the scholarship originated.  In addition, cumulative membership means that membership in the Octagon Club is achieved when the total of one’s contributions reach $1,000.00 over a period of years.  For example, if an EP, EP widow, or friend of an EP contributes $200.00 a year for five years, that person becomes a member of the Octagon Club at the end of five years.

The members of the Octagon Club are now published on our website, and that membership list can be found under “Scholarships” and by clicking on “Octagon Club.”

It is possible that you may qualify under these guidelines and our records from the early years may not accurately reflect past year’s contributions in every individual situation.  If that is the case and you believe you qualify, please contact Tom Haller immediately at tomhaller@earthlink.net and we will correct this oversight. 

To the 81 donors, thank you, once again, for your gift and your generosity.  Our campaign is off to a great start and continues on toward our goal. 

The Annual EP Golf Outing was attended by 46 very eager golfers at the Pine Grove Golf Club in Grove City. This year the scoring format changed as each foursome played their best ball in an attempt to keep everyone in contention until every foursome finished their round.  EPs Dick Danford '67 and Don "Moose" Hayes '59 came from Florida, most likely traveling the greatest distance, to attend this year's event.  Coach Jack Behringer was a special guest at the festivities following the golf.  College President Dick Jewell addressed the EPs calling our fraternity "one of the premier franchises on campus."  There were some great shots, and some not so great, but everyone had a very good time.  

EPs Earl Mays '63, Tom Shear '66, and Dick Manley '67 have been named to the Grove City College Hall of Fame Class of 2010.  Earl Mays was a tremendous diver for Coach Jim Longnecker's record-breaking swim teams in the early '60s.  Tom Shear was a standout football and track star for four years, and Dick Manley was clearly one of the premier soccer goalies in the history of Grove City College.  They join 10 previous EPs named to the HOF in the previous three years.  Mays, Shear, and Manley will be inducted into the GCC HOF at a formal dinner to be held January 30, 2010 at the college.  If you would like to attend this dinner, please contact Don Lyle, GCC Director of Athletics, at the college and make your reservation.

The EP Annual Golf Outing will be held Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Pine Grove Golf Course in Grove City (Pine Grove Course 724-458-8394 or www.pinegrovegolf.com).  Tee times begin at 8:40 AM.  Get a foursome together of your contemporaries or just show up and join other EPs for a day of brotherhood and good times.  The cost for greens fees, cart, and the buffet is $50.00. Refreshments at the turn (a hog dog and a soft drink) are also included in the price.  Prizes will be provided and donations for prizes are always welcome.  Actives are invited to play in the golf outing which offers a good time for the actives and alumni to get to know one another. To register for the golf outing, contact Steve Hamel via e-mail at steven_hamel@msn.com and reserve a tee time.  If you would like to pay in advance, send your check to Dr. Ralph Carlson, Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127 and make your check payable to "EPAA."

If you need a map or directions to the course, click on 2009 EP Golf Outing under "Upcoming Events" to the immediate left of this text, then click on "Pine Grove Golf Course." Also, there is no driving range as part of the immediate property at Pine Grove Golf Course.  There is, however, a driving range located about a quarter of mile as your enter the road leading to the golf course. See you on the 25th!

The Epsilon Pi Fraternity was awarded the IF All-Sports Trophy Saturday night as part of the Greek Sing Weekend.  This marks the second consecutive year the EPs have dominated in IF Sports.  The IF All-Sports Trophy is awarded on the basis of rankings in five sports. The EPs secured the 2009 championship by winning IF Football, Softball, Basketball, and Volleyball and placing second in IF Dodgeball. Epsilon Pi recently took two giant steps toward their retention of the 2009 IF All Sports trophy by winning IF Basketball and Volleyball.  In both championship games, the EPs defeated the Okies. The EPs won IF Football last fall defeating the Betas. Congratulations to the actives on a truly great year!!