Charter Members

The Epsilon Pi Fraternity was founded in 1919 by the following seventeen men:

Charles L. Ackley,
Class of 1920

Clarence H. Boylan,
Class of 1920

Roland D. Heile,
Class of 1920

Clifford V. Kightlinger,
Class of 1920

John C. Maharg,
Class of 1921

Frank D. McClelland,
Class of 1921

Fred Lyons,
Class of 1920

G. Karl Monroe,
Class of 1921

Clifford C. Phipps,
Class of 1920

Thomas M. Phipps,
Class of 1921

Harold S. Richey,
Class of 1920

Arthur R. Stewart,
Class of 1920

Harland J. Surrena,
Class of 1921

Deane C. Walter,
Class of 1920

W. Floyd Walter,
Class of 1921

Roscoe H. Ward,
Class of 1921

Clinton F. Ware,
Class of 1920


World War II Returning Veterans

Because of the Second World War, the Epsilon Pi Fraternity did not have any members on campus during the 1944/45 and 1945/46 school years. Upon returning from active service, the following eleven men reconstituted the Epsilon Pi Fraternity:

Robert C. Butler,
Class of 1947

William S. Chambers,
Class of 1947

Robert R. Esler,
Class of 1948

Robert W. Evans,
Class of 1948

Robert E. Gregory,
Class of 1947

Harry R. Hershberger,
Class of 1947

John F. Seibert,
Class of 1948

Frank W. Thompson,
Class of 1948

D. Kendall Thorne,
Class of 1947

James J. Van Eman,
Class of 1947

Herbert L. Zeger,
Class of 1947

 

CONTACT US

(Editor’s Note: This is a picture from the 1920 Grove City College OUJIA and most likely is the original picture of the first members of the Epsilon Pi Fraternity. The picture includes the 17 EP Charter Members, listed below, as well as the EP Class of 1921 underclassmen that account for the total of 23 EPs in the first two EP classes. See Charter Member Frank McClelland’s comments on page 4 relative to the announcement and introduction of the EPs. Special thanks to Charlene Shaw in the GCC Alumni Office for finding this most valuable photograph).

Several Charter Members have given their recollections of the beginnings of Epsilon Pi.

Frank McClelland writes, “When many of us returned to the college in 1919, following service in WWI, we found that student affairs were dominated by two older fraternities (Adelphikos and Pan Sophic), which, although they represented only a small proportion of the student body, controlled offices, elections, the woman’s vote, etc. This seemed to us undemocratic and we felt that the situation should be opened up to all. As a result of our organization, democracy did return to campus life. In fact, I am afraid the Pi’s rather dominated affairs for a while, although in a more wholesome way, I hope.

“To sum up,” McClelland writes in another place, "I remember our quandary as to how and when we should reveal ourselves as an organization. We had no desire to continue as an underground organization, even though it had seemed wise to complete our organization and develop our strategy, before making ourselves known. We finally decided to do it through the pages in the OUJIA (that would be in the spring of 1920, wouldn’t it?). As I remember it, the announcement was auspicious, and there were no repercussions from the administration.”

Clifford Phipps writes, “The idea germinated in the fall of 1919 during a “bull” session in the room of Dean and Floyd Walter. The participants in the session were all World War I veterans with overseas service records. Concern was expressed over the more or less frivolous attitude prevalent on the campus in comparison to pre-war days. It was stated that the two Greek-letter clubs on the campus, which all of most of us had been invited to join, existed only for social or political reasons. Conversationally, it was opinionated that there was need for an organization, interested in a four-square development—spiritual, intellectual, physical, and moral—of the individual.”

Tom Phipps writes, “One of those (fraternities) concentrated on the athletes for prospective members; the others on social leaders. If one carried books instead of a football, he was not a candidate for the first. If he spent long hours in the laboratory instead of in the drawing room of the girl’s dormitory, he was hardly eligible for the second.

Sometime during the fall (of 1919), a small group of the neglected gathered together to work out a plan for a third fraternity that would provide for the ties of brotherhood for the majority group. The next step was to secure the approval of the administration and the fraternity. This was a matter of some concern, since in those days the administration set policies and made decisions that were accepted by the students, not the other way around. The proposition, however, was well received, however, and the Epsilon Pi was an established organization in the college.”

Harold Ritchey writes, “The Epsilon Pi Fraternity was founded right after many of the students had come home from service in WWI—so many were or serious attitude of mind. The hard service training and experience had developed tremendous energy for moving forward and most students felt, I think, more able than ever before to pursue their college studies. But they had also rubbed shoulders with many kinds of people and had become more appreciative of the rank and file, so they felt a need for brotherhood on an inclusive and democratic basis. It was in this spirit the EP Fraternity was started so as to not leave any worthy students out.”

Dean Walter writes, “In the fall of 1919, there were quite a few of us who were back to finish college after service in World War I. Perhaps our war experiences had made us belligerent. At any rate, we determined to do something about the fact that the two existing fraternities divided the political offices among themselves and the non-aligned students never had a person elected. So we selected a candidate for each office and appealed to the ones who were not members of the fraternity to support them. The results were pretty satisfactory and a number of our candidates were elected. Most of the fellows, after working together, thought that they would like to be a “fraternity.”

The Greek Motto and the EP Symbol

Dean Walter writes, “When the fellows talked over the matter of a name, they wanted the idea of fellowship and mutual help included and they asked me to consult with Dr. Oliphant, the Greek professor, with the idea of selecting Greek words suitable for expressing those ideas. Dr. Oliphant was very cooperative and finally produced the words used.”

“The Greek words were later to be spread up—on the Shield of the Coat of Arms— ? taipoi ( Etairoi) ?? aveuepyetes (Panuergetes). The first word is to be translated “Brothers.” The second word, which appears to be a synthesis of three roots, is translated “working for the good of all.” The first letter of each Greek word—E and P—make up the proud designation—EP”

The Octagon

Clifford Phipps has written that he believes that it was Arthur Stewart, now deceased, who followed a consensus of thought and drew an intricate sketch of an octagon. Not long ago, Mr. Phipps presented the actives with a fully outlined and descriptive replica of this sketch. Suffice it to say here that the octagon pillar was thought to have greater strength than a square pillar.

(Note: This is a recent copy of the drawing created by Arthur Stewart circa 1919. The drawing is now included in the “EP Bible for New Pledges” with a more detailed explanation of the origin of the symbol of the EP Fraternity).

The Crest

“The Crest, as some of us remember, came sometime after the founding fathers had graduated (shouldn’t George McClelland take a bow here?). The EPs were simply following the procedures of national fraternities on proposing a Coat of Arms. Some of the items affixed to the shield were: the Fleur-de-lis signifying the Trinity, the five-pointed star of Christianity, the Greek motto spread across the shield, and the traditional ribbon at the bottom which was to carry the name of the college. That arrangement of them on the Shield is well nigh perfect.”

Innovations

Some things were added later. For example:

The Paddle - This, I am sure was a matter of keeping up with the times. “The paddle was not used by the class of '26” writes Harry Book, but W.C. Smith writes “The paddle was in full use in 1928, as I well remember.” Harry Miller '35 writes “The use of the paddle . . .This I will never forget. Couldn’t sit for days and ate many a meal standing.” Not a few EPs have some comment about the paddle, but today it has, I believe, been put on the shelf, in the window, or on the wall as a proud symbol of the fraternity.

The Constitution - No records are available on the first constitution, but different alumni have referred to revisions. William Ford ’30 writes “A splendid 20 pages of material developed (this was mostly for an induction ceremony). Vin LaBarbara '43 writes “I was ‘drafted’ to write a formal installation ceremony.” Tom Behr and Tom Haller, both '66, refer to the “rewriting of our constitution.” There were probably numerous other revisions along the way unmentioned.

Blazers - Charles VanEman '50 writes, “I believe our group of EPs were the first EPs to have fraternity jackets. They were Navy Blue and Gold and a Blue emblem.” R.L. Jones '51 adds “EP jackets were introduced during my freshman year in school—1947.” Robert Koebly '58 writes “Our group had the initial use of summer (light-weight) jackets.”

A Scholastic Award - Dr. Wilfred Black, a professor and honorary member, gave a trophy to the EP with the highest-grade average for that year. The first recipient was, I believe, Robert Koebly '58. This emphasis upon scholastic accomplishment has been continued by the EP Alumni Association. In 1964 the Association decided to call this award the “Dwight R. Guthrie Scholarship Award.” The award includes a gift and a desk pen set with proper inscription.

The Craig S. Hoyt Memorial Award - The EP Alumni presents a U. S. Savings Bond on Recognition Day to the most outstanding student in freshman chemistry. This award recognizes the more than 20 years that Dr. Hoyt served as EP Advisor.

The EP Alumni Association - Meetings were held and officers chosen to guide this association as far back as the late fifties. Several EPs have served as president. That office is now held by Tom Haller '66.

The Alumni Directory -The first directory was prepared and distributed at the Homecoming dinner in 1959. A revision was made in 1964. It is hoped that the alphabetical listing of all EPs may be attached to this survey reminiscences.

The Attic - The Attic is the fourth floor of South Hall (formerly Hopeman Hall). Tom Hunt '61 mentions it as a game room for the EPs. Recently the administration gave the fraternity permission to “fix it up.” Today, it is kind of a “pent house” for the EPs—carpet, painted, florescent light, sofas, color TV, etc. Barry Ross '69 writes “I feel it is a great credit to the men as a whole, for the administration to have enough trust in us to allow such a new and different idea.”

College Activities

The EPs have participated in all types of college activities. There have been several Student Council Presidents (the most recent being Tom Haller '66). The second recipient of ODK’s “Man of the Year” award was Ralph Carlson '62. We won the very first Homecoming float award in 1956. Daryl Johnson writes, “Appropriately so, Epsilon Pi’s float won first prize . . .with John Wholey '57 as float chairman.” We average from four to eight of the active student members of ODK (men’s highest honorary society on campus) each year. For several years, we have had the highest percentage of fraternity members on several of the varsity sports teams.

Jack Barry '62 writes “The period from September 1958 to June 1962 was when the EPs won 4 IF All-Sports trophies, 4 IF football championships, 3 IF basketball championships, 4 IF softball championships, and a bowling title.” The golf championship came later in the spring of 1964. Today, we are not winning as often, but the EPs are taking their fair share of the championships.

In sports, let us not forget Gary Peters '59 with the Chicago White Sox, Tom Robinson '62 who set one basketball record only to have it broken by Jeff Claypoole '69 with his phenomenal four-year record of 2231 points. Ubbo Van Der Valk '60 was All-American in swimming, Dick Manley '67, Pete Anselmo '68, and Bill Buchanan '66 were All-PA, NJ, and Delaware in soccer. Several of our men have won the ODK Sportsman of the Year Award—the most recent have been Tom Shear '66, Dick Manley '67, and Jeff Claypoole '68 & '69. There have been so many accomplishments in sports that I am sure that someone or something has been omitted - Sorry!

Several of our boys have pointed with pride to the May Day evening when we won the Greek Sing. It was in 1961 and Tom Hunt, the director, says, “We sang ‘Dry Bones’ and ‘Jacob’s Ladder’.” Ralph Carlson says, “I remember Tom Hunt and his shaky pitch pipe the night we showed them.”

What have I forgotten? Oh yes! There have been a half-a-hundred Class Presidents, VP’s, Secretaries, and Treasurer’s, etc.

Recollections

Our charter members have done well to reminisce on “The Beginnings of Epsilon Pi.” Now for some other recollections.

Howard Barnes '24 writes “I remember when we initiated Herb Harmon, etc., etc.” Bill Laderer, '24 has mentioned a meeting of the fraternity which he scheduled and then forgot (all because of a pretty “town” girl). Let’s see, I think his date was interrupted and he had a long walk that night. Bob Fawcett '24 has told us how he borrowed Erskine Long’s Model T for a date. How embarrassing to wreck the car that night. Evert Stabler '25 writes “Wieners and limburger in the pot! Walking the rail!” (Now what could that mean?) Duane Armstrong '26 recalls “the strip mining topography” and “some hair-raising experiences that could have been tragic.” George Reynolds '27 tells how “the college YMCA lost its annual $100.00 gift from a prominent townsman because he (as a spokesman for the ‘Y’) admitted that he favored dancing in the old gym. Meade Armstrong '29 says “ I remember the chapel periods which Dr. Ketler took (conducted) himself. His messages were more meaningful to me than any others.” Bill Ford '30 writes “What I remember most about Epsilon Pi in my student days at Grove City is the number of wonderful friends I had—Ray Johnson, Al and Ed, and Ray Davidson, Rip Menefee, Bill Hughes, Fred Gillette, Randall Forester, Doc Williams, George Reynolds, and many, many more.” Harry Miller '35 writes “Being a commuter. . .most of the recollections I hold from the college years are those associated with the fraternity and friends made there.” Harry Fennick '43 recalls “the night a pledge stopped up a commode in Lincoln Hall and the water filled the suite, ran down the steps, and out on to the sidewalk.” Vin LaBarbera '43 writes “Perhaps my most vivid memories are of Dr. Craig S. Hoyt, who served as faculty advisor to Epsilon Pi. . .I remember Dr. Hoyt as a brilliant man of real dedication, who always found time to attend and grace Epsilon Pi functions.”

Lee Miller '47 says “Fond recollections of ‘Petro Hoyt’ and his addresses at frat dinners (he always opened by calling us ‘fellow Pi’s’).” Bob Butler '47 remembers “the all-night pledge hike to Harrisville, counting telephone poles and leap frogging when we thought the upper classmen might be around to check. . .pledge master Dick Muir’s big paddle. . .the pride we took in being members of the finest fraternity on campus.” Sam Duerr '48 remembers, “Glenn Hammerlee’s chorus that serenaded newly pinned girls and performed other functions.” Chuck Van Eman '50 says “I remember like it was yesterday, our pledge master Dick Weible, putting us through the paces, etc.” Jim Hammerlee '52 writes “Most regretfully I will miss the unique opportunity to be with special friends from my college days.” Ken Cypher '53 writes “I heard that the founders must have been a gallant bunch. . .also about a cow in Ivy Chapel.” Did the EPs do that, Ken?

Dick Snow '54 recalls “a cold ride to a Steeler football game (as a rushee) with Fred Fetterolf, John Frey, and Ray Abernathy.” Rick Williams '55 commenting on the death of his father (Arthur Williams '33) says “The fraternity meant a great deal to him, a was a highlight of his college years.”

Jim Mathieu '56 comments on the accident in the old gym that took the life of Jim Cross '57 . . .”No one was more respected and well thought of as was Jim.” He remembers Dr. Ketler’s comment in chapel, “I hope that the memory of James Cross will be an example of courage and inspiration for all of us.” Bill Hart '56 remembers how they persuaded a certain EP that 15 minutes of meditation after the evening meal would him more erudite—so “we had a meditation nightly for a week.” Daryl Johnson '57 recalls Tom Duessel’s repeated references to the lagoon as “canal water” (referring especially to the pledges).

Bob Koebly '58 writes “Hell Week—funny now, but no so at the time.” Jim Whitman '58 recalls “the Jim Cross tragedy, and the winning float, Homecoming 1956.” Several EPs remember the probation of 1957-58 (how could they forget?). Moose Hayes '59 remembers the day the drinking fountain was broken in Ketler Hall and Dick Cross was ‘studying’ and Gary Peters’ and Dutch Leonard’s expert knifemanship in Lincoln Hall.” Getty George ’61 comments on how “they gave the ‘big boys’ (Trav, Seed, Moose, Brooks, Andy, Buck, and the Bull) the slip, picking Ron Lamana out of a bed and taking him along . . .we escaped all together and were all caught together.” Bill Bellis '61 recalls “the Gedunk, ‘out the road,’ “to the girl’s dorm,’ and ‘at Dr. Guthrie’s house’.” Jack Barry '62 recalls, “how the pledge class kidnapped Tom Robinson and Bill Cribbs and turned half of Western Pennsylvania against the actives.”

Ralph Carlson '62 has sent a lot of recollections. Among others he remembers “Charley Runyan pitching two great games in one afternoon to win the softball trophy.” Ralph finishes by saying “A hundred guys, a thousand good times, and a million laughs—an experience no of us will ever forget.” Charles Rawson '63 thinks that the many athletic victories, the Greek Sing etc, shows “our ability to pull together, demonstrating our motto. Lynn Seeger '65 believes the word “emotion” best describes his memories. ‘the joys of winning, the sorrow at losing an important game, the pleasure of many accomplishments, and the grief in losing a brother.” Bob “Nivi” Nivison '65 recalls “passing the loving cup around, recapturing the all-sports trophy from the Betas’ in 1965.” A note from Art Mitchell '64 says “the EPs became known as ‘milk drinkers’ in my freshman year (1961) —a lesson from the ‘Steel Bridge’ days.

Tom Behr '66 remembers “the many, many laughs we had while living on the floor.” Tom Haller '66 writes “the death of Billy Buchanan and Ron Peters comes immediately to mind . . . I was impressed by the way the fraternity pulled together during the most crucial time of my four years.” Tom Shear '66 recalls how ‘all the guys in the fraternity gathered in the attic and prayed together after the terrible accident which cost Billy Buchanan and Ron Peters their lives. It was 1:30 AM and nobody left.” Dick Danford '67 writes “I miss this true sense of brotherhood . . .without that brotherhood and companionship, I might not have graduated.” Darryl Petrus '67 says, “I remember the Grove City College football team of 1966 (undefeated), with George Keller and Earl Blomberg (both EPs) as co-captains.” Bill Jenkins '67 writes “I remember pep talks by ‘Wild Bill’ Thompson when the question of, would we win or lose, never arose—but rather, just how bad would we beat them.”

Paul Pendergast '68 says “Probably the best memory of my EP days will the intangible closeness of the fraternity when a new class entered . . .especially when the loving cup was sung with such feeling.” Lynn Crawford '69 remembers “the midnight crusade to the Rock to defend Ron Hillegas against the TKEs.” Lynn cites this illustration of the mass march of EPs to Slippery Rock as an indication of the “spirit and enthusiasm of the fraternity.” Jerry Fair '69 recalls the first day “after our probation when we able to turn our jackets and show our octagons. Those first couple of days were some of the proudest I have ever experienced in my life.” Barry Ross '69 and a past president of the EPs, thinks of Epsilon Pi as “not simply for being athletically on top, for being men.” Let me sum up by quoting from Earl Mays '63 who has written, “my whole fraternity life as an EP was an outstanding experience.”

The Fraternity’s Contribution to College Life

There have been many comments along this line. Some of the quotes are:

»  “The fellows in the fraternity made their mark in the ministry, law, medicine, education, business, and science.”

»  “The fact that the EPs continued all these years and grow in numbers testifies to its usefulness in the college life.”

»  “The fraternity played a very important role in campus life.”

»  “I think, too, that it helped teach us a little better how to get along with our fellow man.”

»  “The fraternity in those days, as it probably still does, provided a medium for the development of useful bonds of personal loyalty and common purpose.”

»  “Members of the fraternity were active in the two literary clubs, on all college publications, in student government, as well as athletics, drama, and the social life of the campus.”

»  “We were known for controlling elections on campus . . .not by any nefarious process but by simple and good politics.”

»  “Possibly we were not number one academically, but we were first in everything else.”

»  “The association in college not only bred, but also fostered individual strength and reliance before and after graduation.”

»  “The fraternity also provided many opportunities for leadership.”

»  "The fraternity was the center of my social existence while in college.”

»  “Between 1959 and 1963, the members of the Epsilon Pi Fraternity could be seen representing the college in just about every varsity sport on campus.”

»  “The EPs were leaders on the campus.”

»  “From 1961 to 1965, the fraternity gained another dimension involving campus leadership through student government participation.”

»  “The most prominent role the EPs played on campus was that of campus leaders in just about every phase of college life.”

»  “I choose to remember the number of class presidents and elected offices that were attained by members of the EPs.”

»  “It was not just because we won the IF trophy three of those years, or that we had many of the campus leaders . . .or that the EPs made up more than half of the football team plus contributing many men to other sports, but . . .!”

»  “Acceptance of me in the fraternity alone gave me incentive to work.”

»  “If it would have not been for the fraternity, I probably never would have stayed at Grove City.”

»  “Your brothers were people you loved and respected, you always knew that you could count 100% on your brother.”

»  “Epsilon Pi serves a challenge to the entire student body . . .Epsilon is a great builder of men.” 

How Has the Fraternity Helped You or Some Other Brother?

The Brothers have responded to this question magnificently. Many refer to the social life that the fraternity provided—“this was a ready-made avenue of expression.” The idea of “friendships made” ranks very high on the list. The fraternity provided a way by which each member was able to know some students more or less intimately. This, in the overall picture, encouraged an individual to develop along higher levels of living. “It helped me develop self-confidence,” says one. Someone has mentioned the very practical aspect of personal help, recommendation, and “going out on a limb” for each other.

The idea of “belonging” has crept in somewhere in most of the letters. There is the reference of “older brothers helping “younger” brothers or in scholastic rough spots. Many have referred to the fraternity’s assistance in the area of making easier to meet people. One brother has told us how his family had only enough money for two years of college, but life as an EP made him decide to complete school even if he had to work night and day to do so. Another EP says the fraternity helped him make the transition from high school to college life. Another letter reads “the indefinable spirit that every EP feels but cannot describe . . . has helped all to make college a memorable experience.”

The EPs who did the most to win the trophies are the first to point out that “each and every” helped in some way. The boys that have been out of college for a while say that the fraternity helped them prepare for the job and life in a very real way. A statement that many EPs echo is “It makes you a better man, a more rounded individual” or “It instilled in me a sense of pride and brotherly understanding that was non-existing in me before that time.”

In conclusion, let me say that there is almost unanimity in the statement of one EP who says “the fraternity played probably the most important role for me in college.” (This comment was from a straight A student). The last letter of reference says, “Homecoming should really be something. Looking forward to seeing you and Mrs. Guthrie.” A late note from Trav Young '59 says “quite significant—both personal and social—with many lasting friendships.”