Chi Phi - University of Wisconsin

J oining a fraternity can be one of the most difficult decisions a young man has to make. Each chapter has different values and missions and looks for certain qualities in its members. Finding the right Brother- hood can be a daunting task. Ray Warell '81 shares his experience of choosing Chi Phi in 1977: Why did you want to join Chi Phi? As a second semester freshman in 1977, I happened to meet Ted Pulkownik '80 during a study break at the Holt Center. Ted and I played varsity football together in high school. Ted was a Chi Phi active and invited me to their recruitment party. He said that sorority girls would be there and I immediately accepted! Actives Tom Cushing '79 and Dennis Blair '79 greeted me at the Chi Phi Chapter House and escorted me to the basement bar room. Back then, the drinking age was 18 so they introduced me to a game called Wales Tales. It's a difficult word and cadence game for any novice, where the loser has to take a sip of beer. I took many sips that night! Later that night, Tom took me to the Parthenon, a Greek restaurant on State Street for a gyro sandwich. It was the most delicious food I had ever devoured! In one night, I was hooked. The men of Chi Phi had a darn good thing going. My usual night blowing off steam after studying in the dorms was nothing compared to what Chi Phi offered, and these guys had their own house! I woke up in my dorm room the next day and the smile on my face said, "Oh please, I want more!" What happened after that first night at Chi Phi? They thought I was worthy to become a Pledge and I was ecstatic. I was impressed that they took college serious and yet their social calendar was well planned and expertly executed. While they were proud that Chi Phi is the oldest social fraternity, there is much more to Chi Phi than parties. Tom made a great impression on me and I chose him as my Pledge Father. Pledges had to read, study, and learn Chi Phi's history and ideals. We took tests to verify that we weren't blowing it off. Joining Chi Phi was a serious commitment, but we still had fun. What was it like becoming an active at Chi Phi? Activation was called hazing by the general public but they never understood it. It wasn't sadistic torture as they believed. It was the final step and rite of passage to becoming an active in Chi Phi. Pledges experienced an entire semester together, and during the final days of activation in the house, we became a very close group of men. Activation sealed our understanding that in order to join the ranks of the men of Chi Phi, we must first be able to work together as a group of Pledges. When congratulated as a new active in the chapter room, it was the most uplifting feeling imaginable. I was now Forever In The Bond. After graduating from U. W. Madison and leaving Chi Phi, why is it still important to you? I mentioned Dennis Blair (Denny) earlier, he and brothers Dave Walton '80 (Waldo) and Ferdinand Ruiz de Chavez '80 (Ferds) have all passed away too soon, but they each had a positive effect on me. Denny and Waldo both demonstrated that achievement was attained by studying hard and that getting good grades were important aspects of being a Chi Phi. They also helped me appreciate that as a Chi Phi you must aspire to be a gentleman. Brother Ferds' smile and laughter lit up a room. He was a friend with a tremendous sense of humor. He made it OK to not be afraid to make fun of one self. Humor is just as important as being serious. Today, I meet with brothers in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area each year around Christmas and we laugh as though we were back at Chi Phi 30 years ago. Unfortunately, our Chapter House on Langdon Street is now dealing with a serious financial situation. While our Chapter has endured difficult challenges over the past three decades, we are faced with the greatest one ever— to modify the house so that it is in compliance with Madison's current ordinances and remains a competitive option against all other fraternities and other housing on campus. I'm one alumnus who feels lucky to be part of a great and noble Chi Phi tradition. I'm fortunate that I now have financial resources to help Chi Phi. I want many more young men to experience what I received and still appreciate. I hope many other brothers can also help in any way possible. Any contribution you make will be important. It is vital that our financial campaign and Chi Phi be successful for many more generations of men that will follow us. Our history is important and our future is worth saving. Ray and his wife Suzanne live in Hartland, Wisconsin, and have been married for 23 years. They have three teenage children. You can contact Ray by email at rawarell@dynexhydraulics.com. CenTennial Campaign leaDs ray Warell '81 To reConneCT WiTh Chi phi BroThers "Our History Is Important and Our Future Is Worth Saving" Jim Trotter '78 Ray Warell '81 David Kurtz '82 Dave Porchetta '82 Larry Davis '83

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