Raritan Fiji Spring 1974 pictures and text


Bill Austin Jr. to speak at pig dinner

This year we are pleased to announce that William Austin Jr. will be our guest speaker at Pig Dinner on Saturday, April 20, 1974. Brother Austin '58, has the distinct honor of being the only Nu Beta to become an All-American in football. He is currently vice-president of International Silver based in Meriden, Conn. We are sure his speech will be quite entertaining. This year we are also lucky to have Jack Kearton '49, back as our toastmaster. From past performances we can guarantee that his ribald brand of humor will keep the dinner lively; that is, if the waitresses have enough courage to come out of the kitchen.

There has been one major change this year. The dinner will be held at the Davidson Faculty Dining Room on the Heights campus. The cocktail party will be held in an adjoining room. Maps are available and will be sent to you upon request.

We are hoping for a large turnout this year. Hope to see you there!

Allen Kaplan '74

Elections were held last month, and a new crop of aspiring young men took control of Nu Beta's reins. The new president is Robert "Bear" Behot '75, an Agricultural Business major. The Bear played freshman football, and currently served as rush chairman and as social chairman. As rush chairman he garnered nineteen pledges. He replaced Joe Pinto, an Eco major. Joe did a fine job keeping the house in high spirits throughout his tenure in office. Joe will pursue his education at law school next year.

Nu Beta's books have returned to the shores of Long Island once again as Doug MacDonald, class of '75 and an Eco major, succeeds Skip Roach as Phi Gam's new treasurer. As did the three treasurers previous to Skip, Doug, too hails from Long Island. Under Skip Roach's administration the house "ran in the black." Doug, having had courses in accounting and having worked with Skip throughout the year, is more than capable of keeping the house in sound economical shape.

Jim Shellem '76 replaces Jerry Bergosh as the steward. Jim is a psyched brother, and as an experienced crew man, is well aware of the kitchen's customs and problems. Jim needs only to continue the good meals that Jerry and Mrs. "B" had provided to keep the hearty eating Phi Gams satisfied.

Nick Cancro replaces Al Kaplan as recording secretary. Nick is a purple brother whose voice will be valuable in cabinet meetings and administrative affairs. Al retires his cabinet post and is busy with preparations for this year's Pig Dinner.

Mark Mattia, a history major and former historia, bequeaths his trusty Kodak to Floyd Bienstock, another history major. Floyed is currently heard as the morning newsman on WRSU-FM. He promises numerous photographs, and the filing of winning cup reports to our beloved National.

Bob Grillo is our new corresponding secretary following Leo Egan. Leo reinstituted the Raritan Fiji here at Nu Beta. Bob's competence is evident as you are presently reading his issue of the Raritan Fiji. in addition Bob hopes to update the Alumni mailing list, a job that Leo began.

Mike Canonico replaces his roommate, John Bradley, as house chairman. As the house gets older, more and more attention must be given to its upkeep. John did a good job handling any and all emergencies. "Sonny" Canonico is a psyched brother who is willing to give much of his time to this often unpleasant task.

That is the new and past cabinet for this school year. On behalf of these officers, as well as the entire 'hood, I would like to welcome all of you to come and enjoy Pig Dinner with us this year.

Over the years various aspects of Nu Beta tend to change. One such change occurred this fall with the acquisition of a new eight foot slate pool table. Instead of taking the original prize for winning last year's cancer drive, we instead took the money and on our own purchased a used juke box and our present pool table.

In some ways foreseen and others not, the pool table changed a few things in the house. The once cozy den is now referred to as the pool room. The days of passing out in the den during parties or trying subversive tactics with female companions are over. The room is now locked for parties to prevent any damage to the table.

However, the real change for the house has been in the constant activity the table has provided us with. Hardly a minute goes by with the table unattended and often the playing goes on long into the night.

The table was bought at a bargain price and, as with all bargains, ours fell apart in various places after a short time. Bill Woodall, who was took charge of putting it together, has refurbished it and we hope that it lasts until we can win a new one.

So, if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop in for a game or two, if not just to say hello, and see if you can outhustle us.