Laugh So Hard Your Guts Hurt
October 2006
Boring day? These hilarious memories will put a smile on your face and take you back to your days as an undergrad. Relive your wild days and share your memories with us at here.
What is the memory that makes you laugh hardest today?
“For several years in the 1960's and 70's I was Chapter Supervisor at Delta Delta while I was on the staff of Purdue University in Continuing Education. Living across the street from the house was convenient and dangerous. For three reasons I was in danger. First, my young daughters grew up both inside and outside our Chapter. It was alright when they were small, but by the time I left Purdue they were in their teens and, well you know the rest. Second, I was a target for water balloons shot over the Chapter House and into my back yard while I was mowing the lawn. Our engineers were getting lots of practice calculating coordinates to hit the Chapter Supervisor. And third, I was readily available for any activities that were ‘exceptional.’ The most memorable of these events occurred on a winter night on the Island when a snowball fight broke out most of the windows in our chapter and the one behind us. Let’s just say I was called to mediate the dispute after most of our windows were gone, and that after my verbal intervention with the other fraternity, I was snowballed from behind by their chapter, which resulted in my supposed authorization to take out their windows in return. I deny that accusation. I am now retired after 32 years in college administration. Sixteen of those years were at Purdue. I left Purdue in 1983 and for the next sixteen years I was the Vice President of Administration for the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. I have remained a little active in affairs of our National Fraternity and have had the privilege of seeing two of "my boys" rise to top leadership posts at the National level - Louie Ripberger as National President and Tom Roser as President of the Foundation. I also read the Annual Report of the Foundation with great pleasure when I see the names of so many of our alums who continue to contribute to the ongoing work our of Fraternity. The Bond of Delta Sigma Phi has guided and sustained me throughout all of my 49 years with the Fraternity and I look forward to many more years before the Bond Eternal has my name on its list.” - Jerry O'Brien ’61
“In '69, when I was chapter secretary and Corny Raab made yet another change to something begin discussed in chapter meeting. I just got fed up and tore off the sheet from my notes, to begin a new page. It sort of stopped the meeting, and poor Corney was left standing there while everyone let off pressure by laughing.” - David Earl Irvine, ’71
“When President Hansen visited during Hell Week.” - Roger Mola, ’74
“The farmers returning to the house after a day working at the hog farm.” - Paul Kropp, ’81
While down the hall taking a shower, my roomie Steve Washburn returns to our room with some girl. However, he forgot to put the necktie on the doorknob which indicates there is a female in the room, "DO NOT ENTER". Well, after the shower I prance down the hall and open the door with one hand and whip off the towel from my waist with the other hand and then OOOOOOH NOOOOOOOO ....... To say the least, my first impression on Steve's visitor was not the way we do things here in Pittsburgh! -Dennis Choltco, ‘70
“While watching the NLCS (Pirates/Reds) in the Delta Lounge, Greg Gorbett ’94 makes a comment about how the Reds won't make it through the series. A group of Reds fans reply, ‘you wanna bet?’ The bet was if the Reds (substantial underdogs) win the World Series, Gorbett runs around the house naked. I can't seem to remember what Gorbett would get if they lost. Probably beer. Flash forward two to three weeks: the upstart Reds just finish sweeping the Oakland A's to become World Series Champs. As luck would have it, this historic win happens to land on a Saturday night - and better yet - it's Purdue’s Homecoming. To set the stage, 1990 was at the tail end of the pre-keg-ban era. The newly-renovated house was barely a year old. There are at least 300 people at the house (and I think I'm way underestimating). The attendees include students, guests, alums, and parents. Around 10 p.m., the DJ stops the music, and a PA announcement directs everyone to the multi-level balconies to witness the event. In the parking lot, stand two people: Greg wearing tennis shoes, a white bath-robe and holding a Reds pennant, and his father, who is providing Greg with moral support and beer. After a final chug of courage, the robe is removed and Greg begins the first of three glorious laps around the house with a multitude of people screaming and cheering. Apparently there were video and still photographs of this event, but they have disappeared. If anyone has any of these historical artifacts, please let us know.” - Brian L. Conway ’93
Describe the best party
Describe your favorite/best road trip
“Walkout to Oshkosh. Hitchhiking to U of I in time for dime hotdogs and beer.” - Roger Mola, ’74
What is the one memory you have shared or will share with your children or grandchildren?
“The people I met through the Fraternity who are my most important friendships still today.” - Thomas John Roeser, ’72
“That Purdue could actually win a basketball game.” - Paul Kropp, ’81
“The time Lang and I built the hot tub (version 1) that collapsed during the Grand Prix Party.” - Brad Mansfield, ’94