1998 Volume 121 No 1–4 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

CONVENTION
• Winners of the Housser, Founders,
Harvard, and Kansas City Tropliies
gather after the Grand Banquet
• Robert J. Miller greets guests and
children as they enter the convention
ball for an open session.
• Chapter delegates from Nebraska
Gamma and their province president.
Rick Maclnnes, pose for a photograph
at the ground breaking ceremony.
North HaU.
The Pilgrimage continued with a guided toiu" of the
Miami campus. Sites highlighted were those of historical
fraternity significance including the Phi Delt Gates
(donated by the Fraternity as a part of our 125th
aimiversary), EUiott and Stoddard Halls (previously known
as Old North and South Halls before being named in honor
of two Phis), the bell tower donated by Beta Theta Pi, the
slant walk, and of coiurse, the site of the Snow Rebellion,
Old Main, now called Harrison Hall in honor of Phi
President Benjamin Harrison.
Following this historical trek through our Fraternity's
past, everyone gathered to celebrate our future imder the
warm June sun on the corner of Campus and High Streets,
the location of our General Headquarters. Large blue and
white tents encompassing the headquarters' south lawn
were filled to capadty. Hanging proudly from the south
edifice of our headquarters was a tremendous Phi Delt flag
and a large stage stood direcdy before this symbol of
brotherhood. Fraternity songs filled the siunmer day imtU
Executive Vice President Emeritus and Foimdation
President Emeritus Robert J. Miller, New Mexico '50,
climbed the stairs of the adorned stage to kickoff a very
special ground breaking ceremony.
Brother Miller shared with the hundreds of Phis and
guests off-the-cuff remarks about his two score plus years
as overseer of the venerable headquarters, now celebrating
its golden aimiversary. Brother Miller aimounced the
Educational Foundation's ambitious plans to expand the
current building in order to better serve our membership.
Brother Miller invited Foundation Trustee Dr. Paul
Martin, Akron '35, to say a few words. Dr. Martin and his
late wife, Dorothy, have been tremendous supporters of
both the Phi Delta Theta and Delta Gamma Foundations as
well as their alma mater. After his thoughtfiil commentary
on the historic occasion. Dr. Martin took a silver-plated
shovel and officially turned the first dirt for the expansion.
The Foundation Trustees, General Council and then everyone
in attendance gathered to seize a chance to throw
some dirt during the ground breaking.
Foundation President Rusty Richardson, Tampa '80, unveiled
the plans of the new headquarters' expansion, which
will allow the Foundation and Fraternity to operate under
one roof for the first time in a decade. The completed
building will also boast improved meeting and seminar
space, as well as additional room for the display
of items from the Phi archives.
Friday evening found Convention visitors
taking advantage of their host city,
Cinciimati. Many attended the Broadway
production "Beauty and the
Beast," some saw Brother Erich Kimzel
conduct the Cinciimati Pops at the
Riverbend Music Pavilion, others dined in
18 THE SCROLL • SUMMER 1998