Historian Post: Do you remember “The Duke,” the diner of choice circa 1969-74?
This is “The Duke,” the famous eatery frequented by the brothers after hours, after downtown, actually anytime Ray Pelligrini asked us to accompany him to feed our faces! Known for their greasy foods, “house specialty” was French Fries smothered with gravy, a gastronomical experience par excellance! I could go for some now…
Occupy Hooters
A group of about 20 ITK’s from Long Island held an “Occupy Hooters” event the other night to watch MNF and $9.99 all you can eat wings. ITK’s from the founders through the actives were in attendance.
Alumni Letter December 2011
Fellow Alumni,
We hope that as another year closes that you are able to reflect on a positive and fruitful 2011 in your personal lives. From an ITKFAA standpoint, what started out as an open discussion in a bar a year ago, has evolved into the resurrection and greater presence of the ITK alumni amongst the brotherhood.
A great deal has been accomplished by a very small Association committee and, with a strong foundation established, we are looking for a broader base of brothers to raise their hands and get more involved. With the 45th Anniversary a little over 4 months away, there are many short term projects that you can help out with as well as longer-term Association roles. The main point is that, with the extensive professional and personal diversity of ITK alumni, everyone has specialized talents and abilities that they can bring to the table. Tapping into this invaluable asset of 45 years of membership can only materialize if you step forward and get involved. The time commitment is minimal, especially if many guys get involved, and efforts/projects can be accelerated leading to a stronger functioning organization that provides value and service to all of us.
Simply shoot us an e-mail HERE, whether you might be able to volunteer to help or just provide us with your constructive ideas and feedback (as an example, just don’t respond with “we need more non-Oneonta events” but instead provide a context of what you might imagine could be a viable solution… then ask yourself “if I care that much about my idea maybe I should get involved” – just food for thought…)
Have a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous 2012!
Best Regards,
John Fusco Mark Guarini Bob Hoch Frank Oliva Dennis Sinnott
Historian Post: Deceased Brother Steve “Dizzy” Conway
Steven “Dizzy” Conway
Steven Conway, dubbed “Dizzy” during pledging, was truly a unique character! Steve was born and raised on Long Island and attended the Farmingdale High School. Steve loved to surf the Long Island beaches and learned to be a good student early on. He was thrilled to be accepted to SUNY Oneonta where he left an indelible mark on that institution.
Steve was what you consider a model student. As a Geology major, he took what may be considered the most difficult curriculum offered at the College and studied long and hard every weekday night. He put those early studying skills to task and consistently earned a 3.8-4.0 GPA during his tenure at Oneonta. He graduated Magnum Cum Laude in 1972. He completed his masters at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY and then took a job in the oil industry In Texas.
Steve was so proud to be an ITK brother! During pledging, his wise cracks and continual smirk got the rest of the pledge class (Beta) in trouble! He proudly donned the Brown & White jacket often and loved to put on a dancing display at the sorority parties. There was another side of Steve that came to life every weekend. He developed a ritual before going “downtown” to party at the bars. He would begin drinking a whole bottle of Boone’s Farm Apple Wine, smoke at least a half pack of cigarettes (some funny looking ones too!), crank up a Humble Pie album and prepare himself like he was going to battle! He would then don his tan “bush” jacket and feathered fedora and hit the Copper Fox where he trolled for some sweet stuff! Truly a sight to behold!
Steve was brilliant when it came to listening to good music. He was light years ahead of the pop charts enjoying the music of Humble Pie and Alice Cooper long before any of us ever heard of them.
My favorite story of him at Oneonta began the opening week of our junior year. He was in the IRC building for a class when he saw 7 cases of calendars being delivered in the lobby. These calendars were given free to any student who wanted them and they contained many discount and free coupons displayed around the perimeter of the calendar. One coupon was for ‘One Free Club-Burger’ from the pre-curser of Burger King, the local Carroll’s Hamburger joint. That evening, he pulled his 1965 Bonneville beast up to the IRC, threw them in the massive trunk and took 6 cases back to our apartment at 87 Chestnut St. Because the coupons did not have expiration dates or exclusion verbiage, we ate free Club-burgers for the entire school year, arguing with the manager for weeks before he pulled the offer in late spring! I believe he was responsible for my coronary artery by-passes (6 of them!) years later!
Steve got married in the late 70’s and passed away with lung cancer in 1983. I hear he still wears that bush jacket!
Written by John Fusco
Historian Post: Deceased Brother Robert “Greenie” Green
Robert “Greenie” Green
Delta Class?member Robert Green was from Golden’s Bridge, NY and graduated in 1972.?
Greenie was a good looking, talented guy. He was sometimes quiet but always quick with a smile. In his case it was more of a sheepish grin! A mischievous boy, he would plan elaborate practical jokes. Greenie loved to serve them up to his friends. I will never forget the time he transferred John Fusco’s brain to the furnace monster, all in an altered state, of course. I think George Stam and Wayne Hermanson had something to do with that one as they lived in the same apartment near Old Main.?
At Oneonta, Greenie studied biology and shared many classes with John Fusco and Steve Cook, always competing for the highest grade.?
Greenie could do almost anything he tried. He was a good athlete, but also he played the piano and was teaching himself to play the guitar. He self-taught himself how to play Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven,” mastering the guitar solo at the end of the song to perfection! Between classes, Greenie took apart and rebuilt Gordie Costa’s old BSA motorcycle in the cloakroom at Golding Hall. We thought he would never get it back together but, of course, he did.?
Instead of the traditional Spring Break sojourn to Florida, Greenie along with Mike Dickman and John Fusco toured the west together going cross country in his Opel. They visited many National Parks and hiked the Grand Canyon from the rim to the river. I have heard the stories over the last 35 years, over and over!
Greenie was not sure what he wanted to do after college. We went down to the Air Force recruiter in the last semester of 1972. The Air Force gave us six hours of tests. With the Vietnam War winding down and a glut of pilots, the Air Force offered Greenie JETS. I was offered helicopters…??
Greenie’s life was cut short in 1974 in an accident on his beloved BSA, close to his home in Golden’s Bridge. He had recently been accepted to a dental school in Michigan and was happy.
I often think about Greenie and what could have been. In my heart I know he would have excelled in many different areas. We miss him dearly…
Written by Steve Cook
Awards Reception ITK Memorial Scholarship
On Saturday October 15th Dennis Sinnott and Allen Marx attended the scholarship awards reception to represent the ITK Memorials Scholarship. The 1st ever recipient, John Darrin, joined Dennis and Allen at their table along with his father who was wounded by a land mine in Khe San in 1966. Both expressed their gratitude with respect to the scholarship and for the sacrifices made by Cicio and Coulman. At our dinner table were photos of both Robert and Kevin in their USMC service uniforms. Many people came by to see the pictures we had displayed and to learn more about them and expressed their amazement at the unique bond that the brothers of ITK have.
Over the weekend several photos were taken, we encourage you to look through them.
#1 is John Darrin (scholarship recipient) with his Dad
#2 is Dennis Sinnott and John Darrin
#3 is brick that lays by the pond outside Hunt Union, purchased by Connie Cicio McDonaugh
#4 is brick purchased by Chuck Bogosta in honor of Randy Ketelhut
#5 pictures of Cicio/Coulman on display at reception
#6 Allen Marx at awards reception
#7 George Werthmuller and Ron Rierce on the SUCO Hall of Fame Wall.
A Message to All from Jim Petry
From Dennis Sinnott via Facebook:
Hello Dennis, I tried to call you but no number was listed in your FB info. Its been almost 2 months now since the tragic accident. I’m almost all healed from the outer visible wounds. When I get the green light, hopefully soon, I’ll get in a pool for some rehabilitation. MRI showed I do have bulging disks c3,c4,c5 in my neck, as well as, some kidney issues. I will be going in for a Cystoscopy on Nov 1. This is due to finding blood in my urine still almost 2 months later. Its a miracle that I am still alive or not crippled. Its really been surreal. Just returned from the Neurologist today. I’ve had some twitching in my left eye and left temple that radiates to the back of my head. The Physical therapist wanted to have it checked out for optic nerve damage.I’m hoping its more muscular than nerve. I continue with my physical therapy & psychotherapy. Having Rebecca’s 2 labs (Odee & LiL Bit) has been the best therapy so far. Maybe we can talk on the phone sometime Dennis. I had my Mother Cookie & Grandmother Virginia come visit me for 10 days (at same time) I call it Double Dosage Time LoL 
I was able to go with them both to the site of the tragic accident on I-75 near Toledo Blade Road in Northport, Florida to place a bouquet of flowers at the scene. The wreckage & spent flares were placed in a circle around the Flower arrangement. Thanks Alot Dennis (Hugs Bro) for your kind thoughts. Its okay Dennis. You can post this to the ITK website for me…
Fraternally, Jimmy Petry Delta prime
Connie Cicio Meeting Recap
From Dennis Sinnott:
I had a remarkable evening with Connie, we sopke for hours as if we had always known each other. I met her husband Kevin, and two of her four chilren, who are twin boys that are in the 8th grade. The other two children, a son and daughter, are in their 20′s. Connie shared with me many of Chico’s (Bobby is what she calls him) belongings including an ITK quilt (she plans to bring that to our 45th), photos, yearbooks, letters and a notepad he kept of his Paris Island bootcamp experience. Both of us were overwhelmed going throught these items and spent most of our time talking.
Before we looked through anything, she shared with me what her perception of ITK was as she didn’t really know. Connie said all she can ever think about is the movie Animal House, we got a good laugh from that. While during my time in ITK we certainly resembled Animal House, there was always something deeper about us though….we talked about our diversity in political beliefs, religious backgrounds, ethnicity, muscial interests, etc. Unlike other fraternities, ITK was a very distinct group of individuals. She wanted to hear a bit about the original house and pledging, I could only share my experience obviously as traditions evolve. Of course I talked about Chico’s picture was the 1st thing anyone would see upon entering the house, gave her a walkthrough of the layout and all the rooms. Then I shared what were to be some of my most memorable pledging experiences, pulling “Firewatch” in which my pledge class was responsible to safeguard the house, Chico’s potrait in particular, through the entire night. My pledge class consisted of 9 of us and we took shifts, sitting in the living room in front of Chico’s potrait. My pledge class was also required to sleep together in the eves on the 3rd floor for 2 weeks to build unity.
It was after sharing this she handed me his notepad from bootcamp to look at. The 1st page I opened was Chico talking about pulling “Firewatch” on Paris Island, Connie and I couldn’t believe it, we felt like he was right there with us!
Let me share one final thing that happened last night. As you all know one of my efforts has been around finding as many ITK alumni as possible. One alumni I’ve been searching for is one of my pledge brothers who I hadn’t been able to locate and heard was not well. I had sent a letter to his mom that should she ever hear from him, to give him my phone number. While talking with Connie and her husband, my phone rings and it is the pledge brother I’ve been looking for calling me from Guatamala. He and I had quite a discussion last night as well, I won’t get into that here though.
Connie and her family said they can’t believe that we’ve carried the torch as far as we have, or as high as we have in their opinion.
She is looking forward to meeting all of us next April for the 45th! As promised, I will bring a picture of both Cicio and Coulman for the actives to display in the house.
Meeting with Connie Cicio & Awards Reception for ITK Memorial Scholarship
Thanks to all who helped make honoring these two brothers of ours possible!
ITK 45th Anniversary Celebration
Fellow Alumni,
In an effort to stay ahead of the curve and give everyone plenty of time to plan around their busy schedules we wanted to pass along some baseline information with regard to the 45th Anniversary Alumni Weekend next April.
Alumni Weekend has been set on the calendar for the weekend of April 27th- 29th,, 2012 in Oneonta. Hopefully with this advanced notice it will provide the heads up necessary to clear the weekend on your calendar against many of the commitments that might keep you away. Although some details are still being worked out, we have secured a block of rooms and discounted group rates across a few locations. It is up to you where you might want to stay but the “Official ITK Alumni Weekend Hotels” will be the Clarion, Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express. Below are the details:
Clarion – Main Street Oneonta – (607) 432 7500 (best centrally based location) – $129/night/room plus tax and gratuities. Each room has 2 queen beds. Rate will go down to $119 if more than 30 rooms. Each room still has 2 queen size beds which can be shared which will bring down the per room cost. When rooms are booked the brother booking the room should state that he is with the ITK Group so that the special rate can be given. Rooms will be held until 6 weeks before AW (after that point rooms will be open to the general public).
Holiday Inn Express, West Oneonta – (607) 433-2250 – $79/night/room plus tax and gratuities. Each room has 2 queen beds. When making reservation Brothers should state that they are with the ITK Alumni Weekend Group. Rooms will be held for up to 6 weeks before AW (after that point rooms will be released to the general public).
Hampton Inn, West Oneonta – $85/night/room plus tax and gratuities. Each room has 2 double beds and includes a free breakfast buffet. The $85 rate reflects a group discount and they have provided a special reservation link for ITK to use (http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/O/ONHNJHX-PTA-20120427/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG)
Some less expensive hotels ($10-$15 less per night) are Super 8, Riverview and Townhouse.
The weekend of events are still being established however most of the traditional baseline elements will continue to serve as the foundation of the weekend (i.e., Friday night at the Fox, Saturday afternoon barbeque in Wilber Park, and an organized gathering on Saturday night). It is our hope that the specifics around the events will be a pleasant surprise that will have the 45th standout a little brighter than the usual fare. Also, if you have interest in helping out with the coordination raise your hand and drop us a line at itk.oneonta@gmail.com.
Lastly, we are trying to ensure that all 45 years of brotherhood are represented and we have a heavy task of restoring many, many composites that have been recently damaged so if you have a copy of your personal mini composites please send a digital jpeg format copy to itk.oneonta@gmail.com which will greatly assist in completing the effort.
Best Regards,
ITKAA Committee
itk.oneonta@gmail.com