 |
 |
|
Part Four
After reading the original History and that part written by Dr. Jacob E. Reisch, and especially his ending note, the responsibility of updating it is almost overwhelming.
In no way can what I have attempted to add be compared to his. Dr Reisch had a deep love for the Fraternity plus a talent for writing neither of which can be duplicated. This is merely an addition done from past records and remembrances of the 40 years spent with the Fraternity and participation in most of its activities.
It was a pleasure to have been a part of the Fraternity for so many years and I hope I have not omitted anything of importance or injured any feelings in the updating. When you have been associated with a group for so long, it becomes a part of you or, as we used to say, "It gets in your blood." It is good to know that Phi Chi will go on, be cared for, grow, and prosper.
Ellen H. Moore
1948
The year of 1948 saw progress and growth. The Phi Alpha Gamma merger was completed on February 21, 1948, when Phi Alpha of Phi Chi at New York Medical College and Phi Alpha Gamma at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia were installed. At the annual Founders' Day Banquet of the Phi Chi Alumni Association in New York, with members from Alpha Mu, Rho Delta and Upsilon sigma attending, 48 charter members of Phi Alpha were initiated by Dr. Jacob E. Reisch. At that same time, seven members of the then existing Gamma chapter of Phi Alpha Gamma traveled to New York to be initiated into Phi Chi. This event ceremonially completed the merger of Phi Alpha Gamma and Phi Chi, which had been agreed upon by the official bodies of each Fraternity.
On February 26, 1948, Epsilon Kappa of the University of Washington in Seattle was chartered. The founding of this chapter can be credited to a long active alumni association in Seattle, the Northwest Alumni and, with their help, the establishment of a Phi Chi chapter in the new medical school was a natural step. Since their charter was granted the year following the death of Eben J. Carey, by unanimous acclaim the charter members dedicated the chapter in his honor.
On July 29, 1949, the Phi Chi Welfare Association was incorporated with the Board of Directors being Drs. Jacob E. Reisch, Springfield, Illinois, president; Michael J. Carey, Council Bluffs, Iowa, vice-president; Albert F. Saunders, Valdosta, Georgia, secretary-treasurer, Don F. Cathcart, Atlanta, Georgia and Dougal M. Dollar, Louisville, Kentucky, members.
1949
August 20, 1949, saw the death of Phi Chi's first Grand Presiding Senior, Dr. Irvin Abell, Louisville, 1897.
The XXXI Grand Chapter of Phi Chi met December 28-30, 1949, in Galveston and Houston, Texas. The first session was called to order in the beautiful new Zeta chapter house. The house itself set the tone for the Convention but probably created a little envy among some of the brothers whose houses were not so outstanding. Called "The Fraternity Home of Tomorrow," it could comfortably house 48 students and consisted of three wings around a central patio. It occupied a full city block, large enough to house the delegates and have ample room for the business sessions and the Official Banquet. The second co-host, Xi Chi chapter, Baylor University School of Medicine at Houston, arranged for the second half of the meeting in Houston at the then new and famed Shamrock Hotel.
Transportation of the group from Galveston to Houston was by bus so that historical sites, such as the San Jacinto Battleground and the Battleship Texas, could be seen.
The Eben J. Carey Plaque, authorized by the XXX Grand Chapter Convention, had been completed and was shown to the group for their approval. Distribution to the chapters was scheduled for the spring of 1950.
Some legislation of importance was submitted by this convention, namely a resolution by Dr. Reisch suggesting that an honor award consisting of an appropriate medal and certificate be established to honor those who had made distinguished contributions to clinical medicine.
It was also resolved that this convention should go on record as opposing the enactment in the United States of any law providing any form of National Socialized Medicine similar to that then in effect in Great Britain.
Two amendments to the Constitution were made. The first, Statute I, Article 10, was passed unanimously and established the Official Key of Phi Chi, described to be the present official badge (or a scaled replica) fastened to a metal base of polished gold. These keys were to be available as honor awards.
It was left to the Executive Trustees to design it.
Amendment to Article VI, Section 2, regarding membership in the Fraternity, was the cause of much debate and discussion and was finally passed by a large majority. The new amendment changed the old article to read "A male student of medicine or allied sciences in good standing. . ." among other things.
A memorial resolution to the memory of Irvin Abell, Sr., first Grand Presiding Senior of the Grand Chapter of Phi Chi was passed and later carried in the March 1950 QUARTERLY.
New York City was agreed upon as the site for the next Grand Chapter Convention.
Officers elected were: Don F. Cathcart, Tulane, 1929, Grand Presiding Senior; Edward W. Griffey, Rush, 1924, Grand Presiding Junior; Michael J. Carey, St. Louis, 1926, reelected member of the Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch were to continue their incumbency with six years yet to be served.
1950
These were good years for the Fraternity. The May 1950 Phi Chi QUARTERLY recorded 2164 initiates received into 46 chapters in one year—May 1949 to May 1950. There were 57 active chapters. That was truly outstanding. Things were progressing, the QUARTERLY was an outstanding fraternal publication, conventions were being held according to schedule and there was good healthful competition on the campuses where there were other medical fraternities. Surprisingly, on those campuses where there was more than one fraternity, membership was best. These were thriving years.
The year 1950 saw the announcement of the Phi Chi Key being available, the acquisition of a famous landmark mansion in Omaha for Upsilon Nu chapter, and the first Phi Chi-AMA luncheon being held.
The Phi Chi Key, as it was finally developed after some trial and error, was a masterpiece of various shades of gold on black. The polished black background reflected the polished gold of the "Chi" as contrasted with the nuggeted gold of the "Phi." The border surrounding the Key was carefully engraved and added to the effectiveness of the design. The eyes of the skull were of rubies and the back of the Key contained adequate space for engraving. The Keys would be available as honor awards and could be awarded by the chapters, an organized alumni group, the Grand Chapter or the Executive Trustees to members in recognition of special work done for a chapter of the Fraternity on a local or national basis. All Keys were to be numbered and a record kept by Central Office. At that time, the cost of the plain Key was $12.50, the jeweled Key $5.00 more.
The new Upsilon Nu chapter house was the culmination of dreams of the chapter for many years. Actual plans had begun in early 1940s when funds were invested in bonds and earmarked for the building of a new house. In 1947, a fund-raising campaign under the leadership of Dr. Leo Anderson, Nebraska, 1941, was organized and it accumulated to the amount of $91,000 in cash and pledges by April 1948. Because of the high cost of real estate and construction, building was prohibitive and the fund remained unused until February 1949 when the Charles Metz property at 3708 Dewey Avenue, six blocks from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and the University Hospital, became available. The home, a brick and concrete mansion, was everything and more than the active and alumni membership had hoped for and on March 11, 1950, the chapter took possession.
The Eben J. Carey Memorial Award in Anatomy plaque, distributed to each chapter in 1950, was of hand-rubbed mahogany upon which was a bas-relief of Dr. Carey in a laurel wreath.
Beneath this was an inscription plate in cast bronze that told the meaning of the award. Below this were 16 small inscription plates upon which would be inscribed the names of the annual award winners. Each recipient would receive a Certificate of Merit, measuring 8 x 11 inches wide, imprinted with the awardee’s name, which was to be presented at each chapter's Founders' Day Banquet.
Dr. Reisch and his staff, in addition to the above activities, had been busily compiling the name and address of each member of Phi Chi and in December of 1950 announced the 1950 Directory. The new Directory, the sixth edition, was the first to be published since 1940 and was a gargantuan task due to temporary addresses of the war years being changed by many members and the fact that the AMA was in the process of revising their record system. Eventually, the work was done and it was hailed as an outstanding publishing event in fraternity circles.
The end of 1950 marked the acquisition of another glamorous chapter house. Epsilon Kappa of the University of Washington in Seattle moved from a small house at 1903 15th Avenue, N.E., into an English Tudor mansion at 1800 Shelby. Through the efforts of Dr. Glenn Goodwin Grover, Kansas, 1927, and the Seattle Phi Chi Welfare Association, a successful bond-selling drive was completed and the purchase of the house was assured. Dr. Grover passed away in May before the move into the house but not before the house was acquired. The new chapter house could comfortably sleep 25 students, had many large and lovely rooms and a beautiful view of the lake and canal and the medical school directly across the canal.
1951
In early 1951, a new wing was added to the Zeta chapter house, University of Texas in Galveston. The addition was a two-story brick building of 28 rooms, each with private bath. This gave Zeta a capacity of 104 student members. Money for this addition was obtained by gifts from the alumni and the drive spearheaded by Dr. Edward W. Griffey, Rush, 1924, secretary of the Zeta of Phi Chi Benefit (Alumni) Association.
In June of 1951, Drs. Reisch and Carey established Phi Chi at the AMA meeting in Atlantic City. This consisted of a registration booth and an official luncheon. Phi Chi was the only national medical fraternity maintaining a registration booth staffed by National officers and it was well received by the alumni.
Tau Beta at the University of Wisconsin acquired a chapter house once again, located at 441 N. Lake St. The chapter had fallen upon hard times during the depression and lost its house but maintained a small membership. A fund campaign was initiated in the spring of 1950 and, with the help of actives and alumni alike, as well as University officials, the lease was signed on June 16, 1951.
The XXXII Grand Chapter, December 27-29, 1951, was probably one of the busiest, both on the floor of the Convention and after business hours, that Phi Chi ever knew. There were 51 delegates and 4 Grand Chapter officers attending, as well as 29 Phi Chi guests and many wives. Truly an assemblage of which to be proud. The multitude of resolutions, amendments discussion and, yes, arguments were ably handled by the Grand Presiding Senior, Dr. Don F. Cathcart, Emory, 1929, Atlanta, who, upon occasion and when necessary, firmly reminded the assembly that he was the Grand Presiding Senior and could vote any time he wanted!
There were many people at the Convention that either had played an important role in the Fraternity or would. Dr. Ralph Duncan, Loyola-Stritch, 1914, Kansas City, Mo., a past Grand Presiding Senior who presided at the XXI and XXII Grand Chapter Conventions, attended and gave an emotional farewell during the last session. He was presented an official Honor Key at the Grand Chapter Banquet as being the member present who has been a Phi Chi for the greatest number of years. Dr. Paul M. Wood, Columbia, 1922, who had been instrumental in organizing Upsilon Sigma chapter while in medical school and also reactivated it when the chapter "evaporated" during World War II, represented the New York Alumni Association. Dr. Frank Barnes, New York, 1951, Mineola, N.Y., who helped establish his chapter at New York Medical College, was to become nationally active with the Fraternity. Vernon Ward, delegate from Nebraska, got his first taste of National activities here and was to go on to become a National officer.
Joseph C. Shipp, Columbia, 1952, was Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements for the Convention and managed to do a fantastic job. His "magic card" from the Mayor's Office plus his own know-how secured immediate admission to places where there were long lines of people waiting to be admitted. His efforts were without end and he was even on duty on New Year's Eve, after the Convention ended, leading groups of Phi Chis through a more than crowded Times Square to watch the ball go down, indicating the New Year. Despite all this planned nighttime entertainment, everyone made their way to the business meeting every morning, after deciding they could sleep when they were at home.
The turmoil of the times was carried to the floor of the Convention and was felt there, as it was everywhere. Many people had much to say. The outcome of eight resolutions and two amendments was arrived at by hard work and much debate.
Amendment to Article XI, Section 3 (b) had to do with Associate Members and defined them as physicians who were doctors of medicine in good standing with the A.M.A. or B.M.A., or members of the allied sciences with a doctor's degree other than medicine . . . and who were not alumni members of any active chapter of Phi Chi. It passed unanimously. The second amendment, Statute I, Section XI, called for the official coat-of-arms of the Fraternity be made available in cloth form for use on wearing apparel, to be made of cloth and metal thread, and its design be left to the Executive Trustees. This, too, passed unanimously.
Election of officers was as follows: Paul M. Wood, Columbia, 1922, Grand Presiding Senior; Michael J. Carey, St. Louis, 1926, Grand Presiding Junior; Don F. Cathcart, Tulane, 1929, Member, Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch continued in their terms.
A Constitution and Statutes Committee was appointed and charged with the responsibility of studying the Constitution for the possibility of making major changes and reporting to the XXXIII Grand Chapter Convention. This committee consisted of: Albert Hollingsworth, Indiana, 1905, Indianapolis; Paul M. Wood, Columbia, 1922, New York City; Robert S. Sherman, Jr., California, 1942, San Francisco; Buck Boynton, Texas, 1954, Dallas; James C. Griffin, Mississippi, 1952, University of Mississippi; Ralph E. Duncan, Loyola-Stritch, 1914, Kansas City, Mo.; John B. Sullivan, Toronto, 1952, Toronto, Ont.; Vernon G. Ward, Nebraska, 1954, Omaha.
It was voted that the XXXIII Grand Chapter Convention meet in Omaha.
1952
In March of 1952, Epsilon Beta of Phi Chi at the University of California in Los Angeles was chartered, making it the 72nd chapter of the Fraternity.
1953
In 1953, the Phi Chi QUARTERLY celebrated its 50th birthday. A detailed history of the QUARTERLY was published in the January l953 issue. Truly, the magazine had come a long way. The March, May and October issues contained an updated history of the Fraternity. The first two series were revisions of data previously recorded that had been checked for authenticity but the third installment (October 1953) was written by the Editor, Dr. Jacob E. Reisch, from his personal knowledge, remembrances and opinion, for as he said”… Without opinion, such a review would be a Frankenstein—mere figures and facts fail miserably to express the living quality of fraternal organization.” The History was ended at the year of 1947.
Chi chapter, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1953 and was duly saluted in the May 1953 issue of the QUARTERLY, which was dedicated to the chapter. Boasting an active membership of 79 at the time, they were one of Phi Chi’s top chapters.
December 11, 1953, saw the installation of Beta Alpha chapter at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Coral Gables Fla. After meeting with Dr. Albert F. Saunders and local alumnus, Dr. Walter W. Sackett, a group of 12 students became charter members.
The XXXIII Grand Chapter was held In Omaha in December of 1953. This, too, was a hectic, busy meeting Chi Upsilon, Nu, the Omaha Alumni Association (alumni club of Chi Upsilon) and the Chi Club (alumni group of Upsilon Nu) were hosts. Dr. Michael J. Carey, Grand Presiding Junior, who lived nearby in Council Bluffs, Iowa, also worked tirelessly to assure everyone attending an outstanding time. From the pre-meeting Open House at the splendid Upsilon Nu house to the final Grand Ball, there was constant fraternalism. Brother Jay Carduff, Creighton, 1954 amazed (and almost deafened!) everyone at the Open House by his dexterity on the bagpipes. The Official Banquet (a stag affair, as usual), complete with a beautiful ice carving of the Greek letters "Phi Chi" used as a centerpiece, held at the Hotel Fontenelle, was a sumptuous affair with an excellent turnout. However, not to stop there, there was also a separate dinner for the ladies in attendance, a Grand Tour (who can forget the walk over the Stockyards at 25 degrees below zero!), a Steak Dinner and all this capped by a Grand Ball. Yes, there were business sessions too.
It might be of interest to know there were 48 delegates, four Grand Chapter officers, two alumni association delegates, 50 active members, 16 alumni members and 25 Phi Chi wives attending, making a total of 145!
Besides the routine business of the Convention many resolutions and amendments were introduced and discussed but perhaps the one of note was that concerning new rules of membership eligibility. It had been greatly feared that an amendment of this kind might create problems in a group with such wide geographical locations. However, such was not the case and deliberations and discussions of this group resulted in Article VI, Section 2, of the Constitution and Statutes.
New Orleans was voted to be the site of the next convention.
Officers elected were: Michael J. Carey, St. Louis, 1926, Grand Presiding Senior; Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1937, Grand Presiding Junior; Don Cathcart, Tulane, 1949, Member, Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch continued their terms of office.
1955
Celebrating 65 years of existence, the QUARTERLIES of 1955 were devoted to updating the history of each chapter. The October issue revealed 58 active chapters, 4510 collegiate or active members and a grand membership total of 40,408.
On May 21, 1955, Mu Sigma of Phi Chi at the University of Missouri in Columbia was installed with 16 charter members. Initiation and installation was conducted by Dr. Jacob E. Reisch at the Memorial Student Union. At this same time, a member of the medical school faculty, Dr. Thomas D. Luckey, was also initiated as an Associate Member and became the chapter's advisor. The XXXIV Grand Chapter met in New Orleans December 27-29, 1955. This was Phi Chi's second Grant Chapter meeting in New Orleans, the first being us 1907, and the city lived up to its reputation with "pleasurable non-convention activities," as Dean M. E. Lapham of Tulane predicted in his welcome to the delegates. True southern hospitality was the keyword for the two host chapters, Omicron of Tulane Medical School, and Lambda Sigma, Louisiana State University. The pre-convention "Welcome Party' was held at the splendid old mansion on St. Charles Street that Omicron called home. Business sessions were interspersed with a tour of the French Quarter, a luncheon, an Official Banquet and a Grand Ball (with many lovely southern girls being secured as dates for the single out-of-town brothers). Omicron chapter hosted a buffet dinner as a farewell to those going home for New Year's Eve, however, many took advantage of tickets for the Super Bowl game secured by the host chapters and celebrated New Year's in the French Quarter.
There were 53 delegates, ten alternate delegates, 29 student members, nine alumni members and five Grand Chapter officers attending, plus many uncounted Phi Chi wives—a great attendance at a great meeting.
The business sessions were well organized and well conducted by Grand Presiding Senior Michael J. Carey. Resolutions were discussed but conclusions remained pretty much the same as they had been. Chapter officers or their representatives were agreed upon; establishment of a prize for outstanding fraternal songs written by members; printing of an up-to-date Constitution and By-Laws; and the preparation of a rushing brochure were changes agreed upon.
Detroit was voted the site of the XXXV Grand Chapter in December in 1957.
Grand Chapter officers elected were: Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1937, Grand Presiding Senior; Edward W. Griffey, Rush, 1924, Grand Presiding Junior; Michael J. Carey, St. Louis, 1926, Member, Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch continued in their terms.
1956
Founders' Day chapter celebrations were featured in the May 1956 QUARTERLY. From the first Founders' Day held on February 26, 1905, in the Hotel Seelbach in Louisville to those of this era, Founders' Day was always a time of good cheer and fraternalism. Most chapters held a stag banquet with eminent local or fraternal speakers and used the occasion for the presentation of both national and local honors and awards. However, some went so far as to celebrate with dancing and for these, Phi Chi wives and sweethearts were invited. Small or large, every chapter joined in the Founders’ Day celebration.
The benefits of the Phi Chi Welfare Association were now beginning to be felt. Although it had been in existence but a few years, the Central Office in Valdosta, Ga., had been working diligently to contact all alumni and results had been heartening. Six chapters had been assisted in acquiring houses: Theta Eta, Medical College of Virginia; Pi, Vanderbilt; Sigma Kappa, University of South Carolina; Epsilon Kappa, University of Washington; Omicron Kappa, University of Oklahoma; and Alpha Phi Sigma, University of Georgia. Student loans had also been made. The Welfare Assn. was on its way to benefit both Phi Chi chapter homes and brothers.
1957
On May 3, 1957, the death of Dr. Dougal M. Dollar, Louisville, 1933, Grand Presiding Junior, 1940-1947, and Grand Presiding Senior, 1947-1949, saddened Phi Chi. Dr. Dollar maintained a sincere interest in both the Grand Chapter and his chapter, Alpha Alpha, and was instrumental in helping the chapter acquire its house.
On July 4, 1957, Phi Chi's only non-professional member, Mr. Hugh Roy Cullen of Houston, Texas, passed away. A former Chairman of the Executive Trustees, Dr. Eben J. Carey, made Mr. Cullen an Associate Member of the Fraternity. This honor was accorded Mr. Cullen because of his extensive philanthropies to the medical facilities, schools and hospitals of Houston. His devotion was later shown by a sizable donation to a Texas chapter.
Psi chapter's lovely old home at 1541 Washtenaw was the scene of the icebreaker for the XXXV Grand Chapter in Detroit in December of 1957. A pre-convention party went on there and well before the first business session at the Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel, everyone was on a first-name basis. Fifty-two delegates, 15 alternates, 12 visiting student members, 2 alumni members and 5 Grand Chapter officers as well as many Phi Chi wives made up the roster of the meeting. Another great attendance!
The first-day luncheon, fellowship hours, the Official Banquet, the sightseeing tour of the city and the Grand Ball were all festive affairs and filled with the enthusiasm that is the hallmark of all Grand Chapter meetings. Psi chapter ended the meeting with a farewell dinner at the house the last night.
The Chapter Extension Committee made an eloquent report recommending chapters at the University of Florida, University of Mexico and in Canada. After this report, two medical students, Dan Cottone and Joe Young, from the University of Mexico, were granted permission to appear on the floor of the meeting to give a review of the student situation there and make an appeal for the establishment of a Phi Chi Chapter. The Grand Chapter expressed its approval of the possibility and left it to the discretion of the Committee on Extension and the Executive Trustees to act if requirements were met. No other outstanding legislation was passed; however, the officers of the Welfare Association were commended and thanked for their continued efforts to increase the loan fund, which benefited the student members of the Fraternity.
One glitch took place when the Resolutions Committee reported the resolutions presented had been lost and asked for a recess to re-write them! When the meeting reconvened, there was no longer a quorum and no official action could be taken! The resolutions were printed in the next issue of the QUARTERLY so that action could be taken at the next convention. The Fraternity prospered in those days and a quote from the report of the Chairman of the Executive Trustees, Dr. Jacob E. Reisch, bears this out ". . . Phi Chi's total membership now stands at 42,382 and our collegiate membership as of October 1 was 3,145. Of our 56 chapters, 38 have chapter houses, the great majority of which are owned or being purchased."
Officers elected were: Edward W. Griffey, Rush 1924, Grand Presiding Senior; Frank E. Barnes, Jr., New York, 1951, Grand Presiding Junior; Albert F. Saunders, Emory, 1918, Grand Secretary-Treasurer (for a new 10-year term); Jacob E. Reisch, Illinois, 1928, Chairman, Executive Trustees, and Editor, Phi Chi QUARTERLY (for a new midyear term); Michael J. Carey, St. Louis, 1926, Member, Executive Trustees. The next Grand Chapter Convention was voted to be in Dallas, Texas.
Phi Chi registrations and luncheons during the AMA meetings had continued through the years and had grown with each meeting.
1958
The year of 1958 the "AMA Chapter of Phi Chi," as it had come to be known, was in San Francisco and had three Grand Chapter officers in attendance at the booth, Drs. Edward W. Griffey, Grand Presiding Senior; Michael J. Carey, Member of the Executive Trustees; and Jacob E. Reisch, Chairman, Executive Trustees, and Editor of the QUARTERLY. There were 353 members registered. At most AMA meetings Phi Chi held a luncheon but the San Francisco conclave was an exception in that a dinner was held at the famous St. Francis Hotel. Attendance figures are not available but it is remembered that it was outstanding and the alumni present proved fraternalism did not end in school!
Increased student attendance at Grand Chapter Conventions and alumni members’ attendance at AMA-Phi Chi meetings—the true meaning of Fraternity was personified in those days.
1959
Again, Phi Chi was stricken with the loss of an outstanding member. On June 12, 1959, Dr. Michael J. Carey, Member of the Executive Trustees (fourth term) died. He had been injured in an automobile accident on May 22 but was thought to be doing well until the night of June 11. Only three weeks prior to that, he had been the Fraternity’s representative at the XXII Medical Interfraternity Conference in Chicago and was elected Secretary of the group. His National fraternal record was long and impressive, starting as his chapter's delegate to the XXIV Grand Chapter Convention in Montreal in 1925. In 1947, at the XXX Grand Chapter in Atlanta, he was elected Member of the Executive Trustees and from that time on continued to serve in an official capacity. He was a truly dedicated fraternal man.
The XXXVI Grand Chapter Convention was held in Dallas, Texas, December 29-31, 1959, and was headquartered at the Statler Hilton Hotel. Xi chapter at Southwestern Medical School had an energetic Convention Committee that worked long and hard in the interim since the last meeting to be sure no detail was overlooked to insure a smooth running and entertaining convention.
There were four Grand Chapter officers, 49 delegates, nine alternate delegates, three alumni association delegates, 31 visiting students, 14 alumni members, and five guests attending. Among the alumni attending were three outstanding members with a total of 159 years of membership between them! Dr. Homer J. Knickerbocker, Associate Member from the University of Buffalo, received a Phi Chi Jeweled Honor Key in recognition of his being oldest in membership—62 years! Drs. Paul R. Stalnaker, Texas, 1904, Houston, and Valin R. Woodward, Southwestern, 1917, Arlington, were the runners-up.
Perhaps an omen of hard times come was forecast by Dr. Albert F. Saunders, Grand Secretary, when he said, “Times are changing…In 1930 there were 15 active medical fraternities…Now, 30 years later, there are only eight national organizations…"
The first increase in dues since 1926 was approved by the vote of this convention, raising them $5.00 semiannually. A resolution stating Greek letters were not familiar to the average member and the symbolic letters were not related to the representative school, henceforth in all official proceedings and publications of the Fraternity all chapters should be referred to by name, was passed. This was a far cry from the days when learning the Greek alphabet was a mandate of membership.
The new chapter in Mexico, Omega, was accepted, much to the delight of the five prospective members who attended. A four-year probationary period for the group was enacted. A petition for membership from a group at the University of Puerto Rico was presented and, by vote of the delegates attending, it was decided that a study should be conducted, and, if possible, a visit by a Grand Chapter officer be made to them before voting on the group as a chapter at the next Grand Chapter meeting.
Officers elected were Frank E. Barnes, Jr., New York, 1951, Grand Presiding Senior; Millard O. Rouse, Southwestern, 1927, Grand Presiding Junior; Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1937, Member, Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch were to continue their terms. The next convention city was voted to be Milwaukee.
Activities did not end with the closing of the Convention. The representatives of the new chapter in Mexico hosted a celebration party that would not be forgotten. Champagne flowed freely and true fraternal spirit was greatly in evidence. How sad that the spirit shown was not to last long.
Shortly after that, the Grand Ball brought in the New Year and, as if that wasn't enough, many of the group stayed on to attend the Cotton Bowl game the next day. True Phi Chi stamina was in evidence for that wind-up.
1960
On February 26, 1960, Omega of Phi Chi at the University of Mexico School of Medicine was chartered. Dr. Reisch conducted initiation and installation. Conducting an initiation so far away called for considerable ingenuity and improvisation on the part of the initiation team. The first incident occurred when going through customs and Dr. Reisch was taken from the train with the initiation paraphernalia because he could not, in sign language, make the officials understand what "initiation equipment’ was and he was thought to be going to Mexico to sell flags and other things they considered strange. It took the services of an interpreter to convince them that this was an honest venture and he was allowed back on the train just as the conductor was calling "All Aboard."!
The top floor of the Hilton Hotel was a beautiful spot for the initiation but was rather difficult to darken and this called for a frantic last minute search of the downtown stores, with the help of some of the students, for a quantity of black material to darken some of the scenes. Overall, it turned out to be an impressive ceremony and the new members seemed very pleased. The next night, February 26, 1960, the chapter was formally installed during a banquet in the Salon Virreynal of the Conrad Hilton. This was considered a double occasion—the installation of a new chapter, the first National medical fraternity south of the border, on Phi Chi's Founders' Day.
The Michael J. Carey Outstanding Senior Service Award, authorized by the XXXVI Grand Chapter in 1959, became a reality and the first awards were made in 1960. This honor was given to the senior student in each active chapter who had contributed most in the way of service to his chapter. The award was an onyx desk ornament with an embossed brass plate onto which the awardee's name could be engraved.
1961
The XXXVII Grand Chapter convened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 28-30, 1961, with headquarters at the Hotel Schroeder. Epsilon Chi chapter hosted the meeting and selected as chapter Convention Co-Chairmen George Reul and Dick Shore. The chapter started the festivities with Welcome Party at the chapter house on the eve of the first meeting on December 27. This was only the beginning of a true display of traditional Milwaukee “Gemuetlichkeit.”
Four Grand Chapter officers, 43 delegates, 7 alternate delegates, 12 student members, 3 alumni members and 7 students’ wives attended the meeting. Grand Presiding Senior, Frank E. Barnes, Jr., opened the first session and introduced a proud delegation from the new chapter, Omega, University of Mexico, who triumphantly strode through the convention hall to the sound of resounding applause and implanted the flag of Mexico beside those of the United States, Canada and Phi Chi.
Many resolutions and amendments were introduced at this meeting with the result that some membership requirements were modified. It was the vote of this group that the next Grand Chapter be held in Mexico City even though the Grand Chapter officers were of the opinion that, in order to finance it, the meeting would have to be postponed probably at least a year to give the treasury that advantage. It was agreed that a second site, New Orleans, would be best to have the meeting in two years. It was also moved that a charter be granted to the group at the University of Puerto Rico.
Officers elected were Frank E Barnes, Jr., New York 1951, reelected Grand Presiding Senior; Richard T. Store, Marquette, 1961, Grand Presiding Junior; Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1939, reelected Member, Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch continued their terms.
1962
On May 21, 1962, a charter was granted Upsilon Beta chapter at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, making it Phi Chi’s 76th chapter. Because of the great distance involved, no Grand Chapter officer was present at the installation of the chapter, but with the help of alumnus, Dr. Ivan Pelegrina, Michigan, 1945, the initiation and installation was accomplished with 15 new members on hand. It is of interest to note that the name, Upsilon Beta, stands for the University of Borinquen, which was the name the native Taino Indians had given Puerto Rico long before the arrival of Columbus in 1493.
1963
On January 5, 1963, Chi Upsilon chapter, Creighton University at Omaha, moved into their extremely spacious new home at 209 S. 33rd Street. The house, formerly Whitingham Manor, a 45-room bachelor hotel, was leased for five years from the director of Mutual and United Benefit of Omaha, with the help of the Omaha Alumni Association. Many of the furnishings of the old hotel were purchased at an auction, in which Dr. C. M. Hartmann, president of the Omaha Alumni Association, and many of the active student members participated. This made a unique and suitable home for the group.
February 22, 1963, was the chartering date for Phi Sigma Gamma, California College of Medicine at Los Angeles. Active groups from Delta Phi, University of California Medical School, as well as Dr. Adrian Goodman University of Southern California, 1944, president of the Los Angeles Alumni Association participated in the ceremonies in a large room of the Statler Hotel to accommodate the 64 new members. The groundwork for the chapter was accomplished after an AMA-Phi Chi meeting in Los Angeles the past November at which Grand Chapter officers Drs. Rudy F. Sievers and Jacob E. Reisch were present. At this time, the agreements were made which led to the chartering of the group.
Phi Chi had kept abreast, if not ahead, of other medical fraternities in offerings its members current modern needs. In January of 1963, a new plastic Phi Chi membership card was introduced to replace the old paper ones, which quickly became dog-eared.
1964
May 1964, Phi Chi offered term life insurance at a reduced rate to its members. The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Co. underwrote the insurance. A new Phi Chi Rushing Brochure was introduced in 1964, which proved to be beneficial to the chapters in their rushing activities. A Certificate of Appreciation was introduced which could be used for presentation to alumni, whom the chapters wished to honor for special interest or activity.
The Fraternity was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Grand Presiding Senior Frank E. Barnes, Jr., who was killed on the morning of June 23, 1964, when the single engine airplane he was flying crashed less than an hour after takeoff in New Jersey. He was traveling alone, en route from New York to his home in Smithfield, S.C. At the age of 43, Dr. Barnes had served the Fraternity well, attending his first Grand Chapter Convention as a delegate from his newly founded chapter, Phi Alpha, in 1947 and never missing another Grand Chapter meeting. He was elected to the Fraternity’s highest office in 1959 and reelected in 1961.
The Executive Trustees deemed the hoped-for-Puerto Rico meeting as too costly, and decided to again have the XXXVIII Grand Chapter Convention in New Orleans, December 27-29, 1964. Known as the "Cajun Country Convention", Lambda Sigma and Omicron chapters acted as hosts with Brother Maurice M. Vick Jr., Louisiana State, 1965, as Convention Chairman. Forty chapters were represented by delegates plus three Grand Chapter officers, nine alternate delegates, six visiting members, four alumni, two guests and two Phi Chi wives. Seven chapters were unrepresented.
Following the pattern set at previous conventions in New Orleans, there were many festivities and much camaraderie from beginning to end of the Convention, starting with Open House at "The Rock", Omicron's chapter house, on the eve of the Convention. A luncheon, tour of the city and an official banquet as well as ample free time to explore the famous city, kept everyone happy (and sleepless).
However, this convention was not all play. Due to the death of Grand Presiding Senior Frank E. Barnes, Jr., and the absence of Grand Presiding Junior Richard T. Shore, Dr. Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1939, past Grand Presiding Senior and Member of the Executive Trustees, was appointed to serve as the Presiding Officer of the Convention. Three amendments to the Constitution pertaining to membership requirements were introduced at the first business session. Much discussion, some fiery, took place before the outcome was voted upon. The new amendment to Article VI, Section 2, changed one of the requirements for membership to read: "…socially acceptable to the local chapter."
Officers elected were: Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1939, reelected Grand Presiding Senior, Maurice M. Vick, Jr., Louisiana State, 1965, Grand Presiding Junior, Raymond A. Hurm, Loyola-Stritch, 1965, member, Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch continued in their terms of office. Miami, Fla., was the place of choice for the site of the XXXIX Grand Chapter Convention, with the Executive Trustees given authority to alter time and place, if necessary.
1965
Sigma chapter’s new home, "Claude A. Saunders Memorial Hall," at Emory University in Atlanta was dedicated on February 20, 1965. Fifteen years in the making, the handsome two-story building presented the latest ideas in dormitory construction. Named for the father of one of Emory's (and Phi Chi's) outstanding alumni, Dr. Albert F. Saunders, Emory, 1918, Grand Secretary-Treasurer, who was on hand to participate in the festivities.
1969
Medical students and medical schools felt the turmoil of the times, which, in turn, was passed-on to the Fraternity. Unrest, rebelliousness toward the so-called establishment, and a growing feeling that nothing organized was good, took its toll in many of the chapters. This was reflected in the attendance at the XXXIX Grand Chapter Convention, held again in inn New Orleans, December 28-30, 1969, where only 20 chapters were represented.
Decreasing student membership and the consequent loss of dues income had its effect on the treasury of the Fraternity and five years had passed since the last Grand Chapter Convention. It was only through the generosity of the alumni who responded to a request for financial help made by the officers of the Fraternity that this Grand Chapter could be held at this time. Dr. Reisch made an elegant plea in his report as Chairman of the Executive Trustees to be members of this group, citing the problems the national offices were facing and asking that this convention take steps to remedy them before Phi Chi faced a destiny some other national medical fraternities had faced. He asked that income structure be updated to a 1969 level.
With guidance by the officers and some alumni, plus willing cooperation and sincere efforts of the delegates, major discussions were handled with the delegates sitting as a Committee of the Whole. Free and full discussion was the privilege of all. Probably the most significant and important factor was the realization that the status and functioning of the Fraternity today is entirely different from the services and some of the objectives of the past. Much was accomplished at this convention. Though final answers and solutions were not achieved, much progress was made and many ideas developed.
At the suggestion of the delegate from Omega Upsilon Phi, University of Buffalo, Richard Dolinar, a Committee to Re-evaluate the Role of Fraternities in Today's Rapidly Changing Society was appointed and instructed to report before the end of the Convention. An amendment to Statute VII, Section 1 (a), proposed by Dr. Reisch, was passed by the group and established a Convention Fund, which would mandate an overtime payment of each initiate of $2.50.
The report of the Committee to Reevaluate the Role of the Fraternity was given at the last session and was the product of a thoughtful and hardworking group. Excerpts of interest are "Society is now going through a period of rapid change…The System has been challenged and now it must meet this challenge or be considered obsolete and discarded…A fraternity should be a brotherhood of men united by a common bond, it should serve as a home base…Chapters are not experiencing a financial crisis due to lack of money on the part of medical students…Each chapter must find meaning and relevance for its existence…"
Another innovation of this convention was adding an Ex-Officio member to the Executive Trustees to be in office until the next Grand Chapter Convention. This was to be a student member who could learn of the activities and duties of the Executive Trustees.
No definite recommendation for a future meeting place was made but it was suggested that due to the many cost factors involved, the decision should be made by the Executive Trustees.
Despite poor attendance, by the time of the last session each member had experienced the warmth of national brotherhood and the Fraternity benefited by renewed zeal.
Officers elected were: Woodard O. Beacham, Mississippi, 1935, Grand Presiding Senior, a local alumnus delegate who gave devotedly of his time; John R Guy, Halifax, 1970, Grand Presiding Junior; Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1939, Member, Executive Trustees; Richard O. Dolinar, Buffalo, 1972, Ex Officio Member of Executive Trustees. Drs. Saunders and Reisch continued in their terms of office.
1970
The dedication of a splendid new chapter home for Alpha Beta of Tennessee was held on May 29, 1970. This had been a dream of the Phi Chi alumni in the Memphis area since 1966 when their sumptuous mansion home, Baldaur I, was razed to make way for an expressway. The new home was promptly named Baldaur II and was truly as lavish in its new and modern way as Baldaur I had been. An afternoon dedication and evening banquet and dance were attended by students, alumni and national officers.
Upsilon Tau chapter, University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio, was installed as Phi Chi's newest chapter on August 2, 1970. Dr. Reisch initiated 16 charter members in one of the medical school's auditoriums. An installation banquet followed at the Argyle Club.
1971
Pi chapter, Vanderbilt Medical School in Nashville, was reactivated on January 23, 1971, with a formal initiation followed by a celebration dinner. Dormant since 1965, the success of the new group seemed secure due to the interest of the Vanderbilt Phi Chi Alumni Association, which had maintained guardianship of the chapter's records and assets.
1973
The XL Grand Chapter Convention in December of 1973 broke with tradition in that it was the first such meeting not held in a city with a medical school and a Phi Chi chapter. The locale chosen was one of Georgia's Golden Islands, Jekyll Island, which proved to be a most enjoyable spot even in the winter season.
Attendance was poor, only nine chapters were represented, plus four Grand Chapter officers, but this did not deter important legislation being enacted. At this meeting, Article VI, Section 2, was amended making women medical students eligible for membership into the Fraternity. There was also a change approved in the collection of dues, allowing an initiate to pay $50 at the time of initiation, which would fulfill his or her dues obligation for the undergraduate years. A motion was made and accepted that the Ritual be revised to meet present-day needs and submitted to the next Grand Chapter Convention for approval. Changing the name of the Fraternity was discussed but no action taken.
Although the group was small and the island rather secluded, it served to bring everyone closer, both in business discussions and at recreation times. Many friendships were formed and continued after the meeting was over.
Grand Chapter officers were elected as follows: Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1939, Grand Presiding Senior; George Davis, Dalhousie, 1975 Grand Presiding Junior; Woodard D. Beacham, Mississippi, 1935, Member, Executive Trustees; Richard Seifert, Texas, 1976, Ex Officio member, Executive Trustees. Drs Saunders and Reisch continued in their terms.
1974
In June of 1974, Dr. Albert F. Saunders announced his retirement from medical practice but not from Phi Chi. Having served as Grand Secretary-Treasurer since 1932, he intended to devote his time to the Fraternity as well as many business interests.
On May 21, 1977, Omicron chapter, Tulane University, New Orleans, formally initiated 27 students, thereby reactivating the chapter. Through apathy, the chapter had become inactive a few years ago. Dr. Reisch conducted the initiation with the help of Dr. Woodard D. Beacham, former Grand Presiding Senior, and Dr. Jack Race, an ardent Phi Chi who had served many years as Omicron’s chapter advisor.
1977
The XLI Grand Chapter was held December 27-29, 1977, in the Windy City of Chicago, which was almost as cold in temperature as Omaha had been in 1953.
Delegate representation was reduced to eight and there were three Grand Chapter officers present at this meeting. It was announced one chapter had become inactive since the last Grand Chapter meeting and two had been reactivated. Again, because of the smallness of the group, discussions were open and many misconceptions and errors were corrected
No major legislation was passed. A draft of the updated Ritual done by Dr. Reisch was passed to each delegate and approved and it was suggested by the group that New Orleans again be the site of the next Grand Chapter if such was feasible. Undoubtedly, the zero temperatures of Chicago influenced that vote!
As a tribute to Dr. Saunders, who was not present for the meeting due to illness, he was unanimously elected Grand Secretary-Treasurer for the remainder of his lifetime. Other officers elected were: George Davis, Dalhousie, 1975, Grand Presiding Senior; Joseph Roh, Nebraska, 1980, Grand Presiding Junior; Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1939, Members Executive Trustees; David Sloane, Texas, 1978, Ex-Officio Member, Executive Trustees. Dr. Reisch continued in his unexpired term as Chairman of the Executive Trustees and Editor of the QUARTERLY.
1979
Late summer and early fall of 1979 saw the reactivation of two more chapters, Sigma Kappa at Charleston, S.C., and Epsilon Kappa at Seattle, Wash. The initiation at Sigma Kappa was for 69 new members and Epsilon Kappa welcomed six.
1981
February 3, 1981, was a sad day for the Fraternity. Dr. Albert F. Saunders, Grand Secretary-Treasurer for 49 years, passed away after a long illness at his home in Valdosta, Ga. Since 1921, when he attended the XXII Grand Chapter Convention in Cincinnati as a delegate, he had continuously served the Fraternity in one capacity or another. He had the honor and distinction of having been responsible for the chartering of more chapters than any other member as well as affecting the merger of two other medical fraternities with Phi Chi. He was instrumental in the formation of the Phi Chi Welfare Association in 1947 and his office tended its growth from its beginning to an established branch of the Fraternity. Dr. Rudy F. Sievers, who served the Fraternity in many capacities, was designated Grand Secretary pro tem by the Executive Trustees. The Central Office was to continue in Valdosta.
A new chapter was added to Phi Chi's roster December 4, 1981. Upsilon Tau chapter at the University of Arizona Medical School, Tucson, was installed and Dr. Rudy Sievers was present to initiate and welcome a charter group of 15.
The XLII Grand Chapter was called to order in Louisville, Ky., December 28-30, 1981, with seven delegates, one alumni association delegate and two Grand Chapter officers. Because of the absence of the Grand Presiding Senior and Grand Presiding Junior, neither of whom could interrupt residency training to attend, Dr. Rudy F. Sievers was named the Presiding Officer. Six chapters had promised but did not send representation.
Upon motion of Dr. Daniel H. Cannon, Alpha Alpha Alumni Association, the meeting resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole and much discussion ensued. Some amendments were presented by Dr. Reisch and were passed unanimously. The first pertained to Article IV and added a new Section 3, which provided the Executive Trustees naming a pro tem officer in the event of vacancy of office six months or more before a Grand Chapter meeting. Another amendment changed the dues structure.
The site and time of the next convention again was left to the Executive Trustees. Officers elected were: Daniel H. Cannon, Louisville, 1946, Grand Presiding Senior; Joseph Eisenach, Nebraska, 1982, Grand Presiding Junior; Rudy F. Sievers, Nebraska, 1939, Grand Secretary-Treasurer for a ten-year term; Jacob E. Reisch, Illinois, 1928, Chairman, Executive Trustees and Editor, Phi Chi QUARTERLY, ten-year term; Arthur H. Keeney, Louisville, 1944, Member, Executive Trustees.
1982
On April 25, 1982, Alpha Alpha chapter was reactivated. This was the result of an idea of Dr. Daniel H. Cannon who arranged for a luncheon meeting of Alpha Alumni during the Kentucky State Medical Association meeting on September 21, 1981. The luncheon was well attended by alumni. Dr. Jacob E. Reisch represented National. It was agreed there was enough interest to warrant reactivation of the chapter. The culmination of Dr. Cannon's work resulted in him conducting a formal ceremony, with the help of some alumni members as well as Dr. Reisch, and inducting 36 new members into Alpha Alpha.
1984
Pi chapter at Vanderbilt in Nashville was reactivated for the second time on January 28, 1984, after a group of students petitioned the national office to do so. A formal initiation presentation was given by Dr. Daniel H. Cannon, Grand Presiding Senior, and Dr. Rudy Sievers, Grand Secretary-Treasurer, with the help of local alumni members.
1985
Phi Sigma at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine at Chicago was reactivated by Grand Presiding Senior Daniel H. Cannon on April 12, 1985, who presented a full formal initiation to a group of 36 inductees.
Interest in fraternities was once again on the upswing as was evidenced by the above reactivations. Nevertheless, there was still much work to be done to bring the Fraternity back to its former strength.
1986
The XLIII Grand Chapter meeting was held November 2-23, 1986, at the home of Grand Presiding Senior Daniel H. Cannon in New Albany, Ind. This was truly a break in tradition as to both date and place. Past conventions have been held during the Christmas vacation time for students for many years but it was decided to try another time before Christmas to see if such a change would increase attendance. It was also a first time to meet in the home of an alumnus. Dr. Cannon, who owned the home (Century House) where the meeting was held, which was next to his own home, had adequate room to house the Convention as well facilities to accommodate the group, including a luxurious indoor swimming pool. His hospitality knew no limits.
Perhaps the choice of time and place was a good one for attendance definitely improved. Eleven chapters sent delegates as well as five Grand Chapter officers and two alumni association delegates. Three chapters Omicron, Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma, were not represented.
Enthusiasm was high at this meeting and, although not much legislation was passed, many ideas were exchanged. One amendment, introduced by Dr. Cannon, was enacted Article IV, Section 6, was amended to establish an Emeritus Board to be composed of former members of the Executive Trustees who could attend all Trustee and Grand Chapter meetings, could have the privilege of the floor but could not be elected an officer or vote.
A Committee on Improved Communications was appointed and suggested chapter reports be sent in to Central office annually and that these be compiled in booklet form to be sent to every chapter. It was also agreed that an "Orientation Manual" or pamphlet should be put in print for purchase by the chapters.
It was agreed that the time of the next convention should be the weekend before Thanksgiving and that the meeting should preferably be held in one year. No definite place was established.
Grand Secretary-Treasurer Rudy F. Sievers, who has five years to serve in his term office, submitted his resignation due to poor health. Dr. Vernon G. Wards Nebraska, 1954, Omaha, who had been made Assistant Grand Secretary-Treasurer at an Executive Trustees meeting held on July 13, 1986, was elected Grand Secretary and Dr. Sievers was immediately appointed the first Emeritus Trustee.
Other officers elected were: Daniel He Cannon, Louisville, 1946, reelected Grand Presiding Senior; Joseph B. Eisenach, Nebraska, 1982, reelected Grand Presiding Junior; Arthur H. Keeney, Louisville, 1944, reelected Member, Executive Trustees. Dr. Reisch continued in his term of office.
Thus, I bring to a close my contribution to the History of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. I can think of no better ending than a quote from an eminent alumnus and past officer of the Fraternity, Dr. T. B. Pearson who said: “A careful review of the history of the Fraternity cannot fail to impress us with the fact that with its successes and failures, the Phi Chi Fraternity has a destiny. Whether it is governed by Executive Trustees, the permanent officers or indifferent officials; whether many voices control it or only one; whether under a constitution possibly filled with contradicting laws or one sufficiently elastic to permit official interpretation, there have always been a sufficient number of loyal sons to gather together to provide for the continuation of its existence."
Surely, these words today are as meaningful as they were so long ago.