Page 4 - The Arrow - Psi Upsilon - Illinois - Winter 2018-19

Back to the Future: Circa 1976

By Tom Burns ’80 and Tim Miller ’80

Make no mistake about it—in the fall of 1976,
on the University of Illinois campus, the times were
definitely a changing. Former President Richard
Nixon had fled Washington and Watergate for the
safety of San Clemente, thanks to a Gerald Ford
pardon a few years back. A peanut farmer from
Georgia named Jimmy was eyeing the furniture
at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Men’s hairstyles
still were more “Beatles” than “Wall Street.” Senior
upper classmen could easily recite their military
draft lottery numbers, and recall the location they
were in when they first heard them announced. A
couple of guys named Steve were forming a tech
start up named Apple. The Concorde was jetting
back and forth to Europe in 3 ½ hours. M*A*S*H
was must watch TV. Paul McCartney was winging
it, while ABBA was just getting ready to crank up
the disco ball. know. There was the elderly shaman-like brother the years, when a challenge is laid down and the
It was against this backdrop that the Omicron who wandered around much of the convention house is in need, brothers of Psi Upsilon came
Chapter of Psi Upsilon Fraternity welcomed the wearing a white tunic and carried a tree branch through. Incoming donations from decades of
pledge Class of 1980 to 313 East Armory. Their that had a plastic snake dangling off the end of its classes helped to fund the much-needed upstairs
introduction would be like no other before it, branches. And there were numerous Psi U alums, bathroom project, which was completed this past
but not because of the unique times in which many of whom were captains of industry, offering fall. It seems the buried jewels glittered still, the
they were living. You see, the 133rd International advice on college life and how to make it in the lingering voices called, and once again the men
Convention of Psi Upsilon Fraternity was days proverbial real world. of Psi U came together to do great things for their
away from kicking off when these young men Through it all, the pledges got to see first- beloved house—and future brothers down the
arrived at the house, and the Omicron Chapter hand what strong governance and true fraternal road. Neither Tom nor Tim were surprised by the
was serving as host. As a result, pledges and ac- bonds were, through the actions of the senior outpouring of donations—the collective force of
tives alike had to work together from the get-go, members of the house and the many alums who Psi U’s working together for the common good
day and night, to get one of the most unique fra- had gathered to celebrate traditions the pledges has been the way of our fraternity since the day
ternity structures in the country, with its nooks, were just learning about. These experiences left they first stepped foot in the house, oh so many
crannies, and hidden propellers, ready for a fra- a strong impression upon the Class of 1980, and years ago.
ternal onslaught from the far corners of the U.S. though they hailed from diverse hometowns,
and Canada. Together, the men cleaned, painted, circumstances of financial wherewithal, majors,
shined, vacuumed, polished, repaired, ate, and religions, and life experiences up until then, they
occasionally got a chance to relax as one collec- came away from the 133rd convention experi-
tive force. The pledges came to see firsthand what ence with a collective sense of honor and duty to
could be accomplished when a group dedicates the other men of Psi U and their beloved house at
themselves to a cause and take action. It would 313 East Armory. Little did they realize then, these
eventually instill in them a duty to the house and were bonds that would stand the test of time.
to each other that would last long after diplomas Fast forward to Illinois Homecoming 2017,
were handed out. when the call went out for donations to help re-
When the convention kicked off, it was it was model the upstairs bathroom. Members Tom
an extravaganza like none of the pledges had Burns ’80 and Tim Miller ’80, were in attendance
ever experienced—day-long meetings, banquet and decided to take action. But in doing so, they
dinners, and night-long revelry. In the midst of it didn’t want to just contribute and have that be
all, the pledges met the legendary Henry Poor, the end of it. Instead, they wanted to find a way to
Gamma ’39, a Psi U among Psi U’s. Henry took it rekindle the spirit felt so many years before, get-
upon himself to single-handedly teach the pledg- ting ready for the 133rd Convention—they want-
es the proper location for their name badges, how ed to prompt their fellow members of the Class
to shake hands firmly (but not the secret hand- of 1980, and others as well, to come together for
shake, since they were still pledges), how to look this worthy cause. In order to do this, they made
someone in the eyes, how to stand upright with matching gifts to help encourage fellow brothers
“affirmative” posture, and a multitude of other Psi to join them in making the new bathroom a real-
U and manly lore he was certain they needed to ity. As has been the case so many times through

The Arrow is published by the Omicron Chapter of Psi Upsilon at the University of Illinois for alumni and friends. This newsletter
depends, in part, on alumni participation. Please send your personal updates, accomplishments, adventures, and photos to our
account manager, Kasey Breedlove, at kbreedlove@elevateims.com or mail them to Alumni Records Office, Psi Upsilon, P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, GA 30366.
Alumni communication services provided by | programs@elevateims.com | 607-533-9200 | @elevateims
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