A healthy social life is often a benefit of fraternity membership. John Riener ’63, made the most of his time at Penn State when it came to social opportunities.
“We were known for great parties!” John said. “The best was our annual toga party. We would have a pre-party somewhere outdoors where we would make our togas. It was a great event!”
Sometimes the parties got the chapter in hot water, however. “Our house mother, Mother G., lived in the house. Her apartment was in the back on the first floor,” he said. “One night, after a Saturday night party, we played music very loud and danced around the living room furniture. Mother G. came out of her room and shouted at us. We were so embarrassed but also found it pretty funny.
“My favorite hangout was downstairs in the chapter room, especially on Friday nights. The highlight was playing Whales Tales, a fun drinking game.”
and Bob Woelfling ’65.
John described how the chapter would sometime take the good times on the road. “Not many of us had cars, so we did not any real road trips to talk about,” he said. “We did occasionally drive to Belfont to visit a bar that had a back room. We would order a case of quart cold beer. I’m glad I didn’t drive.”
John was not just focused on the parties and social part of fraternity life. He loved initiation. “I was elected Hi Pi, the officer in charge of initiation.”
He made strong friendships that also lead to performing at parties. “My best friend was Bob Woelfling ’65, John said. “He and Bob Tussey ’65 were living in my dorm, across the hall from me. We all pledged Lambda Chi. We formed a group, the Tussey Trio, and would sing at our Friday night parties, whenever asked. We were really bad but loved it.
“Mel Ludovici ’65, or ‘Ludie,’ was also a great friend that I stayed in touch with for years.”