  Our brothers careers have been productive, constructive, spirited, and prosaic. They displayed impressive skills, talents, and abilities They were, and we continue to be, a beautiful and lively expression of our enduring fraternal beliefs, and that underlying harmony is far-reaching in expectation for all brothers’, undergraduate and graduate. It is the core of what our fraternal founders asserted in 1848 and 1874 and 1899: to live active, commendable, and responsible lives, and to build up community. Clearly and compellingly, they added, and continue to add, positive value at the local, state, national, global, and fraternal level because they engaged life fully and responsibly. In short, they were authoritative pillars throughout life. They were-are exemplary in their citizenship, character, and their sense of dutiful responsibility, and, in many instances, they were leading voices in their career fields. They prove that success of any kind does not occur by luck or accident, and we remember them because they continue to provide that message for our time. Their spirit permeates our brotherhood, and it always will. We have long been, from one generation to the next, proud to be Omega Mu Fijis. We continue to cherish our fraternal friendships, our shared memories, and our evolving, forward-focused history at the University of Maine. These things, above and beyond everything else, are the underlying rooted connections that make us proud to be Omega Mu Fijis. Why, after all, should we believe otherwise? We have always exhibited a can-do fraternal spirit since 1874. And, to be sure, all present and future generations of Omega Mu Fijis will continue to do the same, with fraternal enthusiasm and commitment. As a brotherhood, we always see the path behind us and the way forward with equal clarity, and our future remains bright at 79 College Avenue because we fearlessly move forward, always guided by sound fraternal principles. Perge. Omega Mu Portrait Robert K. Steward, 1908  Omega Mu Years           "The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity gave a dancing party at their chapter house last Wednesday evening."           "The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity gave a smoker to the members of the faculty of the University of Maine, of whom all but two members were present."  "These smokers establish precedents which the other fraternities would do well to adopt."   MA degree from the University of Illinois  After earning his Master's degree from the University of Illinois, Robert K. Steward taught Drawing and Design at the University of Illinois for many years.    Robert K. Steward, after teaching for many years at the University of Illinois, accepted the position of Chairman of the Department of Drawing and Design at Michigan State University.   "Chairman of Department of Drawing and and Design"      “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge
0 Comments
Our Omega Mu brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy that we will always be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis. Whether it was at New Orleans, Red River, Fort Blakely, Marianna, San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Easter Offensive, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Bien Hoa, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always honor the heroism of all of our brothers who have served in the armed forces from the Civil War to the present. Thank you. Omega Mu Veteran Raymond W. O'Keefe, 1969
Omega Mu Years 
Omega Mu Housemothers Mrs. Clary, Mrs. Pratt, Mrs. Hammonds        L-R: Dave Smith, Mike McInnis on the first step, Dan Dodge wearing glasses, Pete Frost straddling the railing, and Ray O'Keefe, sitting on the fourth step, wearing the gray sweater.  Four Sophomore Owls and a Senior Skull. Standing: Mike Soloby, Fred Galella, John Duffy. Seated: Dave Goode and Ray O'Keefe, the Senior Skull.  Ray O'Keefe with the broom.  Sophomore class president.  Sophomore Owls: Ray O'Keefe and Grant Watkins.     Ray O'Keefe and Emerson Gorham.  Ray O'Keefe is in the second row from the top, third in from the left.       "Maine was the only New England chapter to garner any fraternity trophies."  Ray O'Keefe, second from the left with the Coon Plaque.       "honor was his guide, resourcefulness his strength, and a passion for duty was his chief characteristic."   Lieutenant O'Keefe's first command assignment was with the 17th Calvary in Pleiku, Vietnam.      Pleiku
Ray O'Keefe in Pleiku.  Easter Offensive, 1972  (He) assumed command of D Troop, 17ty Calvary. The Ia Drang Valley, sight of one of the first large battles of the war.."
 7th Cavalry, Fort Riley Ray O'Keefe's next assignment was with the 7th Cavalry in Fort Riley, Kansas.    Ray O'Keef's next post was with the 8th Army in Yongsan, South Korea.     Memorial honoring the 8th Army. 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, Aschaffenburg, Germany Ray O'Keefe served as the executive officer of the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor in Aschaffenburg, Germany.  Aschaffenburg    Map of Aschaffenburg and Wurzburg, Germany After being the being the executive officer the 64th Armor Regiment Aschaffenburg, Ray spent the next three years in Wurzburg, Germany, on staff with the 3rd Infantry Division.  3rd Infantry patch  3rd Infantry flag  Wurzburg  "Ray became the recognized expert in Europe on fielding and training for the M-1 tank,"   3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry  "Under Ray O'Keefe's expert hand, the troopers of the 3rd Squadron patrolled the intra-German border 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
National Military Command Center 
National Military Command Center, Pentagon  "Assigned as Chief of the Operations, Training, and Exercise Branch in the National Military Command Center, he played a key role in every world crisis for almost 2 years." Office of the Chief of Staff   "Office of the Chief of Staff, I. S. Army. In this assignment, as in all the others throughout his career, Ray has been in the vanguard working to ensure that America's Army maintains, the warrior's edge."  Ray O'Keefe was an escort for President George H. W. Bush for a day.
 Omega Mu Fiji Brother Together  L-R: Dave Smith, Ray O'Keefe, Emerson Gorham, John Lothridge, and Mike O'Leary  “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge Our Omega Mu brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy that we will always be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis. Whether it was at New Orleans, Red River, Fort Blakely, Marianna, San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Easter Offensive, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Bien Hoa, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always honor the heroism of all of our brothers who have served in the armed forces from the Civil War to the present. Thank you. Omega Mu Portrait Elton L. Towle, 1909  Omega Mu Years         University of Maine Athlete       Elton L. Towle was a pole vaulter on the University of Maine track team.
       
 "Awarded to Elton L. Towle"    "Elton LaForrest Towle, who won the prize showed perfect knowledge of his subject....... Mr. Towle's essay was listened to attentively, and was well received by the audience." Senior Class President   President Elton LaForrest Towle      "Address by Class President...Elton L. Towle."  "President Towle then gave the charge to the Curator and then the class assembled at the Library where the ivy was planted in due form."      Twelve seniors with the the best record in scholarship  "Members Elected from Class of 1909 Elston LaForrest Towle"     Valedictorian, Elton LaForrest Towle  "Valedictory... Elton LaForrest Towle"    During World War I, Elton L. Towle redesigned and manufactured the French 75-millimeter high-explosive shell which the American Expeditionary Force used.       After World War I, Elton L. Towle was the president of his own engineering firm in New York City for over forty years.  “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge From multiple angles, our Q.T.V. and Omega Mu brothers have enriched the civic life at the University of Maine, and we are fortunate to have had many hardworking, talented brothers throughout our history. The balance between our athletic involvement, intellectual pursuits, and campus involvement is compelling. What they accomplished in their respective pursuits at the university constitutes a wonderful achievement in our fraternal history. There efforts were good and laudable, and there efforts represented the very best of our core values of persistence and determination. It is, believe me, a wonderful achievement, on the part of generations of Omega Mu brothers, for the respective gifts that they gave for the civic good at the University of Maine. In our historically calm, customary fashion, 149 years and growing, it was a rich yield for the common good of the Maine community, All of them, through their various commitments and endeavors within the University of Maine community, improved and brightened up the quality of life of the university community with their enthusiasm and dedication to there respective University of Maine teams, organizations, and club. They all did a good, positive job. Integrity demands that, and we are proud of all of these brothers. Over the years, many of our Omega Mu brothers held leadership roles on various University of Maine newspapers and yearbooks. Their contributions in creating something good in the university community cannot be overstated. "Good" does not, in reality, do justice in acknowledging their positive contributions. Each of them performed a vital function for the University of Maine community. They had a willingness to work, the willingness to accept challenges, in order to be focused, informative journalist in order to create daily newspapers and yearbooks that were interesting and informative. Their leadership style was authentic, and their generous, laborious work deserve praise and recognition in our brotherhood. They collected information, organized information, checked and re-checked facts, shared ideas, read and re-read every article, and proofed and re-proofed every page in the yearbook. They always gave of their time and talent in attending to each of these elements in order to write commendable, informative, and properly edited newspaper articles, and in sifting through thousands of pictures and thoughtfully crafting, shaping, and editing yearbooks. Their hard work, in turn, was to produce something, whether it was the university newspaper or yearbook, that was well-written, well-edited, and journalistically constructive, interesting, meaningful, and significant, in the short or long term. With drive and persistence, what our Q.T.V. and Omega Mu brothers achieved, in their numerous leadership roles on various newspapers and yearbooks, was complementary to everything we fraternally applaud for all of or brothers who were positively involved in the University of Maine community. What they achieved had real, enduring worth and value for the University of Maine community. They were indispensable. They made lasting contributions to the social well-being of the university community in keeping students well-informed and enlightened. These Omega Mu brothers embodied our old fraternal truth in being perseverant and determined in being faithful and generous with their gifts. In other words, our journalist brothers are a testament to our collective fraternal spirit of genuine integrity, industry, dedication, creativity, and commitment in adding to our long-standing history of civic engagement at the University of Maine. The noble ideals of our linked fraternal brotherhood started in 1848 and 1874, and our fraternal wheels have not stopped turning in continuing to create a generationally great brotherhood, and there will not be a breakdown. With enthusiasm and dedication, we will continue to build upon our unique fraternal legacy at the University of Maine for many decades come! It is exciting and rewarding to know that we will continue to have a great fraternal future because we have an undisputed claim to durable greatness in being the oldest, most dedicated fraternal brotherhood at the University of Maine. Again, again, and again, we have always gotten on with the job of continuing to be the standard of fraternal excellence. And so, the passage of our 149 fraternal years will never stop us from honoring the rich legacy of those years as we look fraternally forward to the rich promise of our fraternal future! Perge. Omega Mu Portrait George A. Whittemore, 1898  Q. T. V. Years    The third Q. T. V. Chapter house, 1889-1898. It is the site of Sigma Chi today.  
Freshman Essay   "Cumberland County Prize for Extemporaneous Essay in Freshmen Class. G. A. Whittemore"     "Off Scarborough........Bret Harte George Arthur Whittemore"    "The Attainment of Our Ideals, George A. Whittemore"  
Senior Honorary Society   George A. Whittemore, back row, second one in from the right.    Literary Staff   The Cadet Literary staff. George A. Whittemore is standing in the back row, second one in from the left.  Editor-In-Chief   George A. Whittemore is seated directly in front of the woman.
  From multiple angles, our QTV and Omega Mu brothers have enriched the civic life at the University of Maine, and we are fortunate to have had many hardworking, talented brothers throughout our history. The balance between our athletic involvement, intellectual pursuits, and campus involvement is compelling. What they accomplished in their respective pursuits at the university constitutes a wonderful cultural and athletic achievement in our fraternal history. They thoughtfully represented our core values of persistence and determination. It is, believe me, a wonderful achievement, on the part of generations of Omega Mu brothers, for the respective gifts that they gave for the civic good at the University of Maine. It was a rich yield for the common good, always an enduring value that unites. All of them brightened up the university community, our Omega Mu brotherhood, and we are proud of all of them, and our gratitude is heartfelt. Over the years, our Omega Mu brothers have been involved in many musical productions at the University of Maine, and praise for them is merited. With the same unconditional focus, diligence and discipline as our athlete brothers, our musically focused brothers, through many decades, brought richness ands joy to the University of Maine community because of their involvement on various bands, orchestras, and choral groups. Their commitment was compelling, and the quality and depth of their art form enriched the lives of countless generations of students at the university, as well as many towns and cities throughout Maine and New England. Generously, with never-ending joy and inspiration, they always gave of their time and talent for the good in all of their musical performances. The embodied our old fraternal truth in being perseverant and determined in being faithful and generous with their beautiful musical gifts. Our Omega Mu Maine music brothers, just like our athlete and Maine Masque brothers, are an enriching testament to what it means to be a fraternity brother in Omega Mu. We remain proud of their dedication, creativity, and commitment in adding such a rich angle in our fraternal history at the University of Maine. Above all, what a superb gift to give anyone: music.  University Of Maine Chapel         "George A. Whittemore, Baritone and Musical Director"  "George A. Whittemore, Director"   1896 photo of the Coburn Cadet Band     "Lemon Street Quartette Darby Ellis, Check Stevens, Bounce Webster, Geo. Whittemore"       "George A. Whittemore, 1st Violin and Business Manager and Treasurer"       Speakers at Commencement George Arthur Whittemore   “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge Our Omega Mu brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy that we will always be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis. Whether it was at New Orleans, Red River, Fort Blakely, Marianna, San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Easter Offensive, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Bien Hoa, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always honor the heroism of all of our brothers who have served in the armed forces from the Civil War to the present. Thank you. Omega Mu Veteran Sherwood F. Gordon, 1945  Omega Mu Years 
Omega Mu Housemothers, Mrs. Hewitt and Mrs. Neil 
     
 University of Maine Athlete         "Coach Eck Allen's 1947 team lost only one game and was strongly considered for selection to the Sun Bowl."     University of Maine Baseball    "Gordon at the plate."     Second Lieutenant Sherwood F. Gordon was a pilot with the 556th Bomb Squadron, 367 Bomb Group, flying B-17 Bombers.     Harvard Business School    FIJIS IN THE BUSINESS SCHOOL AT HARVARD UNIVERSIY  “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge |
Archives
March 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed