Q&A with Lou Koehler ’69
12/31/2001
Here’s a Q&A with Lou Koehler ’69 with some help from Tom McNulty ’68.
Tell us about your favorite memories of the fraternity.
–After “Ones”.
–I managed to go to college during the period of “Free Love” without getting much. Notice I said “much,” some of the brothers who shall remain nameless (McNulty) didn’t get “any”.
–Torching SAE’s dumpster was always good for a laugh.
–Anything involving Jughead and Spring Week
–The Kar Mel motel
–Wes Link ’55 returning for homecoming of 1966, staying in our room, and not leaving until Monday
–Football weekends were big deals. Friday night was usually a mixer with a sorority, guys like McNulty and Bonawitz would scramble unsuccessfully for dates for the football game. Dress up in a three piece suit for the football game. Admission was free with student ID. Cocktail party after game and band at night
–I still attend an occasional football game, sitting with Ike, Mascaro, Royko, Bonawitz etc. who are glad to supply me with a ticket
–Running in the first Psi Phi 500, a one mile run stopping at 6 bars. I finished 3rd (lost to a TKE and an AZ who drank sodas instead of beer at the bars
Why did you join?
No other fraternity would have me. Actually I accepted my bid when I learned there was an upcoming “Jammy” with 18 halves.
What kind of influence has the fraternity had on your life since graduation?
I’m amazed that, for the most part, all the guys I was at State with have done very well in life. And I’ve spent the last 25 years wondering what Ike “Ozzie Nelson” Strachan does/did for a living. Can anyone explain? I can call Ike any time during the day and he?s always home to answer the phone.
[Editor’s Note: We called George “Ike” Strachan III ’70, who explained, “I spent 30 years in marketing, and now I work in a start up company that creates reward and loyalty incentive programs for credit card issuers.” Brother Strachan says Brother Koehler calls him “Ozzie Nelson” because, like the sit-com character of the 1960s, Strachan has “no visible means of support.”]
Who would you most like to find?
Jughead, “Bitter” Jim Clark, Nap, Abb, the “Fast Bandit”, Harvey (if he starts drinking again).
Tell us about your family.
Have been married for 30 years to Betsy. We have two daughters. The oldest, Karen, was recently married (It’s like paying for another year of college). The youngest, Beth, graduated two years ago from the University of New Hampshire
What other activities or organizations were you involved with during your college days?
Navy ROTC. attended PSU on a Navy scholarship. After graduation I served in the Navy Seabees. One of our jobs was to build an airfield in the middle of the Indian Ocean on an island called Diego Garcia. This airfield was used by the B-52’s which bombed the Taliban in Afghanistan. Earned an MBA at night from Seton Hall under the GI Bill.
I was also bartender at the Futura bar across the street from the house.
What is your nickname, if applicable, and how did you get it?
“The Old Man” — living in the house in the late 60s aged me 20 years.
Tell us about a memorable time with your roommates.
Loaning my car to McNulty and Harvey so they could take “hot” Bellefonte girls to the drive-in.
What do you do for a living?
President of Novamet Corp. and General Manager of Inco Special Products. Both are subsidiaries of Inco Ltd., the worlds leading nickel company
What affiliations do you currently have and/or public service do you participate in?
Involved in “Over-50” softball and basketball leagues with Tom McNulty
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Still jog. No longer run marathons. Other hobbies include beer drinking and dreaming of sex
What are your goals for the next few years?
Join an Over 50 Rugby league and break 105 in golf.