In addition to being a successful businessman, Tom Woolaway ’54 has devoted much of his life to Penn State University and to helping others to have successful business careers. He has received the Penn State University Alumni Fellow award and continues to be active in his communities and his church. In this brief Q&A interview, Brother Woolaway shares memories of fraternity, family and career.
Memories of Fraternity Spirit – Togas And All
In addition to being a successful businessman, Tom Woolaway ’54 has devoted much of his life to Penn State University and to helping others to have successful business careers. He has received the Penn State University Alumni Fellow award and continues to be active in his communities and his church. In this brief Q&A interview, Brother Woolaway shares memories of fraternity, family and career.
Q: Why did you join the fraternity?
A: I was rushed by several fraternities and found that I really liked the people at Phi Kappa Sigma. Also, the house was in a great location.
Q: Tell us about your favorite memory of the fraternity.
A: There are so many great memories, but not all should be repeated. I remember toga parties where we wore bed sheets and flower things on our heads. We’d invite our sorority friends and have lots of fun. I also remember, as a pledge, having to go out and get a female mannequin in a dress. It took a while to talk the shop proprietor into letting me borrow it.
Q: Did you live in the house? If so, who were your roommates?
A: Yes. My last roommate was Carl Evankovich ’55. One year I lived in the Pope Suite as president of the fraternity.
Q: What is your nickname, and how did you get it?
A: Monty, after the actor Monty Woolley [star of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” (1941), and other films.]
Q: With whom do you still stay in contact? Who would you most like to find?
A: I haven’t been in touch with many fraternity brothers lately. Carl went into the Air Force. On one of his trips flying across the U.S., his plane had trouble. He stayed with his airplane as long as he could so it wouldn’t hit any homes. When he finally bailed out, he died hitting the ground. It’s still a strong memory for me. There are so many of my brothers that I would enjoy finding.
Q: What other activities or organizations were you involved with during your college days?
A: I was a member of the Naval ROTC and a mentor to incoming freshmen.
Q: What kind of influence has the fraternity had on your life since graduation?
A: It taught me about living together, learning to get along, working together on projects and building a fraternity spirit.
Q: Tell us about your family: Have you married? Do you have children?
A: I’m married to Shirley (Musgrave). She graduated in 1954 also and was a Chi Omega. We met in Psych 101 and have been together since. I remember getting pinned and all of Phi Kappa Sigma going to serenade her.
We have three sons – two are married – and four grandchildren. Last summer, our oldest son, his wife and their three kids joined us for a trip to England and Wales where we held a semi-family reunion with my 27 people. I have an aunt living in Wales.
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I’m retired now. After the Navy, I worked for an electric company. In 1962, a partner and I started Tuscarora Plastics, Inc. We grew the company into a global producer with 37 factories in the U.K., Mexico and the U.S.. Last year, we sold it to a large Swedish company and I retired. My last position was vice chairman of the board.
Q: What affiliations do you currently have and/or public service do you participate in?
A: I currently serve on the Board of the Beaver County Foundation. In addition, I established a scholarship program for high school students from my high school alma mater. And, I worked with Trickle Up, a nonprofit organization that seeks to eradicate poverty one business at a time by helping small groups or families start a small business.
I am heavily involved in Penn State University activities including being the President of the Beaver Campus Advisory Board, a Mount Nittany Society member and a member of the National Development Council. I was awarded outstanding engineer alumnus and recognized as a Penn State Alumni Fellow.
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: Sailing, golf, snow skiing and church activities.
Q: What are your goals for the next few years?
A: To travel and stay active. We are taking a trip to Austria this year.
Woolaway and his wife split their time between the west coast of Florida, Lake Chautauqua in western New York and their main home in Pennsylvania. Brothers may contact him at (412) 741-3490.
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