Derek Eitel (Rose-Hulman 2010) has made history at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as the first athlete ever drafted by a professional sports team. 

In yesterday's Major League Baseball draft, Brother Eitel was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Here is the story from Rose-Hulman Athletics.

Here is local media coverage.

Best of luck, Derek, pursuing your MLB career!

The digital format of The Phi Gamma Delta is now available.

Cover story: Constructing a Change

Other features include:
Distinguished Fijis
Honor Roll of Donors
Persistence and Determination
A Voice for Those in Uniform

Click here to read it now.

On May 7, 2010, Scott Stricklin (Mississippi State 1992) was named athletic director of the Mississippi State athletics program.

Brother Stricklin had previously served the Bulldogs as senior associate athletics director for external affairs. Before returning to MSU in 2008, Stricklin had worked in the athletic departments at Auburn, Tulane, Baylor, and Kentucky.  

The entire announcement can be found here.

Stricklin joins Morgan Burke (Purdue 1973) and Tim Curley (Penn State 1976) who serve as athletic directors of their alma maters.

Congratulations, Brother Stricklin!

More than 100,000 votes were cast to determine the 28 players and coaches who had the best College World Series performances throughout the 60 years the event has been played at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.

Selected from an original list of 95 nominees were five alumni from NIC member fraternities. Longtime University of Southern California head coach Rod Dedeaux, a member of Delta Chi at USC, was one of the three coaches selected. Four Greek players have also been chosen for the squad: pitcher Steve Arlin (Delta Tau Delta at Ohio State University), third baseman Sal Bando (Phi Gamma Delta at Arizona State University), catcher Ryan Garko (Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Stanford University) and pitcher Burt Hooton (Kappa Alpha Order at University of Texas).

Voting was based solely on their performances while playing in the NCAA Colege World Series. Living members of the Legends Team will be invited to the final CWS at Rosenblatt Stadium and be formally honored on the field at the opening ceremonies on June 18th.

Here it is: this school year's last admininistrative edition of the Friday Letter. Reminders include:

·         Officers Calendar

·         Roster Updates - Prevent Over-billing

·         10% End-of-Year Penalty

·         Prepare House for Summer Break

·         Alcohol-Free Housing Exemption Timeline

·         Join us for the 162nd Ekklesia

·         Important Colony Information for Ekklesia

·         Book Fall Field Secretary Visit Now

·         Pig Dinner Graduate Attendance Lists

·         Submit Your Grades

·         Senior Celebration or "Not for College Days Alone" Night

Remember to submit chapter and brother news for the good news edition scheduled for 5/21.

Technology issues prevented this video message from Archon President Bill Miller from being posted on May 1, 2010. Please enjoy his Founders Day remarks.

Former Archon President Eugene D. “Buddy” Coté III (Maine 1981) was elected to the board of directors of the North-American Interfraternity Conference at the NIC annual meeting held on April 18-20 in Arlington, VA.  Pictured here with Brother Coté at the NIC banquet are Jerrod Lukacs (Georgia 2010), Archon President Bill Miller (Indiana 1962, Purdue GA 1996), Tony Zimmerman (Ohio State 2010), Coté, Executive Director Bill Martin (Mississippi State 1975), Mike Duesing (Cornell 1962), and Mark Fontana (Cornell 2010).

On Saturday, May 1, Phi Gamma Delta's Founders Day, the Rho Phi Chapter at Rose-Hulman Institute partnered with Keep Terre Haute Beautiful and Farrington's Grove Historical District, the neighborhood in which the chapter house sits. The chapter sent letters to about 300 homes in the neighborhood advertising the city-wide clean up and offered to do specific clean up projects on individual's property. Additionally, the brothers went door to door the week before to about 250 homes advertising their services.

The day of the event about 65 brothers met at 7:45 am and began the process of tackling the 39 individual projects and cleaning the public alley ways of 60 city blocks. Before the day was finished, over 200 cubic yards of trash was hauled to dumpsters throughout the city. Additionally, many truckloads of items were recycled and donated to the local Goodwill Industries. Individuals who were helped were asked to make a donation to the American Red Cross for the chapter's services. The chapter collected over $1,500 for the Red Cross.

Between the cleanup and publicity for the event, over 90 brothers participated, living Phi Gamma Delta's value of Service.

Here is television coverage. Here is newspaper coverage.

After five weeks recruiting at the University of Texas at Dallas, Director of Expansion Jesse Hitt, with Field Secretary Brett Pytel and Adam Whitten (Texas @ Arlington 2009), officially welcomed 32 founding fathers into Phi Gamma Delta’s newest Delta Colony on Thursday, March 25.   

These men hold an outstanding 3.3 average GPA, already ranking them as the #1 fraternity on campus. 

Later that evening, the Fraternity unveiled the pledge class to 150+ members of the UT Dallas community during the Evening with the Fijis campus reception. Tom Fitter, Braeden Mayer, Kyle D'Souza, Jai Sondhi, and Zayd Mabruk were the recipients of the White Star Scholarship.

Here is a brief snapshot of the founding father class:

• UTD Soccer Team, Golf Team, Club Rugby Team, Club Racquetball Team.
• Undergraduate Student Government, Honors College, Student Publications, Orientation Leaders, College Republicans
• Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Pre-Pharmacy Association, Neuroscience Student Association, Electrical Engineering Club, Pre-Dental Association, Pre-Law Society.

Send notes of congratulations to Colony President David Petty.

Welcome to Fijiland!

Thanks to Director of Expansion Josh Laufenberg and Field Secretary Jake Cramer, a new Delta Colony has formed at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, just down the street from Amherst College where Calvin Coolidge joined our Fraternity.

The initial class of 14 founding fathers is a strong and energetic group. They have all excelled academically to achieve a 3.4 GPA (all-fraternity average 2.89), making them the top academic fraternity on campus.

The men are involved across campus in a variety of activities, such as House Council, Cluster Office Employees, Eco-Rep Programs, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, U-Lead, Golden Key Honor Society, UMass Rugby, Food n’ Friends Soup Kitchen volunteers, Residence Hall Security Supervisor, Economics Club Representative, SOM Sports Management Club, and Eagle Scouts.

Please send notes of congratulations to Colony President Patrick O'Neil.

Welcome to Fijiland, gentlemen!

After five weeks of recruitment led by Field Secretary Wes Martin and Director of Expansion Jesse Hitt, the re-colonization at Louisiana State is now complete, and the Beta Rho Colony boasts 74 new pledges and one brother affiliating from another Fiji chapter.

The Alpha class consists of 32 freshmen, 29 sophomores, 14 juniors and maintains a 3.22 cumulative GPA, which is the highest among fraternities on the LSU campus. Between the 75 men, they are already involved in several extracurricular activities such as LSU Basketball, student government, presidents of residence halls, LSU Ambassadors, club sports, Eagle Scouts, Honors College and more.

The Beta Rho graduate brothers have also reassembled and have shown tremendous amounts of support for the new colony. It is an exciting time for Beta Rho and for Phi Gamma Delta. The Fraternity can expect great things from our new brothers down in Baton Rouge. Geaux Tigers!

You can send notes of congratulations to Colony President Christopher Eyman at ceyman1@tigers.lsu.edu.

Welcome back to Fijiland, Beta Rho!

Congratulations to the following Chapters and Colonies for their spring 2009 pledge class results. If your chapter is not listed, send your recruitment results to Director of Chapter Services J. B. Goll to get your chapter's success added to the listing.

Here is February's administrative edition of The Friday Letter.

This month's admin duties include:

• Officers Calendar
• Risk Management Agreement Past Due
• Nominations for Archonate
• Amendments Notice
• Alcohol-free Housing Exemptions
• Secret Ballot Guidelines
• Submit Your Chapter Grades
• Affiliation Guidelines
• Celebrate Sororities
• Got News?

See today's Friday Letter. The good news edition is scheduled for 2/19; submit chapter and brother news now.

Football great Tom Brookshier (Colorado 1953) passed away on Friday, January 29, in Philadelphia. Tom played college football and baseball at the University of Colorado and was initiated into our Beta Kappa Chapter on October 9, 1950.

Brookshier was a three year letter winner on the Colorado Buffalos football squad, he played defensive back, fullback and return specialist. He was also a relief pitcher on the baseball team.

He was a 10^th round pick in the 1953 draft for the Philadelphia Eagles. Brookshier played his entire career 1953-1961 with the Eagles organization, as a defensive back.

After retiring from professional football, Brookshier immediately became a broadcaster for CBS. He is most known for his paring with Pat Summerall in the 1970s.

Here is his complete obituary.

The good news edition of The Friday Letter is published every third Friday of the month. This month, view the first video blog of the year, see which chapters and colonies received the highest GPA on campus among all fraternities for the fall 2009 semester, read the great things Fiji is doing on campuses across North America and find out which individual brothers are in the spotlight.

If you have news to include in an upcoming edition of The Friday Letter, send it to phigam@phigam.org. Don't forget to include photos!

Administrative reminders in the first January Friday Letter include:

• Officers Calendar
• Amendments Notice
• Alcohol-Free Housing Update
• Secret Ballot Guidelines
• Pledge Ed Planning
• Planning for Insurance Expense
• Required Viewing
• Checklist 4 Success
• Did Your Chapter make the Grade?

The Good News edition of The Friday Letter is scheduled for 1/29. Send chapter and brother news and pictures.

You may have already received a request for $20 in graduate dues from Phi Gamma Delta. In case you're wondering what exactly graduate dues are, here's the story.

Five years ago, Phi Gamma Delta revived its voluntary graduate dues program after a 20 year cessation. Last year, nearly 6,000 brothers paid dues and thus provided significant unrestricted income to the Fraternity to supplement the dues and fees paid by undergraduate brothers.

Graduate dues support a number of Fraternity programs-- the cost of which cannot and/or should not be absorbed by our undergraduate members and chapters. Most notably, these include publication of The Phi Gamma Delta magazine, improvement of graduate resources such as graduate chapters, and expansion to new campuses. Dues paying graduate brothers automatically receive the spring and fall editions of the magazine.

What if you choose not to pay graduate dues? You do not lose any benefit of membership. And, you may continue to receive both issues of The Phi Gamma Delta magazine in print if you confirm with us that you want it. You can do this by sending an email request to phigam@phigam.org or by calling (859) 255-1848.

The Fraternity requests that every brother give at least $20, but encourages you to give as generously as possible. Click here to give on line now.

Despite the arctic blast that has affected much of the U.S., the International Headquarters staff welcomed over 500 brothers to St. Louis for the 35^th Fiji Academy on January 8.This is the largest attended Academy since 1993.

Educational sessions were provided for early arrivals who discussed career networking, personal financial management and a scholarship roundtable. Members of the Section Chief Executive Committee held their annual meeting Friday afternoon.

Towner Blackstock (Davidson 1994), Curator of Archives, returned to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Academy, welcoming John Fox Arnold (Colorado 1959, Missouri 1959) who gave Friday evening’s keynote address .

Following dinner, brothers attended a Model Initiation ceremony that included new revisions that will also be presented and voted on at the 162^nd Ekklesia in Phoenix, July 29-August 1.

Brothers were entertained Friday night with pizza and soft drinks at the 2^nd annual Fiji Poker Tournament. Prizes included a Fiji banner, Best Buy gift cards, Fiji sweatshirt, and a Fiji flag that had flown at Headquarters. Matt Harbin (Bucknell 2012) won the tournament.

Saturday morning, General Counsel Kevin Mitchelson (Kansas 1979) informed brothers on the latest legal news in risk management. All leadership positions then broke into their individual educational tracks for the remainder of the day.

Following Pig Dinner Saturday night, brothers will enjoy entertainment from hypnotist Tom DeLuca, the only hypnotist to be named 4-time NACA National Campus Entertainer of the Year, as well as Campus Activities Today Entertainer of the Year.

Read the good news in Fijiland:

• Ball Run Updates
• FIJI's Outstanding GPA
• Chapter/Colony Good News
• Shining Stars of Phi Gamma Delta

Have news to share? Send it and photos to phigam@phigam.org.

The Epsilon Chi brothers at Wisconsin Eau Claire wanted to do something different to raise money for the Red Cross. Donning swim suits in December, the brothers participated in a six-hour Dunk-A-Thon on Tuesday that raised $500.

Here is the article and local news video coverage.

Beta Sigma brothers have earned a reputation of dependability in Muncie, Indiana.

By providing annual volunteer service to help Minnetrista's Enchanted Luminaria Walk prepare for the holiday season, the organizers know they can count on the Fijis!

Here is the article.

Director of Chapter Development Justin Burns (Ohio State 2007) is presenting Phi Gamma Delta’s experience in developing Delta Colonies today at the 2009 Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, FL. Justin has teamed up with Kassie Kissinger, Director of Greek Life at the College of Charleston, to facilitate a program based on group development and leadership theories. Phi Gamma Delta opened the Delta Colony in Charleston in January 2009.

With survey results from information gathered during the 2009 Fiji Academy, the presentation will show that implementing an initial set of focus areas enhances a colony's development. After fulfilling several initiatives, additional data has been collected from colony members to evaluate the effectiveness of the focus areas.

The program will also feature several examples from Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership program. Phi Gamma Delta continues to partner with the Ken Blanchard Companies to provide leadership development for the Fraternity and including it during the presentation will highlight application opportunities for Greek advisors.

The Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors was founded in 1976 to support professionals involved with fraternity and sorority life. The Association works to promote the fraternity and sorority experience while providing professional development opportunities for its members.

As managing editor of the school newspaper at DePauw University, Andrew Maddocks (2011) is in Copenhagen, Denmark, blogging about the United Nations climate summit, where nearly 190 nations will be represented.

Here is the story from the Indianapolis Star.

Here is the last 2009 administrative edition of The Friday Letter.

Topics include:

• Officers Calendar
• See You in St. Louis (includes Academy CONTEST and promotional slide show)
• Registering Pledges & Initiations
• Planning for Insurance Expense
• Preparing for Winter/Holidays
• Report Your Service
• IHQ Helps Promote Your Pig
• Got News?

Click here to see all that's going on in today's Friday Letter.

This past weekend, Kappa Deuteron brothers from the University of Georgia teamed up with Gamma Tau brothers from Georgia Tech for "Run for the Kids," the 12th time since 1998 that both chapters have joined forces to fulfill Phi Gamma Delta's value of service.

By running the symbolic gameball from Athens to Atlanta, a trek of about 75 miles, the chapters jointly raised approximately $25,000 to benefit Children's Miracle Network, a part of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Gamma Tau tallied up $11,000 in donations and Kappa Deuteron collected $15,000, including outstanding pledges.

Here is local coverage in Athens. The Atlanta Journal Constitution used a Fiji runner photo to accompany its rivalry story.

Continue to make us proud, brothers!

Phi Gamma Delta is pleased to welcome back the Beta Kappa Colony at the University of Colorado.

On November 19, after the six-week recruitment process, Director of Expansion Jesse Hitt (Wittenberg 2007) and Field Secretary Brett Pytel (Toledo 2009) pledged 41 gentlemen as the founding fathers of the newest addition to the Fiji brotherhood.

The new colony is represented in all facets of campus life, including residence hall advisors, athletes, musicians, Eagle Scouts, Navy ROTC members, organizational leaders and even an ordained minister. These men also boast a combined GPA of 3.47.

When asked about the project, Brother Hitt wanted to be sure credit was given to groups that helped along the way. “We were very pleased with our results, and we could not have done it without the help of Gamma Kappa Chapter at The Colorado School of Mines and the area graduate brothers.”

Beta Kappa first chartered at CU in 1912. Right now is an exciting time for all Beta Kappas as they move towards their centennial celebration in 2012.

Kappa Omicron brothers at Oregon State have raised $1,500 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation through their first "Oregon Cure Relay" held over the weekend.

Taking turns every mile, brothers ran 44 miles from Reser Stadium in Corvallis to Autzen Stadium in Eugene for the Oregon/Oregon State football rivalry.

Here is local news coverage. Here is more.

Keep up the hard work, brothers!

The new digital format of The Phi Gamma Delta is now available.

Cover story: Our Super Bowl Heritage.

Other features include:
Chartering at Nebraska-Kearney
Tau Nu Celebrates 25 Years at RPI
125 Years at Wittenberg

Click here to read it now.

For the seventh year prior to the Virginia/Virginia Tech football rivalry, Omicron brothers from UVA with Rho Alpha brothers from Virginia Tech participated in FIJI Run Across Virginia, raising $42,000 for the V Foundation to support cancer research. 

The game ball was transported 150 miles as brothers took turns running from Blacksburg to Charlottesville.

Here is one link to news coverage. Here is another.

Way to go, brothers!

On Saturday, Sigma Omicron brothers at Oklahoma State partnered with Nu Omega brothers at the University of Oklahoma to complete the FIJI Bedlam Run to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. The game ball was run from Boone Pickens Stadium to Edmond, where it was handed off to the OU Fijis, who then ran the ball from Edmond to Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. Here is the local Fox affiliate's coverage of the run.

For spring 2009, Phi Gamma Delta chapters and colonies earned an impressive 3.026 average!

Other statistics to note:

·         This compares to a 2.942 all-men’s average and 2.972 all-fraternity average on our campuses.

·         Nearly 64% of our chapters were above the all-men’s average and 56% above the all-fraternity average on their campuses.

·         Most impressive is that 15 chapters earned the top academic spot among fraternities on their campuses in spring 2009.

For the 2008-09 academic year, the all-Phi Gamma Delta average calculates at 3.003 with 66.1% of our chapters above the all-men’s average and 60.2% above the all-fraternity average.

Mighty Proud!

Great things are going on in Fijiland!  Read The Friday Letter - Good News Edition  to find out what our chapters are doing to give back to their communities, working hard to accomplish and achieving awards. These brothers work hard and deserve recognition.

Submit news and photos for The Friday Letter at phigam@phigam.org.

 On Thursday October 30, Phi Gamma Delta officially established a Delta Colony at Appalachian State University. This is the sixth chapter/colony in the state of North Carolina. Area graduate brothers pledged 49 founding fathers into the Delta Colony, making it the fourth largest IFC fraternity of 14 on the ASU campus. Later that evening, the Fraternity unveiled the pledge class to the 200+ members of ASU community during the "Evening with the Fijis" campus reception.

Field Secretaries Nate Carney (Knox College 2008) and Jake Cramer (Oregon State 2009) led the six-week expansion process. At right, the men are shown with the women of Kappa Delta who won the Fiji Expansion Challenge for providing the most support and referrals.

Listed below is snapshot of caliber of men in the Delta Colony at Appalachian State University.

· The group is made up of several leaders on campus in the following organizations: ASU Ambassadors, Leadership Team, TECA, Student Government Association, Emerging Leaders Program, Dance Marathon Planning Committee, College Republicans and Democrats, Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader’s, Marching Mountaineers and club council.

· The new Phi Gams are also part of the Honors College, Walker Fellows and Plemmons Fellows programs, as well as the following honor societies: Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma and Gamma Beta Phi.

· These men are extremely service oriented; individually they have traveled to six continents, in 26 countries, and a part of more than 50 service/mission trips with various organizations.

· Without listing the rest of the accomplishments of the group, here are a few more areas the men are involved: Appalachian State University Football team (three time D-1AA national champions in the past four years), Eagle Scouts, ROTC, and the Dean’s list.

· Despite their involvement listed above, the group's cumulative grade point average is a 3.49. This is above the All-Men's average, the All-Women’s GPA as well as higher than any sorority GPA on campus!

If you would like to send a note of congratulations to the undergraduates, please direct messages to Colony President Elliott Kimball.

In appreciation for all the Phi Gam brothers currently serving in the military or who have served in years past, the International Headquarters acknowledges your faithful service and dedication to protecting us all. We celebrate Veterans Day today with prayers in our hearts for your continued good health and/or safe return to your families.

The Chi Lambda Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was rechartered November 7, 2009, at the University of California at San Diego. Chi Lambda becomes the fifth current chapter in California, joining Delta Xi at California at Berkeley, Rho Upsilon at California at Riverside, Iota Chi at California at Irvine, and Omega Chi at Chapman. With the addition of Chi Lambda, Phi Gamma Delta grows to 111 Chapters and 14 Delta Colonies. Through the weekend’s ceremonies, 67 brothers were pledged and 58 were initiated into the Fraternity.

The celebration began on the afternoon of Friday, November 6, 2009, with the Evening with the Fijis Reception in the Price University Center. The entire campus community was invited to share in the experience of Phi Gamma Delta officially joining the Greek community at UCSD. The brothers and guests heard remarks from Greek Advisor Emily Feinstein, Purple Legionnaire Jason Chibuk (Alberta 1999), and Executive Director Bill Martin (Mississippi State 1975). David Weichel (California at San Diego 2010) served as Master of Ceremonies for the reception.

Later that evening, Bill Martin led the future brothers and pledges through the traditional Indoctrination School, which is a recap of the Fraternity’s history, organizational chart, and values. Following the Indoctrination School, Kenneth A. Sobel (Arizona 1975) was installed as Legate for the chartering. Then the graduate brothers looked on as the Ritual team pledged the 67 men into the Fraternity.

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, three initiation ceremonies were held to initiate the next 57 brothers into the Chi Lambda Chapter. The ritual ceremonies were conducted under the supervision of Ritualist Ed Gabe (Hanover 1990) and performed by the following brothers Chapter President: J. B. Goll (Nebraska 2001), Chapter Treasurer: Robert A. Parks (Fresno State 2008), Recording Secretary: Sean D. Stringer (California at Riverside 2010), Corresponding Secretary: Eddie M. Lee (California at Irvine 2009), Chapter Historian: Matthew D. Cessna (Knox 2008), and the following brothers served as Directors: William R. Miller (Indiana 1962, Purdue 1996), William A. Martin III (Mississippi State 1975), and Charles E. Gabe (Hanover 1990).

Saturday evening graduate brothers and the new initiates gathered for the Chartering Installation Banquet and Pig Dinner. Bill Martin served as Master of Ceremonies, with Archon President Bill Miller (Indiana 1962, Purdue 1996) delivering the keynote address. Archon Councilor Jeff Downey (UCLA 1982) delivered “An Exiles Toast” to a standing ovation. Legate Ken Sobel followed with his own remarks and then delivered into the hands of Chapter President Laszlo Folks the Chi Lambda Charter. Brother Folks closed the evening by giving his remarks and his vision of the future of the Chapter.

Congratulations to our new Chi Lambda Brothers!

Perge!

Please send your note of congratulations to the Chi Lambda brothers in care of:
Laszlo M. Folks
Chapter President
Chi Lambda of Phi Gamma Delta
4374 Vision Dr
San Diego, CA 92121-1913

Quality Pledge Education Programs require advance planning. With that in mind, the Fraternity's Task Force on Pledge Education is hosting a webinar for Pledge Educators, Chapter Officers, Purple Legionnaires and anyone involved with leading your chapter's Pledge Education program. It will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 8pm Eastern

This informational session will give you tips to make your spring program successful. Topics will include:

• Organizing and planning for your program
• Using Big Brothers and putting them to work for you!
• Getting everyone moving in the same direction - educating your chapter
• Q&A with the Task Force and Staff

To join the webinar, go to http://www.myeventpartner.com/FIJI6

The webinar provider uses a flash-based system. We recommend that you take the following System Test prior to the webinar to make sure that your computer is ready to go.

Audio will be provided via conference call. Follow these instructions to call in:

 1) Dial: 1-866-502-8312 or 1-719-387-5595
2) Enter Passcode: 35142589

Come with questions! RSVP’s are not necessary, but appreciated. Please send RSVP’s or questions to Rob Caudill, Director of Education or Jade Metcalf (Washington State 1992), Chairman of the Task Force on Pledge Education.

For the latest pledge education manuals, materials, and ideas, visit http://www.phigam.org/NetCommunity/pledge_education.

Congratulations to following chapters for placing in the 2008-2009 Phi Gamma Delta Awards Competition:

BAKER CUP: Awarded for focusing on religious, ethical and social service activities.
First Place: Kappa Deuteron at the University of Georgia
Second Place: Sigma Tau at the University of Washington
Third Place: Zeta at Indiana University
Honorable Mention: Omicron at the University of Virginia
Alpha Phi at the University of Michigan

BRIGHTMAN GRADUATE CHAPTER AWARD: Presented to the most outstanding graduate chapter in the Fraternity.
Over 75 Members
First Place: Seattle Graduate Chapter

Under 75 Members
First Place: Southwest Florida Graduate Chapter
Second Place: Portland Oregon Graduate Chapter
Third Place: Golf Capitol (Pinehurst, NC)

BRIGHTMAN TROPHY: Presented to the undergraduate chapter which best demonstrates that Phi Gamma Delta is “not for college days alone.”
First Place: Sigma Tau at the University of Washington
Second Place: Gamma Kappa at Colorado School of Mines
Third Place: Theta Tau at Tennessee Technological University
Honorable Mention: Kappa Deuteron at the University of Georgia
Omicron at the University of Virginia
Alpha Iota at Iowa State University

CHENEY CUP: Awarded for the greatest all-around efficiency in scholarship, fraternity relationships and general collegiate activities.
First Place: Theta Tau at Tennessee Technological University
Second Place: Kappa Deuteron at the University of Georgia
Third Place: Omicron Deuteron at The Ohio State University

CONDON CUP: Awarded for the greatest improvement in scholarship, extracurricular activities and fraternity relationships.
First Place: Omega Phi at Central Florida University
Second Place: Epsilon Alpha at the University of Alberta
Third Place: Beta Mu at Johns Hopkins University
Honorable Mention: Rho Chi at the University of Richmond
Delta Iota at Drake University

COON PLAQUE: Awarded for the best chapter publication.
First Place: Theta Tau at Tennessee Technological University
Second Place: Beta Sigma at Ball State University
Third Place: Kappa Omicron at Oregon State University
Honorable Mention: Alpha Iota at Iowa State University
Delta Iota at Drake University

CROWDER CUP: Presented to the most outstanding faculty advisor.
First Place: Dr. Jed Young (Purdue 1984) - Tennessee Technological University
Second Place: Lou Ann Simpson – Drake University

COULTER CUP: Awarded for service to an undergraduate chapter other than as Purple Legionnaire.
First Place: Wesley G. Cole (Iowa State 1962)
Second Place: Kurt M. Niebuhr (Kansas State 2003)
Third Place: Matthew S. Leonard (Tennessee Tech 2001)

DURRANCE AWARD: Presented to the most outstanding Purple Legionnaire.
First Place: Daniel F. Organek (Johns Hopkins 1994)
Second Place: Robert F. Unfug (Colorado State 1977)
Third Place: Bo W. Byers (Tennessee Tech 2006)
Honorable Mention: Thomas G. D’Angelo (Washington 1990)
Russell G. Williams II (Kentucky 1974)

HAYNES AWARD: Presented to the Fraternity’s most outstanding Section Chief.
First Place: Bradley R. Whiting (Washington 1980)
Second Place: J. Brent Ellis (Tennessee Tech 1999)
Third Place: Brian M. Douglas (Tennessee Tech 1998)

JORDAN BOWL: Awarded for achieving the highest scholarship among undergraduate chapters.
First Place: Zeta at Indiana University
Second Place: Sigma Tau at University of Washington
Third Place: Theta Tau at Tennessee Tech
Fourth Place: Kappa Deuteron at University of Georgia
Fifth Place: Psi at Wabash College
Honorable Mention: Tau Kappa at University of Toronto

OWEN CUP: Awarded for the greatest improvement in scholarship. 
First Place: Beta Mu at Johns Hopkins University
Second Place: Upsilon Kappa at University of Kentucky

WILKINSON AWARD: Presented annually to the Fraternity’s most outstanding senior.
First Place: Benjamin W. Deschner (Purdue 2009)
Second Place: Arthur D. King (Indiana 2009)
Third Place: Kyle S. Meloney (Georgia 2008)

ZERMAN TROPHY: Awarded for promoting the involvement of brothers in student government, the campus newspaper and extracurricular activities.
First Place: Beta Sigma at Ball State University
Second Place: Omicron at the University of Virginia
Third Place: TIE:: Kappa Deuteron at the University of Georgia
Zeta at Indiana University
Honorable Mention: Theta Tau at Tennessee Technological University
Nu Kappa at the University of Nebraska-Kearney

To see a historical list of past award winners click here.

John Templeton McCarty Chapter Proficiency Awards, Certificates of Superior Academic Achievement, and Certificates of Academic Achievement will be announced next week.

Perge!

Here are the topics in the November administrative edition of The Friday Letter:

• Officers Calendar
• Laws Regulating Elections
• Opportunity for Graduate Live-in Advisor
• Prepare for Success: Spring Pledge Ed Webinar
• Required Viewing: "Tell Me Something I Don't Know"
• IHQ Promotes Pig Dinner
• Do You Like to Travel?

Remember to send brothers' achievements and chapter successes, plus photos, for inclusion in the good news edition scheduled for November 20.

At California State University - Fullerton, Delta Zeta is hosting a week of alcohol awareness for the campus. Phi Gamma Delta's video production "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" is part of DZ's program that the women wanted to share with all students.   

See the favorable press here.

Working toward meeting qualifications to charter, the Delta Colony at Western Kentucky University is planning activities and getting positive press coverage.

This weekend, the colony members are participating in a Rivalry Run with members of Pi Kappa Phi at Middle Tennessee State University. Organizers anticipate the run will take 17 hours to complete before kickoff at tomorrow's game that begins at 2:30.

Here is one story. Here is another.

The Nu Delta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was installed October 17, 2009, at the University of Delaware. With the addition of Nu Delta, Phi Gamma Delta grows to 110 Chapters and 13 Delta Colonies. Through the weekend’s ceremonies, 51 brothers were pledged and 41 were initiated into the Fraternity.

The celebration began on the afternoon of Friday, October 16, 2009, with the Evening with the Fijis Reception in the Trabant University Center. The entire campus community was invited to share in the experience of Phi Gamma Delta officially joining the Greek community at Delaware.

Later that evening, Executive Director Bill Martin led the future brothers and pledges through the traditional Indoctrination School, which is a recap of the Fraternity’s history, organizational chart, and values. Following the Indoctrination School, Donald R. Mighell (Texas 1956) was installed as Legate for the installation. Then the graduate brothers looked on as the Ritual team pledged the 51 men into the Fraternity.

On Saturday, October 17, 2009, two initiation ceremonies were held to initiate the first 41 brothers into the Nu Delta Chapter. The Ritual ceremonies were conducted under the supervision of Ritualist Ed Gabe (Hanover 1990) and performed by the following brothers: Chapter President Benjamin W. Little (NYU 2011), Chapter Treasurer Joseph S. S. Cutrona (Richmond 2010), Recording Secretary Matthew N. Walker (Vermont 2012), Corresponding Secretary Michael A. Bowers (Richmond 2011), Chapter Historian Ryan O. Sebastian (WPI 2010), with the following brothers served as Directors:
Andrew E. Brochu (Johns Hopkins 2012), Peter Dalton (Johns Hopkins 2012), Kevin H. Strang (Johns Hopkins 2012), Eric F. Vicedomini (Vermont 2011), Alan J. DeLorenzo (Richmond 2011), Andrew B. C. Shult (Richmond 2011), Taylor J. Scholz (Virginia 2012), Graham H. Williams (Virginia 2012), Daniel P. McHugh (WPI 2010), and Kevin S. Dowlen (Virginia 2010). Jonathan P. Edelen (RPI 2009) also assisted with the ceremonies.

Saturday evening graduate brothers and the new initiates gathered for the Chartering Installation Banquet. Bill Martin served as Master of Ceremonies, with Archon President Bill Miller (Indiana 1962, Purdue GA 1996) delivering the keynote address. Legate Don Mighell followed with his own remarks and then delivered into the hands of Chapter President Adam Feder the Nu Delta Charter [pictured L-R: Zachary R. M. Robertson (2009), former Colony President; Purple Legionnaire Daniel P. Barrett (Iowa State 2005); and Chapter President Adam G. Feder (2010)]. Brother Feder closed the evening by giving his remarks and his vision of the future of the Chapter.

Congratulations to our new Nu Delta Brothers!

Please send your note of congratulations to the Nu Delta brothers in care of:
Adam G. Feder, Chapter President
Nu Delta of Phi Gamma Delta
218 Trabant University Center
Newark, DE 19716

On Friday, October 16, Phi Gamma Delta officially returned to the University of Iowa following a five-year absence from the campus in Iowa City. Twenty-two men were pledged into the Mu Deuteron Colony with the help of local graduate brothers. Following the pledging ceremony, members of the UI Greek community welcomed the Fijis with a campus reception.

Director of Expansion Josh Laufenberg (Illinois 2008) and Field Secretary Wes Martin (Missouri State 2009) crafted a five-week recruitment campaign to find the best men on campus. The new founding fathers are truly a stellar group with an average GPA above a 3.2 and many diverse backgrounds. Colony members participate in activities such as student senate, rowing team, Army ROTC, the Honors College and many more.

Congratulations to the Mu Deuteron Colony at Iowa!

Any notes of congratulations should be sent to the Colony President Jeremy Johnson.

After a nine-year absence, Phi Gamma Delta has returned to the University of Southern California (USC). On October 15, 2009, the Phi Gam flag was again flying on campus as area graduate brothers pledged 39 founding fathers into the Sigma Chi Colony. Afterwards, members from Kappa Alpha Theta on campus treated the new colony to a dessert reception.

Director of Chapter Development Justin Burns (Ohio State 2007) and Field Secretary Jon Vaughn (Tennessee Tech 2008) launched a campus-wide public relations and recruitment campaign for six weeks. The group that materialized is truly impressive, highlighted by a 3.49 average GPA, men who have started their own businesses, Eagle Scouts, leaders in student organizations, University athletes, and many other accomplishments.

Congratulations to the founding fathers at USC!

If you wish to send a note of congratulations, please forward messages to Colony President Austin Hay.

The Friday Letter Good News Edition this month features a special video blog from Director of Chapter Services JB Goll, chapter news and individual brother achievements. This edition is sent via email to all undergraudate brothers and graduate volunteers.

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming edition of The Friday Letter, send info and photos to phigam@phigam.org.

 

Though the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mark Loretta (Northwestern 1993) is a Major League Baseball player, last night life became like that of a rock star.

Brother Loretta’s walk-off single with bases loaded in the ninth inning finalized the game 3-2 over the St. Louis Cardinals, placing the Dodgers 2-0 over the Cards in the National League Division Series. Game 3 in the best-of- five series is scheduled for Saturday in St. Louis. See the winning hit and celebration.

Here are Mark’s comments on last night’s game, along with his stats. Congrats, Mark!

Dave Price, weatherman for CBS's "The Early Show," is on a journey this week to make it from Santa Monica to New York City in seven days. The catch is he started with only a cell phone and $50. He’s traveling across the country and making money to support himself as he goes.

Thanks to Bob Marshall (Rhode Island 1977) knowing mutual acquaintances, Dave Price contacted the Nebraska Chapter President John Russell (Nebraska 2010) and they made arrangements for a late night arrival and a few hours of sleep.

Dave then proceeded on to Omaha where he did the live shots for the show from the Omaha Steaks plant.

Here is a clip of him on the show this morning. About half way through, it shows some footage of him at the Fiji house in Lincoln. Here is Dave's photo album showing him with the Lambda Nu brothers.

The first Friday of the month means the administrative edition of The Friday Letter with chapter officer reminders, opportunities and suggestions.

Remember to send chapter and brother successes for the good news edition scheduled for October 16.

Prior to Saturday's football rivalry between Wisconsin and Minnesota, Phi Gams will run the football more than 260 miles, all to support the American Red Cross's Distaster Relief Fund. Here is the complete story.

If you'd like to help support this cause, here is info on how to donate.

Dr. Jere Morehead (Georgia Faculty 1988) is set to become the Chief Academic Officer of the University of Georgia system. As Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at UGA, Brother Morehead will oversee instruction, research, public service and outreach, and student affairs. The vice presidents of these four areas report to the provost, as do the deans of UGA’s 16 schools and colleges.

Brother Morehead has served in various roles at the University of Georgia and is currently the Vice President for Instruction. Prior to joining the Georgia faculty, Jere was an assistant United States Attorney.

Brother Morehead was initiated in Phi Gamma Delta in 1988 and has served as Purple Legionnaire of the Kappa Deuteron Chapter since that time. Jere has won the Durrance Award for outstanding Purple Legionnaire three times. The Kappa Deuteron Chapter has won the Cheney Cup six times during Brother Morehead’s service as Purple Legionnaire.

Here is more about Brother Morehead’s new appointment.

Congratulations Jere!

Our current recolonization at the University of Southern California is getting good news coverage in the campus newspaper. Click here to see how Director of Chapter Development Justin Burns and Field Secretary Jon Vaughn are emphasizing the positives of Greek life.

In this month's good news edition Friday Letter: watch the video blog from Director of Chapter Services JB Goll, read exciting chapter news, find out the latest fall recruitment numbers, and take advantage of IHQ career resources.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, free safety Danny Polaneczky (Chicago 2012) was selected to the D3football.com’s National Team of the Week, which recognizes top players in NCAA Division III. As the leading defensive standout in Saturday’s 37-36 win over Kenyon College, he was also selected on Monday as a University Athletic Association’s Athlete of the Week.  

His performance included 12 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception in the double-overtime. Plus, he stopped the opponent’s two point conversion attempt on the last play of the game.



Tailback Tommy Parks (Chicago 2011) was also selected on Monday as an Athlete of the Week by the University Athletic Association for his outstanding offensive performance. During Saturday’s game, he rushed for 186 yards on 32 carries, a career-high, which included a touchdown in the second overtime.

Mighty Proud!

Reminder: Pledge form and fee ($65.00 per pledge) are due at International Headquarters within 15 days of pledging. Have your pledges submit the new electronic pledge form and fee by following this link: http://www.phigam.org/new_pledge.

Perge!

Phi Gamma Delta...It Happens to the Best of Us!

Darryn Deen Andrews (Texas Tech 1999) of New Braufels, TX, was killed in action September 4, 2009, while serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The Pentagon reported that 2nd Lt. Andrews died when his vehicle came under attack by rocket-propelled grenade fire and an improvised bomb. The attack happened in the Paktia province along the Afghan-Pakistan border south of the Afghan capital of Kabul. He was a paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Darryn was an avid outdoorsman who loved scuba diving, fishing and hunting. He received his bachelor of science degree from Texas Tech University and his master's degree from Texas State University. Inspired by his grandfather, John E. Brown, an MIA/POW during World War II, Darryn enlisted in 2002.

Survivors include his wife Julie, son Daylan Deen Andrews and expectant daughter, plus his twin double brother Jarrett Andrews (Texas Tech 1998) and his parents. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Cameron, TX.

The Darryn Andrews Memorial Trust has been established to benefit his children. Send donations to: Mark A. Stroud, Sr. Vice President, Classic Bank, P.O. Box 835, Cameron, TX 76520. Please make checks payable to: Darryn Andrews Memorial Trust.

The first Friday Letter (administrative edition) of the 2009-10 school year is chock full with reminders and ideas for chapter officers.

This issue's topics include:

• Officers’ Calendar & Checklist
• Budget Planning
• Annual Membership Dues
• Preparing for H1N1
• Protect Phi Gamma Delta’s Trademarks
• Don’t Recruit These Men!
• Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
• Pledge Ed Resources
• Field Secretary Visit
• Expanding the Influence
• Who to Call: IHQ Staff Directory
• Got News?

This link takes you directly to The Friday Letter.

The Archons have appointed undergraduate brother Mike Kennedy (Chapman 2011) to serve on the Fraternity’s board of directors. Brother Kennedy, known to many as Bear, will begin his two-year term as Archon Councilor on August 31.

Mike is a founding father and current Treasurer of the Omega Chi Chapter at Chapman University in Orange, CA. He is a Film Production major with an impressive 3.935 GPA. During his two academic terms as Recruitment Chairman in 2007, the Chapman Colony pledged a total of 50 men. Subsequent to the chapter chartering in May 2008, Mike also served as Pledge Educator. He attended the Fiji Academies in 2007, 2008, and 2009, as well as the 2008 Miami Ekklesia.

This appointment by the Archons is made in response to a recommendation from the Permanent Committee on Nominations, which spent much of the summer evaluating nominees. Immediate past Archon President Buddy Coté (Maine 1981), who chairs the committee, said, “It has been especially enjoyable, and inspiring, to assist in the selection of an undergraduate brother to serve our Fraternity in this august role given the number of stellar candidates who applied this year.”

Brother Kennedy will succeed Ben Deschner (Purdue 2009), who is completing a two-year term as Archon Councilor. Ben graduated from Purdue in May and is now attending medical school at Vanderbilt University.

Robert McNamara, who served as Secretary of Defense from 1961-1968, passed ad astra, July 6, 2009, in his home in Washington, D. C.

Prior to his appointment as Secretary of Defense, Brother McNamara served as president of Ford Motor Company. From 1968 to 1981, McNamara served as president of the World Bank.

His autobiography, In Retrospect, was published in 1995.

Brother McNamara recalled his undergraduate days with the Delta Xi Chapter in a September 1961 profile in The Phi Gamma Delta magazine. While he was not an elected officer, McNamara served as House Manager during his junior year in the chapter. He explained it was his job to “analyze the chapter’s funds and establish a budget.” McNamara then commented that he must not have done a very good job compiling the budget, because his “share was more than I could afford to pay.”

Brother McNamara was awarded the Distinguished Fiji Award in 1991.

Richard W. Quick (SMU 1965), the winningest coach in collegiate swimming, passed ad astra on Wednesday, June 10. Brother Quick won 13 NCAA titles at three different colleges and coached American swimmers in the Olympics six times.

He was named NCAA Coach of the Year six times, most recently this year, and was also recently selected to receive Phi Gamma Delta's Distinguished Fiji Award for 2008.

Here is further information.

A new house is in store for the brothers at Nu Omega Chapter at the University of Oklahoma. Demolition of the current house began on June 9. 

Here is a story in today’s Norman, OK, newspaper.

Here is video footage of early stages of the demolition.

Spring issue of The Phi Gamma Delta magazine now available.

Cover story highlights Roger Penske's business focus at Penske Racing: It's all about people.

Additional feature stories include:
l Charterings at Missouri State and Wisconsin
l Losing a Brother, Finding Forgiveness
l The Educational Foundation's 2008 Honor Roll of Donors

Read it online now.

With driver Helio Castroneves, Brother Roger Penske's Penske Racing scored its 15th win at Sunday's Indianapolis 500.

Here are photos from the race track and stories from Indianapolis:

"Helio pockets $3M race check" and "When he wins, he pours".

Congrats to these brothers who make up Phi Gamma Delta's All Sports Team for 2008-09.

Fijiland is in the grow….FAST! Throughout the 2008-2009 academic year, Phi Gamma Delta has welcomed FOUR new chapters and established EIGHT new colonies. You will find a short description of each group below.

In the spirit of Fiji brotherhood, take a few minutes to pass on your congratulations to each of them.

NEW CHAPTERS

In February, the Chi Omicron Chapter at the University of Cincinnati was reestablished after a two year absence. The chapter is full of student leaders involved in the United Way, Pre Pharmacy Club, Able Cats, Delta Sigma Pi, Rugby, and Chemistry Club.

Tyler Marcum, Chapter President
Chi Omicron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta
201 E Turner, 45 W University
Cincinnati, OH 45219
http://www.phigam.org/cincy

In March, the Psi Mu Chapter at Missouri State University was established in a weekend long celebration. Phi Gamma Delta is proud to begin a new legacy in Springfield, Missouri with 40 new brothers.

John Bollinger, Chapter President
Psi Mu Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta
901 S National Ave
Springfield, MO 65897-0027
http://www.fijimostate.com

In April, Phi Gamma Delta proudly returned to the University of Wisconsin with the rechartering of our Mu Chapter. During the chartering celebration, 45 men were initiated. Brothers are very active on campus in numerous organizations including Alpha Kappa Psi, Air Force ROTC, Americorps, FBLA, and Multicultural Business Student Association.

Bill Buecksler, Chapter President
Mu Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta
716 Langdon St, Rm 239
Madison, WI 53706
http://phigam.rso.wisc.edu

Another new chapter was added at the end of April, with the addition of Nu Kappa at the University of Nebraska @ Kearney. During the chartering weekend, 42 men were pledged and initiated into the Fraternity. The group boasts the highest GPA ever recorded in the UNK Greek system. Also, brothers are very involved in Student Government, Marching Band, Choir, RHA, and Mortar Board.

Scott Seeba, Chapter President
Nu Kappa Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta
Resident/Greek Life Conrad Hall
2615 11th Ave
Kearney, NE 68849-5210
http://www.fijiunk.com

NEW COLONIES - FALL 2008

The Delta Colony at the College of Charleston grew out of an interest group established in the early fall of 2008. The Colony is now 45 men strong with the current Student Body President and his predecessor.

Rob Blackmore, Colony President
Delta Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
Office of Greek Affairs
97 Wentworth Annex
Charleston, SC 29424-0001
http://www.cofcfiji.org

In October, Phi Gamma Delta added the Mean Green of the University of North Texas to our roster. The colony is 39 men strong and 2nd in grades. Colony brothers are active in many philanthropic efforts, including participating in activities for the Human Humane Society

Sebastian Silen, Colony President
Delta Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
1120 Mulkey Street
Denton, TX 76209

October also reestablished our presence at the University of Pennsylvania. The Beta Colony has grown to 55 men and has broad representation across campus within: Track, Crew, Sailing, Rowing, Theater, and Glee Club.

Jonathon Strauss, Colony President
Beta Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
Off of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs
3933 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3608

The final colony established in the Fall was at Western Kentucky University. At WKU, 30 men are proudly blazing the Fiji trail. The Colony established themselves solidly from the beginning by partnering with Kappa Alpha and Alpha Omicron Pi and winning the Homecoming competition.

Matthew Cooke, Colony President
Delta Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
Downing Univ Ctr Room 326
1906 College Heights Blvd # 11044
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000

NEW COLONIES - SPRING 2009

Phi Gamma Delta was pleased to add another strong presence in North Carolina, by colonizing at East Carolina University. The Colony is 32 men strong and active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Healthy Pirates, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Circle K, Key Club, and Student Government, to name a few.

Scott Helfirch, Colony President
Delta Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
213 Fletcher Hall
Greenville, NC 27858-3655

The Epsilon Lambda Colony was reestablished at Michigan State University with 41 men in March. The brothers of the colony are busy as newspaper and magazine writers, entrepreneurs, and on the Lacrosse team. Additionally, there are three Fiji legacies.

Mike Donnelly, Colony President
Epsilon Lambda Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
325 Student Services Bldg.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824

Phi Gamma Delta added its 10th group to the state of Texas with the addition of the Delta Colony at the University of Houston. The Colony has 35 men who are business owners, members of Student Government, Speaker of the Student Senate, and President and former President of Hispanic Business Student Association.

Ramon Fierros, Colony President
Delta Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
Campus Activities Box #538
Houston, TX 77204-3031

The reestablished Lambda Omega Colony at the University of Western Ontario once again makes five Phi Gamma Delta chapters in Canada. The 34 brothers are involved as UWO Tories, University Student Council, and players on the football and water polo team.

Jimmy Vaiopoulos, Colony President
Lambda Omega Colony of Phi Gamma Delta
1132 Richmond Street
London
ON L3P 7H6

What an exciting YEAR of growth we have realized! Phi Gamma Delta is truly EXPANDING THE INFLUENCE throughout North America. Please welcome our newest brothers and pledges into the Fraternity.

Perge!

PS… In the fall of 2009, Phi Gamma Delta will be establishing colonies and chapters at the University of Iowa, University of Southern California, University of Colorado, Appalachian State University, Miami University, and Bucknell University. Watch www.phigam.org for additional updates. If you know men going to those campuses, please email our Director of Expansion.

The Nu Kappa Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was installed April 25, 2009, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. With the addition of Nu Kappa, Phi Gamma Delta grows to 110 Chapters and 12 Delta Colonies. Through the weekend’s ceremonies, 41 brothers were pledged and initiated into the Fraternity.

The celebration began on the afternoon of Friday, April 24, 2009, with the White Star reception in the University View room of Nestor Hall. The entire campus community was invited to share in the experience of Phi Gamma Delta officially rejoining the Greek community at UNK.

Later that evening, Executive Director Bill Martin led the future brothers and pledges through the traditional Indoctrination School, which is a recap of the Fraternity’s history, organizational chart, and values. Following the Indoctrination School, W. Kent Barney (Nebraska 1976) was installed as Legate for the installation. Then over 20 graduate brothers looked on as the Ritual team pledged the 41 men into the Fraternity.

On Saturday, April 25, 2009, two initiation ceremonies were held to initiate the first 40 brothers into the Nu Kappa Chapter. The ritual ceremonies were conducted under the supervision of Ritualist Ed Gabe (Hanover 1990) and performed by the following brothers: Chapter President Jason Reese Lasley (Colorado State 2010), Chapter Treasurer Bryant P. Lee (Colorado State 2011), Recording Secretary Jordan H. Schmick (Colorado School of Mines 2010), Corresponding Secretary Daniel R. Ireland (Colorado State 2011), Chapter Historian Austin C. Lenderink (Colorado School of Mines 2009) with the following brothers serving as Directors: Dustin R. Johnson (Missouri State 2011), Stephen Ritchie (Colorado State 2012), Matthew S. Bailey (Colorado School of Mines 2011) and Damien R. Gapinski (Colorado School of Mines 2011).

Saturday evening graduate brothers, university officials, parents, and dates gathered for the Chartering Installation Banquet. Bill Martin served as Master of Ceremonies, with Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. Charles Bicak giving a welcome on behalf of the University and Archon President Bill Martin (Indiana 1962, Purdue 1996) delivering the keynote address. Legate Kent Barney followed with his own remarks and then delivered into the hands of Chapter President Scott Seeba the Nu Kappa Charter. Brother Seeba closed the evening by giving his remarks and his vision of the future of the Chapter.

Congratulations to our new Nu Kappa Brothers!

Perge!

Please send notes of congratulations to the Nu Kappa brothers in care of:
Scott Seeba, Chapter President
Nu Kappa of Phi Gamma Delta
Residential/Greek Life Conrad Hall
2615 11th Ave
Kearney, NE 68849-5210

Greetings from Archon President Bill Miller on Phi Gamma Delta's 161st anniversary. Click on photo to activate his message.

Since the semester is almost over, this edition of The Friday Letter will be the last one for this academic year.

Reminders include:

• Celebrate Founders Day
• Officers calendar due dates
• 10% end-of-year penalty
• Alcohol free housing exemption timeline
• Prepare house for summer break
• Submit your grades
• Reporting on the Pig
• Book fall Field Secretary visit now

 Get the latest reminders now.

On March 7, 2009, 20-year-old Murphy Coy (Kentucky 2011) received a heart transplant. 

Forty-nine days later, he was participating in the Central Kentucky Heart Walk to benefit the American Heart Association and UK Healthcare this past weekend.

Brother Coy, with the help of other Upsilon Kappa brothers at the University of Kentucky, raised more than $10,000 for the AHA.

Here is campus coverage of his story.
Here is local TV news coverage. 

The Mu Chapter at the University of Wisconsin was rechartered on April 4, 2009. Mu becomes Phi Gamma Delta’s 109th chapter. Through the weekend’s ceremonies, 45 brothers were pledged and initiated into the revitalized Mu Chapter.

The Mu Chapter was originally founding on June 6, 1893 and continued until April of 1995. The Mu Chapter was recolonized in March of 2008 with 39 initial colony pledges.

The celebration began on the afternoon of Friday, April 3, 2009, with the White Star reception in the Memorial Union. The entire campus community was invited to share in the experience of Phi Gamma Delta officially rejoining the Greek community at Wisconsin.

Later that evening, Executive Director Bill Martin (Mississippi State 1975) led the future brothers and pledges through the traditional Indoctrination School, which is a recap of the Fraternity’s history, organizational chart and values. Then over 20 graduate and undergraduate brothers looked on as the Ritual team pledged the 45 men into the Fraternity.

On Saturday, February 28, 2009, Archon President Bill Miller (Indiana 1962, GA Purdue 1996) installed Richard J. Pearson (Wisconsin 1961) as Legate to preside over the ritual ceremonies. Then two initiation ceremonies were held to initiate the 45 brothers into the Mu Chapter. The ritual ceremonies were conducted under the supervision of Ritualist Ed Gabe (Hanover 1990) and performed by the following brothers: Chapter President Anthony D. Zimmerman (Ohio State 2010), Chapter Treasurer Michael E. Walton (Northwestern 2011), Recording Secretary Brandon J. Smith (Ohio State 2010), Corresponding Secretary Stephen S. Blackman (Northwestern 2011), and Chapter Historian David B. Nebel (Northwestern 2010) with the following brothers serving as Directors: Philip M. Jacobson (Northwestern 2011), Evan R. Schreiber (Northwestern 2011), Matthew M. Gregg (Northwestern 2009), Constantine J. Trela (Chicago 2010), Justin Williams (Chicago 2012), Jeron J. Blood (Illinois 2010), Joshua M. Moore (Illinois 2011), Andrew J. Mannix (Illinois 2012), and Justin Kilpatrick-Franklyn Poole (Illinois 2009).

Saturday evening over 100 graduate and undergraduate brothers gathered for the Chartering Installation Banquet, which included the traditional Pig Dinner ceremonies. Bill Martin served as Master of Ceremonies and Troy A. Marks (Wisconsin 2010) delivered “An Exile's Toast.” The keynote address was delivered by Archon President Bill Miller. Legate Dick Pearson then delivered the charter into the hands of Chapter President Troy Marks.

Congratulations to our new Mu Brothers!

Perge!

Please send your note of congratulations to the Mu brothers in care of: Bill Buecksler, Incoming Chapter President, Mu of Phi Gamma Delta, 716 Langdon St Rm 239, Madison, WI 53706.

Russell G. Williams II (Kentucky 1974), Purple Legionnaire for the Upsilon Kappa Chapter at the University of Kentucky, passed ad astra Wednesday, April 8, 2009.

A longtime graduate volunteer, Russ had served in numerous capacities for the Fraternity, including Section Chief, Board of Chapter Advisors and PL since 2005.

He had been a senior training specialist in the Human Resources Department at UK since 1990. Most notably, he was the first staff representative to serve on the UK Board of Trustees.

Click here to read more.

• Reviewing and organizing your current materials

• Preparing your program syllabus

• Recruiting Big Brothers and putting them to work for you!

• Q&A with the Task Force and Staff

Additional information on the Fraternity's Task Force on Pledge Education and this upcoming Webinar are available on the Pledge Education Information Page.

Phi Gamma Delta celebrates its 50-year anniversary at Michigan State University with the recolonization of the Epsilon Lambda Colony. On March 26, 2009, Phi Gamma Delta was welcomed back on campus in front of over 100 attendees, rising to their feet in applause when the first pledge class was unveiled.

Director of Expansion Justin Burns (Ohio State 2007) and Field Secretary Matt Cessna (Knox 2008) recruited 45 men to become founding fathers. These men have many group highlights, including a 3.33 average GPA, men who have started their own businesses, Eagle Scouts, leaders in student organizations, multiple teaching assistants on campus, and many other fine accomplishments.

Congratulations to these founding fathers at Michigan State. If you wish to send a note of congratulations, please forward messages to Colony President Mike Donnelly.

This month's admin edition of The Friday Letter includes the following:

• Officers calendar
• Nominate a brother for the Archonate
• Planning for pledge education
• Fall Field Secretary visits
• Celebrate Founders Day
• Preparing your house for summer break
• Chapter history due May 31

Go here to see the latest reminders and suggestions.

After just over four weeks on the University of Western Ontario campus, Phi Gamma Delta has officially returned boasting 34 founding fathers. With some impressive resumes, these men have the highest GPA of all Greek organizations with a 3.35 average, and they are already one of the largest fraternities on campus.

The group includes several varsity athletes and some of the campus's top leaders. Every brother lives up to Phi Gamma Delta's value of excellence, with their numerous extracurricular activities both on campus and in the community.

Before long, they will be recognized as the top fraternity on campus! Please feel free to send the Lambda Omega Colony words of encouragement via Colony President Jimmy Vaiopolous.

Frederick A. “Fritz” Henderson (Michigan 1980) has been named CEO of General Motors. Brother Henderson had previously served GM as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer.

As head of the GM subsidiary Opel from mid-2004 through the end of 2005, he restructured the company, trimming around 10,000 jobs and bringing it back to profitability for the first time in nearly five years.

Fritz served as Chapter Treasurer during his days at the Alpha Phi Chapter at the University of Michigan.

Congratulations to Brother Henderson!

Here is GM's press release about his appointment.

Alpha Upsilon brothers at Auburn University will be playing their second annual Sydney Gran Classic tonight at 7p.m., hoping to raise over $25,000 for Children's Hospital in Birmingham.

In their first year last year, they raised more money with this philanthropy, a full contact football game, than any other fraternity at Auburn. Brothers will rival Lambda Chi Alpha.

Here's local coverage of the event.  

The 170x170 initiative continues to prosper in the great state of Texas with another successful colonization at the University of Houston.

Led by Director of Expansion Jesse Hitt and Field Secretary Nate Carney, Phi Gamma Delta recruited 37 men to become the founding fathers. The Colony has many highlights, such as its 3.28 cumulative GPA and its pride for the University of Houston. The brothers of the Colony are a good representation of UH, as they represent many different colleges and are active in many student organizations such as: the Student Government Association (Student Senators and the Student Body President), the Hispanic Business Students Association, the American Marketing Association, the Student Alumni Board, the Meade Group, and many other fine organizations and honoraries.

The Fraternity wishes the Delta Colony the best of luck as it begins a journey toward becoming the best chapter on the UH campus. Press On!

Brother Steve Hooks (Clemson 1975) has eight internships available in the Arlington, VA, Fairmont, WV and Clarksburg, WV areas for Computer Sciences Corp / DOD Biometrics Task Force as CSC employees. Desired majors include electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, management information systems and biometrics sciences. Salaries range from $16-22 / hour, depending on the academic year.

Direct questions and resumes to Steve at jhooksjr@csc.com. Candidate selection will take place in the next 2-3 weeks, act quickly!

Similar opportunities, and additional career resources will soon be available at http://www.phigam.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=309. Check back for updates!

Here are reminders for the month of March. Included in this issue :

• Officers' Calendar & Checklist
• Nominate a Brother for the Archonate
• Spring Break Travel
• Fiji Island Reminders
• Phi Gamma Delta Cups & Awards
• Distinguished Fiji Nominations
• Pig Dinner Results
• Fall 2009 Field Secretary Visits
• Alcohol Free Housing Exemption Timeline
• A Mother's Touch

Look for the "Good News" edition on March 20. To have your chapter's and brothers' accomplishments included, submit news and photos here.

If Phi Gamma Delta molds leaders, then how does it recognize those who go on to excel in what they do? By awarding the Distinguished Fiji Award to deserving graduate brothers.


Does your chapter have a graduate brother who truly exemplifies the ideals of Phi Gamma Delta? A brother who has gone on to "be all that he can be?"


Here is the 2009 Distinguished Fiji nomination form and instructions. Due date is April 10. If questions, contact Ben Robinson, Educational Foundation Executive Director.