Phi Gamma Delta - University of Kansas

FIJI Jayhawker 2 Matt has such a love for FIJI and KU that he recently accomplished a longtime dream. As owner of Icon Artworks, Matt created small pewter and bronze sculptures depicting the evolution of the Jayhawk. He decided to take that idea and supersize it, thus creating giant Jayhawk statues to be installed around campus. "My uncle is a sculptor who was mentored by Kwan Wu, the artist who made the Phog Allen statue in front of Allen Fieldhouse, so there was already a connection to KU. I asked my uncle if he would make me some birds and told him my dream of having giant monuments on campus. I went to KU Endowment and found out that Andy Morrison '87 was assistant vice president, and that Monte Soukup '88 was senior vice president of property management. They got me in touch with the proper channels to obtain licenses to the Jayhawk trademark, and long story short we now have a brand new Jayhawk sculpture in front of the KU Student Union. "When I think of these monuments, I can't help but realize how instru- mental the FIJI house has been in making it all happen. I have to give a big thank-you to Tom Walsh '80, who stepped up on behalf of the class of 1980 and saw the value of this project and could appreciate what we were doing. I'm certain when Andy talked to him and said we're looking for supporters of the project and the sculptor is a FIJI, it tipped the scales in our favor. It goes back to the relationships you build during your collegiate years. I'm so incredibly grateful for everyone who made this a reality. The Matt Palmer '90 (Continued from page 1) Matt Palmer '90 with alumni from the class of 1980 who were contributors in making the Jayhawk sculpture a reality. From left to right: John Mitchelson '80, Tom Walsh '80, Steve Mueller '80, and Matt Palmer. generations of people who will enjoy this installation and the school spirit it will create are immeasurable." Matt and his wife, Tracy, live in Leawood, Kansas, with their daughter, Bebe. In his free time, Matt enjoys golfing and music, particularly playing the drums. You can contact Matt at matt@iconartworks.com. Brother Rob Riggle '92 with one of Matt's Evolution of the Jayhawk statuettes. M att has graciously agreed that 30% of all sales to our Pi Deuteron Brothers will be donated to the KU Fiji House Corporation. The sculptures come on a marble base that can be customized and engraved with your name, class year, and can even include the FIJI Jayhawker logo. "I wanted to come up with a creative way to raise money for the House Corporation, and thought this would be a great way to raise funds." At checkout, simply en- ter "KU FIJI" in the message box where information regarding laser engraving is requested. This will indicate your donation to Pi Deuteron. This generous offer only lasts until May 31, so act now! Connect with KU FIJI Online Visit www.kufiji.org for all things KU FIJI! The password to protected areas of www.kufiji.org is "morgan".

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