Phi Gamma Delta - University of Texas

Spring 2019 Newsletter

Texas Fiji of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Texas

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Page 2 Phi Gamma Delta T he Tau Deuteron Chapter is proud of its growing emphasis on philanthropy and service, along with the reshaping process. Amongst this growing effort, for the first time ever, the Chapter has participated in the Be+ Hero program. As part of the program, the Chapter had the opportunity to individually sponsor Ronnie, an Austin child who has been battling leukemia. While the Chapter has fundraised for Be+ for several years, raising $27,000 this school year, this was our first time to forge a real and meaningful connection with a family on the receiving end of the program. Philanthropy Chairman Matthew Leggett PC '17 had the opportunity to spend time with Ronnie playing at the park, visiting the Austin Aquarium, and even cheering on the Horns to victory at a football game. These experiences have been priceless, and the Chapter looks to continue participating in this program for years to come. More recently, Texas Fiji raised $4,500 during the annual Roundup weekend to be donated toward Alzheimer's Texas, an organization that not only funds important research but also offers powerful support to those who suffer from Alzheimer's. Texas Fiji tested new waters and hosted a Chapter-wide blood drive. Members enjoyed participating in the blood drive so much that the Chapter coordinated another one this spring semester. In tune with the reshaping of philanthropy and service within Texas Fiji, the Chapter looks to make a fall and spring blood drive a permanent staple in its annual schedule. Texas Fiji also recognized the importance of not only impacting their city but also our immediate community. On April 14, a group of active members spent their Sunday picking up trash littering Waller Creek, the stream that runs just west of the stadium. Though the work was not glamourous, the members found it rewarding to make a difference with their own hands. Texas Fiji has consistently found success in its fundraising and philanthropic giving. Going forward, however, the Chapter seeks to emulate more of a hands-on, memorable experience in our community. Instead of just raising a certain amount, the Tau Deuteron Chapter strives to be more than another name on campus and seeks to become recognizable faces within the community known for our service. GTBO, Ben Fortson PC '16 Chapter President bfortson4@gmail.com (817) 296-5472 B efore the Pig Dinner last April, there was a convergence of six stellar alumni and around 40 actives who gathered from 2 to 5 p.m. to have a career brainstorm. The idea was to give undergraduates encouragement as they get launched into the wider world and to develop an ongoing mentoring network between alumni and undergraduates. Moving forward, these gatherings will be hosted quarterly. There was meaningful conversation and a Q&A section after each presentation. Alumni participants included: • Todd Maclin PC '74, former CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Bank. • Dr. Chuck Fraser PC '76, chief of pediatric and congenital cardiothoracic surgery at Dell Children's Medical Center. Chuck formerly served at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston as senior surgeon of its congenital heart surgery program. • David Roche, Sewanee co-founder of Endeavor Real Estate Group, who developed The Domain. • Gene Shepherd PC '78, founder and chief executive officer of ATX Energy Partners, formerly CFO of Brigham Exploration. • Mark Winter PC '79, CFO of DHI Mortgage/DR Horton. • Bryan Campbell PC '78, partner with DuBois, Bryant and Campbell. We sincerely appreciate the alumni who were able to offer this important opportunity to our undergraduate brothers. If you are interested in attending this next year, please contact Rev. Stephen Kinney, Ph.D. PC '74 at swk.kinney@gmail.com. MAKING A NAME FOR TEXAS FIJI Undergraduates Extend a Hand Left: Matthew Leggett PC '17 spends the day with Be+Hero, Ronnie, at the Austin Aquarium, seeing all sorts of animals and ending the day playing with lemurs! Middle: Gus Walker PC '18 making a donation during Fiji's annual blood drive. Right: Joey Severt PC '17 and Grant Boxwell PC '18 at Waller Creek. Members from each pledge class helped pick up trash during the April weekend. ALUMNI MENTOR UNDERGRADUATE CAREER DEVELOPMENT Tau Deuteron undergraduates learn from alumni during our career day.

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