Phi Delta Theta - University of Georgia

GEORGIA ALPHAN THE NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF GEORGIA ALPHA CHAPTER OF PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY AT UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA - FALL 2019 g a a l p h a . c o m Our 2019 Chapter Advisory Board Update On behalf of the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB), I am pleased to report that Georgia Alpha concluded a successful 2019. Shortly before the end of the fall semester, a new officer slate was elected and is detailed on page 2. As with any organization, success cannot be achieved without great leadership and each year the officers exceed our expectations. We trust that trend will continue for 2020. The chapter ended the fall semester with 130 brothers, including the fall pledge class of 30 initiates (listed on page 3). The chapter obtained a GPA of 3.41, which ranked in the top 20% of all the IFC chapters. Please see the report from Public Relations Chairman Palmer Thombs #2626 on the chapter's recent achievements in philanthropy, academics, social, and other campus activities on page 2. Earlier this fall, the CAB negotiated an amendment between the Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation (House Corporation) and the University of Georgia Foundation. This agreement dates back to 1949 when our alumni were raising monies to fund the ultimate construction of 690 South Lumpkin. Over the years, funds were used for repairs and improvements to the same. When the chapter moved to 130 Greek Park Circle in 2009, the responsibility of maintaining the facility transferred to the university per our lease agreement. Having not drawn from this fund in over 20 years, the fund is now the largest fund designated to a Greek organization. The CAB was contacted by the Department of Student Affairs about amending this agreement to award needs- based scholarships, which remains a campus-wide initiative. While virtually all our actives qualify for HOPE and other grants, many have shortfalls covering the entire cost of attending college. Helping our actives cover these costs with alumni donations from many years ago is a great legacy that will carry on for years to come. The scholarship application process is being overseen by CAB member David Boohaker #2092. The first group of recipients is listed below: The second Georgia Alpha Annual Fund surpassed our goal of $25,000. These funds were used to remodel the living room. While UGA is required to maintain the physical structure, the chapter is responsible for the furnishings. The renovation project was dedicated in memory of Hugh McMaster #1695 at our annual alumni lunch on August 24. In addition to over 60 alumni, a dozen members of Hugh's family joined us, including his wife, Laura, and his son, John. It was a great tribute to Hugh and an example to our actives of what a brother for life really means. While these annual funds provide for improvements the chapter cannot budget, the greatest impact is the impression it makes on the fine young men we have in our chapter and the alumni supporting them. Our 2020 annual fund goal is $30,000. Please see the form to support Georgia Alpha on page 4. You can make donations online at gaalpha.com. The funds will be used to update the dormitory areas of the house. Our annual Founders Day will be on March 25, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at the Brookhaven Capital City Club and will be once again hosted by John McGoogan #1485. We have set the date for the 150th anniversary of Georgia Alpha and the event will be on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 433 Bishop in midtown Atlanta. A host committee of Paul Raulet #1793, Clay Willcoxon #1766, Robby Miller Jr. #1780, and me are finalizing plans. Please see the save the date for these events on page 4. The CAB appreciates your support and feedback. Notification of the chapter's achievements and alumni functions, including the ones mentioned above, are available on our website, gaalpha.com. Unfortunately, we are still only reaching slightly above 50% of our alumni via emails. In fact, our print notifications like this newsletter are reaching a higher percentage. The CAB is putting emphasis on improving our outreach, but we need your help. Please take the time to visit our website and update your profile under the alumni tab. If you are receiving these newsletters, please share them with other alumni you keep in touch with and have them update their profile as well. Georgia Alpha has never been in a better state than it is now. While there have been many peaks and valleys in the past, 148 years of continuous existence is extremely rare and, in fact, is the longest at UGA. We all should be both amazed and proud of this. Thanks for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. Yours in the Bond, Mark B. Chandler #1686, Advisory Board Alumni Chairman (404) 358-7904 | markc@hpiinc.net Wells Armes #2558 Jonah Brunel #2468 Sam Edwards #2484 William Hooper #2518 Connor Kastner #2552 Patrick Kelley #2515 Chapman Lindgren #2450 William McDaniel #2451 Faheem Pottayil #2487 John Radosta #2514 The undergraduates hosted Matt Smith '95 (South Carolina/Ole Miss), who spoke with Phikeia about ALS. It was a truly touching presentation. If you wish to support our chapter as we raise money for ALS research, information on how to donate can be found at http://support.ironphi.org. Chairman Ashley Dillard #2108 stad10@yahoo.com Treasurer Howard Guest #2119 hguest3@yahoo.com Scholarship/Risk Management Chairman David Boohaker #2092 david.boohaker@gmail.com Alumni/Rush Chairman Mark Chandler #1686 markc@hpiinc.net Housing Corporation President John McGoogan #1485 jmc@prestwickcapital.com Chapter Advisory Board

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