Phi Gamma Delta - University of Kansas

PI DEUTERON CHAPTER OF PHI GAMMA DELTA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS • FALL 2020 G reetings from Pi Deuteron. It has been a crazy summer and a somewhat hectic re-entry on campus for students as we welcomed back our Undergraduate Brothers and new pledge class. All summer, the House Corporation Board held weekly virtual meetings with the Undergraduate officers to discuss, formulate, and implement our COVID-19 rules and protocols. We also participated in multiple Zoom calls with university officials, the Douglas County Health Department, and the University of Kansas Health System to gain insight and guidance on how best to mitigate exposure and spread of the virus. It has proven to be a difficult task. Within a week of students returning to campus, Pi Deuteron along with nine other fraternities and sororities were forced to self-quarantine for two weeks as a result of Brothers testing positive. Thankfully, upon last report, all our men have remained healthy, and we have had no hospitalizations. As you can imagine, life in the Fraternity is far from normal right now. Masks are required to be worn at all times (except in bedroom suites), no guests are allowed, and biweekly deep cleanings are taking place in all common areas and bathrooms. Additionally, no social gatherings or parties are permitted, at least for the fall semester. Our pledge class has had to separate and spread out their bunks to social distance. For those of you who may not be aware, KU has implemented a hybrid in-person/ virtual learning model, and all in-person classes will conclude after Thanksgiving break. Classes will not resume after winter break until February 1 st . By now, we all know what is happening with sports. I know we all sympathize with our Undergraduate Brothers and pledges as they try to find meaningful ways to connect socially and enjoy their college experience—something we all cherish. In times like these, we must remind ourselves of our Fraternity slogan, and we must "Press On!" Campus life, and our lives, will return to normal again, and when they do we will perhaps have gained a deeper appreciation for the liberties we often take for granted. Life will be sweeter! As for me, this is my final message as President of House Corporation. It has truly been a pleasure and an honor serving on the board these past 10 years, but it is time for me to step down. My resignation will be effective as of December 31 st . I am thankful for the opportunity to serve our Fraternity, and I have made new friends and enriched old friendships in the process. I remain thoroughly impressed with our Undergraduate Brothers and what they have to offer the world in the years ahead. With that being said, we need strong leaders on the House Corporation Board. I am pleased to inform you that Doug Draper '89 has joined the board! Doug is a former Field Secretary for the Fraternity, and he has much to offer our Undergraduate Chapter. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to long time House Corporation member, Rex Henoch '79, for his steadfast and valuable service to Pi Deuteron. Rex has provided much needed and appreciated legal guidance as we navigated turbulent waters over the past 10-15 years. He is the epitome of the humble servant, going about his good work quietly and faithfully. Thank you, Brother Henoch! If any of you would like to serve the Chapter, we need your leadership to fortify the board and build up our BCA. Please let any of us on the board know if you would be interested in serving in either capacity. Fraternally, Andy Morrison '87 House Corporation President amorrison@kuendowment.org Perge! THE NEW NORMAL Undergraduate Brothers Return to Campus amid Widespread Changes T his fall semester at Pi Deuteron is shaping up to be unlike any other in our Chapter's great history. We are fortunate to welcome the pledge class of 2024, made up of 30 bright young men. From day one, they have shown great energy and promise as they begin to learn our great Fraternity's history and to honor our values. The active Chapter is getting to know them and we look forward to fostering their college experience during this unforeseen semester at the University of Kansas. I am happy to inform all of you that our GPA was the highest it's been in recent years, posting a 3.46 for the spring 2020 semester. Our mission of becoming the top Fraternity on The Hill continues. Our members have shown great poise in dealing with the ever-changing circumstances that come with being a college student during a global pandemic. Even though we were unable to spend the latter part of the spring semester together at the Chapter House, that didn't stop us from teaming up to give back to our community amid the pandemic. We conducted a Greek-wide fundraiser for the University of Kansas Health System. This money went toward buying much-needed supplies for our brave frontline workers who continue to combat COVID-19. New Members Building Courageous Leaders Pi Deuteron Chapter Remains Confident in a Successful Fall Semester Spring 2020 GPA 3.46 30 (Continued on page 2)

• Cover