Phi Gamma Delta - University of Texas

The Longhorn Fiji–The University of Texas at Austin Established 1883 TEXAS FIJI H Fall 2021 A s the head of the Board of Chapter Advisors (BCA), it's been a pleasure and privilege getting to know the Fiji actives. It's uncanny to me how the Fiji legacy gets passed from class to class and generation to generation. The young men I'm getting to know now remind me of my own class from the late 1970s. My father, William Kinney '40, used to tell me the same thing about his own class and mine. The continuity of the character of Phi Gamma Delta over the years makes each Fiji a link in the long chain that binds us all together, young and old. Every time I walk into Texas Fiji, I sense a camaraderie that confirms what I already know: Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone! A handful of us are trying to tap into the practical implications of this everlasting connection in hopes of developing a network database between active members and alumni that would enable current members to find alumni mentors in their aspiring fields of work. For many graduating Fijis, the challenge of finding a meaningful internship or job in a bewildering, competitive, and complicated marketplace can be overwhelming. Our hope is to ease them into this transition by providing the tools to succeed post-graduation. Our Austin Chapter is so lucky to have finally found a Purple Legionnaire, Ben Fortson '16. Ben served as president of the cabinet his junior year; he is an amazing young man and very well respected by all who know him. He was installed into this position at the end of September by Paul Hains, field secretary, and Reed Andersen '19, current president. Finally, I am thrilled to report that the Fijis continue to embrace a culture of community service. Over the past 3 to 4 years, they have built an impressive portfolio of service projects that impact the people they serve and enhance our positive standing with the university and wider Austin community. From building miniature homes for the homeless to making necessary home renovations for elderly and disabled Austinites, the Phi Gams are making us proud. Looking ahead, we're working on a spring concert to raise more money for philanthropy to continue serving our community and strengthening our brotherhood. If you have any questions, thoughts, or insight, please do not hesitate to contact me. GTBO, Rev. Stephen Kinney, Ph.D. '74 Head of the BCA swk.kinney@gmail.com Building a Connection Recapping Fiji's Accomplishments and Future Endeavors AN UPDATE FROM TEXAS FIJI'S CHAPTER OFFICERS Keeping ConneCted within Ut, the Brotherhood, and CommUnity STAYING INVOLVED M y name is Reed Andersen '19 and I am honored to serve as the president of the Tau Deuteron Chapter for the 2021-22 academic year. The BCA and last year's leadership, led by George Masterson '18, put our cabinet in a great position for this year. Our Chapter is very proud to share our involvement on campus, the new member class, and our philanthropy goals for this school year. Members remain active on campus and in the community. Jake Adamson '19 serves as Executive Vice President of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Cade Crawford '19 is VP of IFC relations. These two upstanding men have worked side-by-side with the Not on My Campus organization, which is dedicated to ending sexual assault on campus. In an effort to connect Austin's philanthropic organizations with the Greek community, Jake and Cade have also started the Greeks Give Back organization. In addition to the accomplishment of these two men, George Masterson '18 has the honor of being a BEVO handler with the Silver Spurs Alumni Association this semester, Braxton Robison '20 is part of UT's Navy ROTC program, and Drew Dodge '19, Eli Bahkt '19, and Blake Wills '19 are members of the leadership team for Reformed University Fellowship. Academically, our Chapter continues to perform very well with a cumulative 3.67 GPA. The past year and a half have been a strange adjustment with classes going virtual, but we are proud to announce that our GPA ranked us above the University average and fifth in the IFC. GTBO, Reed Andersen '19 President jamesreedo@gmail.com Members of the Chapter listening intently to an information session presented by B+ Foundation co- founder Joe McDonough. (Continued on page 2)

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