Phi Gamma Delta - University of Kansas

FIJI Jayhawker 4 L uka Owen '25 is a sophomore from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, majoring in business analytics with a journalism minor. Luka was Pledge Class President, in charge of managing freshman committees and pledge class chapters prior to their initiation. He was also one of last year's Philanthropy Chairmen. Alongside Ben Mondry '25, Luka helped orchestrate philanthropy events and track how many hours each Brother participated in philanthropy events to ensure we met the requirements. Luka now serves as the Chapter's Historian. Outside of FIJI, Luka volunteers at Douglas Country Young Life, which is a Christian ministry for middle and high schoolers. Every Monday night, he and his team of leaders meet up with students to encourage them and share their beliefs through games and events. "When I was in middle and high school, I was heavily involved with Young Life, so it is very cool to be on the leadership side as a college student," Luka shares. Luka has found a new perspective through his experience with FIJI and Fraternity life—with the help of a face familiar to Pi Deuteron. "When I was a senior, I never considered joining a Fraternity until I decided to come to KU. My brother Drew '22 was a member at the time, and he convinced me that it was a good fit. Every day I am thankful for the decision that I made to join FIJI because I have met my best friends and learned countless lessons about myself and what I value. Overall, I've felt so much pride in being able to be a FIJI. It is a privilege that I do not take lightly. The more time I spend at 1540 Louisiana, the more I realize how residents stand on the shoulders of giants." Luka embodies the five values of Phi Gamma Delta every day through his contributions toward his Chapter and community and his constant, uplifting actions. Continue to Press On, Luka! Luka (far left) and his Youthfront family on a Castaway summer camp retreat at Lake Michigan last summer. Rush Is Now Recruitment "Rush" is a fixed time period with a beginning and an end, while "recruitment" is an ongoing process. Rush requires individual involvement, while recruitment requires Chapter involvement. Rush is about selection. Recruitment allows for assessment. Pi Deuteron has a strong history of a recruitment mentality, and terminology should reflect accordingly. Pi Deuteron does not participate in rush; we embody recruitment and terminology should reflect our actions. Pledgeship Is Now New Member Education The goal of the pledge period is for the prospective member to be initiated into the Fraternity as a full member. The reward of membership is at the end of the process. "We're done" and "We made it!" are terms of finality; however, your Fraternity experience is just beginning after initiation, not ending. New Member Education starts the process of learning and personal development. Brotherhood Programming Is Now Built to Lead Brotherhood Programming is Fraternity focused. Built to Lead develops lifelong skills. We all have fond memories of our time as an Undergraduate Brother, but those four years are but a moment in time. Built to Lead prepares for life success, not just Fraternity success. Terminology plays a role in the process of change. The language that we use shapes our understanding and can influence our behavior. It is important to recognize that changing a culture requires more than just changing the language we use. Terminology can be a powerful starting point, however, for initiating change and setting the tone for a more positive and respectful culture. STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS Luka Owen '25 Talks Legacy and Life Lessons The Power of Words | How Updated Terminology Transforms Mentality While focusing on recruitment, New Member Education, and Built to Lead, Pi Deuteron is establishing a new culture. Undergraduate and Graduate Brothers alike will continue to build on Phi Gamma Delta's values of Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality, and Excellence. Fraternally, Doug Draper '92, Graduate Trustee President Perge! O ver time, the meanings of words and phrases can change and the terminology we use to describe things evolves. We see this in many areas, from technology to social issues, and it can have a significant impact on how we communicate and understand the world around us. This evolution of language is happening at Pi Deuteron as well. Words alone cannot transfer culture, but it is an important step toward creating a positive and safe environment at 1540 Louisiana.

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