Phi Gamma Delta - University of Texas

The Longhorn Fiji–The University of Texas at Austin Established 1883 TEXAS FIJI H Spring 2014 I n August, the Chapter will open its new addition allowing 22 more actives to live at the house, for a total of more than 50 members. It has always been the goal to house an entire pledge class and that will now be possible. Over the past two years, the Board of Chapter Advisors (BCA) has emphasized a new pledge education program. It encourages Fiji rituals, philanthropy, and a stronger bond throughout the Chapter. Jeff Hickey PC '77 is the chairman of pledge education and has led this ongoing effort. Many board members such as David Duke PC '84, chairman of rituals and service/ philanthropy, have also volunteered their time to work with the Chapter. As for our efforts to strengthen our communication with the graduates, our new website, www.texasfiji.com, will have a variety of information and a calendar of events. I want to thank Dewitt Waltmon Jr. PC '76 for his service on the board. Dewitt will be stepping down at the end of the semester. He has overseen the greatly improved newsletter and communication with graduates. The Chapter once again has an active social calendar. The traditional spring parties (Marshall's, Studio 54 and Round-Up) highlight the calendar, as well as a party with SAE at the Fiji house. The recruitment captains are developing their pwrospect list and will be inviting potential candidates to spring functions and summer events. If you know of a potential candidate, please e-mail Tom Shirley PC '78 at tomshirley@gmail.com or Bobby Orr PC '75 at borr@orrinc.com. Lastly, please contribute to the capital campaign. We have almost reached the $5.5 million goal and I know every Fiji wants to be a part of the effort. I hope all parents will be able to join us for Parents' weekend April 4-5. GTBO, Marshall Merritt PC '79 BCA President marshall@merritt-capital.com Perge! An updated view of the new addition. Texas Fiji ConTinues To Grow sTronGer Buen Retiro Addition Almost Complete SUCCESSFUL FALL 2013 FOR ACTIVES Recruitment, Pig Dinner, and Excitement for the Construction of New Addition Highlight is Spring I hope this newsletter finds you well. It is an exciting time at Buen Retiro with the successful initiation of our 2013 pledge class, the progress of the construction project, and the beginning of another recruitment season. We have high hopes for this semester following a great fall. The pledge class of 2013 successfully completed its pledge semester and was initiated in December. We are proud of these 53 young men and believe they will make a positive impact on our Fraternity and on the University over the next four years. As always, the pledge program emphasized personal character development and unity among the pledge class, as well (Continued on page 2) W e'd like to remind you to join us for our annual Pig Dinner. The cost is $75 per person (actives and alumni only). Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. Our master of ceremonies is Ed Clements, KLBJ Radio Personality (Father of Ferris Clements PC '10 and Ben Clements PC '13). We will present Diamond, Gold, and Silver Owl Pins to the pledge classes from spring 1939 and earlier, fall of 1963-spring of 1964, and fall of 1988-spring of 1989, and announce the scholarship recipients and 2014 honored Fijis. There will also be an all 1970s pledge class reunion. R.S.V.P. to Sue Raymond at suesraymond@hotmail.com or (512) 473-2322. Please note additional financial donations of ANY amount to help subsidize the expenses of the 2014 Norris Pig Dinner are graciously accepted. Join Us for the 2014 Frank Norris Pig Dinner April 12, 2014, Buen Retiro

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