Phi Gamma Delta - University of Kansas

www.kufiji.org 5 A s my pledge brothers and I crossed the threshold of the dimly lit Chapter room for the first time, I noticed a familiar face illuminated in the darkness. My father, a University of Iowa FIJI, had traveled three hours from our home in Nebraska to attend my initiation. At that moment, I realized how impactful the familial aspect of Phi Gamma Delta really was, as well as the far-reaching connectedness of our brotherhood. The fact that my father, a FIJI from a different chapter who was a stranger to Pi Deuteron, was encouraged to attend my initiation epitomized the value of hospitality. It was this act of generosity that reaffirmed my desire to become a brother of Phi Gamma Delta. As I contributed my name to the FIJI constitution, I was overwhelmed by the honor of joining my name with hundreds of others. It was humbling to join such a distinguished association of men, and it compelled me to strive toward the same excellence set forth by my predecessors. As our president congratulated us on our initiation, one thing became abundantly clear: I was, and will forever remain, mighty proud to be a FIJI. Fraternally, Hunter Maude '18 Perge! Mighty Proud to Be a FIJI O n February 7, 2015, a great Phi Gamma Delta brother, Dean Smith '53, passed away. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his wife, Linnea, and his five children. Dean led a life that was full of friendship, loyalty, and, of course, basketball. Dean was born on February 28, 1931, in Emporia, Kansas. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1949 and then attended the University of Kansas. He played basketball for the University and was part of the team that won the 1952 NCAA championship. Following graduation he became assistant coach for Coach Phog Allen. Following his time at KU, he became the assistant basketball coach at the Air Force Academy. Basketball was his passion and became his career. He found his home at the University of North Carolina in 1958, after accepting a position as the assistant coach. In 1961, Dean was promoted to head coach for the Tar Heels and went on to have one of the most successful basketball coaching careers in NCAA history. Dean led the Tar Heels to two NCAA championships, 11 NCAA Final Four appearances, and had an overall record of 879 wins to 254 losses at the time of his retirement. He also coached in the 1976 Summer Olympics, winning a Gold Medal. Over the course of his career, Dean was presented with many esteemed awards. He was named National Coach of the Year four times ('77, '79, '82, '83), ACC Coach of the Year eight times ('67, '68, '71, '76, '77, '79, '88, '93), inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the International Basketball Hall of Fame, National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, and the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, just to name a few. Dean was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 by President Obama. He is considered by many to be one of the best basketball coaches in the history of the game. While basketball may have been his passion, it was not the only thing Dean will be remembered for. His players and friends remember his intense loyalty and dedication. He worked hard to ensure that his players not only played basketball, but received a quality education. Dean was an activist for civil rights in the 1960s, recruiting the first African- American player in the ACC. He has spoken openly on political issues such as eliminating the death penalty and nuclear disarmament. Dean's legacy will be his dedication to people, to making other's lives better by helping them be the best they can be, and his love of basketball. A Legacy of Basketball Remembering Coach Dean Smith '53 Dean Smith '53 (first on bottom row) with the 1952 NCAA championship basketball team. Hunter with his dad, Mathew, Iowa '86.

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