Phi Gamma Delta - University of Kansas

After the Kansas City Royals won the World Series, several FIJIs gathered to attend their welcome parade in Kansas City. Lorenzo Aiello Crownsville, Md. Phil Baxter Leawood, Kan. Andrew Beliereve Stockton, Kan. Carson Boogrie Wichita, Kan. Matt Curtis Prairie Village, Kan. Spencer Deason Algonquin, Ill. Daniel Erickson Papillion, Neb. Brad Ferrel Leawood, Kan. Danny Finley Encinitas, Calif. John Foster Mission Hills, Kan. Keegan Gose Abilene, Kan. Ryan Harriman Palmetto Bay, Fla. Brent Heath Leawood, Kan. Tanner Kimball Osage City, Kan. John Klaesner St. Louis, Mo. Joe Kolega Lenexa, Kan. Murphy Leinbach Mission Hills, Kan. Jack Mikesell Golden, Colo. Cole Mitchelson Leawood, Kan. Same Nigro Leawood, Kan. Carter O'Daniel Omaha, Neb. Nick Pepper Highlands Ranch, Colo. Connor Reed Overland Park, Kan. Evan Reid Lenexa, Kan. Tyler Soetaert Olathe, Kan. Austin Stavem Lincoln, Neb. Duncan Strang Springfield, Mo. Troy Teegarden Denver, Colo. Quinten Watts Leawood, Kan. Marshal Witcher Elkhart, Kan. www.kufiji.org 5 Welcome, NeW members The Past, Present, and Future of Pi Deuteron Graduate Involvement I n May 2010, I had the honor of becoming your House Corporation Board President. It has been one of the most stressful and most rewarding roles I have ever held. But the time has come for new ideas and fresh leadership. That is why I am very proud to announce that Tuffy Mayor '66 has been selected as the new Pi Deuteron House Corporation President. Tuffy has the leadership, communication skills, passion, and energy to excel in the role. He has agreed to assume this position for a smaller period of time to allow us to recruit the next generation of board members. Tuffy understands the need to have continual strong leadership and we're thrilled he will be assuming the role this year. I can't help but reflect on the past six years. My experience has left me truly overwhelmed by how much Pi Deuteron means to its brothers. The Chapter experienced some dark days six years ago. It is not hyperbole to say that Pi Deuteron's existence was in question. Legal issues, mounting debt, poor academics, near-record low Undergraduate membership, and sanctions by both the University and the Fraternity threatened to end 129 years of Phi Gamma Delta on Mount Oread. But our Graduate Brothers refused to let that happen. When we faced the unenviable task of forming a Graduate Trusteeship, some of our best and brightest Graduates made the time to help turn things around. We had dozens of Brothers volunteer their time and efforts to serve on the Board of Chapter Advisors or the House Corporation or just gave the Chapter time on an ad hoc basis. We had urgent cash flow issues that our Graduate Brothers addressed. Significant scholarships were created to encourage and reward academic excellence and Undergraduate leadership. Every time a challenge was made, the challenge was answered. A lot of positives have come about over the past six years. The number of Undergraduate Brothers living in the Chapter House is at an all- time high. The largest and most significant capital improvement since the "new" house was built was recently completed. Stag Pig has returned to campus and is incredibly popular with both Graduate and Undergraduate Brothers. Recruitment has diversified beyond a handful of metro areas. Graduate communication and outreach has gotten better than ever. Academics and involvement have steadily improved. Last but not least, Pi Deuteron has, perhaps, our best housemother in our history. Like any journey, more lies ahead. Further improvements to the Chapter House, including the funds to make it happen, are essential to keep up with other chapter houses. Grades still lag behind where they need to be. Scholarships are needed to help confront the skyrocketing cost of education. Opportunities always exist for Graduates to assist in improving Chapter operations. Even though the state of the Chapter is much more stable than six years ago, the need for strong Graduate involvement remains. The reason why strong Chapters remain strong is because they have outstanding Graduate involvement all the time. Pi Deuteron needs strong leaders to help reenergize the BCA. The House Corporation is always looking (Continued on page 6)

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