Phi Gamma Delta - University of Texas

The Longhorn Fiji–The University of Texas at Austin Established 1883 TExAs Fiji H summer 2016 Texas Fiji ConTinues To Thrive due To inCreased alumni supporT I am pleased to report Texas Fiji's latest achievements for the spring 2016 semester. The Chapter began the semester with an overall GPA of 3.24, with our new member class earning a 3.27, both of which placed above the all-fraternity average and all- undergraduate men's average of 3.18. Additionally, Texas Fiji volunteered more than 600 hours last fall and raised more than $50,000 for their philanthropy. They are doing great things and continue to impress. As a result of such excellent output from our undergraduates who exemplify what it means to be a Fiji, we have numerous awards and scholarships to give out. We have five existing, two of which were added this year, and two are in the process of being added, totaling more than $85,000 in scholarships and awards annually. Texas Fiji enjoys strong brand-name recognition as one of the best fraternities at UT. The undergraduates conduct a very organized recruitment process with active alumni fundraisers in key markets providing rush funds, alumni involvement, and referrals. Texas Fiji consistently takes in roughly 50 new members every fall. Last fall, 53 new members were initiated. The total membership is 205 members and is one of the largest on campus, though comparable with a handful of other chapters. Chapter house update Phase II of Beun Retiros' remodel has begun. This aligns with a five-year plan presented and approved by the Purple Owl House Corporation. The basement air conditioning units have been installed, and the boiler is gone. Additionally, the north wall window and siding repair and replacement process has been slow starting due to rain delays, but we are confident that we can make our August deadline. Fundraising for this remains underway. Other plans for this summer include new fencing surrounding the property and new locks to Buen Fiesta, which will increase security and assist with crowd control at events. To date, more than $5.7 million has been raised to build and support the new back house, allowing for additional housing of men and taking pressure off our 100-plus- year-old Texas monument, Buen Retiro. We're lucky to have so many involved Texas Fiji alumni who take part in many events the Chapter puts on. More than 200 attended the back house dedication and alumni event at the Chapter House. Our active Board of Chapter Advisors (BCA) includes 16 alumni ranging from PC '50 to PC '02, including a National Fraternity representative. Our network includes more than 2,500 alumni who are invited to game day tailgates, our annual Pig Dinner in the spring, annual rush fundraisers, and active recruitment for reunions to be held at the new facilities. Alumni support plays a huge part in making Texas Fiji so successful, and we thank you for your dedication. Be sure to visit us this fall for tailgates before every home game and to see the latest updates to Buen Retiro. We hope to see you soon! GTBO, tom shirley pC '78 BCA President Visit www.texasfiji.com for all things Texas Fiji! Buen Retiro Renovation, What you need to know… how can you help? We need all the financial help we can get! Donate online at texasfiji.com, where you will find an online giving form. Prefer to mail a pledge in? You can find a printable pledge form online as well. You can mail it to: Purple Owl House Corporation, P.O. Box 4769, Austin, TX 78765-4769. Call Bobby orr pC '75 at (713) 554-6522 or Kevin snodgrass pC '78 at (713) 877-8539 for questions or more information. Thank you for your support! Total Project Cost: $1 Million 5-Year plan spend approximately $200,000 per year Done: r Basement air conditioning units installed r Boiler removed In Progress: r North wall window and siding replacement r New fencing surrounding the property r New locks to Buen Fiesta to increase security To Do: r Enlarge the chapter room r Replace rotten windows and siding r Paint both interior and exterior r Replace the flooring on the second and third floors P P

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