Phi Gamma Delta - University of Colorado

PAGE 2 Judge Kane was nominated to the federal bench by both Colorado senators and was appointed a district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. He has continued his career as a federal judge for over 45 years and has earned lifetime achievement awards through the National Association of Defense Lawyers and from the Anti-Defamation League. He is a recipient of the John Evans Award, the University of Denver's highest alumni recognition award. Active Undergraduate While an undergraduate at CU, Judge Kane was most active with the theater department and participated in acting, working with the stage crew, and directing theatrical productions. He also competed on the Buffaloes' fencing team with matches against the U.S. Air Force Academy, Stanford, and Ohio State. He recalled a Beta Kappa Chapter rule that all members had to participate in university intramurals. With humor, he remembered a devastatingly unsuccessful intramural boxing match against a student who had just returned from the Korean War. This trouncing, at the hands of a significantly older war veteran, earned him ribbing and the nickname "Killer Kane" from Fiji pals such as Osgood Philpott '57, Stan Harwood '60, Don Larkin '58, Frank Rosenmayer '56, and Frank Bernardi '55. Within Phi Gamma Delta, he held offices as pledge trainer and treasurer. Family and Fun Judge Kane lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Stephanie, who is a fellow CU Buffalo and lawyer. She is also an award-winning crime novelist. He has 11 grandchildren, participates in a local book club, writes poetry, and routinely works out at the gym three days per week. Fiji Memories Judge Kane stated that some of his favorite memories as a Fiji at Colorado included the CU Days parades held each spring. And, following the 1956 Soviet invasion of Hungary, CU took in several refugees. The Fijis took in refugee Adras Szakal, provided him free room and board, and help him learn English. He eventually earned a bachelor's and a master's degree from CU, went on to complete a Ph.D. in immunology, and had a brilliant career as a researcher. Judge Kane summarized his days with Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Colorado as "…some of the most meaningful memories and friendships of my life." When asked if he had any words of wisdom for current Beta Kappa Fiji undergraduates, John shared, "People I know who made service to others a priority in their lives have all ended up as the happiest and most content." A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH (Continued from page 1) G riffin Myers '25 is a sophomore who demonstrates his talent and work ethic by maintaining a strong GPA while successfully running his own sneaker selling business. When asked about the origins and development of his business, Griffin stated, "I started selling shoes in 2018 with around $250 from a previous business. I scaled quickly throughout the pandemic due to stimulus money and increased consumer spending." "Most importantly, I have failed and learned from many experiences that help me with my day-to-day operations. Today, I have a warehouse located in Independence, Oregon, where my team takes care of my fulfillment and shipping. I am entering the wholesale game to scale my resale business even further and expand my product selection." When Griffin isn't acing exams or growing his business, he likes to stay active by skiing, golfing, and playing basketball. Griffin is a valuable member of our Chapter and an underclassman role model. We can't wait to see all the great things you'll do, Griffin! A Young Entrepreneur Undergraduate Brother Spotlight: Griffin Myers '25 Griffin and his shoe business take off! Treasurer Sean Donnellan '22 Recording Secretary Eric Sorensen '24 Historian Aidan Casias '23 Corresponding Secretary Grant Stevens '23 Chapter Officers President Mitch Crist '24 Recruitment Chairmen James Zygmunt '24 (719) 623-9546 james.zygmunt@colorado.edu Reid Dewez '25 (614) 981-9964 reid.dewez@colorado.edu

• Cover