Pi Deuteron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Texas
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1514518
O n Friday, November 17 th , 2023, Pi Deuteron celebrated our 142nd annual Pig Dinner. From coast to coast, more than 200 Brothers from all over gathered in the historic Allen Fieldhouse to celebrate the past, present, and future of Pi Deuteron. Setting the Stage The night started out at the Horejsi Volleyball Arena, which is named after our very own Horesji FIJI family. Brothers started to gather for a cocktail hour with many laughs and stories being told. The time there felt truly special as Brothers from a wide range of ages were introducing themselves and learning about one another. As it started to wind down, John Horesji '90 gave a special toast and speech. He thanked everyone for coming and ended with words of encouragement for the future of our Fraternity. Afterward, Kansas athletic director Travis Goff took to the microphone to thank everyone for attending. He discussed the future of our athletics and the future FIJI can contribute to. We thank both for talking to us and making a lasting impact! FIJI Festivities Everyone shuffled over to Allen Fieldhouse, our destination for dinner. With every table filled with food and laughs, the commencement began. The freshman class of '27 brought in the pig, and Stephen Bunten '60 and Parker O'Brian '27 kissed the pig as they were the youngest and oldest in the room. We then turned to John Thomas '83 and Hunter Hayes '26, who talked about the KU Cancer Center in downtown Kansas City. We are hoping to get a room or section of the Center in the name of Pi Deuteron with the donations we will be giving. Seth Rupp '91 gave the Exile's Toast, followed by the keynote speaker Doug Draper '92, who was introduced by his son, Will Draper '23. William A. Martin III, Mississippi State '75, Executive Director Emeritus of the Fraternity, presented Kevin Mitchelson '79 and Rob Riggle '92 each with William A. Martin III Distinguished FIJI Awards. This prestigious award is only given to six Brothers a year. Chapter President Shawn McClaren '25 then took over with an address to the crowd. The commencement ended with the Golden and Silver Owl presentation to the classes of 1976 and 2001. This was a monumental Pig Dinner, and we sincerely thank every Graduate Brother who came back for this special event. This was one of the biggest Pig Dinners to date, and we couldn't have done it without the help of every Graduate Brother who assisted. This is a huge step in the right direction for this Chapter, and we cannot think more highly of our future. Fraternally, Ryan Schaper '25 Head Editor Perge! William A. Martin III '75 Distinguished FIJI Awards Rob Riggle '92 was named a Distinguished FIJI in 2020. Travel disruptions during the COVID pandemic delayed a presentation ceremony until this fall at Pi Deuteron's Frank Norris Pig Dinner. Kevin Mitchelson '79 was named a Distinguished FIJI in 2023. William A. Martin III '75, executive director emeritus of the Fraternity, attended the dinner on November 17 th to present both awards. The Archons established the Distinguished FIJI Award in 1965. The Fraternity presents the award annually to no more than six Graduate Brothers determined to be deserving of recognition for their faithful and unselfish service to Phi Gamma Delta or their special contribution to mankind and society at large. The award was renamed the William A. Martin III Distinguished FIJI Award in 2019, upon Bill's retirement. Brothers Mitchelson and Riggle joined 10 other Pi Deuteron Brothers as past recipients of the award: FIJI Jayhawker 4 ANOTHER MOMENTOUS PIG DINNER Brothers Mitchelson '79 (above) and Riggle '92 (below) being awarded their William A. Martin III '75 FIJI Awards by William himself. Alfred M. Landon, 1908 Glenn V. Cunningham, 1934 J. Proctor Ritchie, 1939 H. Dean Ritchie, 1940 W. Paul Thayer, 1942 John F. Eulich, 1951 Dean E. Smith, 1953 John Boyd Martin, 1959 Robert P. Radcliffe, Sewanee 1961, Kansas 1961 F. Alan Stamper, 1964 4