Phi Gamma Delta - University of Texas

The Longhorn Fiji – The University of Texas at Austin Established 1883 TEXAS FIJI H Fall 2024 Page 2: Alumni News | Page 3: Making You Proud | Page 3: Welcome, New Members T exas Fiji is proud to introduce its newest pledge class, which contains a diverse group of representatives from 12 cities of various sizes. This blend of backgrounds is bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our brotherhood, and as always, it's exciting to welcome new brothers who embody the values of fellowship, service, and leadership that define Fiji. Looking ahead, one of our key focuses is maintaining a balance between accountability and enjoyment. We want our returning and new members to fully embrace their college experience and have fun while growing into men of integrity and responsibility. We are committed to creating an environment where personal growth and camaraderie thrive together. Beyond campus, we are also exploring ways to strengthen the bonds between alumni and the Chapter and among alumni themselves. Expanding our network is a top priority, and through mentorship, career opportunities, and social events, we aim to ensure that Fijis—whether recent graduates or long-time alumni—stay connected. Being a Texas Fiji is a lifelong privilege, "not for college days alone." Strengthening these relationships is key to fostering personal and professional growth, and we look forward to sharing more about our specific strategies to achieve this in the coming months. Service remains central to our mission. Last year, our new members contributed over 1,000 volunteer hours through partnerships with organizations such as Feed My People at First United Methodist Church, the Central Texas Food Bank, and the Neighborhood Longhorns Program. We take great pride in our dedication to service and are constantly seeking new ways to give back to the community. Texas Fiji has a proud history of brotherhood, leadership, and service. As we continue to build on our 140-year legacy, we are excited about what the future holds. The bonds of brotherhood, commitment to growth, and dedication to serving our community have never been stronger. Thank you for your continued support! Alumni involvement ensures that Texas Fiji remains a force for good—on campus, in our communities, and in the lives of our members. GTBO, The Rev. John Newton '00 Head of the BCA jwnewt@gmail.com FOSTERING LIFELONG CONNECTIONS Update from the BCA Some of our Fijis are Texas Silver Spurs! Back, from left: Malcom Downie '21, Will "Memo" Putman '22, William Watson '21, Bradley Baay '21, Christopher Scott '21, Rick McBroom '22, Brady Lamme '21, and Adam Russell '22. Front: Rowels Pete McConn '22 and Bond Temple '22. B ecoming a Fiji taught Tom Rachal '79 the importance of trusted friends who would do anything to help you. Tom's hometown friends, Kevin Snodgrass '78, Mark Hayes 78, and John Keith '75, encouraged him to go through Rush, and from the moment he found Texas Fiji, he knew it was the right choice. "To this day, our pledge class is made up of great guys who truly care about the well-being of each brother and their families." Tom has been fortunate over the years to have a successful career. "However, my true blessings in life are my loving wife, Denise, and my son, Sam," he said. "Sam has special needs, and his love for life and music has truly inspired many lives." Tom's family and Fraternity brothers consistently reaffirm his faith and his belief in the power of prayer. "Sam lives life to the fullest and instantly makes friends when he meets you. He sees life in a simpler way—a trait I wish I could adopt. No one can understand the brain of a child on the autism spectrum; all I know is that Sam has a caring and loving soul." Where Special Children Shine To support kids like Sam (and their families), Tom has been the board chairman for Rays of Light, a Dallas-based nonprofit, since 2009. Rays of Light provides free respite care for families with special needs children, entertaining the kids and their siblings while the parents enjoy an evening to themselves. On Friday nights, the kids enjoy four hours of care featuring movies, a gym and computer room, puppet shows, Serving ThoSe in need Tom Rachal '79 on Working with Special Needs Families (Continued on page 2)

• Cover