Pi Deuteron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Texas
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1532178
FIJI Jayhawker 2 A s we reflect on another successful semester, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates from Pi Deuteron. Our recruitment efforts have yielded fantastic results, with seven new members already signed and set to join our Fraternity. Together, we have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.6, a testament to the dedication and hard work of our brothers. The philanthropy team got off to a great start this year. They put together many meaningful events, with all proceeds going to the KU Cancer Center. The first involved half a dozen fraternities gathering on our basketball court as a team from each competed to see who could eat the most hot dogs. Although SigEp won the event, we celebrated the great turnout and appreciated everyone's support. Our second event was the annual freshman car wash. We had another fantastic participation rate and raised a respectable sum for cancer research. The men did a great job of buying in and making it fun. The cabinet has also done an outstanding job thus far. It has been a pleasure to watch President Danny Stapp '25, Treasurer Mateo Boucher '27, Recording Secretary Alden Breford '26, Corresponding Secretary Barrett McKee '26, and Historian Owen Gulick '26 thrive in their respective roles and accomplish tasks for our Chapter. Lastly, I want to express our gratitude for the renovations made to our Chapter House this year. These improvements have significantly enhanced our living environment, and we are incredibly thankful for the support and investment in our Fraternity. Thank you to all our Undergraduate and Graduate Brothers for your hard work and dedication throughout the semester. Together, we have achieved great success, and I am excited for the continued growth and prosperity of Pi Deuteron! Fraternally, Kyle Jones '26 FIJI Jayhawker Head Editor Perge! A s an Undergraduate Brother, Brad Schrock '83 learned the value of relationships and staying organized. He looks back on his college years with respect for the Brotherhood that brought him closer with God and set him on the track for success. u College Memories "I didn't have much exposure to fraternities as a high school student," Brad said. He was impressed by FIJI at his first recruitment party, and Brooks Augustine '80 set an example for the great group of guys in a beautiful Chapter House. "These guys had an obvious incredible bond, and I was thankful and thrilled to be a part of it." Brad's college years balanced fun with personal growth. He recalls Brothers playing a prank in the house with a fetal pig for his anatomy class, and he always enjoyed FIJI Island activities. Members once filled a pledge Brother's Jeep Wrangler with sand, and the next year involved cutting an Oldsmobile into a convertible to drive around campus. u FIJI Progression Although the Brothers had lots of fun, Brad also appreciated Phi Gamma Delta's role in his development as a responsible young man. He emphasizes how FIJI brought him closer to God and taught him to carry himself with patience and respect for others. "A group of guys in my pledge class held me accountable, and we are lifelong friends." Brad aspired to become a doctor, but after speaking with a Brother's father, he reconsidered. He pivoted toward architecture, learning from roommate Steve Hunsicker '83 by watching him design and build models. George Heinlein '86 also had an interest in architecture, and their bond led to George's firm, HOK Sport, hiring Brad years later. u Brothers in Business Brad and George eventually started a firm, Heinlein Schrock, which led to a better work- life balance. While their business began working on an addition for Brad's church, HOK connections led them back to sports facility work with organizations like the Miami Heat and Seattle Mariners. "The firms that did these projects had hundreds to thousands of employees. It was a great reminder of the importance of personal relationships and commitment to owners we worked for. It's remarkable they followed us." After 10 years and a merger to form 360 Architecture, Brad and George sold their successful business and merged their practice back with HOK, where Brad remained for more than three years. u Brad's Next Chapter A longtime client, the Oakland Athletics, brought Brad on to manage their design process for a new stadium. As Design Director for the A's, he leads a team tasked with meeting the Athletics' goals for a new ballpark in Las Vegas while maintaining their schedule and budget. "Sports facilities are long projects, and each faces challenges during development," Brad added. Considering countless variables, his thick skin helps process criticism while learning from what works. Brad always enjoys the reward of building something with a committed team so thousands of fans can enjoy a great experience. For today's undergraduates, Brad advises them to make the most of FIJI connections and opportunities like he did. He also knows that nothing replaces hard work, integrity, and humility. "I believe God has given each of us gifts—work on finding those and you will be successful." u Personal Life Brad has been married to Mary, a KU Pi Phi, for 36 years. They are proud parents of John, an orthopedic surgery resident who recently celebrated his marriage, and Conner, who writes commercials for a large advertising agency in New York. Brad also has a new daughter-in-law. The Schrock family shares a passion for sports, and Brad enjoys mountain biking and gravel cycling races. You can connect with him at bschrock61@gmail.com. "I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR MY TIME IN THE FIJI HOUSE AT KU." Faith Through FIJI BRAD SCHROCK '83 ON FRATERNAL DEVELOPMENT, ARCHITECT WORK PRESSING ON Undergraduates Reach New Heights