Phi Gamma Delta - University of Texas

Fall 2015 Newsletter

Texas Fiji of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Texas

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Page 2 Phi Gamma Delta H Visit www.texasfiji.com for all things Texas Fiji! Meet Texas Fiji's New Chapter Coordinator J ason Kuhlman has worked on college campuses for the last seven years, specifically within the Greek community. Four years ago when he moved to Austin, he never would have thought he would take on the role of Chapter coordinator for Phi Gamma Delta. However, his vested commitment to Greek life and the men of Texas Fiji have proved to be a winning combination for both him and the Chapter. Jason works for Student Mobilization (StuMo), an organization that focuses on leadership and spiritual development. Through that, he met many members of Fiji and became affiliated with the Chapter. Earlier this year when the housemom retired, a new role was developed and Jason was approached about filling it. "Originally, I didn't think it would be a good fit for me, but I kept thinking about it and realized what I could do by helping make the college and fraternal experience more enjoyable and what it should be. "One of the biggest tasks in being Chapter coordinator is holistically keeping a gauge on scholastic, fraternal, and overall character development. I keep a pulse on making sure that these men uphold the values that Fiji endorses by making the best possible decisions. I'm also a liaison with parents. They want to know when they send their child to college that someone is looking out for them. That's why I'm at the house almost every day, holding office hours on site twice a week." Jason has three main goals for Texas Fiji that he hopes to accomplish in this role. The first is creating a leadership structure that is sustainable for the future of the Chapter. While the Greek climate in general is becoming increasingly volatile, Jason wants Fiji to be around for the next 100 years. In order to do so, the right principles need to be put in place from the start. Second, Jason intends to make sure incoming freshmen are adapting to college life in the best possible way. "I meet with the freshman pledge class on a one-on-one basis to do a full-service survey. 'How are classes going? How's being away from home? What do you love or hate about life right now?' This type of mentoring is the best way to take a temperature of the room and what I can do to make someone's experience better." Lastly, increased communication from students to parents is a must for Jason. "I want parents to know their sons will have a successful and holistic college experience. Greek life can be that, and is a great platform if it's done intentionally. I'm also excited to meet the parents. I've known many of these guys for a while now, so to get to know the people who raised these sharp, personable kids is exciting to me." Now that the semester is underway, Jason has nothing but high hopes for the future of Texas Fiji. "I've very much enjoyed helping these guys shape the direction Fiji is going in 2015-16. Meeting with cabinet and getting to know Betsy Clements, who does our finances, and Josh White, the Chapter's cook, has been amazing. I look forward to seeing the goals and objectives set forth come to fruition." Jason and his wife, Kelsey, were married in May 2015. She understands the responsibility that goes into the role and fully supports his decision to get involved with the Chapter. Kelsey has met many of the members and knows what an important part Jason will play in forming and guiding their college careers while at UT. You can contact Jason at texasfijicc@gmail.com. ALUMNI UPDATE AD ASTRA Robert L. Cooper PC '45 passed away on July 18. He and his wife, Ann, were married for 55 years. He served in the Army Air Corp during the latter part of WWII. Bob established and owned Cooper Equipment Co. in 1959, retiring in 1985. Bob is survived by his three sons: George, Gary, and Greg; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. William K. Merkel PC '47 passed away on July 8. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanine; children: Pam, Paula, Dana, and Ted; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Bill had a successful career in the Steel Foundry industry for over 50 years. He also served on the board at Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare in Tacoma, Wash., as well as the board at the Kerrville State Hospital. George E. Seay Jr. '59 passed away in April 2015. A humble and kind-hearted man, George led by example and gained the admiration of all who knew him. He and his wife, Nancy, hosted a yearly summer camp for their grandchildren in Fredericksburg, Texas, where they had daily devotionals, softball tournaments, and theme nights. George had a close-knit group of lifelong friends that enjoyed taking trips together. For many years, they travelled to the Colorado mountains and to watch baseball spring training in Florida and Arizona. He attended Highland Park Presbyterian Church his entire life, where he served as Elder. George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy; son, George; daughter, Pauline; 10 grandchildren; and numerous friends and family. ALUMNI NEWS Alex G. Krueger Jr. PC '48 remains active in Kiwanis Club. He has read with 1st grade students for 20 years at Bonham Academy. Alex lives in San Antonio, Texas. E-mail: agkjr@att.net Robert F. Coffee PC '52 is up and coming in the sculpture world. Large pieces can be found at the Kabul Zoo, Afghanistan; Austin's Texas Sheriff's Memorial; the Dallas Crippled Childrens Center's courtyard; on the square in Georgetown, Texas; at Colorado School of Mines; in Big Bend National Park; and in the North Carolina Zoo. He and his wife, Gail, live in Austin and have two children, Christine and Russell. E-mail: gkcoffee@aol.com W. Alan McNeill PC '55 raises grass-fed beef for Whole Foods in Beaumont, Texas. He and his wife, Barbara, have two children, Will and Susannah. E-mail: mcneilltex@sbcglobal.net William C. McCulloch PC '58 and his wife, Ann, live in Houston, Texas, and have two children, Mary and William Jr. Bill's grandson, Andrew McCulloch, was initiated into Phi Gam at the University of Missouri in the fall of 2014. E-mail: wamcculloch@earthlink.net Richard S. Glassett PC '60 lives in Sugar Land, Texas, and practices CPA work part time during tax season. He also travels fairly extensively in the U.S. and Europe, and enjoys fishing and boating in Rockport, Texas. Richard and his wife, Donna, have two children, Kerry and Rob, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. E-mail: rglassett@ sbcglobal.net Taylor D. Fyfe PC '83 reports that, "Texas Fiji is doing awesome! It's a great time for the Fijis; mighty proud to be one!" Taylor and his wife, Pam, live in The Hills, Texas, and have four children: Tanner, Kramer, Cooper, and Parker. E-mail: tdfyfe@gmail.com

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