DLUMK; X> COMMEMORfiTING YEfiRS RT MSG VOLUME X - NO.1 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SPRING,1979 Fiji Island the Best Ever Fleet-footed Kyle Steward beats out an infield hit before amazed onlookers in the recent graduate active softball game. More Pig Dinner stories on page S. Fijis Die for Community The normally dull, quiet Starkville atmosphere was broken by sirens as ambulances, fire trucks, police and other emergency crews converged on the Phi Gamm House in answer to a reported explosion. More than forty-five 'victims' were transferred to the Oktibbeha County Hospital where they were treated for 'injuries' ranging from minor cuts to death. The simulated disaster, staged by hospital officials to test MSU Security described it as "the best thing on this campus". Anyone else who attended Fiji Island could not disagree. On a spring game weekend which brought friends and rushees from across the State, Phi Camma Delta provided the MSU campus with a party it will not soon forget. It began with the Fiji Island wedding ceremony Friday night, April 20, as more than sixty couples took vows at Dorman Lake, near Starkville. A hamburger supper followed. As the sun rose Saturday morning, it saw the Fiji House transformed. A fifty foot taU Fiji Warrior stood g^uarding the entrance to the house. In the rear, two three-story cane huts overlooked a small pool complete with an egg-laying duck. South Sea scenes painted across the rear windows served as a backdrop. After a meal of shrimp and corn on the cob. Brothers and dates were ready to lend an ear to Black Widow, a relatively unknown, black, eight-piece band from Nashville, which turned out to be the best we've ever had. Word got out, and the Phi Cam House soon had The party. So popular was Fiji Island that eventually many uninvited guests had to be asked to leave. As if that were not enough. Black Widow returned to play several hours the following day. Fiji Island thus established Phi Camma Delta's Sigma Mu Chapter not only a leader in scholarship and campus activity, but also in social events. medical services available to the community in the event of a disaster, brought onlookers from throughout the MSU campus and Starkville community to the delight of the victims, who lay stretched out, sitting or standing throughout the house. Roads leading to Fraternity Row were barricaded by MSU security and only emergency vehicles were allowed to enter. Three ambulances made nine runs to transport the injured to the hospital, where each victim was identified and then treated for his injury. In addition, a temporary morg^Je was set us for those 'killed'. At about 5:00 p.m. Dr. Bill Collins arrived at the house to tag each member with a particular injury. At 5:30 the emergency call was made and within minutes the Phi Camma Inside Chapter #1 in Grades . Page 2 Pig Dinner . Page 3 Interview with 1979 Outstanding Graduates . Page 6 Delta House was a beehive of activity. By 7:00 things had returned to normal at the hospital and the house. More than 200 staff members and 30 doctors were called to handle the mock disaster, which is held annually by the hospital. Sigma Mu "Diamond Dog" . Page 8 \r\nCHAPTER NEWS ULLD06 Fall Rush Underway Plans for fall rush have already been made and the Chapter is hard at work recruiting new men to join the ranks of Phi Gamma Delta. However, we need help from you very badly. If EDITOR Tom Ewing you know someone who might be a candidate for the White Star, please take the time to drop us a note on him. Rush Chairman Gordon Stewart of Jackson already has a lengthy list CONTRIBUTORS of rushees, but it is far from complete. Jim Abel Rich Mills Jim Lloyd There are plans for summer rush parties in Jackson and at Steve Divine Moon Lake in North Mississippi. Dates are tentative, but one will be toward the end of June and the other in late July. Fall A SEMESTERLY PUBUCATION OF SIGMA MU CHAPTER Pm GAMMA DELTA DRAWER FN rush begins August 22nd. The participation of our graduates has always impressed rushees so try to attend as many of these as you can. If you have a rec., send it to: Gordon Stewart 5826 Orchardview Dr. MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS 39762 Jackson, MS 39211 (601) 956-3449 GRADES: No.1 Again The new House number is (601) 325-2163 The President's number is (601) 323-1366 Sigma Mu returned to the top of fraternity scholarship after having to spend a few semesters as Number Two. With an early drop date and the rescinding of the forgiveness of Fs, grades throughout campus were down, but Phi Gamma Delta posted an impressive 2.83 QPA, well above the Fraternity Looking Back average (2.49) and the all mens' average (2.43). The twenty One Year Ago—1978 averages. Wood Manor apartments became the home of Sigma Mu as the new House on Fraternity Row was under construction. Meetings were held in the First Methodist Church after the and Lambda Chi Alpha (2.58). The 18 Business and Industry majors led the Chapter with Wood Manor rec room was gutted by fire. Five Years Ago—1974 Fijis came away victorious in campus elections as Tom Kirkland was elected IFC President and Leigh Hummer was voted SA Treasurer. Mike Spraggins was chosen to serve as Business Manager of The Reflector. Ten Years Ago—1969 Three Fijis from the University of Tennessee, four Phi Gamm alumni at MSU, and Charlie Graham, Fraternity staff officer, met with several MSU students who had expressed an interest in founding a chapter of Phi Gamma Delta on campus. man pledge class compiled a 2.75, while actives were slightly higher (2.87). Two Brothers emerged with perfect 4.00 Following behind were Triangle (2.75), Sigma Chi (2.66) a 3.00, followed by Arts and Sciences (7 members, 2.85), Engineering (19 members, 2.8), and Agriculture (12 members, 2.7). Nine members elected to Interschool Council Although Sigma Mu Chapter did not capture any Student Association offices in the recent elections, members won their races for 9 of the 24 offices on the Student Councils of the various schools. BiU Branch was elected President of the Engineering CJouncil. He will be aided by Vice President Rich MiUs and Secretary Wesley Griffith. Terry Fuller heads up the School of Agriculture. Gary Blair (81) and Jerry FuUer were elected Vice President and Treasurer. Jeff Yeates was chosen President of Business and Industry, while David BaU was voted President of Forestry. Steve Blair is the new Vice President of Arts and Sciences. Rod Little and Griffith begin their second semester as IFC President and Vice President. Rod is also the newly elected President of Omicron Delta Kappa. BiU Branch assumes the duties of President of the BSU next faU. BULLDOG FIJI PAGE 2 \r\nPig Dinner Highlights Big Weeken^di i^BplQ DINNER Sigpna Mu's Tenth Annual Norris Pig'Dinner, highlighting ten years of existence on the MSU campus; was held March 17 in Starkville. The Dinner at the Holiday Inn capped off an active day which included Home Corporation and BCA meetings, dedication of the new house, a graduate-active Softball game, and the initiation of two of the Chapter's founders. A History of Pig Dinners It was the largest attendance at a Pig Dinner, with 75 of the graduates returning for the festivities along with several -Ramada Inn, Jackson; Speaker, Former Archon Pres. Banner Mahood. -Columbus. Ken wives and other special guests, and friends and relatives who came for the dedication. After the morning meetings, the afternoon began with the Meredith initiated; EUis Woolfolk receives "Distinguished Fiji" award. -Columbus; Address by Ritualist Bud Mangels. -Starkville; 19 graduates; Clarke Reed presented "Distinguished Miss. Fiji". Speech by Archon Councilor Robert Radcliffe. -Starkville; 25 graduates; Address by past Archon Pres. David C. Bland. -Starkville; 37 graduates; Councilor James W. Vice. Building Association organized. -Starkville; Speaker, Dr. Tommy Williams. -Starkville; Speaker, Billy Martin. -Starkville; 75 graduates; slide show; Bev Kennedy and Mac McClellan initiated. g^rudge match pitting graduates against actives. With Duke Loden on the mound the gradutes escaped with a narrow victory. Umpires Greg Mann and Bear Boyd did their best to keep the game under control. The dedication of the new fraternity house followed. After grreetings from President A1 Brock and a few words from House Corp. President Bill Howard, two ladies who had much to do with our new house were recognized. Mrs. Frances Rebmann, former treasurer of the Sigma Mu Building Association, and Miss Mary Hunt, who did the interior decorating, were honored. More graduates arrived later in the day, and happy hour provided a time for reminiscing and warming up for the dinner which followed. Afterthe meal. Master of Ceremonies Jerome Kittrell introduced Graduate Events Co-chairmen Jay Pryor and Steve May, who presented some of the more light-hearted awards. Bob Raymond was prepared once again to poke fun at Pig Dinner Briefs TWO MORE FOUNDERS INITIATED It was fitting that the first two Phi Gamms initiated into the Fraternity in the new house were among those who founded the Chapter ten years ago. Bev Kennedy and Mac McClellan became the 164th and 165th initiated Brothers of Sigma Mu Sunday morning, March 18th. Bev, a Baptist minister in Yemassee, S.C., and Mac, a representative of the Mississippi Catfish Growers, now join his favorite target, Robert Siedell. The coveted Outstanding Graduate award went to Thomas Mize for his efforts on behalf of the House Corporation. The Chapter selected John Speed its Outstanding Brother. After the Pig Dinner the action returned to the house. The pig was soon only a skeleton as graduates and graduates alike mingled. A large gathering produced umbrellas and raincoats at midnight for the traditional ceremony. (It didn't rain.) The large number of graduates who attended, made the Tenth Annual Norris Pig Dinner one that wiU be remembered for quite a while by those who were there. thousands of others who wear the Black Diamond and continue to prove that "Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone." HOUSE CORPORATION ELECTS NEW MEMBERS In their Pig Dinner weekend meeting the House Corporation met to elect officers and new members. Bill Howard, Thomas Mize, and Tommy Scroggins were re-elected President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Jerome Kittrell will assume the Vice-Presidency and four new members wiU take positions: David Wesley, Bobby Henry, Mike Boyd, and Kyle Steward. If you would like to become a voting member of the House Corporation, contact Bill Howard at 321 Dobson, Canton, MS 39046 or call (601) 859-6550. THEY MADE EVERY PIG DINNER Greg Mann and Steve Edwards have been to each of the 10 Pig Dinners and are to be highly commended. n 7A Sigma Mu's newest initiates: Bev Kennedy and Mac McClellan. \r\nBF—Will the new house force increased dues or membership? MIZE—No,rent is figured on a fixed schedule and the number BF INTERVIEW Thomas Mize Sigma Mu's Outstanding Graduate this year was Thomas Mize. Thomas graduated in 1975 and is employed by National Bank of Commerce in Starkville where he is an auditor. He currently serves as Treasurer of Mississippi Fijis and in that capacity he has made a great contribution to the building of our new house. Thomas plans to get married this summer. He has remained close to the chapter and is well informed on its activities. BF—Looking back on our jBrst ten years, what were our greatest accomplishments? MIZE—We built on the Row within ten years. BF—What contributed most to our success? MIZE—I think prohahly our diversified memhership - and persistence. BF—What of our past is most crucial for future success? MIZE—Sigma Mu*s ability to pledge the right people. All rushees are difierent and diversity is a must for our Chapter. BF—What is the status of the House Corporation? MIZE—Right now the House Corporation is stronger than it ever has been and I expect that it will continue to get stronger as time goes on. Single Brothers Becoming a Minority A host of recent marriages has brought the soimd of wedding bells to the halls of Phi Gamma Delta. Gradute Brothers Steve Price (75), Scotty Sumrall (71), and Robert Siedell(74) were recently married, following in the footsteps of James Wedgeworth and Porter Robinson who were wed last year. In addition Jay Pryor (79) was married in March and of members doesn*t constitute a raise in rent. The house will not have an effect on dues unless unforeseen substantial repairs that we could not handle were made. BF—Do graduates feel at home when they come to the house? MIZE—They should; I know I do.. BF—What has been the response of graduates to House Corporation requests? MIZE—Most of our graduates have been very generous and this support pleases me.I only wish that those graduates who haven't given would,so that we could reach the 100% mark. BF—Are graduates getting enough correspondence? MIZE—There was enough correspondence sent, hut it doesn't always arrive on time. This is one complaint I hear from other graduates. BF—Are sigma Mu's graduates as supportive of the undergraduate chapter as they should be? MIZE—Financially, yes, overall. Participation in chapter functions has been an area which has disappointed me. I wish more graduates would try to attend more events. Every Phi Gamm has a place in his heart for his chapter. Most graduates are involved because they care about their chapter. BF—What are your observations on the future of the chapter? MIZE—The chapter seems to have the same ideals and goals that our founders had.I hope the present members realize the importance of passing on these ideals and goals. The house can he used as a beneficial rush tool. It should bring more rushees through our front door which will give us a better selection of good ^Purple" men. Hopefully well never pledge someone because they like our house. BF—What should be the chief goal of the chapter over the next ten years? MIZE—The chapter can only teach the principles of Phi Gamma Delta. Each individual will only get out of the Fraternity what he puts into it. Sigma Mu Graduate Directory Now Available! Graduate Thomas Mize (75) and Lee Miller (79) will marry this ♦ ADDRESSES summer. ♦ PHONE NUMBERS ♦ OCCUPATIONS Brother Price married Frances Strickland in Laurel on Februay 3rd. Scotty tied the knot with Nancy Weems January 20th in EUisville, and Brother Siedell and Helen Spelzhaus were wed on March 24 in Forrest City, Ark. Brother MiUer and Mary Hunt set their wedding date for June 16 in Jackson, and Brother Mize and Lynne Pace wiU be married June 30 in Hamilton, Mississippi. PL Gayden Green Leaving MSU After serving three years as Sigma Mu's Purple Legionnaire, Gayden Green is leaving MSU to accept a teaching position at Auburn University's Montgomery Branch. Gayden ♦ FAMILY INFORMATION ♦ AND MUCH MORE HORN, STEVEN^AAILTON (STEVE) 1080 Flynt Drive Suite C Graduation Class: 1977 Flowood, Ms. 39208 Occupation: Landscape Architect H: (601) 981-7697 Wife: Dorthy (Scruggs) W: (601) 939-5307 Children: None Pledged: Oct. 9, 1972 Pledge Class: Epsilon Initiated: Sept. 3, 1973 Initiation No. 72 iniMCIIIUM l^u. I i. Chapter Activities: Social Chairman I* came to Mississippi State from the University of Tennessee, and taught Business Statistics while working toward a Ph.D. Experience gained while living in the large UT House gave him insight which was invaluable in our moving to a new location. We regret that we will no longer have his guiding hand but wish him great success in his new position. Get yours now—cost is only $3.00 for a 40 page bound edition. Send check to Drawer FN, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or call 601-325-2163. BULLDOG FIJI PAGE 6 \r\nWHO'S WHO(HND WHERE) MIKE HUMPHREYS (70) recently was honored as a member of Trane Air Conditioning's "Top Ten" Club which is made up of the top 10% of Trane's salesmen. In his spare time he enjoys golf and tennis, and plans to join Mike Farrow in those mutual interests soon. Mike has been single for three years. DAVID WALKER (77) and his wife. Sherry, recently moved into a new house in Isola. Getting settled into his new home and putting a crop in the ground keep him busy now, but when he has spare time he enjoys hunting. JERRY WELCH (72) has been operations area supervisor at Arizona Oil Company for three years. His job leaves him little free time, but he keeps in contact with many of his fellow Phi Gamms. Jerry and his wife, Carol Ann, have no children. MIKE GENTRY (73) is a pilot with the U.S. Air Force. When we called, Mike was out flying a B-52 but we discovered that he collects stamps and handguns. Mike and his wife,Kathy, have a two-year-old son. DAVID GADDIS (74)farms m Forest, MS. He is also involved in grain handling and draglining. He and his wife, Sara, have / 7 two childres, ages one and four. David is active in the Jaycees, and also enjoys travel, deep sea fishing, skiing and tennis. jCX r'-r » LEE WILSON (75) recently moved south to Magnolia, Miss. He is employed by the Soil Conservation Service there. His interests include all sports, especially the MSU Bulldog variety, and he has been seen several times at the House on crucial SEC sports weekends. m. 7. y RONNIE RUTLAND (73) is stationed at the Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, where he pilots KC-135 tankers. He has served there since leaving Columbus AFB in 1977. Next month Ronnie embarks on a 35 day tour of duty in Guam. He enjoys golf, racquetball, and reading, and is the proud father of a six-month-old son. Ronnie plans to pursue a career in flying, either military or commercial. MIKE FARROW (70) is a stock broker with Merrill Lynch in Memphis. He and his wife, Linda, have two girls, ages one and three. He enjoys playing golf and tennis in his spare time. ».'s. MARK COLBERT (77) is currently at the University of Arkansas, where he works with the USD A on weed control in SIDNEY FROSSER (73) has completed med school and is now doing his residency at Samily Madison in Jackson. Upon completion of his training he hopes to practice medicine in the state of Mississippi. Sidney enjoys all types of sports. He and his wife, Jennifer, have no children. conjunction with Delta Experiment Station at StoneviUe, MS. Mark spends his spare time swimming and fishing.He has visited the Phi Gamm chapter at UA several times. BULLDOG FIJI PAGE? \r\nSigma Mu*s "Diamond Dog" SPORTS Winners in Softball It was a semester of diversity—there were the usual sports: softbaU and basketball, but Phi Gamms also competed in archery, track and field, tennis, racquetball and other sports. In basektball there were three Fiji teams in competition, one of which was runner up in league play. SoftbaU provided Sigma Mu with its greatest success, with two of the three Phi Gamm teams reaching the final sixteen out of 128 teams on campus before bowing out, after going through The Baseball Bulldogs have completed their most successful season ever, and MSU hurler Perry Cliburn has had a lot to do with that success. The 6-4, 200 lb. righthander has compiled a 4-2 record including victories over Jackson State and the top-ranked Hawaii Rainbows. Perry comes off a successful 1978 campaign which saw him defeat Auburn in a key SEC tournament game which earned him all-tournament laurels. He has improved constantly since coming to MSU from Jackson Callaway High School where he built up a 21-3 record in three years. In addition Cliburn has excelled academically, earning a 3.00 average in Chemical Engineering. He served as Asst. House Chairman and is active in intramural sports. the regular season undefeated. Individual sports such as archery, which earned Jim Lloyd second place, and field events like the shot put, where Steve Divine garnered third, also gave Phi Gamma Delta the oppor tunity to excel. With increased participation, and a winning record, it was a successful semester for the Chapter. SIGMA MU CHAPTER FRATERNITY OF PHI GAMMA DELTA DRAWER FN MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS 39762 BULLDOG FIJI