Hold the date! Mark your calendars … October 18 is Homecoming 2003. Join us at Vance Hall for barbeque, bluegrass and brotherhood bonding! UNC plays Arizona State! Make your plans early — we want you there. Watch your mail for more news on the event. Check our Web site periodically for event updates regarding Homecoming 2003 — www.epsilonpgd.com. 2002-2003 Officer List President Graham Edward Farless ’04 Merry Hill, N.C. Treasurer Jasper Victor Ogburn III ’04 Smithfield, N.C. Recording Secretary Mark Breckenridge Gibbs ’04 New Bern, N.C. Historian Michael Corbett Brown III ’04 Wilmington, N.C. Corresponding Secretary Joseph Campbell Jenkins ’04 Fayetteville, N.C. 2002-2003 Board Members President David H. Batten ’79 Raleigh, N.C. (W) 919-828-1500 DHB@cshlaw.com Treasurer Charles E. Bell III ’91 Raleigh, N.C. (W) 919-877-2438 charles.e.bell.iii@smithbarney.com Fund-Raising Chairman Laurence B. Maddison III ’92 Raleigh, N.C. (W) 919-821-5482 lbm3@bellsouth.net Undergraduate Communications Chairman Lindsay F. Sewell ’98 Raleigh, N.C. (W) 919-573-5513 lsewell@trammellcrow.com House Maintenance Chairman Henry M. Kidd ’83 Raleigh, N.C. (W) 919-821-0558 thedecoykidd@msn.com The Epsilon Owl JUNE 2003 Treasurer Report By Charles E. Bell III ’91, Treasurer Epsilon Shares a Strong Union, Firm Resolve President Bush aptly summarized the state of our Epsilon Chapter in his State of the Union address earlier this year: In all these days of promise and days of reckoning, we can be confident. In a whirlwind of change and hope and peril, our faith is sure, our resolve is firm, and our union is strong. (President George W. Bush, State of the Union Address, 2003) Our chapter certainly is strong in many areas. By recently refinancing our note to a very attractive 5.75 percent fixed rate from a variable rate, we have increased the visibility of our cash flow that is allowing us to aggressively pay down the mortgage balance. Last year, the house corporation increased the undergraduate dues to a price competitive with other fraternities and housing options in the area. Our improved cash flow has allowed us to establish and fund a Roth IRA retirement account for B.T. Harrington. The house corporation will continue to fund this account for as long as B.T. is employed with Epsilon. During the last three years, our mortgage balance has dropped from $865,904 in December 1999 to $599,348 as of March 2003. This is a direct testament to Epsilon’s ability to attract quality men and maintain a consistent rental income stream to the house corporation. Therein, however, lies our weakness. In the next few years, Vance Hall will be in need of major maintenance improvements to ensure a comfortable environment for our undergraduate brothers and to ensure that we attract the best men for decades to come. Currently, we are not in a position to absorb another peril, nor are we able to embark on any significant improvements. Currently, we are facing a serious air conditioning problem that is going to require considerable expenses. We will face these issues on a recurring basis in the near future, and our chapter must be in a better position financially to deal with these maintenance costs. The house corporation’s primary objective is to complete the purchase of our renovation work by eliminating our mortgage debt. Great news to report on this front! The Vance Hall Rebuilding Campaign currently has over $327,000 in accounts receivable from outstanding pledges made. Also, Epsilon has over $130,000 in the National Chapter House Endowment Fund (CHEF), which by requirement will be applied towards those rebuilding expenses that are for educational use only. The house corporation plans to submit a request for these funds over the next several months. (Continued on Page 2) www.epsilonpgd.com 1 \r\nFund Raising By Laurence “Bo” Maddison III ’92, Fund-raising Chairman Vance Hall Capital Campaign to be Revived I would first like to thank those members who have donated money and time toward the rebuilding of Vance Hall. The effort of many graduate brothers throughout this process has created one of the strongest houses on campus. I also would like to give credit to the undergraduate brothers. They have experienced continued success during rush and have kept the house and the brotherhood as vibrant as ever. In the coming months, I will be soliciting support to renew the fund-raising campaign. The cost of Vance Hall is approximately $1,870,000. After being paid $550,000 in insurance, we currently have a mortgage balance of approximately $600,000. While rent charged to the undergraduates reduces the mortgage, we cannot afford to operate at this level of debt. The recent graduate donations or “annual donations,” approximately $50 to $100 per donation, are primarily used for our graduate communications, not for principal reduction. We are now at a point where the rent is the only funding reducing our mortgage. Therefore, I plan to revive our fund-raising efforts through the following means: • Contact any brother who has not fulfilled his pledge (roughly $325,000 is outstanding). Evidently, the pledge reminder cards were not mailed after a period of time, and many individuals thought their pledges were satisfied. If you made your pledge to the National Chapter House Endowment Fund (CHEF) and have not fulfilled that pledge amount, please consider making your remaining contribution to the Epsilon Rebuilding Fund (ERF). The ERF does not have restrictions on the use of this money. However, the CHEF money is restricted for educational purposes only, and we currently have sufficient money in this fund. • Solicit pledges from those who would like to donate additional amounts as well as those who have not donated in the past. • Most importantly, recognize those who have given during the past campaign as well as those who will contribute to the new campaign. I envision a plaque placed in Vance Hall that will honor the brothers who have given significant amounts. In addition to collecting on the past pledges, I would like to have a new five-year Vance Hall Capital Campaign. This campaign will require the efforts of many members, and all input and assistance is welcome as well as needed! We also have solicited the services of Affinity Connection, Inc. This company has tracked the pledges throughout the past campaign and will continue to do so for the next campaign. Affinity Connection is an essential tool for our communications with the chapter and graduate members. They are responsible for The Owl, the Phi Gam Web site (www.epsilonpgd.com) and the tracking of funds raised. If you would like to be of assistance, please contact me at (919) 821-5482 or via e-mail at lbm3@ bellsouth.net. I hope we can count on your continued support. Treasurer Report … continued from page 1 Unfortunately, because of the strict requirements on use of the resources at the time. We ask that you seriously consider making a pledge. These funds will be directly these funds, we will not be able to receive all of this money for the purpose of paying down our note. applied to Vance Hall, which has been an integral part of the memories you enjoyed while an undergraduate and The house corporation is excited to have Bo Maddison ’92 as its fund-raising chairman to ignite and complete our memories yet to come. On that note, please chapter’s Rebuilding Campaign. When you make plans to join us at We realize a number of you have not initiated Vance Hall for barbeque receive your outstanding a pledge due to not being asked or not having balance pledge card in the and bluegrass on October 18th! This is Homecoming next few months, please be the resources at the time. We ask that you proactive and initiate an Weekend 2003 when UNC seriously consider making a pledge. plays Arizona State! Make automatic payment program that works within your your plans early! Help us celebrate our chapter’s success in continuing budget. We can accommodate credit card drafts to make this effort easier for you. We realize a number of you have Epsilon through a “…whirlwind of change and hope and peril.” Our chapter is indeed strong! Perge! not initiated a pledge due to not being asked or not having 2 www.epsilonpgd.com June 2003 \r\nPig Dinner By Camp Jenkins ’04, Corresponding Secretary A Night of Memories, Brotherhood and Tribute The 152nd Norris Pig Dinner of the Epsilon Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was a huge success. The event took place on March 21, 2003, at the Angus Barn in Raleigh, N.C. This event drew an excellent turnout this year as over 100 brothers attended the event, including 55 graduate brothers. This year’s speaker, Judge Allen Cobb, Jr., class of 1974, gave an outstanding speech that reflected on his college days as a Phi Gamma Delta, as well as the important role Phi Gam had played in his life. Judge Cobb stated that the friends he made during his Phi Gam years, along with the lessons learned through these wonderful experiences, continue to benefit him and remain with him in all areas of life. The Epsilon Chapter was also honored to have both Jerome “Pop” Cashion ’63 and Benjamin Thomas Harrington attend this year’s Pig Dinner. Marvin Carver ’75 presented beautiful plaques to the undergraduate brothers, honoring the recipient of the Pop Cashion Award (best pledge) and Tyler Haynes Award for the most improved GPA. These plaques will be permanent additions to the sanctuary at Vance Hall thanks to Brother Carver’s efforts. This year’s awards went to Adam Duke ’03 (Luther J. Fipps Outstanding Senior), Joseph Bower ’06 (Pop Cashion Award), Grey Daughteridge ’05 (Tyler Haynes Award), T.J. Barringer ’03 (Best GPA) and Thomas Tayloe ’05 (Most Outstanding Brother). Thanks again to all of the alumni for attending, and we look forward to another great Pig Dinner turnout in 2004. PERGE!! Fall Rush Submissions Alumni who would like to submit names for fall rush may contact: Matt McInnis (mcinnis@email.unc.edu) or Churchill Bunn (pcbunn@email.unc.edu) Graduate UpDates Matthew M. Hodgson ’49 (2474␣ Foxwood␣ Dr., Chapel␣ Hill, NC 27514) I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with the King of Spain in New York a few months ago. Later, I attended a dinner in his honor. R. Bryant Hare ’53 (4325␣ Gorman␣ Dr., Lynchburg, VA 245031903; lawyerhudson@sc.rr.com) I retired in January 2003. I plan to attend some football games and hopefully see some old grads at the house before or after the games! Rowland Burstan Jr. ’54 (6912 Wildrose Terr., Carlsbad, California 92009) Joan and I moved back to California in December after 27 years in Chicago. Our whole family, children and grandchildren, have been living in Southern California for some years. After listening to the early spring weather reports from Chicago and North Carolina, we are congratulating ourselves on our timing for the move. When the TV weatherman appears on the morning news, he always prefaces his forecast by saying, “ Good morning, San Diegans. It’s another perfect day in paradise.” Since this is probably as close as I am likely to get, I’m enjoying the warmth and sunshine enormously. Come on out and join us or give me a call: (760) 931-6567. Andrew H. Patterson ’54 (14␣ Birchbrook␣ Rd., Bronxville, NY 107082016) Still working full-time — retirement is not for me. If anyone visits to the Big Apple, please let us know. James G. Crouch ’55 (1095␣ Andrews␣ Farm␣ Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302-2809; jcrouch@bellsouth.net) I lost my wife, Rose, on Feb. 26, 2003, after 45 years. I hope to attend future gettogethers and re-establish old friendships. It looks like the ’50s group is very active, and that is great. If you are ever in Spartanburg, give me a call. Richard N. Hoggard ’55 (621␣ W.␣ Hayes␣ St., Ahoskie, NC 27910) Charles Sawyer ’54, Lee Knott ’55 and I, along with our wives, visited Bill Smith ’53 at his Sea Island, Ga., home for the ACC basketball weekend. Sawyer and I have been doing this for 13 years. It is always a great time! Wayne B. Venters ’60 (6809␣ S.␣ Prairie␣ View␣ Ln., Spokane, WA 99223) In January 2001, Linda and I moved from Hampstead, N.C., to Spokane, Wash. I never appreciated warm, humid days until moving here — we usually have snow on the ground. It is not all bad, however. There is good skiing, fishing and mountain views. Benjamin G. Alford ’73 (711␣ Cove␣ Harbor, New␣ Bern, NC 285627300; balford@cox.net) I was re-elected superior court judge in November ’02. I now serve as senior resident superior court judge for Craven, Carteret and Pamlico counties. (Continued on Page 4) “The ultimate continuing strength of a college fraternity chapter rests with its alumni members. The chapter’s undergraduates come and go, its leaders change, its programs are modified, and its home replaced, but its alumni maintain a life-long association that ends only with death. As each generation dies, a new one matures to provide the continuity that perpetuates the chapter. Alumni members are the keepers of the tradition, preferred stockholders in the enterprise, the mark of its accomplishment.” Stewart S. Howe The Epsilon Owl www.epsilonpgd.com 3 \r\n778-28 EHA Graduate UpDates … continued James F. Royall ’76 (P.O.␣ Box␣ 2268, Smithfield, NC 275772268; ambjfr@aol.com) I married Cathy on Sept. 20, 2002. I now have five daughters — Holden, Julia, Jane, Kelley and Jennifer. the last two years. Feel free to “sponge” off Charles anytime when you’re in our area! Way to go Brother Cobb ’74 (W. Allen)! I’m sorry I missed Pig Dinner. I’ll read the speech and forward my critiques to him personally. Perge! David M. Connor ’92 (2219␣ Oxford␣ Rd., Raleigh, NC 276081636) Martha and I had a baby girl, Alice, in April 2002. I recently started a new job with Lincoln Harris, working with fellow graduate brother John B. High ’91. Waightstill M. Scales ’77 (504␣ Guilder␣ Ln., Greenville, NC 278586580; wms@greenvillenc.com) It looks as if the university will be taking another gamble on a Scales family member. I believe that Waightstill Morehead Scales IV has what it takes to pick up the sheepskin in ’07 from UNC-CH. Possibly he could find my transcript …? Charles Young Jr. ’77 and myself have been the proud co-owners of a river cottage near Bath, on the Pamlico River, for Blair D. Shwedo ’79 (1910␣ Pinewood␣ Cir., Charlotte, NC 28211-1633; blair@sepsusa.com) My son, Blair Jr. (freshman), pledged Pi Kappa Alpha and is an active brother there. I hoped the Phi Gam house would have invited him to at least one rush function. I STRONGLY suggest a procedure to accept and respond to graduate brother’s requests for rush invitations. Four separate requests without a response was my experience. In Memory Since publication of our last issue, we have learned of the death of DeWitt D. McCotter Jr. ’30, and Peter L. Reynolds ’59 (11/16/02). Phi Gamma Delta mourns their passing and extends sincere condolences to their families and friends. The Epsilon Owl is published for the alumni and friends of the Epsilon Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity at The University of North Carolina. Address changes, news items, photographs and contributions may be mailed to Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Graduate Relations Office, P.O. Box 3367, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3367; or sent via our Web site at www.epsilonpgd.com. Address Service Requested Graduate Relations Office P.O. Box 3367 Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3367 News about your Epsilon friends inside. Epsilon of Phi Gamma Delta, Inc. 778 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID State College, Pa. Permit No. 2 4 www.epsilonpgd.com June 2003