Mu Mumbles University of Wisconsin - Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity - Winter 2014 Edition MU CHAPTER UPDATE Since colonizing in 2007 and rechartering in 2009, growth and improvement have been constant goals and tasks faced every semester by the chapter and each cabinet. Whether it be chapter size, grade point average, restoring 16 Langdon to its previous grandeur, or improved graduate brother relations, each cabinet thus far has made considerable strides in making FIJI the best fraternity on campus. Although we currently enjoy a high chapter GPA, a new and beautifully furnished house, healthy graduate relations, and excellent brotherhood, COMING SOON 120th Pig Dinner April 11-12 Invitations will be mailed soon. I NSIDE Pledges on Bid Night the newly elected 2014 cabinet remains focused on elevating all these areas to unprecedented heights. Through an improved scholarship system, more graduate brother events, better fundraising, and a system to improve chapter accountability, we are confident we can meet this goal. Scholarship, Fraternity, Self is a mantra each Fiji holds near to his heart. Because of this focus, we have surpassed the grade point average threshold necessary for the alcohol exemption each semester since rechartering. THIS ISSUE : P IG D INNER - S AVE THE D ATE 3 W ELCOME P LEDGES 4 S OCIALLY S PEAKING 5 F IJI F LASHBACK 6 (Continued on page 2) FROM THE PLEDGES By: Jack Ordman (2017) On behalf of the newly initiated Mu pledge class, I would like to thank all the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta for giving us the opportunity to become part of a great organization. Over the course of three months, we transitioned from a random assortment of guys, with a common interest in joining FIJI, to a united pledge class and eventually brothers of Phi Gamma Delta. The journey was an exciting, fun and often times challenging one. We learned valuable lessons that cannot be taught in class and grew in deep relationships exclusively offered through a fraternity. Personally, I consider all of my pledge brothers true and valuable friends. I trust them and they trust me. I know this deep trust and profound friendship is held by each one of my pledge brothers. We are united with a common bond. That bond is friendship, a value each brother holds dear to his heart. Friendship is one of the many things that (Continued on page 3) \r\nM U M UMBLES P AGE 2 MU CHAPTER UPDATE CONTINUED... (Continued from page 1) However, the 3.0 necessary threshold should not be seen as a goal, it is seen as a minimum requirement. Beginning this semester, our cabinet will be implementing a new scholarship program to improve our chapter’s GPA through improved accountability, stringent requirements for both brothers and pledges in order to be initiated, and a greater focus on using shared academic resources. To briefly outline this plan, if a brother has below a 3.0 GPA at any point, he will be immediately put on social probation until his grades improve. If a pledge has below a 3.0 GPA at the time of initiation voting, he will be put on social probation the subsequent semester, and if his grades do not surpass a 3.0, his membership will be terminated from the chapter. Finally, we will pool the academic resources, such as notes, tests and study guides, each brother possesses in order to make a Fiji Academic Resource Bank. Through strict adherence to these policies, along with incentives for scholastic achievements, we strive to make our chapter GPA fall in the top one-third of all Greek organizations on campus. Our long term goal is to raise the chapter GPA well above the all-men’s GPA. Without our graduate brothers, none of us would be able to enjoy the benefits that FIJI gives us. Over the past years, we have rekindled relationships with more and more Mu Chapter graduates, but we feel there is more that we can do, and more relationships to be made and fostered. While our annual Homecoming and Pig Dinner give us opportunities to reconnect with our graduate brothers, we would like to add two additional graduate events over the course of the year to improve graduate relations even further. Our chapter will never be able to fully express our gratitude for revital- izing our Mu Chapter, and in hosting more events, we hope to display our gratefulness. Restoring 16 Langdon to its original splendor is another primary objective for our cabinet. While furnishing the house for the first time since 2009 was a major step for our chapter, we feel that there is more we can accomplish to make our house look like the historical landmark it is. Through brother-initiated fundBrothers at the Fiji Academy raising, we raised over in St.Louis, MO, in January. $2,000 to rebuild the adequate chapter size, increasing the deck that originally overlooked Lake quality of each pledge should move our Mendota which fell victim to vandalism chapter to greater heights. over the years when we were not occupyIt is extremely difficult to quantify the ing the house. This deck will be constructed during the spring 2014 semester. growth of a chapter into a number. However, each semester our Field SecIn addition to this deck, we will be putretary gives us a grade based on our ting more emphasis on fundraising in order to pay the house endowment and to overall chapter success. Last semester, we received a 92/100. Good, but not install landscaping in the front yard. perfect. In implementing an improved scholarship system, more graduate “Without our graduate brother events, restoring our house to its original state, and higher bid rebrothers, none of us quirements, we believe that we can would be able to enjoy achieve the perfect score that has althe benefits that FIJI ways eluded us. With the aid of our gives us.” graduate brothers, we know this is possible, and we know that we can continue to grow to become the best chapWith an active roster of 102 brothers, our ter at the University of Wisconsinnumbers have more than doubled in the Madison. past four years. While we have reached our chapter’s goal of having 100-120 active brothers, we are wary of the chapter becoming overinflated and bogged down from too many numbers. In response to this, we will be initiating much more stringent requirements that a recruit must meet in order to have a bid extended to him. We believe that with an \r\nP AGE 3 FROM THE PLEDGES CONTINUED... (Continued from page 1) separates the Mu pledge class, and all Mu Chapter brothers, from the majority of people. When the value of friendship first came up in pledge education, I thought to myself something along the lines of “obviously we’re going to be friends, we’re joining the same fraternity.” While partly right in this thinking, I very much undervalued the strength and deepness of the friendship that Phi Gamma Delta pursues. An almost brutal, albeit constructive and sincere, honesty results from a Phi Gam friendship. An example of this when honesty, born of friendship, came to full fruition within our pledge class was in our ‘council circles.’ We held our own council circle to work SAVE THE DATE - through challenges we were facing. Several people directly told our pledge class president problems they had with his leadership and other personal prob- “The motto “Not for college days alone” rings true when we consider the pursuit of excellence and the true meaning of friendship.” lems. In turn he was able to effectively fix those problems and became a better pledge class president and more importantly, a better man. In addition several of my pledge brothers worked out personal problems they had with each other or our pledge class as a whole. Everyone walked away from that circle a better man and a better Phi Gam because we could be completely honest with each other. A major lesson we learned was our commitment to one another to make sure we all upheld each of Phi Gam’s five values. We are still in the process of strengthening each other, a process we will continue over the next four years and beyond. In fact, our growth will never stop. The motto “Not for college days alone” rings true when we consider the pursuit of excellence and the true meaning of friendship. We will continually form new memories with each other and look forward to a bright future of being brothers of Phi Gamma Delta. 120 TH ANNIVERSARY PIG DINNER The 2014 Pig Dinner will held be on the weekend of April 11-12 and it marks a momentous year for the Mu Chapter. This will be the 120th Pig Dinner since our Chapter was originally chartered in 1893, and will be the fifth Pig Dinner since re-chartering in 2009. Because of this unique importance, the current undergrads have set a goal of having 100 undergrads and 100 grads attend the event. The event will be a weekend of festivities, culminating with the formal dinner at Monona Terrace on the evening of April 12. Join us in celebration of those who have paved the Mu Chapter path. A formal invitation with details will be sent as soon as they are finalized. CHAPTER LEADERSHIP Chapter President Paul Fredrickson (2015) pfredrickso2@wisc.edu Recording Secretary Sean O’Hara (2015) sohara2@wisc.edu Chapter Treasurer Ben Evans (2015) bmevans@wisc.edu Chapter Historian Joe Fiorita (2015) fiorita@wisc.edu Corresponding Secretary Dan Troutman (2016) dan.troutman6@gmail.com \r\nN EWSLETTER T ITLE M U M UMBLES P AGE 4 WELCOME PLEDGES By: Dan Troutman (2016) - Pledge Educator On the night that bids were given out, and recruits turned to pledges, we told this group of men that the person standing next to them would soon become their best friend. They casually looked around the room at the eclectic group about them, and doubts arose in their faces. Upon their initiation, we asked them whether or not they still doubted our statement. Needless to say, the pledging process had proven them wrong and dispelled any doubts. Throughout the pledge process, we emphasized persistence, for persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The Mu pledge class took this principle to heart, and made us proud throughout the entire process. The pledge process this semester was an overall amelioration of the laundry room. The room was in dire need of help, and the Mu class worked quickly, and effectively to clear the room, paint it, and put a new epoxy floor finish. They took it upon themselves to elect a leader to spearhead the project, and as a result, finished the project well before any other pledge class had ever finished. Scholarship was also a priority for this pledge class. We tried a new tactic, and had a Scholarship Chair within the pledge class who communicated with the chapter’s Scholarship Chair to promote academics regularly. Whether it was hearing of good test grades, or even just seeing a group of the pledges at the library on a Friday night, the Mu class has made it evident that they truly understand the priorities: Scholarship, Fraternity, Self. Throughout the 10 week process, Mu class persisted through all, and it is my honor to say that each and every one of them has earned the right to be a brother of Phi Gamma Delta. I have no doubt that they will better themselves as a result of FIJI, and that FIJI will greatly benefit from their membership, as individuals and as a class. Pledges at Formal MU PLEDGE CLASS ♦ Josh Angelchik (2017) ♦ Brian Keenan (2017) ♦ Nick Rush (2016) ♦ Nate Baskfield (2017) ♦ Colin Komisar (2016) ♦ Jordan Singer (2017) ♦ John Batterman (2017) ♦ Connor Kotte (2017) ♦ Emmett Smith (2017) ♦ Chris Bloch (2016) ♦ Tyler Lane (2017) ♦ Nate Smith (2017) ♦ Grant Bonewell (2017) ♦ Jack Ordman (2017) ♦ Cole Soffa (2017) ♦ Jeff Cofsky (2017) ♦ Matt Oswald (2017) ♦ Daric Thompson (2017) ♦ Mike Ebsen (2017) ♦ Nate Pond (2017) ♦ David Zhou (2017) ♦ Wil Ferris (2017) ♦ Randall Pulfer (2017) ♦ Nathan Huber (2016) ♦ Griffin Pyle (2017) \r\nP AGE 5 SOCIALLY SPEAKING The Mu Chapter built off of its social strides from the previous spring semester, and enjoyed an action packed autumn. For starters, we had a social event with our neighbors Alpha Phi at Diego’s Mexican Bistro. The following week brothers dressed to impress in either their “Athletes or Mathletes” attire as we met Alpha Chi Omega at the same venue. One week later, we paired with Pi Beta Phi to rent out a party room at Segredo’s of Madison. A goal of ours heading into the semester was to have more events at 16 Langdon. We did so by hosting a number of parties and events. We had a Halloween party as well as a pajama themed party, a brotherhood Olympics event, and an acappella concert in which the UW Madhatters came to perform as part of our Rivalry Run efforts in raising funds for the American Red Cross. The highlight of the social calendar this semester was the addition of of two new events held at the house. The first, dubbed the FIJI Speakeasy, was a 1920’s themed date party. Phi Gams and their resplendent dates dressed in sparkling ‘20s attire and enjoyed each other’s company in an attempt to emulate the once thriving and thrilling lifestyle a select few Americans achieved in the roaring ‘20s. A few weeks later, the Fiji brothers hosted an ‘80s cover band known as the Usual Suspects. Friends from across campus came to rock out to some of the most classic ‘80s music in the great hall. There were even appearances from a handful of the Delta Gamma fathers in part of their Dad’s weekend. The fun was capped off Seniors at Formal Humorology Directors before the Kappa Formal the first weekend of December when FIJI and their invited dates went to Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, Illinois, for FIJI Winter Formal. While the brothers of the Mu Chapter had a fun time week in and week out, we continued to deepen our relationships inside and outside the Greek community. The brothers of Phi Gam look forward to carrying the momentum the Social Committee has created this fall. We are proud of the fact we see ourselves as one of the most outgoing, involved and inviting chapters on campus, while continuing to impress everyone we interact with as gentlemen. Halloween Attire Tailgating \r\nM U M UMBLES P AGE 6 FIJI FLASHBACK Spring 1977 Pledge Class Dave Reichert (1971) kissing the Pig as the youngest pledge in attendance at the 75th Anniversary Pig Dinner. 1966 Spring Cabinet: Bruce Voss (1967), William Clapp (1967), Greg Custer (1967), Phil Sobocinski (1967) and Robert Shearer (1968). (l to r) Gary Ross (1974) and Jenkin Jones (1933) were presented with citations for Distinguished and Exceptional Service to the Fraternity and Gary Nevermann (1980) proudly displayed the IFC Football Championship trophy. \r\nP AGE 7 LOST BROTHERS We currently do not have a valid address for the brothers listed below. If you know his address, please submit at www.phigam.org/AddressUpdate or send a quick email to address@phigam.org. Widney Lyon 1929 Robert L. Horneck 1952 Scott J. Johnson 1973 William C. Blaesing 1988 Robert B. McCormick 1930 William H. Gadow 1953 Dean W. Nelson 1973 James A. Hill 1988 Charles P. Clogher 1932 Richard A. Graf , MD 1953 Charles A. Armstrong 1974 Daniel Marcus 1988 Carl A. Schroeder 1932 Donald F. Lang 1953 James S. Johnson 1974 Francis M. Raia 1988 Whedon Slater 1932 Gosta H. Westring 1955 James J. Rubatt 1974 J. Timothy Graf , Jr. 1989 Orlando H. Murray 1933 Peter B. CoBabe 1956 Christopher Branson 1975 Christopher J. Hadley 1989 George C. Miller 1935 Robert M. Bartholomew 1957 Robert L. Wells 1975 Andrew M. Newcomer 1989 Don L. Davis , Jr. 1937 Ole S. Frederiksen 1957 Daniel J. Yagow 1975 Steven A. Birnhak 1990 James L. Jacobson 1937 Christopher Prebensen 1958 Peter J. Garratt 1976 Thaddeus B. Carlson 1990 John E. Anderson 1938 Robert C. Fivian 1959 James Long 1976 David H. Dugan 1990 George A. Dunlap 1939 Olcay Goksu 1959 P. Rockwood Calkins 1977 Paul C. Lague 1990 William J. Graham 1939 James P. Searls 1959 William F. Starck, II 1977 Matthew C. O'Brien 1990 Robert J. Stark 1939 John R. Wohlford 1959 Scott T. Speaker 1978 Michael J. O'Brien 1991 Douglas W. Barrett 1940 Audolfur Gunnarsson 1961 Alan M. Langdon 1979 George S. Polydoris 1991 Ralph M. Jones 1940 Charles S. Rehm 1961 Randy J. Villa 1979 Michael A. Barr 1992 Russell W. Brickham 1941 Henry V. Tease 1962 Kevin M. Cronin 1981 Stuart D. Ericson 1992 Harry W. Garrison 1941 Todd G. Boehm 1963 Jon C. Eberhardt 1981 Charles S. Karasik 1992 Donald V. Weber 1941 Thomas E. Iermiin 1963 Larry J. Marx 1981 J. Scott Swanke 1992 Henry A. Sehring 1942 Christian Kronman 1963 Jay R. Koeper 1982 Steven G. Adair 1993 Ray K. Smith 1942 Geoffrey A. Ross 1963 Robert C. Leffler 1982 Michael A. Buchianeri 1993 W. Page Anderson 1943 Robert O. Smail , Jr. 1963 James M. Stevens 1982 Kevin J. Joyce 1993 Roger T. Barr 1943 Jerome P. Westbeld 1964 William L. Cochran 1983 Boaz D. Rosenberg 1993 Warren G. Delaney 1944 Michael J. Bunch 1965 Charles T. Mudd 1983 Daniel M. Avila 1994 Malcolm L. McQuiston, II 1944 Milton R. Carr 1965 Grant J. Pierron, USN 1983 A. Andrew Crouppen 1994 John B. Gates 1946 Alfred Gunnterman , Jr. 1965 Michael R. Schemel 1983 Micheal J. Dressen 1994 Peter W. Olsen 1946 William H. Marling 1965 John T. Koeper 1984 Jason A. Hartig 1994 Robert J. Pierson, Jr. 1946 James R. Drake 1967 Brian S. Holtz 1985 Troy L. Barnett 1996 Sumner J. Rogers 1946 Daniel L. O'Neil 1967 John R. Wohlford 1985 Joseph A. Hirasawa 1996 Pryor E. Cosby 1948 E. John Voss, II 1967 Richard E. Adler 1986 John H. Jaeger 1996 Robert H. Ennis 1948 Roy M. Christianson 1968 James S. Coleman 1986 James E. Bitter, III 2010 Thomas C. Robbins , Jr. 1948 Arthur J. Davis , Jr. 1968 Thomas A. Dean , II 1986 Nicholas Calle 2010 Richard G. Gibson 1949 Patrick Moran 1968 Stefan H. Szybalski 1986 William A. Buecksler 2011 Robert A. Cooper 1950 Jon D. Aldrich 1969 Joseph J. McGinnis 1987 Derek J. Punches 2011 John G. Foyer 1950 Richard N. Bauch 1969 Christopher M. Miller 1987 Leo Warman 2012 Thomas A. Sterner 1950 Barry J. Theiler 1970 Scott A. Newcomer 1987 William A. Kramer 1951 William R. Cape 1972 Dean W. Tarrolly 1987 Robert B. McConnell, Sr. 1951 Theodore E. Rathert 1972 Eliseo E. Thorrens 1987 John E. Uhlenhopp 1951 Stephen M. Schmitt 1972 Paul C. Alberte 1988 John M. Elliff 1952 James N. Henderson, II 1973 Michael S. Anagnos 1988 \r\nPhi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Mu Mumbles is a biannual publication of the undergraduate members for the graduate members, parents, and friends of the Mu Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. All correspondence regarding this publication should be directed to Corresponding Secretary Dan Troutman at dan.troutman6@gmail.com. Contribute to 16 Langdon and the Mu Chapter Fund I want to give a donation of: $ _____ $ 250 $ 1,000 $ 100 $ 500 $ 50 I want to give a monthly donation (credit card only) of: $ _____ $ 100 $ 30 $ 10 Credit Card (circle type): Visa MasterCard Discover AMEX Donations can be made: - On-line: www.phigam.org/MuDonations - By phone: (859) 977-6314 - Send checks payable to Phi Gamma Delta – Mu Chapter to: __Mu Chapter Donations, 16 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53703 and include this form. Name____________________________________ Year__________ Address ________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________________________ CC number _________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________ Exp. 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