We Theta "^iji • Avfci/^ofw Published by Theta Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Alabama TUSCALOOSA,ALABAMA FALL 1997 BOARD OF ADVISORS NEEDS YOUR HELP The Board of Chapter Advisors, which has been extinct for many years, is having a revival in 1997 and needs your help to get off the ground. The board's purpose is to guide the under graduate committee chairpersons. The EGA and House Corporation are V i'.S completely different. Although they act in concert, the House Corporation only deals with the financial concerns of the chapter, not the everyday busi ness. Advisors for the following com mittees are needed: scholarship, rush, graduate development, philanthropy, finances and risk management. As you know, every year brings about a 100 percent turnover in all of the council and committee positions. The EGA is there to make the transitions run smoothly by answering any questions. The six board positions and the head of the board need desperately to be filled by those graduate brothers who want to help the chapter succeed. If you have any questions regarding the EGA or would like to contribute your time and knowledge for the benefit of Theta, please write or call me. President fVes Winslett Christmas Party 1996 Alumnus Remains Involved with Phi Gamma Delta Ernest L. Deal Jr. '52 is chairman of Frost National Bank. He is south asked to join the board of trustees, representing 'new blood.' "I've met some fine associates and P.O. Box 11039 west regional chairman (eight states) Tuscaloosa, AL 35486 for USOC and serves on the board of have enjoyed working with the under (205) 347-6715 M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He is a trustee of The Kinkaid School of Houston and has been ac graduates. "I served on the Phi Gamma Delta Board of Trustees from 1990-96. In Community Service at Theta Chapter tive with the Boy Scouts of America, 1996,1 was elected to the board ofthe Houston Chamber of Commerce and Texas Bankers Association. He is di Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foun The brothers of Theta Chapter of rector of Houston Tmst Company and Ernie and his wife, Mary Louise (OM), have four grown children, Terry, Sarah, Matt and Jennifer. He enjoys boating, travel, golf, water-skiing, reading and managing personal investments in his spare time. You can catch up with this brother at 5903 Saratoga Cove, Austin, TX Phi Gamma Delta proved more than willing to give their time and effort to many organizations over the course of the 1996-97 school year. The annual Christmas party with second graders from Martin Luther King Elementary United Medical in Houston. Ernie is a member ofHouston Coun try Club, Austin Country Club, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Hon orary and Delta Sigma Pi Business School has become a special event that Fraternity. He writes, "I was not active in the (Continued on page 2) fraternityfrom 1952-89. In 1989,1 was dationfor afour-year term." 78746. \r\nPage 2 THE THETA FIJI Fall 1997 Leadership 2000 Recruitment After many probations,suspensions and fines, the archons at Phi Gamma Delta International Headquarters have decided that by July 2000, all chapter houses will be substance free. Nationals feels that at the root of all the problems is alcohol. Leadership 2000, as it is termed, is a plan that follows Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Nu substance free policies. On many points, we at Theta agree lowed to consume alcohol. For example, at Homecoming weekend, it is a tradition here to set up a tent in the front yard for all the undergraduate and graduate brothers to have a few drinks before the game. This, under policy, would be forbidden. We also believe that msh would be hurt badly, We need your help so Leadership 2000 is not passed in Lexington. If you would like to have some input, please with the Archonate, but we also feel write to Nationals or Wes Winslett via that complete elimination of alcohol is too extreme. The policy states that regardless of age, no one will be al- P.O. Box 11039, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486. Thank-you for your concern and dedication to Theta. Theta Chapter Officers Let us introduce to you the officers currently serving Theta Chapter. First, President Wes Winslett is a biology major from Pensacola, FL. Treasurer Trent 1997 This year's recruitment process has brought forth a completely new phi losophy. In the past, the Theta Chapter has focused primarily on pledging as many men as possible. Ranging from 25-32 men over the past year, we have not concentrated on pledging quality men. By not pledging quality fresh men, we have witnessed a drastic de creased in numbers. Many men have not remained active in the fraternity for numerous reasons. This year saw a completely different approach. Get ting the highest numbers, which was our focus in the past, was the least of our priorities. We concentrated on the grades and overall character of the freshmen. Of the 19 men we have pledged,two are Presidential Scholars Benitone of Memphis, TN, is a restaurant management student. Recording Secretary Ryan Martin is a native of Birmingham, AL, and he is an accounting major. Corresponding Secretary Robert Ireland comes from right here in confident that these men will be very Tuscaloosa, and he majors in English. Finally, Historian Chad Medders is a biomolecular engineering student from Anniston, AL. ing years. As our recruitment process Thanks and Good-Bye to Pat Smith Every past and present member of Theta Chapter needs to give a pat on the back and a special thank-you to He has come to be a friend of all ofus. Pat has been one of the most active and loyal alumni for us at Theta. He retiring House Corporation President leaves big shoes to fill for the next Pat Smith '74. He has served on the House Corporation for the past 12 years and as president for the last five. president, Brian Woodkel '88. Weappredate your help, Pat, and hope to have as good a relationship with Brian. THETA COMMUNITY SERVICE (Continuedfrom page 1) we look forward to as niuch as the , r . WelCOffie InitlUteS Gulf Shores, AL kids. Along with several ladies from ^ , Kappa Kappa Gamma, we provided t-. • i t i Daniel Jack gifts for mire than 60 children. We also hosted an ice cream party at the Geoffry D.llard gilly Shaw house for the kids and donated time to n- a • * at Anniston, AL u at Birminghanr, AL Tuscaloosa, AL Pensacola, FL help organize the Great Alabama Wing Atlanta, GA Duck Race. This is an event that raises Damon Boiles money for the Boys and Girls Club of Tuscaloosa. We as a house, got to- Scott Sasser Bo Bailey Huntsville, AL Huntsville, AL gether with a couple of other fratemi- Leigh Warr Alexander City, AL ties to throw a benefit concert for the Children's Home of Tuscaloosa. Theta Wes Plaxco Rhette Loveman Chapter brothers were gracious gentlemen in giving back to the Tuscaloosa Todd Lowther Wiley Wood Birmingham, AL Roanoake, AL community. Bryan Thames Huntsville, AL Memphis, TN Huntsville, AL Gadsen, AL and one is a Bryant Scholar. We feel beneficial to our chapter in the com continues throughout the year, we are always appreciative for any recom mendations we can receive. Please send recommendations for next year's rush to P.O. Box 11039, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486. Thank-you! Here is a list of the 1997-98 pledge class: Scott Hunter Birmingham, AL Keith Arendall Birmingham, AL Jarrod Holt Birmingham, AL Michael Caoey Birmingham, AL John Warnock Birmingham, AL Mark Balinger Birmingham, AL Chip Davis Birmingham, AL Heath Beddingfield.... Huntsville, AL Jason Johnson Huntsville, AL Chad Klutts Sylacauga, AL John Lehman Wes Sutton Huntsville, AL Gadsen, AL Matt Campbell Huntsville, AL Bill Johnson Brandon Morris Chad Baswell Huntsville, AL Pensacola, FL Anniston, AL Jim Holtcamp Huntsville, AL Bo Broadfoot Valdosta, GA Gavin Comstock .. Virginia Beach, VA \r\nFall 1997 Page 3 THE THETA FIH Theta Chapter Graduates Send News Jonathan W."Wonton" Perkinson '93 is a sales associate at Coral Indus tries, a shower door/tub enclosure manufacturer. He writes of his Fiji ex perience, "Imet and have kept in touch with a group ofguys who will remain close to me for the rest of my life. I would not trade my Theta experiences for anything in the world."When he's not on the golf course, you can find Wonton at his new address, 37 Alta Vista, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. which would never have developed otherwise—a lasting memory."Share college memories with him at 422 San Pedro Dr., Lady Lake, FL 32159. H.Mallory Privett Jr.'58 is a retired developer ofaircraft engines at Pratt & Whitney. He is general chairman of PGA Seniors Championship. Mallory has three grown children, Mai, Dave and Robert,and five grandchildren. He writes, "The friends that I made at Theta have lasted a lifetime. Philip A. McDaniel III '39 writes, "I "I married 'Boo' Pritchett on No was withdrawn from the University ofAlabama and later was admitted to vember 30, 1996. We dated when we were both at Alabama, then resumed The Citadel in Charleston, SC, where I our romance in 1995 after 37years." Congratulate the newlyweds at their new address, 105 Monterey Pointe Dr., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. graduated in 1942.1spentseven years in the Army, 10 years with a local newspaper and 24 years with the US Small Business Administration as an employee relations officer. Iretired in 1973 and moved to the Villages ofLake Sumter in Lady Lake, FL, in 1996."He and his wife, Dorothy, have a grown daughter, Phyllis. Phil enjoys music, bridge and reading. He comments on his fraternity years, "Contrary to most opinions, 1 found that the experience ofhell week created a bond with fellow pledges a former'Bama Contact volunteer and a member of The Country Club of Birmingham and The Club. Golf, fishing, hunting and coaching youth basketball are among his special interests. Alan and his wife, Nancy (ATA), have three children. Drew, 12, Laraine, 10, and Leah, 8. He writes, "Drew was recently honored as the Elizabeth Howard OutstandingStudent recipient for the year 1995-96 at Crestline Elementary School and is a ranked tennis player in the state of Alabama. I enjoy coaching all of my children and others in basketball and have done sofor seven years." Of his Fiji experience, he writes, "It helped prepare mefor the business world at a young age and taught me the importance of living a wellbalanced life. The pledge brothers and Thomas L. Grant '90 is a currency trader and resident vice president of Citibank. Tommy lives at 1845 S. Hull St., Montgomery, AL 36104. friends who were part of Theta then Alan E. Watson '78 is president of First Protective Insurance Group and Eugene A. Moore Jr.'59 is a retired Protective Benefits Communication, US government agency. He writes, "I am enjoying retirement. 1saw Brother Leland Howard recently and it was a real treat. MaybeI will get to see some ofyou whom I haven't seen in over 35 years. Ifinally got my youngest out of Inc. He is a fundraiser for UAB Com prehensive Cancer Treatment Center, arefriends today and will befor life." Drop him a line at 31 Country Club Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35213. director ofquality assurance at GSA,a college in December '96—yahoo!I'm lookingforward to my first cruise in November.Happiness andgood health il to all ofyou!" He and his wife, Sada (Brescia), an administrative assistant, I have three grown children, Catherine, Charlotte and Eugene 111. Gene enjoys golfand travel and is planning to move out of the Washington, DC, area next year. Until then, his address is 11834 Clara Way,Fairfax Station,VA 22039. The Theta Fiji is published by the\ men of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Alabama for members and friends. Graduate news items, photographs and change ofaddress notices should be sent to Theta Chapter Active Ben Lacy V (right) with his Phi Gam grandfather, Ben Lacy III, and father,Ben Lacy IV(Ben Lacy IV attended Emory University in Atlanta. He wanted to pledge Fiji, but there was not a chapter at Emory at that time.) of Phi Gamma Delta, c/o Newsletter Program Headquarters, P.O. Box 7311, VMacon, GA 31209-7311. \r\nAre You Coming to Homecoming? Much ballyhoo is heard from cam puses coast to coast with the annual arrival of the fall term, and the Uni versity of Alabama is certainly not to be an exception in this case. Graduates and collegians alike offer tremendous support to our Crim son Tide, and everyone enjoys the opportunity to gather presented by the Homecoming game. This year. Homecoming takes place on November 1, 1997, when the Crim with brothers. Whenever the Crimson Tide take John Soule '75 heavily in the air. To help you plan Warrington, FL 32507 get-togethers (whether in Tuscaloosa or nearer your hometown), we have Michael McFerrin Jr.'89 included the upcoming football sched ule. If you are coming to the Univer 3252 Massey Rd. Memphis, TN 38119 sity of Alabama, though, be sure to stop by the chapter house and visit with your collegiate brothers! John "Jay" Malcolm Laney III '90 '97 Alabama offering your support as our "crimson Football moment to call a brother whom you haven't spoken with in some time and make plans to meet in Tuscaloosa at the house for this weekend stuffed full with activities. If you need information or any help getting in touch with a former class mate, please feel free to contact us via the chapter address: Phi Gamma Delta, P.O. Drawer AN, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486. Homecoming need not be the only time you set aside to get together Address Updates on a gridiron rival, you can rest as sured that excitement is hanging son Tide takes on the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech. We hope that each of you will make an effort to be on hand, and white" wave makes its way to ward the end zone (repeatedly!). We also hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity pre sented by this annual game. Take a Graduate 435 Creary St. 369 Chuckwood Memphis, TN 38117 David E. Platt Jr.'66 21 Ashley Dr. Mobile, AL 36608 HOUSTON AUG.30... J. Richard Teel '71 Sept. 11 SEPT. 20.. at Vanderbuilt 261 Smokerise Tr. ARKANSAS Peachtree City, GA 30269 SEPT. 27......SOUTHERN MISS at Kentucky Oct. 4 TENNESSEE OCT. IS ... at Ole Miss Oct. 25 NOV. 1 .. LOUISIANA TECH NOV.8 LSU NOV. 15 ... MISS STATE at Auburiy iJMov. 22 Travis L. Hudson II '76 1051 Country Club Rd. .lasper, AL 35503 Walter Matthews '59 276 Hazelwood Ln. Florence, AL 35630 John H. Schoppert '61 2517 Country Club Cir. Birmingham, AL 35223 Graduate Assistance Ensures Best Rush Results While much can be said about the Fiji Rushee Recommendation recent advancements made in nearly every facet of fraternity and campus life for Theta Chapter, there is a par ticular facet about which enough can Age Name. Home Address never be said. The chapter's rush chairmen have been doing an excellent job locating School Address, Phone: School Home and pledging the best young men at the University of Alabama, but there is always room for improvement. The best improvement any of the brothers can come up with is more interaction Classification _ Major Comments by our graduates in the rush process— namely, recommendations. If you know of young men who are or will be attending Alabama—and whom you would be proud to call brothers—please take a moment to get the information to us. With your in put, we will be ensured of top rush results for years to come. Your Name and Address Mail to Phi Gamma Delta,P.O. Drawer AN,Tuscaloosa, AL 35486. Please do not send to Newsletter Program Headquarters. Thanks!