TEXAS H FIJI The Longhorn Fiji–The University of Texas at Austin Established 1883 Fall 2015 BCA Looks Ahead to an Exceptional Year at Buen Retiro I am pleased to announce that Texas Fiji has completed another successful recruitment season and welcomed 53 new members. Striving for geographic diversity, we recruited top men from 16 cities and towns in five states. Everyone involved should be extremely proud. We especially appreciate the alumni who contributed almost $50,000 to the recruitment fund. This new member class complements our already outstanding Chapter. Soon after school began, the new pledge class and active members gathered for a workday to help spruce up Buen Retiro; a great way to get to know each other and give back to the house we all love. The active Chapter looks forward to its second year inside the newly constructed new addition. Buen Fiesta houses 22 additional junior brothers, as well a majority of our events, which takes significant traffic and pressure off Buen Retiro. Plans are being finalized for phase two of a muchneeded remodel and facelift of Buen Retiro to start this summer. Last summer, the roof and fire escape were completed. Over the last several years, the Board of Chapter Advisors has emphasized a revamped new member orientation program and has encouraged increased focus on Fiji rituals, philanthropy, and a stronger bond throughout the Chapter. The BCA will continue to advise the Chapter in areas such as hazing, alcohol awareness, and scholarship. We are thankful for Purple Legionnaire Parker Brody PC ’08 and the involvement of the new staff in assisting the cabinet and pledge educators. At the most recent BCA meeting, we were joined by Bill Martin, Mississippi State ’75, Executive Director of Phi Gamma Delta International. His wisdom and experience are invaluable. Earlier this fall, the entire Chapter pitched in for a workday to improve the grounds at Buen Retiro. This was a perfect way for our newest members to bond with more established Fijis and come to appreciate their new home. Prior to our meeting, I accompanied Bill to a roundtable with key members of the Dean of Students Office. Over the last several years, the Chapter, staff, and advisors have forged an important relationship with the Dean of Students Office and the International Fraternity. It is a tough environment for fraternities in general, but I am honored to report Tau Deuteron continues to be in good standing with both organizations and the community at large. As for the Chapter efforts to strengthen communication with parents of members, voice messaging and e-mail updates/notices are distributed periodically. Alumni are encouraged to review the newsletter and utilize www.texasfiji.com for updates and important upcoming dates. Home game tailgate gatherings at Buen Retiro continue to be a success. They begin two hours before each home game (however, no tailgates before 11 a.m. games or Thanksgiving). The increase in attendance at these events is a testament to the strengthening connection between the Chapter and alumni. I hope all parents will be able to join us for Parents’ Weekend November 6-7, which is also Homecoming Weekend. Texas Fiji is stronger than ever due in large part to your support. Thank you! We hope to see you back in Austin soon. GTBO, Tom Shirley PC ’78 BCA President tom@tomwshirley.com Visit www.texasfiji.com for all things Texas Fiji! \r\nHMeet Texas Fiji’s New Page 2 Phi Gamma Delta J Chapter Coordinator 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 Visit www.texasfiji.com for all things Texas Fiji! \r\nTexas Fiji Page 3 Texas Fiji members celebrate the annual Texas/OU weekend. H The 2013 junior class on the annual Big Bend canoe trip. Texas Fiji Recruits 53 New Members and Earns Impressive GPA PHILANTHROPY REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY M y name is Walker Shirley, and it is my great pleasure to greet you as the current president of the Tau Deuteron Chapter. First and foremost, I want to thank last year’s president, Andrew Campbell PC ’12, for all of his support and all the great work he did. As I begin my journey leading the Chapter, I would like to update everyone on the recent recruitment, academic, and philanthropic accomplishments of the Chapter. This year, our Chapter continues our emphasis on philanthropy, not only for the immediate Austin community, but also for national organizations. As a Chapter, we were able to raise more than $5,000 for United Service Organizations during a benefit event held during the summer. It was remarkable to see the impact that a few members made to help those less fortunate for one of our national charities. The 2013 class retreat occurred this summer. FIJI BROTHERHOOD GROWS Our recruitment captains had another successful summer with the addition of 53 new members. After having the opportunity to meet each one of them, I am reminded that our members are the reason why we continue to be the top Chapter on campus year after year. GPA REFLECTS CHAPTER’S DEDICATION In addition, last semester Fiji earned a GPA of 3.22. I attribute this success to the hard work and dedication of each of our members. They work together to encourage each other and push each other to accomplish our goals. I am excited for what the year has in store. Texas Fiji has given me so much and I look forward to serving this great place so that we can thrive for decades to come. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s continued support. Fraternally, Walker Shirley PC ’13 Chapter President thomaswshirley@gmail.com Perge! Not for College Days Alone Extra Mile Campaign: to Benefit Buen Retiro T he campaign is drawing to a close. As you know, the campaign has been a tremendous success. More than $5.6 million has been raised from more than 800 donors. As you can plainly see in this newsletter, the effects of the new addition are already being felt at Tau Deuteron. Rental income and outstanding pledges will retire the balance of the construction loan debt over the next few years. This campaign has raised the most money of any chapter of any fraternity ever without a $1 million lead gift. When the campaign is complete, it will have raised the third-highest amount of money of any chapter of any fraternity ever, will have more donors than any chapter of any fraternity ever, will have the second-highest percentage of donors of any chapter of any fraternity ever, and the highest percentage of donors ever among large fraternity chapters. Based on the success of the campaign, it was decided to raise an additional $1.2 million to fund the balance of the much-needed capital improvements to Buen Retiro. Consequently, the Extra Mile campaign is ongoing through the end of this year. If we raise an additional $1.2 million from at least 200 donors, we will be able to replace the siding, windows, and floors in Buen Retiro, and enlarge the Chapter room. The new roof and new fire escape are complete, so the balance of the work can begin as soon as the balance of donor commitments are made over the next few months. All commitments of $2,500 or more will get name recognition on the donor wall that is currently being finalized. Commitments of $25,000 or more will be 50% tax deductible and increased gifts over $25,000 will be 100% tax deductible. Thank you all for your dedication to Tau Deuteron. Because of your support, we are members of one of America’s great fraternity chapters and are leaving an outstanding legacy to our sons, grandsons, and other exceptional young men. Hook ’Em and GTBO, Campaign Chairmen Bobby Orr PC ’75 (832) 428-8595 / borr@orrinc.com Kevin R. Snodgrass PC ’78 (713) 254-1315 / kevin.snodgrass@cushwake.com \r\nWelcome, New Members James Albritton Andalusia, Ala. Austin Delarosa Dallas, Texas Omar Barakat Amarillo, Texas Sam Dockery Dallas, Texas Cooper Barnes Birmingham, Ala. Patrick Dowell Austin, Texas Sam Barre Corpus Christi, Texas Griffin Doyle Houston, Texas Alex Beckham* Abilene, Texas Charlie EikenbergL Dallas, Texas Jack Britton Houston, Texas Gordon Ellis Greenwood Village, Colo. Britton Burr* Houston, Texas Kyle CampbellL Dallas, Texas Ford Campbell* Austin, Texas John CoffmanL Dallas, Texas TEXAS H FIJI Phi Gamma Delta Buen Retiro Committee P.O. Box 4769 Austin, TX 78765 Address Service Requested Michael Fletcher Dallas, Texas Lewis Grimes*L Midland, Texas Max HartL Atlanta, Ga. JOIN TEXAS FIJI FOR PARENTS’ WEEKEND AND HOMECOMING ON NOVEMBER 7—The tailgate gathering Luke Hendry Boerne, Texas at Buen Retiro will begin at 5 p.m.; kickoff is at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there! Jack Herbert Atlanta, Ga. Scott Hurwitz Houston, Texas John Mansour Austin, Texas Greer McDowell Fort Worth, Texas Phillip Renaud* Midland, Texas Charles Highum Denver, Colo. Chris JacksonL San Antonio, Texas Jimmy McCartney Houston, Texas Jake McMillon Abilene, Texas Robert Schenken San Antonio, Texas Christopher Holmes Austin, Texas Robert Larkin Houston, Texas Gavin McClure Dallas, Texas Will McNulty Houston, Texas Scott SchulteL Kerrville, Texas Tucker Monsour Longview, Texas Grant Sechler San Antonio, Texas Harrison Moore Dallas, Texas Austin Shirley*L Dallas, Texas William Morgan Allen, Texas Hayden SielingL Dallas, Texas James Nakfoor Jr.* Houston, Texas Thomas Sowell* Houston, Texas Mitchell Nichols Jr. San Antonio, Texas David Terral New Orleans, La. his fall, we are excited to welcome 53 outstanding new members. This incoming pledge class brings together young men from 16 different cities across five states, and is made up of remarkable high school scholars and athletes. This fall’s class boasts a 3.74 high school GPA, three valedictorians, two salutatorians, seven state champion athletes, 26 varsity team captains across 11 sports, five high school class presidents, and 16 student organization presidents. Travis Ola Houston, Texas Marshall ThurmondL San Antonio, Texas AJ PetersL Houston, Texas Cameron WestL Houston, Texas As we bring in this new pledge class, we are excited to help these already accomplished young men continue their pattern of success at the University of Texas. We have no doubt that these 53 new members will represent our Chapter well and will preserve the reputation that each one of you helped build. Matthew Rasmussen*L Midland, Texas Winston Collins* Austin, Texas Richard Comeaux*L San Antonio, Texas Reagan Cooke Abilene, Texas T L *Legacy Little Brother