February 2015 UPCOMING EVENTS Norris Pig Dinner Friday, February 20 See details to the right Homecoming 2015 Date TBD Dozens of graduate brothers attended homecoming this past fall, which took place on Saturday, November 15, in conjunction with Parents’ Weekend. The house provided a band, barbecue, fried chick‑ en and plenty of other food. Stay tuned for an announce‑ ment about Homecoming 2015, which the undergradu‑ ates and house corporation are already planning. CHAPTER ADVISORS New Board of Chapter Advisors to Guide Our Chapter Led by Marvin Carver ’75, a group of seven graduate brothers has reinstituted the Board of Chapter Advisors, which advises the undergraduate chapter in a variety of areas. Since its reformation in August, the BCA has already held two productive meetings with the cabinets. PIG DINNER Ready for a New Spin on Pig Dinner? Give It a Try. Join Us on Friday, February 20! By Fields Pierce ’16, Corresponding Secretary If you ask UNC Phi Gams from any decade to think back to rush and try to recall what pitch they used on incoming freshmen, nearly all would say the closeness of the brothers of Phi Gam. It is in this context that we are excited to announce that the 2015 Pig Dinner will be a totally new spin on our classic tradition, making it a more fun and exciting atmosphere for everyone in attendance. Whether its good oysters, North Carolina barbeque or something to quench your thirst in the process, this year’s Pig Dinner is going to be a bit of a different flavor from years past. Throw out the suit and tie, and come ready to party with some of your closest friends in your casual attire. This year’s Pig Dinner will be held on Friday, February 20, at the Barn at Valhalla, located just a short drive from campus. Aren’t sold yet? Eric Montross is graciously serving as our guest speaker this year to talk about anything and everything Carolina basketball. Plan to arrive around 6:00 p.m. to get in on the first serving of oysters, hot out of the cooker. If you want more information, please Pig Dinner visit the event website at speaker, Eric www.phigampigdinner. Montross (credit: eventbrite.com. University of Whether it’s the North Carolina) food, the speaker or the camaraderie, this is one Pig Dinner you won’t want to miss. If you have any questions regarding logistics, directions, attire or anything else, please reach out to me at 910‑662‑4551 or rwpierce@unc.edu. ON THE WEB Find Us Online Stay updated on all Epsilon Phi Gam news at www.epsilonpgd.com. If you are missing our email communications, please email us at alumninews@affinityconnection. com to make sure we have your current contact information. The Epsilon Owl www.epsilonpgd.com 1 \r\nNEW MEMBERS MEET OUR CHAPTER PRESIDENT Epsilon Adds 11 New Members He May Be a Twin, but He is One of a Kind Congratulations to those 11 new members we initiated this past fall. Nearly half of them are legacies. Here is our introduction to them. Watch for more about them in the coming year. Samuel Moye Lilley Rocky Mount, N.C. ‑ son of Jim Lilley ’85 and brother of Paul Lilley ‘16 Thomas Clifford Jolley Rocky Mount, N.C. ‑ son of Frank Jolley ‘77 Caleb Hamilton Chambers Rocky Mount, N.C. Nicholas Peel Carrier Rocky Mount, N.C. James Slade Crumpton III Raleigh, N.C. John Carol Garrett III Raleigh, N.C. James Allen Austin IV High Point , N.C. John Matthew Dean Winston Salem , N.C. William McCrae Bost Concord, N.C. ‑ brother of Ben Bost ‘97 James Fredrick Murray IV Wilmington, N.C. ‑ son of James Murray ‘91 David Brown DuBose Greensboro, N.C. ‑ brother of Hill Dubose ‘12 2 Meet Chapter President Zach Aldridge ’16 No, you are not seeing things. Yes, there are two Aldridge boys on the UNC campus today who look quite a bit alike. While one chose to pledge Phi Delt, we are very pleased that one of them — Zach Aldridge ’16 — pledged Phi Gam and is now lead‑ ing our Epsilon undergraduate brothers as chapter president. What inspired this political science and Spanish major to pledge Phi Gam? “I pledged Phi Gam at UNC because the atmo‑ sphere at the house was different than any other house that I rushed in the sense that everyone was very closely bonded among class years,” Zach explains. “Coming from Eastern North Carolina served as a good foundation for really enjoying the culture around Phi Gam. All the people I looked up to in Greenville were Phi Gams at Carolina, and that’s something I wanted to be a part of.” Without Phi Gam, life would be very different for Zach. His experiences have taken him across the country to places like Washington, D.C., St. Louis and Indianapolis where he has represented Epsilon. These experiences have given him a chance to network with brothers across Phi Gam and have allowed him to grow as a student, person and leader in Phi Gam. As Zach reflects on those graduates who have influenced his direction, one stands out. “Brother Marvin Carver ’75 is an easy answer here. Not only has he encouraged and inspired me to do great things, he has made tremendous changes around the house and truly influenced the brothers to reach their greatest potential while having fun in college.” Faced with today’s challeng‑ es of leading a group of young men during a time when so many important social issues and obstacles need to be addressed, Zach has appreciation for the support he gets from his fellow Phi Gams. “Sometimes it’s tough to be the one that’s serious about everything, but all the brothers have made it easier to do this. As presi‑ dent, I have the opportunity to be an active member in the IFC, to communicate more frequently with members from all four Greek councils and to attend several conferences in cities near and far. I love being able to learn and grow while leading.” What does the future hold for Zach? Previously, he spent some time in Spain where he fell in love with the people, culture and women. He would like to return to Spain following graduation to attend law school. All our best to Zach. If you would like to reach out to Zach, you can email him at zachgaldridge@gmail.com. CHAPTER REPORT One of the Top Houses at UNC … Why? By Zach Aldridge ’16, Chapter President I am honored to be the newly elected president of and top chapters in the country. We not only are the Epsilon Chapter of Phi Gam. As a native of striving to dedicate our time to strengthening our Greenville, it is special to not only me but my fam‑ relationship with our philanthropic causes but also ily as well. encouraging academic achievement and university involvement. We are proud to boast three Morehead Joining me on the cabinet are Treasurer William Young of Wilmington, N.C.; Corresponding Secretary Scholars as well as members of many school orga‑ nizations such as the Daily Tar Heel, Honor Court Fields Pierce of Wilmington, N.C.; Recording and the IFC. Aside from Secretary Alex Peat of Kitty this, we have been named Hawk, N.C., and Historian Greek Week winners and Jake Joslin of Winston intramural champions. Salem, N.C. You will be hearing more from them in As you can see, there the coming months. are a lot of exciting things going on at Vance Hall. As a chapter, we are We look forward to work‑ looking to continue the ing with you all and as legacy that has been built always, Go Heels! over the years as one of A few snowy days this winter at Vance Hall. the top houses on campus www.epsilonpgd.com February 2015 \r\nALUMNI PROFILE 50 Cars & 7 Phi Gam Relatives … Quite a Life Our Conversation With Brother Dixie Greene ’48 Individuals who have been in fraternities all have unique experiences depending on what years they were involved in it. Current mem‑ bers have different experiences than those who were members 10 years ago, and those were divergent from 10 years before that. Have you ever wondered what fraternity life was like in the 1940s? Well, if so, you are in luck! We recently spoke with Dixie Greene ’48. Dixie has been involved in Phi Gam since his arrival on campus in 1945 — right at the end of World War II. We let Brother Greene take us back to those days when welcoming brothers back from war meant access to brothers who had seen the world and who immediately stepped in to lead the way for others. Describe what Phi Gam was like back in the 1940s. I was in the pledge class of 1945, the year the war ended. It was a wonderful time to be a youngster, begin my life at a the university and grow and mature as a person. While I have several fond memories of my time in Phi Gam, one of the fondest was being able to have “older brothers” help stabilize campus life and not become overwhelmed with it. Another great memory was when Phi Gam won “Best Singing Group” at the Valkyrie’s Competition at Chapel Hill two years in a row. Who would not be proud of that! I have many other memories, but in summary, I would not trade this experience for anything in the world! “One thing I wish for — like in the old days — is that young people had the chance to live the way we did.” What has been your greatest success in life? In my 87 years of living, one of my greatest successes was getting my father’s attention by being super energetic and doing a lot of things for our farms. Brother Greene, what inspired you to join Phi Gam? Before I joined Phi Gam, I had not considered joining a fraternity. I received a few offers from different chapters but never really considered it more than that. If it were not for my one hometown friend who was in the service, I would not have joined Phi Gam. I would have gone elsewhere. I could not be more proud to call myself a Phi Gam graduate! Do you have any regrets? If I had to go through life again, there are not many things I would change. I could not be more thankful for having magnificent parents and friends. One of my best friends — Bill Hedrick — came out of my years at Phi Gam, and I was proud to say that we stayed in contact for 50‑60 years after we left UNC. I am firm believer in the saying, “It is better to give than to receive.” Tell us about your family and life interests. I have traveled to Jerusalem two times. I have three sons that I love very much. Seven members of my family have the ability to claim the “Phi Gam graduate” title, which is something extraordinary. How often do you hear that? One of my favorite things is music, but I also love cars. As an employee of General Motors, I had approximately 50 cars, but I have never paid for any of them thanks to my job. Any closing thoughts? My life has been good to me. I am very proud to say that I attended 12 reunions, but I am sad to say there has not been one for the past two years. One thing I wish for — like in the old days — is that young people had the chance to live the way we did. There weren’t the intense pressures of life. We extend our thanks to Brother Greene for taking the time to share his life experiences with his. We are glad to have been given the chance to learn more about them. If you would like to share your story, please reach us at alumninews@affinityconnection.com. Please reference Phi Gamma Delta at UNC, and we’ll be sure to reach out to you. GRADUATE UPDATES The Boys of Summer … updates from a few of our graduate brothers in Florida. 11 great‑grandchildren. Life has been good to my family and me. Thomas L. Stockwell ’46 (Oviedo, FL) Advice to college self: Study more! Favorite Phi Gam tradition: The friendship and loyalty of my fellow FIJIs. What I miss most about being a student: The wonderful campus and a multitude of friends. Life update: At 88, I am still active and feel great. I have three children, six grandchildren and Edward Harvie Hill, Jr. ’64 (Boca Raton, FL) Advice to college self: Spend more time with brothers. Favorite Phi Gam tradition: The Epsilon Owl Closing of chapter meetings. What I miss most about being a student: The interaction with Phi Gam brothers and knowing I was part of a fraternity. Life update: Retired, teach part‑time and visit the house. I have not kept up as I would have liked. Send us an update to post on our website and in our next edition of the Epsilon Owl. Send your email to alumninews@affinityconnection. Reference Phi Gamma Delta at UNC. You may think, “Yeah, no one really wants to hear that stuff.” WRONG! www.epsilonpgd.com 3 \r\nFIRST CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID State College, Pa. Permit No. 2 Address Service Requested Ready for a new spin on the Norris Pig Dinner? 778‑201 REUNIONS Calling All Classes Ending in 5 and 0! This is a big reunion year for you. Let us know if we can help your class reunite and celebrate. If you are interested in planning a reunion, contact our alumni relations partners at alumninews@affinityconnection. com. We’ll help you get started. “In recent years [our] patch of grass out back has become our biggest claim to fame. It now serves as the ‘Appian Way’ from Big Court to Little, and is the one place you’ll find open‑house parties fall and spring with attendance reaching a thousand. That enclosed backyard we really didn’t want to begin with has turned into a well‑used crossroads for fraternity parties and travelers.” (credit: 1970 UNC Yackety Yak) PHILANTHROPY UPDATE “Mamma T” Named BBQ Champ as Epsilon Raises $5,000 for Fire Safety By Drayton Williams, Philanthropy Chair We are proud to continue our long‑standing tradition of supporting the Chapel Hill Fire Department and advocating for fire safety. In November, along with our co‑hosts, Tri Delt, we hosted the 11th Annual BBQ Cook‑Off, which benefitted the Chapel Hill Fire Department. Nine fraternities competed by submitting their own version of Carolina BBQ to the judges, who selected our cook, “Mamma T,” as the winner. Several community members came to the event, and we raised over $5,000 for the CHFD. We also held a benefit night at Al’s Burger Shack on Franklin Street, donating all of the money to the CHFD. Upcoming spring philanthropy events include a trip to Washington D.C., to advocate for fire safety legislation on Capitol Hill and events benefiting the Harper Williams fund and the Zebulon Vance Monument in Asheville. 778‑201 SN MH 4 www.epsilonpgd.com February 2015