Spring 1995 BULLDOG FIJI a Vol. XXV i, No. 2 I I Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS Spring 1995 NEW ADDITION COMPLETE At long last, the goal ofadding on to the chapter house has been realized. Late tills spring, the addition opened three new rooms upstairs and a new chapter/party room downstairs. Tlie formal ceremony christening the new chapter room was held on May 1 with several graduates in attendance. Tlie downstairs room has already seived its social purpose when bad weather forced tJie band inside during the Saturday night party of Fiji Island, llianks to the addition, the party carried on well into tlie morning. Tlie undergraduate chapter is very appreciative of all the time and expense given by the graduates involved in making the dream a reality. \r\nPage 2 Spring 1995 BULLDOG FIJI OVERVIEW The Sigma Mu chapter has high goals set for 1995. With the transition of oflBcers in January, the cabinet dedded to move ahead with ideas to improve the fraternity and help things run more efficiently. Our first project was to overhaul the old committee system. We enacted a new notebook ^stem to keep records of projects and committee meetings iq)-to-date and organized. This will allow for a smoother transition of conmnttee heads each semester ance the incoming heads will have exan[q)les to follow. Community service got offto a solid start. We received materials from the highway department to GETTING ON-LINE Phi Gamma Delta has taken the initiative to move its communication with graduates to a new level with the implementation of a mailing list called 'Tijimailer." Fijimader is an e-mail address that acts as a hub for information sent via e-maiL Once you subscribe(at no personal cost), you will be able to send a message to Fijimailer, and it wiU in turn be distributed to everyone vriio has subscribed to it. Every time someone else sends a message to Fijimailer^ it will also be mailed to your e-mail.address. Fijimailer is a great new way to talk to the brothers you havent heard from in a wfrile and to connnunicate with the undergraduate chapter. We encourage you to subscribe as soon as begin our Adopt-a Highway campaign along Highway possible so we can keep up with new happenings in 82. The diapter is also involved in the Adopt-a-School program at Starkville area elementary schools. We are beginning to make preparations for our fourth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life in the fell. your lives, and you can be mfbrmed about \^frat is going on around here. We will be looking for corporate sponsors and donations to reach our goal for the upcoming school year. One of our major objectives for 1995 is to increase our graduate relations. Besides the newsletter, we plan to have a shorter update-type letter between issues. 1995 will be a better year for the chapter as we continue to improve all aspects of the fraternity and concentrate on staying ahead of the rest of the pack. More unportantly, we have set up an e-mail account called "Fiji." Send e-mail to this address that is not necessarily suited for every member on Fijimailer to see. An example would be a rush recommendation, or maybe a complaint or query. The e-mail address for "Fiji" is fiji@ra.msstate.edu. It should be noted that any mail sent to Fijunailer will be automatically sent to 'Tiji." To subscribe to Fijunailer, all you have to do is send an e-mail message to listproc@msstate.edu. Leave the subject heading blank. On the first line ofthe body ofthe message type the following line: We also look forward to the continuing increase of graduate support that is needed to compete with other chapters around the row. After all "FIJI is not for college days alone." Michael Richardson (ZM'97) Corresponding Secretary subscribe fijimailer Then just send the message and you should receive a welcome reply and instmctional listing in a matter of minutes. For example, in the body of my subscription I would enter the following line: subscribe fijimaUer Mark Dumas It's really pretty easy (yeah, right). We hope to hear from you soon. Mark E)umas(SM'94) \r\nPage 3 BULLDOG FIJI Spring 1995 BRICK CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW If you have already purchased an engraved brick, then I suggest that you check to make sure that your desired name is on my oflBcial list located on page 4; however, if you have not purchased a brick, I encomage you to read on. The house addition is complete, but we lack sufScient funds for a fence. The goal is to raise over $10,000 by selling engraved bricks that will be placed in the fence. For a mere $100 donation, your gift will benefit Phi Gamma Delta in many ways. Not only will your gift last a lifetime, but the whole fence will greatly enhance the exterior beauty of our home at Mississippi State University. The solid bricks will be engraved by hand and the letters on the bricks will be colored black. Some ofthe benefits ofbuying a brick for our fence are: • The brick will be placed in the fence which will enclose the backyard. • Your gift will last a lifetime. • The fence will prevent erosion because it will also serve as a retaining wall. • The fence will certainly tighten security. • A permanent fence will be university required as of Fall 1995. • We are the ONLY fraternity on the row that does not have a permanent fence. • Aren't we all sick ofthat unsightly cliicken wire? Any donation will be greatly appreciated. We have already raised over $5,000, which is outstanding. Finally, I want to thank all of you who have made any donation, whether it was $100 or some other amount. If you want to buy a brick(s), please fill out the order form below. Perge' Mark Dumas(LM'94) House Chairman Cut Here... There are two lines on each brick with a maximum of ten characters per line. Please clearly print your desired inscription on the provided blanks. Do NOT worry about centering your text (the engraver will do that automatically). Enclose your check made out to Mississippi Fijis for an amount equal to $100 dollars per brick. Top Row: Bottom Row: Mail To: Brick Campaign P.O. Drawer FN Your Name: Mississippi State, MS 39762 Your Phone Number: \r\nPage 4 Spring 1995 BULLDOG FUI BRICK CAMPAIGN DONORS The following names are the exact names that will be engraved as of May 12, 1995. Ifthere are any mistakes or desired changes, please e-mail me at fiji@ra.msstate.edu or fax me at(407)625-7666(I don't know what my summer phone will be as of yet, but this fax number will work). I want to thank all of you who have made a donation - every Sigma Mu appreciates it. Adcox, Paul Mattox, William Anthony, Marc McClellan, Mac Blary, David Melton, Frank Boles, Russell Mercer, Robb Branch, William Miller, Mack Brunson, Steve Mize, Thomas Burkett, Richard Mulholland, David Campbell, Jay Parks, John Clendenin, Eric Parrish, Dr. Bill Dietrich, Mike Prosser, Sidney Dumas, Mark Richardson, Jay Edwards, Steve Sandidge, Russell Ferguson, Scott Scroggins, Thomas Grady, David Siedell, Robert Howard, Bill Sledge, Robert Hunter, Mom Steward, Kyle Jordan, Ray Stoppel, Bill Keeier, Lent Watson, John Kimbrough, David Welch, Jerry Lindsey, Walter Winston, Mom Martina, John Mattox, Barbara Mattox, Ben Mattox, Claire Mattox, Lucille \r\nPage 5 Spring 1995 BULLDOG FUI NEW INITIATES The Fall '95 pledge class provided Sigma Mu with 18 quality members. These new initiates have already begun to cany on the Phi Gam tradition of leadersh^ and canq)us involvement in various clubs and organizations such as Road Runner and MSU cheerleaders. JeflfAltman Brian Averett Art Dobbs Joe Hatten David Heard Kevin Kramer Josh Lee Jason Lee Wiggins, MS Vicksburg, MS Tupelo, MS Gul^ort, MS Natchez, MS Piano, TX Biloxi, MS Biloxi, MS Johnny Olsen Tupelo, MS Montgomery, AL Pascagoula, MS Daniel Roberson Hemando, MS Ray Roessel Madison, WI Jackson, TN Hermanville, MS Ocean Springs, MS Robert Leech MikeOhlson Clint Scott Tyler Segrest Brett Smelley Jason Taylor Robert lliomton RUSH This summer we have planned two ru^ parties, one in Jackson and one in Menq)his. During M rush this year, it is hm)erative that we have a good pledge class since about ten seniors will graduate in December. If you know ofany high schooljuniors or seniors that meet the requirements of I%i Gamma Delta or if you can hel^ in any way, please contact me by phone(3231585), by mail P.O. Box 3554, or by the new e-mail system It would be eq)ecialfy he^fiil if anyone near Jackson can assist us on June 4-5 for the Jackson ru^ party, or anyone near Menqrhis can assist us on Jufy 48 for the Menqrhis rush party. Write to us if you just feel like stopping by these rush parties and you want a schedule ofevents. Scott Nelson(ZM'95) Rush Chairman SPRING PLEDGES Ocean Springs, MS Browns\^e,TN The newest pledge class in Sigma Mu features a wide range of personalities that make I%i Gamma Paul Riley(EM'95) Delta vshat it is different. Fall Rush Chairman commended for his diligent effort to seek out quality men to pledge FIJI. BLACK DIAMOND Black Diamond Formal's tradition ofgoing out oftown was rejuvenated on April 1st. Memphis was the location for this event. Tedious organization went into the formal, including an extended invitation to the Ole Miss Phi Gams. This joint eflfort reduced the cost of the band. Catfish Jenkins, and the cost of renting the Ramada Inn ballroom downtown. Before and after Scott Nelson is to be Jackson, MS Jason Bu^ Jason plays soccer for MSU Matt JoUit Tuscalousa, AL Matt will be a varsity cheerleader next year. Lee Jones Collierville, TN Lee,a sophomore, plays football and is currently a 2nd string DL. Gabe Mar^al Philadelphia, MS Gabe likes Ford over Chevy(He's obviously a pledge). the formal brothers enjoyed food, music, and drinks on Beale Street. We all look forward to next year's event. Doug Van Valkenburg(ZM'97) Pledge Education \r\nPage 6 Spring 1995 BULLDOG FIJI OUTSTANDING GRAB GRADUATE NEWS Recentty, graduate brother Bob Thunnan (SM'92) was recognized by the national media for redeagning Wilson's Ultra golf ball. Bob's accomplishment was published in the Wall Street Jourtial, USA Today, and Newsweek to name a few. Apparently, his new deagn of 500 dimples travels considerably further than conventional golf balls. Bob has excelled to become principal engineer of aerodynamics at the Hiunboh plant of Wilson Sporting Goods and one of only 15 golf ball aerodynamicists in the world. The name ofthe new golf ball is the Tour Balata 500, so wlien you take a swing at one of these new balls think of Bob. If you would like to get in touch with Bob, his address is 1000 Valley Road in Dyersburg, TN 38124. Roger Hiser (EM'92) and Beth Thomas were married in White House, Ohio in March. Beth was Chi Omega president while attending MSU. Stan Anthony(SM'95) Graduate Relations Chairman be married in Starkville on August 12th. Heather is a member ofChi Omega Sorority at MSU. LOST BROTHERS be married on June 10th. Susan is a member of Delta Paul Rushing (EM'93) and Becky Rudolph will be married at the Chapel of Memories in Starkville on December 2, 1995. Becky is a member of the Phi Mu Sorority from Mississippi State, and was a MSU Roadrunner. Walt Skupien (EM'95) and Sarah Williams will be married in Ocean Springs on December 16, 1995. Sarah was a MSU Pom Squad captain, as well as a member ofChi Omega Sorority. Rod Burch (EM'93) and Heather Watson will Wes Bowen (LM'94) and Susan Scruggs will Gamma at MSU. The following brothers have incomplete addresses in our database. Please let us know if you have information that can help us. Thank you. Robert Bigelow John Cravens Paul Decker John Galloway Martin Hawkins Mike Keougli John Mattox Ed McClendon Richard Mills Jr. John Moore Mel Parks Philip Posey Ken Stames Charles Thomas Jr. Stephen Trotter Terry Ward Justin McMUlan (IM'95) and Christy Hansfbrd will be married on February 24th in Pascagoida. Justin is currently serving as a Fireman there. Christy is a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority at MSU. \r\nPage 7 BULLDOG FUI Spring 1995 HURRICANE STRIKES FIJI ISLAND Fiji Island was held over the weekend of April 21-22, which was also Super Bulldog Weekend. For the second straight year it rained on Saturday; however, this time it RAINED. Those of us still awake at 5:00 band named Cowboy Mouth from Louisiana for Friday night. The band features a Louisiana style rock sound and a lead singer who is also the drummer (he sets his drum set right up front too). The band was A.M. Saturday morning remember when it started, for Friday night was the last time we awesome and so was the weather. would be able to relax in the huts. Despite the rain, Fiji Island was, as always, a blast. We anxiously awaited Fiji Island this the Dread Warriors out of Atlanta. year due to the completed house expansion, knowing it would bring a more enclosed feel to the island. More importantly, the island would no longer be in the front yard, much to the liking of many of our graduate brothers (last year it was held in front because of the house expansion construction). Preparations were diligently taken care of, such as getting trees from the refuge(by permission), drilling the post holes, scouting cane, and building a few extra stages. Paul Riley served well as the construction general. He designed a layout that included two huts positioned over the driveway (much to mom's dismay), which allowed maximum usage out of our backyard since our area was cut in half by the expansion. After it was all completed, we had built almost 700 square feet of huts, We were entertained the next day by This reggae band was musically perfect. Of course the rain fell without end all day, so we had to put both bands in the party room. The crawfish was rumored to have been o.k., but that's not my department. The Saturday night band was 4 A.M. - a band that plays nothing but all out rock, which some would classify as cheese. Needless to say, they rocked. The room stayed packed all night. I can only imagine what it could have been like had they been able to set up outside and use all of their equipment (they used about a fourth of the equipment they brought). After the band quit. Club Fiji went into effect as we kept the house system going till about 4 A.M. (which was then ended only because mom needed some sleep). Overall, Fiji Island was yet another knocked over one power line, broke three great time at the Fiji house. We had over thirty rushees in attendance, and I'm sure they had a good time too. You seem to hear chainsaws, evaded the court system, and all it every year from non-members that make a escaped injury. Construction was a bit visit to all of the parties around fraternity slower due to the rain in the few days prior to the island, but we were in the right frame of mind when Friday rolled around. The marriage ceremony went well. Paul Riley was crowned Fiji King (and he actually had a date). We had a well known row, and this year was no exception: "The Fiji house had the best party on the row." Mark Dumas(IM'94) Aged Member \r\nPage 8 BIG SCREEN ADDED What had been talked about for so long was finally realized when we decided to buy a big screen television for the den. The T.V., with VCR, adds much to the chapter house. We started off right by receiving the T.V. just in time for the superbowl, which ended up to be much less than exciting. Since then, the T.V. has been the location for many late night videos, WWF wrestling, Toughman Contests, Ultimate Fighting Challenges, MSU sports, and HBO. We also look forward to using the T V. for Formal Rush by showing a video instead of a slide-show. Due to the house expansion, our illegal cable network was discovered by the cable company hired to wire the new rooms. For years we only paid for one line (the housemother's), but it was spliced to all of the rooms throughout the house. Luckily, they decided not to charge back payments. Spring 1995 BULLDOG FIJI However, we will start paying for cable (basic package plus HBO)at about $15 per room per month. At least we can be guaranteed a good cable signal, not to mention that we will receive Cinemax on the big screen. GRADUATING PHI GAMS SHANE AGUIRRE SCOTT BONDS JASON EAKIN TRACY MARTIN BRAD RIGBY PAUL WATKJNS UPCOMING EVENTS Jackson Rush Party June 4-5 Memphis Rush Party July 4-8 Fall Rush Begins 1st Football Game (vs. Memphis) SIGMA MU CHAPTER FRATERNITY OF PEB GAMMA DELTA August 15 September 2 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Drawer FN Mississippi State, MS Mississippi State, MS 39762 Permit No. 25 William Martin III 3260 Carriage Lane Lexington, KY 40517