April 2006 EPSILON OF PHI GAMMA DELTA, INC. BOARD MEMBERS President David H. Batten ’79 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-828-1500 DHB@cshlaw.com Treasurer Charles E. Bell III ’91 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-877-2438 Charles.e.belliii@smithbarney.com Fund-Raising Chairmen George T. Barnes ’92 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-459-2601 gbarnes@vanguardpg.com Laurence B. Maddison III ’92 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-821-5482 Lbm3@bellsouth.com Paul C. McCoy ’98 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-981-0191 paulmccoy@lewis-roberts.com House Maintenance Chairmen Lindsay F. Sewell ’98 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-573-5513 lsewell@trammellcrow.com John Hughes ’66 Chapel Hill, NC (W) 919-933-9959 jhughes@vistatm.com Graduate Communications Chairman W. Holton Wilkerson Jr. ’00 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-815-8365 hwilkerson@arborequity.com Undergraduate Communications Chairmen Tom Darden ’02 Raleigh, NC (W) 919-532-0435 Mike Brown ’04 (C) 919-672-1689 Mike.Brown2@Pulte.com Spring 2006 House Corporation Reports on Changes to Financial Services to Improve Tracking and Reporting and Fund Raising Events New Accounts Offer Better Monitoring of Finances, Easier Payments, and Custom Tracking By Charles E. Bell III ’91 We have now engaged Omega Financial to coordinate billing. The Undergraduate Treasurer and House Corporation can better monitor accounts receivable with web tracking, and parents can pay however they like. The funds are wired separately to the undergraduates and the House Corp, which increases payment speed by 100%. The House Corp. changed the undergraduate’s bank account to a local business banking account that is tied to Quickbooks® software. The new account allows better tracking and comparison Review of Pledge Rules Help Graduate Brothers Remember Past and Enjoy a Bit of Nostalgia from Their Pledge Days By Holton Wilkerson ’00, Graduate Communications Chairman Have you ever found yourself in a social situation where a group of grown men suddenly began to shout out the entire Greek alphabet? Or had someone hurriedly announce the entire Persistence quotation from Calvin Coolidge? The Pledge Rules are one of the first memories of an Epsilon pledge and also one of the more enduring and nostalgic pieces of our storied history. I figured this would be fun to include in of expenses, customized reporting, and monitoring of cash flow. This will improve the undergraduate’s financial management and our monitoring of their finances. The Fall Gala raised nearly $20,000 for B.T.’s retirement, which purchased a 10-year immediate annuity for him. The Roth IRA that House Corp. had funded is at about $13,500. Tom Darden ’02 has been spearheading this effort; please call him at 919-532-0435 if you want to help. We also are building a college scholarship for B.T.’s daughter, see page 3 for details. A local fraternity chapter and its home should never be taken for granted. The pig dinner was a roaring success! It is hard to beat the Angus Barn and Phi Gamma Delta graduate brothers for a good time. If you haven’t attended in a while, please grab some of your brothers and come next year. I’d like to thank those who helped to get Vance Hall on sound footing. A local fraternity chapter and its home should never be taken for granted. this issue and hope you all enjoy this “blast from the past.” Pledge Rules 1. Be a Phi Gam and a gentleman at all times. 2. Come by the house daily. 3. Pick up trash in and around the house. 4. Answer the phone in three rings or less saying “Phi Gam.” 5. Help social chairman before and after all mixers. 6. Serve table twice a week. 7. Come to workday. 8. Read bulletin boards daily. 9. Put mail in mailboxes. 10. Get books signed off. Persistence “Nothing in the world takes the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. (Continued on Page 3) The Epsilon Owl Visit us on the web! www.epsilonpgd.com 1 \r\nGET TO KNOW YOUR PHI GAM GRADUATE BROTHERS The Owl Interviews Governor of North Carolina, Michael Easley ’72, About the Influence of Phi Gamma Delta on His Life and His Goals for the Future Why did you join the fraternity? During my junior year, I did not have a campus meal plan and my cooking skills were limited to the microwave and frozen dishes. Some of my friends, who were brothers in the fraternity, would take me along to the house for meals. I soon discovered that it was logical for me to join since I was already spending a lot of time there, and I would not have to suffer through my own cooking. I also had a lot of fun hanging out in the Fiji house. What was your favorite memory of the fraternity? I enjoyed all of my days in the fraternity, but most of my favorite memories were when my brothers and I took road trips on the weekends or on school holidays. But, With whom do you stay in contact? I stay in contact with most of my fraternity brothers. I work with some of my brothers in various professional capacities and sometimes visit others on holidays. What kind of influence has this had on your life? I gained many great, long-lasting friendships during my time in the fraternity. I treasure the guidance, support and laughter these friendships have provided, and I can only hope that these friendships will continue for many more years to come. UNDERGRADUATE REPORT Chapter Committed to Academic Excellence and Fire Safety, Proven by High GPA and Zero Infractions to the Life-Safety and Fire Codes Fall Undergraduate GPA for Chapter at 3.067, Higher than AllFraternity Average The undergraduate chapter had yet another impressive academic semester last fall. The undergraduate fall grade point average (GPA) was 3.067, which was higher than both the all-fraternity average and the all-men average. Cumulatively, the undergraduate GPA stands at 3.019. Major contributors to such an outstanding GPA were the 13 brothers who made Dean’s List. The fall semester proved that the undergraduate brothers are committed to being the best fraternity on campus in every respect. The Office of Greek Affairs monitors fire- CHAPTER COMMUNITY SERVICE Phi Gamma Delta Involved in Community Service During Spring Semester: Scholarship and American Red Cross Fund Raising, and Blood Drive Unified Efforts with Sororities Help to Increase Fund Raising We have several community service events planned for the spring semester: We are hosting the 2nd annual Harper Williams Memorial Fund Benefit on March 29 to raise money for the existing scholarship fund that was established last year. The Dan 2 Plowden Band will play at La Residence. The goal is to surpass last year’s total of $3000. The event is truly a unified effort among several fraternities and sororities to benefit this very important cause. We also are hosting the 2nd annual Visit us on the web! www.epsilonpgd.com Tell us about your family. I have been married to my wife, Mary, for 26 years. She is the senior lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at N.C. State University. Mary and I have one child, Michael Jr., who is a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. What do you do for a living? I am currently serving my second term as Governor of North Carolina. What hobbies do you enjoy? In my free time, I enjoy woodworking, sailing and hunting. What are your goals for the next few years? My strategy as Governor has always been simple and it will remain the same in the coming years: get education up and keep business costs down. I believe strongly that those states who invest in the skill, knowledge and talent of its people will succeed in the future. code violations and life-safety violations for each fraternity. The undergraduates are proud to announce that zero infractions occurred in “The fall semester proved that the undergraduate brothers are committed to being the best fraternity on campus in every respect.” either category, compared to the average of 3.2 in other houses. The commitment to the well-being of all undergraduate brothers with an emphasis on impeccable fire-safety is a serious priority of every man in the house. Heart Strings Concert on April 21 to benefit the American Red Cross. Several local bluegrass bands will play one afternoon at Pantana Bob’s to help raise money. This is in conjunction with Alpha Delta Pi sorority. It is something that has been in place for a long time but we really have been the frontrunners in making it a big deal at University of North Carolina. Finally, we are in the process of organizing a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross, which will be held either this spring or in the fall, 2006. April 2006 \r\nReview of Pledge Rules... (Continued from Page 1) Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge Phi Gamma Delta Amherst College, 1894 Fraternity “An association of men selected in their college days by democratic processes because of their adherence to common goals and aspirations.” Newton D. Baker Dixie Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton, old times there are not forgotten; Look Away! Look Away! Look Away! Dixieland! In Dixieland where I was born early on a frosty morn; Look Away! Look Away! Look Away! Dixieland! In Dixieland I’ll make my stand to live and die in Dixie; Away! Away! Away down South in Dixie! Away! Away! Away down South in Dixie! Apostle of the West John McMillan: Graduated from the college of New Jersey (Princeton), Presbyterian clergyman who preached throughout Virginia, Eventually founded Jefferson College Chapter Tone 1. Appearance of the house 2. Attitude of the Brothers 3. Unity as a whole Fundraiser for Dee Harrington a Huge Success Toby Lathan ’01 and I would personally like to thank each of you who attended the college scholarship fundraiser at Foster’s Saloon in Raleigh for D’Antrane Harrington (“Dee”), the daughter of beloved chef BT Harrington who retired last fall. The event was a great success with over fifty people in attendance. The idea for hosting the fundraiser originally came about after Toby won an all expenses paid party (complete with food, music, and drinks) in a raffle one evening at Foster’s. Toby has remained in contact with The Epsilon Owl Jefferson College Began as a log cabin outside of Cannonsburg Pennsylvania. Known as the Latin School, The Cannonsburg Academy, The Academy and Library Company of Cannonsburg, and in 1802 became Jefferson College. By 1848, Jefferson College was the third largest educational institution in the United States (surpassed only by Harvard and Princeton) Phi Gamma Delta Founding First Meeting—April 22, 1848 Held in Delta Hall Number One (McCarty’s room) at Fort Armstrong Idea of fraternity based on secrecy was conceived Second Meeting—May 1, 1848 (Founder’s Day) Held in McCarty’s room again Constitution was conceived Immortal Six 1. John Templeton McCarty 2. Samuel Beaty Wilson 3. James Elliot, Jr. 4. Ellis Bailey Gregg 5. Daniel Webster Crofts 6. Naaman Fletcher Official Name: “The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta” Watchword: PERGE! (“Carry On”) Norris Pig Dinner During class day exercises at the University of California, Berkley, the rivalry from Glee Clubs led to a practical joke in which a barrel containing a pig was brought out. The pig escaped. The brothers chased the pig, and it was roasted that night. Mascot Snowy white owl called “Gamma” The owl, native to the Alleghenies, was said to have landed outside the window of Delta Hall Number One during the first meeting of Phi Gamma Delta Color: Royal Purple Flower: Purple Clematis Display of Greek Letters Badge Official Seal Flag Chapter House Marker Memorial to a Member Certificate of Membership Note: the letters of Phi Gamma Delta can only be displayed on these items. Awards Cheney Cup: best all around Baker Cup: best display of religious and ethical values and achievements Owen Cup: best academic improvement Coon Plaque: best publications Jordan Cup: highest academic standing Condon Cup: best all around improvement Wilkinson Award: best senior Durance Award: best Purple Legionnaire Brightman Awarrds: best display of “Phi Gamma Delta…nor for college days alone” Zerman Trophy: most extra-curricular activities Coulter Cup: most outstanding service by a graduate brother Dee over the past years and has long been thinking of creative ways to help her pay for college. Dee is presently excelling as a junior in high school in Belleville, Illinois where she lives with her mother. She maintains a 3.7 GPA and might even graduate early, which means she could be applying to colleges as early as next fall. Realizing that a fundraiser with no expenses to cover would allow one hundred percent of any donations to go straight to Dee, Toby graciously volunteered to throw this party. We were able to raise nearly $1200 at the door, and approximately $800 more has arrived via mail to date. We would especially like to thank Jeff Cooke ’01, who was personally responsible for soliciting nearly one third of the donations at the event! We are still accepting donations! If you would like to help, please make checks payable to: The River Foundation (The River Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization so your donations ARE tax deductible -- and 100% of donations made will go directly towards Dee’s college tuition.) Visit us on the web! www.epsilonpgd.com 3 Please mail checks to: Tom Darden III 702 Oberlin Road, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27605 \r\n778-61 SN PIG DINNER RECAP Many Graduate Brothers Joined us for a Successful Pig Dinner The speakers name was John Moreau. He is the Purple Legionnaire at the University of Richmond and was an ACC Basketball Referee for 25 years. There were 50 undergraduate brothers in attendance and 65 graduates, including men from every decade since the 1940s. If you’re listed on the honor roll on the back of the enclosed form, please accept our appreciation. It is because of you that ALL of our brothers can keep up-to-date on the latest news! If you have not donated, please consider doing so. You can make a donation through our secure website www.epsilonpgd.com or by filling out and returning the enclosed form. We hope that you enjoy this issue of The Epsilon Owl. This newsletter, along with our other annual alumni communications and our website, are funded solely by the contributions of our readers. Dollars and Donors Comparison This chart show the progress of Epsilon Chapter’s annual giving over the past two years. The success of Phi Gamma Delta depends on YOU! Awards given: Jerome C. Cashion Best Pledge – Ward Turner, Wilmington, NC Luther J. Phipps Most Outstanding Brother – Joseph Bower, Kinston, NC Lawrence K. Johnson Most Outstanding Senior – Churchill Bunn, Wilson, NC Tyler Haynes Scholarship Award – Charles Archie, Kinston, NC $21,409 199 Donors $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $12,951 120 Donors $10,000 GOAL! $10,000 $5,000 0 2004-05 GRADUATE UPDATES 70s 50s William Minton III ’78 (3517 Chaucer Pl., Raleigh, NC 276097001; wesminton@ysuhomes.com) Selling homes and chasing three kids to and from sporting events is what I do for a living. My 17-year-old is a Junior at Broughton and wants to attend UNC! I will want him to rush if rush starts in spring and hazing/binge drinking/drugs at the House is under control. I will assess through current brother Andrew Batchelor. Rowland Burnstan Jr. ’54 (6912 Wildrose Terrace, Carlsbad, CA 92011-4008; gimghoul@sbcglobal.net) Brother Charles W. “Bill” Higgins Jr. ’54 and wonderful wife Patty passed through San Diego to pick up Hawaiian cruise ship. We managed to “steal” them away for drinks and dinner prior to departure. It was great to be with them! Your News and Photos are the Heart of Our Newsletter and Website; We need Your Participation to Keep our Graduate Community Alive Do you have memories from your days at the house you’d like to share? Do you regularly get together with your brothers? Are you moving, starting a new job, getting married or expecting a child? Submit your update now by following the steps outlined below, and share your latest news with your fellow graduate brothers: 1. Make sure that you registered and logged on to the website; 4 Are You One of These People 2. Click on Alumni Updates; 3. Click on the notepad in the upper left had corner, titled Add/Maintain My Updates. At this screen you can add a new update and delete prior updates; 4. Type your update into the text box, select the number of days you would like this item to be visible on the website, click off the check in the box if you do NOT want your alumni update to be in the next newsletter and click Submit. It’s that easy! While you’re on the site, don’t forget to read the updates that have been submitted by your Phi Gamma Delta brothers! Visit us on the web! www.epsilonpgd.com 2005-06 80s Norborne Smith III ’84 (810 Waverly Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010; gee.smith@gs.com) Good to see John Cox ’85 in Chapel Hill in January. Also Dr. George Clark ’81 recently operated on my mother (successfully). Good thing it went well; it would have made for an awkward pig dinner. ON THE WEB Have you been to our website www.epsilonpgd.com lately? If you haven’t, here’s what your missing out on: • Participating in our new blog • Upcoming event information • Our new, organized photo albums Join your brothers and help to make our site a more active tool for keeping in touch with one another. If you haven’t already, take that first step and Register NOW! April 2006