tbctbeta Fiji Published by Theta Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Deita at the University of Alabama TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA FALL 2001 THETA CHAPTER IS THRIVING Dear Theta Chapter graduates. It is an exciting time to be a member of Phi Gamma Deita at the University of Alabama. Our numbers have increased over the last couple of years, and for the second consecutive year, 20 Theta brothers are living in the house. We now have 63 members, including pledges. Last spring was a great semester for Phi Gamma Delta. During this time, the chapter's grades improved dramatically. Seventeen Phi Gamma Delta brothers earned a 3.0 grade point average or higher. The spring parties were also extremely successful. We had a great time with our dates in New Orleans for the Black Diamond formal, and at III lUB III Fiji Island, we were able to give bids to III -Bl 13 exceptional young men. The Norris Pig Dinner was held The Phi Gamma Delta house at UA this past April. Our brothers loved spending time with the graduate members who attended. Next spring, we hope to see more of you here to help celebrate one of Phi Gamma Delta's most cherished traditions. Lee Garrison Wins Again! Theta Chapter Purple Legionnaire Lee Garrison '97 was recently reelected to represent District 4 as a Tuscaloosa City Councilman. Lee's record as a councilman is quite extensive. Some of his projects have included: aiding the construction of Fire Station #2; working on numer ous drainage projects and resurfacing of a number of roads; helping with the UA "Strip" renovation project; and establishing the Tuscaloosa Police Lee (a.k.a. "Bird") sells insurance for Duckworth-Morris Acordia. He is are active in the Student Government a member of Rotary and Exchange Club, and enjoys golf, hunting and Association and Interfraternity Council. This past spring, Sim Butler coaching. His wife, Jessica(OM),is a lawyer. Taylor Powell was elected rush Congratulate Lee at 8345 Enterprise Ave. N.E., Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. was elected a SGA senator, and chairman for IFC. After great rush events this past summer, Theta Chapter was able to get 21 new pledges. Because of our very selective rush process, we sought only the finest men available, including three who are on academic scholarship and six legacies. As graduate brothers, you know the importance of keeping Phi Gamma Substation on 14th Avenue. Lee also works regularly with the university administration and SGA for the betterment of student life at UA. A vital part of our fraternity. Delta going strong. Our graduates are the very soul of our fraternity! Your support is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Lee meets with us at least once a week to help us keep the house running smoothly. His leadership is unsurpassed, and his dedication to our fraternity is greatly appreciated. Theta Chapter continues to stress the importance of involvement on the UA campus. Many of our brothers Dan Weathers Lee and Jessica Perge! \r\nPage 2 Fall 2001 THE THETA FIH PhUanthropy a Priority at Phi Gamma Delta During the 2000-01 school year. Phi Gamma Delta excelled in philanthropic activity. Both actives and pledges worked together to help create one of the best years we have had lately in this area. Throughout the 2000 fall semester, our brothers sold Alabama vs. Auburn raffle tickets to benefit the Tuscaloosa Child Abuse Prevention Service. We are pleased to report that we sold and donated the most money of any Greek organization here at the Capstone— nearly $2,000 in all! We received a special plaque that has been placed on the wall in our library at the house. This year we plan to continue our success and sell even more tickets. In addition, during the month of November we collected food and toys for the Salvation Army. Theta Chapter also continues our Adopt-A-Mile program on Helen Keller Boulevard here in Tuscaloosa. We clean the road every Sunday. Our members are always looking for additional philanthropy activities. If you have any ideas please let us know! We are currently working on setting up a Valentine's Day party at a nursing home.The plans involve spending an evening with the elderly in their activities facility. We will provide cards, party favors and food. Here at Theta Chapter, we are all excited and eager to have another successful year. Once again, feel free to share any ideas you have about philanthropies, Thank You, Brent Boehm Perge! Spring Initiates ' , The following outstanding young men were initiated into Theta Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta BM" during the 2001 spring semester at the University of Alabama; Shane Barnes > -iL A Huntsville Cayce Fry Birmingham Leo Karpeles Birmingham ' U ■ Forrest Long Daphne Rich Morgan Birmingham Walker Reynolds Birmingham i Spencer Ringland Roscoe Whately Birmingham Birmingham I ^ i ^ IPlha k ^^ 3■ Phi Gamma Delta did great at fall recruitment. Our pledges are (front, 1-r) Chris Walker, Greenville, MS; Bill Gunter, Montgomery; Philip Mangam, Montgomery; Will Allen, Birmingham; T.R. Butler, Montgomery; and Stephen Nichols,Birmingham;(back)Bryan McManus,Metairie,LA;James Buckley, Kenner, LA; Will Butler, Auburn; Chris Davis, Birmingham; Adam Bass, Newnan,GA;Jeff Stone, Birmingham; Chip Tait, Lake Forest, IL; Hal Mooty, Montgomery; Matt West, Moultrie, GA; Robert Sher, Birmingham; Paul Bernaur, Florence; Brahnam Moore,Birmingham; and Joseph Fitz-Gerald, Marion. Not pictured: Stephen Davis, Demopolis. Theta Chapter Scholarship Report These men excelled academically this past spring by earning a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Blair Badham Ben Morehead Chris Bouchard Jackson Ratliff Ernest Cory Justin Reynolds Chip Davis Patton Smith Scott Hunter Hughston Nichols Dan Weathers Phi Gamma Deltas Dan Weathers Bo Broadfoot and John Lawrence are selected for Taylor Powell Michael Casey John Lawrence Jonathan Wells Patrick Lowther membership into the Jasons. \r\nFall 2001 Page 3 THE THETA FIH Theta Chapter Graduate News Max V. McLaughlin '52 is a retired physician, and his wife, Nikki(Southern Mississippi), is an interior designer. He has three children, Victor, Anne and Lauren. A retired Army National Guard brigadier general, Max is Elbert B. Haltom Jr. '48, a retired lawyer and senior US District Courtjudge, is a member of Florence Rotary Club, University of North Alabama Sportsman Club and First Methodist Church of Florence. He and his wife, Constance (North Carolina XQ), have a in touch with some contemporaries and would love to be daughter, Emily, and two grandchildren. contacted for hunting, fishing and reminiscing. Fiji's "Bert," an avid reader, sends this note, "I made lifelong influence continues to this day through contacts, per friendships with numerous fraternity brothers throughout a member of Kiwanis. He writes ofPhi Gamma Delta, "lam sonal and business. I was the classic 'poor country boy' and Theta nurtured me. I'm very thankful." Share college memories with Max by writing to 4670 Old Alabama and elsewhere." Renew your friendship with Bert by writing to 562 Palisade Dr., Florence, AL 35630. Shell Rd., Mobile, AL 36608. Edward E. Matney'59,senior vice president ofFirst Union Securities, writes, "After graduation,Iserved in Vietnam as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and his wife, Leigh(Auburn ALA), a senior advisor for 18 months. 1 retired after almost is a financial advisor at Prudential Securities. 29 years ofservice. 1 have been afinancial advisor (stock Jackson is a member ofthe Quarterback Club and a coach broker)since 1982 and have been selectedfor 'Who's Who' for a 4th grade football team in Crestline. He enjoys golf, in America, the World, the Southeast and Finance. "1 was initiated while a captain in the Army. Irose to the tennis and running. He writes, "Twelve of my 15 groomsmen werefi-aternity grade of colonel. Earning an MBA helped my military, as brothers ofmine, and we 've maintained the strong and close M'ell as civilian careers. 1 have associated with other Fijis friendships we established in college." and they also enhanced my employment opportunities." Jackson has a new address, 129 Dixon Ave., Homewood, Ed is a past president of Kiwanis and a moderator at the AL 35209. Congregational Church. He enjoys golf, tennis and fishing. He and his wife, Herma, have two sons. Marc and David. C. Jackson Register '96 is a marketing representative for Paul A.Smith Jr.'45, now retired, sends this news, "Carter Eugene Coe, 19, the eldest of my two grandsons, has just been invited into Gamma Tau at Georgia Tech hisfreshman year. Greatjoy!Perge!" "Speedy" and his wife, Betty, have four children. He adds of Phi Gamma Delta, "I had a wonderfid experience and Send a letter to Ed at 485 Hill Rd., Southern Pines, NC 28387. The Theta Fiji is published by the brothers of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Alabama for members made wonderful friends." Renew your friendship with Speedy by writing to 3863 N. and friends. Graduate news items, photographs and change of address notices should be sent to Theta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, c/o Newsletter Program Headquarters, P.O. Box 7311, Stratford Rd. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30342. Macon,GA 31209-7311. Theta Chapter officers for 2001 are (l-r) President John Lawrence, Historian Taylor Powell, Corresponding Secretary Dan Weathers,Treasurer Justin Reynolds and Recording Secretary Robert Moore. II W T Our staff is satisfied after cooking a delicious meal. \r\nPage 4 Fall 2001 THE THETA FIJI More News from Our Graduates Philip A. McDaniel (The Citadel '42), now retired, is a 3rd Degree Ma son and charter member ofthe Fairfax (VA) Civitan Club. He enjoys bridge and reading. "Mac" and his wife, Dorothy, have a daughter, Phyllis. He writes of Phi Gamma Delta, "It gives me a sense of belonging to a fine group of individuals with fra ternal love." Renew the bonds of Phi Gamma Delta by writing to Mac at 422 San Pedro Dr., Lady Lake, PL 32159. The book is the story of a World War 11 rifle company in Patton's Third Army, as detailed in the journals of S/Sgt. Bruce Egger and Lt. Lee Otts, both of G Company, 328th Regiment, 26th Infantry Division. These accounts of combat are the parallel day-by-day records ofthe same events as seen by the two men. Lee and his wife, Mary Frances, (East Carolina), have four daughters, Harriett, Frances, Elizabeth and Mary Lee. He enjoys golf. Brothers may write to Lee via P.O. Box 467, Brewton, AL 36427. since 1949 (Otts, Moore, Jordan and Coale). He is a past president of the Escambia County Bar Association and a member of the Alabama State Bar Association. Lee is a member of the First Presby terian Church (serving in numerous leadership roles), Brewton Rotary Club (past president). Chamber ofCommerce, American Legion and numerous other civic and community organizations. Gimtersville, AL 35976. Blucher H. Cooper '56 sends this update, "Since 1 retired about 15 years ago, 1 have been involved as a volunteer. 1 have served as chairman of the boardfor Westminster Presby terian Homes, president of Atlanta PC Users and an elder at Peachtree Presbyterian Church." He and his wife. Peggy (KKF), have three children, Margret, Blucher IV and Elizabeth. Lee M. Otts '43 has owned his own general law practice in Brewton stamp collecting. Contact Jack at 1900 Wyeth Dr., Jack Powers '60 is president of Mark Powers & Co. He enjoys golf and Drop a line to Blucher at 3981 Whittington Dr. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30342. Theta Graduate Address Updates Robert L. Slaughter '70 Thomas P. Willingham '84 P.O. Box 2758 2116 Chestnut Oak Dr. Hoover, AL 35244 Gulf Stream, AL 36547 Michael K. Hudson '74 1128 Camellia Cir. Hoover, AL 35226 Robert O. Skinner '97 3601 Acorn Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 He has been listed in Who's Who in Alabama, Community Leaders of America, Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Personalities ofthe South, Alabama's Distinguished and Who's Who in American Law. Lee is co-author of G Company's War, Two Personal Accounts of the Carey F. Hollingsworth Jr. 51 James W, Moss Jr.'96 3820 Glenview Dr. 107 Fairoaks St. Birmingham, AL 35213 Gadsden, AL 35901 Patrick L. Mills Jr.'84 Gary C. Huckaby Jr.'87 3 Pamona Ave. 1200 W. Cleermont Cir. Horaewood, AL 35209 Huntsville, AL 35801 Campaigns in Europe, 1944-1945. Help Us Keep You in Touch With every issue of The Theta Fiji, communication with our alumni improves. Former classmates are communicating with one another again, and many of you have been to visit the house and meet members of the active chapter. We believe the newsletter we publish twice a year has a lot to do with this renewed interest. Thank you to all the alumni who have contributed to the newsletter program. In order to continue the newsletter program, we need all of our alumni to help. Voluntary contributions from our alumni pay for publication of the newsletter. Please help us so we can keep you up-to-date on the active chapter here at the University of Alabama and in touch with your former classmates. We need the participation of all of our alumni to continue, so mail your contribution and personal information today! We also welcome your suggestions for future issues. Thank you. The Phi Gam football team prepares for victory.