The BlueGrass Fiji News A Publication of the Brothers of Phi Gamma Delta University of Kentucky Fall 2008 President’s Le er From our Purple Legionnaire Brothers, We are finished with the fall semester, and I couldn’t be happier for our Fraternity. Coming off our Condon Cup victory at the past Ekklesia, it Bradley Heil seems as if we are even im(UK‘08) proving upon that. We are top six in athletics, have a great pledge class, and we are fresh off a Greek Week overall victory. If we continue on this path, I see the words Cheney Cup in our future. I have seen many improvements in our Fraternity during the course of my presidency, but the one that excites me the most is the increased involvement of you, our graduate brothers. Attendance at the monthly graduate dinners (6:30 PM at Puccini’s, second Tuesday of every month) and our annual Norris Pig Dinner (April 25, 2009 6 PM Downtown Hyatt ) has been increasing. Whether it is your attendance at an event or a simple conversation, your presence and guidance is always welcome and greatly appreciated. I just wanted to thank all of you for your support not only during my time of office, but also for my entire time here as a Phi Gam. I have grown to love the relationships we can have between graduate and undergraduate brothers. It is these relationships that I hope to continue and strengthen as I leave my undergraduate days and join you in the midst of graduate brotherhood. Hopefully as a graduate I will be able to give back to the chapter as much as some of you have. Brothers, Greetings from the most improved Chapter in Fijiland! For RUSS WILLIAMS a brief period after (UK ‘74) Ekklesia we were basking in the glow of the amazing honor of receiving the Condon Cup and are still humbled by it. But rather than focus on why we received the award, we seem to be moving forward in search of yet more ways to do things better. I continue to be impressed with the efficiency of chapter operations. The Cabinet is providing oversight to an extensive committee system primarily by holding the chairs accountable for the work they have delegated to them. The term "well oiled machine" is probably overused but it fits here. Their success is already evidenced by an impressive pledge class, the chapter coming in first place for Greek Week and solid plans for Parent's Weekend and Homecoming. We need your continued interest and involvement in the life of the chapter. Join us for the monthly grad dinner, let us add you to the grad list serve or find opportunities to help the Chapter with their ongoing projects. Your Chapter awaits your continued involvement. Forever Proud to be a Fiji, Bradley Heil ‘08 Fraternally, Russ Williams (KY 74) Purple Legionnaire 1 \r\nCampus Activities Report Press on! Upsilon Kappa and the Battle for Life Upsilon Kappa has been very busy with campus activities so far this semester. We have participated in numerous IGPA events this semester and we still have a full schedule in front of us for next. This past semester Upsilon Kappa participated in UK’s Greek Week where we won first place, or gained full points, in six of ten events to take home the overall title for all sororities and fraternities on campus. The next week we began preparing for Homecoming festivities with the first event beginning on Wednesday, October 8th. Fiji’s float debuted in the 2008 Homecoming parade on October 17th and during halftime of the football game against Arkansas Upsilon Kappa claimed first place in the float competition and was named the overall winner of Homecoming. This combined with a win in Greek Service Week in the spring gives Upsilon Kappa a veritable sweep of the greek competitions at UK. DanceBlue has been a huge event for the Upsilon Kappa Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Through its three years here at the University of Kentucky, our men have posted significant numbers both in attendance and in fundraising. However, the victory achieved in Memorial Coliseum is of no matter when compared to our sponsored family’s story. Three years ago Michael Grapner was adopted by Phi Gamma Delta for the family outreach of DanceBlue. Diagnosed with cancer at an early age, Michael was quickly taken in by Chris Quevedo. Frequently he would visit during Michael’s check-ups and tests. Many other brothers took interest, including myself. We participated in Walk for Wishes and many other charitable events on Michael’s behalf, actually winning him and his family a trip to Vegas due to our fundraising efforts! Again though, the treats of life are nothing compared to the gift of life itself. Last month, Michael had a biopsy performed on his bone marrow to investigate his cancer. To everyone’s joy, his cancer was found to be in complete remission. His Mother, Father, and sister Kelly Jo all called a few of our members and shared with us the exciting news the day it was found out. Needless to say, it was a journey both for Michael and our Brothers in keeping this FIJIin-training in high spirits (though usually he was the one making us all laugh with his crazy antics, most notably singing Nickelback’s “Rockstar” at DanceBlue, choice words included). His life certainly illustrates our noble principle of Pergé!; shining as a bright example of what determination and persistence can do with help from your friends and Brothers. We here at Upsilon Kappa want to thank the Graduate Brothers for any and all donations past and future, as you all helped to make Michael’s treatment cheaper, easier, and attainable. Continue your support, as we will always continue the battle against pediatric cancer! Pergé Brothers! Save the Date! Frank Norris PIG DINNER!! Date: 4/25/2009 Place: The Hyatt Time: 6:00 If you have sugges ons, comments, or concerns about the newsle er or the Chapter please email, call, or write. William Kirk William.Kirk@uky.edu (859) 321‐5982 653 Maxwelton Ct. Lexington Ky. 40508 Leland Wright 2 \r\nPhilanthropy: Upsilon Kappa shows Excellence in Service Spotlight On: DanceBlue Philanthropy Upsilon Kappa Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta The Upsilon Kappa chapter has participated in and been part of the leadership of a 24-hour dance marathon known as Danceblue at the University of Kentucky since it was started in the spring of 2006. Danceblue raises funds for the Pediatric Oncology unit at UK Hospital for cancer research. It is the largest philanthropy event at UK. We had strong representation at the first annual Danceblue and also when it was held in spring 2007. The total amount raised for the first event was over $120,000 and nearly quadrupled reaching over $420,000 for the third event in 2008. We have already begun fundraising for the next event which will take place Spring of 2009. Danceblue is an extraordinary cause and our chapter is proud to have been a part of it since its inception as we continue to make strides towards excellence. One of the five values that every chapter of Phi Gamma Delta holds dear is service. The Upsilon Kappa chapter is no exception. Brothers at the University of Kentucky have dedicated countless hours in the interest of serving the community and giving to charities far and wide. This past February, several brothers participated in the third annual Dance Blue marathon at the University of Kentucky. Dance Blue is a 24hour dance marathon to benefit children with cancer. The event raised $424,855.86 for the UK Pediatric Oncology Clinic. Fundraising and preparations are already underway for the next marathon in 2009. Before school started in August, UK held another annual service event called Fusion. Phi Gamma Delta was well represented, as many brothers spent five hours working on projects to improve the community. Projects ranged from filing paperwork and painting buildings to reading to children and yard work. Brothers of the Upsilon Kappa chapter have also volunteered regularly at local institutions such as the Markey Cancer Center, God’s Pantry, and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. Whether the task is raising money, sorting food, or repairing horse stalls and trails, brothers are eager to give back to Lexington and surrounding areas in anyway possible. On October 30th, the Upsilon Kappa chapter will be hosting its annual IGPA event to raise money for the American Red Cross. This year, brothers will team up with the sisters of Kappa Delta for Recess: FIJI Four-Square and KD Double Dutch. Recess will feature service from the entire Greek community at UK, including a food drive competition. All proceeds will go the American Red Cross and Kappa Delta’s philanthropy of choice. If you’d like more information on DanceBlue 2009 and/or you’d like to make a donation, please visit www.danceblue.org or contact Tyler Mclaurine ( tyler.mclaurine@uky.edu) Brothers, The expansion taking place at Western Kentucky University is showing a ton of promise for the Bluegrass. Field Secretary Matt Edgar arrived on campus the last week of September to find a very excited and supportive community. The caliber of men that have been recommended by the ladies of the Greek community, area brothers and faculty members of WKU presents us with the opportunity to form a very large Alpha class of quality. The colony will depend heavily on the support of the TnTech and Upsilon Kappa Chapter undergrads and graduates. If you feel that your contribution in any capacity is available or you'd like to attend the following events, then please contact us. Fraternally, Christopher Quevedo (Kentucky '08) (859) 576-3466 Matt Edgar (British Columbia '08) (859) 533-9423 -James McCullum 3 \r\nLost Brothers*                     L. H. Roberts (1961) Lee H. S nne (1961) Patrick L. Driscoll (1962) L. E. Stum (1962) Allen R. Cleaver (1963) James E. Nelson (1963) Leslie F. Berry (1964) Max E. Jerrell (1964) Frederick J. Anderson (1965) James L. Bates (1965) Donald W. Campbell (1965) Larry B. Cole (1965) William E. Mahan (1965) Ronald M. Stra on (1965) Sidney L. Wya (1965) Ray C. Ashdown (1966) Robert R. Kunkle (1966) James T. Amburgey (1967) James C. Hughbanks (1967) Hudson C. Smith (1967)                                         Elvin C. Bryant (1968) John E. Burne (1968) James M. Hansen (1968) Charles R. Morrison (1968) Ben S. Armstrong (1969) Ronald W. Fore (1969) Arthur W. Ha ield (1969) Kevin M. Yorke (1969) Donald E. Zane ni (1969) George E. Kendall (1970) James C. Kidwell (1970) Kenneth W. Burton (1971) Zachary J. Greene (1971) Douglas J. Swanson (1971) Stephen C. Alexander (1972) Coy E. Holstein Jr. (1972) William A. Miles (1972) Robert L. Jeffers (1973) Stephen P. Rodgers (1973) Robert W. Sexton Jr. (1973) James T. Cunningham (1974) Henry A. Huggins III (1974) Thomas E. Masterson (1974) Samuel G. McNeill (1974) Weston N. Miller (1974) George J. Ball (1977) Joseph E. Carter III (1977) Frank S. Jackson Jr. (1977) Jeffrey L. Newlin (1977) Virgil W. Webb III (1977) Michael J. Gough (1978) Keith M. Hays (1978) Mark T. Miller (1978) Samuel W. Wilder (1978) David J. Walker (1979) Brian E. Gaffin (1980) Mason E. Powell (1980) Gary W. Woods (1980) Gregory W. Heinen (1981) William J. Grasty Jr. (1982)                  James P. Duncker (1985) James B. Elam (1985) Michael A. Brown (1986) James M. Hall (1994) Daniel C. Gabhart (1995) Todd H. Barnes (1996) Robert D. Hallquist (1996) Stephen M. McHenry (1996) Kevin L. Hayes (1997) Peter T. Preisler (1997) Jerry M. Fletcher (1999) Wesley D. Hollan (2001) Kenneth K. Fletcher (2002) James E. McMillian )2003) Daniel P. Eaton (2004) James C. Monroe (2004) *If you have any informa on on our missing Brothers, please feel free to contact the chapter so that we can re‐connect with them. Would you like to be added to the Grad List-Serve? Send an e-mail to Russ.Williams@uky.edu Upsilon Kappa wishes you a happy holiday and bountiful New Year 4 Michael A. Kobetsky (1984)