The GATOR Fiji Published jointly by the men of the Undergraduate Chapter and the Graduate Association of the Upsilon Phi Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Florida January 2008 HERE COME THE FIJIS by Ronnie Cosse (Florida ’09) – Outgoing Chapter President – rcosse@ufl.edu Upsilon Phi is getting bigger…faster than anyone expected! Last fall we recruited 23 new members. We will be initiating 18 of them on January 7, 2008. That more than doubles the 17 brothers we currently have, and we are looking forward to getting even bigger during spring rush week, January 13-18, 2008. We are expecting a pledge class of about 15, and our pledge education program is getting better each time (we’ve only done it twice so far!) Our pledges have been great, and they really are ready to become Phi Gams. We participated in a couple of philanthropies last fall, including Zeta Tau Alpha’s Linedance and Tri Delta’s Triple Play Softball Tournament. We won best attendance at Linedance and we won the softball tournament easily. Our intramurals have been solid also. We played in the Blue Division (smaller fraternity division) flag football championship, which we lost to a team who was later found to have been playing with an ineligible player. We should have been crowned the champs, and we put up a fight, but the intramural office ruled against it. We will have Fiji softball, basketball, football, rac- quetball, and tennis teams in the spring. We will hold our 2nd Annual Fiji Frolf philanthropy benefiting the American Red Cross on January 20, 2008. We anticipate having every sorority participate, and we have incorporated a way to recruit new members while advertising for the philanthropy. We will be on campus with a table in Turlington Plaza each day during rush week, advertising for our philanthropy and raising money for the Red Cross. Each day, we will be able to talk to re(Continued on page 2) NEWS FROM YOUR GRADUATE ASSOCIATION by Warren Smith (Florida ’62) – President - tsgator@earthlink.net After considerable anguish, much legal interaction and some good old fashioned horsetrading, your House Corporation was able to settle its ad valorem tax liability with Alachua County. While we continued to maintain our position of exemption, it became clear that the costs of litigating that position would have cost us more than a settlement. In the end, it serves as a lesson welllearned. Special thanks go to Brothers Jim Rinaman and Jim Larche, who provided legal counsel, and to Brother David Smith, who’s inside knowledge of the ad valorem tax business saved us in the long run. Much has been accomplished since our last communication with you, including some outstanding progress being made by the Upsilon Phi undergraduate chapter. This newsletter is the first in a long while to be a true joint issue, with input from the undergraduate chapter and your Graduate Association, consisting of both the Board of Chapter Advisors/ Graduate Board of Trustees and the House Corporation. I commend the various articles and photographs enclosed to you, and hope that you use every opportunity available to get to know the young men of the Upsilon Phi undergraduate chapter. They are making a name for themselves on the UF campus, and as this issue goes to press, we are heavily engaged in efforts to get them back into our house at 7 Fraternity Row by next August! Our challenge to make this (Continued on page 3) \r\nPAGE 2 T HE G AT OR F I J I NEWS FROM THE GRADUATE BOARD OF TRUSTEES by Eddie Daniel (Arkansas ’78) – Chairman, GBT/BCA – eddie.daniel@va.gov It has been an interesting and rewarding year. The Trustees have attempted to guide and encourage the undergraduate chapter throughout the past year, relying on our past experience as undergrads ourselves and experience within Phi Gamma Delta. CURRENT TRUSTEES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS John Cornell, Florida ‘62 Scholarship & Judicial Bill Valentine, Florida ‘67 Recruitment R. Charles Scott, Florida ‘76 Financial Art Shults, Florida ‘77 Public Relations & Community Service Eddie Daniel, Arkansas ‘78 Chairman & Risk Management Randy Scott, Georgia Tech ‘84 Vice Chairman & Member Development Prior to the beginning of Josh Forgione, Florida ‘02 Ritual & Awards the school year, Randy Scott Jeff Greenert, Florida ‘85 Grad Relations hosted a retreat for the chapter at his lake house. The event was Charlie Holloway, Rose-Hulman ‘96, Kentucky ‘97 Pledge Education a team builder and everyone believed it was a contributing factor ers, 13 (76%) attained a grade point With the election of a new in the success experienced this past average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, cabinet and the resulting appointsemester. Randy conducted several while four were below. For the ment of new committee chairmen, team building exercises and the spring ’07 semester, the chapter all of the members of the Trustees brothers got reacquainted after the attained a 3.33 GPA. During the have been busy getting acquainted summer break. year those who attained at least a with the new leadership and estabBill Valentine spent a week or more in Gainesville prior to and during the fall ’07 Rush Week helping to hone the recruiting skills of the undergrads. Combined with a tremendous summer recruitment effort by all the undergrad brothers, the chapter doubled in size and these pledges will be initiated on January 7, 2008. Charlie Scott advised the chapter treasurer in the art of chapter financial management and accounting. He also had the pleasure of conducting the chapter’s audit for IHQ. Scholarship remains an area of concern for a few but overall the chapter finished at the median rank among the fraternities on campus in the spring. Of the 17 broth- 3.0 during their first semester in the fraternity were awarded a $250.00 scholarship from IHQ. John Cornell continues to support and foster the importance of scholarship among the undergrad brothers. During the fall semester, the chapter participated in five service projects: landscaping at the Ronald McDonald House; City of Gainesville park cleanup; North Florida Rehabilitation and Specialty Care – playing bingo and other support for their patients; American Red Cross – distribution of hurricane packets and Zeta Tau Alpha line dance philanthropy project participation. The chapter remains quite active in community service and provides a wide variety of activities for the brothers and pledges. lishing strong communication links with these undergrad brothers. These links will be crucial in 2008 as the chapter moves closer to transitioning from trusteeship to the normal self-sufficient status with IHQ. When this happens, the Trustees will transition to a Board of Chapter Advisors (BCA). The Trustees look forward to this day just as much, if not more, than the undergraduate brothers. As the chapter prepares for the spring semester rush week and plans evolve to move back into the house in the future, the Phi Gamma Delta star is shining brighter each passing day at the University of Florida. HERE COME THE FIJIS continued... (Continued from page 1) cruits about our fraternity during the day and get them out to rush week each night. It’s a great idea and we know it will work! Our new Cabinet will be taking office on January 7, and they’re already doing a ton of work for the fraternity. We are sending four people to Fiji Academy and one to Greek Advance, UF’s Greek Leadership Conference, and this spring we will have Pig Dinner and our Fiji Islander. It’s going to be a great year for Upsilon Phi, and we can’t wait! \r\nT HE G AT OR F I J I PAGE 3 NEW FROM YOUR GRADUATE ASSOCIATION continued... (Continued from page 1) new chapter successful is a significant one and one that will require each of us to get more involved with our fraternity in some way over the coming months. The needs are many: furniture, lawn maintenance equipment, washers & dryers, microwave ovens, etc. As I have said before, “…while your money would be welcomed, what is really needed is a little of your time, energy and ideas,” and this remains true today. Why not join us at Pig Dinner in February, and come prepared to step forward in some way? The Upsilon Phi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta is on its way back! All that may be missing is you! I’m mighty proud to be a Fiji! REMARKS FROM THE PURPLE LEGIONNAIRE by Charlie Holloway (Rose-Hulman ’96, Kentucky ’97) – Purple Legionnaire - stlrams22@yahoo.com As I was leaving active duty Class. Plans are in the works for As this time passed and I and looking for a job in spring 2006, petitioning the Board of Trustees got to know the men of Upsilon Phi, my search brought me to the heart for removal from trusteeship. There my doubts subsided and my love of of the Gator Nation. Of course, as is talk of re-claiming our house and the Fraternity was re-kindled. How anyone with road trip experience once again hanging the diamond on awesome is it to have taken from knows, the first thing I did when I Fraternity Row. This is a very exthe Fraternity for four (or in my arrived in Gainesville was look for citing time for Upsilon Phi, but with case 10) years and to be given the the FIJIs. I found an address at 7 high hopes comes hard work. They chance to now repay that debt? I Fraternity Row, but was confused must work to balance academics have been given a chance to watch when I saw TKE over the door. I with improving Fraternity knowl12 boys, with nothing in common, called my little brother to get online edge and chapter operation. They become 35 men on the verge of asand look up a contact number. No must continue to recruit and to suming responsibility for the future telling who I called, but the website forge a name on campus. of Phi Gamma Delta on this camshowed it had not been updated pus. Of course there have been triObviously, this also since 2003. I was really dismeans the chapter needs appointed when I got no regraduate support. Whether ply. Ironically, the very next “How awesome it is to have taken this means asking how you week, when reading the Phi can get involved, writing a Gamma Delta magazine, I from the Fraternity...and to be check to help the chapter found a half-page add calling cover its numerous expenses, given the chance to now repay for volunteers in helping reor simply coming to Pig Dinestablish the chapter here at ner and other chapter gatherthat debt?” Florida. ings. For those who have alHaving been reready been involved, thank als and tribulations along the way, moved from the Fraternity for you. For all others, the White Star but I dare you to find any chapter nearly four years, I was eager to get has once again risen in the Gator that has not faced them. involved with a chapter again. I Nation. Why not come see what we called IHQ immediately and was have to offer? As most of you know, the introduced to Brother Jim Haymen of Upsilon Phi brought in 23 hurst. Since that first call, my volnew pledges, extremely impressive untary service has been much more for a group of 17 men who had reluctant, first as the Pledge Educanever before conducted a fall tor for the Alpha Pledge Class, then recruitment. The excitement as the Purple Legionnaire. Please generated from this strong effort don’t misunderstand. It was not a has brought high hopes for this reluctance to serve the Fraternity or coming spring. In the coming five Upsilon Phi, but more a feeling of, months, the chapter has plans for “What can I possibly bring to these its first officer transition and the young collegiate men?” initiation of its Gamma Pledge \r\nPAGE 4 T HE G AT OR F I J I NEW CABINET READY TO ROLL! by Eric Downes (Florida ’10) – Chapter President-Elect - edownes@ufl.edu The Upsilon Phi Chapter held its annual election of officers on October 22 and has entrusted its future to an all new five. To the office of chapter historian, the chapter appointed Brian Restauro (2010). An active member of the PrePharmacy Society and tennis extraordinaire, he hopes to perfect our chapter’s practice of the Ritual. To the office of corresponding secretary, the chapter appointed Robbie Lamberson (2010). A Gator Sports Manager, Robbie holds the prestigious honor of being the strongest member of cabinet. He hopes do more than just read mail during chapter; he plans to make us look good in front of sororities. To the office of internal secretary, we have chosen Anthony Vogt (2009), known within the chapter as Mr. Fantastic. An Anderson scholar heavily involved in intramurals—the unofficial Heisman winner of cabinet—Anthony hopes to improve communication between brothers and to write the petition that will get us off trustee- New cabinet from left to right: Robbie Lamberson, Brian Restauro, Mitch Morgan, Eric Downes and Anthony Vogt. ship. Mitch Morgan (2009) won the office of chapter treasurer without any contest. The treasurer is one of the premiere vocal percussionists of No Southern Accent, the University of Florida’s top a capella group, he hopes to continue to keep our chapter out of the red. And I, Eric Downes (2010), will lead the chapter as president in ’08. My college life up to this point has been FIJI, and it is my goal to see this chapter housed, autonomous, and in the running for the President’s Cup by the end of my term. Since the 22nd, the five have been meeting on a weekly basis under the guidance of our current cabinet. We look forward to harnessing the massive amount of energy within our chapter and to seeing all of our graduate brothers at Pig Dinner 2008! PERGE! In January 2008, the Upsilon Phi Chapter will be hosting its second annual FIJI Frolf philanthropy benefiting the American Red Cross. At the event, Florida's finest sorority ladies will compete in a Frisbee golf tournament. We are currently looking for sponsors to support us in this endeavor. Depending of the level of support, sponsors are entitled to signs advertising their business at a hole on the Frolf course or a spot on the back of our FIJI Frolf t-shirt. If you know of a business that either wants to get its name out to the Florida Greek Community or wants simply to support the Red Cross, please contact our philanthropy chair Dylan Meridith at (678) 617-7001 or kress07@ufl.edu. \r\nT HE G AT OR F I J I PAGE 5 BEST IN CLASS - PLEDGE CLASS GAMMA by C. J. Roell (Florida ’10) - ruffryder8010@ufl.edu The Upsilon Phi Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta has been back on campus at the University of Florida for three semesters now. During the first two semesters, our chapter experienced moderate growth but with the third semester and the creation of Pledge Class Gamma, the chapter has doubled in size and has accrued vast amounts of talent that otherwise might not have been there. Pledge Class Gamma is pivotal in cementing FIJIs place once again at the University. With a large part of Pledge Class Alpha graduating, Pledge Class Gamma has been there to assist Pledge Class Beta in assuming new roles and stepping up when positions need to be filled. The older members have come to call our pledge class “the future of the fraternity”. The pledge class of 18 is a diverse group united by the bonds of brotherhood and our five values. The men of Pledge Class Gamma are: • • • • • Jahmel Bailey, a third year student from Fort Lauderdale, majoring in health science, our pledge class president, and pending initiation, our next recruitment chair. Jonathan Reaves, a first year student from Oviedo, majoring in health science, our pledge class treasurer, and pending initiation, our next social chair. Jourdan Jayashekaramurthy, a first year student from Tampa, majoring in electrical engineering, our pledge class corresponding secretary, and pending initiation, our next brotherhood chair. Peter Martin, a second year student from Davie, majoring in material engineering, our pledge class recording secretary, and pending initiation, our next community service chairman. Anthony Vogt, a third year student from Satellite Beach, majoring in health science, our pledge class historian, and pending initiation, our next chapter recording secretary. • Montgomery Sibley, a first year student from Miami, majoring in anthroplogy, our pledge class manager, and pending initiation, our chapter house manager. • Zachary Foster, a first year student from Ocala, majoring in history, our pledge class retreat chair, and pending initiation, one half of our next pledge education team along with Ronnie Cosse. • Corey Clawson, a first year student from Lake Worth, majoring in business administration, our pledge class scholarship chair, and pending initiation, our next grad relations chair. • CJ Roell, a first year student from Austin, Texas majoring in public relations, pledge class petition chairman, and pending initiation, our next philanthropy chairman. • Dylan Meredith, a first year student from Atlanta, Georgia majoring in psychology, our pledge class chapter improvement chairman, and pending initiation, our next intramural chair. • Andrew Nelson, a first year student from Temple Terrace, majoring in criminology and our pledge class community service chairman. • Eric Millis, a first year student from Tampa, majoring in anthropology and our pledge class paddle chairman. • Joseph Nanna, a first year student from Lake Worth, majoring in building construction, and pending initiation, our next special events chairman. • Ryan Issa, a first year student from Gainesville, majoring in building construction, and pending initiation, a member of the standards board. • Adam Orris, a fourth year student from Clearwater, majoring in industrial and systems engineering. • Jordan Patrick, a first year student from Atlanta, Georgia majoring in business administration. • Rudy Baum, a first year student from Gainesville, majoring in aerospace engineering. • George Richards, a first year student from Gainesville, that is undecided on what he should major in. Pledge Class Gamma (pictured on page 7) has an incredibly tight bond and we have already begun experiencing the joys of brotherhood that we know are to come with initiation. We believe this prepares us to be the best brothers we can be, and we are honored to know that we are helping our fraternity to once again become something great on campus. Our drive to succeed will not fade with time as we look forward to our initiation on January 7, 2008. We are the future and we believe it. \r\nPAGE 6 T HE G AT OR F I J I HOUSE MAINTENANCE STATUS - THINK FUTURE MOVE-IN PROJECTS! by Ed Kellar (Florida ’70) – Vice President – emkellar@mactec.com Assuming a post-TKE late summer move-in for next fall, brothers have been asking what will be needed to make the house our home again. The list can be as long as we make it, but the good news is the main items are all real improvements to quality of life, appearance, and things to make a great first impression to attract new members, not major repairs to make things work. Beyond exterior paint and basement old chiller equipment removal, the essential structural, plumbing, electrical, HVAC is all in a fairly routine annual maintenance mode. The two-year-old upstairs bedroom renovations appear to be holding up very well, so the upstairs needs will mostly revolve around cleaning and touch up of paint. Cox Cable is installed throughout, but we will need to make decisions related to wireless network systems and accounts. We won’t know what will be left by the tenants, but I’d expect the existing wireless equipment, a number of the custom bunk / desk arrangements and maybe some couches to remain. I anticipate we will have to again fill at least one 20-ft roll-off dumpster with TKE discards. Brothers moving in to 9 X 17 ft singles will have to furnish with the usual computer desks, massive electronics, small couches, area rugs, decorations, and closet treatments. The downstairs common areas are another story, needing much help. There are plenty of relatively affordable projects and items that can benefit from some well planned sweat equity. First and foremost is re-painting the front facade again with FIJI colors! Not far behind is re-installing the etched glass panels (currently stored) around the front doors with our Greek letters, the crest, and the diamond. Furniture in all rooms will be a high priority. The downstairs furniture we left is pretty much garage sale junk at this point. All types of furniture will be needed. Major needs include dining room tables and some additional chairs. Re-installing Gamma in his display case is a must. Initial non-cosmetic needs will certainly include replacing custodial and yard equipment, (vacuums, blowers etc.) tools, and supplies. The rec room rear restroom is ready with laundry connections for washers and dryers. The large TV is still working fine, but will soon be obsolete and require an HD replacement. The pool table is about a goner and foosball is no more. Both the rec room and dining room need new decorator coordinated color paint jobs, and the courtyard landscaping needs something other than “weed modern” around the diamond fountain. For a real change quickly, ceramic tile over the 40-year-old grungy terrazzo floors would have huge visual impact, and we could save $5001000 on the terrazzo cleaning strippers and sealers. For that matter, we still have at least 300 square feet of tile matching the living room that could cover the mailroom – powder room terrazzo. The ladies room needs a make-over from scratch (paint, furniture, lighting, carpet, etc.) Drapes downstairs are nearly non-existent. Coke machines will require replacement of new accounts, and the dining-kitchen areas no longer have any serving or buffet steam tables. Besides the commercial ice maker doing fine, there is no refrigeration left in the kitchen. The kitchen is also in need of a deep cleaning and coatings make-over, but stove, hood and fire suppression systems all work. Add a new fryer and health department inspection and we could be cooking! I know that is down the road some, but think how great it would be to have dinners together. Remember the great FIJI buffets before all home football games? Other areas requiring attention include yard landscaping, the storage shed out back, reclaiming the backyard and basketball court, maybe some fencing and patio enhancements. Suffice it to say the above is a short list subject to justification, undergrad needs, pledge projects, and cost benefits. Regardless of what we do first, it sure would be exciting to be training FIJIs rather than tenants next fall on how to operate the house and run a sprinkler system fire drill. Please consider what you can do when the time comes to help make it happen. At the very least, we can see that a major extended work party will certainly be in order! \r\nT HE G AT OR F I J I PAGE 7 UPSILON PHI NORRIS PIG DINNER 2008 by David Smith (Florida ’83) – Pig Dinner Chairman – dsmith@sentineladvisors.com For those of you who may not know, Pig Dinner has been in the planning stages since early spring and it promises to be nothing short of an extravaganza! If you missed the ’07 spectacle…two words come to mind…”Road Trip”, cause you won’t want to miss ‘08. So, mark your calendars for February 8 and 9, 2008. The Pig is going to be held at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites 2900 S.W. 13th Street in sunny Gainesville, 32608. The Paramount has undergone an extensive room and amenity renovation over the past year and promises to be better than ever! Call the hotel directly (352-377-4000) to book your room reservation. Ask for the Phi Gamma Delta/Fiji room rate. Festivities will begin Friday Night (Feb 8) at the Pre-Pig Gathering in the main ballroom of the Paramount Plaza beginning at 7:00PM. There will be free appetizers, some door prizes, Courtesy Keg or Kegs (courtesy of the Pig), a cash bar and the usual antics from the Friday night pigsters. Sweethearts, wives, dates, escorts, and pledges are welcome to the Pre-Pig festivities. Dress will be casual and the Hotel has agreed to once again provide a cash seafood buffet for those of you who need more than the appetizer fare. On Saturday, following the traditional Bloody Mary Breakfast of Champions, the Fiji Golf Classic will kick off at 9:30 AM at the Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club. If you are going to field a team, play solo or perhaps just be a ball-washer…you need to register with Dan Getson, the Tournament Boss. You can e-mail Dan at L4DANG8RZ@yahoo.com. Prizes for this annual event have gotten downright spectacular with several corporate sponsors (Can you believe we actually have SPONSORS!) Breakfast for the golfers will be provided. Word on the street is that the new undergrads will be sporting a foursome and are talkin’ smack about the old guys. Now where did I put that Black Glove of Disgust? Saturday afternoon we will have our annual House Corporation Meeting at the Hotel starting at 2:30 PM until about 3:30 or 4:00. There are some exciting updates to discuss and it is one you will certainly want to attend. More on agenda items later. in the Main Ballroom of the Paramount at 5:30 is the start of the Pig Dinner Celebration. Initiated brothers only, as usual! In addition to the appetizers, more courtesy kegs, cash bar, etc…the food promises to be awesome and enhanced with carvers and the like. We have been acquiring prizes for the auction, raffles, door prizes, & giveaways all year! It is truly amazing all the “stuff” we have acquired! Ron Herbanek has agreed to be the Gamma of Ceremonies and Bruce Bradburn has agreed to be a repeat performance as the Auctioneer Extraordinaire (Please…no video cameras or flash photography). The neo-initiates will, as always, be properly introduced to the “Zeuster”. I met the Nooch the other day and he indicated his fondness for BBQ. Pig Dinner is gonna be Awesome! I’m fielding calls from all over the U.S. from brothers who have not made the pilgrimage in years but have been hearing about it “through the grapevine”. Call your pledge brothers, send e-mails to all the brothers you know! Saturday evening February 9 GAMMA PLEDGE CLASS Pledge Class Gamma from left to right: Peter Martin, CJ Roell, Jahmel Bailey, Ryan Issa, George Richards, Adam Orris, Dylan Meridith, Jourdan Jayashekaramurthy, Zachary Foster, Eric Millis, Marcos Gaitin, Joseph Nanna, Jonathan Reaves, Corey Clawson, John Forgione, Nico Holman, Andrew Nelson, Montgomery Sibley, Rudy Baum, and Jordan Patrick. Not pictured Anthony Vogt. \r\n2008 Norris Pig Dinner Early Registration Form Where: Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites, 2900 S. W. 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608, (352) 377-4000 When: Saturday, February 9, 2008 - Doors open at 5:30 PM ___ I’ll be there Friday, February 8 (Pre-Pig) and Saturday, February 9. ___ I’ll be there Saturday Only. ___ Please register me for the Saturday morning FIJI GOLF CLASSIC. ___ I’ll be in Exile and unable to attend. Please update my contact info. ___ I’ll be in Exile and unable to attend. Please update my contact info and accept the enclosed donation to Upsilon Phi. Please make checks payable to the All-Florida Phi Gamma Delta Chapter House Corporation Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________ City:__________________________ State:________ Zip:_____________ E-Mail Address:________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________ Graduation Year/School_________ Please mail, fax or e-mail to: David Smith, 13126 Zori Lane, Windermere, FL 34786 Office: (407) 905-0957 Fax: (407)905-0958 PHI GAMMA DELTA Upsilon Phi Graduate Association 1721 Longview Lane Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 E-mail: dsmith@sentineladvisors.com