& Fiji Rush Finishes with ~” Eight New Members wee fir A A Look at Environmental Sustainability \r\nWriter and Editor: Grant Forssberg Contribution by Tony Meyer Questions, Comments? Contact gforssbe@knox.edu Table of Contents Environmental Sustainability And Gamma Deuteron GO FIJI! Meet the New Pledge Class The Fiji Castle G.D. Sports No Place Like Home Stars shine for Gamma Deuteron Cessna Goes National Gamma Deuteron has another Field Secretary The Life Aquatic Poolside with Tony Meyer House Roster 2007-08 \r\nFraternity of Phi Gamma Delta Gamma Deuteron Chapter 218 S. Cedar St. Galesburg, IL On February 14, a group of Phi Gams made the short walk over to the library to participate in Knox’s annual awards convocation. It was a cold and wet day, not much of a showing from Mother Nature by any means. Thankfully the close quarters of the Red Room alleviated much of the discomfort and provided a general sense of warmth. Two Fijis were to receive Alumni Achievements that day, the details of which we’re honored to present to you later in this issue. We had arrived with a fairly sizable contingent, but there were many who were unable to attend due to sports or rehearsals. Admittedly, 5 PM is not the best time for such a presentation, but those who attended were rewarded with valuable insights and just perhaps, a realization or two. Today was Knox’s birthday, and I’m sure had it not been for the impressive cake blocking the East exit to Seymour Union, many of us may not have given it much thought. It came and went as birthdays always seem to do, passing away into memory unnoticed amongst the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. For the short hour in which convocation was held however, the clock struggled to brush away the memories that clouded the room. As college students we live life a week in the future. Whether it’s sitting around in the Gizmo studying, or weekend nights out. It’s tough to see ourselves without faded jeans and long hair. On the surface, its inspirational (and relieving) to hear graduates such as Brothers Anderson and Belzer speak. Listening to their impressive accomplishments give the inner college student in all of us hope that maybe we can make it in the real world, and if we’re so lucky, change it for the better. The event was touted as a celebration of our alumni, but as one of the distinguished alumni noted, it was really a celebration of Knox. The benefits of a liberal arts education are explained in detail to every student by the time they graduate, the ability for intellectual growth based on a well rounded curriculum. What isn’t often mentioned, but rather experienced, is the community Knox offers. We believe a microcosm of that community has been and continues to be ever present at the house at 218 S. Cedar Street. Curriculums change, and I’m sure by now many of you can’t remember for your life what you learned in that Biology class senior year, but I would be willing to bet that you do remember the way you felt as a Knox student and a brother of Phi Gamma Delta. When the piles of paperwork and student planners lose their meaning, these are the experiences and feelings that are left. We hope that we can at least try to put some of these feelings on paper and reconnect with you, our graduate brothers. Continually, we hope that you enjoy this issue of the Gamma Deuteron Fiji and can echo the hopes we have for the continued success and prosperity of Our Chapter as we press on into the future. As a final note, for those of you classically minded brothers, drawn from the Greek phrase “ecclesia”, the term convocation is a “calling together”. As always, our own convocation, Pig Dinner, will be held the 3rd of May this year. We cordially invite all of our distinguished alumni for an evening of great food and fun. We are looking to build on the success of past years and really make this year’s event a great success but we need your help! We hope to see you there! Fraternally Yours, The Gamma Deuteron Chapter \r\nMeet the Pledges AJ Shule…Kankakee… Golf…Macgyver…IM Soccer…Seymour Christian Mahone…Chicago… A..b.l.e. …Clear the dance floor…Campbell Roger Ortiz…Houston…Basketball…Neifert Avi Brongersma….Curacao…Skateboarding…Campbell Travis Helgren…Moline…Rockstar at large…Quads Jordan Kratter… Westchester, NY…Bowling… GIANTS! Jordan Lanfair…Chicago…Cross Country… Campbell Bojan Jovanavich…Chicago…Football…Quads Phi Gamma Delta Friendship Knowledge Service Morality Excellence \r\n21South C e d a r 8 A Look Back… The Biggest News of All: A Home Construction Delays The First World War put any plans for a house on hiatus. Most of the Chapter’s members volunteered for Officer’s Training and the chapter saw a serious decline in membership. The previous residence at 446 N. Cedar had fallen into disrepair because of the war and lack of repairs, and as such the lease was allowed to expire. Three Fiji’s returned for classes in the fall of 1918, an ominous reminder of the toll the war had taken on the fraternity and college as a whole. With the odds stacked against them; Brothers Willard Dean, Milton Hult, and Lysle Pritchard, successfully rushed 10. With the war over, attention once again shifted to the construction of a permanent residence. In 1920 Knox College passed a Fraternity Plan mandating that all campus fraternities have housing on college owned property. The plan also stipulated that freshmen could not live in any of these residences and that meals were to be eaten at the school’s commons. (Cont.) 1910 1921 A Lot is Purchased at 218 S. Cedar for $4,200 Construction of Fiji Castle completed. 1926 Fiji Castle sees its first renovation \r\nConstruction Delays (Cont.) The Castle Opens its Doors The contract for the Castle was finalized on April 5th, 1920 with construction beginning shortly after. On April 5, 1920 Fiji castle opened its doors. That same year the Gamma Deuteron chapter received more great news; we had been awarded the Cheney Cup after several years in contention. The House Over The Years Spurred on by the College; Gamma Deuteron sold its lot to the school, who turned around and leased it back to the chapter for ninety-nine years with an option to renew. As part of the agreement with campus fraternities the school invested $30,000 into the property and took out a loan for construction, the chapter was left with the balance of $10,000 to round out the costs. 1927 1955 1981 1927 Monthy rent for members is $15 1933 1934 Mother’s club donates new gas 1947 Fiji throws “Hard Army confiscates Times Party” Castle for barracks \r\nThe Second World War and Beyond As the school year opened up in 1941, Gamma Deuteron looked forward to celebrating its 75th anniversary. The celebration was muted however with the news of the Pearl Harbor bombing. The chapter, at the height of it’s size and strength would once again make sacrifices for the defense of her country. There were 55 brothers on the active roll during the 1941-42 school year, by the spring of 1943 that number had plummeted to 21 members. Despite the loss of so many to the armed services the chapter carried on in admirable fashion. With their brothers abroad in their hearts, the Fijis hosted one of the largest and best section conventions ever. The following year brought about a change of ownership for the castle at 218 Cedar. The Army took possession of the house, giving the chapter a compensation of $1,500 dollars a year. The remaining Fijis were able to relocate to the basement of the Broadview Hotel, where they would conduct chapter operations for the next couple years. In late ’44 the Army decided to return the castle to the school, the homecoming was short lived however as the school quickly turned it into a women’s dorm. It would not be until late 1946 that the Fijis could return to their beloved home. The chapter faced many challenges during the war years but again emerged triumphant. At one point the chapter was near extinction with a mere 4 Phi Gams, but consistent with the spirit that carried a beleaguered chapter trhough the First World War, the brothers of the Second World War guided the chapter through it’s toughest days yet. Following the war, the house found itself once again blessed with happier times. In the years following the war the chapter peaked at 83 active members who excelled in all aspects of campus life. Fijis held the top campus positions; Senior class president, Senate president, Gale Editor among others. Besides being a forceful campus presence, the brothers of the late forties made vast improvements to the house; a game room was added on the first floor, the kitchen was doubled in size, and the dining room received a new layer of paint. 1949 Interior staircase removed to make room for games room Brother Hobart Gay ‘17 Getting use out of the new kitchen… 1956 House found to be structurally unsound, reinforced with steel girders among other complements at a large cost. 1967 Chapter Centennial on April 5, 1967 \r\nA Headline… This headline from the 1958 G.D. Fiji says it all. In 1956 routine inspections showed that the house was structurally unsound and needed repairs. As a result of the inspection, extensive renovations were done; steel girders were placed under the first floor, a new heating plant was installed, and the dining hall was enlarged. The cost of the renovations to the chapter was a whopping $11,500, with a total cost of around $30,000. The chapter rushed to erase their debt to the school, the interest was calculated at $800 a year! With a concerted effort from the Alumni Fund Raising committee lead by Roy Ingersoll, the Fijis were able to raise the money in under 10 months. Centennial A Centenn ial and the Home Stretch April 5, 1967 marked the 100th year of the Gamma Deuteron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta and the house celebrated accordingly. The 1970’s saw father-son ping pong tournaments, main floor boxing matches, fraternity sing offs, several tug-owar titles, and all around good times. During this time numerous improvements to the kitchen and living areas were made, with a new ceiling for the basement. As the chapter moved into the 1980’s, the brothers became increasingly aware of the need for another renovation. It wouldn’t be until the late 80’s that the fundraising for such a project would begin however. During 1989, the chapter received over $20,000 in donations alone. In 1991, the barracks on the third floor were converted into rooms among other renovations. The bricks lining the walk were the result of this fundraising campaign. A constant reminder of that Fiji is “not for college days alone.” Most recently within the past couple years, the main room has received a new coat of paint and significant work has been done on the basement. \r\naalliiffoorrnniiaa OOrreeggoonn W Waasshhiinnggttoonn IIddaahhoo U Uttaahh NNeevvaaddaa NNeeww M Meexxiiccoo A Arriizzoonnaa CCoolloorraaddoo W Wyyoommiinngg K Kaannssaass OOkkllaahh Feature Interview S Soouutthh D Daakkoottaa M Miinnnneessoottaa A Arrkkaannssaass M Miissssoouurrii M Moonnttaannaa FFlloorriiddaa TTeexxaass M Maaiinnee R Rhhooddee IIssllaanndd VVeerrmmoonntt M Maa utthh CCaarroolliinnaa GGeeoorrggiiaa M Miicchhiiggaann NNoorrtthh D Daakkoottaa K Keennttuucckkyy CCoonnnneeccttiiccuutt NNeeww YYoorrkk P Peennnnssyyllvvaanniiaa A Allaabbaammaa A Al wwaaiiii LLoouuiissiiaannaa IInnddiiaannaa TTeennnneesssseeee M Miissssiissssiippppii IIlllliinnooiiss IIoowwaa A Allbbeerrttaa OOnnttaarriioo BBrriittiisshh CCoolluummbbiiaa NNeeww JJeerrsse Matt Cessna Road aalliiffoorrnniiaa OOrreeggoonn W Waasshhiinnggttoonn IIddaahhoo U Uttaahh NNeevvaaddaa NNeeww M Meexxiiccoo A Arriizzoonnaa C Coolloorraaddoo W Wyyoommiinngg K Kaannssaass OO A couple months months ago we learned that our own Matt Cessna had been chosen as the 156th Field Secretary of Phi Gamma Del Delta. ta. In this position, Matt will be traveling the country visiting other PGD chapters to assist in chapter operations. GD Fiji: How do you feel about this opportunity? GD Fiji: How was the trip to Lexington? Matt Cessna: I’m excited about an opportunity to Matt: It was great, it’s a nice city and it was better see how the fraternity works, I will also get to travel and visit other chapters and learn about their individual operations. exciting to see your International Headquarters. GD Fiji: How do you think your tenure as president has prepared you for this position? GD Fiji: Do you know what region you will be working? Matt: It’s a learning experience, I think I’ve Matt: I’m not sure yet, I will find that out soon. progressed a lot as a leader and am ready to better use those skills. GD Fiji: Are there any regions you would prefer to GD Fiji: Will you be staying in chapter houses work? while you’re on the road? Matt: I would like to try the Western region or the Southeast, I’ve never been out there and would love to see it. GD Fiji: International gives each Field Secretary a number designation, which number will you be? Matt: I will be the 156th Field Secretary of Phi Gamma Delta. Matt: Depends, some chapters have extra rooms available; others will furnish a hotel room. GD Fiji: I know I speak for the entire chapter in wishing you the best of luck. We know that you will do a great job promoting the values of Phi Gamma Delta. Matt: Thank you, I appreciate it. "No other job can offer the benefits realized as a Field Secretary. For all who accept this honored position, time validates the wisdom of their decision." --Scott J. Mikulecky #83 (Colorado State 1983) \r\nFeature Article With Tony Meyer The first Fiji I met at Knox College was Joe Okine. I came into Knox under the impression that I would be a part of its swim team; and, as the swim team was momentarily only composed of two men, that I would be a vital part of it. I was introduced to Joe for the first time in the cafeteria. As a undersized and awkward first-year, Joe was an intimidating figure: a six foot, two-hundred-pound-plus mass of muscle who was built like a short yardage tailback (in part because he was a football player in the Fall). However, Joe invited me to eat lunch with him and was very eager to talk about the season, saying that my freestyle would complement his breastroke well. After swimming with Joe for several weeks and acquainting myself to his Viking-like habit of feasting the night before competition, Joe and I became close friends. When the time came for formal rush, Joe invited me over to the Castle for Fiji Feast. I had never considered pledging a fraternity. However, the brothers of the house were all inviting and encouraged me that I would be a good fit in the house. Only a few weeks later, I sat in the main room of Gamma Dueteron on father son night as a pledge with Joe as my pledge father. I had heard that in the past Fiji was known at Knox as the “baseball fraternity.” Now Fiji has become the swimming fraternity. With Joe and I being the top swimmers in 2007, the team experienced some success. Unfortunately when Joe graduated in 2007, the swim team and Phi Gamma Delta graduated a very talented and crucial member. Tony Meyer Tony Meyer Earns Three Top-10 Finishes at MWC Championships Meyer took fifth place in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 49.87 seconds, placed sixth in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.84 seconds, and was seventh in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 56.75 seconds. He made the award stand for the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events. Tony,, Hoeven, and Chandler at a meet \r\nThe first place I thought to recruit new members for the swim team was from a pool of my brothers at Phi Gamma Delta. Jon Hoeven, a senior Psychology major from St. Louis, Missouri, stepped up to the call during his final year at Knox. Jon had had some experience playing water polo and was a natural athlete; however, our team was still short in numbers. Chandler Harris, a sophomore from Winnetka, Illinois, who had been a State qualified backstroker and water polo player at New Trier High School, was also convinced to swim for Knox when he learned that two of his Fiji Brothers would be swimming. Graduate Brother C.J. Rugh (2005) coached the Knox swim in 2007 and 2008. Rugh was a letter-winning golfer at Knox who was part of the 2003 Midwest Conference championship team. Coach Rugh led the team as an experienced coach, and I can attest to the value of having a brother leading you during practices and at meets. My proudest moments as Fiji at Knox college took place at the pool. When I was tired and unmotivated at practices, my Fiji brothers would not let me quit. When the team lifted at dryland practices, my brothers made my max go up ten pounds. Finally, I could not have been prouder to be a Fiji then during the team’s 200 medley relay at the 2008 conference championship. Chandler Harris swam backstroke for near best time. I swam fly for a personal record. And Jon Hoeven anchored our relay with a blistering 50 freestyle. I can say without a doubt that the Gamma Dueteron chapter of Phi Gamma Delta will be swimming to more success in the near future. Fiji “Tankers” Circa 1950’s \r\nEnvironmental Sustainability and Gamma Deuteron Conservation and education need not be an oxymoron. But if it is to become a significant force for a sustainable and humane world, it must be woven through the entire curriculum and though all the operations of the institution, and not confined to a few scattered courses. Global warming has emerged as a pivotal issue of our generation. Over the course of the past decade there has been a paradigm shift in the way the public views the environment; an epiphany of proportions unseen since Silent Spring, Earth Day, and the EPA. From the civic arena to popular culture the debate over what can and should be done about this issue continues to rage; and college campuses, especially one with the progressive philosophy of Knox, are no exception. David W. Orr IN THE STUDENT SENATE OF KNOX COLLEGE Combating wasteful habits: We’re all on the frontline… October 25, 2007 It’s early in the morning and sophomore Brent Newman is getting an early start to his day. As part of his daily routine he fishes through the garbage can, carefully pulling every item that A Resolution Concerning the Institution of a Green Fee. Whereas: Knox College has begun to move towards being a more ecologically sustainable institution; and Whereas: There are many different ideas that students have for projects that can make Knox more ecologically sustainable; but at should Gamma haveDeuteron been placed in the adjacent recycling bin. Whereas: There is no current means for the funding of green projects on campus outside of the KARES budget or the Senate discretionary fund, the amounts of which fluctuate greatly from year to year; and Whereas: There needs to be a permanent Knox Green Fund available for students specifically designated for implementing projects that can make Knox more ecologically sustainable; so Therefore be it resolved: That a fee of $5 per term ($15 per year), with the option available to change that amount in subsequent years, be placed in a separate Greening Fund to be used specifically for student-led initiatives towards the goal of making Knox College more ecologically sustainable; and Be it further resolved: That this fund will be monitored by the Senate Sustainability Committee; and Be it further resolved: That there will also be three ex officio (non-voting) members, the Director of Facility Services, a representative from the Office of Student Development, and a faculty member from the Environmental Studies Department, to increase and enhance communication about sustainability at all levels; and Recycling has made its way into the Fiji house, but it’s clear it has not yet become habit. This seems to be the case all over campus, the tide has turned but there is a ways to go. Fortunately, the argument seems to be not if, but when. One of the major enemies in this war on waste is despair. Can one person really make a difference? All it takes is one to get the ball rolling. The house is a perfect example of this. Through leadership and example, brothers such as Brent Newman and Dan Dimeo have starting getting us in the habit of conserving energy whenever possible by making sure all appliances and lights are turned off when brothers leave rooms as well as placing recycling bins on every floor, which have begun to see heavier use. Both Newman and Dimeo are majoring in Environmental Studies and have other great ideas to help Gamma Deuteron become more environmentally friendly such as more efficient house insulation and energy efficient window blinds. Brother Dimeo Be it further resolved: That this committee will review applications for funding made by students and will make recommendations to Senate for final approval; and Be it further resolved: That the Sustainability committee will be charged with creating the exact procedure of the application process to be brought to the Senate for approval by the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Brother Newman \r\nFootball Baseball Fiji has given Beta a run for its money of late in producing star football players. Next fall our very own Jake Strain will be under center for the Prairie Fire. In his backfield will be Dallas product Brent Newman and lining up at wideout, Evan Massey. Josh Alber and DeAndre Henderson anchor the lines, and Blaine Murphy provides the hard hits. This year’s squad is lead by Senior Luke Hunter, four year letter winner and starting outfielder. Sophomores Alex Petik and Blaine Murphy are seeing playing time at 3rd base as well. Cross Country This fall saw two Fijis on the Cross team: Jordan Lanfair and Mike Dooley; a strong leader for the Men’s side. Track Swimming Gamma Deuteron was well represented in the pool this year, with three Phi Gams competing for the Prairie Fire. Leading the way was Tony Meyer, who came in 5th in 50 Free at conference. Brother Chandler Harris scored in two events at the meet, and Senior Jon Hoeven anchored the team all season. Gamma Deuteron has three representatives on Track this spring: Jordan Lanfair, Mike Dooley, and thrower Josh Alber. Mike Dooley competes in the distance races; 800 , 4x4, and mile. Basketball Starting senior Grant Kluge played well on the hardcourt this winter. Roger Ortiz saw some playing time in his first season with the Prairie Fire. \r\nGraduateInformation Name__________________ Nickname_________________Class______________ Mailing Address__________________________________ Phone _______________ Occupation____________________ Company_______________________ Description _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Family_________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ ___________________ Clubs, Societies, Service Organization, Civic or Elected Please_______________________________________________________________________ fill out and return to: Offices G.D. Fiji Editor ______________________________________________________________________________ Phi Gamma Delta ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. E. South Street ________________________________ Galesburg, IL 61401 jlanfair@knox.edu Anything else of Interest____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Replytoto Reply Phi GammaDelta Delta Phi Gamma 2 E.South South Street 2 East Street Galesburg, IL 61401 Galesburg, IL 61401 or Or jlanfair@knox.edu jlanfair@knox.edu \r\n Gana ee eee L000 7- 2OO8 Cloeliuse From Oppey Left: Blane Muvghy? od filer? Pnere Chowubad Gran lunphyeys! Nate Camey? Matt Cermat Chandler tawvist Dan Dime? Mile Dooley? Defndve tlendevson? Evan Massey? Jontloeven! Luke unter? Jalce Sivan? Cad Cavan? Mavle iced Alex Pati Kevin Gri Tony Mayort i fvdervon? Bvent Aleman? Gvant Fovscbeve? Clyis Jobson Dem CLE + Clee Tangle? FRIENDSHIP, THE SWEETEST INFLUENCE \r\nPhi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Life in the House This year has been a good one for Gamma Deuteron. In the fall we completed a successful Philanthropy event, 1353, in which we collected cans and cash donations for the Galesburg Homeless Shelter. 1353 is representative of the enrollment at Knox College. We encouraged everyone to donate at least one can. Also in the fall we had a very successful party, Fiji Rave. As always, a good time was had by all. Winter brought about Rush season. We held two very successful Rush events, Fiji Casino and Fiji Feast. As has become tradition the sophomores all shaved each other’s heads in a sign of class unity for the rushees. We added eight new pledges to the chapter roster. During winter term we threw Fiji Fandamonium, which saw a great turnout. We had our annual Rose formal in early March at the Best Western in Galesburg, all the guests commented on the superb decorations and atmosphere of the evening. This spring is shaping up to be one the best yet; Pig Dinner is fast approaching rd on May 3 , we hope everyone who is able will attend. We are also hoping to provide a great band for Island this year and make some house improvements, the biggest of which is to replace the basketball hoop. We hope to keep you informed on all house happenings as they develop. If you’re in the Galesburg area, don’t forget to stop by the house! Newsletter designed and edited by the Gamma Deuteron Chapter. Printing and mailing services provided by the International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. Suggestions for future issues? Contact Grant Forssberg at gforssbe@knox.edu.