Theta Fiji Theta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Alabama s fall 2013 Theta Chapter Plans Expansion of Chapter Room Donate Today to Secure the Future of Phi Gamma Delta at Alabama T heta Chapter needs you. Specifically, we are in desperate need of a new Chapter Room that will accommodate our membership of nearly 135 brothers. Presently, we can only get about one-half of the members inside the Chapter Room. We commissioned Carey Hollingsworth, Auburn ’80, whose grandfather, father, and two sons were Theta members, to design a new Chapter Room, to be constructed above the Alumni Hall. Carey’s design is beautiful. It is not only functional and presents the most cost-effective option for a new facility, it also dramatically enhanced the overall appearance of the house. The cost of the new Chapter Room will be approximately $450,000. We have, and continue to maintain, that for those of you who generously contributed to the Not for College Days Alone campaign, we are not asking you to give again but welcome your participation. We are asking and encouraging our brothers to pledge, over a five-year period, a meaningful gift that will help us accomplish this goal. The gifts are made payable to the University of Alabama, with Phi Gamma Delta in the memo line. These gifts are tax deductible. We could embark on this project by taking on debt but will not. It is the decision of the Board of Chapter Advisors and the House Corporation that we will make the improvement only when we have pledged funds representing 100% of the cost. Enclosed you will find a pledge card with information needed to make a commitment to the new Theta Chapter Room. We ask that you complete the card and mail it to us in the envelope provided. Online giving is also an option. You can visit The University of Alabama’s website at www.ua.edu/giving, direct your gift to Greek Building Funds, and select Phi Gamma Delta as your account. Brothers who pledge at least $500 will be listed on a handsome plaque to be displayed in the Chapter Room. Also, for brothers contributing $1,000 or more, a personalized plaque will be presented at either Homecoming or Pig Dinner, when the goal is met. I hope you will take this opportunity to give back and show your support for the future of our Fraternity. Fraternally, Jim Andrews ’81 Perge! INSIDE: 2013 Pig Dinner Held at Bryant-Denny Stadium I n April, our annual Norris Pig Dinner event was a little different. We held it in Bryant-Denny Stadium, where we had access to a closed spring practice in our own private suite. We spent the afternoon watching practice and enjoyed food, fellowship, and refreshments in the air-conditioned suite. Afterward, we attended the Red Elephant Club’s meeting, where Coach Saban spoke and summarized spring training, as well as a few specifics about the team. Coach Saban also came and spoke to us privately. A special thank-you to Mike Brunner ’85 for help in arranging our access to Coach Saban and the practice. We were allowed to stay and walk on the field before going back to the house for a casual dinner. There were approximately 250 Theta Fijis in attendance, and it was an overall great experience. We hope to see you next year! Fraternally, Neal Hutchinson ’84 Perge! www.ThetaFiji.com Visit our website to find updates on alumni events, Chapter activities, and to recommend someone for membership. Theta Chapter Facebook Page Go to www.facebook.com and search for Theta Fiji, or click on the Facebook link on our website. First Fraternity House on Campus Page 2 • Alumnus Spotlight Page 3 • New Pledges Page 3 \r\nPAGE 2 Theta Fiji Historical Marker Honors First Fraternity House on Campus Theta Thrives at the University of Alabama I t never gets old reporting good news, and the spring 2013 grade report is once again good news for Theta. This past spring, Theta recorded the third best grades among fraternities with over 100 members. Our cumulative 3.10 GPA ranks above the all-men’s average, the all-fraternity average, and the all-undergraduate average. Additionally, eight brothers achieved a perfect 4.0! of Alumni Hall. Theta has made great progress in retiring our debt from this construction, and we appreciate the overwhelming participation. That said, please consider fulfilling your pledge or making a new pledge. All donations are tax deductible and will allow Theta to continue to thrive on campus. For more information on making a pledge or fulfilling an existing pledge, please contact Clay Morris ’83 at clay.morris@willis.com. Please join me in welcoming Cary Beck ’13 as our new Purple Legionnaire. Cary has served the undergraduate Chapter in many capacities, most recently as corresponding secretary. Cary will do a great job in this very important role. On that same note, Billy Pritchard ’10 will be joining the House Corporation after several years of service as a Purple Legionnaire. On October 5, 2013, the Crimson Tide will host Georgia State for Homecoming. This day will be special for Theta as we celebrate the centennial anniversary of the first fraternity house on campus at The University of Alabama. In addition to the regular Homecoming festivities, there will be a ceremony to unveil the new historic marker that is being placed in front of the Chapter House. Please make plans to join us for this special event. More details are forthcoming. After many years of dedicated service, including a term as the House Corporation president, Jim Watson ’79 is stepping down from the House Corporation. Jim has gone above and beyond the call of duty and his service has been invaluable. While Jim will take a step down, I am pleased to report that he will maintain an advisory role as a member of our Emeritus Committee. We are now several years past our major house renovation and the addition Fraternally, Hughston Nichols ’03 House Corporation President hnichols@hwnn.com Perge! Theta Chapter Welcomes New Members Chapter Looks to Build on Spring Accomplishments W ith the start of the 2013-14 school year, the Theta Chapter at the University of Alabama is excited to welcome back its active members and introduce a class of new members. I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the Theta Chapter’s accomplishments from the spring semester. In the classroom, our active members averaged a 3.10 GPA, which is .13 higher than our spring 2012 average. We look to build from this and achieve an even higher standard of excellence this year. As you may recall, our new members in the fall of 2012 had an average GPA of 3.24, which was the highest among all IFC fraternities. We pride ourselves on the emphasis that we place on academics for our incoming members. The Theta Chapter is very involved with the Tuscaloosa and UA communities. Many of our members perform community service through organizations such as Tuscaloosa’s One Place and Al’s Pals. In addition, we hosted multiple cookouts throughout the year supporting different charities and organizations. One of our favorite programs is the 5th Quarter Program. It is truly a remarkable program that helps the West Alabama Food Bank, and we are very excited to carry this new Phi Gam tradition into its second year of operation. With the great work in and out of the classroom, it is no surprise that Phi Gam is heavily represented in various student organizations across campus. These organizations include the Honors College, University Fellows Experience, Jasons, Golden Key Honor Society, Order of Omega, Capstone Men and Women, ODK, Mortar Board, and Campus Crusade for Christ. William McLeod ’15, Bradley Bringardner ’15, Davis Hudson ’15, and Andrew Pickering ’15 at Bryant-Denny Stadium during Pig Dinner festivities. The spring of 2013 was a great semester for the Theta Chapter. Through our hard work, we will continue to show other students, faculty, and administrators what it means to be a Phi Gam. As always, we encourage any alumni in the area to stop by the Chapter House and see for yourself the accomplishments of Theta Chapter. Fraternally, Robby Anderson ’14 Chapter President (205) 568-1471 rcanderson1@crimson.ua.edu Perge! Griffin Arnold ’14, Drew Schneider ’14, Charlie Deer ’14, Chris Branch ’14, Jack Brown ’14, and Joe Azar ’14 enjoy spring break in Breckenridge, Colo. \r\nPAGE 3 The University of alabama Carl Jamison ’79 Shares How Fraternities Make a Lifetime Impact T improve Alabama’s business climate. Through this, he has been able to reconnect with Will Brook ’78, who was the outgoing chairman. “He’s been in Birmingham, and I’ve been in Tuscaloosa, so we didn’t get to see each other much, but being on the board with him we were able to spend more time together. It was really rewarding.” he challenge of going through recruitment is finding a fraternity that feels like the right fit. For Carl Jamison ’79, he had the benefit of knowing several members of Phi Gamma Delta before he joined. “There were a lot of guys from Tuscaloosa in the house, so I had friends already and people I knew from high school in my pledge class.” Carl served the fraternity as the recruitment chairman for three years. “It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed seeing the guys come through the house.” The memories he made as an undergraduate made a lasting impact on his life. “The friendships have been great. The Fraternity was a good training ground for learning how to interact with my peers and develop social skills. It also helped that there were a lot of guys in the house that were accounting majors; having people to study with and a support system was a good benefit.” After earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1981, Carl went to work for Jamison Money Farmer PC. The firm was founded in 1920 by his grandfather, and Carl became the third generation to lead the accounting firm. Being able to work with his father, who is also a Phi Gamma Delta alumnus, was a great opportunity. “We have great clients, a lot of closely held family businesses that are really rewarding to work with.” Carl has served as chairman on several charitable and civic boards but says a highlight has been serving as the chairman of the Business Council of Alabama, which works with the legislature to His advice to undergraduates is to develop people skills. “It’s so different now from when I started with all the technology and social media, but the most important thing is still developing personal relationships. Being able to interact with people on a professional and personal level is something that the Fraternity can really help with. Also, the people that you come into contact with as a member of the Greek system, you will continue to run across over the years. It’s good training for the future.” Carl and his wife, Julie, have two sons, Thornton and Almon, both University of Alabama graduates. Carl’s hobby is managing a 2,000acre timber farm in Green County. He maintains the house, barn, and wildlife. Welcome, Fall 2013 Pledges Mitchell Adams Charlotte, N.C. Sam Centeno* Birmingham, Ala. Leland Hosto Nashville, Tenn. Walker Purvis Huntsville, Ala. Evin Talton Tupelo, Miss. James Ash Birmingham, Ala. Will Clements* Montgomery, Ala. Kyle Ingram Decatur, Ala. Will Ruppel Pittsburgh, Pa. Allen Tate Charlotte, N.C. Clark Attaway Phoenix, Ariz. Paxton Clemmons* Decatur, Ala. Alex Larry* Birmingham, Ala. Dan Shelton Birmingham, Ala. Yates Thomas Huntsville, Ala. Will Baker* Athens, Ala. Spencer Conti Fort Worth, Texas Peter Lowe* Huntsville, Ala. Henry Shook Birmingham, Ala. Michael Tyner Montgomery, Ala. Worth Bell Nashville, Tenn. Griff Cooper Birmingham, Ala. Trace Markwalter Huntsville, Ala. Karter Smith* Huntsville, Ala. Hayes Vinson Montgomery, Ala. Scott Boyd Fort Worth, Texas Jacob Denny Birmingham, Ala. Roger McCoy* Birmingham, Ala. Alex Smith Nashville, Tenn. Price Wicks Tuscaloosa, Ala. Adam Brandau* Mobile, Ala. Stuart Harmon Birmingham, Ala. Thomas Mercer Montgomery, Ala. Clint Smith Nashville, Tenn. *Legacy John Buckley Dallas, Texas Thomas Harris Tupelo, Miss. Chas Mitchell Montgomery, Ala. Charlie Stakely* Augusta, Ga. JD Cage Nashville, Tenn. Faulkner Hereford Birmingham, Ala. Mark Powers* Athens, Ala. Carter Standeffer Tuscaloosa, Ala. James Caudle Huntsville, Ala. Charlie Horton* Tuscaloosa, Ala. Taylor Propst Huntsville, Ala. Rob Stokes* Brewton, Ala. FIJI \r\nSave the Date Homecoming October 5, 2013 Alabama vs. Georgia State Join Theta’s Football Tailgate Theta Fiji Phi Gamma Delta Theta Chapter P.O. Box 131385 Birmingham, AL 35213 Address Service Requested F ootball season is upon us! It’s time for alumni, family, friends, and potential new members to check the football schedule and make plans to visit the house and see old friends or make new ones. Tailgates begin at the Chapter House two hours prior to kickoff with plenty of food, beverages, and entertainment. We promise a good time will be had by all. We look forward to seeing you this fall. Go to the Facebook page or www. thetafiji.com for detailed game-day schedules. 2013 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/19 10/26 11/9 11/23 Alabama Home Football Games Colorado Ole Miss Georgia State (Homecoming) Arkansas Tennessee LSU UT-Chattanooga Chapter Eternal Richard E. Coffee Jr. ’50 entered Chapter Eternal June 21, 2013, at the age of 91. He served as a member of the 10th Armored Division of Patton’s 3rd Army in World War II, earning a Purple Heart. Following the war, he enrolled at the University of Alabama, graduating in 1950 with a degree in advertising from the Commerce School. He then founded Dick Coffee Enterprises, which published a number of magazines, including Birmingham Doin’s and Tuscaloosa Doin’s along with similar visitor’s guides for Huntsville, Montgomery, Decatur, Savannah, Memphis, Brunswick, and the Golden Isles. In addition, he printed annual football and basketball guides. He was an active member in his church and was involved in many organizations affiliated with the University of Alabama. He was named as the University’s Alumnus of the Year and was an honorary member of the A-Club for lettermen in athletics. Dick attended every Alabama football game from November 30, 1946, through January 8, 2013, a total of 781 consecutive games. In 2010, he was named College Football’s #1 Superfan by ESPN. The New York Times acknowledged that Attention: This newsletter is intended for Phi Gamma Delta alumni and parents. If your son is still attending The University of Alabama, he will receive a copy at the Chapter House. If he has graduated, please send us his permanent address to update our records. Thank you. he was the creator of the “Charge” cheer, which has been heard at athletic events throughout the country for many years. Dick was an active member of the Birmingham Rose Society. He and his wife of almost 60 years, Nora, had as many as 375 rose bushes in their garden, and he earned the designation as a consulting rosarian for the Deep South District of the American Rose Society. He is survived by Nora; son Richard III; daughter Linda; grandchildren Brett, Matt, and Eliana; a number of nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Leo M. Karpeles Jr. ’62 entered Chapter Eternal on January 26, 2013. Leo was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He had a distinguished professional career, most recently with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and previously as VP of Taylor & Mathis in Birmingham. Leo attended The Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn., and graduated from the University of Alabama. He dedicated his life to the help and support of others. He provided community support acting as a board member for St. Vincent’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital and The Club. He was also an active member of The Rotary Club of Birmingham, The Redstone Club, Monday Morning Quarterback Club, and The Country Club of Birmingham. Leo presided as King of the Beaux Arts Krewe. Anyone who knew him knows that aside from family and friends his next loves were Elvis and Alabama football. Leo is survived by his wife of 39 years, Laide Karpeles, daughter Margaret Karpeles, son Leo Karpeles III, granddaughter Adelaide Karpeles, and sister Marion Tortorici. Leo also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends. Board of Chapter Advisors BCA President Hughston Nichols ’03 Vice President and Treasurer Clay Morris ’83 Immediate Past President Jim Andrews ’81 Members Tommy Keene ’70 Billy Bates ’78 Donny Troiano ’79 Mike Ballard ’80 Sid Philips ’83 Chass Horton ’83 Neal Hutchinson ’84 Thornton Hydinger ’84 Chas Pell ’85 Taylor McElroy ’95 Jonathan Wells ’03 Steven Nichols ’05 Joe Griffin ’06 Mike Roy ’06 John Collier ’06 Josh Clinton ’08 Billy Pritchard ’10 Purple Legionnaire Cary Beck ’13 Emeritus George Nolen ’70 Baker Crow ’78 Winn Kelley ’78 TJ Willings ’78 Jim Richardson ’79 Jim Watson ’79