PHI GAMMA DELTA IMPORTANT DATES: Christmas Luncheon December 23 2011 EI Open 2012 April 28, 2012 Pig Dinner 2012 October 13 2012 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Shake Up at the EI Open 1 Phi Gam’s Thriving Business 2 Have You Heard the Good News? 3 Celebrate the 4 Holidays with Fiji! A Letter From the President 4 Ace of Diamonds W I N T E R 2 0 1 1 Shake-Up at the EI open RSVP’d as a tentative no up to two days before the Open. Therefore, the team he usually golfs with replaced him with friend of the chapter, Nick Burch. Then, the skies parted and, his work finished, Keller was suddenly able to attend. Nick nobly stepped aside, recruited Rance Brown to golf with Scott Newman (EI 2000), Jeremy Tarr him from another (EI 1998), Chris Rafferty, Jim Moryl (EI team, and reached 2000), and Nick Carter (EI 2000) with EI deep into his Rolodex Open cup, now residing on Rance for two more. One of Brown’s mantle. those he found, ChrisThe 2011 Epsilon Iota Open tian Farley, just happened to saw several historical firsts do some golfing for USI. and milestones. With a total of 8 teams and 33 particiThe day began efficiently, as pants, we had our best turnsomehow, everything started out in the 6 year history of on time. Blaire Birge (EI the event. We had the first 2000), returning to the links color-coordinated team of for the first time since 2006, golfers. We had the first remarked on what he’d custom-made golf cart hood missed in the intervening ornament. Most importantyears. “I’m really impressed ly, for the first time, the with the big turnout. That’s championship team did not just that many more people have an Alpha on it. for my team to utterly destroy.” First time participant The genesis of this momenChris Watkins (EI 2010) tous upset consists of a Rube was optimistic about his Goldberg series of events. chances, stating “No prepaSure he would be busy at his ration and minimal experijob in Atlanta, Geoff Keller ence are good things, right?” Meanwhile, while all these interviews are happening, the piercing sound of 300 yard drives could be heard. These were being made by Christian Farley, who is appropriately nicknamed Jesus. Jesus was famously good at golf, which was how St. Patrick was able to convert the Irish to Christianity, and apparently, people nicknamed Jesus are his equals in golf talent. Once all teams had finished, it became apparent that Jesus Farley and company had demolished the competition. Geoff Keller’s last minute appearance had upended the EI golf world. Farley et al’s victory was so complete, there may be rule changes in the future. Despite the shocking results, the day could still be considered a success, as more than $1050 was raised for the undergraduates. Thanks go to all who donated and participated. The next Open will be held on April 29, 2012, where the butterfly effect may once again completely overturn the golfing hierarchy of FIJI in Evansville. \r\nPAGE 2 Evansville Phi Gam’s Thriving Small Business “...there was a lot of excitement about our Graham Paxton (EI 2003) and his wife Rebecca have put up their stake in Evansville in the form of Swift Athletics. Located a short distance north of the University of Evansville campus, Swift Athletics caters to runners of all kinds, from marathon veterans to casual joggers. They have experienced success in the community, including sponsoring their own 10k race called Run This Whey. It will be taking place in December, with proceeds going to support galactosemia research. Last month, Graham sat down at his computer to answer a few questions. shop from the moment that we first opened our doors. ” -Graham Paxton (Evansville ‘03) Q: Was starting your own business something you’ve always wanted to do? up running again and began to work part-time at a local running store in Huntsville, AL while at graduate school. Being able to make a difference in someone's life really began to appeal to me and I wanted to take it to the next level. Were there Who’s got two thumbs, runs halfany setbacks in marathons and is a small business owner? the beginning? This guy. Honestly, not really. Evansville is plenty big GP: No, not really. But after enough to support a specialty spending a couple of years push- running store, but there wasn't ing paper in corporate America, one until we arrived. Because of I felt like being my own boss that, there was a lot of excitewas the only way that I would ment about our shop from the be able to get motivated about moment that we first opened our my job/career. Maybe I had doors. Also, I had done a pretty watched Office Space one too thorough job of creating contacts many times. Regardless, at the with our suppliers before we end of the day, if you really care ever opened, and having the about what you are doing, that experience from the store I makes all of the difference in worked at in Huntsville helped the world. us avoid many possible mistakes. How did you arrive at the idea of a store dedicated to fitness? How have you advertised your From there, it was viral. The best advertisement in this industry is simply maintaining a great reputation and having our customers recommend us to their friends & family: the all-powerful 'word of mouth.' In the future, we will continue to sponsor the races that we feel have provided us the best return on our investment. How do you compete with the large chain stores? I really don't think that we are competing head-to-head with I was a runner in high school but the large chain stores. At a big I decided to not pursue running We sponsored most of the local box store, the customers pick at the collegiate level. Taking road races when we first opened, out what they want based on that time off helped me gain a better perspective on the activity and that helped us get our name color/style or what they might have read about in a magazine, and message into the minds of itself and its intrinsic benefits. While in graduate school, I took the runners/walkers in the area. etc. At our shop, we take each presence to the community? ACE OF DIAMONDS \r\nWINTER 2011 person's individual situation and find the right kind of footwear that matches his/her biomechanics and foot type. It doesn't matter that Person A had success with a certain pair of shoes if Person B has drastically different feet and movement patterns in his/her stride. When you look at it this way, our customer base is very different from the customer base that tends to flock to big box. How have you weathered the economic downturn? We have definitely been successful even amidst the current economic climate. To calm any fears that people may have about our prices, we have decided to sell all of our shoes at 10% PAGE letics? less than the actual retail cost. This means that when a brand new shoe hits the market, we will actually be selling it for less than Alexandra has the job if she wants it, but she is currently in that 'I'm not ready to work yet' stage. 2 year olds… what are you gonna do. But in all seriousness, we feel that our best customers act as liaisons for us because they might take our message to a demographic that may have otherwise been skeptical towards what we do. It is a symbiotic relationship as we provide these customers with steeper discounts on their shoes and/or free schwag. Maybe you have seen someone around town wearing a Swift Athletics shirt - if not, you probably will soon. I like to think that these customers are our mascots as they represent the legitimacy of our business and the ideals that we hope to instill into the community. the large chain shops (if they even carry the same shoe at all). We have forfeited many thousands of dollars with our 10% rule, but we feel like it has led to more repeat business and a stronger reputation than we otherwise would have had. So in the end, we have profited from that loss. Is your daughter the official/ unofficial mascot of Swift Ath- Have You Heard the Good News? Will Snider (EI 2006) and wife Sarah celebrated the birth of their first child, Abby, in August. Kevin Hay’s (EI 2006) wife Kathryn gave birth to their daughter, Alivia, in August Geoff Keller (EI 2008) and his wife Ashli were married on the beaches of Destin, FL in September. He has also put out a new album under the name deepC on iTunes titled Finding Higgs Boson. Don’t miss out on the electronic goodness. Cash Matthew Setnor was born to proud parents Joe (EI 2008) and Laura in August. Scott Gurgol (EI 2003) announced his engagement to Lisa Thompson. Ryan Wininger (EI 2004) and wife Breaha bucked peer pressure and had their son, Brogan, in September. Purple Legionnaire Rob Smith (EI 2003) was married to Stephanye Givens in September. Josh Holland (EI 2006) and wife Erica celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Elia, also in August. Kent Schrock’s (EI 2004) wife Kristin gave birth to their daughter Korinne in October. Rance Brown (EI 2006) has left the exciting world of corporate uniforms/paper shredding at Cintas to teach math to the next generation at Harrison high school. Chris Rafferty (EI 2001) and his wife Marla are expecting their second child in April of next year. Kent Schrock with his son Konner and baby girl Korinne. AJ Lichlyter (EI 2007) is engaged to fiancé Shannon Williams. Marc Sapoznik (EI 2008) is now employed as an exercise physiologist in Ithaca, NY. 3 \r\nA Letter From the President Brothers, It has been a busy but successful semester thus far for the Epsilon Iota chapter. This past September, we increased our membership by 12 pledges. While this number of pledged brothers is slightly lower than in past years, the total number of gentlemen who signed up for recruitment was also substantially lower. We have high expectations for the Zeta Deuteron pledge class and look forward to reporting on their progress to you later in the year. The Epsilon Iota chapter has returned to the top of the intramural charts. Thus far, our chapter claimed the A-League intramural title for soccer, futsol (3 person soccer) and badminton. Flag football season has started, but that outcome does not look as bright. Our chapter may be much more talented at sports that do not require direct use of hands. Our annual philanthropy, Hot-TubA-Thon, will be April 21, 2012, but we have started preparing earlier this year. We have already had a few give-back nights with local restaurants and have more planned for the coming semester. Our chapter also has a great opportunity to operate a concession stand at the new downtown Ford Center. We will receive 10% of all concession sales from each evening. A large portion of that commission will be allocated for Hot-Tub-A-Thon and Easter Seals. A single concession stand at the previous stadium would sell between $2000-3000 per evening, so we are really looking forward to the fundraising opportunities the new Ford Center gives us. On a personal note, I am entering my last few weeks as president. Over this past year, I have grown a lot both as a person and a FIJI. My presidential term was marked by many obstacles that made me a better leader, but many successes as well. These successes would not have been possible without the guidance of our Section Chief, Joe Weist and many of the Epsilon Iota graduates that served as my mentors: Jeremy Buente (EI 2008), Peter Hanscom (EI 2010) and David Riedford (EI 2011). I know that the next President of the Epsilon Iota chapter will continue this tradition of excellence and will have a wealth of good news to report to you in his next letter. The remaining two months in this semester will be just as busy. Our chapter will be having elections in the upcoming weeks and then preparing for our chapter’s tradition of travelling to the International Headquarters for Initiation in January. Fraternally, Bryan Hamann Evansville 2012 Perge! Celebrate the Holidays with Phi Gamma Delta The plans for the annual Christmas Luncheon have been finalized. We will be celebrating the holidays at the Evansville Country Club on Friday, December 23rd. Those attending should plan to arrive at 12:00 for drinks and mingling, with lunch to follow. Following the meal, the Graduate Advisory Board will be meeting. All are welcome to attend and offer advice or suggestions. paying with cash. We hope to see many Phi Gam's in attendance, and for those that cannot, we hope you have a great holiday season surrounded by friends and family! If you will be able to attend, please RSVP with Jonathan Kissel as soon as you are able. He can be reached by e-mail at jonkissel1848@gmail.com or by phone at (812) 550-4476. Price at the door will be $20. Please plan on Phi Gamma Delta 227 S. Lincoln Park Dr. Evansville, IN 47714 http://www.uefiji.org “Not for college days alone.” Sean Riley (EI 2005), Joe Setnor, Tom Topper (EI 2004), and Ryan Wininger, pledging to more closely synch wardrobes for 2012.