TExAS H FIJI The Longhorn Fiji–The University of Texas at Austin Established 1883 Spring 2012 Graduates Get Involved and Ensure Tau Deuteron’s Success New Mentoring Program Implemented for Undergraduates A fter a semester of learning the many aspects of Tau Deuteron, I am glad to report that our Chapter is stronger than ever. Change has been the theme since August; we have a newly elected Board of Chapter Advisors (BCA) and House Corporation Board. These men are excited to get involved and help give back to Phi Gamma Delta. These changes are designed to encourage alumni involvement and ensure transparency and financial stability. BCA MeMBers Work TogeTher To BAlAnCe BudgeT The BCA consists of members from 12 pledge classes and each member is assigned specific responsibilities. The BCA began this semester by guaranteeing our fiscal and budgetary matters are in line. Finance Chairman Mark Winter ’79 has done a great job implementing financial safeguards and has worked closely with Treasurer nelson laswell ’09 to make sure the Chapter adheres to its budget. AluMni TAilgATes offer opperTuniTy To Build BroTherhood In the fall, the undergraduate Chapter hosted tailgates for alumni two hours before every home football game. Buen Retiro came to life with live music, food, and refreshments. This resulted in some of the largest alumni, undergraduate, and family gatherings we have experienced in years. Texas Cowboys and Silver Spurs at DKR Memorial Stadium: Jackson Roche ’08, Robert Shulte ’08, Wilson Albright ’08, Charlie Rexford ’08, Dawson Lewis ’08, and Jack Simone ’08. We had an overwhelmingly positive response from alumni about these events and we look forward to continuing them next fall. inTernship And eMployMenT MenToring progrAM for undergrAduATes This semester, we have spent time refining pledge education and strategizing for recruitment. Bobby orr ’75 is spearheading a new program to help seniors obtain internships and post-graduate employment opportunities. If you are interested in mentoring or have an internship or job opportunity available, please contact Bobby at borr@orrinc.com. My role in the growth of Tau Deuteron is extremely fulfilling, and stepping through the doors of Buen Retiro brings back priceless memories. I encourage you to get involved with the Chapter or just stop by Buen Retiro to say hello. GTBO, Marshall Merritt ’79 BCA President marshall@merritt-capital.com Perge! Bill Chiles ’67 Recalls Memories of Tau Deuteron Brotherhood Joined Phi Gamma Delta Because It’s the Best “I have always felt that the Fijis are the best fraternity on campus, so why go for anything but the best?” With that attitude, Bill Chiles ’67 joined Tau Deuteron because of the athletic orientation, the lake club, and the strength of the membership. During his sophomore year Bill became engaged and married as a junior. He remembers his time as an undergraduate fondly and says the experience meant a lot to him. “I matured quite a bit and loved the Fraternity.” Some of his favorite memories are “having fun with my pledge brothers, Mom Pryor, Ivory, and the food at the house.” Bill earned a bachelor’s degree of business administration in petroleum land management and an MBA from SMU. As he remembers his time as an undergraduate, Bill passes on some advice. “Find your passion and stick with it. Do not always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Always do the right thing and realize that servant leaders realize that it is (Continued on page 2) InSIDE: Successful Recruitment 3 • Alumni Update 4 • Join Us for Pig Dinner 6 \r\nH Page 2 Phi Gamma Delta Bill Chiles ’67 Rad Weaver ’94 Shares His Fiji Experience (Continued from page 1) not about them, but about serving the needs of their team.” He also gives young alumni interview advice. “If someone shows up in a beat-up jalopy, covered in tattoos, rings in every orifice, bad hair, and bad clothes, they won’t get hired.” Bill is the president and CEO of Bristow Group Inc., the largest civil helicopter operator in the world, operating approximately 550 helicopters with 3,400 employees in 20 countries flying offshore for oil and gas exportation and production companies. His experience in leadership has served him well. “Strong leadership is the cornerstone of any successful enterprise. We work on leadership at Bristow every single day in everything we do.” Bill and Wendy live in Houston, Texas, and have five children: Ashley, Brett, Clay, Brayden, and Alexandra. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, skiing, running, bird shooting, and spending time with his family. You can contact Bill at bill.chiles@bristowgroup.com. Encourages Undergraduates to Get Involved on Campus J ames “rad” Weaver ’94 visited several fraternities, but Phi Gamma Delta was the best fit for him. He was the first person from his family who attended UT and he decided to be a part of Greek life. “My time at Phi Gamma Delta is a cherished time. My brothers are terrific guys, most of whom I’ve stayed in contact with. It’s important to me in my personal and professional life.” As an undergraduate, he was elected by Fiji members to the Silver Spurs. Some of his favorite memories don’t necessarily include Fiji parties. “I enjoyed spending time with the guys at the Chapter House or wherever we were living.” Rad suggests that undergraduates get involved while they are on campus. “There are multiple events going on every day. It’s easy to get locked into a routine; get out of that routine and get involved.” As the CEO of McCombs Partners, Rad has encountered many leadership styles. He believes that “doing is better than talking. It’s important to lead by example and have a strong work ethic.” He believes that smart guys hang out with smart guys. “My biggest takeaway from Fiji was that it’s a diverse set of guys. Everybody was somebody, but you have to make friends, and that friendship translates into the business community and careers.” Rad and his wife, Ashley, have a 5-year-old daughter and are expecting a son. He enjoys spending time with his family on their ranch and farm. Rad also enjoys traveling, hunting, and fishing. You can contact him at rweaver@mccombshq.com. Delano Womack ’52 Inducted into Texas High School Football Hall of Fame D elano Womack ’52 will be admitted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in May. Delano was a running back at Austin High School. He is the fifth Tau Deuteron Fiji to receive this honor. He joins Charles Brewer ’52, quarterback at Lubbock H.S., Jack Collins ’57, running back at Highland Park H.S., John Treadwell ’59, linebacker at Austin H.S., and Walter fondren ’54, running back and quarterback at Houston Lamar H.S. Jon Brumley ’57 Honored with Distinguished Alumnus Award Phi Gamma Delta Offers Our Congratulations to Jon B rumley, a resident of Fort Worth, is chairman and CEO of Bounty Investments, LP. He was named, along with his son, as “Entrepreneurs of the Year” in 2005 by Forbes magazine. Brumley has worked for, founded and acquired several companies in the energy business, including eight companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, most notably Southland Royalty Co., Cross Timbers (XTO) and Mesa Petroleum. Like the other honorees, Brumley is still actively involved with the University of Texas and McCombs. He was the keynote speaker at the 6th Annual McCombs Alumni Business Conference on Feb. 25, where he described his career in the energy industry and the importance of having a strong business plan. The above excerpt appeared in the fall 2011 issue of McCombs TODAY. You can read more on Jon Brumley ’57 and the McCombs School of Business at www.mccombstoday.org. Join Us for Pig Dinner Saturday, April 14 See the back page for formal invitation. \r\nPage 3 Texas Fiji H TAU DEUTEROn COnTInUES SUCCESSFUL RECRUITMEnT PROGRAM Undergraduates Attend Fiji Academy and Build Leadership Skills G reetings from Buen Retiro! I am happy to report the completion of another successful fall semester at Tau Deuteron and a great start to the spring semester. We are proud to announce the newest active members of our Fraternity, the pledge class of 2011. We extend our hearty congratulations to the newest group of Fijis. Recruitment efforts are ongoing and we are recruiting men who exemplify the standards of Texas Fiji. A concert was held at the Chapter House by Robert Earl King and we enjoyed a great time, great food, and brotherhood. Another success of the past semester was our strongly attended tailgates before home football games. It was great to see graduates from different eras congregate at Buen Retiro. We look forward to maintaining this momentum and building upon these Fiji bonds this semester and the year to come. Please mark your calendars for Parent’s Weekend on March 30-31 and Pig Dinner on April 14. Graduates are always welcome to visit Buen Retiro. We hope to see you there! Yours in the Bond, Chris renaudin ’10 Chapter President cwrenaudin@gmail.com Perge! The recruitment captains for 2012 are Brady Blonkvist ’10, Zane Butter ’10, and peyton Mcdonough ’10. Thank you to all graduates for your continued support and involvement during our recruitment process. The incredible strength of Tau Deuteron is attributed to your support. During the winter break, scott lange ’10, Thomas smith ’10, and Will Merritt ’10 had the opportunity to visit the Fiji Academy in St. Louis. During that time, they attended seminars with Fijis from across the nation and were educated on various chapter operations, rituals, and leadership in Fiji. The junior intramural football team won the Greek League championship against the Kappa Sigs this year. We are challenging our intramural teams to maintain their premier status. The pledge class of 2011 volunteered for the Austin Fire Disaster Relief. Additional Donors to Recruitment 2011 T he following graduate donations helped make recruitment possible. We apologize for our error that left them off the list printed in the fall 2011 newsletter. Jim Mason Bill Weaver Ben West Recruitment Chairmen Reflect on Freshman Road to Initiation T he freshman pledge class concluded a successful pledge period during the fall semester at Buen Retiro. The pledges built picnic tables, benches by the fire pit, structures for social events, and hung our famous Christmas lights. They also volunteered for different disaster relief programs, fundraisers, and the local Feed My People organization in Austin. They attended study halls on campus four nights a week. These study halls are proctored by the academic committee. The pledge class has maintained the fine tradition of Tau Deuteron and will continue to be exemplary members of Texas Fiji for years to come. Brett robertson Ben Bennitt Cris renaud John Mcintyre robert s. McCaig Tommy stewart Jeremy J. sanders FIJI RECOMMEnD A MAn FOR RECRUITMEnT A s your 2012 recruitment captains, we are very excited about the opportunity to meet and get to know not only the incoming freshmen this summer but also the graduates throughout the process. We look forward to following the great example of previous captains and continuing the precedent of another great pledge class. That feat is only possible with your help and guidance. As recruitment grows and more men go through the process, we welcome your input on gentlemen you know who would make good Fijis. We appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you. Recruitment Chairmen Brady Blonkvist ’10 bradyblonkvist@yahoo.com or (210) 262-7700 Zane Butter ’10 zanebutter@aol.com or (214) 405-0592 peyton Mcdonough ’10 peytonm2010@yahoo.com or (903) 574-3230 Perge! \r\nH Page 4 Phi Gamma Delta ALUMnI UPDATE Ad AsTrA Joe h. Bradley ’45 passed away October 3, 2011, surrounded by his family. He and his wife, Jenny, were married for 64 years. They have two daughters, Becky and Sally, and seven grandchildren. Charles “sonny” sowell ’48 passed away October 8, 2011. He and his wife, Joann, have three children and five grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman and family man. dr. harold Brumley ’51 passed away January 31, 2012. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn. Their four children survive them: Maryann, Bonnie, Jill, and Wayne. He leaves behind brothers Carl Brumley ’50 and Jon Brumley ’57, his second wife, Kay, and many family and friends. Tommy h. Tomlinson ’54 passed away from heart failure on December 4, 2010, in Miami, Fla., his home of 43 years. His family reports that Tommy was a very proud member of Phi Gamma Delta. AluMni neWs Bill T. Campbell ’40 is a “super senior” as of October 2011. He and his wife, Louise, reside in Sugar Land, Texas. He is healthy and enjoying life, family, and golf. E-mail: sjcam@aol.com William B. Campbell ’43 taught in the Peace Corps, at Schreiner University and Oxford University, and in India. He is now retired and resides in Austin, Texas. William g. dwyer ’45 is a retired attorney. He and his wife, Margaret, reside at the Buckingham Retirement Home in Houston, Texas. Charles M. Berkey ’48 served 41 years in the U.S. Army and worked as a manager for Procter & Gamble until retiring in 1987. He and his wife, Betty, live in San Antonio, Texas, and are involved in multiple committees and foundations. E-mail: cberkey@aol.com fred W. patterson sr. ’48 retired in 1999 as a publisher emeritus for Denton Publishing Co. He and his wife, Patsy, reside in Denton, Texas. They have two grown children, Fred and Riley. E-mail: fwp940@aol.com Judd Miller Jr. ’51 and his wife, Patricia, live in Cuero, Texas. He is the retired vice president of Exxon Company, U.S.A. E-mail: judd@nodial.net Ted C. hager ’52 founded Hager Containers Inc., which he sold and retired in 2003. He and his wife, Louise, reside in Dallas, Texas. They have three grown children: Steve, Linda, and Debbie. donald r. Mighell ’52 is enjoying retirement at his place on the Chesapeake Bay. He is staying active as the investment advisor for Rho Phi Chapter and as an advisor to the graduates working on the Delta Colony at Indiana State University. E-mail: donald.mighell@indstate.edu richard l. gannett ’54 is a new grandfather to twin boys who are “obviously future Fijis.” He retired in 2009 and resides in Dallas, Texas. He enjoys collecting vintage Mercedes-Benz cars and is interested in selling a beautiful ’79 450 SL Model. E-mail: dgannett@sbcglobal.net lon p. Carpenter ’57 is an executive vice president for Frost Bank. He and his wife, Ann, reside in San Antonio, Texas. E-mail: lcarpenter@frostbank.com richard h. Carnahan Jr., dds ’60 is a dentist with his own practice. He and his wife, Chrissie, reside in San Antonio, Texas. E-mail: corkycarnahan@aol.com roy e. rushing ’61 retired in December 2010 to return to work part time as a registered investment advisor for Murray & Co Wealth Management LTD. He and his wife, Ruthann, reside in Austin, Texas. E-mail: rushing.rr@sbcglobal.net steven d. Arnold ’79 resides in Houston, Texas. When he is not working for Three Lights Management Company, he volunteers on the advisory board of Texas Children’s Cancer Center. The organization is the top-rated pediatric cancer center in the southwest and largest in the USA. E-mail: sda@lmc.com rick o. Weed ’80 is an attorney for Weed & Co. LLP. He and his wife, Ellie, reside in Newport Beach, Calif. They have four children: Genevieve, Erica, Adelaide, and Walter. E-mail: rick@weedco.com Walter T. price iV ’86 was elected Texas state representative of House District 87 and resides in Amarillo. He and his wife, Karen, have four children: Brooke, Cody, Abby, and Curry. E-mail: fprice@amalaw.org robert A. dullnig ’94 has sold farms and ranches since 1999. He has sold over 165,000 acres and was listed in San Antonio Business Journal as top ranch broker four out of five years. He and his wife, Linda, reside in San Antonio, Texas. E-mail: dullnigranches@gmail.com Colin M. McConnell ’00 is a director of investor relations for Satori Capital. In January 2011 he married Emery, and they reside in Dallas, Texas. E-mail: mcconnellcolin@mc.com parker p. polan ’00 founded a law practice in Austin specializing in personal injury trial law and criminal defense. E-mail: parkerpolan@gmail.com Warren r. Williamson Jr. ’05 is an investment banking analyst for Tudor, Pickering, Holt and Company LLC in its New York office. E-mail: warren.r.williamson@gmail.com \r\nPage 5 Texas Fiji The brothers spent time skiing over winter break at Breckenridge, Colo. H Robert Ehrlich ’10, William Duncan ’10, Cole Purswell ’10, Nash Frisbie ’10, and William Campbell ’10 hunt together. COnGRATULATIOnS, InITIATES AMArillo dAllAs sAn AnTonio Brian Cavanaugh, Highland Park Thomas Duncan*, Kinkaid (John duncan ’12, William duncan ’14) Sam Boyce*, Tascosa (Beaumont Boyce ’04) John Paul Ackels, Jesuit William Case, Kinkaid George Shaw, Alamo Heights Zach Dorflinger, Parish William Reade, Kinkaid ATlAnTA, gA. Alex Bryan, Southlake Matt Luna, Lamar James Uhl*, Alamo Heights (Arthur uhl ’77) Austin Shealy, Holy Innocents Cole Marlow, St. Marks Buc Howard, Memorial Carson Ashbaugh, Trinity John Cotton*, Memorial (Taylor Cotton ’11, John Cotton ’14) AusTin Billy Bedillion, Austin fT. WorTh Brew Houston, Austin Reid Hairston*, Austin (kyle hairston ’10) Preston Moore*, All Saints (Arden Moore ’77, Tucker Moore ’11, hudson Moore ’12) Spence Howden, Austin Hayden Carson, Arlington Heights Jack Scharnberg, St. Andrews housTon Corpus ChrisTi Connor Mannon, Episcopal Reed Clemons, Ray Dillon West, Episcopal Holden Hamblen, Episcopal CorsiCAnA Burwell Thompson, Corsicana Kelly Kuni*, Memorial (doug kuni ’78) Chase Russo, St. Thomas Austin Waltmon*, Stratford (deWitt Waltmon ’19, deWitt Waltmon sr. ’45, deWitt Waltmon Jr. ’76, scott Waltmon ’83) luBBoCk Dylan Case, Lubbock Christian Matt Williamson*, Kinkaid (Brant Williamson ’09) Steven Gay, Kinkaid Richard Sparr, Alamo Heights Coley Kellogg, St. Mary’s Hall Taylor Thornton*, St. Mary’s Hall (Mark Thornton ’72) Tyler Mickey Chevans, Robert E. Lee Will Deshazo, Robert E. Lee WiChiTA fAlls Graham McGregor*, S.H. Rider (robert edwards ’66, Joe flack ’69, Mark edwards ’74, Joe flack iii ’98, J.p. finley ’01) Will Huddleston, S.H. Rider Graham Bayley, Kinkaid Jay Mullen, Kinkaid Carter Thurmond, Alamo Heights MidlAnd Ross Montgomery, Midland Nelson Grimes*, Trinity (link grimes ’83) *Legacy; relative in parentheses \r\nThe Undergraduates of Tau Deuteron of Phi Gamma Delta at The University of Texas Would Be Honored by Your Presence at Our 2012 Frank norris Pig Dinner On the Fourteenth day of April, Two Thousand Twelve at Buen Retiro TExAS H FIJI PHI GAMMA DELTA BUEn RETIRO COMMITTEE P.O. BOx 4769 AUSTIn, Tx 78765 Address Service Requested $75 per person (actives and alumni only) Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. Dinner served at 7:00 p.m. We have a fantastic program planned: speaker: Mr. gene shepherd ’78 Tau Deuteron Pledge Class of 1978; 1979-80 President of Tau Deuteron Chapter; Executive Vice President and CFO of Brigham Exploration (up through their sale to Statoil in January of this year); Consultant to Anthem Ventures LLC presentation of diamond, gold, and silver owl pins (Pledge classes from fall of 1961/spring of 1962 and fall of 1986/spring of 1987) Announcement of scholarship recipients and 2012 honored fijis Special recognition for the reunion of the graduates from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, as well as recognition of all past presidents from those years Master of Ceremonies: Ed Clements KLBJ Radio Personality (Father of ferris Clements ’10) r.s.V.p. using the form to the right. If you wish to pay by credit card or if you have any questions, contact Sue Raymond at suesraymond@hotmail.com or call (512) 473-2322. noTe: Additional financial donations of ANY amount to help subsidize the expenses of the 2012 Norris Pig Dinner are graciously accepted at the mailing address to the right. ATTEnTIOn: This newsletter is intended for alumni and parents. If your son is still attending the University of Texas, 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. Join Us for The norris Pig Dinner Saturday, April 14 at Buen Retiro Pig Dinner Registration Name/Nickname: _______________________________________ Pledge Year: ________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: _______ Zip: _____________ Phone: _____________________________ E-mail: ______________________________ dinner cost is $75 per person (alumni and actives only). Total amount due: $_________ please mail this registration form and payment by April 1, 2012, to Sue Raymond, Phi Gamma Delta, P.O. Box 4769, Austin, TX 78765. Make your check payable to Phi Gamma Delta. We look forward to seeing you there!