Mu Mumbles University of Wisconsin - Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity - Summer 2013 Edition A NOTE FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT By: Rolf Ieuter (2014) - Chapter President I would like to begin the newsletter by thanking all of the graduate brothers who continue to support this chapter as we maintain positive growth after six years back on campus. There are two brothers specifically who I would like to thank, not only personally, but from all the undergraduate brothers and the Mu Chapter. These brothers have taken the phrase “Not for college days alone” above and beyond. Thank you very much Jim Cope (1988) and Dick Pearson (1961). Our chapter continues to strive for excellence and remains growing with the traditions and support of the graduate brothers. We model our growth and atti- COMING SOON Homecoming Celebration October 12 125th Pig Dinner I NSIDE NOT FOR COLLEGE DAYS ALONE Brothers presenting Gordon Brunsell (1956) with his Golden Owl pin. Seated next to him are his pledge brothers John Sommers (1958) and Dick Ela (1958) who visit him every week. tude toward the five values. Our academics are staying strong with a cumulative GPA from our newest initiated pledge class of 3.204. Our brotherhood has never been stronger as we host numerous brotherhood and social events and truly abiding by “Friendship, the Sweetest Influence.” THIS ISSUE : W E E NCOURAGE S ERVICE 3 F AREWELL S ENIORS 4 H UMOROLOGY C HAMPIONS 5 N OT FOR C OLLEGE D AYS A LONE ! 7 Despite all of the social, brotherhood and academic (Continued on page 2) PIG DINNER RECAP By: Eric Lied (2014) - Pledge Educator It was the honor and pleasure of the undergraduate chapter to host over 30 graduate brothers in Madison at the annual Frank Norris Pig Dinner this year. On Saturday, April 27, undergraduates and graduates alike gathered at Kennedy Manor for a reception and plenty of brotherhood. After about an hour, we moved on to dinner, which was held at the Lowell Center on Langdon Street, where we enjoyed steak tenderloin, each other’s company, and the comedic musings of the Mas- ters of Ceremony Luke Nevermann (2013) and Johnny Koremenos (2013). After dinner, we traveled back to the house, where scrapbooks, yearbooks, composites, and memorabilia of years gone by filled the Great Hall, and undergraduates and graduates fraternized for several more hours. This year was the first Pig Dinner for 30 recently initiated undergraduate brothers as well, (Continued on page 2) \r\nM U M UMBLES P AGE 2 PIG DINNER RECAP CONTINUED... and we were happy to have had members who have done so much for the Mu Chapter in its past, and in securing its future, impart some of their wealth of knowledge and experience to our new members. It is our hope all the graduates in attendance were able to reconnect with old friends and make a few new ones. Next year’s Pig Dinner doubt we will be able to achieve our goals! will be an extremely monumental occasion, as we will celebrate 125 years since the founding and five years since the rechartering of the Mu Chapter. Our goal is to grow the undergraduate chapter to over 100 members by this time and have over 100 graduate brothers attend next year’s event. With proper planning and cooperation from brothers like you, there is no Golden Owl recipients Please be on the lookout for details about next year’s Pig Dinner. We look forward to seeing you at 16 Langdon on Saturday, October 12, for the UW’s 2013 Homecoming celebration. Silver Owl recipients A NOTE FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT CONTINUED... events, the brothers of the Mu Chapter uphold Service and Morality as we held our 4th annual Rivalry Run, raising around $8,000 for the American Red Cross. We also started a new spring philanthropy raising $1,500 and donating a large amount of clothes to the Salvation Army. The Mu Chapter also participated in Hammer for a Heart and Humorology as well. Along with all these chapter-organized philanthropies, we continue to have brothers who exemplify this quality through donating countless hours toward various services, such as volunteer hours at the UW hospital and local soup kitchens. Through strongly upholding the first four values of Phi Gamma Delta, I believe our strive for excellence needs no explanation. However, just so I can continue to brag about my brothers and show my pride in the Mu Chapter, I would like to mention a couple other areas where the Mu Chapter has truly “Thank you for being role models for the undergraduate brothers of Phi Gamma Delta.” strived. The gentlemen of Phi Gamma Delta took 1st place in Humorology, won SAE’s indoor soccer tournament, had another extremely successful formal with only positive comments from the staff and manager of a small resort in Eagle River, WI, and of course, hosted our most successful Pig Dinner in the last six years. Lastly, with 48 guys living in the house this upcoming fall semester, the house continues to be an icon of the Mu Chapter. We are making many updates such as furnishing the Great Hall, the Foyer and the individual rooms, as well as some landscaping and touch up around the house. I would like to again thank all of the graduate brothers who have made this possible. Thank you for being role models for the undergraduate brothers of Phi Gamma Delta. I can truly say that I have never been more proud! Perge! \r\nP AGE 3 WE ENCOURAGE SERVICE By: Joe Snodgrass (2015) - Historian and Philanthropy Chairman The Philanthropy Committee was busy this semester, organizing several events and service projects including Polar Plunge, Undie Run, and Hammer with a Heart. The committee consisting of Bryan Linton (2015), Cody Jorgenson (2015), Maximilian Fanning (2015), Ryan Garske (2015), Brian Quick (2015), Brent Skupien (2016), Joe Olver (2016), and myself, raised over $3,000 for various charities this semester. The chapter’s members volunteered thousands of hours to service. Our first big event was the Polar Plunge, where we teamed up with the lovely young ladies of Alpha Phi to jump into the freezing cold water off Willow Island on February 9. The team raised $1,500 to support the Special Olympics in Wisconsin. We are looking forward to participating in the Polar Plunge in the future. In order to add a large, annual chapterhosted spring philanthropy event, the philanthropy chairs worked extremely hard to team up with the Undie Run organization to hold the first-ever Undie Run in Madison on May 10. Despite the poor weather, over 100 students partici- pated, donating the clothes off their backs and running down the Lakeshore Path to the East Natatorium fields. The event raised $1,500 for Cancer for College, an organization that provides scholarships to cancer survivors, and donated over two-hundred pounds of clothes to the local Salvation Army. We are looking forward to the Undie Run growing in the coming years to become a prominent and visible event on campus. The Mu Chapter takes the value of Service seriously, and the Philanthropy Committee has been working hard to provide brothers with opportunities to give back to the community. This summer we will start gearing up for Rivalry Run 2013. Our goal is to put on the biggest Rivalry Run to date, both as the most widely publicized and the largest donation to the American Red Cross yet and we are looking for sponsors! If you are interested in a sponsorship for this fall’s Rivalry Run, please email me at fijirivalryrun@gmail.com. Keep an eye out for more updates on the event as the fall semester approaches. The morning after Undie Run, Jack Foerster (2014), Adam Dircz (2013), Dan Troutman (2016), Brandon Pries (2015) and I joined graduate Chas Vaughan (1985) at Project Home’s Hammer with a Heart 2013, where we helped to paint, re-trim, and landscape a home for an owner who could not on her own. We are in the process now of setting up an event this fall with Project Home in which many brothers can participate. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO If you have not already done so, please update your contact info by visiting www.phigam.org/addressupdate. \r\nN EWSLETTER T ITLE M U M UMBLES P AGE 4 MEET THE 2013 SPRING PLEDGE CLASS By: Eric Lied (2014) - Pledge Educator The Mu Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was proud to initiate 10 outstanding young men during the spring semester. For a pledge class project, they applied epoxy sealer to the basement floor and built a movable bar for the Snark Deck. This is the largest spring pledge class yet. However, we have in no way sacrificed quality for quantity. These gentlemen make me proud to call them brothers, and I am confident they will maintain high standards and advance the five values within and outside of Fiji for the next four years. After spending the last three months with these men, I am proud of the progress they have made as individuals and as a class. I have been especially impressed with how tight-knit their class is from top to bottom and the level of respect for each other and every brother of the Mu Chapter. The Lambda Pledge Class of Mu Chapter is: • • • • • Ryan Baxter (2015) Kevin Drees (2015) Joe Fiorita (2015) - Class Treasurer Connor Hanson (2016) Class Secretary Joel Henry (2016) • • • • • Cody Hottenroth (2016) Zach Moheban (2016) Wayne Schatz (2016) Richard Weisman (2015) Christian Wilson (2015) - Class President FAREWELL SENIORS By: Kevin Meister (2013) - Islander Committee Chairman strengthened the foundation which the re tunity to join our ranks as brothers in During the fall 2009 semester, 14 indi-chartering Founding Fathers gave to us. Phi Gamma Delta. viduals took a pledge, becoming the first We have seen the chapter grow from 42 new class to finish as undergrads in Phi As our undergraduate time in the chapbrothers to over 90. The house, our chapGamma Delta. We came into the Fraterter ends, we are no longer 14 separate ter's pride and joy, has gone from a ghost nity in its infancy and were told that we individuals, but a tightly bonded group town to having 45 + brothers living inside could build it into anything we wanted. of brothers. We have grown together as next year. And throughout all of this, we As gentlemen of character, ambihave stood strong by the five values tion, and dedication, we took this “As our undergraduate time in and made sure that we served as to heart and began to shape and examples to the younger classes, the chapter ends, we are no mold the Mu Chapter, from its structures to its traditions, to grow longer 14 separate individuals, showing them how to be Fiji gentlemen. We have great confidence in and reclaim the glory of the past. but a tightly bonded group the future, continuing success of this There were growing pains: differof brothers.” chapter, and have backed it with a ing ideologies, goals, directions, pledge: each of us will donate at and all other imaginable sources of the chapter has grown, and our experileast $100 every year for the rest of our conflict. But it made us stronger and enences as undergrads have ingrained a lives. FIJI has had an incredible impact abled us to make sure that the path we "take on anything" attitude into every in all of our lives, and I can say without a chose was and is the right path, not just subsequent pledge class. We have doubt that we will live up to the slogan for today, but for every future generation "Not For College Days Alone." of Mu Fijis who get the incredible oppor- brought back Fiji Islander, fall and spring formals, Senior Wills, and \r\nP AGE 5 HUMOROLOGY CHAMPIONS By: Rolf Ieuter (2014) - Chapter President For the last two semesters, the gentlemen of Phi Gamma Delta paired up with the lovely ladies of Alpha Phi to compete in the 67th year of Humorology to raise money for One Heartland. Our cast, directed by Tommy Slattery (2014), Joe Snodgrass (2015), Regan Smith (2014), Scott Siegel (2015), Matt Ashton (2015) and Rolf Ieuter (2014), was made up of 30 Fijis and 45 Alpha Phis, each member donating a total of 120 hours of service. After we finished the show half way through the semester, we still had much work to do. As Tommy, Joe and Regan perfected the songs, Scott focused on the scenes, Matt cleaned all of the dances, and Rolf turned the basement of 16 Langdon into a work shop designing and building the sets with help from other brothers. We performed three nights in April, with around 45 Fijis supporting us during our final show. When the awards were announced, we were very pleased to win four caption awards: • Best Directing Team • Best Set • Best Use of Theme • Funniest Show When it came time to announce the winner of the show, we held our breath as they proclaimed FIJI and Alpha Phi the First Place Show. This announcement was followed by the supporting Phi Gams rushing the stage and cele- brating with the rest of the cast. It is still yet to be determined who we will be paired with for the 2014 year, but I encourage all graduate brothers to try and make it out to the final show next year and hopefully see back-to-back championships! AAA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Academic Achievement Awards (AAA) are just one benefit the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation provides to undergraduate brothers - a $250 check to new initiates for achieving at least a 3.0 GPA during their pledge term. Phi Gamma Delta is the only national fraternity or sorority to offer this blanketed scholarship that helps get our new brothers focused on their academics. Thanks to those donors who support the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation. Since its inception in 1999, AAA scholarship has awarded 73 Mu Chapter brothers, including this list of current brothers who received the AAA this year: Alex M. Bentz 2015 Thomas R. Errath 2016 Daniel T. Troutman 2016 Jonathan J. Brand 2016 Paul R. Fredrickson 2015 Jack M. McIlwain 2016 Samuel M. Brenny 2016 Sean E. Ward 2014 Christopher M. Stout 2016 Andrew H. Chern 2014 Casimir E. Panawash-Bielinski 2014 Andrew J. Vig 2015 Charles R. Cope 2015 Benjamin M. Evans 2015 Daniel J. Ebsen 2015 Alexander M. Newell 2015 Brent A. Skupien 2016 \r\nM U M UMBLES P AGE 6 AD ASTRA The Mu Chapter was recently notified of the passing of the following brothers. They will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families. Grant W. Erwin, Jr. 1941 - Salem, OR Hugh A. Ross 1945 - Chagrin Falls, OH David A. Kocourek 1959 - Marco Island, FL Arthur P. Stauffacher 1939 - Burlington, WI John A. Matchette 1938 - Palm City, FL John R. Timmel 1950 - Palm Beach Gardens, FL William H. Peirce 1951 - Delray Beach, FL James D. Whiffen 1952 - Madison, WI SOCIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN REPORT By: Paul Fredrickson (2015) - Social Committee Chairman The Mu Chapter continued to deepen their relationships inside and outside the Greek community this spring with a busy schedule of social events. To start the semester, we planned a ski outing with the ladies of Gamma Phi Beta. The intention was to go up to Cascade Mountain where we could ski, snowboard and snow-tube for a few hours, and while unfortunately due to an error on the part of the bus company, no busses arrived on time. We enjoyed the company of the lovely Gamma Phi’s at our house, and then when the busses did not arrive, we went out on the town in downtown Madison. The brothers were right back at charming our fairer counterpart of Greek life, with four social events over the following two weeks. The hallowed halls of 16 Langdon hosted a patriotic themed event in the spirit of President’s Day weekend. We invited students from across the campus who came dressed in their red, white and blue commemorating the land of the free and home of the brave. Socials with the sororities of Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta and Pi Beta Phi ensued. These events were held at the local venues of Segredo’s, AJ Bombers and the popular Diego’s Mexican Bistro. In March, we reached out to Alpha Epsilon Phi, and had our first event with this sorority since rechartering. We enjoyed kicking off the night hosting our new friends at 16 Langdon before folks headed out to proceed with their evening plans. Our final social took place hours after our first place finish in Humorology. We enjoyed dancing and socializing with Alpha Phi at Segredo’s, which was a perfect way for the cast and fans to celebrate a job well done. Our third annual Fiji Islander party was also a great success this year. We filled the basement with sand and dressed 16 Langdon up in her finest island garb, and she wowed the over 500 people who attended. We strive to maintain and build connections with students from all over campus. I’d like to see us host more events at the house and build off of our social strides this spring. \r\nP AGE 7 NOT FOR COLLEGE DAYS ALONE! By: Johnny Koremenos (2012) - Graduate Relations and Fundraising Chairman Graduate brother support is crucial to the future success of the Fraternity, and after witnessing four successful years since re-chartering, graduate brothers on the House Corporation Board are continuing to fulfill their pledge to the chapter. This fall, 45 undergraduate brothers will be living at 16 Langdon. When they arrive on campus in August, the kitchen will once again be fully functioning and the foyer and Great Hall will be beautifully furnished. The undergraduate brothers of the Mu Chapter are thrilled to have the support of House Corporation Board in new renovation and fundraising ventures. However, in order to sustain improvements to the house, we need your help! Financial support from graduate brothers will help propel the chapter and symbolize the graduate brothers’ endorsement and encouragement of the successful work being accomplished by the Mu Chapter. Some highlights of the 2012-2013 school year include: • Humorology 2013 Champions • 96 Active Brothers • 3.1 GPA • A full social calendar • Two successful philanthropies: Rivalry Run and the Undie Run • Pledge program designed around the five values • Thousands of hours of community service “Financial support from graduate brothers will help propel the chapter and symbolize the graduate brothers’ endorsement and encouragement of the successful work being accomplished by the Mu Chapter.” The brothers most familiar with the undergraduate chapter are this year’s graduating seniors: the Delta pledge class. The Deltas have been members of the fraternity for four years and been a part of substantial growth and leadership within the fraternity. At Pig Dinner, each graduating senior pledged to donate a minimum of $100 per year for the rest of their lives, truly showing that Phi Gamma Delta is “Not for College Days Alone.” These brothers are walking the line between undergraduate and graduate life. They see the undergraduate brothers are fully committed to the ideas of the fraternity and future success of the Mu Chapter, while understanding the need for graduate brother support. Their commitment to the future growth should serve as an inspiration for brothers of all ages. Over the next year, undergraduates and graduate brothers will be teaming up to raise money, make improvements to the house, and have strong attendance at graduate events like Homecoming and Pig Dinner. Your time, resources, and support are needed now. We are on a roll. Will you make a tax-deductible commitment to our continuing success? CHAPTER LEADERSHIP Chapter President Rolf B. Ieuter (2014) ieuter@wisc.edu Recording Secretary Jared M. Borislow (2015) borislow@wisc.edu Chapter Treasurer Matthew L. Ashton (2015) mashton@wisc.edu Chapter Historian Joseph B. Snodgrass (2015) jsnodgrass@wisc.edu Corresponding Secretary Eric L. Lied (2014) elied0327@gmail.com \r\nNonprofit Org US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 Mu Mumbles is a biannual publication of the undergraduate members for the graduate members, parents, and friends of the Mu Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. All correspondence regarding this publication should be directed to Corresponding Secretary Eric Lied at ellied@wisc.edu. 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