The Kentucky Phi Gam Upsilon Kappa Chapter With the start of the Spring 2015 semester, the Upsilon Kappa Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta is seeing a lot of exciting change! With a new executive board and new committee chairmen, the undergraduate chapter has never been more eager to advance the excellence of our proud name. With this, the first issue of The Kentucky Phi Gam biannual newsletter, we hope to better connect and inform the graduates and undergraduates of the Upsilon Kappa Chapter. We have a lot of exciting news to share! Table of contents: Meet the Executive Board Pig Dinner Save the Date Graduate Dinner Update Scholarship Service and Philanthropy Recruitment Update Other Good News Graduate Spotlight House Corporation Update ………………….1 ………………….2 ………………….2 ………………….2 ………………….3 ………………….3 ………………….4 ………………….5 ………………….6 Contact us! Chapter President: Eric Dullen (’16) ericdullen@gmail.com (404) 395‐5771 Graduate Relations Chairman: Tyler Mahoney (’15) davidtyler12@aim.com (520) 320‐1420 Spring 2015 Edition Meet the Executive Board: The Upsilon Kappa Chapter has elected five outstanding brothers to its executive board. President Eric Dullen (‘16) is a motivated third year Foreign Language and International Economics major from Duluth, Georgia. He has served numerous roles in the chapter so far and is very excited for his upcoming term. Treasurer Blake Bostick (’17) is a young sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio. After attending the 2014 Ekklesia in Indianapolis, he knew he wanted to serve the Chapter. Blake is an accounting major. Recording Secretary Fletcher Young (’15) is a senior from Bowling Green, Kentucky. He is finishing up a BA in Physics and is preparing for medical school. He has previously served as the graduate relations chairman. Jackson Kiser (’16) is a junior from Roanoke, Virginia. After serving as the Fraternity’s Social chairman and J‐board chairman, he was elected as the Corresponding Secretary. Historian Andrew Click (’17) is a second year mining engineering student from Morehead, Kentucky. He has previously served as the house manager. 1 \r\nUpsilon Kappa Chapter 2015 Norris Pig Dinner Brothers, save the date! The 2015 Norris Pig Dinner will be held Saturday, April 11! Please join the brothers of Upsilon Kappa for our annual Norris Pig Dinner. The Dinner will be held on April 11th at Malone's Banquet Hall in Lexington, Kentucky! The address is 3347 Tate's Creek Road, Lexington KY. Formal invitations will be sent in mid‐ February, so in the mean‐time, spread the word and invite brothers to this Facebook event. https://www.facebook.com/events/39086118 4406224/ Additional info, including ticketing and additional Pig Dinner weekend activities, will be posted as it becomes available. Feel free to direct any questions or concerns to either myself, or the chapter President Eric Dullen. ‐Alex Edlin (’17), Pig Dinner Chair aded224@uky.edu (502) 377‐4676 Spring 2015 Edition Graduate Dinner Update: We are happy to continue our monthly graduate dinners! The second Tuesday of every month, graduates and undergraduates will continue to meet at Puccini’s Smiling Teeth at 6:00 PM for dinner. The next dinner will be Tuesday, February 10, 2015. We hope to see you there! Puccini’s Smiling Teeth’s Address: Chevy Chase Place on High Street 833 Chevy Chase Pl Lexington, KY, 40502 P: 859‐269‐0404 If you have any questions, please contact us! Scholarship: The Chapter’s scholarship was incredibly successful in the fall semester. We are happy to report that the Upsilon Kappa Chapter placed fourth among all 23 fraternities in grade point average in the fall semester with a 3.252 average. Even more impressive is that our new member GPA was second on campus. This means that amongst all fraternities, our pledges ranked second. These new brothers averaged a 3.409 GPA. We are incredibly proud of the work that our brothers have been putting in. In order to reward the hard work that our brothers put in, we have implemented a new scholarship program in addition to the AAA scholarship to reward the brothers with the highest GPA and the brothers with the most Spring 2014 Scholarship Winners improved 2 \r\nUpsilon Kappa Chapter GPA. Here are the details of the scholarship:  Brothers that achieved the highest GPA in their class will receive up to $500.  Brothers with the most improved GPA in their class will receive up to $500.  If there is a tie for highest GPA or most improved GPA, both brothers will receive the scholarship.  In order to receive either scholarship, the brother’s GPA must be higher than a 3.0; i.e. if a brother receives a 1.0 one semester and a 2.5 the following semester, the brother is ineligible to receive a scholarship. This semester, the Upsilon Kappa Chapter will be giving out 10 scholarships amounting to $5,500. Service and Philanthropy Update: Danceblue Danceblue is a 24‐hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon that happens here at the University of Kentucky. The money raised year‐round for the event goes towards the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic. For this reason, we adopt the motto, “FTK!” which means, “For the Kids!” In the past 9 years, the University of Kentucky has raised more that $6.5 million! On this, the 10th anniversary of this amazing marathon, we have assembled a team of 12 dancers to represent Phi Gamma Delta. We have collectively raised $4,500 on behalf of For the Kids. We would like to give special thanks to Brother Adam Baylor who generously donated $1,000 to our team and all Graduate Brothers that donated towards our endeavors. Your support means more than you know. We are extremely excited about this year’s marathon. ‐Luke Francis (’15), DanceBlue Chair Spring 2015 Edition BonnaMu: In the fall semester, Fiji and Phi Mu hosted the first annual BonnaMu philanthropy in support of the American Red Cross and the Children’s Miracle Network. BonnaMu is a “Battle of the Bands” between fraternities and sororities. Each chapter created a band with instruments and singers and prepared a 5‐7 minute mash‐up of their favorite songs. Local judges then scored the performan‐ es and the winner took home $150 to donate to a charity of their choice. Judges included:  Patrick Towles – University of Kentucky Quarterback  Jordan English – WKU graduate and local music artist  Tyler Mahoney – former Phi Gamma Delta Chapter President  Kate Homan – former Phi Mu Chapter President Congratulations to the Farm House Fraternity for winning the 2014 first annual BonnaMu philanthropy event! Overall, nearly $5,000 was raised in support of the American Red Cross and the Children’s Miracle Network. Recruitment Update: This semester, Upsilon Kappa experienced what was possibly the most successful spring rush in chapter history. After a long week of planning, preparation, and recruiting, brothers were able to pledge 13 new men (Continued on page 4) 3 \r\nUpsilon Kappa Chapter into the fraternity. This is the biggest spring pledge class that Upsilon Kappa has seen in years – possibly the biggest since our chartering. Currently, the brothers at the University of Kentucky are undergoing a growth rate that exceeds expectations. The fall pledge class of the previous semester was also one of the largest to date. Before January’s rush week began, 24 brothers initiated into Phi Gamma Delta. Also, we are happy to announce that Upsilon Kappa performed the first graduate initiation in many years. David Mahoney (Kentucky State University 1987), sire of brothers Tyler Mahoney (’15) and Chase Mahoney (’18) was initiated alongside the newest pledge class. David has served as friend of the Chapter for the past several years and is excited to give his advice to help the growth of the chapter. At present, the chapter consists of 66 brothers and 13 pledges. The expanding size of the chapter enables Fiji to have an even greater presence on campus. ‐Will Schaefer, Recruitment Chairman (’17) Other Good News: Brotherhood As the Upsilon Kappa chapter of Phi Gamma Delta continues to rapidly expand in size every semester, brotherhood events become more of a focal point to help create the bond FIJI brothers are known to have. Past events have included white water rafting, hiking, soccer games, and Keeneland tailgates. Spring 2015 Edition together. Graduate brothers are encouraged to attend every brotherhood event we have scheduled. If interested in coming, please contact brotherhood chair Alex Edlin. The ski trip is scheduled for February 21st. We plan to meet at the fraternity house (653 Maxwelton Court) at 11:00 am. The estimated cost is $70. We are very excited for this semester and hope to see many graduate brothers over the course of the year! ‐Alex Edlin (’17), Brotherhood Chairman (502) 377‐4676. Athletics The fall 2015 semester was a very productive semester for athletics as well as scholarship. Amongst the 23 fraternities on campus, the Upsilon Kappa Chapter placed 3rd overall. Lead by athletics chairman Zach Wildofsky (’16), the chapter attended every athletic event and was able to receive points in nearly every event. Fiji placed first in the volleyball intramural tournament. We defeated Beta Theta Pi in the finals to take the championship. Also, Fiji won the intramural championship for wiffle ball. We beat Beta Theta Pi once again in the championship game of this tournament. In 2015, we hope to continue many of these traditional events along with many new ones. Some of the big events we have planned for this spring semester include a ski trip at Perfect North slopes, a backpacking trip to the Red River Gorge, and an end of the year cookout. We also will have weekly brotherhood nights to help relieve the stress of school and get everyone 4 \r\nUpsilon Kappa Chapter Graduate Spotlight: The point of The Kentucky Phi Gam newsletter is to also provide you with news from your neck of the woods. In the Graduate Spotlight portion of this magazine, we will feature updates from several graduate brothers from Upsilon Kappa. Spotlight from Dave Mathews (’67) Brother Ben Harper honored me yesterday when he suggested I write a few lines for the newsletter about some of the brothers from the ’60s. I have had the good fortune to do a lot of travelling since my retirement in 2013, and I have visited and/or talked with several of the old brothers. So here is some information on what some of them are up to. Bob Becknell (’67) and Larry Heil (’66) live in central Florida. Bob spends his summers in the north woods of Minnesota. John Dahl (’66) lives in Ft. Myers, Florida with his lovely wife, Anne. Our “Ancient Mariner”, Coy Holstein (’68) owns and operates a charter boat out of southwest Florida. My pledge trainer, Ron Stratton, (’66) still teaches youngsters the basics of Air Traffic Control in Daytona Beach. I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend a bit of time with each of these brothers in the past fourteen months. Every minute in their company drove home to me the truth of: “NOT FOR COLLEGE DAYS ALONE”! Dave Mathews (’67) Pergé! Spring 2015 Edition Spotlight from Ryan Knott (’13) Since the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta Class of 2013 donned our caps and gowns and bid farewell at our senior send‐off meeting, the ties that bound our brotherhood for four undergraduate years have only strengthened. While many of us did say goodbye to the city of Lexington, we collectively said “see you later” to each other. We have accomplished so much in the two years since graduation and have been taken in many directions, but friendship and camaraderie have flourished in the postgrad era. With marriages, cross‐country moves, and new jobs for many of us, it is clear that we have been keeping ourselves busy since 2013. For example, brothers Dan Hardin and Michael West got married to their college sweethearts in June 2014, and brother Tyler McCamish is currently engaged and will marry his long‐time girlfriend in October 2015 in Lexington. All three brothers have started successful careers and are settling into newly purchased homes in central Kentucky. In addition, many brothers have found success in new cities and with exciting careers. Brother Jordan Candea recently graduated from a dual MBA program through Indiana University and Thunderbird School of Management, while Mike Stegman moved to Colorado to attend law school. Brothers Brad Harris and Justin Lewis also made big moves to Chicago and Tulsa, respectively, to pursue career opportunities. Many other members of the class of 2013 have started their careers in the central Kentucky area and continue to honor and build the Phi Gamma Delta legacy. (Continued on page 6) 5 \r\nUpsilon Kappa Chapter As for myself, I continue working at JP Morgan in Louisville and also married my college sweetheart, Emily Willett Knott, last summer. We recently relocated to Frankfort so that I could continue my career and she could attend dental school at the University of Kentucky. When I think back on my college years, I am so grateful for the brotherhood I gained. I can’t consider myself an only child when I have so many talented, successful, and lifelong brothers who have given me such a rich and diverse family experience. Despite our busy schedules and sometimes diverging paths, I hope we continue to build our friendships for many years to come and can reunite someday for another run at the Midnight Song! Ryan Knott (’13) Pergé! Want us to give you a spot in the Graduate Spotlight section of this newsletter? We’d be happy to! Send us a blurb about what you and your pledge brothers have been up to over the years and we will make sure to put you in the “spotlight.” Please email your blurb to Tyler Mahoney at davidtyler12@aim.com. House Corporation Update We are writing to update you on the status of our chapter house and fundraising efforts. As you may know, the House Corporation sold its house on Maxwelton Place to the University and now leases the house from Spring 2015 Edition the University on very favorable terms. We now have a property management company specializing in fraternity and sorority houses managing the upkeep and maintenance of this facility. The House Corporation used proceeds from the sale of the Maxwelton Place property to acquire two rental properties at the corner of Columbia and Woodland with a view toward construction of a study lodge on the site. Fundraising efforts were started in from 2010. Those efforts have resulted in approximately $50,000 being available for the new house. These funds are in dedicated, interest bearing, accounts and will not be utilized to support house corporation operations. We have adequate cash flow to support regular activities. In the past year, the University has announced development of a Greek Park that may offer other housing options that include significant University assistance in project financing, if needed. We are in discussions with the University about specifics of various Greek Park options and will have more to report by Pig Dinner (April 11th). However, more money is needed under any available option. Completion of the study lodge likely will take another $500,000‐$600,000. Needed funding for an option in the Greek Park will likely be similar, if not more. However, University assisted funding opportunities may be available. The good news is that we have revenue‐ producing assets, so we can achieve the ultimate goal of new housing. The debt on the rental properties will be paid off by early 2016. At that point in time, the House Corporation should have a significant annual surplus to apply to new housing efforts. We also hope to have electronic 6 \r\nUpsilon Kappa Chapter updates available to keep you better informed about progress and options. If you want to make a tax‐deductible gift, it may be sent to: Phi Gamma Delta Foundation P.O. Box 4599 Lexington, KY. 46544‐4599 (Please indicate your gift is for “KY‐CHEF”) We appreciate your support! Let us know if you have any questions or want additional information. We look forward to seeing you at the Pig Dinner! The House Corporation Board Perge! Remarks? Criticisms? We’d love to hear your feedback! Please let us know what you thought of this edition of The Kentucky Phi Gam newsletter. If you want to see more of one section, less of another, please let us know. Also, if you know of any brothers who have changed their contact information or address PLEASE LET US KNOW! We want to reach as many brothers as possible. Updates can be sent to the International Headquarters at rcaudill@phigam.org OR to the Graduate Relations Chairman at davidtyler12@aim.com. Spring 2015 Edition A Message from the Chapter President: Hello brothers! My name is Eric Dullen and I am the newly elected president of the Upsilon Kappa chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. I was very fortunate to come into my position at a time where the chapter is doing very well. We are currently performing very well academically, athletically, and socially on campus. My goals for this term are first and foremost continue our drive to achieve scholarship. This past semester we placed 4th overall in grades and I would like to see us perform even better, and I know we are capable. Also, I have been working very hard to preserve the great standing that Phi Gamma Delta has on campus, at UK, and to find different mediums to spread our work. Another goal I have for the year is to keep brothers involved with the chapter and reduce apathy. I have been working alongside with my cabinet on different opportunities we can put forth in order to see all my brothers flourish and give them the opportunities they deserve to make this, not only my chapter, but one for all the brothers. Overall, I am very excited to be president of this fraternity and am looking forward to leading it to even greater heights and achievements. I cannot wait to see what my presidency holds, and I hope I make a great impact on this chapter. Eric Dullen Chapter President Phi Gamma Delta ('16) Thank you for reading! Tyler Mahoney (’15) davidtyler12@aim.com (520) 320‐1420 Pergé! 7 \r\nUpsilon Kappa Chapter Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 Spring 2015 Edition Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Important Contact Information: Eric Dullen – Chapter President 404‐395‐5771 ericdullen@gmail.com Blake Bostick – Treasurer 513‐704‐8073 bigbluebostick2@gmail.com Fletcher Young – Recording Secretary 270‐784‐0968 fletcher.young@uky.edu Jackson Kiser – Corresponding Secretary 540‐765‐9293 jackson.kiser@uky.edu Andrew Click – Historian 606‐356‐5521 am_click@yahoo.com Travers Manley – Purple Legionnaire 502‐751‐5716 Travers.manley@gmail.com Chris Crumrine – BCA President 386‐473‐4381 cjcrumrine@gmail.com Harry Dadds – House Corporation President 859‐231‐3955 Harry.Dadds@skofirm.com The Kentucky Phi Gam is a biannual publication of the undergraduate members for the graduate members, parents, and friends of the Upsilon Kappa Chapter of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. All correspondence regarding this publication should be directed to the Graduate Relations Chairman, Tyler Mahoney, at davidtyler12@aim.com 8