W&L FIJI Zeta Deuteron Chapter ‐ Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity ‐ Washington & Lee University MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: OUR STRENGTH GROWS to improve, so have our new pledge classes. Each member I am grateful to be writing to of the new pledge class is an you as the newly elected presi- outstanding addition, and we dent of Zeta Deuteron. I am a cannot wait for you to meet junior economics and politics them. major, from Louisville, KY, Another exciting change and I previously served as around the house is the addiboth Rush Chairman and tion of a new Purple LegionHouse Manager. naire, Brian Simpson When Michael Donnellan (2014). Brian is a close friend wrote to you all in November, to a number of the current he shared with you the optibrothers, and we are fortunate mism that has taken over this to have him. Brian has already Chapter. I am happy to report taken an active role in a numthat the Chapter’s positive and ber of chapter functions, and engaged attitude has only we are starting to see the bengrown in the past few months. efits of his involvement. For This winter, we welcomed 15 those of you who have not met new members, our largest him, you will be able to at this pledge class in several years. year’s Pig Dinner. As the quality of students at By now, I hope that you have Washington & Lee continues Greetings Brothers, received at least one invitation to Pig Dinner on May 2. If not, I would like to extend a warm welcome to this growing event. Last year’s Pig Dinner featured a 100-pound whole hog, and over 20 graduate brothers, and their guests, enjoyed a beautiful day in the yard sharing food, drink and a hilarious reading of “An Exile’s Toast.” Overall, it was a huge success, so I can assure you, if you can find the time to attend this year’s event, you will be back for another. A spring day spent in the company of brothers and dates is a perfect way to kick off Alumni Weekend. However, I am sure you are already aware that we will only be able host this event with your help. We are asking graduate brothers, who will be attending, to please make a donation of $20, or $30 if you bring a guest. Also, we are still looking for a keynote speaker for the event. I want to ensure this Pig Dinner is as successful as can be, so if you know any Zeta Deuteron graduates who would be willing to take on this role, please email me at kaelint16@mail.wlu.edu. Fraternally, Tyler Kaelin (2016) - Chapter President Perge! Chapter house photo taken by Nelson Helm (2017) April 2015 Volume 3, Issue 2 Inside this issue: Farewell to an Extraordinary Woman 2 Meet the Class of 2015 2 Scholarship Fund 3 Chapter Leadership 3 House Mom Extraordinaire 3 Save the Date! 4 QUESTIONS? For questions regarding the activities or state of the Zeta Deuteron Chapter, please contact: Corresponding Secretary Jesse Stone (2017) stonej17@mail.wlu. edu 112 W Preston St Lexington, VA 24450 \r\nW&L FIJI Page 2 WE SAY FAREWELL TO AN EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN By: Gianmarino Orlandi (2015) ad of projects and initiatives. The impression she has left on Lexington is as vast as it is inspiring, and it will be felt for many years to come. As the finals weeks of the school year wind down and graduation draws nearer, I am acutely aware of how wonderful an experience my brothers and I have shared as members of Phi Gamma Delta; an experience that occurred under the direction and care of one of the most genuine and loving people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing: Lisa Tracy. Retiring house director, Lisa Tracy, with brothers (from left) Mina Shnoudah (2017), Jesse Stone (2017), Estevan Hall-Mejia Lisa’s dedication not only (2017), Corey Guen (2017) and Jordan LaPointe (2017). to her job, but also to the well being of every single person who has the fortune to cross paths with her, is something no words can truly capture. Simply put, Lisa cares. At our highest highs, and lowest lows, she never hesitates to put aside her own responsibilities for a moment to simply listen. It is through this remarkable compassion that Lisa has been able to connect with every young man that passes through the doors of FIJI. In truth, there is no quantifiable value of the privilege of time spent with a person who demonstrates her passion for life every day. It has been an honor getting to know Lisa, and the house will not be the same without her. We wish Lisa only the best as she turns the page and begins the next exciting chapter of her life. Lisa will always have a home in Lexington, and a son in all of us. Moreover, her impact extends well With Love, beyond the walls of this house and into the community, where she volunteers her time and insight on a myri- The brothers of Phi Gamma Delta MEET THE CLASS OF 2015 Delta, and W&L tour guide This year, Zeta Deuteron graduates a small but strong class of seniors, each  Seeking a job in entertainment and sports marketing ambitious and accomplished in their own right. They have left a distinct Chase Flint (2015): impact on the brothers who remain,  Mass Communications major, Creative and each will be missed dearly as they Writing minor venture into the real world.  From Suwanee, GA Griffin Cook (2015):  Economics major, Creative Writing minor  From Phillipsburg, NJ  Seeking work in publishing or writing Michael Donnellan (2015):  Business Administration and Sociology double major  From Kingsport, TN  Served as Rush Chair, Corresponding Secretary and President of Phi Gamma  Founder and president of W&L’s Crux Crock Climbing Team, and served as Outing Club Key Staff  Seeking work in advertising Aaron Jeong (2015):  Biology major  From Federal Way, WA  Captain of the W&L track team, three- ing medical or physical therapy school Wally Konyk (2015):  Biology major and Classics minor  From Chadd’s Ford, PA  President of W&L’s Screaming Minks rugby team  Enlisting in US Marine Corps, and then medical school Gianmarino Orlandi (2015):  Business Administration major, Crea- tive Writing minor  From Flemington, NJ  Founding member of The Nudist Bud- dhists, a popular campus band, with Aaron Jeong (2015) and graduate time national qualifier and current W&L brother Kane Thomas (2014) record holder in the 60 and 100 meter  Beginning a Venture for American Felsprint lowship after graduation  Seeking work as a scribe before attend- \r\nPage 3 SCHOLARSHIP FUND Zeta Deuteron will be raising funds to create a New Member Scholarship. It will be given to a deserving new initiate with financial constraints, because we believe that a person’s character, not finances, should be the most important prerequisite for joining our fraternity. With help from our strong graduate base, we hope to provide the first scholarship this coming school year. To learn more about the scholarship or to contribute, please contact Anthony Hodges (2016) at hodgesa16@mail.wlu.edu. CHAPTER LEADERSHIP           Tyler Kaelin (2016) - Chapter President Ulemj Enkhbold (2017) - Chapter Treasurer Grant Cokeley (2016) - Recording Secretary Jesse Stone (2017) - Corresponding Secretary Mina Shnoudah (2017) - Historian Matthew Bryson (2018) - Recruitment Chairman Michael Cuilik (2018) - Recruitment Chairman Bren Flanigan (2016) - Social Chairman Brandon Lefore (2018) - Pledge Education Chairman Billy Fries (2016) - Philanthropy Chairman BARBARA E. GEDDES, HOUSE MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE ordinator for Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm’s presidential bid in 1972, It is with great sadness that I write to and of working with victims of domespraise Barbara Geddes in this issue of What you may not know is the road tic abuse in West Virginia. She estabBarbara traveled to get here. She was our newsletter. By now you have lished the first Georgia chapter of the born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, doubtless heard via the chapter netNational Organization for Women and moved to Ohio as a young marwork of Barbara’s death. She died at (NOW) in the early 1970s. She also ried adult, where she began raising home, surrounded by her family, on owned a restaurant in Nyack, NY, in her own children. As they grew up, March 12. the 1970s, which may explain her deftshe forged a career in advocacy for the ness at managing large social events at Barbara was a woman of great skill rights and needs of others. Her career and vision. She led a remarkable life, spanned a range from fund raising for FIJI! the last chapter of her working career the International Service Agencies – Barbara stayed in touch with us here spent here at the FIJI house. Those of an organization that supports nonat FIJI after she retired in 2011, askyou who knew her in the early days ing about you all in phone chats and profits and charities worldwide, inwill remember that when she arrived, cluding Project HOPE , CARE, sending cards at the holidays. She said the house basically had a couple of more than once that she wished so Planned Parenthood World Populawingback chairs and a table in the tions, and the American Korean Foun- much that she could return to serve front room. By the time she left, it had dation – to establishing long termhere again. been transformed into the most beau- care ombudsman’s programs for senShe is survived by family members tiful house on campus. Barbara creat- ior citizens in several states. including the Rev. Douglas and Karen ed the house we enjoy today. Barbara also told me several times of Geddes, Michele and Tim Tolle, Susan But she did much more than transher work as Southeast Campaign Co- Geddes, Pamela Troxel, Scott Geddes, form our physical surroundings. She Leah Smith, and four greatwas the Zeta Deuteron “mom” grandchildren. to 15 years of Fijis. She devotWe will remember her for her ed her talents and her will elegance, her wit, her grace, power to seeing that her Fijis and her compassion and advomade good grades, hosted cacy for those in need. great formal social events, won the awards they deserved A memorial and celebration of from our national organizaher life will be held here at the tion, were members in good FIJI house at 10:30 am, folstanding of the Washington & lowed by a light luncheon, on Lee community – and that Saturday, May 2, during their house ran smoothly and Alumni Weekend. We hope well. You always knew that if you will join us at that time. you needed to talk something over in confidence, her door Yours, was open and the teapot was Lisa Tracy - House Director, at the ready. When you were Barbara Geddes with the Zeta Deuteron class Phi Gamma Delta seniors, you may have raised a of 2004 on the steps of the house Dear Brothers of Zeta Deuteron, glass with her at the Palms to celebrate four good years together. \r\nPhi Gamma Delta Fraternity 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Lexington, KY Permit # 540 Save the Date - Frank Norris Pig Dinner Please join the Zeta Deuteron brothers for the celebration of the year. When: Saturday, May 2, 2015 Dinner begins at 4:30 pm Where: Zeta Deuteron Chapter House 112 W Preston St, Lexington, VA Cost: The suggested donations are: • $20 - individual • $30 - couple RSVP: Please send a check to: Nelson Helm, 112 W Preston St, Lexington, VA 24450. Or, please visit: gofundme.com/wlufijipig. 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