THE KNOX G.D. F/J/ Volume CIX Galesburg, Illinois - Winter 2017 No. 3 Gov. Rauner lauds Knox Fijis for "significant milestone" The Knox Fijis earned executive acclaim in February when the chapter received a letter from Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner recognizing the 150th Anniversary of the Gamma Deuteron chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at Knox College. "On behalf of the people of Illinois, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable occasion," Rauner wrote in the letter his office sent to the chapter, post-dated to April 5, 2017, exactly 150 years to the day from the original chartering of the Knox chapter of Phi Gamma Delta in 1867. "I am pleased to congratulate the Gamma Deuteron college marked the 180th anniversary of its founding on chapter of Phi Gamma Delta on its 150th anniversary," Feb. 15, 2017. wrote Rauner, a Republican elected in 2015. "To "The longevity of the Gamma Deuteron chapter is celebrate an anniversary such as this is a significant truly a testament to the relationships you have developed milestone for any organization." throughout the years," Rauner wrote. "I have no doubt Gamma Deuteron is among both the state's and your chapter will continue to provide the same level of Knox College's most enduring institutions. Illinois will excellence for many years to come." celebrate 200 years of statehood in 2018, while the Click here to see Gov. Rauner's full letter. Celebrating IN THIS ISSUE OF THE 'G.D. FIJI' Martin to Speak at Pig Dinner, 2 150 President's Message, 2 Meet the 2017 Pledge Class, 3 Knox Baseball Preview, 4 Knox Basketball Recap, 5 Pritchard for Mayor, 6 Rose Formal, 7 Years Fiji Academy Report, 8 Last Chance to Register for 150, 8 Click to RSVP for the 150th Pig Dinner! Winter 2017 Page 2 Bill Martin to speak at 150th Anniversary Pig Dinner Gamma Deuteron is pleased to announce that William A. Martin III (Mississippi State, 1975), Executive Director of Phi Gamma Delta and Editor of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity magazine, is confirmed as the keynote speaker at the chapter's 150th Anniversary Banquet and Frank Norris Pig Dinner on April 8. Martin has worked for fraternal organizations since he graduated from MSU with a B.S. degree in marketing from the college's School of Business and Industry. He is one of only four men ever to serve as executive director and editor of Phi Gamma since the position was created in 1922. Martin is in his second stint as executive director and editor, filling that role from 1986-1999 and again from 2003 to today. (He worked as executive director of the Delta Bill Martin Sigma Pi Leadership Foundation from 2000-03.) He also served as Phi Gamma Delta's 68th Field Today, Martin stays immersed in all types of Secretary from 1976-78 and continued on the fraternity issues. He is responsible for dealing with International Headquarters staff as Director of Chapter housing issues, legal matters, liability coverage, Services from 1979-83 and Director of Programs from interfraternal matters, public relations and he is the 1983-86, before succeeding longtime director William primary contact at headquarters when emergencies arise. S. Zerman (Michigan 1949) as executive director in He works closely with Section Chiefs and House 1986. Corporations. Martin has now served in the fraternity's top "Bill" has mentored hundreds of members of the executive staff position as long as his mentor, Zerman- headquarters staff and countless undergraduates. An 27 years. Only the first executive director, the legendary accomplished public speaker and expert on leadership Cecil J. "Scoop" Wilkinson (Ohio Wesleyan, 1917), techniques, we all look forward to hearing from this served longer (1922-1959, 37 years). outstanding leader of Phi Gamma Delta on April 8. President's Message bonds. We also collaborated with Resources to Resources, a club committed to raising funds for causes around the world, assisting a live band at Fat Fish Pub. Greetings to all brothers. As the Winter Term 2017 Another community service project is scheduled for the comes to a close, I want to first share some personal morning of April 8 during our reunion weekend news about the chapter with you, our graduate members. I hope everyone is as excited as I am as we approach In January, I was honored to attend the annual Fiji the 150th Anniversary celebration. We were recently Academy in St. Louis along with Corresponding honored to receive a letter from the Governor of Illinois Secretary Alex Peck (2019), Risk Manager Tom recognizing our milestone event. The chapter has Janczur (2018) and new Purple Legionnaire Randy worked very hard in preparing for the event and the Cox (1988). We learned valuable lessons about building house is also undergoing a few last-minute repairs. I the fraternity and brotherhood at both the undergraduate hope to see you April 7-8 at our 150th Anniversary and graduate levels. The timing was perfect, as we are in celebration. the midst of our 150th Anniversary celebration and look forward to seeing many graduates return to Knox on April 7-8. Later in January, the fraternity rush season concluded Vieldle and Gamma Deuteron added a total of 14 pledges (the most on campus). These are men we believe to represent Uduak-Obong-Obong Ekanem (2017) fully the values we live by. A bowling event for actives and pledges was one of Perge! the highlights of Winter Term, helping us build our