Summer 2024 * Volume CXVII, No. 1 KNOX THE G.D. FIJI College Published by Gamma Deuteron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta - Knox G. D. FIJI PAGE 2 THE KNOX About the image on the 'G.D. Fiji' cover The image of 218 S. Cedar on the cover is actually G.D. FIJI a painting by recent graduate Tyler Bialek ('24), who completed the large (about 3-by-4-feet) oil-on-canvas rendering of our 103-year-old castle to fulfill requirements for a minor in art. PUBLISHED BY "In my painting class this year, the final GAMMA DEUTERON CHAPTER OF assignment was to paint something on campus PHI GAMMA DELTA that's 'truly meaningful' to you. Painting the Fiji house was the obvious thing to do," Bialek said. KNOX COLLEGE GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Bialek, who majored in business marketing, said Summer 2024 (Vol. CXVII, No. 1) he took note of the chapter's historic items when he first stepped into the Gamma Deuteron Editor: Joe Krantz ('26) chapter house. "All that old stuff impressed me Contributors: David Brackman ('81), Tyler as a freshman," he said. As a senior, "I just Bialek ('24), Eddie Brees ('24), Nick Stan ('25) wanted to make something that I could maybe President: Nick Stan ('25) come back and look at in 20 years or so." " Treasurer: Cole Andrews ('26) Recording Secretary: Jeff Ripka ('26) In that spirit, Bialek donated his master- Corresponding Secretary: Joe Krantz ('26) piece to the chapter Historian: Josh Rosenburg ('27) and we will frame it Purple Legionnaire: Randy Cox ('88) and find a suitable Field Secretary: Jeffrey Stinson spot to hang it. (Western Michigan '20) At right, Bialek displays his Faculty Advisor: Tianna Cervantez painting, with his subject looming in the background. CONNECT WITH US! Click on any of the icons above to access our website and social media channels E-mail: gdgradinfo@gmail.com Mailing Address: 2 E South St., K-Box 1805, Galesburg, IL 61401 G. D. FIJI PAGE 3 From the chapter president's desk Dear Brothers, Rescue Mission. Fraternity Sorority Life (FSL) Week was a highlight, culminating in a first- Now that the 2023-24 Knox school year has place victory! During FSL week, our brothers and drawn to a close, I reflect on a year filled with the FSL community packed an impressive achievements and transitions. This year's nine 26,500 meals for the Lesotho Nutrition seniors, having reached the end of a significant Initiative, thanks to the organization by our new chapter in their lives, leave us with a mix of pride historian, Josh Rosenburg ('27). Our chapter and nostalgia. After three years in the Gamma alone raised over $3,000 for this worthy cause. Deuteron chapter, I have forged deep connec- tions with each of these graduates. Their wisdom On the social front, we enjoyed numerous and camaraderie have enriched my experience, events, celebrated the 102nd version of Knox's and I will cherish the friendships and memories iconic Flunk Day on May 8, and hosted several we've made long after my time at Knox. registered parties. While I will miss the new graduates' presence In late June, recent initiates Nicholas Nitti ('27) next year, I am heartened by the reminder that and Parker Engel (27) represented us at the Phi Gamma Delta is "not for college days alone." Leadership Institute at Phi Gamma Delta's Maintaining bonds with our alumni has always International Headquarters in Lexington, Ky. been a priority, and I am confident that the relationships with the Class of 2024 will endure. They engaged in leadership training with fellow These remarkable gentlemen are poised for Phi Gams from across the nation, developing success. Be sure to check out their profiles in this actionable plans to enhance our chapter's issue of the G.D. Fiji. operations. This spring term has been particularly vibrant Looking ahead, I will be joining chapter with service, philanthropy and social engage- treasurer Cole Andrews ('26) and corresponding ments. Collectively, brothers dedicated over 250 secretary Joe Krantz ('26) at Phi Gamma Delta's hours to community service through initiatives Ekklesia in Chicago on Aug. 9-12. This experi- such as Blessings in a Backpack, blood drives and ence promises to be invaluable, as we gain fostering campus involvement in various events. insights into fraternity governance, leadership and networking that will benefit our chapter. We proudly organized a 3-on-3 philanthropy basketball tournament in collaboration with Fraternally, Knox's women's basketball team, attracting 21 teams and raising funds for Camp Hope. Our commitment to community support continued Nicholas Stan ('25) with another clothing drive for Galesburg's Gamma Deuteron Chapter President Steele Elementary School, resulting in a dona- tion of 4,500 articles to the school and Galesburg P! G. D. FIJI PAGE 4 'G.D. Fiji' earns state history honors for 'Gold Star' issue Illi Illinois Sta rical Society State cations Knox Fijis proudly display their award certificates for the August 2023 Gold Star Heroes issue of the chapter's G.D. Fiji newsletter at the 125th annual Illinois State Historical Society awards luncheon in Springfield, III. on April 20. From left: Cole Shepherd ('24), Cole Andrews ('26), David Brackman ('81) and Daniel Bien ('22). In a "historic" first for the Gamma Deuteron along with Life Achievement awards, Teacher of chapter, the August 2023 issue of our now 117- the Year, Volunteer of the Year and others. year-old G.D. Fiji newsletter was honored by the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) with The award-winning G.D. Fiji issue profiled Gamma a "Best of Illinois History" award at the Deuteron's 13 Gold Star Heroes who served in the society's 125th annual meeting in Springfield U.S. military in World War I, World War II and on April 20, 2024. Korea - only to die in uniform, including five who were killed in action. We featured detailed stories Our winning 72-page "Gold Star Heroes" about our 13 Gold Star brothers, with more than 80 August 2023 issue (Vol. CXVI, No. 4) was photos and images, many of them from the Knox described by ISHS as a "meritorious publi- 99 Lives Project, which inspired and catalyzed our cation," and awarded a "certificate of our desire to publish the Gold Star Heroes issue. excellence." It was one of only four "non- scholarly" books (and only 13 books overall) to Four Knox Phi Gams were among 200-plus be honored at the venerable state society's attendees at the ISHS awards luncheon, held at annual awards event. Other award categories Springfield's Hoagland Center near the Illinois included Special Projects/Exhibitions, Collec- state capital building and Abraham Lincoln's tion Preservation and Ongoing Periodicals, home. 'GOLD STAR' Continued on Page 5