FALL 2026
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1
FIJI at Kansas State CHI DEUTERON CHAPTER
IN THIS ISSUE 1
PURPLE LEGIONNAIRE REPORT
9
FIJI FAMILY BBQ
2
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
10
2026-27 CHI DEUTERON CABINET
3-4
BROTHER SPOTLIGHT: BARRY LAYNE WEST
11-12
CHI DEUTERON 58TH PIG DINNER
5-6
WELCOME NEW BROTHERS
13-14
HOUSE CORP PROJECTS UPDATE
6
2026-27 RECRUITMENT TEAM
15-16
2026 SCHOLAR LUNCHEON
7
RESIDENT ADVISOR UPDATE
17
SUMMER SUMMIT
7
CHI DEUTERON AWARDS
18
FIJI MOM’S WEEKEND
8
FIJI GRAD TAILGATE
19
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
FALL 2026
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1
RAMPING UP AND INTO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR, EKKLESIA, AND A TRIBUTE TO BRO “MO” C H R I S H U P E ' 9 4 Despite our best efforts, it seems there is never enough preplanning for a new school year. Once the fuse is lit, it burns extremely fast. Our newly elected cabinet met weekly throughout the summer as
Our own former Undergraduate Archon, Zach Berard (2024), as
we strategized, learned, reviewed programming requirements,
well as the current Undergraduate Archons, fully supported the
worked on leadership development, met with key BCA advisors
motion. I also believe this change will be good for the future of
and undergraduate committee leaders, identified what to keep
our Fraternity.
and what needed to change for Fall 2026, and set goals to
In closing, Chi Deut icon Mike Morris (‘77) passed ad astra in
elevate chapter operations as they lead the brothers into a new school year.
September, and this update would not be complete without a
In the blink of an eye, summer ended. Brothers moved into a
our chapter throughout his lifetime.
tip of the cap to Brother Morris in appreciation for all he did for
fantastic facility, followed by the arrival of our new members,
One story he shared in great detail involved the process and
parent welcome and orientation, Building Courageous Leaders
methodology he used to travel across Kansas recruiting and
programming, serenades - and BAM, we are already deep into
rebuilding the chapter’s membership while working for ADM in
academics and college life. It is difficult to grasp that we are just
Kansas City during his sophomore year. His efforts ultimately led
two weeks away from the midpoint of the semester. Perhaps it is
to adding 54 men to the chapter over three years.
simply my advancing years that make it seem as though time is on fast-forward?
He also reflected warmly on his time as a Field Secretary and told me it was the best job he ever had. Along the way, he shared a
Speaking of a summer that passed in the blink of an eye, the
few of his great adventure stories from visiting more than 100
178th Ekklesia was held in temperate (NOT!) Phoenix, Arizona,
campuses during his two-year term. We also talked about his
August 6–9. I give special thanks to our chapter delegates, Aidan
volunteer service to many organizations and to other FIJI
Adkins, Macallister Herbst, and Landon Snyder, who represented
chapters. He lived a full and inspirational life.
us well in the legislative proceedings.
While at Ekklesia, as always seems to happen, older brothers from
Without the huge agenda items that have dominated recent
across the country would recognize me as a K-State FIJI and
Ekklesia, this gathering provided a good opportunity to see “big
immediately ask about Mike. They would then begin sharing
Phi Gamma Delta” at work and to continue fine-tuning our focus
stories about “BroMo,” as I learned he was affectionately known
on the Fraternity’s mission and strategic objectives - developing
by many throughout the Fraternity.
our men to serve the world with the best that is in them.
Thank you, Mike, for your commitment, your leadership, your
One significant action the body passed was the elimination of the
integrity, and your enduring dedication to this Fraternity and its
two Undergraduate Archon positions. As I understood the matter,
brotherhood. Your example has left a lasting mark on me, on this
there were two key drivers behind the action:
chapter, and far beyond—and may it continue to inspire all who
1.To allow a new structure to be established that will better
follow.
enable undergraduates to influence Board governance through an Undergraduate Advisory Council working directly
Fraternally,
with the Archons; and 2.To remove the potential for significant liability to extend from
Chris Hupe
an Undergraduate Archon’s home chapter to the international
Purple Legionnaire
Fraternity through his service as a Board member.
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FALL 2026
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE M A I S O N R E E V E S
CHAPTER PRESIDENT
In the spring semester, Chi Deuteron closed on a strong note with
The Dining Hall was fully revamped with new tile, paint, breakfast
our Chapter GPA at 3.46, placing us seventh among twenty-two
nook, and a kitchenette. The addition of a brand-new Sport Court
fraternities at Kansas State University. Twenty-three percent of
started September 21st, funded by the outstanding support from
members achieved a 4.0 GPA, showing our continued
our Graduate Brothers - thank you to our top donor, Todd
commitment to scholarship. Huge thanks to Ryan Kreisel (Fall ‘24)
Michaelis (‘92). Another game changer added to the chapter
for leading the way by locking the chapter in for scholarship.
over the summer is our new security system. This new system allows brothers to unlock doors via Bluetooth and get rid of physical key
Philanthropy and community service also ended successfully. Our
cards. A huge thank you to House Corp and to the generous
Island Philanthropy Week once again drew participation from
donations from graduates and parents.
most campus sororities, with events such as volleyball, car wash, and fun interactive TikToks. Congratulations to the ladies of Kappa
We also kicked off the Fall semester with a successful Family and
Kappa Gamma for winning our Island Week. This year we raised
Alumni Weekend BBQ before the game against Nicholls. Huge
$2,043 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, $445 for the
shout-out to Gabe Grant (2013) for orchestrating this event, which
United Service Organization, and $760 for Men's Mental Health.
drew 175 alumni and family members' attendees. The event featured great food and gave undergrads a chance to meet
Recruitment concluded on a high note as well. In his final year
alumni, reconnect with the chapter, and strengthen relationships
E Gway NE S O our N chapter ‘79 across generations. It wasG aR great toLbring
leading the Recruitment team, Logan Latto (Fall ‘22) helped secure a Fall 2025 pledge class of 21 members - the largest class
community together and start the semester on a positive note.
Chi Deuteron has seen in years. This was made possible through collaboration with House Corp, allowing a few juniors to move out
Looking ahead, we are excited to begin the year with both new
to create space for more freshmen. With 54 men living in the
and returning members. Upcoming highlights include our
house this fall, 1919 Hunting will be at full capacity.
Philanthropy Volleyball Tournament with the SAE House, Father’s Weekend, Homecoming (October 16th), and our House Formal
Before the fall semester, three brothers (Macallister Herbst, Aidan
Trip to Dallas. Here’s to another successful year of growth,
Adkins, and Landon Snyder) attended the biannual Ekklesia in
brotherhood, and achievement!
Phoenix, AZ. Macallister said that during their time there, there were some major changes, including forming a student council to
Taking on this new role as President has been nothing but clear
provide advice to the current archons. Aidan shared they learned
oceans and smooth sailing......hahaha ya right! This role has had its
how committees work on a larger scale and the importance of
tough moments, as anything worth fighting for does, but it has also
meeting as an undergraduate fraternity to update and develop
created some of the most memorable and proudest moments in
how we operate our chapters. Chi Deuteron received honorable
my life. One of the things I’m striving for most this year is rebuilding
awards: the Owen L. Coon Plaque, awarded annually to the
our philanthropy and making it better than ever. Bringing back
chapter producing the best chapter publication for the fraternity
the FIJI Run, one of FIJI’s most historic and memorable
year. Chi Deuteron was also awarded the Horace I. Brightman
philanthropy events, has easily been one of my favorite things we
Trophy, awarded annually to the chapter that has done the most
have worked on so far. It has been exciting to see the event come
to maintain and improve graduate relations for the fraternity year.
back to life and see how everyone gets behind it. We’ve also already gotten the ball rolling for next semester’s Island Week.
Summer months were once again at full speed with major
We’re looking forward to having sororities from across the
renovations completed to the house. Thanks to the continued
community come out and compete for the chance to win the
support and hard work of House Corp, the Formal Living Room
week through banner competitions, attendance at car wash,
now features new carpet and furniture, added to last year's
percentage nights, and more. There is a lot to look forward to,
renovations to create a newer, more welcoming environment,
and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together!
with Aimee Heinisch’s continued help throughout the process.
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BROTHER SPOTLIGHT BARRY LANE WEST ‘69 FROM AN IDEA TO A BROTHERHOOD... It started with an idea. Our beginnings can be traced back to
Then came the work. During those
September 1966. It was my second year at K-State, and I was
days, we - the early pledges - not only
living in Royal Towers, an apartment building on McCain Hill.
continued to recruit, but we also created a two-page mimeographed list
One Saturday morning, I was underneath my 1956 Chevy,
of “Pledge Rules” with 27 points,
changing the oil. I heard my name, and from my ground-level
ranging from protocols for escorting
view, saw five sets of feet belonging to men who would soon
the housemother to dinner to
change my life and impact future generations. Among them
attendance at intramural events.
were Bob Radcliffe - a KU Phi Gamma Delta alumnus who
There were pledge-training meetings
would later become my Pledge Father, another KU FIJI, one
and strategy meetings. We created
from OU and another from Nebraska. The fifth was Jerry Lilly, K-
Introducing...Delta Colony - Phi Gamma
State’s adviser to the Interfraternity Council, who would provide
Delta, KSU, a booklet we gave to
names of potential recruits and lots of assistance along the
potential members. Meetings were
way.
held first at my apartment, then at the K-State Union and eventually at
Their idea was to start a Phi Gamma Delta chapter at K-State.
our first house at 1614 Fairchild.
As they talked, I envisioned a place where men could gather,
Cover Page of a folder used to distribute info to recruits. The chapter house at 1614 Fairchild is featured & the curving FIJI sign designed by Barry Lane West to be used on several future publications.
free of the hazing and stereotypical fraternity antics - a place
Bob Radcliffe was a vital force behind our early years and helped
that would be inclusive, not elitist. Although it may not have
expand my ideas and vision of not only Phi Gamma Delta but on
fully entered my mind at the time, I envisioned a place that was
life in general. He took me to visit chapters in Oklahoma and
not just for college days, but for life.
Nebraska. He arranged a speaking engagement for me at a Kansas City lunch gathering of FIJI graduates that included the
I must admit that scholarship was not at the forefront of my
mayor of Kansas City and other dignitaries, where I spoke about
mind. Yet, by the time we printed our first FIJI Colony
the formation of our chapter at K-State. All were eye-opening
Newsletter (Vol. 1, No.1 - May 1967), the front-page headline
experiences for a guy who grew up in Stafford, Kansas.
read: “FIJIs Take Third in Scholarship.” It’s heartwarming to see that today’s FIJIs not only continue to strive for academics but
Then came the fun. My calendar reveals that the first FIJI party
now celebrate it at an end-of-the-year family gathering.
was held in the Coal Hole - a basement room under what was then the downtown
The idea became a plan. Now a relic, my 8x10 inch daily
headquarters of Balderson
calendar is filled with details about the start of Delta Colony. On
Manufacturing Company in
th
th
November 13 and 17 , we held Delta Colony meetings at my
Wamego. A few of the people at
th
apartment. On the 20 , we administered the first Pledge Test.
that December 1, 1966 party are
th
There’s a note that I met with Jerry Lilly on the 8 . Printed in
including in the photo.
some of the blocks on the calendar are the names of guys we
Photo at the Coal Hole event includes (left to
pledged or were rushing during that month: Doug Martin, Cecil
right) - FIJIs Steve Smith and Ronnie Summers
(Stout), Jerry Rapp, Steve Smith, Wayne Hargrove and Clark
with their dates, Barry West and Meta Newell.
(Balderson).
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In April 1967, we participated in
From there, we took a boat to West End, Grand Bahama, where
the Intramural Chariot Races for
the Ekklesia International Convention was being held, others
the first time. Rich Gardner and I
came by plane. Besides Greg and me, some of those that
visited junk stores and somehow
attended were Rich Gardner, Clark Balderson, Terry Meyers, Bill
managed to cobble together the
Henry, Jerry Rapp, Mark Coberly and Max Wilson. We were on
first FIJI chariot, as depicted in
hand when our petition for Delta Colony to become the Chi
the photo.
Deuteron Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was approved by the
April 1967 Intramural Chariot Races Rich Gardner (left) and Barry West (standing)
Singing was not only a tradition
voting delegates at the convention.
with the chariot they built.
but a big deal for us. We learned all the FIJI songs and the songs
There were also a few hitches while in that tropical paradise. I
for most sororities, so we were
was newly married (Meta likes to remind me I honeymooned
ready for the first K-State FIJI
with the guys in the Bahamas) and somehow managed to lose
pinning, which involved sere-
most of my cash. So, I watched locals as they cleaned shells and
nading members of the Chi
starfish and proceeded to create my own souvenirs. But, after a
Omega house. That was on
long, hot ride back to Abilene, I opened my suitcase to a most
April 12, 1967, the day I became
unpleasant smell - seems as if I didn’t clean my keepsakes
officially pinned to Meta Newell.
properly!
I can’t leave out the FIJI Islander, a tradition that was abandoned
And then came the years and the memories. The idea
for any number of reasons. But back in the early days, it was a
became a plan. The plan became a colony. The colony became
greatly anticipated event. Our first one was held on the Kansas
a chapter. And the chapter became a brotherhood. And in the
River, on an actual island very
process, so many memories have been made and lasting
near the K-99 bridge going
friendships forged. There were gatherings at “party central” -
through Wamego. We either
aka Cecil Stout’s place; dinners with Jim Taylor, Wayne
rowed, rafted, or waded to the
Hargrove, and Greg Stuart around our dining room table; long
island where we had built
weekends with Chris McFadden (pledged Spring 1969); stops at
rudimentary huts. Attendees
football tailgates hosted by the Hupe family and another
wore costumes, and we arranged
hosted by Tim Engle (who pledged much later); and running
to pick up our dates on a hayrack.
into Bob Kobetich at the Longford rodeo. And, of course, there were gatherings around a table at Kite’s or at our annual Pig
Despite all the fun, we also enforced study-hall hours, and
Dinners - opportunities not only to meet FIJIs of all ages but
FIJI Islander Barry standing next to the hut he built.
the time spent with the guys
also to catch up with some of the other originals, including Tom Eddy, Bob Lamborn, Chip Miller, and Rob Socolofsky.
during those times was just as fulfilling as the camaraderie shared at parties.
Meta and I have also enjoyed watching all the young guys from Abilene who have joined the FIJI chapter as they have
I remember fixing up our rooms at the house, and I will never
developed into successful men who give back to their
forget when my roommate, Steve Smith, a brilliant guy who
communities. There are bittersweet memories too - of the fine
could be a little absent-minded, lost his car. We looked all over
men we’ve lost along the way, including Steve Payne, who was
campus, only to finally discover that he had walked to class that
married to Meta’s sister, Marla. What started with an idea in
morning, and his car was still safely parked behind the house.
1966 continues. Beyond the memories, I feel great pride in what the Chi Deuteron Chapter has become - a group of
In the Summer of 1968, a group of us loaded into Greg Stuart’s
dedicated young men who display positive attitudes and
1963 Plymouth six-cylinder, four door car and headed to West
respect for themselves and others. I hope they, too,
Palm Beach.
understand the legacy they are creating and the brotherhood that is...Not For College Days Alone...
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WELCOME 21 NEW MEMBERS OF CHI DEUTERON!!! Blaine Beasley Tristan Adkins Wichita, KS KS Shawnee, Major: Mechanical Engineering Major: Civil Engineering FunFun Fact: I’ve been snow skiing Fact: Has always loved since I was 4 years old dogs
Grant Broeckelman Marietta, GA Major: Landscape Architecture Fun Fact: I perfected wake surfing on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Braxton Duffin Olathe, KS Major: Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Fun Fact: I like ducks
Brady Boswell Overland Park, KS Major: Mechanical Engineering Fun Fact: I used to work as a server Ryan Dugan Arlington Heights, IL Major: Construction Management and Science Fun Fact: I’ve torn both hamstrings and labrum twice
Bennett Dwight Overland Park, KS Major: Accounting Fun Fact: I live within a mile of 9 different family members
Jackson Fowler Prairie Village, KS Major: Selling and Finance Fun Fact: I ran a mile every day my freshman year of high school and didn’t skip a day
Chase Gilbert Colorado Springs, CO Major: Milling Science and Management Fun Fact: I’ve visited 49 states
Gavin Harris Overland Park, KS Major: Construction Science and Management Fun Fact: I’ve never moved homes
Tyler Hamm Overland Park, KS Major: Finance Fun Fact: I have a twin sister
Carter Jareske Overland Park, KS Major: Finance Fun Fact: I love football cards
Grant Hendrickson Olathe, KS Major: Finance Fun Fact: I like fishing
Jude Lensink Arlington Heights, IL Major: Construction Science and Management Fun Fact: I’ve built a house for a veteran
Chase Keller Wichita, KS Major: Marketing Fun Fact: I have 4 dogs
Mark Meier Waco, TX Major: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fun Fact: I was born in Des Moines, IA
Hunter Matson Parkville, MO Major: Mechanical Engineering Fun Fact: I play guitar and harmonica
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WELCOME 21 NEW MEMBERS OF CHI DEUTERON!!! BenTristan Newman Adkins Omaha, Shawnee, NE KS Major: Major: Mechanical Civil Engineering Engineering FunFun Fact: Fact: I’d rather Has always fish than loved do anything dogs else
Seth Pekarek Abilene, KS Major: Business Fun Fact: I get allergy shots
Matthew Waters Westwood, KS Major: Political Science / Pre-Law Fun Fact: I went to 17 Royals games in 2024
Will Simoneau Overland Park, KS Major: Accounting and Finance Fun Fact: I’m a great skier
Alex Whitehair Overland Park, KS Major: Construction Science and Management Fun Fact: I don’t have white hair!
2026-2027 RECRUITMENT TEAM
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RESIDENT ADVISOR UPDATE G R E G N E L S O N ‘ 7 9
Adkins 2025 PHI Tristan GAMMA DELTA Shawnee, KS Major: Civil Engineering Fun Fact: Has always loved ANNUAL AWARDS dogs
FIJI is off to a great start this academic year beginning with welcoming the actives back to Chi Deuteron on Aug 14 and new member move in on Sunday, Aug 16. Our new members, and their families, were treated to house tours and move-in help by the active chapter followed by a welcome meeting and luncheon buffet catered by our very own food service provider – Upper Crust. It was a PACKED house. There is not another house on campus that does it better! We have 54 living in the house and 18 out of house Seniors for a total of 72 active members! That same evening kicked off “Building Courageous Leaders” week where the UG’s participate in leadership, teamwork, and brotherhood activities. Capped off by Serenades where the new member class showed their stuff! Again, no other chapter on campus can match this. Now the new members are head long into Homecoming practice. We initiated 21 new members on Aug 28, and they are
The Coon Plaque recognizes the chapter producing the best chapter publication during the calendar year.
learning the ways of PGD in their FOC (Foundation of Courage) program which replaces the former pledge program. Seven of our new members hail from out of state! My biggest challenge with every new member group is to find the time to meet, considering their packed calendars. So far, I am very impressed with their maturity level and character and most of all positive attitudes and excitement about FIJI. Dave Schreck (‘69) flew in from Marietta, GA on Sep 7 and presented an excellent 90 min FOC class to the new members entitled “History of the Fraternity”. The next day, Dave was joined by fellow founders Barry West (’69) and Greg Stuart (‘70) who were our guests for Wednesday formal dinner. And speaking of dinner, the members are giving our food service provider – Upper Crust – high marks this year. Please consider joining us for a Wednesday dinner this semester or next. Arrival by 5 pm and normally out by 6:15 pm unless you want to stay for chapter. Contact me at 917-656-
The Brightman Trophy recognizes chapters that excel in maintaining and strengthening graduate relations
5282 or gdn57@outlook.com. Click to see around the house - Chi Deuteron Photo Album
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5th ANNUAL FIJI GRAD TAILGATE Saturday, October 10th KSU Agronomy Front Lawn 2200 Kimball Avenue
Directly across Kimball Avenue (North Side) from BSFS
Special Thanks to: John Foust (‘92) for Coordination of Tailgate Ron Buck (‘92) & Buck Roofing for Tailgate Sponsorhip Chris Hupe (‘94) & Spirts of 76 for Liquor Sponsorhip Doug Labbe (‘91), Terry Giltner (’94) & James Mairet (‘92) for Operational Support NOTE: Game Tickets are not included. Please purchase your own Game Tickets Parking is available in the same lot as the tailgate for $30 (cash only)
Link to Register: https://2026fijitailgate.rsvpify.com
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On Saturday, September 5, the Chi Deuteron Chapter House at 1919 Hunting Avenue opened its doors for the Second Annual FIJI Family BBQ. Nearly 200 guests, including undergraduates, graduate brothers, potential new members, and their families, gathered for lunch ahead of the Wildcats' season opener against the Nicholls Colonels. Guests enjoyed a grillout lunch and toured the house to see the updates completed this summer. Outside, the yard stayed busy with tailgate games, pickup basketball, and a steady crowd on the putting green. Families got to see the house through the eyes of a new generation. Potential new members got an early look at the brotherhood and the alumni network behind it. The Wildcats capped off the day with a strong performance. Kansas State beat Nicholls 71-3, giving Collin Klein a winning debut as head coach at his alma mater. Thank you to all who came out to make the event a success. The date for the Third Annual FIJI Fall BBQ in Fall 2027 will be announced this spring. We hope to see you back at the house.
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2026-2027 CHI DEUTERON CABINET OFFICERS
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2026 CHI DEUTER
Brothers from across FIJIla
April 24–25 for Chi Deuter
Dinner, one of the largest
Gamma Delta. The week
reception, fraternity busine
chapter house, the traditi
Memorial Stadium steps, an
at the K-State Alumni Center
The dinner recognized Gold
(2000–01), and Bronze Ow
with Sires & Sons, the Gra
Mike Shutt (‘93), and outstan
Morris, K-State (’77), receive
2025 William A. Martin II
recipient, and Dr. Mitchel
delivered the keynote addres
Thank you to every brother
made the weekend a suc
seeing you next spring for th 17, 2027.
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RON PIG DINNER
nd returned to Manhattan
ron's 58th Frank Norris Pig
t Pig Dinners in all of Phi
kend featured a welcome
ess updates, lunch at the
ional group photo on the
nd Saturday night's banquet
r.
d Owl (1975–76), Silver Owl
wl (2015–16) initiates, along
aduate Brother of the Year,
nding undergraduates. Mike
ed special recognition as the
II Distinguished FIJI Award
ll Keating, K-State (2012),
ss.
r, guest, and volunteer who
ccess. We look forward to
he 59th Pig Dinner, April 16-
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2026 HOUSE CORP Chi Deuteron: A Top 5 Property at Kansas State Chi Deuteron continues to be one of the Top 5 properties at Kansas State University, thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of our Graduate Brothers - who continue to give both their time and treasure to make our Chapter House better than ever. We hope you will take the opportunity to visit the Chapter House the next time you’re in Manhattan and see the improvements for yourself. In 2026, Chi Deuteron received $184,000 in house renovations, of which about half of this sum was a result of grad or parent donations. Thank You!! Even more impressive, House Corp has invested more than $1,000,000 over the past six years on 78 separate improvement projects! A special thank you to Brothers Doug Labbe (‘91), Brett Bogan (’89), Glenn Sears (‘85), and Mik Kijowski (’90) for funding and building our new trophy case. It is a tremendous addition to the Chapter House and a wonderful way to showcase Chi Deuteron’s history and accomplishments. We also want to recognize Brothers Todd Michaelis (‘92), Chris Wittwer (’97), Steve Blackwell (‘81), and Ben Geiger (2013) for their generous contributions since Pig Dinner. Your continued support makes a meaningful difference. And a huge thank you to Brother Ron Buck (‘92) for his generous donation toward a new golf simulator, which is scheduled to be completed over Christmas break. We cannot wait to see it in action! Finally, an incredibly special thank you to Brother Gary Wietharn (‘77) for your continued leadership, dedication, and commitment to Chi Deuteron. Thank you to all of our Graduate Brothers for investing in the future of Chi Deuteron!! Your generosity ensures that our Chapter House remains a place our brothers can be proud to call home for generations to come.
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PROJECT UPDATES 2026 Projects Include: Replaced Living Room & Board Room carpet and furniture Replaced all Main Room ceiling lighting with LEDs Repainted Dining Room and foyer Replaced dining room and Foyer tile Upgraded Dining Room nook area, cabinets and added water filling station Installed Dining Room wood valance and nook lighting Trophy Case makeover Phone-app based security system Remote control installation on all entrance doors Resurfaced and acrylic coated basketball court with purple and white Added two additional security cameras Building a golf simulator into east end of theater (over Christmas break)
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2026 SCHOLAR SCHOLA 2026 Scholars Lunch Recognizes Academic Excellence On Sunday, March 29, 2026, brothers, alumni, families, and friends gathered at the K-State Student Union in Manhattan for the 2026 Scholars Luncheon The annual event celebrates the academic achievements of our members and recognizes the scholarship recipients whose work in the classroom reflects FIJI's commitment to knowledge and excellence. The afternoon began at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and fellowship, followed by a program led by Purple Legionnaire, Chris Hupe (‘94). This year, 16 scholarships totaling $17,500 were awarded. Congratulations to the 2026 recipients. The chapter also recognized freshman through senior individual scholastic & chapter award winners, the Fall 2025 FIJI All-Academic Team, and our graduating seniors. More than 100 guests attended. We are grateful to the donors and alumni whose continued generosity makes these scholarships possible.
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RS LUNCHEON
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CHI DEUTERON SUMMER RETREAT ROB GILLESPIE ‘94 Members of the active chapter and BCA met on Sunday, July 25. Led by Cabinet, the undergrads looked back on the past year and discussed what worked well and what could be improved upon. After this reflection, they agreed
We spent time discussing how to make the Foundation of
upon a strategy to take Chi Deuteron to even higher
Courage (FOC) experience even more meaningful for
levels. It was a great mix of celebrating our wins, having
new members. Those conversations included signature
honest conversations about where we can sharpen our
sheets that will require incoming guys to sit down and have
focus, and getting everyone on the same page for what’s
real, valuable conversations with active brothers, visiting
ahead.
senior houses earlier in the year to build early bonds across pledge classes, and moving key traditions earlier in the
We came into the summer with a lot of positive
process so new members truly understand and live our
momentum from last year. We welcomed 21 new freshmen
values right from the start.
into the house, logged 1,562 hours of community service, and brought home the FSL Award for Excellence in
Philanthropy and campus involvement discussions
Leadership. At the same time, the cabinet took an honest
included aiming high for IFC recognition, possibly
look at where we could have done better. We talked
coordinating with KU FIJIs on philanthropy and making a
candidly about boosting our philanthropy fundraising,
conscious effort to show up, sponsor, and represent Chi
tightening up internal accountability, getting higher overall
Deuteron at other fraternity and sorority events.
chapter involvement, and pushing ourselves academically, moving away from just a "work hard, play hard" mindset
Last, but not least, Recruitment was emphasized as
toward true excellence across the board.
already having great momentum that can be improved upon by starting earlier and expanding the pipeline of
From a social perspective, discussions centered on raising
candidates. Many already successful recruiting activities
the bar for chapter events by making sure brothers aren't
will be refined and enhanced. We also discussed ways to
just showing up but actually looking forward to being there
improve how undergrads take notes on which candidates
and participating. Additional discussion included higher
they talked to at events and how to better record their
quality events, setting clear expectations for risk
main takeaways of the conversations. These notes are
management, showing up early, and stepping up during
important down the road as candidates are ranked for
post-event cleanups.
bid.
Academic growth, as always, is a priority this year, and the
Overall, the energy coming out of the summer retreat was
scholarship committee came up with a few great ideas to
high. The active chapter is focused on holding each other
consider including peer assistance for those needing it,
to a higher standard, taking pride in the house, and
investing money into academic rewards for high GPA and
emphasizing brotherhood throughout the entire chapter.
rewards for A’s on tests. Study hour accountability is also a
The Brightman Trophy recognizes chapters that excel in maintaining and strengthening graduate relations
top priority.
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1
CHI DEUTERON MOM’S WEEKEND At this year’s annual FIJI Mom’s Weekend, the brothers welcomed their moms to Manhattan for a memorable weekend, highlighted by karaoke at Kites, the annual auction, and plenty of time spent together. The weekend gave brothers a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with their moms while enjoying everything Manhattan had to offer. The weekend kicked off Friday night at Kites, where brothers and their moms gathered for karaoke. With plenty of singing, laughs, and time spent together, it was a great way to begin the weekend and made for an entertaining night for everyone involved. Saturday began with the bowling event, where brothers and their moms enjoyed some friendly competition and another chance to spend time together. Following bowling, everyone gathered for the always-entertaining annual auction. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Chi Deuteron moms, the auction was once again an enormous success raising $15,600!! Afterward, brothers and their moms continued the celebrations and enjoyed the rest of their time together in Manhattan. Overall, Mom’s Weekend was a great success, giving the FIJI brothers a chance to spend quality time with their moms and create memories together. The chapter is extremely grateful for their continued support and generosity, and we look forward to having our moms back again next year.
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”
Calvin Coolidge 1894
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Gradate Brothers, we want to feature you in a section of future newsletters titled “Where Are They Now?” This is a great opportunity to highlight what you’ve been up to since graduation and reconnect with your brothers.
ksufiji.com @fijiatksu
We’re looking for a brief paragraph or two to include information such as: professional achievement and career milestones, personal updates, current location, and of course, favorite memories from your time at Chi Deuteron.
facebook.com/KStateFIJI @FIJIatKSU
Please send your information along with a photo to Scott Wilson at scottwilson2387@gmail.com.
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