FALL 2020
THE
AUBURN PHI
Official Newsletter of the Alabama Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Auburn University
CHAPTER ADVISORY BOARD UPDATE PRESIDENT’S LETTER
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labama Beta has achieved extraordinary gains in this challenging year. The brothers pledged forty-five fine young men from a wide geographic area, including Mountain Brook, Atlanta, Mobile, Charlotte, Boca Raton, Nashville, Gulf Shores, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois and Connecticut. Eleven of the pledges are legacies. If all are initiated, this will bring membership to over 100. All did a great job, especially Recruitment Chairman Henry Meehan 2405. Once again, thanks to Brother Donald Jackson 1593 for all of his help in recruitment and to the alumni for sending recommendations. Recruitment is a year-round endeavor. Any information on a potential new member can be submitted to: futurephidelt.org. The annual reunion was held on Friday, November 20 at the clubhouse of The Legacy at Cary Creek development. Thanks to Dwight Bassett 1644 for securing the venue. Spooky Corrigan 1559 did his usual outstanding job cooking the wings and sausages. We had about fifty people in attendance with the undergraduates providing the majority. Brothers Jimmy Lockwood 1478 and Rick Latham 1592 were initiated into Chapter Grand. House Corporation Treasurer Robert Miller 1921 was presented the Booth Malone Alumni Service Award. Robert has worked countless hours over the years doing
REFER A PHI!
Know any young men who would be great Phis? Refer them to Recruitment Chairman Philip Rehm: par0026@auburn.edu. Then, send them to our Greatest U recruitment campaign: futurephidelt.org.
mostly thankless work keeping the house corporation financial books in good order. For several years he and Buck Marsh 884 were the only active members of the house corporation. Without their efforts, we could have very well lost the house. Many thanks to Robert. Nobody deserves the award more. As we continue to plow through this very difficult year, I personally want to thank all of you who have put in so much time and effort for the betterment of the chapter. As stated on the Buck Marsh Plaque in the dining hall, the last line of the Phikeia Oath , “I will strive in all ways to transmit the Fraternity to those who may follow after, not only, not less, but greater than it was transmitted to me.” Although separated by distance, I remain yours in the bond. Jimmy Webb #1509, Chapter Advisory Board Chairman jkwebbjr@aol.com
ALUMNUS BROTHER OF THE YEAR Congratulations to House Corporation Treasurer Robert Miller III 1921, Alabama Beta’s Booth Malone Alumni Service Award recipient.
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am very excited about being the incoming President of Alabama Beta, and looking forward to the upcoming year to see how this chapter will grow and mature. Since being rechartered in 2017 Alabama Beta has hit the ground running, and has excelled in so many areas, such as recruitment, scholarship, and brotherhood. One of the priorities for Alabama Beta is the growth of our chapter. Even with all the graduating seniors this summer, we hope to maintain a chapter size of over one-hundred. I was thrilled to see how our previous recruitment chairman performed during this past term, with such a tough task of recruiting a great forty-five-man Phikeias class during COVID-19. Recruitment is an area that Alabama Beta has proven to excel in, and I am looking forward to working alongside our recruitment team during this next term. Our chapter GPA currently ranks in the top half of all fraternities here at Auburn, and our goal during this next term is to break into the top ten. Our scholarship committee has implemented effective measures, such as mandatory study hours for members who have inadequate GPAs, and offering tutors for members who are struggling in classes. I am confident that these actions will improve our chapter for the better. Alabama Beta’s unique brotherhood Continued on page 3
HOUSE CORPORATION UPDATE
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he recently completed study hall has been a welcome addition and it has been put to good use by the undergraduates. The house corporation has contracted with Holt Lewis, LLC and phase one construction of the outdoor grill pavilion is well underway and slated for completion in mid-November. Upon completion we will provide a 36" portable gas-fired griddle for Chef Steve’s use; this coupled with the off-set smoker will allow for plenty of outdoor cooking until the appliance counter is completed during phase two for the fall 2021 semester. We have eliminated the service counter from the phase two project scope so that the pavilion can be multi-purpose and better used for outdoor gatherings and band parties. We have preliminary plans and budget bids in place for a masonry sign/masonry mailbox to reside in the front yard near Lem Morrison Drive. The illuminated sign will face perpendicular to the street and display our crest and Greek letters on both sides. We will provide a rendering in the next newsletter. The installation is scheduled for completion for the fall 2021 semester. The undergraduates, lead by house manager Jacob Ugo 2402, have given the kitchen a face lift with a sky blue paint job. They also intend to paint the band room interior to brighten it up. The house manager’s apartment is receiving a new exterior door and minor interior improvements. We are slowly adding wall art and
furniture to the living room interior and this should be much improved by spring 2021. Are you a published author? We are seeking novels, memoirs, short stories, poetry, trade journal articles, professional portfolios, etc. These will reside in our library as original works by our alumni. We are actively acquiring works by Brothers Buck Marsh 884 and Eugene Sledge 890. We also seek to build a historical record of the chapter through photographs of brothers “back in the day.” These
ABOUT US The Auburn Phi is published two times per year by the Alabama Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta at Auburn University for alumni and parents. ©Copyright 2020 Alabama Beta. All rights reserved. Send news, address updates and photos to: Alabama Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta 2 South Campus Avenue Oxford, Ohio 45056
STAY UP-TO-DATE /phideltauburn @PhiDeltAuburn phideltauburn.com
CHAPTER ADVISORY BOARD Jimmy Webb, Chairman Ray Briscuso, Secretary Brent Barringer Dwight Bassett William Boyt Jeremy Burns William Busbin Robert Corrigan Jr. Frank Feagin Gregory Harris
CHAPTER OFFICERS Nick Casson, President Sam Honeycutt, Vice President Ben Maggard, Secretary Zane Springer, Treasurer Ben Branch, Phikeia Educator Clark Stanford, Warden Philip Rehm, Recruitment Chairman Jordan Agagan, Social Chairman Bay Cummings, House Manager
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Auburn Phi » Fall 2020
John Hornsby Donald Jackson Richard McDowell Charles Maynard Buck Marsh Michael Ramsey Ken Stephens J.R. Wright
HOUSE CORPORATION Malcolm Marsh, Chairman Robert Miller, Treasurer Russell Cunningham Tim Hunt Frank “Bud” Powada, Secretary Marvin Thomas Buck Marsh
will be displayed in both physical and digital form. Legacies please include photos from your father’s era if available. Submittals should include names, dates, locations, and context. If you can contribute please email or mail the house corporation at: marshmalcolm@yahoo.com or Malcolm Marsh, 3189 Rockingham Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327. Yours in the Bond, Malcolm Marsh 1519 House Corporation President
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO! Please visit phideltatheta.org/members/update-your-info to update your contact information.
WE WANT YOUR NEWS! In preparation of the next edition, we are looking for any news and updates in your life. Please email any content to Alabama Beta Chapter Advisory Board Secretary Ray Briscuso at raybriscusojr@gmail.com. Alabama Beta
UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
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s has been talked about previously, a focus on improving the property value of the Alabama Beta Chapter House is the installation of the grilling pavilion and exterior patio upgrade. Much of the wood furniture that was on the patio had seen better days. Fortunately, the chapter is full of creative, smart, and motivated young men. Bay Cummings 2359 saw a need, and is using his talent, skills and passion for carpentry to upgrade the furniture on the patio. Bay is a sophomore majoring in supply chain management. He has just been elected as house manager and also has served on the house committee and the health and safety board. Bay was on the spring 2020 Dean’s List. When asked how Bay became involved in carpentry,
he replied, “I grew up around a family of problem-solvers and doers. I have watched them, specifically my dad, and learned that if you want something done you have to take it into your own hands. Carpentry is the embodiment of reasoning, and it has allowed me to express this problem-solving, doing attitude.” Do you live in the Mobile area? Below is Bay’s contact info. Give him a call if you would like to have him work on a project for you! Bay is the son of Sara and Jim Cummings 1894. Instagram: instagram.com/cummings. carpentry/ Facebook: facebook.com/bay. cummings.3 Phone: 251.404.5485 Email: cummingsbay@gmail.com
ALABAMA BETA PARENTS AND FAMILY CLUB The Alabama Beta Parents and Family Club is off to a robust beginning! With guidance from Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters, valuable information is being shared with the parents, family, and alumni. The future is looking bright for Alabama Beta! Pepper Stanford, President of Parents and Family Club, Pepperstanford@gmail.com, 704.905.8959 PRESIDENT’S LETTER UPDATE: continued from page 1 is something that no other fraternity has to offer. Our Fraternity for Life approach will make our chapter much stronger in the years to come. We will continue to strengthen our chapter during the upcoming semester with frequent brotherhood events, as we promote the concept of Service above Self. I am honored to be the incoming Alabama Beta president and look forward to working with the executive committee, CAB and house corporation in the upcoming year. As a team we want to lead this fraternity, and to see what things we are able to accomplish. With the wonderful support from our newly created Parent’s Club and our committed alumni base, this chapter will continue to do great things and impact our community. I’m damn proud to be a Phi. War Eagle! Yours in the Bond Nick Casson 2410, President nrc0024@auburn.edu phideltauburn.com
MEET OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
2020 FALL PHIKEIAS CLASS
Justin Bacon, Westport, CT Will Banks*, Atlanta, GA Jack Barrett, Vienna, VA Robert Benfield*, Atlanta, GA Jason Born*, Marietta, GA Trey Carpenter, Mobile, AL Drew Davis, Gulf Shores, AL Samuel Jacob Dill, Cordova, AL Ben Dunwell, Mobile, AL Jones Dyleski, Mountain Brook, AL Ben Elliott*, Brentwood, TN Joseph Fimiani*, Boca Raton, FL Gray Fowler*, Mobile, AL Charles Gault, Mountain Brook, AL Benjamin Samuel Halsema, Milton, GA Evans Hatfield*, Atlanta, GA William Heinz, Mobile, AL Harrison Hitson, Mountain Brook, AL Will Hitt, Atlanta, GA Christopher Johnson, Pearland, TX Brady Klingman*, Charlotte, NC Wesley Lartigue, Orange Beach, AL Carson Lawrence, Carbon Hill, AL
Jack Maley*, Atlanta, GA Will Maurin, Mobile, AL Robert Maxwell, Spanish Fort, AL Chris Mussell, Buford, GA Ryan Patel, Gulf Shores, AL J. Edward Robinette, Atlanta, GA Luke Schneider*, Marietta, GA Joey Scimeca, St Charles, IL Brennan Scott, Mountain Brook, AL Anderson Sparks, Alabaster, AL Benjamin Francis Stana, Homewood, AL Sam Stokley, Fairhope, AL Jacob Strickler, Edmond, OK Joseph Taylor, Gulf Shores, AL Payne Thrift, Charlotte, NC Caleb Trull, Fairhope, AL Aubrey Wall, Greensboro, NC Leon Wallace, Mobile, AL Sam Wilson*, Birmingham, AL *Legacies
Auburn Phi » Fall 2020
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NEW PHI DELTA THETA SCHOLARSHIP FOR ALABAMA BETA A second alumni endowed scholarship is coming! Currently, Auburn Phi’s are eligible for the Joe Tonsmeire Leadership Award (approximately $2,500), and we’ll soon also award the Harrison Presidents Scholarship (approximately $2,000).
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #248 DAYTON, OH Alabama Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta 2 South Campus Avenue Oxford, Ohio 45056 Address Service Requested
The Tonsmeire award was created in memory of Joe Tonsmeire a dedicated and inspirational chapter leader during the challenging times of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights. This new Alabama Beta scholarship will annually provide both a stipend to send the chapter president to Phi Delta Theta’s Annual President’s Leadership Council and award a scholarship of approximately $2,000. The new scholarship recipient will be chosen each year by the Trustees of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation. The threshold for this new endowed scholarship is $50,000 and our goal is $55,000. Our current balance is $47,500—just $2,500 shy of activation. Your tax deductible contributions are welcome and can be made online at phideltatheta.org/donate, or by check made payable to The Phi Delta Theta Foundation and mailed to: Phi Delta Theta, 2 South Campus Avenue, Oxford, Ohio 45056. In the memo box (or “For” line or on your check) indicate that your donation is for the “Alabama Beta Harrison Presidents Scholarship” or “AL Beta HPS.”
INITIATION CEREMONY
JANUARY 10, 2021 12:30 p.m. –6:00 p.m. CST You’re invited to celebrate our newest members. Please RSVP to: Clark Stanford at Cms0116@auburn.edu or 704.577.0863 or to Nick Casson at Nrc0024@auburn.edu or 919.410.5190. Please note: only initiated members will be allowed in the house on this day.
ALABAMA BETA ALUMNI GET CREATIVE WITH ZOOM REUNIONS
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he Alabama Beta Chapter at Auburn University prides itself on well-attended, all-age alumni reunion weekends held each fall. But there is a new tool, one we would have never imagined a few years ago, and something else that encourages fellowship and brings brothers together in a new and quite efficient way—Zoom reunions! Organized by the chapter advisory board (CAB), the new Zoom-style reunions focus on bringing together classmates whether freshmen or seniors. Beginning this spring, the CAB replaced its every other week telephone conference call meetings with every-other-week ZOOM meetings. The Alabama Beta CAB is a large and active group—it includes over two dozen members with a dozen regular participants. The CAB quickly saw the benefit of meeting face-to-face via Zoom video and decided to complement their annual on campus fall reunion with a series of spring Zoom reunions. Recognizing the value of including no more than twenty-five persons on each Zoom call, the CAB decided to organize many rather than few Zoom reunions, and thus the five-year increments. The results have been extremely well received! Each Zoom call has two alumni serving as captains (aka Zoom hosts). All the backend work including sending invitations and technical support is done by the CAB secretary. When possible, the captain/hosts are well-remembered past chapter presidents or Phikeia educators, from different graduating classes to ensure each Zoom caller was likely on campus with at least one of their respective Zoom captains. The Zooms have been so successful that Alabama Beta plans to convene Zoom reunions each spring and even bigger annual in-person reunions each fall. Read the full article on the Phi Delt website: https://phide.lt/33zCXCU