Fraternally Speaking
A
s iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another was inscribed on a pen I received as a college graduation gift. It is a fitting description of the power of relationships built in fraternity. But at twenty-two, I did not realize the profound impact and possibilities of that simple verse. This month’s cover story features Victor Cui (Alberta 1994), who shares his thoughts on friendships built in fraternity. As Victor attests, we have a unique opportunity to surround ourselves with people who will challenge us to think and act differently and help make us our best – no matter how unreasonable that may seem at a young age. In this role I have the good fortune of hearing from and visiting with brothers frequently. Over the past several months, that has included a welcome return to in-person events. Those anniversary events and Pig Dinners are refreshing, providing great examples of the power of friendships, brothers reconnecting, and the sincerity with which a man credits his chapter brothers for influencing his life. Many rightfully look to their brothers when they need someone most. We can all recount times when our brothers surrounded us as we faced life’s most difficult challenges – the loss of a family member, turmoil in our relationships, or an abrupt change in career plans. As Phi Gamma Deltas we not only consider friendship to be the sweetest influence, but also trust that our brothers will cling to us in our greatest times of need – offering a helping hand and sympathizing heart. While we often appreciate the impact the Fraternity has on its members, we
Founded at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, PA, on May 1, 1848, by John Templeton McCarty, Samuel Beatty Wilson, James Elliott, Ellis Bailey Gregg, Daniel Webster Crofts & Naaman Fletcher.
The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta
1201 Red Mile Rd, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 405444599 | 859-255-1848 | phigam@phigam.org
Archons
cannot forget those Rob Caudill brothers who in Executive Director turn have profoundly impacted Phi Gamma Delta. Two of those men are remembered in the Ad Astra section of this issue. Jim Stellar (Occidental 1954, Arizona 1954) served the Fraternity as a Field Secretary, Section Chief, Purple Legionnaire, BCA member and board member for the Educational Foundation, but his service was more than a series of titles. He was a mainstay and source of continuity in southern California for decades, always present wherever brothers gathered to honor the traditions of Phi Gamma Delta. Over the years he stayed connected with the Fraternity and engaged with nearby chapters and brothers, whether in a formal role or as just another brother. Bill Bracewell (Georgia Faculty 1968) offered more than fifty years of devoted service to the Fraternity and was a pillar of his Kappa Deuteron Chapter. In his many roles, including as Archon Councilor and Educational Director, he emphasized that the development of our undergraduate brothers must be a constant priority. Bill was a shining example of a Fiji Gentleman, always going above and beyond, and putting others’ interests ahead of his own. He genuinely loved his brothers and his Fraternity, serving as a teacher and mentor for countless chapter officers, graduate volunteers and staff members. By their examples, Jim and Bill remind us today to consider the positive impact we can make in our daily lives, and the opportunity we have each day to espouse our values in service to one another and to our Fraternity. t
• President: Nic Loiacono (Illinois 1974) • Vice Pres: Bill Hunnicutt (Texas Arlington 1981) • Treasurer: Don Herman (Calgary 1984) • Secretary: Ed Gabe (Hanover 1990) • Councilor: Tom Waldon (Iowa State 1979) • Councilor: Tim Kilduff (Kent State 1968) • Councilor: J.C. Neilson (Akron 1991) • Councilor: Jack Foley (Ohio Wesleyan 2022) • Councilor: J.T. Stoll (Western Kentucky 2023)
Headquarters Staff
• Executive Director: Rob Caudill (Akron 2004) • Asst Executive Director: Todd Rotgers (Minnesota 2011) • CFO: Will Shier (DePauw 1988) • Sr Dir of Chapter Services: Noah Reetz • Sr Dir of Education: Lauren Leif • Sr Dir of Graduate Engagement: Dionysis Protopapadakis (Appalachian State 2017) • Dir of Chapter Services-West: Emily Sledd • Dir of Communications: Erica Carlson • Dir of Fraternity Growth: Tyler Fisk (Wayne State 2020) • Dir of Membership & Operations: Amy Watson • Dir of Undergraduate Member Experience: Abby McCollum • Asst Dir of Education: Andrew Depew (Kentucky 2010) • Sr Executive Assistant: Taren Robin • Administrative Assistant: Mahogany Dobbins • Receptionist: Tina Ritchie • Field Secretaries: Graham Hess (Akron 2021); Jackson Daugharty (Idaho 2020); Jeff Stinson (Western Michigan 2020); Collin Clifford (Sam Houston 2021)
Appointed General Officers
• Curator of Archives: Joe Weist (Rose-Hulman 1987) • Dir of DEIB: DeVere Kutscher (Davidson 1997) • Educational Dir: Amelious Whyte (Minnesota Faculty) • General Counsel: Jim Boyers (Hanover 1994) • Historian: Towner Blackstock (Davidson 1994) • PR Dir: Mike Sacks (James Madison 2004) • Ritualist: Justin Burns (Ohio State 2007)
Educational Foundations
Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation 1201 Red Mile Rd, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 405444599 Board Members • Chairman: Matthew Amend (Iowa 1987) • Vice Chairman: Glenn Moor (Texas Tech 1984) • Finance Comm Chairman: Kevin Haga (Jacksonville 1992) • Secretary: Bill Brand (RPI 1987) • Directors: Michael Ainsworth (British Columbia 1987); Carl Gibson (Oklahoma 1981); Donald Heinrich (Chicago 1974); Mitchell Henn (Case Western 1972); Mike Lucas (Bradley 1983); Scott Mowrer (Washington 1971); John O'Neill (Akron 1987); Michael Stewart (Penn State 1972); Rob Wunderlich (DePauw 1988)
Phi Gamma Delta Foundation of Canada
804-2185 Marine Dr, Oakville, ON L6L 5L6 Board Members • President: Michael Ainsworth (British Columbia 1987) • Vice President: Tristan Patterson (Alberta 2010) • Treasurer: Stephen Firth (Western Ontario 1973) • Secretary: Murray Coulter (Western Ontario 1972) • Directors: Erez Bahar (British Columbia 2001); John Carswell (Alberta 1976); Norm Dundas (McGill 1963); Donald Herman (Calgary 1985); Ashley O’Kurley (Alberta 1994); Rob Witchel (Toronto 1987) • Trustee Emeritus: Cameron Murray (Alberta 1972)
US & Canadian Foundations Staff
• Executive Director: Ben Robinson (HampdenSydney 1986) • COO/CFO: Will Shier (DePauw 1988) • Sr Dir of Graduate Engagement: Dionysis Protopapadakis (Appalachian State 2017)
THE PHI GAMMA DELTA
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