Chapter News

An Update from Jud Sims, 1994
Chair, Mu Upsilon Association

Brothers, we welcomed our Undergraduates back to campus during the third week of January for the Spring term. Rush began the first week back and it was a success.

With college enrollment down across the country (especially for men) and interest in Greek life having waned over the years, we began working with our Rush Committee (comprised of roughly ten Brothers) in June. Our goal was to build a large database of potential new Members over the Summer months, with each incoming Freshman having been recommended by one or more active Brothers in the House. It paid off and we brought in a solid pledge class of young men who were active in high school in a variety of areas and who we believe will lead us to greater heights in the coming years. Their grades were also very impressive.

Your house is very close to full capacity this year and should be completely leased up next year. We have instituted a mandatory two-year live-in requirement for all Sophomores living in the Chapter House. Sophomores can only live in a dorm or a fraternity house during their second year at Miami (they have no other options). We have had success in maintaining a balanced tenancy, with roughly half of the House being populated by Sophomores and the other populated by Upperclassmen. This allows our older Brothers to mentor the younger guys and teach them the ways of 130 E. High St. Maintaining this balance has proven very effective for us. With the new two-year live-in policy, we believe that the House will remain full and balanced for years to come.

As rental revenue is our near sole source of income, occupancy is key from an operating perspective. Debt service from our rebuild, however, is roughly twenty-five percent of our operating budget. Mike McGurk (’70), who handles our treasury function on House Corporation touches more on this in his article contained herein.

We began an academic initiative this year for all Undergraduate Brothers, which had great success. That effort is being led by Brian Gravitt (’90) and we plan to continue these efforts indefinitely. Brian has done tremendous work here and highlights some of our successes in his article below.

Mike Bevis, Chairman or our Board of Chapter Advisors is leading the House in our adoption of the “New Model” promulgated by Phi Gamma Delta International Headquarters (“IHQ”). The New Model outlines (and dictates) how new Members are to be treated, trained, and mentored and provides goals for those Brothers over their four years in the House. Beavo has worked extensively with IHQ and the Undergrads to implement and reinforce these policies. More on this initiative below.

This year, we will be bringing back “Drop the Puck,” one of the most successful philanthropies on campus. Drop the Puck is a hockey tournament where participating fraternities compete against each other in a single-elimination format. The event is also ticketed for spectators. In past years we have raised upwards of $40,000 for Luna Cares Fund from this event alone (details available at lunacares.com). We worked with our Undergrads this year to develop a plan of action with the hope that it will be our most successful philanthropy yet. If you are interested in coming out to support our team, please reach out for dates (my email is listed below).

We have one of the best Undergraduate Cabinets that we’ve had in the last ten years and perhaps beyond. Andy Keeler (Chapter President – ’25) and Ben Elias (Chapter Treasurer – ’25) are both in their second year on Cabinet and have done an outstanding job at leading us in these efforts. Andy and Ben have included an article here about what their experience has meant to them.

As you are all likely aware, Universities across the country are scrutinizing fraternities now as much as ever, and conduct in the House has been outstanding. In the past three years, our Chapter has been cited by the University only once (a citation for a single, minor fire code violation). Our last two Field Secretary reports have been outstanding and our relationship with both the University and IHQ is also strong. I am happy to provide copies of these reports and discuss the same with those who are interested.

As you can see from the information above, the state of our union at 130 E. High St. remains strong. A small few have worked hard not only to perpetuate our great traditions, but to take our beloved Chapter to the next level.

Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments you may have. Until next time….

Jud-’94
Perge’

Jud B. Sims
Mu Upsilon Association – House Corporation
Chairman
judbsims@yahoo.com

Mike McGurk ‘70
House Corps Treasurer

Financial Report
Brothers, we need your financial support to reduce our financial risk – to put us in a solid financial position. Going back to our post-fire recovery, it was due to pure guts and determination that our beloved chapter house was rebuilt after the 2013 fire. Hutch, Birdie, and Clay made this happen – no one will ever know the abundance of sacrifice and pure dedication these brothers contributed. At a critical moment, when it was time to “fish or cut bait”, the financial picture was marginal, and a “partial” build was being considered. The right decision was made, to go ahead with the full project, with confidence that Clay could rally our graduate brothers for the financial support needed. Clay pulled it off – sufficient results for our immediate needs were delivered, and we have a chapter house that we can all be proud of.
Greg Smith once told me that it was good to have debt – so that the undergraduate chapter had some skin in the game. This is true – provided we have sufficient occupancy of the house, and that the chapter’s good standing with Miami remains. The risk is that if we have a downturn in occupancy, which we saw around the COVID period, or if an incident occurs resulting in a suspension, we are at significant financial risk.
The simple numbers: Our annual costs for meals, utilities, taxes, insurance, housekeeping, maintenance and repair, improvements, and other operational costs are currently $310,000 a year and will increase to $350,000 over the next 2 years as the house ages. Debt servicing is $106,000 per year, and increasing with higher interest rates. Our only source of operational income is rent, meals, and parlor fees – we will bring in approximately $420,00 this school year, with the house nearly full. We are operating on a zero cash margin.
We have no cash reserves – none. Simply stated, we need to retire our debt so we can eliminate the cash drain of debt servicing and begin building a cash reserve for (1) future major repairs and maintenance (2) any downturn in house occupancy (3) possible legal expenses, along with an (unforeseen) suspension by the University. Once on solid financial footing, we will be able to make improvements to the house (a courtyard in the rear of the house, balcony railing, and furniture on the first floor, to name a few). We would also like to be able to offer scholarships – where we can recruit top-notch young men – and reward our top performers.
A quick story – While I was visiting the house at the end of February, President Crawford was riding by the house on his bike (in a suit and tie) – I asked him if he had a minute, and invited him into the house. His first comment as he walked through the front door was, “This is a fraternity house? This is nice!” He was there for about 15 minutes, shook hands with a dozen brothers, had a brief tour, and left very favorably impressed. The house was immaculate – all ready for the Valentine’s party. At the party, the brothers sang to their dates – I have a video of a few of the serenades. The house has come a long way recently – it feels like it did “back in the day”. Fiji Pride is back.
Please help us keep 130 E High the home of Phi Gamma Delta.
Not for college days alone!
Mike McGurk, ’70

“Pig on the Slant”
Brothers, please mark your calendars for April 26, 27, and 28, 2024 for the upcoming 66^rd Norris Pig dinner in Oxford. To sign up go to
Miami University – Phi Gamma Delta 66th Annual Reunion (miamialum.org)
Have you been away too long? Were the best days of your life spent at 130 East High Street? Then call a brother and join us. Do not waste time. I can guarantee your blood will turn purple as you walk up Slant Walk. Since you are not getting any younger, please join us in April and renew your FIJI memories with all your brothers. This will be an event not to miss. The house is in great shape. What is keeping you away?
Friday night we’ll gather at Mac and Joe’s Basement and then the lunch at the house on Saturday will be included in the $100 cost.
VIP Tour of Richard M. McVey Data Science Building, Time TBD

House Corps Meeting at the house at 2 pm Saturday

Annual Pig Dinner
Armstrong Student Center
6 p.m. Reception Hour
7 p.m. Dinner

Keynote Speaker, Rick McVey
CEO, MarketAxess
Entrepreneur
Miami University FIJI Class of 1981

Cost for the weekend is $100 per person, complimentary for Undergraduate Brothers.
For questions and more information contact organizers Al Molina ‘80 at almo322@aol.com, Jeff Williams ‘80 at Jeffjwilliams@gmail.com, or Mike Gutman ‘81 at M-gutmann@mffg.net.

Accommodations
Hotel Blocks for PGD are available at:
Hampton Inn (513) 524-2012
Sycamore Inn (513) 523-0000
Elms Hotel (513) 524-2002 (booked already)

Fund Raising
Legacy Capital Campaign
Brothers, the expenses at the house have increased with the addition of a house director, a property manager, inflation, utilities, and the new kitchen and chef. While our occupancy is once again gaining strength, it has not kept pace with our capacity. We have set a goal of raising over $1.5 million in 2023.
If some of the best times of your life were spent at the End of the Slant at the Fiji House at 130 East High Street in Oxford, then we need your help now. If your IRA – RMD is available, please commit now to a major donation. If you cannot make one donation this year, please commit now to a five-year donation. We need everyone to step up this year. We will complete the fundraising campaign at Pig Dinner.
If you are blessed to be able to support at a higher level, Alan Molina,80 and David Bowen, 79 are driving the Legacy Capital Campaign in order to raise $1.5 million for financial security, scholarships, and debt reduction. Please contact Alan at almo322@aol.com or David at davidbbowen@msn.com
Here’s how to donate: https://130easthigh.com/how-to-make-a-gift/

The New Porch Club Fund in Memory of George Simonds
All Mu Upsilon FIJI brothers mourn the loss of Brother George Simonds (1936-2023.) George was one of our Delta Colony members in 1957 and dedicated his life to our chapter house at 130 East High Street. For more than sixty years, George was at the house, almost daily, assuring it was clean, repaired, and running smoothly. As all of us know, our house requires a lot of attention since it is almost 200 years old (built in 1828), and now ten years since the fire in 2013.
In memory of George’s stewardship, we are relaunching the MU FIJI Porch Club Fund. Even though the house was rebuilt in 2014 and 2015, equipment wears out quickly. Furnaces, hot water heaters, and air conditioners are being replaced and with today’s inflation, costs are on the increase. The New Porch Club Fund will cover these costs and allow us some breathing room for the future. We need your help to ensure the House will perpetuate for many years to come.
Now is your opportunity to easily join the New MU FIJI Porch Club. For $40 or more a month, your credit card or bank account can repay the fraternity for the years where you shared brotherhood.
Brother Dave Cook, 75, is your Porch Club leader. Please respond with a generous, monthly commitment. If you want to donate today, please go to https://legfi.com/app/fundraisers/mu-upsilon-capital-campaign/1113
We are doing great things at 130 E. High Street and our initiatives and successes are too many to name. If you would like to know more about these, please contact Cookie or Beavo and we will put you in touch with Jud B. Sims, the Chair of our House Corporation.
Brothers, please remember “not for college days alone” and rest assured your commitment will help keep our FIJI House strong at 130 East High Street at the End of the Slant.
Perge!
Dave Cook ’75 davecookenterprises1953@yahoo.com Mike Bevis ‘70 mike@strategicsalesmp.com
Porch Club Chair Board of Chapter Advisors

Scholarship Report – Fall 2023
Congratulations to our undergraduate brothers for their achievement of a Fall 2023 semester GPA of 3.26, which ranks the chapter tied for 10th among Miami University’s 25 social fraternities. Less than 15% of the membership was below 3.0 GPA and less than 10% of members were below 2.75 GPA. The chapter has set a goal of 3.35 GPA and top 5 ranking for the Spring 2024 semester and they have a strong continuous improvement plan that will enable this goal. Some of the strategies that they utilize include:

Chapter Study Tables available Sun-Thurs (mandatory for freshmen, sophomores; encouraged for all)
Encouragement of brothers to utilize office hours, Rinella Tutoring, and other campus resources
Formal identification of accountability partners and study buddies
1:1 Academic Performance Discussions and Improvement Planning with brothers below 3.0 GPA
Judicial Board reviews with brothers with consecutive semesters below 3.0 GPA including potential sanctions or suspensions of privileges

Graduates, please give a round of clicks for the academic performance and for their efforts to drive long-term, sustainably competitiveness. Perge!
Brian Gravitt E) briandgravitt@icloud.com M) +513-309-8526

The Phi Gamma Delta New Model
We are building Courageous Leaders with the New Model. The number of men applying to American colleges is on the decline and will continue for more than another 5 -10 years. Since less than 10% of college males will ever consider become a Greek member, a new model has been developed for all
Phi Gamma Delta chapters.
Two New Programs have been introduced and implemented at all Phi Gamma Delta Chapters.
The New Model is a product of two programs that complement each other in a holistic approach:
Growth System: A continuous, values-based recruitment system that allows a chapter to make a full and honest evaluation of a prospect before extending him an invitation to join. This is to be an ongoing process and helps to eliminate the old way of rushing new members during a very short period.
Built to Lead: A multi-level development experience that begins on day one of affiliation and extends throughout the undergraduate experience, focused on building and strengthening skills necessary for Courageous Leadership. The old method of pledging has been discontinued.
Your House Corporation fully supports this new model and has helped shepherd it at 130 East Street in 2023. However, your help in building the Board of Chapter Advisors will be required to continue to recruit new, courageous FIJI leaders in the future. Should you like to assist with these efforts, please contact our Board of Chapter Advisors Chair Mike Bevis ’70 at mike@strategicsalesmp.com or 937-609-8457.

The Undergrad Report for Spring 2024
My name is Andy Keeler, from Powell, Ohio. I serve as Chapter President and am nearing the end of my term. Leadership within the Chapter is not new to me, as I held the position of Recording Secretary last year and worked very closely with Drew Borland, our former President. I formerly played on the Division III ice hockey team here at Miami and served as the Vice President of that organization. Following this latter role, I wanted to lead our Chapter as we continue to again elevate our status as one of the best chapters on campus. Serving in the Cabinet has been unrivaled in my development, not only as a leader but also as an individual. The connections I have made and the relationships I have strengthened, means the world to me and I never take them for granted. I am ecstatic to see the next group of leaders rise within the Chapter and aim to assist in any way possible. The memories will last a lifetime.

My name is Ben Elias and I am our current Chapter Treasurer. I’m from Lombard, Illinois and also served as our Corresponding Secretary last year, which I believe gave me the tools to be a strong leader within the Chapter. I’m proud of what this Cabinet has accomplished. Outside of FIJI, I am an active member of the Miami University Investment Banking Club, our university’s student-led VC fund, Redhawk Ventures, and the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. When I joined FIJI during my freshman year, I didn’t know how a fraternity operated or how to run a large organization successfully. With one year of Cabinet experience beneath me, I felt confident to take on the responsibility of Treasurer. Learning from upperclassmen brothers coupled with the unwavering support from our network of graduate brothers, I developed my leadership skills more than I ever expected. Although these roles could be highly stressful at times, they challenged me to make critical decisions and to be consistently accountable in an important role, which were two areas where I felt needed improvement to contribute to my growth and development.

Serving on the Cabinet of the Mu Upsilon Chapter embodies a commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. These values reflect our dedication to upholding high standards of leadership and accountability. This past year, we have improved in many areas, including collaboration between Cabinet members, communication between our graduates and undergraduates, and transparency towards the rest of our Chapter. Holding a Cabinet position requires a growth mindset, welcoming constructive feedback, and learning from past experiences to continuously improve. One of our top priorities this year was improving our overall Chapter mentality, encouraging more involvement, especially from our upperclassmen brothers. As a Cabinet, we realize the importance of building relationships and we want to continue adding to our strong network of graduate brothers. The educational opportunities presented to the Cabinet are boundless, with the Academy and other leadership institutes readily available. These opportunities not only coach individuals on the professional qualities of the Fraternity but also allow for extensive networking with other Phi Gam Chapters. Most recently, our Cabinet had the pleasure of connecting with the Chapters at Michigan State, Clemson, Ole Miss, Arizona State, Auburn, Oklahoma, University of Kentucky, and many more. In addition, we have assisted the Michigan State Chapter extensively and have received an invitation to their very own Pig Dinner this Spring, after welcoming their Chapter President into 130 E High Street. The leadership qualities of this Fraternity do not solely reside within our Executive Cabinet, as we would also like to recognize all of our brothers on their successes within the Interfraternity Council (IFC) here at Miami University. We hold the highest percentage of IFC officials on Campus out of all of the other fraternities. These Brothers communicate extensively with Miami University officials, which greatly strengthens our relationships and communication.

For Graduate Brothers reading this article, you will be pleased to hear that we have reinvigorated Formal Chapter and Ritual. After a brief hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic, we brought our New Member Class to Lexington, where they learned ritual and underwent initiation. Ritual within the Fraternity lagged following the fire, as most of our materials were lost. With extensive communication and collaboration with International Headquarters, we are proudly back on track. Our Chapter has been on an upward trajectory for several years now and we are both happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of this amazing process.
Perge’
Andy Keeler, Ben Elias, and the Mu Upsilon Chapter

Thanks for reading and supporting your chapter. If you would like to submit any information updates or comments, please email mike@strategicsalesmp.com. See you next month in Oxford.

Not for college days alone!

Perge!