Fiji Celebrates 100 Years in Fraternity House
April 27, 2015
On Saturday April 15, the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta hosted an unprecedented reunion event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their Fraternity House on University Avenue. Over 450 alumni traveled back to their beloved fraternity to reunite with old friends and meet new brothers. The alumni age range stretched from 22 to 90 years old. Fiji holds an annual “pig dinner” reunion event that usually hosts a solid contingency of alumni to enjoy a pig roast dinner at their house, informally called Greystone. This year’s occasion blew any previous pig dinner out of the water. The main event was held under two massive tents in the back of the house, accommodating the hundreds of hungry (and thirsty) guests. In the afternoon before the dinner festivities commenced, several accomplished alumni were present at a panel on the topic of business ethics. The panel was opened for anyone at Bucknell to attend. Professor Johnson-Cramer, the director of the school of management, seamlessly moderated the panel. The panel discussion touched on topics varying from medical practice ethics, to Russian foreign affairs. A large majority of the Fiji brothers and alumni were in attendance. Before the dinner began, Alumni gathered at the house to mingle with their old friends and the current brothers of Fiji. At 6 o’clock there was a photograph taken of everyone in attendance in front of the house. The photo gave the event justice, as hundreds of alumni and current brothers smiled into the camera in what turned out to be a frame worthy photo. During the dinner, many notable Fiji alumni were recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to the fraternity. Current Fiji president Evan Quille gave an update on chapter accomplishments of this past year. He mentioned Fiji’s 100 percent participation rate in last years relay for life event, in addition to raising 5,000 dollars in the process. One key accomplishment Quille harped on was the chapter’s raising of 8,000 dollars to help fund a procedure for Chad Lauver; the son of Fiji house chef, Cheryl Schock. Quille read Chad’s letter of gratitude to Fiji during his speech. Keynote speaker James McCloskey highlighted the evening’s speeches, telling the story of his life’s work, helping free falsely imprisoned men. Sophomore Quinn, Flacks, soon to be Fiji president, was pleased with the way the event turned out. “Pig dinner was a huge success”, Flaks says. “We had guys who haven’t been back to Greystone in 30 years come back and rediscover the brotherhood they are, and will always be a part of”. Unfortunately, an event of this magnitude only happens once in a blue moon. Next, years pig dinner may seem insignificant when compared to this year. “It was truly rewarding to host 400 plus graduate brothers of this chapter in an unforgettable weekend. We love this house and welcome the return of all alumni in the future”, Quille said.