South Carolina Gamma Alumni Association
Founders' Day 2022
The SC Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Theta celebrated the 52nd anniversary of its founding on April 2, 2022 at The Lodge in Clemson. The actives brothers welcomed close to 20 alumni brothers from all over South Carolina and from out of state locations such as Virginia and Alabama.
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Were you unable to make it to the lodge or join the Alumni Zoom Meeting live? That's ok! Please check out the brief recap below and the videos of the Alumni Zoom Meeting, the Founders' Day Address by Jim Douglas, the Founder's Day Keynote by Alex Stefanic.
Alumni Zoom Call Recording
At 10:00 am the SC Gamma Alumni Association kicked things off with our annual Zoom meeting. Featured speakers included Jim Douglas of the Chapter Advisory Board, Jody Hunter of the SC Gamma Foundation (Housing Corp.), Jeff Mackin of the SC Gamma Alumni Association, and active chapter president Carson Fischer who provided an update on the active chapter.
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After the conclusion of the Zoom meeting, Jeff Mackin introduced the brand new initiative of the Alumni Association for 2022 and beyond: an active-alumni mentorship program. This has been in the works for many months and we are very excited to officially launch it during the Founders' Day festivities. Jeff Mackin, who will be leading this program, has considerable experience with mentorship programs both at Clemson and the University at South Alabama.
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Our mentorship program will seek to match up active brothers with alumni brothers who work in the same field as to pass on wisdom, guidance, and advice on career paths and life after college. More information about this exciting program will be forthcoming so stay tuned!
Founders' Day Address by Jim Douglas
We were also fortunate to have the pleasure of hearing two great speakers during lunch. First, Jim Douglas '11' and longtime chapter advisor gave a wonderful talk about the history of the founding of SC Gamma in 1970. Jim provided an excellent and detailed account of what it was like for the brothers of Delta Phi Kappa to become brothers of Phi Delta Theta. After which Jim, who has been the chapter advisor for over 20 years, announced his retirement from the Chapter Advisory Board (effective May 1) and received a thunderous applause and standing ovation from all in attendance.
Alex Stefanic's Keynote Speech
Alex Stefanic '740' and a former active chapter president from the 2010s, provided the closing keynote speech for all in attendance. Alex spoke from the heart about his deep passion and love for not just SC Gamma, but all of Phi Delta Theta. Alex detailed some of his many positive experiences from being a Chapter Consultant and attending numerous national conventions. His message of the importance of broadening one's perspective was very well received.
Special thanks to all the alumni who attended Founders' Day at The Lodge or joined the live Zoom meeting. We plan to make this an annual tradition in the spring. And thank you actives Carson Fischer, Bennett Cooke, Thomas Potenza and the brothers who live at the lodge as well the brothers in active chapter for their participation. We look forward to Founders' Day in 2023!