We were privileged to welcome Dionysus Protopapadakis, Appalachian State '17, and Senior Director of Graduate Engagement for Phi Gamma Delta as our 2025 Pig Dinner Keynote Speaker. Dio's presentation entitled "The Impact of Not for College Days Alone" focused on how we can support the Fraternity's reputation and long-term viability. In addition he assisted in awarding Gold Owls to SWFL Graduate Chapter members who had not previously received them from their undergraduate chapters.
Charles (Chuck) Ferraro, Cincinnati '76 has assumed the position of SWFL Graduate Chapter President during this year's Pig Dinner activities. Rob Bicket, Illinois Wesleyan '67 handed over the role after 6 dedicated years as our President (thanks, Rob!). Rob will continue to remain active in chapter leadership activities. Randy Rowe, Bowling Green '85, also continues to serve as an "At Large"" Cabinet Member.
We were fortunate to have 2 events this past season with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, a grass roots organization dedicated to protecting our water, wildlife and future quality of life in our community. At our January luncheon, a representative of the Conservancy provided an overview of their organization and how we may support its efforts. In February, we chartered their boat for a private, narrated tour of Rookery Bay culminating in stunning views of a gulf coast sunset!
This year's Holiday Party was an even greater success with the addition of our participation in the Marine Corps Toys For Tots gift drive. We contributed 25 toys for distribution by the Naples Salvation Army as part of their efforts to provide holiday presents to underprivileged children area-wide.
We are pleased to announce that the SWFL Graduate Chapter has received the Fraternity's 2023 "Not For College Days Alone" Events & Programming Award as the graduate chapter excelling in communication and engagement with local graduates.
As part of our continuing efforts to enhance communications and reach out to Phi Gams in our area, we have recently added a Facebook page. A special thanks to Brother Randy Rowe (Bowling Green '85) for setting this up and administrating content.
If you are or would like to be a Facebook user, please click on the Facebook symbol at the bottom of our Homepage, or search for FIJI Southwest Florida Graduate Chapter.
Dan Bennington, Ohio Wesleyan '68
Hank Bilsland, Indiana '64
William Bindley, Purdue '22
Tony Fackelmann, Cincinnati '76
Harry Lambertson, Indiana '65
Jack Staples, Tennessee '71, August 2, 2024
Ray Slabaugh, Ohio Wesleyan '63, September 8, 2024
Don Meek, Ohio Wesleyan '57, September 15, 2024
Dan Wilder, Penn State '55, September 27, 2024
Bert R. Hybels, DePauw '62, November 2, 2024
If mailing a check please make it payable to the SW Florida Graduate Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta and send it to:
Rob Bicket
814 Bentwood Drive
Naples, FL 34108
If paying with Venmo, scan the code on the Home Page, or if you already have the App, pay to: @fiji-SWFL
Note: Sorry, Venmo is temporarily unavailable
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