The 1996-1997 academic year at the Gamma Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was highlighted by many new and continued traditions. The year started out with a historic Fall Rush, bringing in seventeen pledges, the largest pledge class in Gamma Chi's short existence, and ended with the largest Islander to date highlighted by two nationally acclaimed bands: Goldfinger and Buck O'Nine. In between, the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta were busy excelling on the athletic fields and in the classroom.
The Fall Rush was extremely successful due to the efforts of Rush Chair Hayden Bower. Fall Pledge Educator and senior Tom Williams had this to say, "We were able to get a lot of new fine young men with a lot of promise." The Norris Pig Dinner was once again successful with a huge turnout for the annual event, highlighted by sophomore Travis Keys kissing the pig. Norris Pig Organizer, junior Jeff Cooper said, "I was pleased with the high attendance. We had around 100 people including undergraduates and graduates from both our chapter and other chapters." On Valentine's Day, the Gamma Chi Chapter reinstated an old tradition, the Black Diamond Formal. The event was held at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara and was organized by Social Chair Dave Levenstein. The formal promises to be an annual event in the future.
Spring Quarter always seems to be the most hectic quarter and this past year was no exception. The 14th annual Fiji Soccer Tournament achieved it's mission of becoming even bigger and better than the previous years. Soccer Tournament Organizer Jeff Cooper was pleased with the large turnout of teams. The event was highlighted by the first Soccer Tournament Concert, held at the chapter house. Blink-182 entertained the crowd in a performance that was unforgettable. On May 9th, the chapter held its annual Islander benefit concert. Tom Williams and senior Alex Willingham organized the event. Williams reported that, "This was the best Islander I have ever been a part of. Having two bands as good as Buck O'Nine and Goldfinger made the event very special."
The 1997-1998 school year started off with a bang for the house. The Gamma Chi Chapter hosted three bands: Slimer, The Mad Caddies, and Unwritten Law at the Fall Kick-Off Concert held at the chapter house on September 25th. The event raised 400 dollars for the Isla Vista Youth Projects, an organization dedicated to the betterment of local children. Fall Rush was held shortly after that and 12 promising men were pledged to the fraternity.
The house has a bright future in front of it. It has recently been infused with a lot of younger members who are starting to step up. The Executive Board is composed of juniors Eli Bayless, Chris Mavros, Adam Goldfarb, John Lofthus, and sophomore Travis Keys. The Gamma Chi Chapter is definitely one to watch as the brothers set their sights on being the best chapter in the west.
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