On September 27, the Tennessee Gamma Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The celebration began on Friday morning when alumni and undergraduate brothers enjoyed a round of golf at Sevierville Golf Club. That evening, more than 200 alumni, undergraduates, and guests gathered at the Cherokee Country Club to celebrate the first initiates into the Tennessee Gamma Chapter, which included the chapter’s Founding Father (Bond #1) Samuel J. Furrow. The evening began with a reception on the patio overlooking the Tennessee River where alumni and brothers shared stories. Following the formal dinner, the ceremony began with Sam Darden naming the chapter grand invocation, followed by a welcome from Gary Wade. Fraternity Historian Bob Miller gave a brief history of Phi Delta Theta, General Council Treasurer Rich Fabritius provided information about the current state of the Fraternity, and Executive Vice President Bob Biggs discussed happenings at the General Headquarters.
The Golden Legion ceremony, the focus of the evening, was narrated by Bob Biggs and sponsored by Bob Miller. The Golden Legion award was given to the founding members of Tennessee Gamma. After the ceremony, Chapter President Frank Unger delivered a chapter update. Brothers Tom Hale and Walt Fain then gave an update on the Housing Corporation to those in attendance. The ceremony closed with Sam Furrow’s remarks. Brother Furrow’s words focused on the future development of the Tennessee Gamma Chapter. He urged the undergraduate brothers to continue to recruit men of strong character who would better the chapter upon initiation.
