Recolonization and Fellowship are highlights of 2010 Norris Pig Dinner
Bill Nigh, '72

Thanks largely to the devotion and efforts of Lee 'Duke' Schneider, the Norris Pig Dinner was once again held. The event, on May 8 2010, continued the momentum initiated by an October 2009 meeting at Old Man Rafferty's in New Brunswick, which is covered here.

There was a gratifyingly strong turnout, with graduate brothers from the 1970's comprising a large cohort. W. John Bauer, class of 1959, took the honors for most senior brother. He led us in singing the Doxology, and the resultant memories brought a few tears to a few eyes; thanks for that, John. (See photo of Glee Club of his era submitted by John).

Following the buffet dinner, Josh Laufenberg of Fiji International Headquarters and Richard Gonzales Section Three Section Chief, gave informative presentations about recolonization. Carl Cucchiara's son, Dave, who has just completed colonization at East Carolina University, gave a good personal account of the nitty-gritty, promise and culmination of the colonization process, and of a self-regulating peer dynamic; he is as personable and intelligent as his Dad. The salient differences between a full-time staff-driven vs. a graduate-driven colonization model were surfaced and discussed in respectful candor and advocacy, making for much to think about.

Click here for photos of that evening.

Some specific notes from the gathering; still getting the benefit of that high school shorthand class.

The Graduate Chapter in NY supports the effort to recolonize; there is a good graduate base.

The FIJI 'brand' is still strong on campus; a 'good rapport' exists; this can be leveraged during recolonization visits, as full time recruiters from the International approach large numbers of people to generate a list of pledge candidates.

Since its inception in 1998, the current recolonization program has had an exceptional success rate, relative to other fraternities: every colony save one has become a Chapter. The average success rate for fraternities is 45%; Ours is 99%. There are about a dozen colonies at present, with ten new colonies typically added per annum. There are 7 Field Secretaries for support, the largest number in history.

Penn and Delaware recently were chartered. Interestingly to this author, Princeton was even considered, but they were 'not set up' for fraternity experience such as Fiji provides. Most colonies hit desired metrics around 12 months. Colonies do not know the entire ritual, but 'world knows they are a fraternity', as Josh put it.

Rutgers wants Fiji to come back, due to our reputation, and our grads.

Recruiters make presentations to faculty, sororities, fraternities, club sports, honor societies and other social and structural entities in search of well-rounded candidates. A three-tiered interview process is used for candidates. We seek people of attainment who, through their example, build a reputation.

Whereas in earlier times, varsity football, baseball and basketball players were in Nu Beta, the modern "D1" athletes live a different life; modern athletics imposes a tremendous demand on athletes' time, so they are much less likely to be candidates; club sports was another matter; Fiji has had an illustrious intramural history during its time on campus. (Interestingly, Greg Schiano is a Fiji, from Bucknell).

Pledge classes range currently from 12 to 98.

There is a pre-set 8 week program. Chapter History is a key component; in this light, the archival content presented on this site may prove helpful in that regard.

Colonies do not have a complete Chapter structure for two years, due to age and the need to build strong junior/senior class aged officers.

The Education Foundation stated that they would be able to give scholarships to colonists.

Advisors are being sought. Graduate brothers are needed to fill certain slots to enable the recolonization effort; see later for specifics. At present, one of the two graduate brother Pledge Educators has committed. Per Josh, a Purple Legionnaire is a sine qua non.

Several brothers from different eras made presentations about their personal experience and expectations of what the fraternity experience has been, is currently, and may be in the future. Some expressed reasonable doubt about the general prospects for Greek life in the Northeast in general. Lee Schneider probably voiced the predominant sentiment when he said that recolonization had 'no chance' without the participation of the International. George Molloy was impressive in his heartfelt plea to go it ourselves and get back on campus soonest.

Specifics from Richard Gonzales Section Three Section Chief:
The two recruiters are coming to Rutgers regardless of how this is seen by those who wish to drive the recolonization effort from our own local graduate base; since this is the case, 'take them, help them, they are from far away. Keep them honest'.

A House is secondary; get the Charter back, then pursue a House.

International waits a year before returning Charter to let 'flash in the pans' fade out.