Robert G Schmidt ‘52 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) says that becoming a Phi Gam was the obvious choice. “Purdue men's rush was held two weeks before school started. I was staying at the Kappa Sigma house since that was my dad's fraternity,” he remembers. “Going thru rush, four of us became friends and all decided we liked Phi Gam best.”
He says that throughout their freshman year, he and his friends were very active in all phases of Purdue and Phi Gam life. “We were taught to be ‘well rounded’ and be serious about studies, join an activity and have a social life,” he says.
"Overall, my best memory is meeting my future wife,” he says. “One of my pledge brothers fixed me up and away we went. We celebrated our 60th anniversary in 2012, but I lost my best pal later that year.”
He says that Phi Gamma Delta impacted his life long after graduation. “Learning how to lead a balanced life combining work, family life and civic duty.
He’s also kept up with his friends over the decades. “My pledge class got together every year after graduation. In 2002, we had a 50th anniversary celebration for three days with 21 brothers and wives in Naples, Florida.”
He says that giving back to the chapter is crucial. "I learned to love my fraternity and tried to support it any way I could. I want to do my part to make sure the fraternity system survives!”
Without Phi Gamma Delta, I wouldn't have had seven very close lifetime friends! PERGE!
