Craig Arbon ’68

When the FIJI house opened in October, no brother was more proud than Craig “Phantom” Arbon. An architect, contractor and artist by trade, Brother Arbon took an active role in the building process.

From sharing blueprints with other brothers to orchestrating and giving tours to curious students and alumni, Brother Arbon was the most active and outgoing link between the fraternity and the house’s builders.

Those who know Brother Arbon aren’t surprised; in a way, he has been helping to build FIJI in one way or any other for most of his adult life.

Brother Arbon enrolled at the U of A in September 1964, and soon became active in a number of campus groups. During his tenure at the U of A, he joined Sophos, was the President and Rally Committee, Chairman of Traditions and was given the prestigious “Blanket Award” for outstanding school spirit.

Brother Arbon graduated from the U of A in 1972, and soon put his bachelor’s degree in architecture to good use.

He worked as an in-house architect for The Foothills Corporation and Gosnell Development and Construction before becoming a Production Designer for United Pictures.

In time, he returned to his roots, becoming an architectural designer for Wauser-Krause, Gerald A. Doyle and Associates and Jerry Cruitt and Associates.

Now a self-employed architect, Brother Arbon spends his free time focusing on a wide variety of volunteer projects.

He is the founder of the Catalina Foothills High School Athletic Booster Club, the school’s Principal Hiring Committee and CFHS’ annual Golf Tournament. He has been a volunteer and contributor to the U of A’s school of architecture and the Wildcats’ athletic department.

But, throughout his life, Brother Arbon remains devoted to FIJI. As an alumnus, he has been a graduate trustee, an advisor, and a close contact for the past 10 years with undergraduates.

So when the fraternity needed a leader for the new Chapter House, Brother Arbon was only a phone call away.

He assumed the role of owner/representative during the design and construction phase, and has remained an active liaison throughout the opening of the new facility.

It’s only fitting that Brother Arbon be honored for his contribution to FIJI’s past as the Chapter House is unveiled.

“I have glorious memories of the golden age of fraternity life at the U of A, and I have a long list of friends that have been an active part of my life for over 38 years,” said Brother Arbon, who has three adult sons. “FIJI …simply means the source for the most meaningful relationships of my life.”