Sigma Chi - University of Florida

GAMMA THETA TIMES Summer 2021 Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Florida G amma eta has been at the pinnacle of Greek life at the University of Florida for nearly 100 years. As we approach our centennial, we can confidently reflect on a rich history marked by academic achievement, athletic success, campus leadership, and a strong legacy of brotherhood. In our near century as a chapter, we've celebrated great accomplishments to keep our brothers optimistic, and we've faced challenges that have taught our brothers perseverance and resilience. is last year was no different. Faced with a worldwide pandemic, our undergraduate members came together to overcome new and unexpected challenges. As a chapter, they managed new regulations to fight the virus' spread, upheld their reputation on campus and in the classroom, gave back to the community through philanthropy, supported each other through loss, and pursued careers in business, law, public service, technology and more. As a chapter, our goal is to continue this tradition of excellence in recruiting and cultivating men of substance. We are beyond grateful for the alumni who have stepped up to help us in pursuing this goal. Because of your support, we are proud to say that our chapter is thriving as part of the vibrate Greek community at UF. We also owe credit to our house director, Charlene Beckman, who helped us successfully navigate the 2020-21 academic year. Read more about how she has been an integral part of our chapter in this issue of the Gamma eta Times. Gamma eta Chapter has impacted the lives of hundreds of brothers in our near century at UF. In this newsletter, we highlight two of these men, Steve Boone '80 and Jeff Boone '80, and their strong sense of connection to our brotherhood. We hope you enjoy this issue and we look forward to sharing more news with you later this year. In Hoc, Gamma eta House Corporation Approaching a Century of Excellence Much to Be Thankful for at Gamma Theta W hen the pandemic hit the U.S. in early March 2020, one of Gamma eta's members who lived in the chapter house was diagnosed with COVID-19. Later that month, the chapter house was forced to close, and a virus suppression team treated the house. Not knowing what the chapter members and support staff were facing, House Director Charlene Beckman set out to learn all she could and to implement what she thought could work to safely reopen the house in the fall. "With seemingly endless Zoom presentations and with all the support of the house corporation, decisions were made," Charlene said. Under Charlene's leadership, automatic flushers were installed in all restrooms, partitions were built in the showers, and air purification systems were installed in all the air conditioners. Plexiglass dividers were installed for dining room tables so six members could be seated at a table rather than only three without dividers. Twelve hand sanitizing stations were also placed throughout the house. "I wanted things to be as close to 'normal' yet as safe as possible," she shared. anks to Charlene's diligence and proactive leadership, Gamma eta was able to reopen in the fall, and the chapter has remained a leader within the Greek community and on campus at UF. Charlene was born and raised in Michigan and spent 20 years in Arkansas, where was a cook for Sigma Chi at the University of Arkansas. She moved to Florida in 2001 and has been with Gamma eta Chapter since December 2010. House Director Charlene Beckman Essential to Sigma Chi Navigating Pandemic Life at UF Brothers participate in Tri Delta Triple Play to support St. Jude. Our spring 2021 new members.

• Cover