Sigma Chi - University of Florida

3 | SIGMA CHI "G ary Dirlam was one of the salt of the earth members of Gamma Theta, as an undergraduate and an alumnus," David Echols '66 said. "He was reliable in his support of the chapter, both in everyday activity and special events. He was truly an excellent example of living out Sigma Chi's principles." Gary grew up on Lake Weir in Ocklawaha, Florida, before moving to Gainesville for college, and later, to Orlando. He retained a love for lake activities his entire life and hosted many friends over the years for water skiing, boating, and picnics. He was a loyal friend, a selfless civil servant, and a treasured member of the Sigma Chi brotherhood. In 1964, Gary was one of the first inhabitants of Gamma Theta's new chapter house. In 2020, he eagerly joined the effort to build a new home for the next generation of Sigma Chi brothers. "He was a catalyst for the launch of the Celebrating 100 Years - Building 100 More campaign," David recalled. "He gathered brothers and helped them both understand the need and make a commitment to take action." In every aspect of his life, Gary generously gave time, resources, and energy in service to others. His labor love for many years was volunteering as a "guardian ad litem." In this role, he supported a total of 50 children, representing them legally and overseeing their well-being. This responsibility extended beyond the courtroom, sometimes until the child was 18 years old or permanently adopted, and every case was done pro bono. There were no rewards for his time and efforts other than the personal satisfaction he received from helping kids who had no one else to protect them. In 2022, Gary was recognized for his 50 years as an active, successful member of the Florida Bar. He was also proud to be a charter member of the Orlando Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. "The first time I met Gary was in the Orlando courthouse library," David Holbrook '70 shared. "He also was a young lawyer, a few years ahead of me. He knew I was a Sigma Chi brother and offered a fraternal handshake across the table. It seemed to say, 'We are all in this together.' Gary will be dearly missed by his friends; I am honored to be included among them." Outside the courthouse, Gary was also a fierce advocate for United States Veterans and their families. His goal was to ensure every person who served our country, particularly those who fought in World War II, is recognized and honored through civic events, holiday parades, and other programs. Every year at the Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park, Gary worked tirelessly as a Volunteer Citizen to help organize and orchestrate one of the largest Memorial Day services held in Central Florida. As a chapter, we offer Gary our sincere gratitude and genuine respect. We also recognize his immeasurable contributions to our brotherhood and honor his memory by ensuring our new chapter house is a home he would be proud of. And How He Helped Launch the Celebrating 100 Years - Building 100 More Campaign Remembering Gary Dirlam '67 Consul Conor Lynch '25 Pro Consul Wyatt Teyssier '25 Annotator Bryce Black '25 Quaestor Aidan Moran '24 Magister William Wilhite '26 Risk Manager Nicky Sadaka '26 Alumni Chairman William Galleher '25 Social Chairman Alex Sidloski '24 House Manager Ethan Wiley '26 Recruitment Chairman Miles Herron '24 Stewards Kustos Jacob Islam '26 William Wilhite '26 Assistant Recruitment Chairmen Michael Sawarynski '25 Maddox Bryant '26 Derby Days Chairmen Kent Brewer '26 Evan Fliesher '26 Scholarship Chairman Chandler Massey '26 Philanthropy Chairman Rad Whittaker '26 Service Chairman Patrick Doherty '26 IFC Delegate Tommy Keegon '26 CHAPTER OFFICERS Derrick E. Cox '84 Bruce H. Denson '85 Robert W. Pitcher '85 William B. Wiltshire '86 David R. Horrell '87 Michael A. Short '87 Anthony E. Wilson '87 Christopher Pflueger '89 Don Moll '90 Scott M. Benke '92 Gregory "Scot" Grooms '93 Calvin G. Whitaker Jr. '94 Max R. Macon '95 M. Todd Pembroke '96 Taylor C. Kessel '97 Ryan T. Hyde '99 Jason LaBarbera '99 George Ade Society ($1,000 to $2,499) Wilton B. Duncan Jr. '51 George E. Greene III '56 In memory of Jack M. Wallace '54 and Claude I. Allen Jr. '54 Russell W. Carpenter '60 Carl D. Collins '60 William W. Wright '61 Tayler "Mac" Boyd '62 John E. Morris '63 Rae O. Weimer Jr. '63 In memory of Bob Gomez '63 Michael R. Zern '67 Gregory A. Heydel '68 Richard A. Chazal, M.D. '71 Robert W. Revels '71 Raymond B. Rutherford Jr. '77 David R. Tienstra '77 David F. LaCamera '78 John M. Pipkin '78 Daniel J. Engebretson '81 David C. Arnsparger '84 Charles D. Hines '87 David A. King '89 Brian D. Smith '90 James W. East '92 William A. Yaegers '93 Noah W. Brindise '94 J. Olivier "Oli" Larrauri '97 Justin T. Page '99 John P. Lithgow '04 If you feel an error has been made in recording your gi, we sincerely apologize. Please contact our campaign coordinator at (785) 843-1661 with any corrections. "Weep not for me in the warmth of Lake Weir Spring. Fragrance of the orange blossoms, buzz of the honey bees, scream of gulls, and the quack of ducks to the lake returned. The muffled purr of distant boats and the smell of oils of citrus from heated peels and seeds. I shall rest in peace." –Don Phillips, in a poem about Gary's childhood home of Lake Weir

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