Sigma Chi - University of Florida

W.F. "Bill" Burgess Jr. '54 departed this life on June 7, 2023, at the age of 97. He was born in 1926 in Louisville, Kentucky. As a young man, he graduated early to enlist in the Navy and pursue Naval Flight Training at Bowling Green University. He earned his wings in the spring of 1947. During his time in the Naval Air Corps, Bill was a member of Attack Squadron 134, stationed in California and Florida. Retiring with the rank of commander, Bill was very proud of his military service as a Navy pilot, during which he logged thousands of hours of flight time. As Bill transitioned to the Naval Active Reserves, he attended the University of Florida on the GI Bill. He graduated in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in architecture, laying a path for what would become a long career with the Florida Steel Corporation. On August 31, 1952, Bill married the love of his life, Marian, whom he met while both were serving in the Navy. She paid the dues that made Bill a "Life Loyal" member of Sigma Chi as a graduation present. ey shared 37 years before her untimely death in 1989. In 1967, Bill was transferred to Fort Myers, where he helped develop and build the city we know today. He was the first president of the Lee County Contractors Association and served for 10 years as a member of the Lee Country Industrial Development Authority. He also served as Senior and Junior Warden for Saint Luke's Episcopal Church. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he was awarded the Silver Beaver medal while helping to reorganize and maintain status for Troop #1 at Saint Luke's. Bill was a founding member and past president of the Tampa Sports Club, which was instrumental in obtaining an NFL franchise to be awarded to the city of Tampa following the merger of the NFL and AFL leagues. Bill was a lifelong fan of his beloved Buccaneers, suffering through lean years before celebrating the Buc's two Super Bowl victories. Bill is survived by his children, e Reverend Barbara Candis Burgess, e Right Reverend Brian Burgess, and Blaine Burgess. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Robert, Catherine, Alec, Evan, and Camryn. Remembering W.F. "Bill" Burgess Jr. A Life of Service Alumni and undergraduates unite for the 2023 Derby Days golf tournament. From le: Merritt Weinberg '27, Maddox Weinberg, Travis Vickers '95, Mark Weinberg '97, Kevin Probel '95, Cater Randolph '94, Ryan Evans '94, Mike Gibbs '90, and Tanner Probel. Kent Brewer '26 (le) and Brogan Tagman '25 (right) meet Grand Consul Bob Wilson, Fort Hays '81 and the 2023 international sweetheart at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. 2023 was a great year for Gamma Theta, as we strove to uphold the seven virtues and show them in all aspects of our lives. HIGHLIGHTS • Fall recruitment, led by Bryce Black '25, brought us 43 new brothers. Conor Lynch '25, our new consul, led the pledge process. • We traveled to New Orleans in the spring for our 2023 formal and road-tripped last fall for the LSU game. • Academically, Gamma Theta remains one of the top achievers on campus, earning the third-highest GPA out of 25 Greek chapters. • In 2023, we set a record for Derby Days by raising over $70,000—a new milestone for not only Gamma Theta but for all Greek organizations at the university! • Our members serve in leadership positions for many student organizations, including Student Government, Cicerones, Blue Key, Engineering Clubs, Dance Marathon, Florida Cryptocurrency, and Alternative Assets Club. Former Consul Trevor Isakson '24 was tapped for Blue Key in the fall, and we hope to see two or three others added this spring. • We hosted our first alumni weekend of the year over the Florida vs. Arkansas game. More than 50 alumni returned to 611 Fraternity Drive for a weekend filled with old stories, new memories, and bonding amongst brothers from every era. • Evan Fliescher '26 and Kent Brewer '26 set a new goal for Derby Days 2024, aiming to earn "$100,000 for 100" between February 26 and March 1. On March 24, we also participated in a golf tournament at Bostick, which donated all proceeds to Derby Days. As we draw closer to our 100th year on campus, we are excited for what the future holds. We eagerly anticipate the construction of our new chapter house, which we hope will be ready for us by next year. In the meantime, we invite you to visit the old chapter house while it still stands. Thank you for continuing to support Gamma Theta as we grow stronger together! In Hoc, William Galleher '25 Reflecting on Success and Setting Goals Undergraduates Soar Ever Higher Mark your calendars and join us November 16-17 for the LSU game and our next alumni weekend. More details coming soon. Sigma Chi secures a first-place victory out of 17 fraternities in the 2023 Zeta Olympics. From le: Nil Patel, John Cuttita, Taysir Ismail, Maddoc Bryant, Rad Whittaker, Alejando Hoyos, Grant omas, and Logan Richardson.

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