Theta Chi - University of Florida

THETA CHI PAGE 3 T heta Chi provided Nick Stinnett '08 with a lifetime of stories and connections built to last, and he looks back on his undergraduate years with fraternal pride. The small-town brother came to UF with plans to get involved on campus, and his Tau Chapter experience prepared Nick for life beyond college and a career at the forefront of AI technology. Finding His Place During recruitment, Theta Chi immediately stood out as a special brotherhood. Nick appreciated the fraternity's diversity and strong legacy of involvement, and Nick personally contributed to Tau Chapter on campus in Student Government, Gator Growl, and Florida Blue Key as well as in the house through ritual, party, and block ticket chairman roles. "I strongly believe Theta Chi set me up for success by developing my social skills and giving me a sense that I could accomplish anything I wanted to if I put my mind to it." Today, Nick enjoys regular contact with alumni brothers through group chats and the occasional gameday, golf trip, and wedding gatherings. He also appreciates the chance to grow closer with Tau alumni beyond college as they share advice on adult responsibilities like parenting and home ownership. A Brother in Business After graduation, Nick ventured into technology consulting as a business analyst with Capgemini. He credits student government involvement and Theta Chi experiences for the interview skills that landed him a job that allowed for frequent international travel. Nick moved on to innovation consulting at Deloitte before being one of Salesforce's first hires in innovation strategy consulting. Following six years with the company, Microsoft recruited Nick as a senior product manager on the cloud and AI team in 2022. The company's partnership with OpenAI led to Nick's team becoming trailblazers in enterprise-scale AI, launching three new products in the last two years. "Don't close yourself off to opportunities, there are many ways to get where you want to go," Nick advises today's undergraduates. His winding career path led to exciting work with AI technology, and he recognizes adaptability as a crucial component to success. "The skills you think you'll need for a career today might not be what companies are looking for next year. What will always be valuable are the soft skills and connections you make within Theta Chi and at UF." Personal Life Nick has been married to his wife, Sallie, for five years. They started a family together after moving to Atlanta in 2020, and they have two children, Sam (3) and Mary Helen (1). Keeping his Tau brothers close, pledge brother Dan Atamanchuk '08 is Nick's son's godfather. The Stinnett family enjoys summer weekends on Lake Rabun, and Nick has been working on his golf skills for an upcoming alumni golf outing. From his nine semesters in the Chapter House to lifelong Tau connections, Nick remains grateful for Theta Chi's impact on his life. Elijah Adorno Miami, Fla. Santiago Gana Miami, Fla. Dylan Handelman Rockland, N.Y. Jeremiah Henderson Tampa, Fla. Mathieu Nguyen Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Dylan Ostendorf Orlando, Fla. Anthony Spadolini Long Island, N.Y. Alumni News Stephen Suber Jr. '56 is considering a move to Atlanta from Tallahassee, Fla., hoping to spend more time with his children and grandchildren. Stephen Wallis '75 is retired but still works part-time. He resides in Jacksonville, Fla. Email: srwallis@juno.com Brian Friedman '81 is enjoying life with his wife in Pompano Beach, Fla. He spends time boating, riding motorcycles, and hanging out on the beach. Email: flagator@bellsouth.net Paul Saunders '82 resides in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. When he's not traveling, Paul spends his time golfing, surfing, and mountain biking. Email: njgator13@gmail.com Chris Robinson '00 lives in Greenville, S.C., where he spends time riding bikes and enjoying family life. Email: christopher.j.rob@gmail.com Austin Matalon '16 plans to get married in November and honeymoon in Europe. He lives in Austin, Texas. Email: austinmatalon@comcast.net What are your favorite memories from Theta Chi? Congratulations to the members of our Spring 2024 pledge class on their initiation! Tau's AI Innovator Nick Stinnett '08 on Fraternity Influences, Tech Industry Advancements Welcome, Spring 2024 Initiates "Pebble Beach; pinball until dawn in the lower Chapter room; launching water balloons from the ledge using the infamous locker balloon cannon." –Stephen Wallis '75 You can connect with him at nickstinnett@gmail.com. "College goes by a lot faster than you think it will, but the memories and bonds of brotherhood will last a lifetime. Love and respect all your brothers."

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