Theta Chi - University of Florida

THETA CHI PAGE 3 A s we enter Fall 2018, Tau Chapter is look- ing back on another successful Spring se- mester. Between academics, philanthropy, and recruitment, the semester flew by. We watched 31 of our members graduate in early May. Whether they are returning for a post-graduate degree or moving on from Gainesville, we wish them the best of luck. Tau Chapter Ranks in Top 10 for Outstanding GPA We are proud to report our Chapter has once again ranked in the top 10 amongst other Uni- versity of Florida IFC organizations for our Chapter GPA. We have engaged in a new initia- tive to have joint study hours with other Greek organizations, and look forward to getting that started in the Fall. Brothers Organize Outstanding Theta Chi Chicken and Waffles Philanthropy Event One of our main highlights during Spring was our second annual Theta Chi Chicken and Waf- fles philanthropy on February 23. Donations go toward the Kyle Schuemann Memorial Schol- arship. We had another great turnout this year as it was many sororities' family weekend, and all were welcome inside the Chapter House for our chef's signature fried chicken and waffles dish. We also participated in numerous sorority philanthropies like Deepher Dude, ΑΟΠ Strike Out Arthritis, and Kappa Delta Shamrock to name a few. Theta Chi Recruits Largest Spring Pledge Class Despite Spring 2018 recruitment participation at UF being low across the board, we still landed one of the largest pledge classes in IFC. We ini- tiated 11 members after Marshal Steve Gordon '16 led his first pledge program with the help of older brothers who led it before him. We com- mend Steve and our newly initiated brothers for their hard work through the process. Tau Partners with Alpha Phi Alpha for Food and Clothing Drive Our Chapter is very proud of partnering with the gentlemen of Alpha Phi Alpha for a food and clothing drive. The event benefitted the home- less in the Gainesville area, and the venue was open to donations and featured live music and games. As a Greek community, we are striv- tau Chapter maiNtaiNS itS top 10 aCademiC StatuS Another way alumni can reconnect is by visit- ing the Chapter House for home games. "The active Chapter does a great job of making alumni feel at home when they come to visit. I'd encourage alumni to think about the influ- ence Theta Chi had on them. I think the least we can do is pay some of that forward." Jake is a vice president and corporate counsel for a technology firm in Tampa, Fla. He can be reached at jacob.shonkwiler@gmail.com. ing to do more co-sponsored events with chap- ters outside of IFC, and we very much enjoyed running a successful event this year with these gentlemen. We also took part in a joint service project with the ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha where we made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be delivered to those in need in the Gainesville area. We look forward to our Homecoming pair- ing with the ladies of Delta Gamma. Four Members Tapped into Florida Blue Key We congratulate Jon Nickas '16, Matt Hudson '16, Shane Hanney '14, and Ross Hughes '16, our brothers who had the honor of being tapped into Florida Blue Key this past year. We thank them for their involvement on campus and for setting a great example for our younger members. Members Host Successful Orange and Blue Weekend We hosted our alumni tailgate at the Chapter House for the annual Orange and Blue event in early April. Alumni gathered for food and drink with the chance to talk to brothers around the house before enjoying the first look at our 2018 Gator football team. As always, we thank our alumni consistently working hard for our Chapter. We are very thankful to be where we are today and know none of it would be possible without them! A PROMOTER OF KNOWLEDGE AND BUILDER OF CHARACTER Cream of the Crop Tau Chapter Welcomes 11 New Members to the Brotherhood Jules Baduc Palm City, Fla. Omar Chraibi Gainesville, Va. Brandon Drumm Sarasota, Fla. Christian Fowler Miami, Fla. Kyle Fox Apopka, Fla. Matthew Gomez Tampa, Fla. Christian Kechriotis Orlando, Fla. Colin Pastore Naperville, Ill. Patrick Raffone East Northport, N.Y. Kyle Sande Lake Mary, Fla. Ricky Torres Jacksonville, Fla. Three of our Dance Marathon directors capping off a record-setting weekend of more than $3 million raised. From left: Ross Hughes'14, Conrad Ager '16, and Ryan Gleason '16. (Continued on page 4)

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