Theta Chi - University of Florida

PAGE 2 TAU TOPICS A s a first-generation son of immigrant par- ents from Sweden, Tom Freeberg '78 and his family had no history with U.S. colleges and fraternities. That quickly changed once Tom met his Tau brothers who became his college family. Tom admits he struggled early in his college career with a forestry major, coming close to suspension due to academic probation. Tom was lifted to his feet by a Tau brother who introduced him to a new major called computer informational sciences, also known as computer science. "My Tau brother noticed my logical and technical ways of thinking and recommended that I switch majors the following quarter; I eventually graduated with a CIS degree. With- out Tau, I would have never completed college." After his graduation, Tom started as a program- mer for the NASA space shuttle's ground launch processing system, managing the launch from T-20 minutes to lift-off. After three years, Tom moved on to work for Harris Corporation in Melbourne, Fla. Over the years, Tom's roles in- cluded projects as a chief software engineer with the FBI's National Crime Information System, and NASA's replacement launch processing sys- tems. He ended his final 14 years at Harris as an executive leading the geospatial image pro- cessing and mapping product line for the mili- tary and intel community. Tom retired in January 2017 to care for his father diagnosed with can- cer; his father passed away in September 2017. Tom recognizes the true value of family and friendship through Tau and embraces the memo- ries of his time at the Chapter House. During Tom's pivotal college years, he recalls tough times, but what stands out the most is the hard work and perseverance learned through the brotherhood. "I learned to be honest with my- self and to be supportive of others. My growth excelled when I became Tau President in 1980; leading to a productive 36-year professional ca- reer made possible with the support of my Theta Chi brothers." The dedication Tom has to Tau Chapter remains strong to this day. When approached in Septem- ber 2018 to be part of National's initiative to cre- ate Chapter Advisory Boards (CABs) in every chapter, Tom took the lead as chapter advisor to get in front of issues facing social fraternities in today's society. "The active chapter is support- ive of the CAB and I will continue to work with the CAB members to develop the relationship." "Reflect on influences Theta Chi had in your life and ask yourself, 'Who would I have been if I was never a Theta Chi?'" True friendship, loyalty, and "An Assisting Hand" were values that are always present for Tom and his real-life representation of these val- ues was reflected onto his sons. Lance Freeberg '09 and Myles were both destined to be part of the Tau brotherhood. Lance graduated from UF in 2013 to become a Blackhawk Medivac Heli- copter Pilot. Sadly, Myles' life was cut short be- fore he could follow in the footsteps of his older brother and father. "Myles' memory continues through our philanthropy MylesFreebergFoun- dation.org and his remembrance is on a plaque outside a room in the Theta Chi house via the Freeberg Family Gift, including my brother Richard Freeberg '82." Tom encourages all Tau brothers to reach out to the brothers from their college years and find a date to come back to the Chapter House to share memories. "Reflect on influences Theta Chi had in your life and ask yourself, 'Who would I have been if I was never a Theta Chi?'" Tom resides in Gainesville, Fla., with his wife, Kathy. They are snow skiers, hikers, bike riders, and love to travel anywhere in the world. Connect with Tom via email at tfreeberg99@gmail.com. From Theta Chi to NASA's Space Shuttle and Beyond TOM FREEBERG '78 HONORED TO BE TAU BROTHER Pictured: Kathy; Kathy's father, Col. Alan; Lance; and Tom in San Antonio at a formal POW reunion in 2018. One of the only pictures of Lance and his grandfather in their respective uniforms. Col. Alan, Air Force, was a POW in Vietnam. C H A P T E R O F F I C E R S President Ryan Gleason '16 Jacksonville, Fla. oxtaupresident@gmail.com (904) 803-1885 Administrative Vice President Sean Andros '17 Jupiter, Fla. Executive Vice President Jesse Clark '17 Sarasota, Fla. Treasurer Robert Schulte '17 Fort Lauderdal, Fla. Vice President of Recruitment Matt Gomez '18 Tampa, Fla. (813) 382-6884 gomezm@ufl.edu Marshal Kai Cook '17 Lakeland, Fla. Vice President of Health and Safety Taylor Watkins '17 Merritt Island, Fla. Secretary Lucas Ciriello '17 New York, N.Y.

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