Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

University of florida, sigma Phi ePsilon information www.flalPha.org SigEp Gator Heart O ver the last several years, Florida Alpha has embraced change and leveraged it to grow. As a result, Florida Alpha has reclaimed its place as not only one of the best chapters at Florida, but one of the best nationally. Our recent accomplishments haven't been without challenges. As you know, our AVC and Educational Foundation pulled off a remarkable feat by completely renovating our Chapter House in eight months. This was accomplished through wonderful project management by Brett Ogilvie '86 and the generosity of our donors, especially Mike Watford '75, in spite of many obstacles. Our last remaining challenge on that front is the HVAC system. Unfortunately, the original system does not provide ad- equate air pressure. The cause of our problem befuddled our mechanical engineer and architect. However, under the leadership of John Sand- strom '77 (AVC VP of Housing) and the help of Manny Vargas '07 (AVC Secretary), a new engineer was brought on board, a new solution developed, and we are now in the process of implementing the execu- tion. Brother Lee Catledge '90 (AVC Treasurer) and Bert Harris '74 (FAEF President) have been integral in working out how to capitalize this $250,000 additional expense. The undergraduate Chapter has tackled similar challenges with zeal and positive results. This spring roughly 25% of the membership will gradu- ate: many of the men are Founding Brothers. Hayden Grim '19 and his executive team completed a seamless leadership transition, and achieved their recruitment goal to bring us to 120 men. A feat that few thought possible in such a short period of time. Most importantly, results. I am proud to share with you that Florida Al- pha has not only met the above challenges and delivered positive results, but we have been fortunate to continue to accrue accolades at both the individual and organizational levels. In February at the Carlson Leader- ship Academy in Atlanta, Florida Alpha was recognized with the follow- ing prestigious awards: n Excelsior Cup in Membership Development n Zollinger Outstanding Senior Award, Jonathan Katz '19 n Tragos Quest to Greece Scholar, Scott Gann '21 These accomplishments are in addition to being recently honored as the University of Florida Chapter of the Year and maintaining the highest Fraternity GPA on campus, for the sixth consecutive semester. As we look back on the first part of the year, we were presented with challenges, viewed them as opportunities, and our members delivered positive re- sults. It is a great time to be a Florida Alpha, and it is only getting better. All of this is possible with the support of brothers like you. Thank you for being an important part of our organization's success now and in the future. With over 40 brothers actively volunteering, now is a great time to get involved once again. Please reach out to me if you are interested in a rewarding volunteer role. HFF, Bryson Ridgway '05 President, Alumni and Volunteer Corporation bryson.ridgway@gmail.com for alUmni and friends of the florida alPha ChaPter no. 37 • sPring 2019 Challenges, Opportunities, and Results L ee Catledge '90 enrolled at UF during a summer semes- ter to get acclimated to campus before the fall semester began. It was then that he bonded with many SigEp brothers. They were an outgoing and diverse group with varied inter- ests, which Lee gravitated toward. At that time, SigEp didn't have an official Balanced Man Program (BMP), but Florida Alpha still demonstrated ex- ceptional leadership with many alumni being Order of the Golden Heart recipients, and undergraduate brothers who held key leadership positions across UF. "I learned the majority of what I know about managing people and or- ganizations, as well as running meetings, at SigEp," Lee said. "Florida Alpha also did an amazing job with events and socials. Bringing the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Hooters to perform in our backyard was an incredible experience for all of us, and we raised some funds for philanthropy to boot." Now as an alumnus, Lee is doing his part to be present for the undergraduates, and encourages others to do the same. "The UF football team has put an emphasis on bringing back players who have graduated, and I think it is important for SigEp alumni to stop by the house to share their experiences to help our Chapter become more aware of Florida Alpha history and further devel- op the BMP skills with our new brothers." Lee Catledge '90 Encourages Alumni to Share Florida Alpha's History (Continued on page 6)

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