Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 3 Sigma Phi Epsilon A TRUE TEAM LEADER Manny Vargas '07 Returns to Florida Alpha as New AVC President A s a University of Florida student in the mid-2000s, Manny Vargas '07 had a blast watching the Gator football and men's basketball teams combine for three national championships in a 12-month period. That winning mentality rubbed off on Manny and his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers. Manny didn't intend to join a fraternity at UF, but after going through recruitment with a few close friends and dormmates to check out Fraternity Row, he saw some of the success in SigEp that he would later witness at Gator games. "Sigma Phi Epsilon had a diverse brotherhood from all walks of life with strengths in all facets of life on campus as well as future real-world success," Manny said. "When I officially accepted my bid, I had already met the president of UF Student Government (a SigEp), Division I athletes (all SigEps), and a ton of guys who had the work-hard, play-hard mentality from all over the U.S. that resonated with me." The Balanced Man lifestyle has paid dividends for Manny since his undergraduate days at UF. With Florida Alpha back to its winning ways in recent years, he wanted to be a part of it. Although it's been stressful at times, Manny is proud to be the Chapter's new AVC president. "It's been a whirlwind," Manny said, "but I am happy to give back to the Fraternity that gave me such great lifelong bonds and was instrumental in my personal growth. We are always looking for any SigEp alumni to get re-engaged, and the more recent graduates we can keep involved with the AVC the better." As Manny follows in the footsteps of previous AVC President Bryson Ridgeway '05, he's mapped out several short-term and long-term goals. His short-term goals include more alumni re-engagement in the Fraternity, whether it be a tailgate, an AVC event, or a simple phone call. His primary long-term goal is to transfer that engagement into a better experience for both the undergraduates and alumni so Florida Alpha can snowball into an even better version of what it currently is. Along with implementing the Balanced Man principles he learned as an undergraduate while serving as the Chapter president, Manny has also used them over the last eight years with Trane Commercial. He is in his second year as a team leader for the world leader in air conditioning systems, services, and solutions. "Trane has been great. Just like SigEp, I work with a ton of like-minded individuals who strive to be the best in multiple facets of life," Manny said. "There is always a mentor available when challenges are faced and most businesses can't function without the equipment and services we provide." While Manny is thankful to be on successful teams such as Trane and the Florida Alpha AVC, he knows he wouldn't be the man he is today without the support of his wife, Daisha, and daughters, Madeline, Abigail, and Amara. You can connect with Manny at manny.f.vargas@gmail.com. Thank You for Giving in 2019! A s with any house or Chapter, the needs are never-ending. We are appreciative to those who continue to give in 2019. The list of 2019 contributors below (in their lifetime giving levels), representing taxable and tax-deductible gifts to Florida Alpha, continues to grow. So far in 2019, our annual campaign has raised $9,612. We hope all alumni will continue supporting Florida Alpha's annual campaign now and in the future. Don't see your name listed below? Make a contribution to the suc- cess of Florida Alpha by visiting http://www.flalpha.org/make-a- donation.html to make a donation today. Million Dollar Balanced Man ($1,000,000 and above) Michael D. Watford '75 Epsilon Society ($500,000 to $999,999) Phi Society ($250,000 to $499,999) Golden Heart Club ($100,000 to $249,999) Director's Club ($50,000 to $99,999) Alpha Club ($25,000 to $49,999) Thomas DiMarino '75 Trustee's Honor Society ($10,000 to $24,999) Alvin V. Alsobrook '60 Ronald A. David '75 Lee Catledge '90 Todd J. Bonlarron '93 Chairman's Council ($5,000 to $9,999) Sword and Chain Council ($2,500 to $4,999) Kenneth A. Treadwell '70 Todd H. Sperry '83 Gregory D. Kirby '82 Brother Friendship Circle ($1,000 to $2,499) Eric J. Brill '70 Walker White '91 Red Door Society ($500 to $999) Matthew Posgay '91 Skull and Crossbones ($200 to $499) Kent C. Withington '69 Dr. Bart J. Edmiston '95 Edward T. Lynch '99 Andrew P. Gabso '02 Are You Receiving Our Emails? S everal times a year we send out email blasts updating alumni on events, news from the Chapter, and anything that may be of interest. Are you receiving them? If not, please send your email address to us at SigEpFLAlpha@gmail.com and we'll add you to the list. Don't miss out on important Florida Alpha information! Balanced Man Scholarship Awards Banquet November 15 T he Balanced Man Scholarship Awards banquet is scheduled for November 15 at the Gainesville Country Club begin- ning at 6:30 p.m. Please join us as we celebrate our outstanding scholars. Newly elected SigEp Grand President Tom Jelke, FIU '90, will be our keynote speaker. RSVP to Dalton Arnold '20 at daltonarnold@ufl.edu. We hope to see you there.

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