Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 5 Sigma Phi Epsilon 2019 Presidential Service Award Given to Luis Fernandez '19 Meet Florida Alpha's New Regional Director and Volunteer Specialist F lorida Alpha has a new Regional Director and Volunteer Specialist (RDVS), Austin McCraw, UNC-Greensboro '19, replacing Pat Githens. Austin will split his time 50/50 between Florida Alpha and FIU's Chapter as a full-time consultant. Florida Alpha pays $20,000 a year for Austin's service, which well pays for itself as most other Chapters operate with one regional director supporting 20 or more Chapters. More About Austin: • Leader of an Army Ranger team right out of high school. • Attended UNC-Greensboro after his time as a Ranger where he studied business administration and management, graduating with a 3.99 GPA. • While on campus he worked in a management role at two companies and was the leading sales member at his most recent role (the company offered him any full-time role after his year on staff based on his performance). • In his Chapter he served as vice president of recruitment, vice president of member development, and most recently as Chapter president. • He attended the Tragos Quest to Greece, and most recently was selected as a Zollinger Outstanding Senior. • Beyond his stellar academic performance, leadership experience, and glowing reviews from volunteers across the country, the thing that stands out most about Austin is his presence in front of a room and his ability to relate to undergraduates through shared experience and humor. A relatable background, clear leadership experience to help coach executive officers, and a presence that the undergraduates respect is critical for an RDVS's success. Austin has all of those, while also bringing the high expectations needed to achieve the recruitment, housing, and chapter operations results we expect to see from the Chapter this year. Welcome, Austin! L uis Fernandez '19 was awarded the UF 2019 Presidential Service Award by UF President W. Kent Fuchs. The Presidential Service Award recognizes undergraduate and graduate students who dedicate themselves to promoting social justice, community awareness, and civic engagement on campus and in the community. This is a chance to acknowledge students who made outstanding efforts in these areas and too often go unrecognized and unrewarded. Outside of Florida Alpha, Luis has been a Preview staffer, a Florida Cicerone, was recently inducted in Blue Key, and has been heavily involved with Dance Marathon. Within Florida Alpha, Luis has managed our social media accounts for over a year, which has led to incredible growth. He has also worn a number of hats, including photographer, overseeing Surf Frenzy marketing, and assisting with award and recognition applications and composites. His commitment to the Chapter is almost unmatched. Winner of the 2019 Presidential Service Award, Luis Fernandez '19 (right), with UF President W. Kent Fuchs. Alumni Update Chapter Eternal Richard "Rick" Meyer Harris III '56 entered Chapter Eternal in Orlando, Fla., on December 22, 2018, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1955. Rick immediately enrolled at the University of Florida on the GI Bill and lettered in baseball before graduating in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He served as a school psychologist in Jefferson County, Fla., before moving to Orange County, where he held the same position until his retirement in 1992. Golf was an important part of Rick's life. John Gain '65 entered Chapter Eternal on July 27, 2019. He will be missed by his family, friends, and Florida Alpha brothers. Hunter Wilson '81 entered Chapter Eternal on May 29, 2019, in Jupiter. While at UF he organized Gator Growl and was a proud member of Florida Blue Key. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Poonam, son, Jack, of New York City, N.Y., and daughter, Maddie of Jupiter, Fla. Hunter was an early partner of GenSpring Family Office and a very successful financial advisor throughout his career. In addition, he was actively involved in the community in many organizations including one of his favorites, The Honda Classic, where he was one of the first ambassadors and sponsors. His love of golf and sports also included his beloved Florida Gators, Miami Dolphins, and just about every other sport. Hunter was a true sportsman. (Continued on page 6)

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