Theta Chi - University of Florida

TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TAU TOPICS Winter 2020 A fraternity creates a lifelong bond between men; it fosters an environment of brotherhood. For some, they enter already a part of the bond. "I joined ΘΧ because I was a legacy," said Matthew Gomez '18. Legacies of Theta Chi share an unbreakable bond with a family member that is strengthened by the fraternity. Theta Chi is not simply a place two genetic brothers or fathers feel comfortable, but a place that provides them with a unique and shared connection. Over the past five years, there has been an increase in legacies at Tau Chapter and alumni could not be prouder. Tau Chapter began seeing increased membership in the mid-1980s and into the 1990s. As the sons and nephews of that generation of brothers attend the University of Florida, the next generation often times look to a fraternity that is familiar to them and where they visited with their fathers growing up and attending UF football games and other events. Other top tier fraternities at UF have been recruiting multiple legacies in past new member classes and we are happy that Tau is following this trend. Some men follow in their father's or uncles' footsteps—or sometimes both, such as Jared Weingard '19, whose father Josh Weingard '91 and uncles Aron Weingard '03 and Robert Weingard '05, are Tau Chapter Theta Chis. For others, they inspire younger brothers to join the brotherhood, like Matthew Gomez, whose father, Al Gomez '82, was a Theta Chi and now his younger brother, Chris Gomez '19, is a new initiate. "All of us being in the same fraternity has enriched our relationship because it gives us something to experience together," Matthew shared. "We have always had younger siblings join Tau Chapter because their older siblings were current members or recent graduates. In recent years, we have seen an increased number of second- generation members. Seeing the pride in both the older and younger members has been an uplifting and positive experience," said Brad Jones '96, President of the Theta Chi Realty Board. The ability to share stories from different eras in the fraternity is a special experience that proves our fraternity transcends generations. While every man's experience is different, especially ones ranging in decades, our core values prevail. Theta Chi's programs are designed specifically to assist college-age men in becoming outstanding sons, brothers, fathers, uncles, and models of male behavior in society, so what better men to follow than the ones in your own family. "Coming to the University of Florida, I knew that I wanted to rush a fraternity. Having been to Theta Chi many times since I was a young kid, it was the first fraternity I thought of. When I was going through ecruitment and was given an opportunity to potentially become a brother, I was thrilled. To know that I am a member of the same fraternity that my father joined nearly 30 years ago, and my uncles more than 15 years ago was incredible. Having a shared bond with my father and uncles is an amazing experience like no other," said Jared. While young men may join because their father, uncle or older brother, they stay for the possibility to create their own memories. Sparked by an interest in the values of the brotherhood, legacies continue a generation of resolute men. LEGACIES OF THETA CHI Family with Fraternal Bonds Tau Chapter's new executive board. SAVE THE DATE Orange and Blue Weekend Gator football is back! Join us at the Chapter House two hours before kickoff at the Orange and Blue Game. SATURDAY, APRIL 18 AT 501 FRATERNITY DRIVE Kickoff: TBD Hosted by the Theta Chi Tau Chapter Alumni. Please contact Brad Jones via email at bradjonesuf@ yahoo.com or visit our Facebook page by searching Theta Chi Tau Chapter Alumni to stay up to date on details.

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