Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 3 Sigma Phi Epsilon R eminiscing on the last three years brings me immense gratitude, nostalgia, and pride. While several factors played roles in shaping my college experience, the most transformative experience began on October 19, 2017. I would not be where I am now without one simple decision I made that day. Joining SigEp provided this 19-year-old boy with a life-changing gift: people who believed in him. I will never forget being told by the most respected brothers that they saw I had the potential to lead the Chapter. I walked out of the house after accepting my bid, called my girlfriend, and told her I was going to be the Chapter President one day. I'll remember that phone call walking down Museum Road for the rest of my life. I wanted to give others the feeling those brothers had instilled in me. Three years later, and about two months ago now, I finished my term as the Chapter President of Florida Alpha and graduated from the University of Florida. Securing a Buchanan Cup, IFC Chapter of the Year award, and highest IFC GPA trophy provided the tangibles to consider my term a success. However, what filled my heart with pride at the end of my term was knowing there is an ever-increasing expanse of impactful opportunities at brothers' fingertips. Our involvement, service, and brotherhood are only getting stronger. The men of Florida Alpha have the opportunity to create real change in their Greek, university, and local community. The environment that Florida Alpha has cultivated, paired with the Balanced Man Program, grows our men professionally, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Older brothers like Jon Katz '19 taught me how to tie a tie and write a resume, then coached me through landing an internship and full-time job. Working within the Member Development and Recruitment Committee, as well as the Executive Board, taught me skills I'll use in every next step of life. Groups of my best friends lifted me up when I was at rock bottom after a hard break-up. Individuals excelling in their studies or sports motivated me to spend more time in the library or in the gym. I've been mentored and treated like family by alumni. The generosity of select alumni and the Florida Alpha Educational Foundation have saved me when I was experiencing severe financial hardship. We say that a rising tide raises all ships and I was lucky enough to have one of the strongest forces in the national fraternity landscape at my back for the last three years. These reasons, and countless more, are why SigEp is so special. I blossomed under the brotherly love I felt and gave my all so others could experience the same growth. The recolonizing brothers had a mission statement: "planting seeds for trees whose shade we may never sit under." Their selfless dedication to bettering the next generation changed my life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has played a role in building Florida Alpha. I hope to enjoy that shade with you all soon. Fraternally, Hayden Grim '20 FROM THE HEART Meet Scott Ater '22, President of Florida Alpha S cott Ater '22, a second-year Gator majoring in biomedical engineering, is from Tampa, Florida. Mature beyond his years, Scott is a hard- working, smart leader who sets high goals and works hard to accomplish them. Scott credits his father with an important life-lesson. "My dad taught me that it is not always the extraordinary who are successful, but often it is the ordinary working extra hard who are successful. His advice has been a great motivator for me. I never want to look back and feel I didn't put forth my best effort whether it be professionally or in relationships with others." Scott joined SigEp in the fall of 2018. He hopes to graduate in 2022 but says he might stay an extra semester to earn a minor in engineering sales. Scott says, professionally, he would like to work in the technical sales field selling medical devices or pharmaceuticals. Commenting on his life before becoming a Gator, Scott says, "I was raised by my wonderful parents, Steve and Shannon Ater, alongside my older brother and younger sister. In high school, at Cambridge Christian School in Tampa, I worked hard to be involved in as much as I could while maintaining perfect grades. Much to my surprise, I ended up being valedictorian of my class." Scott played varsity football in high school and considered playing in college, but quickly realized he wanted a big school experience where he could focus on areas of life other than football. Thinking short term, Scott says that four years of college "will slip by quickly" so he wants to make the most of the opportunities to learn and to serve. Before being chosen President of Florida Alpha, Scott served in leadership roles as Florida Alpha's IFC delegate and served as chairman of the Service and Programming Committees. Why SigEp? "Everything about SigEp drew me to what I believe is the very best organization on campus. SigEp is different and different in a very special and positive way. Being part of a group of guys that want to be the best they can be is an inspiration. I credit the leaders before me – actives and alumni – who, with integrity and dedication, have made me proud to be a SigEp." By Al Alsobrook '60, Editor 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! Florida Alpha Online www.flalpha.org SigEpFLAlpha@ gmail.com

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