Theta Chi - University of Florida

TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TAU TOPICS Fall 2020 MAINTAINING A CULTURE OF BROTHERHOOD Chapter President Sean Andros '17 Discusses Theta Chi and Returning to Campus F or Sean Andros '17, attending UF was a given, having come from a family of Gators and being a fan for life. The single most impactful decision of Sean's life came after arriving on campus: joining Theta Chi. "I came to UF as an overweight, insecure child whose only friend on campus was his twin sister," Sean recalls. "In my time as a Theta Chi I have grown physically, mentally, socially, and academically, and I cannot thank the brotherhood enough for changing my life for the better." Theta Chi appealed to Sean because of the wonderful brotherhood and how campus involvement was engrained into the Tau Chapter culture. "The best way I can sum up the brotherhood is that you can walk into any room at any time, and you're friends with everyone there." Seeing all this during the new member process motivated Sean to immerse himself in the Chapter and get to know everyone, which became a great asset in the many offices he held leading into his presidency. As president, Sean feels he has learned much about himself, the Chapter, and leadership—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As health and safety precautions were implemented nationwide, the Chapter transitioned to digital meetings and canceled social events. "They were difficult decisions to make, but I am proud of how the brothers handled such an uncertain and inconvenient end to the semester." Since then, brothers have stayed connected through digital platforms such as Facebook and video games, as well as physically distant meetings when possible. Sean's hope for the Fall is to hold events that comply with safety restrictions and that the brotherhood will regain a sense of normalcy as the year progresses. Until then, the Chapter has plans in motion to keep the brothers safe. These include additional buses for distanced travel to events, wearing masks during recruitment, and more outdoor events with proper distancing. "The brotherhood is straining to return to the normal Fall semester we all love, and my job will be to hold the leash and make sure we don't go too far." In addition to becoming president, Sean's favorite memories with Theta Chi include tailgates and traveling with the brotherhood; he looks forward to when they can travel again. "Having these experiences with some of my closest friends have made memories I will cherish forever." For questions about the active Chapter, Sean can be reached at oxtaupresident@gmail.com. Tau Chapter Recognized at Theta Chi 164th Anniversary Convention T au Chapter was recognized with three awards at the virtual convention this summer: S. Randall Success in Recruitment Award Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Memorial Trophy Chapter Achievement Award Read more about these awards on page 3. Alumni support is crucial to keeping Tau Chapter strong. One of the easiest ways to provide support is by donat- ing. Visit tinyurl.com/TauThetaChi to make a gift online today!

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