Theta Chi - University of Florida

PAGE 2 TAU TOPICS B rian Seel '04 had almost given up on the idea of joining a fraternity after not getting what he was looking for out of Greek life in his first semester at UF. After some encouragement from his mother, who was a Kappa Alpha Theta at UF, and talking to a few men from Theta Chi who he went to high school with, Brian is grateful that he gave Greek life a second chance by joining Tau Chapter. "Immediately I appreciated the unique culture, diversity, camaraderie, and positive spirit in Theta Chi," Brian said. "My experiences in Tau Chapter came at a critical time in my life. I made many mistakes, but also learned a lot about myself and how to communicate and work with others." The Gator football game days, spring break trips, and Theta Chi leadership conferences are all great memories for Brian. However, there were several challenges Brian and his brothers were faced with as well. With the Chapter placed under university sanctions from previous violations, Brian stepped up as a sophomore to be Tau's Chapter president. "Someone once told me that a challenge is simply an opportunity to succeed and that mantra sticks with me. We recruited a large new member class in the Fall of 2004 and focused on the fundamentals of Chapter operations and brotherhood unity," Brian said. "That hard work by the Chapter set the stage for future stability and success. It turned out to be one of the most fun years of my life, too." The good times with his Tau brothers have rolled on for Brian as an alumnus. He and Matt Roberts '02 threw a dual bachelor party in Savannah with over a dozen other Taus in attendance. Brian also served as the Theta Chi Realty Board president and was a part of the team that built Tau's new Chapter House. "That will always be one of my most cherished achievements. Guys like George Kramer '96 and Matt Marshall '95 did some amazing work to make it happen," Brian said. "When I joined the board, I was honored to use my construction management background to aid in bringing that vision into reality. I really enjoyed connecting with the undergraduates during my time on the board. It was a whole new perspective on the fraternity experience and I tried to provide relatable guidance." Brian's Theta Chi connections are also strong through the work he does as the program manager for The Beck Group based in Tampa. He and Chris DeNome '98 managed the development of Hotel Eleo, UF's newest on-campus hotel, in July. Being back on campus the past two years for that project was a blast for Brian, and he's excited to make more trips to Gainesville with his wife, Lindsay, and daughters, Georgia and Claire. "I've maintained strong friendships with several brothers, but want to reconnect with many more," Brian said. "During the COVID era, we especially miss the alumni events and opportunities to gather with old friends. I really look forward to the time when we can do that again." You can connect with Brian at brianjseel@gmail.com. AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED "Immediately I appreciated the unique culture, diversity, camaraderie, and positive spirit in Theta Chi. My experiences in Tau Chapter came at a critical time in my life. I made many mistakes, but also learned a lot about myself and how to communicate and work with others." Brian Seel '04 Remains Thankful for Theta Chi's Culture and Challenges

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