Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 2 SigEp Gator Heart W e are all aware of the unprecedented times we live in. 2020 has come with its challenges for everyone, especially for fraternal life. Throughout these trying times, Florida Alpha has not faltered. Coming off the success from our first Buchanan Cup since our return to campus, the undergraduate Chapter has been dedicated to continuing our excellence. This goes beyond the fraternal experience and has been included in our focus to keeping members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficult times and virtual climate, we have done our best to keep the brotherhood and fellowship thriving. In preparation for the return to campus in the fall, we developed a comprehensive COVID-19 house plan with the help of the generous AVC members. This plan consists of CDC-based university policies and smart, actionable regulations for members living in the house and out. The plan's overall goal is to ensure the safety of all members entering the house and even includes a full quarantine plan for members who experience symptoms of COVID-19. There is no certainty on the social aspect of Florida Alpha, but we are pursuing solutions to keep our fraternal experience memorable. Many of these come in the form of virtual membership and professional development. Despite uncertainty, we are also highly anticipating this semester's recruitment class. The Balanced Man Scholarship is still taking place this year, and we are excited about the possibilities here. My perspective on the current situation is that we must not dwell on the things we are missing out on but focus on the opportunities we are given. Now is the time for us to go past current barriers and reinvent the way we operate for the time being. The opportunities for lasting impact are endless. We press forward. Fraternally, Scott Ater '22 Chapter President president@floridasigep.com | (813) 466-8820 Collegians Committed to Mitigating Spread of COVID-19 Brothers Focused on Making the Most of the Fraternal Experience Amid Pandemic BUILDING BALANCED MEN Meet Josh Janes, Iowa Delta '20, Florida Alpha's New Regional Director and Volunteer Specialist A fter winning Florida Alpha's first Buchanan Cup (in 2019) since returning to campus (in 2016), our undergraduate brothers are determined to bring home another one at SigEp Grand Chapter Conclave in 2021. Joining the collegians in champing at the bit to get another Buchanan Cup is Florida Alpha's new regional director and volunteer specialist, Josh Janes, Iowa Delta '20. With the help of Josh's leadership, Drake's SipEp chapter corralled its third consecutive Buchanan Cup in 2019. He believes Florida Alpha can build a similar tradition. "I am looking forward to working with a very high- performing chapter and helping them improve. A significant portion of my role is to give the members of the fraternity tools to execute their chapter functions successfully, and I am excited for the relational piece that accompanies this task," Josh said. Josh honed his leadership skills in Iowa Delta by serving as vice president of recruitment, junior marshal of the standards board, and Phi challenge coordinator. Outside of SigEp, he worked in the Iowa House of Representatives and was active at Drake as a student senator and orientation leader. SigEp's Balanced Man Program has benefitted Josh in multiple ways, and he's centered his life around the Sound Mind, Sound Body initiative. His commitment to SigEp's principles was clear as he helped bring Active Minds, a nonprofit organization that supports mental health awareness and education for young adults, to Drake. Josh is excited to build more balanced men at Florida Alpha. "I hope to positively impact the chapter by equipping them with resources to grow after I leave," Josh said. "This can include adjusting the way we recruit, talking about growth as a fraternity, and tailoring programming to best benefit the chapter. I am excited to begin in-person work with Florida Alpha and believe we have an amazing opportunity for growth."

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