Sigma Chi - University of Cincinnati

Zeta Psi Chapter 2 early stages of his career. e men of Zeta Psi stood out to Ryan when he was looking for an environment that he could thrive in during college, and they've supported him ever since. "My Zeta Psi brothers gave me confidence and pushed me to always be better, but also kept me humble," Ryan said. "Zeta Psi pushed me to be adventurous and make the big move to California, and I'll always be thankful for that." Ryan will never forget all the out-of-town trips and formals with his Zeta Psi brothers when he was an undergraduate. Despite moving to California, distance hasn't impeded Ryan from planning more exciting trips with his brothers. "I was lucky to visit Gabe Vanegas '16 and Brian McGovern '13 in Taiwan over anksgiving in 2019 and Zach Bruch '15 and Cody Tolbert '16 in Washington, D.C.," Ryan said. "I also went on a trip to Yellowstone with Andrew Pfriem '15 and Brian Farrell '17 in 2019 as well for my birthday. Andrew and I have met up numerous times in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and New York. Drew Harmon '14 also met with me when I first moved to San Francisco." Establishing a Vision for Success at Sigma Chi (Continued from page 1) Brian McGovern '13, Ryan Samarakoon '16, and Gabe Vanegas '16 in Taiwan. Ryan has thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his brothers' accomplishments over the years. eir success has motivated him to always strive to live up to the high standards that were instilled in him at Sigma Chi. e sky is the limit for Ryan with the support he has from his Zeta Psi brothers. "I'm really proud of being published in Science, arguably the best scientific journal, and soon to be published in Neuron for my work at Stanford," Ryan said. "I hope to eventually create my own biotech product and/or start my own biotech company." In Ryan's free time, he's enjoyed playing tennis, running, and even started a new hobby of acting. He recently starred in a New Balance commercial and tech startup's commercial. Ryan's favorite pastime of traveling has been put on pause for the past year because of COVID-19, but he can't wait for his next trip or to see his brothers in San Francisco soon. "Once the pandemic is over, my pull-out couch is always available for anyone traveling out west," Ryan said. You can connect with Ryan at samarakoon.ryan@gmail.com. Zach Bruch '15, Ryan Samarakoon '16, and Cody Tolbert '16 in Washington, D.C. ALUMNI UPDATE CHAPTER ETERNAL Albert Pierce Matthews Jr. '46 entered Chapter Eternal on October 18, 2020, at the ripe old age of 98 years, 4 months, and 18 days. Jim Aglamesis '50 entered Chapter Eternal on January 23, 2021, following a battle with pneumonia at 93. e U.S. Army veteran dedicated his life to the business of Aglamesis Brothers Ice Cream & Candy Co., his family, and the city of Cincinnati. Jim lived to see the centennial of Algamesis Brothers, which was started by his Greek immigrant father, omas, and uncle, Nicholas Aglamesis, in Norwood, Ohio, in 1908. He was elected president of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce in 1957 and was re-elected for multiple terms. In addition to running Aglamesis Brothers, he became a licensed real estate broker and managed multi- use properties for nearly five decades with De Metro Realty Co., of which he was president. He is survived by his wife, Jayne; his children, Pamela, Randal, Karen, and Dianne; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill Smart '52 entered Chapter Eternal on December 5, 2020, at 94 in Pompano Beach, Fla. He served in the U.S. Navy as seaman first class at the Naval Air Station in Seattle, Wash., from 1944 to 1946 before attending Butler and Cincinnati. Bill spent his first year aer graduation as the assistant executive secretary at Sigma Chi International Headquarters in Evanston, Ill., before embarking on a long and successful career that encompassed his many talents and passions, including the arts, his faith, public service and fundraising, business, and the city of Cincinnati. Bill and his wife, Diane, enjoyed several years working together on downtown Cincinnati community development projects. He is survived by his first wife, Nancy; daughters, Anita and Silvia; his grandchildren; and stepfamily. Significant Sig Tony Trabert '52 entered Chapter Eternal surrounded by loved ones on February 3, 2021 at the age of 90. He was known as one of the all-time greatest players in the sport of tennis. Tony won the 1951 Singles NCAA Championship, and won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments in 1955, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Championship. Tony was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1970. Off the court, he was known as a "rock" for his family and friends.

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