University of florida, sigma Phi ePsilon
information www.flalPha.org
SigEp
Gator
Heart
O
ur Chapter and AVC recently finished
an unprecedented fall semester with on-
campus preparations and execution of many
plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19
while also ensuring a safe and enjoyable time
for the undergraduates on campus. Fall 2020
was not the semester of large gatherings at
the house or packed tailgates in the courtyard
like in previous years. In fact, the excitement
in and around the Swamp for college football
season almost didn't happen. Last fall was
the semester of resilience. Both the Chapter
and AVC were successful in keeping a safe
environment and making the most out of the
semester despite all the added challenges,
risks, and expenses faced for protection of the
Chapter and the house.
As we keep learning more about the spread
of the virus and how to be safe while
still having some sense of normalcy, the
Chapter and AVC agreed that installing the
permanent professional-grade basketball
hoop at the house was a great project to
start in the fall. The Chapter loves the
new addition, and many thanks to our vice
president of operations, John Sandstrom
'74, for making this happen under budget
and on time.
We're not finished with these pandemic
challenges yet, and it's important that we
continue to be responsible and not fall victim
to pandemic fatigue when there is light at
the end of the tunnel. There will be a new
normal, and our phenomenal board and
Chapter leadership team will ensure that our
traditions carry on and that the brotherhood
experience is stronger than ever. True
personal growth begins when you step out
of your comfort zone, and I challenge us to
stay a little out of our comfort zone and keep
making the sacrifices so we can all have an
amazing post-pandemic experience.
In this newsletter, you will read about
our amazing undergraduates and how our
Chapter is leading in all facets of campus
life. There will always be challenges along
the road and Balanced Men will meet those
challenges best. I'm saddened to report that
Brother Al Alsobrook '60 recently passed
away. Please see page 5 for a nice tribute
to Al. We are very thankful for his tireless
effort putting together these newsletters
throughout the years.
I hope I'll get to see you all in person soon.
Thank you for your continued support of our
Chapter and, as always, if you are looking to
get involved please don't hesitate to reach out.
Fraternally,
Manny Vargas '07
President, Alumni and Volunteer Corporation
Manny.f.vargas@gmail.com
for alUmni and friends of
the florida alPha ChaPter
no. 41 • sPring 2021
Fall 2020:
e Semester of Resilience
Florida Alpha Makes the Most of Brotherhood
and College Life Amid Ongoing Pandemic
Michael Cohn '21 has spent time with UF's Traumatic
Brain Injury Research Lab developing a more efficient
blood test for patients with brain injuries. He has continued
to act as a mentor and encourage others in the Chapter to
pursue academic research. His work has led to a previous
internship at the University of Cambridge prior to COVID-
19. See page 2 to read more about academic research
members of Florida Alpha are involved in.
President
Evan Savage '22
president@floridasigep.com
(919) 671-8628
Vice President of Programming
Michael Laventure '23
programming@floridasigep.com
(772) 812-1891
Vice President of Finance
Brady Alexander '22
finance@floridasigep.com
(719) 237-2940
Vice President of Recruitment
Carson Boogaart '23
recruitment@floridasigep.com
(772) 475-9715
Vice President of Member Development
Jacob Smith '23
memberdevelopment@floridasigep.com
(407) 247-7125
Vice President of Communications
Ryan McKeever '23
communications@floridasigep.com
(941) 302-0460
Vice President of Learning Community
Andrew Pao '23
learningcommunity@floridasigep.com
(848) 702-9130
Chaplain
JP Krause '22
chaplain@floridasigep.com
(901) 832-8109
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