Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 5 Sigma Phi Epsilon Meet the Florida Alpha Mentor Committee Chapter Counselor Jeff Opalko, Coastal Carolina '81 Regional Director & Volunteer Specialist Josh Janes, Drake '20 Balanced Man Steward Mike Generale, University of Florida (Renaissance) President Jeff Opalko, Coastal Carolina '81 Vice President of Programming Matthew Posgay '91 Vice President of Finance Lee Catledge '90 Vice President of Recruitment Michael Mannchen, University of Evansville '18 Vice President of Member Development Mike Generale, University of Florida (Renaissance) Vice President of Communications Steve Shewbrooks '66 Vice President of Learning Community Joe Thigpen '66 Chaplain Ryan Moran '19 Director of Chapter Excellence Luis Fernandez '19 BMS Chairman Conor Deterding, University of Nebraska '19 Sigma Challenge Coordinators Mike Generale, University of Florida (Renaissance) Jacob Harrison, Valparaiso '19 W hen we think of a team, we usually think of an athletic team. Around here we usually think of Gator football. We often forget about the other teams that do incredible things. For example, the teams of scientists, doctors, and clinicians who developed a vaccine in a matter of months, or the teams of engineers, researchers, and technicians who landed a rover on Mars. I bring all of this up because as the Chapter counselor for the Florida Alpha Chapter, I have had the great privilege to work with an outstanding group of young men responsible the success of the Chapter. This is, of course, the executive board. The executive board consists of dedicated individuals responsible for all facets of fraternal life: finances, communication, program, member development, recruitment, ritual, discipline, service—no area of the Chapter is left without the attention of a board member and the team he has recruited to help achieve the goals they have established for themselves. As Chapter counselor, I have attended many of the executive board meetings over the years. In my experience, except for the lack of suits and ties, these meetings would rival any board meeting of any Fortune 500 company. I am impressed with the responsibility, concern, and effort everyone has for their respective position. This is all evident in the past successes of the Chapter as Florida Fraternity of the Year, highest GPA, and the numerous awards and accolades presented at Carlson and Conclave. This will also be demonstrated when Florida Alpha earns another Buchanan Cup this summer in Denver. One very notable similarity that the executive board has with sports teams is that the members change from year to year. While we all know this to be true with athletic teams, we are also well aware that the coaching staff, trainers, and managers largely remain the same. It is this consistency that is responsible for the success of the players. Here at Florida Alpha, there are three groups, the Alumni Volunteer Corporation, Florida Alpha Education Foundation, and Florida Alpha Mentor Committee, that provide a permanent, consistent foundation for the chapter. In particular, the mentor committee provides direct support to the executive board. I have the honor of being the chairman of the mentor committee. The team ranges from new alumni to gentlemen who graduated many years ago. The mentors touch base with their executive board member regularly to discuss goals, progress, problems, and can often offer suggestions for many situations. Have you ever said, "I wish I knew then what I know now?" That sums up the role of the mentor. The ability to share those experiences is invaluable to the young men who manage the affairs of the Chapter. We are always looking for alumni who would like to be part of the mentor team. No experience is necessary. All you need is the ability to share a little time with an enthusiastic young SigEp. If you are interested, reach out to me at jopalkosigep@gmail.com. And Go, Gators! Fraternally, Jeff Opalko, Coastal Carolina '81 Chapter Counselor SigEp Teamwork Creates Impressive Results at Florida Alpha W hen it comes to building balanced men at Florida Alpha, no one was more committed to the cause than Al Alsobrook '60. We're heartbroken to share that Al passed on to Chapter Eternal on March 19, 2021. Al served as Chapter president during his undergraduate days, but that was just the beginning of his lifelong leadership at Florida Alpha. He served as the Alumni Board President and most recently was the editor of the SigEp Gator Heart newsletter. Al also gave generously to Florida Alpha's fundraising campaigns. "Brother Alsobrook diligently gave his time, talent, treasure, and good name to support Sigma Phi Epsilon from the day he pledged until he drew his last breath. He always answered our call," Bert Harris '74 said. "He lived our principles—virtue, diligence and brotherly love. I can't imagine a better, stronger brother. I miss him." Joe Thigpen '66, also a former Chapter president, added, "Al was a giant before me at Florida Alpha and an important role model to me." Al loved spending time with his wife of 56 years, Betty, their two sons and four grandchildren, and the rest of his family. After graduating from UF, Al had a long and successful career in public and government relations. He went on to serve the Gainesville community in many capacities in retirement. Al was a faithful member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and had many passions, including traveling, the arts, Gator football, and making memories with his family. He will be deeply missed by his Florida Alpha brothers and all who knew him. Remembering Al Alsobrook '60

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