Theta Chi - University of Florida

THETA CHI PAGE 3 D uring recruitment, few fraternities welcomed Jack Abbruzzese '16 and his peers as warmly as Tau Chapter. He was thrilled to meet brothers with similar interests or from the same hometown, but what stuck with him in the long run was the diversity of backgrounds and passions within the Chapter. "There was the ambitious treasurer with the most impressive resume I'd seen yet; the laid- back environmental engineer/ surf bum; the sports junkie who could pull 1990s basketball stats from memory," Jack said, to list a few. "Despite varied interests, backgrounds, and experiences, each brother expressed a common passion and drive for success, happiness, and growth while at the University of Florida. That culture was something I knew I could benefit from and contribute to as I began my own journey." OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW What Jack remembers most fondly about Theta Chi are the many times he and his brothers worked together on events. Whether competing in their huge Spikeball tournament, or playing spontaneous games of basketball or the video game Super Smash Bros., they all had something to look forward to every day. Jack discovered a passion for events and event planning while holding several Chapter positions; he even learned graphic design to serve as t-shirt chairman, one of his favorite undergraduate positions. Jack served in five roles altogether before running for administrative vice president, all to better understand the tasks he would oversee in that VP position. He looked up to the executive board members as a freshman, and when he joined them as an upperclassman, he did his best to be a positive influence on everyone around him: in the way he addressed the Chapter, in the way he treated others, and in every aspect of his college experience. "It was a phenomenal opportunity for personal growth and development while doing my part for an organization I cared about." Beyond Theta Chi, Jack worked in UF's College of Design, Construction, and Planning to recruit talented incoming freshmen. He was also an early team member of Imprint Genius, a marketing startup created by pledge brother Isaac Hetzroni '16. Jack helped the company's branding and identity and looks forward to seeing where Isaac takes it in the coming years. WHAT'S NEXT? After completing his master's program in December 2020, Jack spent three months working at Luke's New York Bagels—owned by pledge brother Luke Vescovi '16—while searching for full-time work. "I owe a huge thank-you to Luke for the opportunity to stay independent and on my feet during my search (and for the free bagels)." In April, he landed a job as an energy and sustainability analyst with ICF, a management consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Jack works remotely from his Gainesville apartment, along with three pledge brothers as roommates (all working their own remote jobs), and will move to D.C. this Fall. Jack encourages young Tau brothers to get involved with the Chapter and on campus as much as possible, regardless of whether they have a formal position, to be there for those who need it and to learn to be a better person and friend. "I'm excited to watch my brothers go off and do amazing things in this world; even more excited to see them at the next UF vs. Bama game!" You can connect with Jack at jwabbruzzese@gmail.com. Brothers of the Highest Quality How Theta Chi Shaped Jack Abbruzzese '16 Jack Abbruzzese '16, right, with his younger brother, Jeff. A s Ryan Gleason '16 met the men of Tau Chapter during recruitment week of his freshman year, it was clear to him that, while each brother was different, they all meshed well within the brotherhood. That sentiment held true throughout Ryan's entire Theta Chi undergraduate experience, and he's excited to see how the next generation of young men will benefit from their time as Tau active members. "Tau has impacted my life in many ways," Ryan said. "I have developed friendships that will last throughout my life and have worked with many great mentors who have molded me into a better person." Ryan is thankful that his brothers instilled in him the confidence to serve as Tau's Chapter president. While leading the Chapter was a very exciting experience for Ryan, it also challenged him in several ways. "It tested me and there never seemed to be a dull moment," Ryan said. "It was a very difficult year as president, but it is one of the accomplishments that I'm most proud of and I wouldn't change anything about it." The leadership skills that Ryan honed as a Tau active member are now being put to good use in the early stages of his career. Ryan has served as an engineering technician for Zimmer Biomet in Jacksonville, Florida, where he designs medical implants, called pectus bars, that are used in surgical procedures to correct the effects of a birth defect called pectus excavatum. "I've filled this position during internship periods while in college and began full-time after graduation," Ryan said. "It is meaningful work that is very rewarding; I know that the products I design will help better someone's standard of living." When Ryan isn't working, he enjoys staying active through exercise, reading, and hanging out with friends. He's already looking forward to cheering on the Gators with his Tau brothers this fall, especially against Georgia in his hometown of Jacksonville. You can connect with Ryan at ryglea123@gmail.com. A Transformative Tau Chapter Experience Ryan Gleason '16 Reflects on How He's Benefited from Theta Chi Ryan Gleason '16 and Jared Friedman '17 at the 2019 Dance Marathon. Theta Chi partnered with the women of Delta Gamma to raise nearly $100,000 for the Children's Miracle Network.

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