Alpha Tau Omega - University of Florida

The Alpha Omegan p. 2 www.ufato.org M ike McVeigh '75 wasn't supposed to pledge during his first semester, but after a visit to ATΩ during recruitment, it just felt right. He was able to sell his parents on the idea because it was so inexpensive to live in the house. Now, Mike is back as Chapter Advisor. "Many of my closest friends are Alpha Omegas," Mike said. "My wife was introduced to me by an Alpha Omega, Tom Jenks '75. Our son, James McVeigh '12, was born on Tom's birthday, and Tom is our daughter's godfather. We have been through marriages, divorces, and untimely deaths." Mike remains close to many Brothers and recently spent the weekend with a pledge Brother, Bernie Hamel '75, and past Worthy Master John Marion '77. The brotherhood has always been there for Mike, so giving back as Chapter Advisor was a no-brainer. Prior to Mike, Dr. Maturo was our Chapter Advisor for many, many years. Later in his tenure, and as the Tau Mansion had fallen into disrepair, we engaged a property management company to assist with day to day operations of Alpha Omega's physical plant. Ultimately, when Dr. Maturo stepped down as Chapter Advisor, the board and Michael agreed that the position would be best filled by someone who could both advise the Chapter and oversee and manage the massive physical plant—and that someone became Mike. "The job has its ups and downs," Mike said. "Sometimes, dealing with young men and a million-dollar budget can be testy. It overall has been a great experience to see these young men mature and then see some of them years later." The obstacles thrown at them with the current anti-Greek atmosphere have been a challenge, but Mike is optimistic about Alpha Omega's very bright future. He notes the Chapter has some of the brightest young men in the country, and they will persevere. Mike has two big goals for Alpha Omega: pay off the mortgage on the Tau Mansion and establish a scholarship fund in excess of $100,000 a year. The funds will be distributed to active Brothers with good grades. "I think that would show parents that we know the main reason they send their sons to school is for the education," Mike said. "But it costs more and more each year. By helping pay for the costs, I think we can show them we understand." Outside of the Chapter, Mike is the owner of My Floridia Car Guy. He started his business because he wanted to create a more enjoyable experience for clients. "I always heard the two things you never wanted to do was sell life insurance or be a car salesman—I have done both," Mike joked. He also had a career in the movie rental business and then in the ice cream business, where he teamed up with his family. Together, they grew this business and had an incredible 20-plus-year run. It was truly a blessing for Mike to see his family each day or week as they grew. Mike's relationship with his family is important to him, along with his relationship with the Lord and his Brothers. His children are UF graduates: his son is an ATΩ and his daughter is a Phi Mu. Mike emphasizes just how much he loves his Brothers. "We are Brothers not by birth but by choice, and I would make the choice every day to be an Alpha Tau Omega," Mike said. You can connect with Mike at myflcarguy@aol.com. GETTING BETTER EACH YEAR Chapter Advisor Mike McVeigh '75 Shares His Goals for Alpha Omega Worthy Master Grant Thrower '19 Worthy Marshal Luke Robinson '20 Worthy Chaplain Dow Walker '19 Worthy Keeper of Exchequer Paul Snider '19 Pledge Master Reed Blevins '19 Worthy Keeper of Annals Nick Hernandez '20 Worthy Scribe Ian Campbell '19 Risk Manager Davis Shockley '19 Worthy Usher Matt Quartararo '20 Social Chairman Michael Kaplan '20 Recruitment Chairman Cole Gabbai '20 C H A P T E R O F F I C E R S

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