Theta Chi - University of Florida

PAGE 2 TAU TOPICS W hen Dr. Edem Chen '94 was choosing his career path, he wanted to ensure that his professional efforts would always align with a positive moral mission. "In medicine, that's everything I do." Edem has now spent over a decade in the medical field (together with his post-med school education) and is proud of his many accomplishments—including leading his hospital staff through the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Edem looks back at the truly formative periods in his life, he is happy to say that his years in Theta Chi were one of them. He was close to pledging with another fraternity until he learned that several high school peers had chosen Tau Chapter. After visiting the Chapter House and meeting a quality group of young men, Edem realized Theta Chi was the best choice for him. "The Chapter was full of young leaders. It reinforced a high standard I had already set for myself, one which I still strive to attain." As an undergraduate, Edem especially enjoyed playing intramural tennis with his Tau brothers. He made great memories with brothers such as Jason Glazer '95, Joe Deprospero '93, Alan '93 and Derek Jardeleza '94, Doug Myers '94, Jay Walker '94, William Li '93, Joe Detloff '95, Patrick Howell '94, and John Benton '94. Edem married a Kappa Kappa Gamma member he met in college, and they now have a 6-year-old son and 4-year- old daughter. Edem graduated from medical school in 2005 and continued his education at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Maryland. He has spent nearly all his career in Florida and is now chief of staff at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital—making him one of only five in the Orlando Health system. Edem specializes in radiology and will serve as program chairman for the Florida Radiological Society's annual meeting this summer. He is also a member of the Radiological Society of North America and has made many lectures and presentations on the topic throughout his career. Edem and his family live in Winter Park, Florida, and although work keeps him busy, he stays in touch with his Tau brothers as much as possible. His advice to younger brothers starting their professional lives? "Say yes to as many opportunities as possible early in your career while you have the energy." You can connect with Edem at edemchen@gmail.com. HIGH STANDARDS OF BROTHERHOOD Why Edem Chen '94 Chose Theta Chi "It reinforced a high standard I had already set for myself, one which I still strive to attain." T au Chapter prides itself on turning young men into leaders—not just within the fraternity or in their lives after college, but also right here at the University of Florida. We are excited to spotlight several brothers who have made a name for themselves—and all of us at Theta Chi—as leaders on the UF campus. Every year, the student body celebrates Homecoming with Gator Growl, the largest student-run pep rally in the nation. We are ecstatic to announce that Jared Weingard '19 has been selected to lead the way this year as executive producer of Gator Growl 2022! Last December, Jared and Thomas Wildermuth '19 were inducted into Florida Blue Key, UF's prestigious student leadership honor society. Florida Blue Key helps organize events such as Gator Growl, an annual high school debate tournament, and numerous other student events. "I have been attending Gator Growls my entire life, and I am beyond excited and honored to serve as the 2022 Gator Growl executive producer," Jared said. "To me, Gator Growl means tradition, love, joy, excitement, and memories. With the centennial of Florida Blue Key coming in 2023, I am most excited to focus on the true history of Gator Growl and Florida Blue Key and producing the best show we can." Tau Chapter is also well represented in student government this year. Two brothers serve on the University of Florida IFC: Jake Siegel '19 as VP of operations and Sher Farooqi '19 as VP of administrative affairs. Jake is also the chairman of UF's Student Government Productions (SGP). Meanwhile, we have three Taus as student senators: Matthew Jenkins '19, Taylor Soukup '20, and Zach Roher '19. Additionally, Sazzad Mabud '21 is a first-generation cabinet director for student government. If you're on campus, you might also run into Aaron Lazar '19, Jimmy Hazlett '20, or Mick Gryboski '21, who are doing great work with the Florida Cicerones, UF's prestigious student ambassadors. "Tau Chapter has a long history of campus leadership serving the University of Florida," said Chapter President Thomas Wildermuth. "From multiple student body and Florida Blue Key presidents to Gator Growl producers, senate presidents, SGP chairmen, and IFC officers, Tau takes great pride in serving the University of Florida. We are proud to continue the traditions of the brothers who came before us." Congratulations to all our student leaders and thank you for your hard work. We know you will continue to do UF and Theta Chi proud! Tau Brothers Excel at Campus Leadership

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