Florida Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Florida
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1466366
University of florida, sigma Phi ePsilon information www.flalPha.org SigEp Gator Heart for alUmni and friends of the florida alPha ChaPter no. 43 • sPring 2022 T he last two years have been challenging for many. Roy T. Bennet had the best perspective when he observed that every challenge contains the seeds of opportunity and growth; many alumni and colleagues would agree. As we move into our new normal and begin to see each other's faces again, it's a great time to reflect on how we have grown and become stronger. UNDERGRADUATE SUCCESS Our undergraduate Chapter shows us growth on a consistent basis, as they have taken the many challenges presented to them and created an even stronger Chapter. You'll read about some of those individuals and their Chapter successes in this newsletter, including Scott Ater '22 and Brady Alexander '22, our past executive board members who have been inducted into the UF Hall of Fame. We learned in mid-April that not one, not two, but three members were selected to attend the Frank J. Ruck Leadership Institute this summer. Ruck Scholars are selected through a competitive application process, and they leave with a better understanding of their own leadership styles and a new and better vision for the future. We are thrilled to announce Ryan Feocco '25, Thomas Fridrich '25 and Adam Wolcott '23 were selected to attend. We are certain they will represent FL Alpha proudly. We encourage your to visit sigep.org/the-sigep-experience/events/ruck to learn more about this incredible educational opportunity for undergraduates. GET THE BALL ROLLING One of the top things we often hear from undergraduates is that they would love to interact with alumni more. So this year, we are diving headfirst and starting our first Florida Alpha golf tournament. The plan is to hold it during an away game—against either Texas A&M on November 5 or South Carolina on November 19—with a watch party after the golf tournament. If you would like to be involved in the golf tournament as a sponsor or volunteer, please let us know as soon as possible. Luis Enrique Fernandez '19 will be providing updates in the coming months as the golf planning committee has more information. We will be doing a fun best-ball tournament with awards for winning teams in various categories, including decades, so make sure to get your fellow brothers out to bring in the win! VOLUNTEER FOR THE CHAPTER Speaking of sports, we would love to have more alumni volunteers for individual home games at the house this year. Volunteers help open and close the alumni room and help with greeting fellow alumni and undergraduates. If you are going to be in Gainesville and would like to help, please reach out to me or the board. THANK YOU, ALUMNI! I would like to thank the AVC Board for all they do to help the Chapter and our alumni in all housing activities. I would also like to specifically recognize Steve Shewbrooks '66 and Jeff Opalko '81 for their tremendous work with the Chapter and the undergraduate mentors, as this has been a great program for both alumni and undergraduates. A special thank-you to Jeff Wilson '76 for helping put together the history of the Chapter. Some of this great history will be visible this fall on the new plaques and statues donated to the Chapter. Thank you John Sandstrom '74 and Mark Warner '76 for all you have done in helping coordinate some of those projects and building a base for the future Gator statue in the courtyard. I look forward to seeing you all at our inaugural golf tournament in November! Fraternally, Manny Vargas '07 AVC President manny.f.vargas@gmail.com Strengthening the Legacy Volunteer to Help the Chapter C ongratulations to our brothers, Brady Alexander '22 and Scott Ater '22, for being selected for induction into the 2022 class of the UF Hall of Fame! Since 1921, the University of Florida Hall of Fame has recognized seniors and graduate students who have consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving the University of Florida through campus and community involvement, participation in organized campus activities, and scholastic achievement. It is the highest recognition, limited in size to no more than 25 students each year, given to student leaders at the University of Florida. Past inductees include Tim Tebow, Coach Steve Spurrier, and Senator Bob Graham, just to name a few. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS Scott Ater '22 Brady Alexander '22