Theta Chi - University of Florida

PAGE 2 TAU TOPICS U nlike the weather, life opportunities can't always be forecast in advance. Though Brian Roof '99 originally wanted to wait a while before joining a fraternity, high school friend Justin Luna '99 joined Theta Chi one semester earlier and encouraged Brian to undergo recruitment. Theta Chi stood out among the few houses he visited, and George Kramer '96 sealed the deal by giving Brian his bid. THETA CHI'S INFLUENCE "Joining Theta Chi taught me valuable lessons in life, helped me build a personal and professional network, and aided me in obtaining leadership positions and skills in undergrad and law school that benefit me today," Brian said. As administrative vice president for the Chapter, along with multiple leadership roles on campus and a two-term FBK presidency in law school, Brian recognized the fundamental values required of a leader. PROVING HIS WORTH After graduation, Brian attended UF Law. His first job was a result of his fraternal networking efforts, as a partner at Arnall Golden Gregory noticed Brian's FBK presidency in the Gator Growl program on his résumé and interviewed him for a summer associate role at their firm. Though his real estate associate position ended due to the Great Recession, he found a part-time attorney position with a sports and entertainment agency through mutual connections. Brian took the chance and proved his value to the agency, earning a full-time position that lasted nearly 11 years. Brian spent the last five years with the company as general counsel, overseeing legal operations for Cooper Holdings Inc. One of Brian's early and memorable accomplishments with the company was negotiating for Doc Rivers to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. "Watching the breaking news on ESPN was pretty incredible," he added. "While I enjoyed my time at Cooper Holdings, I was looking for a new challenge, and almost three years ago began working for Weather Group Television, the owner of The Weather Channel television network." WORKING IN WEATHER Brian currently serves as SVP and chief counsel of Weather Group Television, owner of multiple television networks, including The Weather Channel. He is proud to work for the company ranked as the most trusted news organization in America. "Recognize great opportunities and don't turn them away because they aren't in your five-year plan," Brian advised. "I never expected to get caught up in the layoffs of the Great Recession but was handed a golden opportunity in sports and entertainment with a part-time position that many might have passed on because it wasn't full time." MAKING TIME FOR TAU Brian stayed involved with Tau Chapter after law school, serving on the campaign committee to raise donations for the new Chapter House. He often visited his younger brother, Matt Roof '16, on game day weekends. Brian lives in Atlanta and is married to Veronica. They have three young children, Ellie, Wyatt, and Harrison. The family enjoys sports, traveling together, and exploring the Atlanta area. You can connect with Brian at roofba@gmail.com. Michael Higgins '20 with his mother (left) and Gift of Life recipient (center). fortunate to be a match for a leukemia patient connected with the program. "I never thought I would ever become a donor match for anyone, but God had a plan for me, and it worked out that way," Michael said. He considers the opportunity incredibly humbling, being selected to donate stem cells for a particular patient in need. Michael looks forward to continuing his service work as he earns his master's degree in sports management. While he operates as game day ticket chairman for student blocks for sporting events, he also recently completed an internship with NBC Sports. Currently in his last year of graduate school, Michael hopes to find a position in the sports industry after college. Between making memories with brothers, having a strong support system for academic work, and finding unexpected opportunities to help others, Michael has cherished his time with Theta Chi. He recalled the strong support from the brotherhood when they heard about Michael's acceptance into the Gift of Life program, never anticipating such widespread recognition of his generosity. "It just reinforced the belief that being in Tau Chapter was one of the best decisions I've made in my young life. The amount of support that I have from Tau Chapter was kind of unexpected, and I'm super grateful for it." You can connect with Michael and learn more about his Gift of Life opportunity at mhiggins063@gmail.com. Sharing the GIFT OF LIFE "I couldn't have asked for a better group of guys to be in a fraternity with, that support everything and anything I do. I give that support right back; it's a very supportive environment." New Challenges, New Opportunities Brian rooF '99 learned to Be a leader through theta Chi "Recognize great opportunities and don't turn them away because they aren't in your five-year plan." (Continued from page 1)

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