Theta Chi - University of Florida

TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TAU TOPICS Fall 2023 READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? Fall is an important time of year in Gainesville, and if you've ever been in earshot of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, I don't need to tell you why. We hope to see you there as we all cheer on the Gators! Take a look at the football schedule on the back page. With six home games this season, there's no shortage of opportunities to join your brothers for a tailgate. Live near an away game? Consider organizing your own tailgate or reunion! SEND US YOUR BEST MEN Recruitment season is also a fun and crucial Fall tradition. As alumni, we must do all we can to help our brothers achieve their goal of 40 or more new members this Fall. Do you know a potential Tau? Please send any UF prospects to Vice President of Recruitment Will Evans '21 at will102@verizon.net. Tau Chapter grows when we all pitch in! HOME SWEET HOME Maintaining a home is a never-ending job, but the results are always worth it (especially in recruitment season). Chapter House updates to look forward to this year include new tables and chairs for the dining room and new bedroom furniture. Photos to come! Hope to see you soon, and please enjoy the rest of Tau Topics. Go Gators! Fraternally, Brad Jones '96 Realty Board President T hough he knew little about Greek life as an incoming freshman, Thomas Wildermuth '19 checked out Tau Chapter at his friends' encouragement. "Once I started to connect with brothers, I knew that it was a place full of like-minded, motivated individuals that would inspire me to excel throughout college." His parents had reservations about fraternities, but Thomas was fortunate to receive a bid from Sean Lanoue '16, a friend of his older brother. "After his parents talked to mine, we were more confident than ever that Theta Chi was the place for me." The brotherhood helped Thomas balance his studies and Theta Chi commitments; he was also involved in Florida Blue Key, Gator Growl, Student Senate, and more. His greatest lessons, however, came from Theta Chi itself. As president, Thomas learned to work with diverse groups of people, to manage conflict, and most importantly, how strong a brotherhood is when it comes together for a common purpose. "I am beyond thankful to have served as president," Thomas said. "It was the most challenging experience of my life so far, and I will always reflect on it for guidance down the road." This Fall, Thomas moves to Washington, D.C., to study at American University Washington College of Law. He's excited to begin this next phase of life with pledge brothers Josh Gravely '19, Sher Farooqi '19, and "Jersey" Michael Schweidel '19 as roommates. In the meantime, he's enjoyed spending the summer back home in Venice, Florida, working with Tanner Hilton '20 at a house-flipping company. He also traveled to Myrtle Beach with some of his pledge class and spent two weeks backpacking through Europe with his brother, Trey. The brotherhood bonds have been strong through the years, so Thomas doesn't foresee any trouble keeping up with Tau Chapter. "Whether it is fantasy football leagues, golf trips, pledge class retreat reunions, and especially Homecoming tailgates, I look forward to reconnecting with everyone very soon." You can reach Thomas at tmw1519@gmail.com. THOMAS' ADVICE TO TAU BROTHERS "The biggest advice I can give is to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. College is only four years, and they go by super quick, so it is important to start making your college experience your own from the get-go. My big brother, Rob Schulte '17, gave me this advice early on, and I truly believe it is what made me successful during college. Although Theta Chi is amazing, it is important to try new things and meet new people." NEW YEAR, SAME GREAT TAU • How Will You Get Involved? Finding the Right People FORMER PRESIDENT THOMAS WILDERMUTH '19 SHARES POST-GRADUATE PLANS Thomas Wildermuth '19 (left) with his brother, Trey, at Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain.

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