Theta Chi - University of Florida

THETA CHI PAGE 3 W hen Brad Jones '96 recalls his initial introduction to Theta Chi, he's grateful to his younger self for making the choice to pledge. "I am always amazed I made such a great decision at 18 years old!" he says. "I was impressed with many of the brothers I met from Josh Weingard '91 to Perry McDonald. I saw a sincere sense of brotherhood, and the Chapter was known for being active on campus through leadership in Florida Blue Key, athletics, social events, and national recognition and success." As an undergraduate, Brad served as social chairman, an experience he calls "a ton of fun!" In addition to working with Tau Chapter, he also stayed involved through campus-level leadership positions, including IFC president. Brad continues to serve the Chapter today as Realty Board president. "It is great to serve both alumni and the active Chapter," he says. "The brotherhood continues to thrive through recruitment, campus involvement, and events, all with alumni support." Brad graduated in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He now works as the Executive Director of physician and EMS relations for AdventHealth West Florida. "I got started in this field when Brother Matt Marshall '95 reached out to me about this type of role," he shares. "Since then, I've been involved in healthcare/ hospital services for over 13 years." Tau Chapter's influence has been a constant in Brad's life long after his college years. "It has been amazing how much impact Theta Chi has had," he says. "It affected all aspects of my life, and I value the experience beyond measure. The opportunities that were offered as an undergraduate were crucial." A highlight of Brad's experience was when he negotiated his term as IFC president and was able to serve for an additional eight months. "When I was elected, I was on track to graduate that Spring. At that time, the presidential term was according to the calendar year, so I was able to stay on at UF and continue serving for the Summer and Fall. It was one of the most enjoyable and interesting times one could ask for." For Brad, some of Tau Chapter's most valuable attributes are its longevity and consistency. "I am impressed with how long Tau Chapter has continued its legacy," he says. "During the Tau Centennial, I researched chapters (from all organizations) and could not find any chapter that has been continuously active for over 100 years. It speaks to the type of young men that choose to be a part of Tau Chapter. It's incredible when you think about the major events (like WWII) that the Chapter has endured!" Brad lives in Sarasota with his wife, Laura, and son, Alexander. "In my spare time, I love golf, travel, and food! Sarasota is an amazing area for families, and I know many other brothers who are also in this area." If you'd like to reconnect with Brad and hear more about Tau Chapter research, you can email him at bradjonesuf@yahoo.com. AN EXPERIENCE BEYOND MEASURE Brad Jones '96 Shares His Tau Chapter Story Bill A. Dixon '62 is getting old at 80 but still goes waterskiing! He is also still inventing and recently sold a new patent. Bill and his wife live in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla., and love watching their kids and grandchildren succeed. Email: xytoad100@gmail.com Steve A. Sauls '64 is writing an epic based on 1,000 years of his direct ancestry—from Alfred the Great to WWII. is Spring, he took a three-month round-the-world cruise on the Queen Victoria and led a family tour of Wiltshire, England, where his ancestors were handed entry. "In addition to being a Tau, I've been supportive of the new at FIU where I was VP." Steve lives in Miami, Fla. Tom N. Richardson '68 lives in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., and enjoys golf leagues (including eta Chi golf outings). He's also a ham radio enthusiast (N3BGG). Email: tnr1234567@aol.com CHAPTER ETERNAL Bob H. Cleveland '56 May 20, 2022 Richard G. Donald '56 April 27, 2023 Joseph C. Moretta '59 July 31, 2022 Kenneth E. Houp Jr. '64 April 18, 2023 David K. McDuffie '65 June 27, 2023 Alumni Updates Matthew A. Kepper '93 lives in Knoxville, Tenn. He welcomes brothers to contact him if they make a trip to East Tennessee. Email: mattkepper@gmail.com Andy S. Rothberg '04 has his own optometry practice, Eagle Eye Vision Care, in Westchase, Fla. He also has three kids and a great wife! Email: andyrothberg@gmail.com What are your favorite memories from living at the Tau House and/or spending time with Theta Chi brothers at the University of Florida? Joe R. Wallis '79 "Seventy-six days with no hot water; ledge parties; meals together; serving as president" Matthew A. Kepper '93 "e 1995 Auburn RV trip and the Santa Fe River canoe/camping trip still make me laugh." What words come to mind when you think about Tau?

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