Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

University of florida, sigma Phi ePsilon information www.flalPha.org SigEp Gator Heart for alUmni and friends of the florida alPha ChaPter no. 46 • fall 2023 Reaching New Heights This summer, undergraduates and alumni attended Conclave in San Antonio, where they accepted Florida Alpha's third-consecutive and 10th overall Buchanan Outstanding Chapter Award (Buc Cup). This is no easy feat, as this highest honor bestowed by our Fraternity is reserved only for the very best SigEp chapters across our nation. In addition, Brother Brady Alexander '22 was awarded the C. Maynard Turner Award for his distinguished service to the National Board of Directors from 2021- 23. Brother Tom Fridrich '25 was elected to the National Board of Directors as a Student Director for a two-year term. Way to go! Florida Football Is Back! It's the most wonderful time of the year! The Swamp got a fresh new look this season, and I could not be more excited. Remember to join us at the Chapter House for home game tailgates to reconnect with old friends and meet the new generation of Florida Alphas. Doors open three hours prior to game time. e Perfect Partnership The Alumni Volunteer Corporation and Florida Alpha Educational Foundation have always enjoyed a fruitful partnership, which grows stronger by the day. This year, we have found new ways to collaborate and contribute to the outstanding Fraternity experience Florida Alpha continues to deliver. I am extremely thankful to all the dedicated alumni who serve on the boards of our two organizations, and I look forward to continuing our great work together. BMS Excellence This year's Balanced Man Scholarships set some new records for Florida Alpha. Not only did we have our highest-ever number of applicants at nearly 300 submissions, but the Chapter extended 20 scholarships, totaling $10,000. Of these scholarship recipients, a record nine ended up joining Florida Alpha! At the award ceremony, we were joined by Grand Chapter President Brad Nahrstadt, Monmouth '89 and a special keynote speaker, Sigma Phi Epsilon CEO Brian Warren, Virginia '04. This impressive feat would not have been possible without the hard work of BMS Chairmen Jack Pagan '26 and Gabe Federighi '26, Brother Mike Watford '75, and your continued support of the Chapter. Let's Get Together After a successful inaugural tournament, the Florida Alpha Classic will return next March. We are looking for sponsors, so if you, your company, or a friend's company would like to support through a sponsorship, visit www. flalpha.org/flaclassic or email me; we've got a few options available. Additionally, we will be hosting alumni events across the state in the coming year. If you are interested in planning or hosting one of these gatherings in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, or your city, feel free to send me an email. Stay tuned for details over the coming weeks. We've had a busy year, and I am very excited about all that lies ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you at our golf tournament or one of our local alumni events. Until then, take care and stay in touch! Fraternally, Manny Vargas '07 AVC President manny.f.vargas@gmail.com Our Conclave 2023 attendees. Brady Alexander '22 (right) presents the Buchanan Cup to Ryan Davin '24 at Conclave 2023. "What made the Ruck Leadership Institute truly special was the diverse community of SigEps I met. Interacting with brothers from all over gave me a unique insight into what makes Sigma Phi Epsilon exceptional." –TJ Bowen '26 Hear what else your brothers have to say on page 2! F LO R I D A A L P H A R E D E F I N E S E XC E L L E N C E e Chapter continues to break records, delivering the best Fraternity experience at UF. R U C K 2 0 2 3 T E S T I M O N I A L S

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