Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 2 SigEp Gator Heart LESSONS FROM OUR AT TENDEES R U C K 2 0 2 3 T E S T I M O N I A L S TJ Bowen '26 I want to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible experience I had at Ruck Leadership Institute. It was truly amazing, and I want to share my excitement and encourage future SigEps to grab this opportunity with both hands. The event exceeded all my expectations. I connected with impressive alumni, learning valuable wisdom and leadership skills. The workshops and discussions challenged my perspectives and expanded my understanding of effective leadership. The dedication and enthusiasm from my facilitators, Brothers Dave Calderon, California Mu '88 and Phil Patrick, New Jersey Beta '88, was beyond amazing, and the strong relationship I formed with both in just five days amazes me. 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. Sharing stories provided me with a love and appreciation for the Fraternity that I didn't know was possible. The camaraderie and shared passion for personal development were incredible. Ruck not only equipped me with practical leadership skills but ignited a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to SigEp. I am now more inspired than ever to make a meaningful contribution to Sigma Phi Epsilon and strive to leave a lasting legacy not just at Florida Alpha, but also within the Fraternity on a national level. I wholeheartedly encourage all SigEps to apply for the Ruck Leadership Institute. This program will shape you into an influential leader, broaden your horizons, and deepen your commitment and respect for our Fraternity's values. The connections and friendships you make will last a lifetime, providing ongoing inspiration and support. Matthew Shake '25 T he Ruck Leadership Institute was an unforgettable experience that left a profound impact on my personal and leadership development. I delved into the rich history of SigEp while exploring new horizons for our collective future. The institute fostered an environment of growth, camaraderie, and self-discovery through a diverse range of activities, creating lasting friendships and memories that I will not soon forget. Ruck excelled at nurturing teamwork and leadership skills through engaging activities, such as the infamous ropes course and ultimate frisbee competition. The ropes course, with both physically and mentally challenging obstacles, taught us the importance of trust, communication, and collaboration. Each teammate played a vital role, showing that effective leadership takes not just guidance but also willingness to listen and learn from others. Similarly, ultimate frisbee took strategy, adaptability, and resilience to achieve shared goals. The bonds forged that week left an indelible mark on me. Through shared challenges, late-night conversations, and moments of vulnerability, I connected with brothers in new ways. We discovered common passions, aspirations, and struggles, solidifying friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime and enrich our lives in the years to come. Whether it's seeking advice, collaborating on projects, or simply sharing life's joys and challenges, I am confident that our new bonds will remain a constant source of support and inspiration. As I reflect on my time at Ruck, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities it presented. The knowledge gained, skills honed, and friendships formed have equipped me with a renewed sense of purpose and direction in my role as a SigEp leader. I learned the importance of embracing history while forging ahead, uniting past and present to shape a better future for our Chapter and broader community. I cannot recommend attending the Ruck Leadership Institute enough, and I fully believe it has been the most impactful event of my short time in college.

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