Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 3 Sigma Phi Epsilon Samuel Grant '26 The word that comes to mind when I look back at my time at Ruck is grateful. There are a lot of things in this life that we take for granted: our families, the love that has been shared with us, our financial status, the food we get to eat every day, the amazing homes we live in, the friends that make up our lives ... we are so blessed in so many different ways and never stop to realize how fortunate we truly are. Ruck was one of the best reminders I have experienced of how blessed I truly am in my life. It was a reminder of how blessed I was to get the opportunity to attend such a prestigious leadership institute. It was a reminder that people believed I was different—that I had something unique that they felt was worth donating money for me to experience something like Ruck. It was a reminder of how many great mentors and young men there still are in this world. It was a reminder that brotherhood is always around you and will never forsake you. It was a reminder that the best times come with the simplest scenarios. It was a reminder of how much the alumni and organization of SigEp as a whole truly care about me as an individual. It was a reminder to be grateful. The thing that made my Ruck experience for me was my two facilitators: Davis Orr, University of Alabama '14 and John Dougherty, Oklahoma State University '12. These two individuals took time away from their families, made donations to Ruck so that guys like me could go, and were kind enough to share their wisdom and encouragement with my group. The thing that I admired most about them was that they still cared. These guys had families. Davis was celebrating his first Father's Day. These brothers had lives and jobs and everything in the world that could have prevented them from coming to Ruck and being my facilitators. They cared enough to put their life aside for a little bit and turn to some young men whom they had never met before and pour their hearts out to us. They were intentional in everything they did: from sitting down individually with us to staying much later than they had to, answering any questions we had for them, they were always there for us. I am forever grateful for the impact that Davis and JLD made on me. Two men who had their own lives and yet still cared enough to put everything on hold and spend an entire week on me and everyone else in my group. Finally, at Ruck, you begin to realize that SigEp is much bigger than just Florida Alpha. SigEp is not just a Fraternity, but it's also an organization of caring men. It is made up of so many different people who are all connected by one string: to be balanced and better men. I met presidents of companies, presidents of fraternities, CEOs, alumni, and most of all: friends that will last a lifetime. It is made up of history. It is made up of the pursuit of being different. It is made up of men I thought would never even be part of such a thing. My roommate was from the Congo in Africa and went to school in Oregon. He was the best roommate I could've asked for. A kindhearted, compassionate man whom I would never have met if not for Ruck. The relationships I made that week, I will forever remember. One piece of advice that I would give to you is to take it. Take that opportunity. Whether it is Ruck or anything else in your life. On the other side of opportunity is growth. And the other side of growth is purpose. And purpose is what defines you as a man. Turn the uncomfortable to the comfortable. Turn the opportunities into success. Because if you don't, you will live with the regret that comes from not taking it. And trust me, a life full of regrets is not a life of purpose. Justin Dario '27 I was honored to be selected to attend the 25th anniversary of the Ruck Leadership Institute at the University of Richmond in Virginia. This year, over 500 applicants submitted for only 160 spots. To say I was fortunate to have been accepted into this program would be an understatement. Representing the Florida Alpha Chapter, I had the chance to work with brothers across the country to improve our personal and professional leadership skills, strengthen our network, and prepare to cultivate growth within our home chapters. The institute fostered an environment of brotherhood, camaraderie, and self-discovery through a diverse range of activities, resulting in friendships with my peers and facilitators, and creating memories that I will never forget. I arrived at the program not sure what to expect, thinking these few days might feel like a lecture class more than anything. I could not have been more wrong. I left the program with a profound awareness of my own leadership style, an expanded network of T W O B R O T H E R S S H A R E T H E I R E X P E R I E N C E S Grateful for the Ruck Leadership Institute brothers and alumni from across the nation, and a clear vision not just for my home Chapter, but for the national Fraternity as well. The Ruck Leadership Institute has long been Sigma Phi Epsilon's landmark leadership program and a highly sought-after experience for undergraduates to grow as brothers, leaders, and most importantly, as men. I had the privilege to learn from Daniel McVeigh, Texas Wesleyan '90, Brad Golson, Louisiana State University '05, and Austin Chapman, Lawrence Technological University '14, all of whom are very successful executive- level alumni mentors. Their guidance and facilitation were extremely critical in making this week unforgettable. It was truly an honor to have attended this competitive program and to have been recognized among my peers as an exemplary leader. I am forever thankful for the relationships I formed with countless brothers, ones that will play an instrumental role during my time in this Fraternity. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Florida Alpha AVC for providing the funding to allow me to have my life changed. I strongly encourage all undergraduate brothers to apply for this prestigious program, as it was undoubtedly the most influential fraternal event I have experienced thus far. Should you be fortunate enough to be selected to attend Ruck, make sure to cherish every second of this momentous week. Justin Dario '27 and Kamari Summers '27 at the Ruck Leadership Institute.

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