Sigma Chi - University of Florida

GAMMA THETA TIMES | 6 C urtis Jones '69 was the kind of brother who really breathed Sigma Chi," Jay Howell '71 shared. "He had Sigma Chi blood running through his veins, and he was a loyal friend and brother." After graduating from the University of Florida, Curtis served in Vietnam; upon his return, he eventually settled in Gainesville and became involved with the Gamma Theta House Corporation, where he served as secretary. "He spent many years attending the meetings, monitoring the building, and looking out for the chapter," Jay recalled. "We always appreciated his deep service." "I first met Curtis in 2011 when Gamma Theta Chapter needed a new chapter advisor," Hank Greist '96 shared. "Curtis was an active undergrad with my father. Once I accepted the role, our regular interactions continued for over a decade. Curtis was always active in keeping the house corporation responsive to changing house needs and keeping its policies relevant, even when the undergraduates' requests may have come from left field. From fences to food to fire safety, our communication covered many areas, but one thing remained faithful and that was Curtis' continued commitment to Sigma Chi and Gamma Theta." "Curtis was critical to the campaign; he was a member of the house corporation that authorized the feasibility study and campaign, and on several votes about the process of the campaign, he was a swing vote. He supported it all the way, including leaving a significant bequest after his passing," George Stuart '68 said. Curtis also served as house director for a year or two. In his career, he worked in music promotion and radio sales before owning a Valpak franchise. "He was very instrumental in getting rock and roll music played on the radio. He had copies of many gold records that were given to him by the artists who gave him a lot of credit for them having received their gold records." He enjoyed cycling, reading, watching movies, listening to music, and attending Jazz Fest in New Orleans. He was a proud Sigma Chi and had a collection of fraternity pins, crosses, flags, and other memorabilia. He remained in touch with his brothers over the years. We are truly grateful for Curtis' lifelong devotion to Gamma Theta; he has made a large impact on our brotherhood and campaign and his legacy will live on as we enter this next chapter of Gamma Theta. Sigma Chi in His Blood – Remembering Curtis Jones '69 A s the son of a devoted Sigma Chi brother, Craig Ustler '91 grew up seeing his late father, Tom '61, lead a life of fraternal discipline. Tom's unwavering passion for Sigma Chi's values left an indelible mark on his son's life and continues to set an example for Gamma Theta Chapter members. A MAN OF PRINCIPLE "My dad carried himself as a Sigma Chi," Craig said. He recalls his father often talking about a "deep sense of personal responsibility" ingrained within him from the fraternity, and Tom could always be found wearing his Sigma Chi ring. "He upheld the Jordan Standard in every aspect of his life." While some alumni lose sight of their fraternal foundation beyond college, Tom's Gamma Theta experience instilled integrity that he carried into all aspects of life. He didn't push his son to join Sigma Chi, but they both took great pride in sharing Craig's initiation as a special moment. "I turned around and my father was there. He pinned me with his pin. It is something I will never forget. My father was a fall 1957 pledge, and I was fall 1987; 30 years apart, but it did not seem like that. Sigma Chi values are timeless." THE VALUE OF CONNECTIONS Craig was well-aware of Sigma Chi's broad social network before becoming a member. His father appreciated having several fraternal connections in Orlando, and he took the time to develop friendships with members from Craig's era. Tom especially enjoyed attending the annual Sigma Chi luncheon and reconnecting with several alumni in Orlando. After his passing, Craig spoke with George Stuart '68, who said that he looked up to Tom and joined the fraternity because of people like him. "Not many sons get to share this with their father," Craig added. "When my dad was disappointed in me or thought I could do better, he talked about what it meant to be a Sigma Chi and holding yourself to a certain standard. That voice in my head will never go away." Tom's fraternal devotion shaped him as a friend and family man. When Craig thinks of his father, he remembers a true gentleman built by Sigma Chi. GUIDED BY SIGMA CHI Remembering Tom Ustler '61 "My dad was a Sigma Chi for life, and he lived it every day." From left: Carson Rugh '22, Ken Rugh '91, Craig Ustler '91, and Tom Ustler '61 attend a Gators football game.

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