Sigma Phi Epsilon - Florida State University

The SigEp Seminole Sigma Phi Epsilon at Florida State Excelling in All Areas Florida Epsilon Established as Top Fraternity on Campus A s the fall semester comes to a close, Florida Epsilon brothers are enjoying our strongest recruitment since colonization, new academic support, a mentoring network, and creating an image different from other fraternities on campus. Active Chapter Ranks High in Academics Michael Berrios '16, Ryan Rabac '14, Addison Craig '14, Joey Stuart '14, and AJ D'Amico '17 in front of Sanford Stadium during a leadership retreat at the University of Georgia. Our Chapter finished third on campus with a 3.08 GPA last spring. Although being above our minimum, this ranking inspired brothers to revamp our academic policies to reach number one this fall. Chapter Counselor John McRae, Valdosta State '71, volunteered his time to map out the semester for brothers who fell behind. Grades are a priority and no one exemplifies that more than Brother Sean Black '16, who was awarded the Ulysses Grant Dubach Scroll for having the greatest GPA improvement in the Chapter. Fraternity Sponsors Inaugural Event Michael Berrios '16, Jake Nicholson '14, Ryan Rabac '14, and Kevin Laddon '14 at a Florida Epsilon tailgate. SFE The Chapter sponsored the Inaugural Seminole Military Ball in the spring, donating $2,000 to the Collegiate Veterans Association, with Florida State President Dr. Eric Barron matching the gift. Florida Epsilon also dedicated one of our three $1,000 Balanced Man scholarships to a student veteran this year. It is also worth mentioning that Brother Jake Nicholson '14 was featured in the Tallahassee Democrat for starting his own after-school basketball program at Pace Academy, a school for highrisk students. Successful Recruitment Leads to Quality Future Brothers Fall recruitment welcomed 42 new brothers, including two student veterans. A year-round recruitment mentality, combined with hard Michael Thomas '86 Inspired work from the recruitment committee led to a strong week. Potential members noted our Chapter was different, citing the strength of our values, commitment to balance, and academic success. A new program by Vice President of Member Development Michael Berrios '16 ensures new members are mentored by an older brother every week. Our alumni have matched that effort, creating a new support system with a mentor for each executive board position. Florida Epsilon Represented at Sigma Phi Epsilon Conclave Zach Winterberg '14 and I attended Ruck Leadership Institute in June, a week-long competitive professional development program offered by SigEp Headquarters. We also represented Florida Epsilon at Grand Chapter Conclave in Dallas, and among many exciting developments, we witnessed the unanimous passing of a resolution to make SigEp the best Fraternity in the country for veterans. Our growth in numbers, strength, and identity has been remarkable this year. The next generation of SigEps are ready to take the reigns from older brothers and lead the Chapter to a charter in early 2014. With the continued support of alumni, volunteers, and Headquarters, our presence has consistently grown this year. We welcome brothers to join us for remaining tailgates or just to stop by. The red door is always open. Fraternally, Ryan Rabac '14 Chapter President (407) 595-8523 rkr10c@my.fsu.edu (Continued from page 1) maturation process and taught me how to work with people. It was a true building block of every aspect of my life." Epsilon taught me how to live in unity with all my brothers. I will forever be grateful for the times that we were all together in Tallahassee." Encouraging alumni to reconnect with the Fraternity, Michael emphasizes the same lessons learned as a member of the Chapter. "We are all brothers, and we will always be there for each other. Do whatever you can to stay in touch; reach out and let your brothers know how much they mean to you, how much you miss them, and how much you love them. Florida Michael and his wife, Laura, live in Kennesaw, Georgia, with their two children, Emily and Michael. In his spare time he enjoys working on home projects and recently took a fly fishing trip to Montana with his dear friend, Tom Murphy '84. You can contact Michael at vageboy@cs.com. p. 2

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