Theta Chi - University of Florida

page 2 Tau TopiCs W hen W. Crit Smith '73 decided to attend the University of Florida, he had little knowledge of fraternities. After some encouragement from his parents, Crit decided to participate in recruitment and pledged Theta Chi. Little did Crit know that pledging Theta Chi would be the beginning of a series of long-lasting friendships, a successful law career, and a family whose own relationships are deeply intertwined with Theta Chi. His time in the Chapter House created a strong foundation that Crit attributes to helping him become successful later in life. Crit felt a sense of pride in the closeness of the brotherhood, which was particularly close due to the small house size. While the Fraternity helped him in many ways, one way in particular was encouraging Crit to join Florida Blue Key. This allowed him to meet many law students and leaders, and he eventually decided that law school seemed to be a natural next step. Crit also credits Theta Chi with helping him during a very formative time in his life to "shape the values which were instilled in me by my parents: loyalty, honesty, commitment, and leadership. The phrase 'Word as a Brother' was very important to us." Crit was able to hone his leadership skills by serving as president and rush chairman. In his post-graduate years, Crit is doing his part to have a positive impact on Tau Chapter. He serves on the Foundation Board of Directors and has gotten to know many actives through Florida Blue Key. He is back on campus often and is very impressed with today's Tau Chapter. He believes "the new house is a tremendous change and should be a source of pride for all Tau alumni. The Chapter membership is much larger and its impact on student leadership is much greater today." While many things are different, Crit sees that "some things never change; such as the love for the Gators and the banter between the brothers." He is sure that strong and lasting friendships are still made among brothers today. Many of Crit's closest friends are Tau brothers, including his brother- in-law Chris Thompson '76. Crit stays in constant contact with about five brothers. "We tailgate together at games, vacation together, and our children and families are best of friends." He considers them his extended family. Crit hopes all Theta Chi brothers will reconnect with the Chapter immediately, a reconnection made easy thanks to the Internet. Crit received his BSBA in 1976 and J.D. from the University of Florida. He is an attorney and founding partner (along with his sister Susan Thompson) of Smith, Thompson, Shaw, Minacci & Colon, P.A., in Tallahassee, a real estate law firm. After moving to Tallahassee he worked for Stephen C. O'Connell, the former Supreme Court justice and president at UF. Crit and his wife, Dee Ann, who was Dream Girl of Theta Chi while at UF, live in Tallahassee. They have two daughters who were Kappa Deltas at UF, just like their mom. Whitney graduated from the University of Florida Law School and is practicing in Orlando. She is engaged to the son of Crit's Theta Chi little brother, Seth Ellis '74. Mary is still in school. Crit can be reached by e-mail at crits@stslaw.com. Austin Acebo Brian Basnight Dylan Batlle Louis Bremser Christopher Calhoun Bryan Capps Ralph Caputo Brenden Collins Chandler Collins Kyle Davis Alex DesRosiers Kunal Gaekwad Aldo Giaimo Matthew Glover Alex Gonzalez Hunter Gray Connor Grill Brandon Guergo Drew Howard Jacob Isenberg Dillon Knox Michael Livers Domenic Luppino Gabe Magalhaes Eduardo Martinez Anthony Nasko Victor Noriega Randy Perez Nate Phillips Riley Reed Chris Schloss Kevin Singh Grant Sinnott Sean Titus Ralphie Vaello Lorenz Velasco Son Vo Adam Walker Tyler Workman W. Crit smith '73 happy with lifetime Theta Chi Bonds W e l C o m e , n e W i n i T i a T e s !

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