Sigma Phi Epsilon - Florida State University

p. 3 Sigma Phi Epsilon O nce you know the family history, it might not surprise you that Jeff McLeod '84 was close to pledging Sigma Chi his first year at FSU. His grandfather was a charter member of the Sigma Chi chapter at Emory, supported the FSU chapter, and introduced Jeff to many members during recruitment parties. However, when his brother, David McLeod '77, convinced him to check out the newly renovated Sigma Phi Epsilon house on Copeland, and he met members like Dennis Quinn '81, Adam Reiss '81, John Ollie Hess '83, Clint Day '82, and his dog, Apollo, Jeff knew SigEp was where he belonged. Years later, Jeff is still proud to be a SigEp, a feeling that began right away during college. "I loved the fact that we were so diverse; from Frank Castagna '83 and the Tifton Two Step to Clint Day '82, president of the IFC. We had a strong presence in intramurals and had elected leaders in student government." Jeff likes to relive the many great memories with his SigEp brothers today, including one story that sticks out. "During a pledge revolt weekend, the pledge class of 1982 left about two dozen chickens in the house before they left. We had chickens all over for three days. Willie, the cook, came by and captured a few, but many were left. Finally, on Sunday night, Dave Marlin '84 took the chickens to Belamy Building and put them on the elevator. He sent them to the top floor. When the elevator came back down the chickens were gone. They were never seen again." SigEp also prepared him for life after college. "Florida Epsilon taught a lot of young boys how to become self-reliant men." Jeff served as recording secretary, vice president, ritual chairman, and pledge educator, leadership positions that gave him a sense of responsibility. "Later in life those experiences gave me the self- confidence to step up and take on leader roles." Jeff took his B.S. in political science into the auto industry, beginning on the dealer side in 1984 as a finance manager, and now as director of sales for Credit Acceptance Corp, a national lender in the sub-prime lending space. Jeff has always loved being around cars and enjoys meeting a lot of successful car dealers, attending auto auctions, and leading a great team of individuals. After many years, Jeff has learned career lessons he wants to share with undergraduates and young alumni. "Show documented achievements. Even if it is your first job out of college, have concrete evidence of achievements. Too many résumés are general and do not demonstrate much if any measurable results. Also, becoming a good listener will help you achieve results in any profession." Jeff spoke with undergraduate Rob Williams '16, who told him of the Chapter's recent accomplishments, including being named fraternity of the year. "I have visited the house a few times during game weekends and they have a solid, impressive group. The Chapter is first rate." Jeff and his wife of 28 years, Jennifer, live in Maitland, Florida, with their children, Alex and Emily. Alex works for NBC at the Golf Channel in Orlando and Emily is a junior in college and will transfer to FSU in the fall. They spend a lot of time at their condo in New Smyrna Beach fishing, playing bocce ball on the beach, reading, and being around cars. Jeff can be contacted at asilverservice@aol.com. "As mom Scott would always say at dinner, SigEp number one!" Jeff McLeod '84 Maintains Florida Epsilon Pride SigEp and Pi Beta Phi won Florida State's All-Fraternity Revue for the second year in a row! T he men of SigEp at FSU had many accomplishments this year, as proven by the list of awards and honors the chapter received 2013 IFC Fraternity of the Year (President's Cup recipient) 2013 FSU IFC Highest GPA on campus 2014 Winner, Relay for Life 2013-2014 Pi Beta Phi All-Fraternity Revue champions 2013-2014 Intramural Gold Division champions 2014 Frank J. Ruck Leadership Institute Scholar – Michael Berrios '16 2014 IFC New Member of the Year – Evan Roman '17 2014 Collegiate Veterans Association Guide-On Award recipient FSU Dean of Students Leadership Excellence Award FSU Dean of Students Academic Excellence Award National Champion FSU football team members – Will Burnham '15, Dan O'Neill '15, and Michael Berrios '16 Raised $5,000 through Queen of Hearts, donated to Collegiate Veterans Association Keep up the good work! Congratulations, Florida Epsilon

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