Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Pride inourPast, Foundation For theFuture O ur Chapter House is a living/learning center and a public represen- tation of our shared vision. Five Fraternity Row has produced 57 years of intense SigEp fraternal use. Because of its age, increased operating expense and a decline in competitiveness, we undertook an assess- ment of the future of SigEp at the University of Florida. We retained a firm to assess the operations of our Alumni Volunteer Corporation (AVC) and our Chapter and to determine the feasibility of a capital campaign to renovate the Chapter House. The assessment led our AVC to implement several initiatives. We increased alumni communication, aggressively paid down the mortgage, increased Chapter House maintenance and reviewed the Chapter membership. Our AVC was given the Operational Excellence Award in 2009 and 2011 by Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. The assessment also revealed that a capital campaign for the renovation of the Chapter House is needed and would be supported by our alumni. Today, perhaps more than ever, college fraternities play a relevant role in shaping the lives of young men. Florida Alpha provides a small-group living environment that offers our members a solid foundation for their education and also affords opportunities for the development of leadership and social skills. This project will allow SigEp to remain a leading partner in higher education at the University of Florida and will foster a four-year educational experience that will serve college men through the next century. 5 FRATERNITY ROW The Chapter House at 5 Fraternity Row was constructed in 1955 after a cap- ital campaign led by Dave Hendon '52. The east wing was added in 1992. A minor renovation in 2003 addressed some life-safety concerns (sprinkler sys- tem throughout the house) and electrical work. However, the years have taken their toll. Our Chapter House is becoming less competitive, more costly to operate, and does not provide the quality living environment expected by collegians. A renovation is needed if we are to competitively provide a quality living/learning environment. Life safety for our 140-man Chapter is the beginning. We must offer a safe and structurally sound home for our brethren. Our Chapter House must instill confidence in our members and their parents. After a 57-year run, our house systems are nearing the end of their expected life or have been significantly overcome by newer technology. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS The University of Florida is among the best learning centers in the world. An enhanced, quiet, well-lit, and comfortable study space within our facility is necessary for our members to achieve the standards to which we hold each other accountable. We have all seen the impact of technology over the years, as devices not present during your college years are now necessities, includ- ing personal computers, high-speed Internet access, and e-mail. This plan will provide SigEps with the tools to excel academically and remain leaders at the University of Florida. RESIDENTIAL LEARNING CENTER The gold standard of collegiate housing is the Residential Learning Center. An RLC meets the needs of our brothers while at the University of Florida: residential, cooking, dining, academic, social, physical fitness, laundry and lockers for non-residents. We expect to provide living facilities for 55 broth- ers, as well as meeting and communal space for 100 brothers who reside elsewhere but spend significant time in the Chapter House. COMPETITION While Florida Alpha continues to attract the top men, our Chapter House must be addressed. The University is committed to Greek life and upgrading fraternal housing throughout the campus. Florida Alpha has been a historical leader on campus and it is time to lead again. We must be a frontrunner in this effort to update and rebuild Fraternity Row. Kappa Sigma, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi and Alpha Epsilon Phi have undergone major renovations or built new houses in the last five years and Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Delta Theta, Theta Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha have begun similar preparations. We must lead now to preserve and enhance SigEp's place at the top of UF Greek life for generations to come. WhY We Must suCCeed LIFE SAFETY

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