Theta Chi - University of Florida

TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TAU TOPICS Fall 2014 B rothers, it is a pleasure to write to you for the first time as president of the Realty Board. It is truly an honor to represent all Tau alumni as a steward of our Chapter. This past year has been filled with triumph and challenges. In typical Theta Chi fashion, we have taken our successes with humility and faced our challenges head on. We are addressing our challenges and using them as an opportunity to make what I believe will be longlasting changes that will ensure the future success of the Chapter. The undergraduate Chapter has adopted a revitalized new member program and has rededicated themselves to the sacred purpose that brought all of us into Theta Chi during our time at UF. This change in culture will ensure that brothers continue to find Tau Chapter as a place where they can flourish as men and leaders. Despite the challenges faced this past year, the undergraduate Chapter remains strong. Our new Chapter House is the envy of chapters both at the University of Florida and across the country. This house will serve as a home to countless men over the next century and is a foundation for success that will take us into our 100th year as a Chapter and beyond. We enter the fall semester with over 120 undergraduate brothers and expect another strong recruiting class this fall. Our brothers continue to serve in leadership positions across campus, highlighted by Garrick Harding '08 serving as President of Florida Blue Key and Joey Michaels '11 serving as Senate President Pro-Tempore. I want to thank all of you for your steadfast support of Theta Chi and Tau Chapter. You are the lifeblood of this Fraternity and your contributions to the Chapter cannot be overstated. When you find yourself back in Gainesville, please stop by the house and meet the undergraduate brothers. Your ability to be role models and mentors is vital to the success of our Chapter. I look forward to seeing everyone this fall at our Homecoming reunion Saturday, October 18, 2014. Thank you again for your support and commitment. Go Gators! Fraternally, Kevin Reilly '04 Realty Board President T heta Chi Brother Ron Acree '57 passed away on April 27, 2014, after a battle with a rare form of cancer, sarcomatoid differential of the bladder. In celebrating Ron's life, memories of his time as a Theta Chi were plentiful. Tau Chapter was important to Ron, and he stayed very involved over the years, including working on the Celebrating the Legacy, Forging the Future campaign. Ron's wife, Bunny, has shared some of Ron's memories of Theta Chi. Ron's memories of fraternity days as a Theta Chi were cherished ones and shared many times. The house was relatively new in 1957, so according to Wes Kirkpatrick '58 and George Nielson '57, Ron made sure the guys worked hard to keep it cleaned up even if it wasn't a work day. He would drive the Winter Haven group home for a round trip ride of $1. More importantly Ron developed leadership and integrity as he helped the other brothers. A bond of friendship developed between his Theta Chi brothers, George Nielson '57, Wes Kirkpatrick '58, George Lanier '58, Bob Lancraft '60, and Charlie Sauls '60 which continued over 50 years. Most of the times together revolved around the great University of Florida football games! Ron was eager to urge brothers to contribute to the new Theta Chi building and a number of trips were made to see what was going on during the construction. He was so proud when grand opening time arrived with all the festivities and was able to pass on some of his own memorabilia. He was heard in the hallway that day encouraging the younger Theta Chis about the importance of keeping their new building in good shape. Ron is survived by his wife, Bunny; his son, Rick; daughter, Teri; and three grandchildren, Hannah, Coleson, and Chloe. Ron will be greatly missed but always remembered by Tau Chapter. Continue Your Support of Theta Chi Theta Chi Mourns Brother Ron Acree '57 Ron during his undergraduate years at Theta Chi. Lifelong Theta Chi friends Ron and George Nielson '57. SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING See page 4 for more details.

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