Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Michigan

page 3 J o h n P a n t o w i c h ' 8 8 looks back on his SigEp experience with an enthusiastic gaze. Even years after graduating, John is still proud of SigEp's prominent role as a leader on the University of Michigan campus. "Michigan Alpha had a reputation for excellent parties, strong intramurals, and quality men—it was an exciting organization to be a part of." John's SigEp memories hold high significance since they bonded John and his brothers. Traditions like the Sherwood Forest party, keg raids, pig roasts, and pledge week solidified friendships that have withstood the test of time. "As SigEps we engaged in many fun rituals and challenges, none of which were too daunting for us to tackle." John distinctly remembers as an undergraduate seeing the alumni who would visit the chapter house at Hill and State for tailgating on game days. Moments like these showed John that his SigEp friendships were going to be long-lasting. John still shares close friendships with Barry Finkelstein '86, Mitch Rubin '88, Pete Richter '88, GM Broucek '89, Chris Walsh '88, Joe Miles '88, Seth Grossman '87, Takeshi "Toxi" Hatanaka '89, Paul Rowady '88, and Lou Aronson '87. John supports Michigan Alpha in hopes that current and future brothers can continue to build friendships as meaningful as his. John's bond with SigEp brothers has been important on a personal and professional level. "I value friendship and loyalty in life and there is nothing like the friendship and loyalty of a fraternity brother." John and his wife, Donna, have been married for 22 years. They have two daughters, Jessica (17) and Samantha (19), who is a sophomore at Michigan and a member of SDT. John is an investment advisor at Tag Associates, LLC in New York City, with over 20 years of experience. E-mail: jpantowich@tagassoc.com Meaningful Memories Lead to a Strong Michigan Alpha Bond N eil Thanedar '10 didn't expect that he would join a fraternity in college. Midway through his freshman year, however, he realized that all of his friends were a part of the same amazing group of men: Sigma Phi Epsilon. Neil joined SigEp and now looks back on his experience as an undergraduate and success as an alumnus. Neil fondly remembers moments with his brothers such as tailgating at 548 S. State Street. "Nowadays, I travel thousands of miles to visit campus; it's fun to remember a time when that whole experience came to us." He can also relate to the struggle that many undergraduates face when graduating and applying for jobs. "I must have applied to 100 companies during my college career and zero of them offered me a job. My only option was to start my own company," Neil explains. He advises that taking risks like starting your own business is something young people can afford to do. "Your life will never be more flexible than it is right now. Take advantage of this freedom, embrace uncertainty, gamble on yourself, travel the world, start a business." Two years ago Neil sold his first business, Avomeen Analytical Services, to launch his second company, LabDoor. LabDoor, which was used by over one million people in 2014, is an independent testing organization that ranks vitamins and supplements based on their quality and value. Neil says that his secrets to this wonderful success are consistent hard work and a willingness to learn new things. "Anything is possible if you embody these two virtues." Although LabDoor keeps Neil busy, he still finds time to maintain relationships with his SigEp brothers. He takes two trips with them each year, one to Ann Arbor for the alumni weekend football game and the other for a ski trip. "SigEp is the venue where I met many of the people who are now my closest friends. I wouldn't be the same person today if I didn't rush this fraternity." Brother Thanedar gives back to Michigan Alpha by assisting undergraduates or younger alumni in finding internships, making career connections, or selecting a career path. "SigEp changed my college experience for the better and I am very appreciative to everyone who helped build that program for me. Now it is my turn to help build a strong program for my collegiate brothers." Neil spends his free time chasing his two dogs, Zeus and Pluto, around his home. He and his fiancée, Shoua Kue, will get married in September. E-mail: neilthanedar@gmail.com "SigEp is the venue where I met many of the people who are now my closest friends. I wouldn't be the same person today if I didn't rush this fraternity." " " Neil Thanedar '10 Reflects on His Journey to Success and the Impact of Michigan Alpha

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