Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

For Alumni And Friends oF the FloridA AlphA ChApter no. 27 • spring 2015 university oF FloridA, sigmA phi epsilon inFormAtion www.FlAlphA.org SigEp Gator Heart Closing of ZBT Won't Affect Our Move Forward Fraternity Leasing Chapter House Forced to Close (Continued on page 5) "In no way does the ZBT fraternity's removal from campus interfere with our plans to recolonize Florida Alpha," Bryson Ridgway '05, president of the Florida Alpha Alumni and Volunteer Corporation, said. "We will look for new tenants and move forward. "Florida Alpha is energetically moving forward with plans to return to the UF campus as a colony in 2016 with the full and equally energetic support of the UF administration," Bryson said. ZBT had been leasing the Florida Alpha Chapter House for the past two years. ZBT will honor its remaining lease commitment and will vacate the property in June. ZBT's national office, UF Student Affairs staff, and Florida Alpha's alumni leadership are working together to ensure the security of the property. Accused of hurling bottles and insults at a group of wounded combat veterans in Panama City Beach, the ZBT UF chapter was closed April 28, just days after the launch of a misconduct investigation by the University. "Vice President of Student Affairs Dave Kratzer said we would deal swiftly with this and we have," said Janine Sikes, UF assistant vice president for media relations. Kratzer, a retired U.S. Army general and a SigEp alumnus, said he was disgusted by the reports of the way the students treated military veterans at the Laketown Wharf resort in Panama City during spring break. Commenting on Florida Alpha plans to move forward and return to the UF campus, Jack Causseaux, UF director, sorority and fraternity affairs in the division of Student Affairs, said, "SigEp's Balanced Man Program provides a vision that is shared by the University of Florida. A well-run Balanced Man Program will provide SigEp with an opportunity to return as a leader on campus and contribute to positive change for the Florida Greek community." "While there is no guarantee that young college men won't make poor decisions in the future, successful implementation of the SigEp Balanced Man Program has a proven record of building character and a deep sense of responsibility in its members. Florida Alpha will have an opportunity to set a great example at UF and become the flagship fraternity at UF once again," AVC President Bryson Ridgway concluded. Questions about Florida Alpha? E-mail SigEpFLAlpha @gmail.com. * O n April 9 and 10, Bryson Ridgway '05, Trevor Bullard, University of Massachusetts '12, Austin Chapman, Lawrence Technological University '14, Patrick Gallagher, San Diego State University '14, and I met with many members of the UF administration and faculty. We were not sure what to expect in light of the unpleasant circumstances leading up to the Chapter's departure from campus in December 2013. However, we were very pleased with the warm reception we received. It was abundantly clear that UF is enthusiastic about SigEp's return and there is great respect for our National Fraternity and the many fine SigEps who have attended UF. It was also quite evident that our AVC president, Bryson Ridgway, has established outstanding relationships with UF both as a student and as the leader of our Alumni and Volunteer Corporation (or Alumni Board as it used to be called). This was also a great opportunity for Bryson and me to work with Trevor (Headquarters director responsible for recolonizations) as well as Austin and Patrick (Headquarters regional directors who will live in Gainesville for the 2016 spring semester to recruit and train our new SigEp colony). The following is a summary of our meetings. APRIL 9 MEETING Participants: Jack Causseaux - UF Director, Sorority and Fraternity Affairs, Department of Student Activities & Involvement, Division of Student Affairs In Preparation for Florida Alpha's Return to Campus, Alumni Leaders Hold Successful Meetings with UF Faculty and Staff Laura Matthews, M.P.A. - Associate Director, Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, Dean of Students Office The purpose of the meeting was to determine whether there are any further requirements that must be satisfied prior to coming back on campus as a Balanced Man SigEp colony in January 2016. Jack and Laura confirmed that there are no additional requirements and

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