Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

Page 3 Sigma Phi Epsilon DONATE NOW Use the enclosed pledge form or go online: http://sigep.kintera.org/flalpha. A dam Rogers '97 is one of many who have contributed generously to the Campaign for Florida Alpha. Adam believes his SigEp experience has done much to shape his personal and professional life. Today, Adam serves as the chief technology officer at Ultimate Software, a publically traded firm headquartered in Weston, Florida, where he is responsible for a $150 million budget and over 800 people who create and deliver an award-winning HR, talent, and payroll product called UltiPro. Adam began a new path in life when he became the unofficial computer guru in the SigEp house. This hobby led Adam to later decide to pursue a highly successful career in computer software, due in part to an opportunity afforded to him at Florida Alpha. Adam knows his life would have been dramatically different if he hadn't been a part of SigEp. Thanks to high school friends Colin McKinney '96 and Bryan Curry '96, who pushed Adam to come to Gainesville a week early for rush week, Adam is now a proud SigEp alumnus. "The SigEp values and core beliefs were consistent with mine. Namely, always striving to be morally and ethically sound in all facets of life. Because of the core values that Florida Alpha demonstrated, we earned the respect of the Greek system, the student body, and so many in Gainesville that it was with a strong sense of pride that I happily wore my letters everywhere I could." His roles as block seating chairman, a great opportunity to interact with brothers and alumni, and as computer guru were great experiences for Adam. He found enjoyment helping his brothers with computer problems or general technology questions, and many brothers wondered why he wasn't pursuing a career in computer software. "One brother in particular was so adamant that I decided to seek an internship that happened to be with Ultimate Software. The rest is history." Since Adam became CTO at Ultimate Software, the market capitalization of Ultimate Software (ULTI) has gone from $100 million to over $5 billion and has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the top 25 best places to work in America seven times. Throughout his successful career, Adam has learned some lessons he wants to share with his Florida Alpha brothers. "Always, always, always be a team player. Almost nothing in this world gets done by individuals anymore. You have to work well on a team or you won't succeed. Be willing to fail fast and learn quickly. Trying new things and learning are the only ways progress is made. Know that so many things that make you happy are just outside your comfort zone." Adam is thankful for SigEp's role in his life. "I think SigEp instilled a sense of purpose and belonging that made me understand that the things in life that are worth doing mean contributing in a community. Being so close to the brothers at SigEp created a feeling of accountability to make everything great, so I learned to take on that responsibility and contribute to make Florida Alpha a better place." He remembers many special memories from his time in the Chapter House, including pledging with long time friends Colin McKinney and Bryan Curry (and two years later getting Scott Costolo '95 to pledge), playing for the state championship in flag football, pledge class road trips to Knoxville in an RV, the 1996 National Championship in New Orleans, and watching his younger brother, David Rogers '98, be initiated. His most memorable moments were meeting his future wife, Joanne Scherr, at a date function, and the "party" his pledge class threw him after lavaliering Joanne. Because Adam attributes so many great memories and lessons learned to his SigEp experience, he wanted to help continue that possibility for others through financial donations to the Pride in Our Past, Foundation for the Future campaign. "My time at SigEp was filled with so many great experiences, life lessons and amazing people I would never have met, that I am honored to be able to help continue that opportunity for others in the years to come." Adam and Joanne, who have been married for 17 years, live in Boca Raton with their daughter, Morgan (14), and twin sons, Jack and Dylan (11). Adam can be contacted at adam@the-rogers.com. SigEp and Florida Alpha Set Path for Adam Rogers '97 " My time at SigEp was filled with so many great experiences, life lessons and amazing people I would never have met, that I am honored to be able to help continue that opportunity for others in the years to come."

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