Theta Chi - University of Florida

THETA CHI PAGE 3 (Continued from page 1) Zach is a partner at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres, & Friedman in New York City. The law firm focuses on complex, high- stakes commercial litigation. "I get to work on the biggest cases for the best clients, matched up against the most formidable opposing counsel in the country." Zach attributes his success to the skills he learned and developed in Theta Chi. "Confidence in myself, the ability to relate to people from any and all backgrounds, strategic thinking learned from my work in campus politics; there is no doubt in my mind that I would not be in this position were it not for my time at Tau Chapter." Zach and his wife, Amanda, live in White Plains, New York. They have two precocious daughters—Cori, who is 4, and Brooke, who is 5 months. When he is not spending time with his Theta Chi brothers, who remain his best friends today, Zach is often cycling. Along with Tau Chapter brothers Vincent Vicidomini '98 and Christopher Coffey '99, he recently completed his fifth Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual 200-mile bike ride that raises money for cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Zach can be contacted at zwmazin@gmail.com. MEN OF CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY T he Tau Chapter House has changed dramatically over the last 40 years. As Bruce Hoffmann '68 recalls, there weren't as many students, men wore coats and ties and women wore dresses to football games, and the Chapter House had one TV that sometimes needed to be smacked before you would see a clear picture. This is a big contrast to the wall of flat-screen TVs at the current Chapter House. However, no matter how many physical changes occur or how much time passes, the traditions and values of Theta Chi remain the same. Bruce joined as a junior, which allowed him to have the unique experience of living in the Chapter house as a pledge. One of his favorite Tau traditions was serenades. As the song leader, it was Bruce's job to ensure that brothers practiced for serenades—this was not always the easiest task, as not everyone was thrilled to be singing. Bruce enjoyed the tradition, though, especially when they got to serenade the Dream Girl of Theta Chi. He still remembers the words to the Dream Girl song today. He also recalled that there was a leak in the ceiling of the living room. No one could figure out exactly where the water was coming from and even when the leak would be "fixed," it would eventually come back. At one point, the members had a party that was island themed and featured the leak as a "waterfall" attraction. He does not believe the leak was ever completely repaired. Following graduation, Bruce became a field secretary for Theta Chi and served for two years. He visited chapters along the East Coast. Marvin Fleming '46 was helpful in securing him the position, which ultimately enabled Bruce to attend law school. "Being in Theta Chi had a significant influence on my career path. Working as a field secretary, I gained valuable leadership skills and perspective that I have continued to use throughout my life." Bruce has also enjoyed the privilege of serving on the Theta Chi Foundation Chapter Board. He was contacted by a Florida State alumnus to serve on the board and immediately accepted the opportunity. The work itself could be difficult at times, but Bruce enjoyed the opportunity to connect and reconnect with brothers at conferences and conventions. Since retiring from his position as chief of staff for the Florida Lottery, Bruce's main enjoyment has been spending time with his family. His son, Travis, is a senior in high school and hopes to attend the University of Florida next year. Bruce, his wife, Marion, and Travis live in Tallahassee. He enjoys seeing fellow Theta Chis and encourages those who have not seen the renovated Chapter House to make the trip there. "The Chapter House is a wonderful facility and there are always great opportunities to meet the active members and other alumni. The fraternal bond we all share makes going back a special experience." E-mail: repgator@embarqmail.com Traditions That Last in Theta Chi Why Bruce Hoffmann '68 Gives Back to Fraternity Alumni News John C. Tindall '59 was a baseball coach at St. Johns River Community College for 30 years and athletic director for four years. He now winters in Florida and summers in North Carolina. Hon. Leroy H. Moe '60 is happy to be retired and lives in a condo on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Fla., close to his two daughters and two granddaughters, who are five and eight years old. Charles G. Sauls '60 had a great 20-year career as a naval flight officer, flying early warning and anti-submarine aircraft. He was stationed in Newfoundland, Japan, Maryland, Illinois, San Diego, and New Orleans. Charlie retired in 1985 with rank of commander, and then had a second career in Tallahasse with the Department of Commerce and governor's office, retiring in 2002 to the Jacksonville area. He has been married to the same lovely lady, Margie, since 1961. They have two children and three grandchildren. He plays tennis and enjoys working on his 1967 Firebird convertible. "I give credit to my big brother, Ron Acree '57, for teaching my how to study, resulting in my becoming a UF graduate and still having fun as a Theta Chi." E-mail: c1m1@earthlink.net Stephen A. Sauls '64 retired in December 2013 as long-serving vice president of governmental relations at Florida International University, where he was instrumental in the establishment of FIU's College of Law and Medicine. He is the former editor-in-chief of the Florida Alligator and is also former president of the Gator Club in Washington, D.C. He will be splitting his retirement years between Miami and Brazil. E-mail: stevesaulsl@aol.com (Continued on page 4)

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