Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Florida

For Alumni And Friends oF the FloridA AlphA ChApter no. 31 • summer 2016 university oF FloridA, sigmA phi epsilon inFormAtion www.FlAlphA.org SigEp Gator Heart L ooking reality in the eye, the Alumni Volunteer Corporation (AVC) and the Florida Alpha Education Foundation (FAEF) have had to make some tough decisions about planned renovations at 5 Fraternity Row. "We have scaled back the house design to be more in line with our fundraising," explained Bert Harris '74 on a recent conference call. "Despite all our best efforts, we simply could not reach the $3.3 million goal needed and we have been forced to make our plans fit the funds available." "Our goal of raising $3.3 million has fallen short by more than $1 million, and it would have been much worse without the generous $1 million gift from Brother Mike Watford '75," Harris said. With more than 2,000 alumni in our records, only 209 have answered the call and, to date, only $2.125 million has been contributed or pledged. Harris explained that in order to have the renovations completed by the fall of 2017 to coincide with the newly established Sigma Epsilon Colony moving into the house, difficult and critical decisions had to be made now. "We are confident the renovations will give us a beautiful, state- of-the-art house that will bring new life and energy to the Colony when the members move in," AVC President Bryson Ridgway '05 said. "We considered borrowing twice as much, but all have concluded that the prudent and responsible decision is to limit debt to below $1 million," Ridgway said. Changes from the earlier plans include reducing the bed capacity of the house from the planned 60 beds to 46 beds and downsizing the dining room from a planned 160 capacity to about 100. "Even with the changes, the renovated house will be one of the best on campus and we are excited to get the project underway," Harris said. The "new" house will stand out among all the houses on campus. The house will have a new, more efficient kitchen, completely renovated sleeping rooms, enlarged and renovated bathrooms, a state-of-the-art Residential Learning Center (RLC), new men's and women's restrooms, new roof, new plumbing, updated electrical service and air conditioning, an expanded house parent suite, a new weight room, a spacious back deck, and an upscale television/gathering area. For comfort's sake and in keeping with present-day trends, the west wing dorm rooms will feature elevated double beds with study space beneath the beds. Dorm rooms in the new wing will be singles due to the smaller room size. All patio areas and the entry area will be significantly upgraded. Universities and Greek organizations nationwide are placing heavy emphasis on in-house education. SigEp is a nationwide leader in the effort. The Florida Alpha RLC will be the best on the UF campus. The Center will include specially designed study spaces using the latest and best technology. A Graduate Scholar suite, designed to attract an in-residence scholar to advise brothers academically, is planned. A multipurpose classroom/study area, a conference room, and faculty office are included in the revised plans. Because large numbers of classes today are taught online, it is vital that we have the very latest in Wi-Fi, internet, computers, and connectivity. Shortfall In Fundraising MAJOR CHANGES APPROVED TO HOUSE RENOVATION PLANS Turn to page 5 to read all about the new Colony and our new leaders! (Continued on page 6)

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