Alpha Tau Omega - University of Florida

the Alpha Omegan p. 2 www.ufato.org George Etheridge '78 and Wife, Lisa, Honored as UF Distinguished Alumni W hen George Etheridge '79 and Lisa Etheridge enrolled at the University of Florida in the mid 1970s, pursuing a business education was not in their plans. George intended on being a dentist while Lisa went the pre-med route. What was once one of the furthest things from their minds is now one of the closest to their hearts. George and Lisa have championed the Warrington College of Business for the past four decades, generously supporting the college's scholars and students. For their extraordinary efforts, George and Lisa received University of Florida's Distinguished Alumni Award—the most prestigious honor UF can bestow on its alumni—during the College's commencement ceremony on December 17, 2016. "We're very humbled by this honor," George said. "It still hasn't sunk in yet." George and Lisa's commitment to the college is rooted in the incredible impact Warrington had on them as undergraduates, and how much it changed their futures. "The courses just clicked with me," said Lisa, 58. "I found the professors to be very approachable and available." Excerpted from UF Warrington Wire, Alumni News, December 2016 O n February 22, UF Student Government officials announced the results of the spring 2017 student elections, officially confirming election of Smith Meyers '13 as the University's 2017-18 Student Body President. Smith is the first Alpha Omegan to assume this highest-ranking student body leadership position since Alex Patton '90 held the post during the 1993-94 academic year, more than twenty years ago. "I am honored and excited to have been elected as Student Body President at the University of Florida," Smith told the Alpha Omegan following his election. "I so appreciate all of the support I have received from our alumni and active brotherhood and would not be where I am today without the influence that Alpha Omega has had on me. I look forward to serving my fellow students and representing our fraternity as I take on this new role." During his term, Smith is planning to focus on key agenda items that he and the Impact Party have set as priorities, including lobbying for funding of a new wellness center on Normal Field, creation of on-campus early voting locations, and expanded availability of scooter parking on campus. One of those scholars was Dr. Jack Faricy, a former Distinguished Professor of Marketing and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs. The Etheridges were so appreciative of Dr. Faricy's guidance that they, along with former students and family members, established a professorship in his name in 1996. The Jack Faricy Professorship, currently held by Dr. Lyle Brenner, rewards professors who demonstrate outstanding teaching skills, and provides resources for their research efforts. "Following a meeting with Dean [John] Kraft, we were inspired to become more involved," George said. "We had confidence in his leadership and his vision for the College." The Etheridges' generosity has not stopped there. In 1992, they established a fund that provides two annual scholarships to students "who have demonstrated, and are committed to, outstanding academic achievement and service to others." More than 40 students have been impacted by the Etheridges' scholarship. George and Lisa also created two additional professorships, and were major contributors to the construction of Hough Hall. While their children were attending UF, George and Lisa met Dr. Brian Ray, the former Associate Dean and Director of the Heavener School of Business. His guidance and inspiration led them to make an additional contribution for the construction of Heavener Hall. "We feel very blessed to be able to give back and support Warrington because that's where we got our start," Lisa said. It's a sentiment George and Lisa have been emphasizing to alumni, especially younger alumni, for decades. "We want the college to be successful," Lisa said. "That's why we've continued to support the professors and students. Feeling good about philanthropy is a fringe benefit." George Etheridge is the founder of Precision Orthopedics Inc. George first met Lisa in 1977 in Broward Hall while studying for exams. George and Lisa's children, George '07 and Carla, are also Warrington graduates. SMITH MEYERS ELECTED AS UF STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT Smith visits with members of the Impact Party campaign team regarding plans for the student issues to be featured on the party's campaign platform. Smith Meyers '13 addresses students and supporters during the spring campaign for student body president. Justin Albright '08 Paul Beam '65 Trevor Berecz '10 Jib Black '70 Mark Carpenter '79 Chad Durrance '86 George Etheridge '78 George Etheridge '07 Jon Hammond '98 John Jennings '75 Brad Kimbro '84 Ian Leavengood '91 John Marion '77 Greg Marion '83 Wes Maul '06 Fred Mills '77 Logan Murphy '02 Patrick Nutt '99 Thomas Philpot '03 Don Prokes '66 Cole Sones '13 Will Spicola '02 Will Tabor '12 Collin Thompson '10 Clay Townsend '74 Howe Wallace '74 Blake Wheeler '12 Special Thanks to Alumni Who Supported Smith During the Campaign Alpha Omega Returns to Top SG Position after More Than 20 Years

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