Sigma Phi Epsilon - Florida State University

ΣΦΕ The SigEp Seminole FLORIDA EPSILON s FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY s SIGMA PHI EPSILON Summer 2017 INSIDE: Standing Strong 2 s Welcome, New Members 3 s Alumni News 4 W e have much to be proud of with today's Florida Epsilon Chap- ter. Since recolonization in 2011, Sigma Phi Epsilon has re- established itself as a premier Fraternity at Florida State. Our Chapter officers are sharp and balanced leaders who are doing an excellent job of managing the Chapter from finances to risk management and campus leadership to recruitment. Our members are an eclectic group of young men involved in all facets of campus life, and we have grown tremendously in a short amount of time while maintaining rigorous standards of membership. It is imperative that we stay committed to our values if the Chapter is to continue attracting top men and providing the leadership opportuni- ties and fellowship that are the hallmarks of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Stay- ing connected and staying involved with the Chapter is necessary for future growth. We want to invite you to reconnect with brothers and get to know our undergraduates at the Louisville game on October 21 in Tallahassee. More details will be forthcoming, but save the date and make your hotel arrangements today. In 2015, we revisited the idea of building a new SigEp house in Heri- tage Grove. The feedback from our alumni showed a clear preference to return to campus. With that feedback in mind, the Florida Epsilon alumni and undergraduate leadership are developing a plan to address the long-term viability of the Sigma Phi Epsilon experience on the Florida State University campus. In the coming months, you will hear more about these exciting plans. Stay tuned! Thank you to the alumni closely involved with the Chapter for your willingness to offer your time and energy. If you are interested in vol- unteering, please contact Mike Hugunin '75 at mehugunin@aol.com or me and we will find a role for you to fill. Fraternally, Rob Atkisson '93 AVC President (850) 321-0539 / rob@tribellc.com The Future Is Bright for Florida Epsilon Chapter Alumni Support Needed for Continued Success SHARING THE HARVEST Florida Epsilon HElpEd sEt JEFF GarGiulo '74 on tHE patH oF succEss A fter a summer visit to Tallahassee, Jeff Gargiulo '74 had no trouble choosing Florida State University over the University of Florida. Once at FSU, his attention was captured by the Florida Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. "I became a SigEp because they seemed like a well-rounded group and that appealed to me." As the social secretary, Jeff was in charge of creating and organizing special events for the men of the Chapter. "Some of my favorite memories of the guys were playing horseshoes on a spring evening in the backyard after dinner. We had a good time organizing the softball team that had a competitive winning streak." Now when he is back on campus for university events, Jeff enjoys seeing his SigEp brothers. Jeff took the valuable lessons he learned at FSU into the business world and found success. He started his career as a picking boss for Naples Fruit and Vegetable Company and later become the general manager of the 500- acre tomato farm. Jeff then became CEO of his family tomato business, Gargiulo Inc. He later served as the president and chief executive officer of Sunkist from 2001 to 2006. In 1994, Jeff and his wife, Valerie Boyd, start- ed Gargiulo Vineyards, a premium boutique winery with two vineyards in Oakville, Napa Valley, Calif. Gargiulo Vineyards is known for producing world-class Cabernet. As a businessman, Jeff encourages undergraduates and younger alumni who are just starting out in their careers to be bold. "My best advice is be involved in as much as possible and get started now; don't wait." Jeff also offered this advice to FSU graduates during in his commencement speech in May 2016. Jeff and his family make it a priority to give back to those in need. He and Valerie are founders and trustees of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, which benefits the Naples Children and Education Foundation. Since its in- ception, the festival has raised more than $161 million and impacted lives of more than 200,000 of the most vulnerable children in Collier County. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys playing guitar in a band, golfing, and traveling. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and grown children, April, Jeff Jr., and Alexandra. E-mail: jeff@gargiulovineyards.com

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