For alUmni and Friends oF The alpha chapTer SigEp no. 13 • spring 2009 Gator , s igma phi epsilon Heart inFormaTion www .Flalpha .org

Florida alpha remembers 60 Years oF service a Tribute to dave hendon ’50

t is with great sadness that we inform you collect cigarette wrappers at the stadium after Iof the passing of Dave Hendon ’50 , former football games,” he remembered. Philip Florida Alpha AVC treasurer Morris ended up sending the Dave’s Charges to and president, at the age of Chapter a huge radio console that 84, on Wednesday, April 29. was a big hit. Florida Alpha The following article detail - 1. Send articles to The Journal every year. ing Dave’s devotion to the Always interested in fostering fraternity was printed in the Brother development, Brother 2. Print an alumni directory every 2004 fall edition of the SigEp Hendon would bring in profes - two years. Gator Heart: sionals to speak about their indus - 3. Throw an anniversary party tries and careers. “I also made every five years. “If you speak to any Brother pledges learn about SigEp his - 4. Invite the leaders of Gainesville about which University of tory,” he continued. “I would to the house. Florida alumnus most show them a blanket with a sports 5. Collect and maintain a history embodies brotherly love, you letter on it to see if they knew the of the Chapter. are sure to hear the name Brother it belonged to.” Dave Hendon ’50 . No other man has given 6. Do something for the house as much of his heart and his time to Florida Dave met his first wife, Sarah Chester, in each year. Alpha. A very sentimental man, he will often Jacksonville at the Florida-Georgia game. “I 7. Pay down the mortgage . shed a tear when recalling his memories of thought she was pretty, and she thought I 8. Send letters or postcards to Dave. SigEp. Through his dedicated service as an was cute, telling all kind of jokes.” A day undergraduate and alumnus, Dave has been after Dave graduated from UF in February the lifeblood that gave continuity to the his - 1950, SigEp Founder Tom McCa ul Over the next six decades, there was one con - tory and well-being of our local Chapter. (University of Richmond ’03 ) wed the two. stant on the AVC: Dave Hendon. He brought “Terry Lyle ’48 was my best man, Terry’s a business-like approach to managing our Dave came to Gainesville in 1942 and brother sang at my wedding, and all the financial affairs and was personally involved joined SigEp in his first semester, along groomsmen were SigEps.” Cancer took her with every mortgage we have ever had, with about 15 other men. “We had a bunch life in 1996, and four of the six pallbearers including paying off two of them. of guys from Plant City, and we debated at her funeral were FL Alphas ( Terry Lyle during Chapter about whether we should ’48 , Mark Delegal ’89 , Leo Winfree ’35 , Dave also spent a lot of time on the road. He subscribe to the Tampa Tribune or to The and Dave’s son, Mark ’80 ). would open the FL Alpha alumni directory Jacksonville Journal ,” he said with a and travel to a city to meet with Brothers – chuckle. It was then that Dave started docu - As an undergraduate, Brother Hendon most of whom he never met before – to intro - menting the history of Florida Alpha by motioned and voted to pay off the mortgage, duce himself and get them excited about dear submitting articles to The Journal . which was about $16,000. It only made sense old Fraternity. Sarah often wondered where that a few years later he became treasurer, his she was on the list, and she insisted she was In 1944, World War II took Brother Hendon first and longtime position on the Alumni behind SigEp and Dave’s mom, in that order. to England and France, and he returned to the Board. He took the post after Huber Hurst States over two years later. He was not able to ’28 , another Florida Alpha Order of the SigEp presented Dave with the Fraternity’s return to UF immediately due to an automo - Golden Heart recipient, stepped down. highest honor, the Order of the Golden Heart, bile accident, but after almost two years of “Huber was a dapper fellow with double- at the ’71 Atlanta Conclave. “Tom McCaul rehabilitation, he returned to Gainesville. For breasted suits and wavy hair. He once confis - carried a walking stick from World War I in the next two years, Dave was the pledge mas - cated a guy’s clothes, suitcase, and typewriter France, and he put a red napkin on the stick ter for Florida Alpha. “I made the pledges for not paying his dues.” and waved it around.” (Continued on page 2) Page 2 SigEp Gator Heart

a Tribute to dave hendon ’50 (Continued from page 1) Brother Hendon retired from the board last Dave is survived by his children, Mark and March (2003) to spend more time with his Sandra; his grandchildren: Nicole, Christopher, new wife, Jane McKinney. They married Jason, Kelly, and Kali; and his great-grandchil - January 4, 2004, and enjoy playing dominoes dren: Sarah, Savannah, Madelyn, and Hayden. and bridge, spending time with friends, and watching the wildlife around the water from Donations can be made in Dave’s memory to their NW Gainesville home. the Florida Alpha Added Dimensions Fund (to be used for scholarships or other educational The brothers of Florida Alpha gathered Alumni gathered at the house during the needs) by check at P.O. Box 12182, around and sang Dear Old Fraternity Founder’s Day event to celebrate Dave’s Gainesville, FL 32604-0182. in tribute to Brother Hendon. many years of diligence. National Director Bert Harris ’74 read a glorious proclamation from Grand President James F. Robeson Although Dave is no longer with us, the impact he has made upon Sigma Phi Epsilon (University of Cincinnati ’59 ). Then every - will always remain. Fellow Brothers remember the legacy of Dave: one shared stories about Florida Alpha and expressed their appreciation to Dave. Even “Dave was a SigEp icon and the bedrock of “Dave dedicated his life to SigEp. I worked though the overall spirit was festive, every - Florida Alpha. His service was selfless, pas - with him in 1963-1965 as the chapter con - one had a tear in his eye, knowing he was sionate, and focused. I and many others owe troller. He taught me a great deal about leaving the board. our SigEp experience to Dave and his 60- accounting, bookkeeping, and dealing with plus years of service to our Fraternity.” people. “These skills helped me throughout Brother Hendon spent the majority of his life A.J. Siccardi ’98 my career. As is true for so many brothers, making Florida Alpha a better experience for Dave became a lifelong friend and men - everyone, and his love of the Fraternity cen - “Florida Alpha was shaped into the brother - tor. He was a role model of integrity, hard ters on brotherhood. “The best things about hood it was in the 1960s and continues work, and love for our Fraternity. Dave was SigEp are the people and the friends. My best today due to Dave Hendon’s guiding hand always available and willing to help solve friends are SigEps, and I have more friends and influence. Every Brother owes a sin - any problem.” around the United States than I do in cere debt of gratitude to Dave. We all need Steve Shewbrooks ’66 Gainesville.’ There will never be another to ensure that his legacy lives on.” Dave Hendon, and we are forever grateful for Robert Cogswell ’66 his devotion.” Thank You From the Heart March 26, 2004

Dear Brother Hendon, bers for the last 60 years. I know of no one else We have found that every long-term quality in our great Fraternity who can make such a chapter depends upon a long-term alumni com - I understand Florida Alpha is gathering on claim as to touch so many lives. mitment. Through your life’s service, you have Saturday, March 27, 2004, to celebrate your set the standard for our Fraternity. Your com - many decades of service to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Your Chapter has remained consistently strong, mitment is displayed in the long-term success I write to add to their praise and appreciation with six Buchanan Cups, nine Phi Beta Kappa of Florida Alpha. of your efforts and contributions. Wheelhouse recognitions for superior grades, balanced athletes and significant campus lead - For years, we have feared the day you retire Among those who are familiar with our ers. Your efforts have truly enriched the lives of from service. While I cannot help but lament Fraternity’s history, we know of no other Brother thousands of young men in their quest to become our loss, on behalf of Sigma Phi Epsilon, I who has committed so many years to a Chapter’s Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities. extend our very sincere thank you for your life - service. Your service exceeds 60 years. time of service. It has truly been a job well Generally, we recognize a lifetime of service Housing is an important element of the SigEp done. Your Brothers—both at Florida and the with half of that with the Order of the Golden experience. Your efforts have produced a nation over—thank you from the heart for the Heart. Unlike anyone in our history, you qualify Chapter House worth over two million dol - dedicated service to shape the future of so for two. You have established a new benchmark lars. It remains one of the best on the campus. many young men. for service to Sigma Phi Epsilon. I am told that, during the 1950s, you drove through the state of Florida to personally Fraternally, During these years of service, your Florida touch Brothers for contributions for the new James F. Robeson Alpha Chapter has grown to be the largest in house construction, and that you worked dili - Grand President the nation with over 2,500 members, and has gently after its construction to assure its remained so for many decades. You have proper maintenance. Your efforts are unsur - * Reprinted from the SigEp Gator Heart touched the lives of every one of those mem - passed by any Brother. Fall 2004 Newsletter Sigma Phi Epsilon Page 3

Thank god For sigma phi epsilon A.J. Siccardi on how Florida alpha changed one brother’s life Behalf of Florida Alpha

or any potential new member wondering what creating relevant programming and providing reg - Alumni Volunteer Fthe benefits of fraternity life are, all they have ular communication. Today, several years later, to do is look to Florida Alpha alum - we have repaid more than $200,000 Corporation Gives Thanks nus A.J. Siccardi ’98 . He is a perfect toward our long-term debt, spent example of how Sigma Phi Epsilon approxi mately $400,000 on facility to SigEp Brothers for can pay great dividends beyond the improvements, and concentrated Invaluable Service undergraduate experience. For him, focus on helping our undergraduates the Fraternity not only created an become the best SigEps they can.” unforgettable time at the University n behalf of the Florida Alpha Alumni of Florida, it has made a tremendous “What I have always wanted to do is OVolunteer Corporation, I would like to impact upon his life. give back in thanks for the wonderful express my gratitude to the following brothers opportunity that was given to me,” for their dedication of time and leadership to A.J. was active in the Chapter and on says A.J. “I would like to use the SigEp over the last few years. Your efforts campus serving as the IFC president. words of someone who inspired me, have been truly appreciated and we value your Senior year at Conclave, he ran for student direc - Florida Congressman and SigEp alumnus Billy devotion to Sigma Phi Epsilon. tor of the national board and served in this posi - Matthews ’29 . He used to come by the house tion for two years. Conclave would also play a when I was an undergraduate and speak about LEE CATLEDGE ’90, Gainesville, Fla. significant role later in A.J.’s life. “After school, I what SigEp meant to him. He used to say, ‘Thank Lee was one of the first to volunteer when I joined Ford Motor Company and a few months God for Sigma Phi Epsilon.’ I, too, thank God took over as president. He came in as treasurer later I went to a luncheon at SigEp Conclave and every day for my great brothers.” A.J. can be and we worked together for about four years. sitting next to me was the former CEO and e-mailed at [email protected]. (Continued on page 4) Chairman of Ford Motor Company. Here I was, a new employee, dining with the former CEO and Chairman of my new company.” Florida Alpha Is Most Celebrated Now the Director of Finance at Racetrac Petroleum, A.J. credits this position to SigEp. “I was hired based solely off a recommendation SigEp Chapter in the Southeast from Brother Dan Gordon ’99 . Every opportu - Connect with Undergraduates, Join the Mentorship Program nity I had on campus I owe to the Chapter and the brothers. And every opportunity I have had after - uring these difficult and demanding Alumni Needed for Mentorship Program wards I can tie back to the Fraternity. It’s been a Deconomic times there is much to be One of these niches is to become an under - fantastic experience and I want to do everything I proud of at Florida Alpha. Unlike the news graduate mentor. Patrick Dunnigan ’06 is can so people who come after me can have the we often hear through the media, the news launching our mentorship program and is same opportunity.” from Florida Alpha is not just promising, it is looking for alumni interested in becoming a outstanding. mentor. These relationships will be goal ori - A.J. returned to Florida in 1999 and became ented and limited to a specific timeframe. For involved again with Florida Alpha. He was AVC Earns Two National Awards more information please contact Patrick at alumni volunteer corporation vice president under Florida Alpha returned from the Carlson [email protected]. Dave Hendon ’50 for two years and then took Leadership Academy as the most celebrated over as president from 2003 to 2009. He feels it undergraduate chapter and alumni Committees Develop Strategic Plans was important to give back early in his career volunteer corporation (AVC) in the In addition to the development of an effective because that’s when one can relate best to the Southeast. Our AVC was awarded two presti - mentorship program, the AVC has assembled Chapter. “The guys can understand who you are gious awards, the AVC Operational several committees that are working on and where you came from. You have a unique Excellence Award and the Volunteer of the improving our organizational structure, devel - bond. Every alumnus who gets involved will have Year award went to Steve Shewbrooks ’66 . oping a one-, three-, and five-year strategic a great experience and get something back as plan, and improving the condition of 5 well.” Thank You, A.J. Siccardi ’98 Fraternity Row. In our next newsletter, we Much, if not all, of this success is due to the hope to share the results from these commit - During A.J.’s term as president he worked to exceptional leadership of past AVC President tees and plot our course to ongoing improve - change the AVC’s mission. “We divided our A.J. Siccardi ’98 and the alumni board. ment and success in the future. approach into three concentrations: facility, Even in the face of so much success we have alumni programming, and undergraduate opera - set new and loftier goals and we are develop - I wish you the best and look forward to report - tions. For a number of years, the AVC focused ing the strategies to achieve them. We have ing our future success stories! almost exclusively on undergraduate operations. had enormous support from new volunteers, After years of a lack of concentrated attention, we and if you’re interested in being a part of the In Phi, realized we had an opportunity to improve and team there are many niches that range from Bryson M. Ridgway ’05 repair the facility and to reengage the alumni by minimal to moderate time commitments. (954) 701-6016 i [email protected] Page 4 SigEp Gator Heart

Invaluable Service (Continued from page 3) He was just the rock of our organization. Lee University. Moreover, he is always willing to The alumni board would also like to congratu - was instrumental in helping me get a finan - do whatever it takes to help out. Without Bert, late Bryson Ridgway ’05 , Steve Shewbooks cial plan for the AVC together and he is I wouldn’t have been able to effectively lead ’66 , Matt Gilarmo ’06 , and ken Leynse ’80 . responsible for our investment in the alumni the alumni board for the last six years. Each are recent volunteers and have agreed to communications program. We started that help lead our great organization through the program four years ago with Headquarters MiCHAEL LEWiS ’74, Gainesville, Fla. next few years. They got off to a really good and the results were astounding. Our total Michael became a volunteer as a result of a mail - start and we thank them for their dedication to giving from alumni when we first began was ing asking for someone to get involved as a the Chapter and willingness to take on leader - $5,000; by the time I left we were receiving Chapter counselor. He was gracious enough to ship of the board. $20,000 from annual mailings. take on the role of facility chairman at our request due to his background in construction, The last several years have been strong for MikE PLuM ’75, Winter Haven, Fla. even though he really wanted to be the Chapter the AVC and the undergraduate Chapter due Mike was the consummate provider, always counselor. He went to work and has been a life - to the commitments of many. Each volunteer, there for us. He is a great board member and saver getting the 50-year-old facility in order and no matter how small of a contribution (time gives fantastic advice. He is always willing to up to date with modern times. We are so thank - or money), has made an impact on our roll up his sleeves and work. Mike really set ful for his dedication of time and commitment. Fraternity. I am grateful to each and every the foundation for the executive board and we one of you and thank you for your commit - owe him a lot for his council, quick wit, and The group of individuals listed below are other ment to our Chapter. ability to always keep us on track. key contributors from the last several years. While space constraints prevent me from I encourage all alumni to back these men in BERT HARRiS ’74, Lake Placid, Fla. detailing their service to the Fraternity, each every way you can. Whether you give back an Bert is our consigliore and the SigEp “railroad was a vital part of the organization. I thank all hour a year or an hour a day, SigEp needs you leader.” He has been instrumental in recruiting of you for your time, energy, and passion: and appreciates your time and energy. new volunteers. While he isn’t on the board, Dann Smith ’98 , Mark Warner ’76 , Jim we can always rely on him for legal advice, Clayton ’48 , Todd Bonlarron ’93 , Dave Fraternally, counsel, or general advice regarding the Rumsey 03 , Jeff Wilson ’76 , kyle Jones ’03 , A.J. Siccardi ’98 national Fraternity, the Chapter, and the Dave Sobelman ’96 , and Tim Smith ’84 . Past President, AVC

FLORIDA ALPHA EXCELS IN ALL AREAS OF FRATERNITY ACTIVITIES SigEp Influence Takes Over Campus t’s great to be a Florida Gator, and it is even the largest student-run pep rally in the nation. He Parent’s Weekend a Success Igreater to be a SigEp. The school year has was also a UF Hall of Fame inductee, the most Our success across campus is only made possi - ended, and I am proud to say our Fraternity has esteemed honor at UF. Other leaders on campus ble with the contributions of our alumni and par - made its mark on campus with strong leadership, include Student Body President Jordan ents. Our parents have taken pride in our service, and athletics. Our Fraternity has been in Johnson ’09 , and Dan Siegel ’09 serves as the Fraternity and more than 75 of them attended our great financial standing, allowing continuous supervisor of elections. Together these brothers annual parent’s weekend. We cannot thank them house improvements, including two beautifully represent the ideal characteristics of SigEp. enough, as their dedication and support have done murals of our fraternal symbols. made us one of the strongest organizations and Chapter Donates $17,000 to Diabetes Camp brotherhoods at the University of Florida. G.P.A. among Top Four Fraternities SigEp was the Greek Week champion, an event We were committed to academic excellence this focused on community service participation. The We have a solid recruitment class, our brother - year with a new upgraded study room and wire - brotherhood is constantly motivated by Service hood is growing, and the bonds between us are less Internet throughout the house. Our Chairman Brad Feiger ’11 . In addition, our phi - flourishing. Our influence on campus is derived Fraternity ranks fourth out of 25 with an average lanthropy, Surf Frenzy, had more than 1,600 from living the core principles of SigEp and has G.P.A. of 3.29. I was elected a Reitz Scholar for attendees and donated $17,000 to Florida dia - been evident in the leaders across the University. 2008, one of UF’s most prestigious scholarships. betes camps. Surf Frenzy continues to be the As always, we thank you for your support of My zest for life and desire to make our benchmark of Greek philanthropies and the most Sigma Phi Epsilon and hope to see you come by Fraternity’s presence felt around campus will widely known on campus. the house for game days and throughout the year. guide us well throughout 2009. President’s Cup Championship Fraternally, Brothers Take on Campus Leadership Roles We are again a major athletic competitor for the Brock Hankins ’10 Florida Alpha boasts a Chapter of 140 brothers. President’s Cup. Our basketball team will play in Chapter President Many of us are very active and hold major lead - the fraternity championship, our volleyball team [email protected] ership positions across campus. Matt Sloan ’09 won the championship, and every one of our was appointed producer of 2009, sports teams has been playoff contenders. Sigma Phi Epsilon Page 5

sigep house receives Meet Your a much-needed Facelift Leaders n the last newsletter, SigEp asked for your Ihelp and announced the joint alumni/actives ALuMNi VoLuNTEER work session scheduled on October 4. CoRPoRATioN President The work session was a great success. After a Bryson Ridgway ’05 long weekend of hard work by alumni, active Fort Lauderdale, Fla. brothers, and pledges, everyone felt very (954) 701-6016 proud of what was accomplished. The follow - [email protected] ing is a list of the rejuvenated public areas of the SigEp house: Vice President Dann Smith ’98 • Painted walls and ceiling in the dining Charlotte, N.C. room, Chapter (living) room, and entry hall The undergraduates sit at their new dining room tables and chairs, items from their wish list. • Deep cleaned windows in the painted areas Secretary • Renovated walls of the ladies room near the After covering our expenses, we had $5,000 Mike Plum ’75 front entrance left over so we worked with the undergradu - Winter Haven, Fla. • Stained and waterproofed back deck and ates to develop a wish list of projects with a replaced 40 balusters cost of more than $12,000. Everything on the Treasurer • Fabricated a 35 ft. x 4 ft. walkway outside wish list has now been completed, with the ken Leynse ’80 the dining room undergraduates contributing $2,000 toward Clearwater, Fla. • Deep cleaned the kitchen the replacement of dining room tables and chairs. Special thanks to Bob Hudson who This makes a very nice welcome for all the donated an additional $5,600 to his already EDuCATioNAL alumni and families who will visit the house donated $5,000 to the project, bringing his total FouNDATioN during the next football season. to $10,600! President Jeffery P. Wilson ’76 This project would not have been possible with - The following additional projects were completed: Pompano Beach, Fla. out the 14 alumni led by Richard Baker ’68 , (954) 257-1888 Phil Cole ’67 , Mike Dugger ’63 , Rick Hill $3,400 – All new dining room tables and chairs [email protected] ’67 , Michael Lewis ’74 , Steve Shewbrooks $2,800 – Seven picnic tables ’66 , and Alex Trent ’66 . Special thanks to $2,500 – Wireless internet throughout the house Vice President Barbara Hume and Joan Shewbrooks for their $1,500 – Vinyl floor tile in the dining room Steve Shewbrooks ’66 hard work. We are also thankful for Clint $2,400 – Entrance hall mural, light and glass shelve Jacksonville, Fla. McDaniel ’10 and Daniel Johnson ’09 who led the participation of most of the active broth - $12,600 ToTAL Treasurer ers and pledges. Twenty-eight generous donors Bill Bell ’77 contributed $11,890, led by Bob Hudson ’68 , Thank you, everyone, for your dedication to our Boyce, Va. Bob Mead ’67 , Evelio Mederos ’66 , Rick Hill Fraternity. ’67 , and Wally Pope ’62 . CHAPTER oFFiCERS President Brock Hankins ’10 Daytona Beach, Fla. (386) 871-7183 [email protected]

Vice President Finance Aaron Heger ’11 Potomic, Md.

Vice President Recruitment James Dunnigan ’10 Tampa, Fla. (813) 486-5905 [email protected] John Hume ’66 and Bob Hudson ’68 Alex Trent ’66 helped motivate alumni and dedicated their time and dollars to the actives to repair the Chapter House. Chapter House work week in October. Page 6 SigEp Gator Heart

Florida Alpha Scholarships Attract New Pledges

ast year we experienced what many Balanced Man Scholarship Florida Alpha Alumni Association and the Leconomists have called the worst reces - Helps Draw Quality Pledges Educational Foundation. The Alumni Association sion in our country’s history since the late The Balanced Man scholarships, created and will always have the greatest need for financial 1930s. Amazingly, due to the outstanding endorsed by National, help SigEp chapters support from the brotherhood. The Educational generosity of our brotherhood, the SigEp across the country recruit and initiate a higher Foundation must also rely solely on gifts to Educational Foundation had one of its best quality pledge. Outstanding pledge classes accomplish the newly introduced educational years ever. Last year we welcomed an remain the lifeblood of Florida Alpha. Your directives. Balances for our year-end, tax- entirely new complement of volunteer direc - board was able to fund six scholarships, of deductible accounts are as follows: tors with a fresh mission statement. which four recipients accepted a bid to our Fraternity. The active Chapter selected the • Florida Alpha Added Dimensions Donor Program Streamlined recipients, organized a formal dinner, and (Gainesville): $56,643 Our first goal was to reorganize the donor awarded the scholarships. program, starting with www.flalpha.org, the • Florida Alpha Scholarship Fund official Chapter Web site. Donor options both Thank You Pledge Classes of the 1960s (Gainesville): $8,077 at National and the local level were stream - for Generous Support lined and consolidated. We are proud to Last year alumni from the 1960s swept away • Florida Alpha Added Dimensions report that a record number of scholarships competition for the Reunion Trophy. They (National): $2,700* were awarded for both the Balanced Man organized a house work party and made many program and our own Florida Alpha brothers much-needed repairs to the house. These broth - • Florida Alpha Scholarship Fund (National): who have financial need. ers generously gave to the non tax-deductible $30,000*

• Florida Alpha Endowment (Future gift funds not presently available): sigep makes The diFFerence $45,998 how Florida alpha is shaping the lives of its Undergraduates *Estimated amounts Matt Sloan ’09 positions as vice president of recruitment, Matt, from Sarasota, Florida, recruitment chairman, executive-at-large, Florida Alpha Alumni served as vice president of Balanced Man scholarship director, and assis - Scholarships Awarded member development and tant director of the Surf Frenzy philanthropy. The selection process for the Florida Alpha was president of Florida A biology major with a minor in business, Alumni Scholarships was the most stringent Alpha last year. He is David plans to attend medical school next and difficult ever; there were more than a budget chairman of the year and has been accepted to the University dozen applicants and all were clearly in need recreational sports board of of Miami and to the inaugural class at the of some financial assistance. Please read about managers, where they allo - University of Central Florida. the five outstanding scholarship recipients on cate $5 million per year. Matt is also execu - page 7. tive producer of Gator Growl, the annual stu - Jordan Johnson ’09 dent-run pep rally. Matt says SigEp prepared An economics major from The foundation hopes to increase the number him for such significant leadership roles. Celebration, Florida, Jordan of these much-needed scholarships in the “Having to be responsible for some of my plans to attend graduate coming years. Our goal is to at least maintain best friends has taught me the value of being school and study interna - the number of Balanced Men scholarships straightforward and honest in dealing with tional business at UF. He awarded in the previous year. Our agenda for people. These qualities will transcend indus - says SigEp has taught him 2009 includes additional work on an endow - tries and serve me well for the rest of my excellence and how to be ment campaign, specifically planned giving life.” Matt graduated early with a bachelor’s the best man he can be. through wills, trusts, life insurance, real degree in psychology. He is in a master’s pro - “Florida Alpha showed me through my estate, and other gifts, so our future educa - gram for business management and plans to Fraternity, friends, and lifelong brothers that tional funding does not rely on annual cash pursue a law degree upon graduation. I can achieve anything I want with their sup - donations alone. port.” Jordan has served as vice president of David Hankins ’09 recruitment, UF senate president, and was The board members would like to thank all David says SigEp has influ - recently elected student body president. He alumni who have so generously donated your enced him in many ways. “I says SigEp helped prepare him for leadership time and assets last year. Our efforts will truly believe that being a roles. “Virtue and diligence are the guiding remain worthwhile. part of this Fraternity principles that have led me through my time instills in men, including as a student, senate president, and will serve Fraternally, myself, a firm belief and me later in life. These principles are impor - 2009 Educational Foundation understanding of its cardi - tant and have been vital to my development Board of Directors nal principles: virtue, dili - during college.” gence, and brotherly love.” David has held Sigma Phi Epsilon Page 7 Co-recipients of the Florida Alpha AVC Alumni of the Year 2008 Award From Vietnam to Watergate, One SigEp Has Seen It All Memories Surface spotlight on Bob Hudson ’68 after Special hen Bob Hudson ’68 , reflects on his life, tions, and emerging new social mores. It was a SigEp Reunion Whe has many outstanding memories from very fascinating and exciting time that added an which to choose. He clerked for a federal appel - extra dimension to evolving through our under - spotlight on John Hume ’66 late judge near the White House dur - grad and law school years.” ing the Watergate scandal and helped ohn Hume ’66 , like many Fraternity mem - put on UF concerts for performers After earning bachelor of arts and law Jbers, wished he had spent more time with his such as Janice Joplin, The Beach degrees at UF, Bob attended NYU and brothers after graduating Boys, and The Hollies, including earned a masters of law degree in tax. from the University of making sure there was a bottle of He started his law career in New York Florida. It was last year, after bourbon during Joplin’s intermission, City in 1973 and returned to his home - the death of a beloved as well as teaching economics at the town of Miami in 1977; for the past 23 brother, that John and other business school (while attending law years, he has been a partner with the Florida Alphas decided to school) to undergraduates that included many law firm of Baker & McKenzie specializing in plan a reunion to return to Vietnam veterans. international tax. He and his wife, Edith, a native their SigEp roots. “Ray of Switzerland, have two sons, Daniel, an associate king ’65 put together a mas - Even though Bob has experienced so many sig - at Baker & McKenzie, and Patrick, a stock trader ter e-mail list and the rest was easy,” says John. nificant events throughout his life, his time spent on Wall Street. at Florida Alpha remains one of the most cher - Seeing the familiar faces of his fellow brothers ished. “The undergraduate SigEp experience was For young SigEps early in their careers, Bob brought back happy memories for John. He instrumental in shaping our values and transition - advises, “Give back to the organizations that recalls the reason he joined SigEp in the first ing us from teenagers to young adults. It was a help build us. I give SigEp credit for helping place. “ Collin Murphy ’65 , who was just about very important phase of my life,” Bob says. “We shape me and mold my value system. The right the coolest guy at UF, rushed several of us in also had the Vietnam war, student demonstra - (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 8)

FLORIDA ALPHA ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Zachary H. Appleman ’11 by more than 15%. He was pledge trainer last semes - was active in University of Florida’s 2008 Gator A sophomore finance major, ter and is now recruitment chairman. He effec - Growl, where he served as the assistant director of Zachary plans to attend law tively balances all of his extracurricular activities program. He has also been active in organizations school and pursue a career as with his academics, maintaining a 3.48 G.P.A. such as the Gator Party and Gator for Robert a sports agent. When not in Agrusa. He attributes his invincible determination Gainesville, he lives in North Matt Chais ’10 and work ethic to his mother. He is most thankful Palm Beach, Florida. He has a Matt, of Plantation, Florida, is for his family, particularly his grandparents and 3.5 G.P.A., has held positions a junior finance major with aunt, for supporting him throughout his life. as academic chairman, recruit - minors in leadership and geog - ment chairman, intramural chairman, and played raphy, and has a 3.6 G.P.A. Tyler Rutstein ’11 a role in the distribution of the Balanced Man Matt plans to attend graduate Tyler is a sophomore journal - scholarship. Outside of the Fraternity, Zachary school to obtain a master’s ism major with a minor in is active with Student Government and the Inter- degree in sports management. written and oral communica - Fraternity Council. He credits his mother and He plays for the University of tions from Sunrise, Florida. father for the person he is today and for his Florida ice hockey team, where he is the assistant He has a 3.6 G.P.A. and plans relentless determination. captain. Matt started a company, Gator Grocers, to attend law school after with two SigEp brothers. The men deliver gro - graduation. Tyler serves as Shawn Brooks ’10 ceries to students in dormitories and apartments. director of advertising for Shawn is a political science Gator Grocers is fully functional and is success - ACCENT Speaker’s Bureau and is director of major from Sunrise, Florida, and fully run between the three SigEps. public relations for the University of Florida was initiated into Sigma Phi Homecoming. As chairman of UF Hillel’s Epsilon in spring 2007. As a Andrew Mullings ’11 Student Leadership board, Tyler promotes mul - member of the Florida Alpha Andrew is a sophomore biol - ticultural events and diversity across campus. Chapter, he has held several ogy major with plans to attend Tyler credits his mother, who suffers from an positions that have contributed pharmacy school. He is from eye disease, for his enthusiasm. She taught him to the Chapter’s success. As a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and at an early age to overcome obstacles and stop at sophomore, Shawn held the position of recruit - has a 3.5 G.P.A. Andrew has nothing to achieve his goals. ment rho chi, handpicking the new recruits to held positions as academic pledge the Fraternity. His junior year, he was chairman, risk manager, and kitchen manager and helped reduce expenditures editor of Rush Magazine. He Get Ready for SigEp SigEp Conclave! Gator Heart

ack your bags and prepare for five full SIgMA PHI EPSIlOn FRAtERnIty days of brotherhood and celebration at P Florida alpha chapTer Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Conclave. The event p.o. b ox 12182 is August 12-16 in Orlando, Florida, at the gainesville , Fl 32604-0182 Rosen Shingle Creek resort. Register today for this exciting event by visiting Address Service Requested www.sigepconclave.com. We hope to see you there!

spotlight on Bob Hudson ’68 (Continued from page 7) thing to do is give back when time, energy, and finances permit. Support the institution so it can carry on and do for others what it did for us.”

With the help of his fellow brothers, Bob took part in organizing a SigEp reunion last April. “The reunion we did last spring was significant because there were people there who I hadn’t seen in 40 years. It was really great to make contact again and rekindle those old friendships,” he says. “I really do value the years I participated as an active SigEp brother. Some of my best friendships emanated out of the people I met during those years. I can call up some of these guys and feel like we can pick up where we last left off. I think that’s special.” To contact Bob, e-mail him at [email protected]. ATTENTION: This newsletter is intended for alumni and parents. If your son is still attending spotlight on John Hume ’66 the University of Florida , he will receive a copy at the chapter house. If he has graduated, please send us his permanent address to update our records. Thank you. (Continued from page 7) our Hume Hall section, including Val Lumans ’67 and Evelio Mederos ’66 . I liked all of them and that had a lot to do with my decision.” SAVE THE DATE FOR

Other things that stand out in John’s mind are the HOMECOMING, OCTOBER 17 “unbelievable dedication” of Dave Hendon ’50 , an Stop by the Chapter House Homecoming weekend alumnus during John’s days who oversaw many of to see the Gators take on the University of Arkansas. the Fraternity’s operations, and the brothers throw - ing John into a creek after being tapped for , a leadership honorary fraternity. WHEN: Friday, October 16, during Gator Growl

Of graduating John says, “We kind of went our sep - WHAT: Welcome-back social hour in the alumni room at the Chapter House. The alumni arate ways. Most of us went into the service in 1966. room will be open all day Saturday so locals not going to the game can stop by. You lose touch with people if you don’t work on it. Keeping in touch is my big advice.” After serving in CoNTACT: The house phone number is (352) 337-1925. the Army, John earned a law degree in 1971 from the University of Florida and is a sole practitioner of The annual meeting, which will last about one hour, is after the game and dinner wills, trusts, and estates. He lives in Ft. Lauderdale, will be served to actives, alumni, and spouses during the meeting. The alumni room Florida, with his wife, Barbara. They have two sons, will close at 8 p.m., and we will meet Sunday morning for brunch, restaurant to John and Robert. be determined. We are excited for this event and hope to see all of you there!

With so many wonderful SigEp memories, it’s no wonder the reunion was such a special event. “I found the reunion to be heartwarming and gratifying. Seeing web sites faces light up when they saw long-lost friends is my Florida Alpha National Fraternity University of Florida favorite memory of the day. It was touching.” Now, thanks to John and other key alumni, SigEp is alive www.flalpha.org www.sigep.org www.ufl.edu once again in the hearts of Florida Alphas. Contact John at [email protected].