FALL 2020 Brothers,
When I first sit down to write these columns, I generally wrestle with... where do I start? But this one was actually pretty easy. In my opinion, to say that Alpha Epsilon has returned to the top in terms of leadership, respect and pride at UF would simply be an understatement. So I would ask that you take a few minutes, as you read through this edition of the Pi Kapp Gator, to think about just how far we have come as an organization over the past ten years. Since the re-colonization of Alpha Epsilon, our active chapter has taken all of the highlights that the ‘20’s through the ‘00’s had to offer and brought that all to a new level. We currently have a record number of AE’s in major positions of leadership throughout UF, dominated in sports and risen to new highs with regards to academic accomplishments we should all be extremely proud of. But one thing is certain, none of this would have been possible, if not for the undying support of our Alumni Organization. A significant factor in the rebuild of this group has been the success of our Annual Founder’s Day Meetings in February. So in an effort to continue our growth while coping with the current conditions posed by the impact of the pandemic, we will be looking to change things up with regards to how the meeting will be run in February. This year we will once again be starting the weekend with our Annual Legends of AE Golf Tournament at UF’s Bostic Golf Course on Friday. This will be followed by a Bar B Que hosted by the Active Chapter in the back yard at the house so that social distancing guidelines can be properly adhered too. The Annual Meeting and awards presentations will take place at the UF Hilton on Saturday morning and the Hilton has reserved the Grand Ballroom and as many tables as we need at no charge, so that we can properly spread out and enjoy the event while following UF guidelines to the letter. So I would once again ask, call your fellow AE alumni who have yet to come back into the fold, and ask them to join us when we once again gather to tell some tall tales, remember good times as well as salute those members of our organization, both actives and alumni, who have gone above and beyond to make AE once again “Awesome Epsilon.” Stay safe my brothers.
Michael L. Sullivan ‘68, AE 886 Chairman, Alpha Epsilon, Housing Corporation Contact: mlsullivan886@gmail.com
Founder’s Day 2019
Archon Report
The brothers of the Alpha Epsilon are ready for the 2020 Fall semester more than ever. We have set ourselves up for success even with times of uncertainty and have found innovative ways to make our chapter operations hold both its educational and social values. Our current chapter has 105 active members and gained 44 associate members through rush. The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi embrace solidarity and brotherhood but we also understand the importance of self development and education. I am pleased to announce that our chapter’s GPA went up in the IFC rankings this year 14 spots. We are now ranked fourth out of the 23 fraternities on campus. We are also pleased to rollout new initiatives and programs for our active members that address sexual assault, diversity, and lastly a children’s literacy mentorship program partnered with Gainesville Thrives. We are excited to see all the fun we will be having this year now that SEC football is a go but are ready to adapt to whatever environment we are faced with. The brothers are more excited to make positive changes around our communities and being able to do our part to make our country the best we can! ODH
- Seth Longland, AE 2600
IFC Update Brothers,
In a time where everyone is looking to see how Greek Life responds to COVID-19, I am excited to report that IFC has risen to the challenge in terms of supporting all 23 chapters across campus along with each and every one of our members. At the end of the Spring and throughout the Summer semesters, we launched THRIVE IFC, our campus’s first-ever brotherhood support and wellness initiative, designed to provide an avenue of support and resources to brothers in need and help to destigmatize the issue of mental wellness among Fraternity men. This initiative could not have been possible without fellow AE, Brandon Fallin (AE 2650), who stepped up as the program’s first Executive Director, and we are eager to share THRIVE IFC’s impact and results as it continues to grow throughout the Fall semester! This upcoming semester will bring a wealth of challenges for the Fraternity community and our campus as a whole, and IFC is ready to provide a safe, engaging, and transformative semester to further the continued success of UF’s Greek community. - Stephen Greep, AE 2619, IFC President Others not pictured: Brandon Fallin AE 2601 Student Government Senator
Brothers in Student Government
Austin Lima AE 2633 Campus Safety Executive Secretary
Samson Eagen AE 2694 Bryan Momin AE 2744 Zach Perez AE 2576 Orange & Blue Cabinet Student Government Chairman of the Director for UF Senator Big Event
Jacob Van de Car AE 2702 Veterans Affairs Cabinet Director
House Update
from House Director Rick Lavery
At the house we are taking many precautions and following necessary guidelines to keep all brothers and staff safe and healthy. Here is an update for you all. Under ADA and HIPAA we cannot ask about a resident’s health or require them to move out of the house even if they test positive for coronavirus. UF is actively enforcing policies on face mask use and social distancing while implementing a “Screen-Test-Protect” program. They required all students and staff to complete this process before returning to campus this fall. We have a moving procedure established that restricted move in to one brother at a time. They were assigned move-in timeslots and were limited to having one person assist them. Brothers who do not live in the house were asked to avoid coming to the house until after check-in was completed. The air filters are being changed quarterly with higher rated filters and we are considering installing UV lights in the HVAC system. Cintas will be performing deep cleaning every month in stairwells and bathrooms to assist our housekeeping. We are providing PPE to house staff, hand sanitizer stations and bleach/ water spray bottles to be used in the bathrooms and the study room. We are also looking at using a new product called BioProtect RTU to supplement our current cleaning procedures. It kills bacteria upon spraying it on surfaces and continues to fight bacteria for 90 days. We have reduced the amount of tables and chairs in the dining room to promote social distancing. All 46 residents have checked in... - Rick Lavery
Don Slesnick III AE 1888, Don Slesnick II BU 49, and Mark Timmes AE 1034
AE Spotlight Trevor Pope AE 2566
Trevor Pope, born and raised in Gainesville, graduated from the University of Florida as a double major in both Economics and Political Science. Currently, he is a second year law student, hoping to work in corporate law upon graduation. He became interested in becoming an attorney once he was exposed to the political world within Student Government at UF. He knew that he wanted to work in the public sector, and that going to law school would be a great way to build an intellectual foundation to do the kind of work he is passionate about. Trevor is serving as the Student Body President, where he hopes to continue his legacy of student advocacy. His goals for the upcoming year are three-fold: (1) to build for the future, (2) to make UF more accessible and inclusive, and (3) to improve the student experience. He is a member of UF’s Hall of Fame 2019 Inductee Class, two-time Reitz Scholar, Florida Blue Key inductee, UF’s 2019 Homecoming Court, and brother of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. In 2019, he was honored with UF’s Outstanding Leader Award, which recognizes three graduating seniors from each graduating class. Prior to becoming Student Body President, Trevor founded an agency within Student Government’s Executive Branch and served as the Senior Class President. In this role, he improved UF’s Alumni Participation Rate in an effort to “Strive For Five” and actively worked to deepen UF’s tradition. His goal for the agency was to create programming events to maintain a more cohesive graduating class of students. These efforts culminated in the form of a Senior Sendoff, which hosted over 2,000 attendees from the graduating class of 2019. One of Trevor’s greatest accomplishments while at UF has been working on UF’s Preview Staff.
2021 Founders Day Events Annual Founders Day Meeting February 19th & 20th, 2021
Friday - February 19th 1:00pm Legends of AE Golf Tournament Shotgun Scramble at UF’s Bostic Golf Course Proceeds support the AE Gator Club
Steve Shepherd AE 1121 and Bert Luer AE 1034
5:00-8:00pm Barbeque Cookout at the AE House hosted by the Active Chapter Saturday – February 20th 10:00am Annual Alumni Meeting & Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Conference Center in the Ballroom followed by lunch with the Active Chapter Note: We have a room block at the Hilton. Rooms are $129 this year.
AE Chapter Golf Tournament Hi Brothers of Pi Kapp, Next February 19th we are hosting our third Annual Legends of Alpha Epsilon Golf Tournament at the Mark Bostic Golf Course in Gainesville, Florida. We have raised over $8,000 for scholarships so far. Our tournament will have the names of the winning teams inscribed on the championship trophy that resides in the House. The Tournament will have a shotgun start at 1:00pm and we will have a barbeque at the House after we finish play. We will have prizes for the winners, a raffle drawing for some cool Pi Kapp gear including a Florida memorabilia. The fee for the active brother’s tournament will be free for active brothers and $100 for parents, alumunus, and non-active brothers. We look forward to seeing you there. - Chuck Riggs, AE 890
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AE Honors its Military Veterans If you have served in the military or you currently serve in the military, please email Rick Riisma or Mike Hill to be included on the plaque.
Rick rriisma@gmail.com
Mike mployerhill@gmail.com
AE Scholarship Winners - 2020 Ben Hill Griffin Scholarship - Stephen Greep Ben Overton Scholarship - Brandon Fallin Frank Maloney Scholarship - Seth Longland Paul Green Scholarship - Joseph Lavoie James Suh Scholarship - Jacob VanDeCar Mo Cummings Scholarship - Bradley Kutsmeda Hill-Donovan Scholarship - Connor Murphy Alpha Epsilon Scholar - Griffin Harris
Our AE Gator Club delivers our commitment to continued AE success. Alumni guidance, example and financial support make us stand out – we are not just a social Fraternity! Especially in today’s challenging environment, your commitment renews YOUR initiation promise to our AE Brotherhood!
The AE Gator Club forms the core, perpetual fundraising effort for all things Alpha Epsilon. Whether our annual membership drive, golf tournament or Gator Walkway, the generated funds feed directly back into both the active and alumni chapter of AE. ZERO ‘administrative charges’ 100% delivered back into AE Greatness!
Initiatives based on our $30,000 Annual Budget AE Scholarship Program
Currently 10 scholarships, recognizes outstanding individuals for leadership, scholarship and philanthropic efforts: $8000
Annual Founders Day Weekend
Annual Alumni meeting in Gainesville: $7000
Alumni Recognition Awards
2020-21 AE Gator Club
Mr. Alpha Epsilon, AE Hall of Fame and Legion Awards: $1500
Alumni Tailgate Events Membership period is 8/1/20 – 7/31/21 Tailgates at the Chapter House during designated football weekends: Annual promise: $100 Recent grad (w/in 2 years) or full-time grad school - $50 $6000 *Can be provided in monthly increments, if financially more Executive Leadership Recognition Awards suitable Recognition for all graduating seniors who served on the Executive
Join Now!
Leadership Team: $1500
Online: www.pikappgator.org Cash or Check (AE Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, Inc) c/o Brad Jensen 104 Marbella Way Georgetown, TX 78633
Alumni Recognition
Alumni Communications & Outreach Program
Pi Kapp Gator, electronic AE ‘Gator Tales’, email ‘blasts’ and ‘hold-thedate-cards’: $6000
Chapter House Upgrades
Fund House upgrades not included in the core National ‘House Properties’ charter (ie. backyard upgrades). Varies on available funds and project)
Chapter Eternal We are saddened by the passing of the following Alpha Epsilon brothers since the last issue of the Pi Kapp Gator. We extend our sympathies to their friends, families, and loved ones.
Hon. William Seaver AE 313, initiated 1942
Dave Charland AE 557 and Mike Hill AE 815
AE Hall of Fame Dave Charland AE 557 Bob Paterno AE 512 Mr. Alpha Epsilon 2019 Bert Luer AE 1041 Tim Hancock AE 1077
Joe Schretzmann AE 394, initiated 1948 Charlie Rigl AE 413, initiated 1949 Bob Stafford AE 442, initiated 1950 Jim Ruyle AE 741, initiated 1965
Joe Schretzmann AE 394, former Archon. Founders Day several years ago when his grandson Matt Wilhelm AE 2460, presented him with his Diamond Legion Certificate. Joe Schretzmann AE 394 and Charlie Rigl AE 413 were both founding members of the “Teen Timers” and members of the fraternity for 70 years.
Mike Goodin AE 1630, initiated 1989 Page 5
Pi Kappa Phi ATTN: Alumni Engagement 2015 Arysley Town Blvd. Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28073
Connect With Us! Visit our website at www.pikappgator.org Find us on Facebook at Pi Kappa Phi - Florida Follow us on Twitter @UFpikapp
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