THE PI KAPP GATOR
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
Welcome Back!
This edition is our first Pi Kapp Gator in about 18 months, so we have quite a bit to catch up on.
The Alpha (Awesome) Epsilon Chapter celebrated 100 years at UF in 2024. As most of you know, we hosted a well-attended reception at Touchdown Terrace at BHG Stadium during our local Founders’ Day weekend. Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters recognized the event as the alumni event of the year. Many thanks to Mark Timmes and the alumni board for putting together such a great event.
We also celebrated and thanked two gentlemen who have worked tirelessly for 11 years, leading our chapter to places we could only dream of. Mike Sullivan (AE 886), Bob Halcrow (AE 868) and many others took on the good, the bad and the ugly as they led the effort to start from nothing. They built a beautiful new chapter house, and more importantly, they cultivated chapter leaders who built our chapter into one of the strongest houses on campus in only a few years. Mike and Bob think they stepped back, but they can never get away. The new board continues to rely on them for guidance and advice.
As the undergraduate chapter and our alumni organization begin the 2025-26 academic year, we have many new challenges. For better or worse, fraternity life is different than most of us remember. Living arrangements, house maintenance, associate member education, initiation and almost everything else have evolved.
This edition of the Pi Kapp Gator has great stories about our incredible scholarship program, two awesome AE brothers and future events we have planned. You’ll also read about changes to the AE Gator Club and other cool projects like the brick walkway and Bert’s beautiful bell.
I encourage you to get involved and attend an event. You’d be surprised who you’ll see and reconnect with. At a minimum, please stay in touch and encourage those Pi Kapps close to you to do the same. We have a great website at pikappgator. org and social media accounts you can follow. The best way to stay connected is to create an account on the website or to log in to the Pi Kapp Hub to provide your updated contact info.
Moving forward, we hope to publish multiple online editions of the Pi Kapp Gator and at least one printed version each year.
I hope to see you soon!
DAVE BODEN, AE 1337 Chairman
(310) 977-6030
AE GATOR CLUB: CELEBRATING CONNECTION,
BY BRAD JENSEN
TRADITION AND IMPACT
The Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi continues to thrive because of a simple truth: when alumni come together, incredible things happen. Whether through the AE Gator Club, the Legends of AE Golf Tournament or our annual Founders’ Weekend, the energy and commitment of our brotherhood are alive and well.
THE POWER OF THE AE GATOR CLUB
The AE Gator Club is more than just a membership drive; it is the backbone of alumni communication, events and support for our undergraduate brothers. Through your membership, AE has been able to fund our nationally recognized scholarship program, host Founders’ Day activities, sponsor alumni tailgates, recognize outstanding leadership and invest in the chapter house.
In 2024–25, alumni raised nearly $18,000 through direct donations and the Legends of AE Golf Tournament, proving once again that our collective commitment makes a lasting impact. The Club also announced a new lifetime membership
option, creating a permanent resource for scholarships and alumni projects through the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation’s Chapter Investment Fund. This step ensures our ability to support undergraduates in perpetuity and secures AE’s future for generations to come.
Membership levels remain accessible: $120 annually (or $35 for recent graduates), with discounts for auto-renewals. Now, with the lifetime membership option, alumni have another meaningful way to leave their mark on AE.
LEGENDS OF AE GOLF TOURNAMENT: BROTHERHOOD ON THE FAIRWAYS
One of the highlights of the year is always the Legends of AE Golf Tournament, held every February at the Donald Ross–designed Mark Bostic Golf Course. What started as a fun way to raise money for scholarships has become an annual ritual that brings alumni and undergraduates together for laughter, storytelling and a little friendly competition.
JOIN THE AE GATOR CLUB
ANNUAL PROMISE $120 ($95 auto renew)
RECENT GRADUATE $35 (class of 2015–present; $25 auto renew)
NEW LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
ONLINE: pikappgator.org
CHECK:
AE Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, Inc. c/o Brad Jensen 3000 Big Pass Ln Punta Gorda, FL 33955
If paying by check, please go to pikappgator.org and select the “non-credit/debit card” option to update your contact info.
(AE 1389), TIM MURPHY (AE 1308) AND GREG LAROCHE (AE 1982)
This year, 14 foursomes of alumni and students took to the course, trading shots, swapping stories and building the connections that make AE so special. Thanks to the leadership of Chris Hill (AE 955) and Chuck Riggs (AE 890), who have shepherded this event since its inception, and the enthusiastic support of brothers like Greg LaRoche (AE 1982), the tournament continues to grow in reputation and impact.
Raffle prizes, including a signed basketball from UF head coach Todd Golden and a football from “the Head Ball Coach” Steve Spurrier helped raise funds for the scholarship program, while the day’s champions, Mark French (AE 1348), Mike Mitchell (AE 1521), Chris Ure (AE 1623) and Dante Moser
(AE 2844), claimed bragging rights. Beyond the leaderboard, however, the day was about what it has always been about: camaraderie across generations. For alumni, it’s a chance to relive old memories and see how much has (and hasn’t!) changed. For students, it’s an opportunity to learn from those who came before and experience firsthand the lifelong bond of Pi Kappa Phi.
Next year’s tournament is set for February 20, 2026, and we hope to see even more alumni return to Gainesville to join the fun.
(continued from page 3)
101ST FOUNDERS’ WEEKEND: A CELEBRATION OF BROTHERHOOD
Founders’ Weekend continues to be the centerpiece of our alumni calendar, and the 101st celebration was one for the books. More than 90 brothers, 58 alumni and 35 undergraduate members, came together for two days of fellowship and reflection.
The weekend began with the golf tournament and carried into Friday evening with cocktails and brotherhood at the University Hilton’s No Name Lounge, where the energy was electric. On Saturday, the annual Alumni Board meeting gave alumni a chance to hear updates and shape AE’s future, followed by a BBQ at the chapter house. Thanks to raffle contributions and tournament proceeds, the weekend generated more than $1,000 for the self-funded scholarship program.
Special recognition goes to House Director Denby Smothers and Chef Mark, who made sure the house
was in top shape and provided a fantastic meal for everyone in attendance.
As always, the highlight of Founders’ Weekend wasn’t just the events; it was the people. Seeing old friends, meeting new ones and connecting across generations reminded us why AE has stood strong for over a century.
The next Founders’ Weekend is set for February 20–21, 2026, and plans are already underway. Mark your calendars, book your rooms early (room block info will be shared soon) and prepare to be part of another unforgettable weekend.
LOOKING AHEAD
From the steady support of the AE Gator Club to the traditions of the Legends of AE Golf Tournament and the fellowship of Founders’ Weekend, one theme remains clear: Alpha Epsilon’s alumni are making a difference.
Your involvement fuels scholarships, strengthens our chapter and keeps the brotherhood alive for today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. Whether you join the Gator Club, play in the tournament or simply show up for Founders’ Weekend, you are part of something exceptional.
Let’s continue building on this momentum together. See you in Gainesville in February!
AE ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM MARKS 10TH YEAR WITH RECORD IMPACT
BY DALE THOMPSON (AE 1248)
This year marks a decade of impact for the AE Alumni Scholarship Program — the only alumnifunded fraternal scholarship at the University of Florida. Since its founding, the program has awarded over $60,000 to 91 students, reinforcing AE’s legacy of excellence and service.
In 2025, the committee reviewed 19 applications, including four returning recipients, and awarded $7,250 across 10 scholarships, highlighted by the inaugural Perseverance Scholarship, which honors resilience and grit.
Eleven students were selected from a competitive field, with an average GPA of 3.75. Recipients hold leadership roles in organizations such as Florida Blue Key, The Big Event, AE Exec, Cicerones and Habitat for Humanity.
As the program grows, we are inspired by the caliber of applicants and proud to invest in the next generation of leaders.
FOOTBALL TAILGAITING
The AE Gator Club will host three home game tailgates during the 2025 season and provide food and drinks. The AE alumni room will be open for all home games.
October 4 | University of Texas
November 22 | University of Tennessee
For all other home games, the AE alumni room will be open.
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Jarrett Scarborough (AE 2922) Perseverance | $500
Tucker Nee (AE 2949)
Perseverance | $500
Devin Daughtry (AE 2934)
Quynh Ngo | $500
Carson Elmer (AE 2902)
Maurice “Mo” Cummings | $500
Arthur “Rett” Kelley (AE 2941)
James Suh | $750
Charlie Kraus (AE 2943)
AE Scholarship | $750
Ryan Lomaglio (AE 2970)
Hill-Donovan Family | $500
Lawson Loryea (AE 2995)
AE Academic | $500
Phillip McCrady (AE 2828)
Dean Frank Maloney | $750
Wilson Roberts (AE 2837)
Ben Hill Griffin Jr | $1,000
Ricky Toplak (AE 2835)
Ben Overton | $1,000
AE MILITARY VETERANS’ PLAQUE: A HEARTFELT SALUTE
BY RICK RIISMA (AE 1886)
We are deeply grateful to all who have honorably served in our nation’s military. Your sacrifice, dedication and courage continue to inspire our entire brotherhood. We are proud to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of our veteran community. To celebrate this legacy, we have created the Veterans Initiative Plaque to commemorate Alpha Epsilon brothers who have served.
If you are a veteran whose name is not yet included, we invite you to share your information
with us so your service can be appropriately recognized. Please email Rick Riisma or Mike Hill to be added to this distinguished list of AE brothers.
HONORING AE VETERAN’S SERVICE
• More than 160 Alpha Epsilon military veterans displayed
• All Armed Forces: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard
• Served in all kinds of capacities: logistics, aviation, surface, legal and more
• Email us to ensure you’re on the plaque
LEAVE YOUR MARK ON THE ALPHA EPSILON WALKWAY
BY RICK RIISMA (AE 1886)
The AE Brick Walkway continues to grow, serving as a lasting tribute to our brotherhood’s rich history. This year, we’re thrilled to announce the addition of nine new brick pavers, honoring over 17 brothers and alumni. These contributions enhance our shared story and raise vital funds for AE’s academic programs and key initiatives.
A special thank you goes out to the spring ’97 pledge class, who added a commemorative brick for their era and another honoring one of their own, Barry.
ALPHA EPSILON CHAPTER ETERNAL
2024
STANLEY SAUNDERS (AE 762)
July 24, 1945 to February 9, 2024, initiated in 1965
BOB SCOTT (AE432)
November 4, 1930 to June 23, 2024, initiated in 1950
DEHAVEN FLEMING (AE 651)
January 5, 1943 to September 10, 2024, initiated in 1961
STEVEN MURPHY (AE 880)
August 5, 1948 to December 2, 2024, initiated in 1968
2025
JERRY BRIM (AE 588)
July 5, 1934 to January 25, 2025, initiated in 1957
JOHNNY STOKES (AE 1007)
February 13, 1956 to July 2, 2025, initiated in 1974
ARCHON UPDATES
For those I haven’t met, my name is Charlie Kraus, and I’m honored to serve as archon of Alpha Epsilon. Thank you for your incredible support — it truly means the world to the undergraduate members. Our strong alumni network is a big reason AE continues to thrive.
I’m proud of the chapter my Executive Council and I lead. We have a tight-knit group, and people across campus — faculty, peers, other fraternities and sororities — often remark on our genuine brotherhood. It’s one of my favorite parts of being a Pi Kapp.
That reputation shows in recruitment. Our fall ’24 class initiated 60 brothers, the largest at UF, and our spring ’25 class added 25. After the first day of rush, the IFC Council and fraternity/sorority life director congratulated us on such a strong effort. The National Headquarters later confirmed we are now the largest Pi Kappa Phi chapter (in total initiates) in the country, an achievement we’re extremely proud of.
Pi Kapps are also leaders across campus. Our presence in Cicerones grew from one to eight members this spring, and brothers Phillip McCrady (AE 2828), Wilson Roberts (AE 2837) and Teddy Frank (AE 2881), were tapped for Florida Blue Key. We also continue to run The Big Event, Gainesville’s largest day of service and Zachary Levy
(AE 2919) serves as IFC director of philanthropy.
On the field, our intramural teams remain dominant. Football reached the championship two years straight, volleyball made the finals, basketball went undefeated in the regular season and softball fought to a championship game. AE continues to be a contender for the President’s Cup with a reputation for fierce competition.
Our Executive Council is one of our greatest strengths. We’ve increased accountability around dues and house upkeep, and we’re setting strong precedents for the future.
I’m excited about where we are headed and deeply grateful for all alumni support. We wouldn’t be here in this incredible house without you. Thank you for all you do to keep AE strong.
ODH and Go Gators!
Charlie Kraus (AE 2943)
Archon
ALPHA EPSILON FUNDRAISING FOR THE ABILITY EXPERIENCE
2022: $19,700
2023: $20,787
2024: $20,270
2025 (TO DATE): $14,914
ARCHON
Charlie Kraus (AE 2943)
VICE ARCHON
Rick Young (AE 2960)
TREASURER
Michael Ilardi (AE 2969)
SECRETARY
Rett Kelley (AE 2941)
WARDEN
Robby Lizama (AE 3034)
CHAPLAIN
Dane Ventura (AE 2958)
HISTORIAN
Giancarlo Colistra (AE 2931)
RISK MANAGER
Conor Finnegan (AE 2936)
PHILANTHROPY CHAIRMAN
Jacob Aizanman (AE 2924)
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:
CELEBRATING NINE YEARS OF LEADERSHIP AS CHAPTER ADVISOR
BY CRAIG MORRISON (AE 1130)
When alumni think back on their time at AE, they remember friendships, rituals, intramurals and late-night study sessions. What they may not realize is the steady presence behind the scenes for nearly a decade: Chapter Advisor Eddie Gilley.
An Alabama native, Eddie graduated from Samford University, earned advanced seminary degrees and served for more than 20 years as director of Baptist Campus Ministries at UF. He and his wife, Lica, have been married 43 years and have two children and three grandchildren.
Though never in a fraternity himself, Eddie was persuaded by AE alumni to serve after longtime advisor Steve Shepherd stepped down in 2016. Following training at the Supreme Chapter, he was initiated as an alumnus and began his role.
Since then, Eddie has been a mentor, counselor and guide to a chapter of more than 200 men and a budget over $100,000. He reminds leaders that fraternity is a training ground for life, helping them manage conflict, practice accountability
and align their choices with Pi Kappa Phi’s values. “It’s the best leadership incubator on campus,” he often says.
As a volunteer, Eddie bridges undergraduates with the national Fraternity and the university, representing AE with maturity and excellence. His greatest impact, though, comes in one-on-one conversations with officers, where he challenges assumptions and encourages integrity.
Eddie’s quiet leadership is an example of servant leadership in action. He shows what’s possible when alumni invest in the chapter’s future, not only financially, but through mentorship and presence.
So, the next time you reflect on your AE experience, remember leaders like Eddie Gilley, who continue shaping men of character, one conversation at a time.
To thank or connect with Eddie, or learn how to support Alpha Epsilon, visit pikappgator.org and use the “Contact Us” form.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: LESSONS FROM ALPHA EPSILON THAT CARRIED THROUGH LIFE
BY BRAM MARAVENT (AE 1838)
The value of a college experience is often clearer in hindsight. For Bob Newman (AE 1015), one of his greatest lessons at UF and in Pi Kappa Phi was simple but powerful: “Ask questions. It’s about getting to know people.” That skill became the foundation of his career as a businessman, entrepreneur, author, philanthropist and motivational speaker.
Before founding and selling one of the Southeast’s largest security system companies, Security One Systems, Bob was living in North Hall with his floor mates and shaping AE during a pivotal time. Membership quadrupled while he was at UF. He lived in the house for two-plus years, initiated future Pi Kappa Phi CEO Mark Timmes, served as archon and took six little brothers along the way. “I molded it into the experience I wanted it to be,” Bob recalls.
After graduation, Bob honed his sales and leadership skills, always emphasizing relationships. In 1990, he launched Security One Systems, which grew to six Florida branches serving communications, finance, government and healthcare clients. By the time he sold to Ingersoll-Rand in 2005, it was the largest independent security-systems integrator in the Southeast.
Following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami that devastated parts of Southeast Asia, Bob found new purpose in writing “Change Through Power,” a widely distributed book that led to corporate speaking engagements and lectures with the likes of American Airlines.
Now splitting time between Miami, Melbourne and Bangkok, Bob still reflects on how Pi Kappa Phi shaped his journey, and offers advice to future graduates: ask questions, build connections and create the experience you want.
BOB NEWMAN (AE 1015)
Q: Favorite Pi Kapp memory?
A: “The slingshot on the roof.”
Q: Favorite Pi Kapp-adjacent memory?
A: One summer, he, along with fellow alumni Andy Wiegand (AE 1017), Peter Lanaris (AE 1022), Jim Marciano (AE 1014), Mike Goia and Tom Renzo (AE 1047), spent a summer as camp counselors at a North Carolina river rafting camp. “I still keep in touch with those guys.” Bob noted a particular rafting experience he and his buddies shared on the river one day, which also helped shape that summer.
Q: On keeping in touch with his AE contemporaries.
A: “People come and go in life…moving, life changes, marriage, divorce, children, all keep us very busy within our own lives, families and circles, and it becomes harder to do as the years go on. Facebook/social media has helped a lot, as opposed to long-distance calls and letters, so the connecting part is much easier.”
Q: Advice for young men.
A: “Over the years, as trends change, feelings towards fraternity may come and go, but the biggest reason to stay connected and in touch with AE is the feeling of being a part of something and belonging to something bigger. Unless you lived it, you will not understand the impact of it.”
To thank or connect with Bob Newman or learn more about how to give back to Alpha Epsilon,visit pikappgator.org and use the “Contact Us” form.
AE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIRMAN
Dave Boden (AE 1337)
VICE CHAIRMAN/ AE GATOR CLUB COMMITTEE
Brad Jensen (AE 1389)
TREASURER
Mark Montgomery (AE 1424)
SECRETARY/MILITARY VETERANS AND AE BRICK WALKWAY
Rick Riisma (AE 1886)
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
RiCH Levy (AE 1830)
FOUNDERS’ WEEKEND COMMITTEE
Gregg LaRoche (AE 1982)
LEGENDS OF AE GOLF COMMITTEE
Tim Murphy (AE 1308)
AE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Dale Thompson (AE 1248)
AE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Randy Wadle (AE 1455)
AE FACILITIES COMMITTEE
Ken Purcell (AE 1270)
Dave DeSantis (AE 1270)
Paul Enrico (AE 1049)
Tim Hancock (AE 1077)
Bram Maravent (AE 886)
PAST CHAIRMAN
Mike Sullivan (AE 886)
Founded by UF Alum & U S Navy Fighter Pilot Rob Ceravolo
Late-model Cessna Grand Cara vans Seats up to 9 passengers
ATTN: ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
3701 ARCO CORPORATE DRIVE, SUITE 500 CHARLOTTE, NC 28273
FROM THE EDITOR
THE PI KAPP GATOR is back!
Just writing these words brings that warm, fuzzy feeling, reminding us of all the good times we have shared. It’s been a while, but we’re thrilled to revive our legacy publication.
Many thanks to the brothers who shared stories, helped collect data and supported the revival of The Pi Kapp Gator. We hope you enjoy this issue, and we look forward to the next one.
Yours in Pi Kapp, RiCH Levy (AE 1830)
P.S. A huge thanks to Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters for continued support!
