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Alumni

Chapter Officers and Advisors attend Keystone Leadership Conference

February 19

Eight members of Gamma Xi's 2010 Executive committee along with 4 members of the chapter's advisory team spent this past weekend in Jacksonville attending the Keystone Leadership Conference. Along with other Beta chapters from all over the Southeast, the undergraduates spent the weekend in various workshops and leadership meetings that focused on officer training and development.

During the conference, the chapter was recognized with the Southeast Recruitment Award honoring their achievements in developing a very successful year long recruitment program. Congrats guys!

Photo Albums

January 15, 2009

Be sure to check out pictures of the finished construction and pictures from the UF vs Arkansas game. View new albums

Fall Wooglin's Way Newsletter

December 28, 2009

By now you should have recieved your Gamma Xi newsletter. If not, you can always view it online in the alumni newsletter section.

If you believe we have the wrong contact information on file, be sure to update us using the online form.

New Florida Blue Key Taps

December 10, 2009

Congratulations to brothers Mike Shapiro and Aaron Clossey. Both fall 06's were tapped in to Florida Blue Key last Sunday. Mike Shapiro had been Administrative Vice President, Executive Vice President, and pledge trainer of Beta as well as a Gator Growl director. Aaron has been the Executive Vice president of Beta, a director of the Florida Blue Key Mathematics Bureau, and a student goverment young leaders conference director.

Mike and Aaron join Steve Brotman, Matt Betz, Stephen Mclaughlin, Robert Clarke, and David Kerner as current Florida Blue Key Betas. Congratulations guys!

All Fraternity Volleyball Champs!

December 03, 2009

Congratulations to the brothers for winning Fall 2009 All Fraternity Volleyball.

Family Weekend, mark your calendars

November 12, 2009

Saturday, November 21st (Family Weekend):
Plenty of activities for the kids so please drop by
11:00am Pregame BBQ & Reception
12:30pm UF vs Florida International

Sunday, November 22nd (Family Weekend):
10:00am Brunch at the House

View the rest of the calendar, and please stop by to see all of the new improvements to the house.

John Holt Duncan Scholarship Awarded

October 26, 2009

Congratulations to Rajiv Asnani '11, for receiving one of the top eight Founders scholarships awarded by the General Fraternity.

Speaking of Scholarship, during the last academic semester Gamma Xi Betas had the 3rd highest GPA on campus!

PDF 852Kb - Beta Award Winners

Homecoming Versus Arkansas
Gators pull one out!

October 17, 2009

In a game that kept everyone in their seats until the final play of the game, our Number 1 Gators escaped with a win and extended their nation leading winning streak to 16 games. It was an excellent way to cap off a great weekend at 13 Fraternity Row. Homecoming weekend began Friday night with an alumni reception at the house where many old friends got together before heading to the Swamp to watch another installment of Gator Growl. All members in the alumni block were treated to one of the best Gator Growls in years.

The Housing Corporation and Alumni Association held a joint meeting Saturday morning prior to the game to discuss Phase II of the House Renovation/Expansion. A new plan that will increase the house from 38 to 47 beds (including 8 new singles) was approved. In regards to the expansion/remodel we continue to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from alumni (young and old) as they visit the house for the first time. If you haven't been by, please stop in. The actives are always willing to give you a tour.

Our next home game is Vandy on November 7th. Depending on game time there will be a pregame BBQ and reception at the house.

Mark your calendars for November 21st as it is Family Weekend. We encourage all alumni to bring their kids up to what should be a fairly easy game to get tickets for. We'll have plenty of kid friendly activities at the house and a 12:30 kickoff will ensure a family friendly environment. Please contact us if you have any questions alumni@ufbeta.org.

Homecoming Weekend, October 16-17th

September 29, 2009

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this year's homecoming festivities. For more information, contact alumni@ufbeta.org

Friday, October 16th

1:00 PM Alumni/Active Golf Tournament at UF Golf Course

5:00-7:00 PM Alumni Reception at the House

7:00-?? Gator Growl with Dana Carvey and O.A.R. - still a few tickets in the Alumni Block available for purchase.

Saturday, October 17th

9:00 AM Alumni Association Meeting - All are invited and encouraged to attend

11:00 -?? Pre Game Reception (Time of BBQ to be determined once game time is announced)

Tennessee weekend at the Beta house - a phenomenal success!

September 29, 2009

In addition to our #1 Gators sending one of our biggest rivals home with yet another defeat, the Gamma Xi Betas had another reason to celebrate. The weekend saw the return of many alumni to Gainesville for the unveiling of Phase I of our remodeling/expansion project at 13 Fraternity Row. With a newly added dining room and sports bar as well as a completely remodeled commons area, there was plenty new to see.

The weekend kicked off Friday evening with an Alumni Reception at the house. Many members of the Fall 89 pledge class returned to celebrate their 20 year reunion and helped make it one of the largest gatherings of alumni in a long time. Saturday began with an Alumni Association Meeting and was followed by a Pre-Game BBQ and concluded with the game.

We'd like to thank everyone that attended and helped us to make this the best game day weekend that anyone can remember. The weekend also gave our fundraising efforts a nice boost! For those that have not yet been up to see the new house, please come by for Homecoming Weekend, October 16-17th.

Tennessee Weekend Schedule

September 12, 2009

Gator football at the freshly renovated Gamma Xi house is a site to behold. This Tennessee weekend there will be alumni events Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Don't miss out!

Friday, September 18th (Tennessee Weekend):
7pm-9pm Alumni Reception

Saturday, September 19th (Tennessee Weekend):
9am Alumni Association Meeting
12pm-2pm Pregame BBQ & Reception
1pm-2pm Dedication Ceremony
3:30pm UF vs Tennessee
7pm-9pm Postgame Reception

Sunday, September 20th (Tennessee Weekend):
10am Housing Corp. Meeting

You can always check the alumni calendar for upcoming events.

Rush Week

August 30, 2009

Hey everybody,

I wanted to let you all know that Rush is starting tomorrow night at 8PM. Doors will be open til 11PM. So come out to the Beta Theta Pi house at 13 Fraternity Drive (across from Springs dorm). Sunday night features Dj Vi and Wingzone catering. Ladies are encouraged to come out to enjoy the music and food all week (featuring Bento Sushi on Monday night) and get your Rush Beta tank (pink Bella racerback).

Remember rushees are encouraged to come to every lunch and dinner. Lunch is 11-2 Monday through Friday and dinner is 5:30-6:30 Monday through Friday.

If you would like to get in touch or have any questions please call me at (239)825-6368 or email at rush@ufbeta.org

Dan Heaton
Recruitment Chair
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity

New Construction Photos Added

August 24, 2009

New photos showing the new guest bathrooms, living room, dining room, and sports bar near completion.

View them here

A Letter from the Campaign Chairman

August 17, 2009

Dear Brothers,

It's not quite time to pop the champagne corks, but the Gamma Xi "Preserving our Legacy" campaign is over two-thirds of the way toward its $1.5 million goal. Currently, the total stands at $1,079,683!

If you are among the many brothers who have already made their gifts (see list here), we want to thank you for helping us make this dream come true. If you are still making your decision, let me give you a little extra incentive.

Construction is moving rapidly and we expect Phase I to be ready in time to welcome our active members back to campus. The dedication is scheduled for Tennessee game weekend on September 19. Our goal is to be at $1,250,000 by then. Can you help us make that happen?

Take a look at the construction photos here. I think you'll be pleased with how the distinctive facade of our chapter home has been preserved, while upgrading it in accordance with all codes and expanding it to accommodate our 150-man chapter, one of the top fraternities on the UF campus! By the way, Gamma Xi added another award to its collection at the 170th General Convention, the John Holt Duncan award for best ongoing community service project!

If you have not made a contribution and are in a position to help, now is the time. The brochure and pledge form are in your hands. You know what to do...

Yours in _____kai_____,

Steve Becker, ΓΞ885 1969 Campaign Chairman

P.S. ...but in case you don't, please make your check payable to "Florida Beta Theta Pi Alumni Association" and mail it to our campaign office at P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, GA 30366. Gifts and pledges of $25,000 and up may be tax-deductible. Please call our campaign manager Matt Jarrard at 770-903-3987 for further information. Thank you.

Ground Broken for "New Beta House" Renovation

May 9, 2009

During our annual Alumni Weekend, April 17-19, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held for the start of construction at the house. Phase one of construction is well under way, and will include a much-needed enlarged dining room, a new chapter room, new restrooms and a new house parents suite. All of which will be ready for the start of Fall 2009 classes.

Phase two of the project will add a new wing of rooms to the house. The official dedication of the "new house" will be the weekend of the Tennessee football game, September 18-19. View updated photos and plans here.

Alumni Weekend 2009

May 9, 2009

The Alumni Association in conjunction with the active chapter wrapped up a very successful spring semester with our annual Orange & Blue weekend. The weekend kicked off with a golf tournament at Ironwood golf course in Gainesville. After a great day of golf, the events continued with an alumni reception at the Beta house followed by a short trip over to McKethan Stadium to watch the UF baseball team play Ole Miss. Saturday's events began with our semi-annual meeting of the Florida Beta Theta Pi Alumni Association where Mike Vernaccio was elected to the board and the schedule of summer and fall events was discussed.

Following the meeting the actives and their dads, who were visiting for Dad's weekend, joined the alumni for a pregame BBQ before walking up to watch the Orange team behind a strong performance by John Brantley beat the Blue team 31-21 in this year's Orange & Blue game. After the game the chapter presented awards to Brother of the year - Brian Sayre, new brother of the year - Jake Sivola-Finch, Athlete of the year - Mike Kampel, and Alumnus of the year - Brad Fortune.

Beta Alumni Gather in Miami for Championship Game

January 8, 2009

Over 50 Florida Beta alumni made the trip down to the Orange Bowl to watch Urban Meyer and the Gators capture their second BCS Championship in three seaons. Go Gators!

Fall 2008 Pledge Class Initiated

November 14, 2008

On Friday, the fall 2008 pledge class was initiated and became the newest brothers of the Gamma Xi chapter of Beta Theta Pi. These gentlemen will make up the future executive boards and leadership teams of the chapter. Congratulations guys!

Homecoming Golf Tournament

October 24, 2008

This past Friday, the brothers went to Blah Golf Course to participate in Gamma Xi's Annual Homemcoming Golf Tournament. Blank teams of four participated. Thanks to those brothers who participated and a special congratulations to Tim Reilly, Chris Johnson, Chase Senn, and Max Grimard for coming in first place overall.

Beta for life

Florida Beta Alumni News

On April 12, Gamma Xi held an Alumni Weekend in Gainesville. As part of the events, we held meetings of the Housing Corporation as well as the newly formed Alumni Association. You can find information about both of these groups later in this letter.

Alumni, actives, and dads (this weekend was also Dad's Weekend at the house) kicked off the weekend with a golf tournament, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The golf outing was followed by a happy hour at the house that allowed quite a few of our alumni to meet and/or get reacquainted with some of their old friends.

Early Saturday morning the Housing Corporation (Florida Beta Student Aid Fund) met and elections were held. New officers were elected as well as some new business discussed. The 2008-2009 officers of the FBSAF are:

President - Brian Brasington '92 - Gainesville, FL, bb@coffeepot.org Vice President - Jim Pickering '69 - Lakeland, FL, jpick301@gmail.com Secretary - Phil Ciano '80 - Gainesville, FL, philbc@cox.net Treasurer - John Maguire '80 - Clearwater, FL, hankfarquhar@hotmail.com

The other members that were elected to the board were: Stephen Becker '69 (Toronto), Brad Fortune '92 (Gainesville), Chuck Harper '92 (Ft. Lauderdale), Brian Murphy '01 (Gainesville), Robert Pickett '06 (Tampa), Eric Wickstrom '82 (Stuart), and Jarod Rouch '06 (Tampa).

We welcome Jarod, Chuck, Steve, and Brian to the board as new members.

If you are not familiar with the purpose of the Housing Corporation, let me explain. This board is comprised of alumni who plan, maintain, and implement changes to the physical structure of the house. They also manage the staff of the house (house parent, cook, cleaning staff, etc.) and work with the University on housing-related matters. The FBSAF is the owner of the physical property and its focus is the house and its operations.

During the meeting, we discussed our ongoing feasibility study which will help us to determine the amount of money that we can raise toward the remodeling/rebuilding of the chapter house as well as various other construction options.

In regards to construction options, Jim Pickering '69 volunteered to head our Building Committee and has already met with the University to discuss our options and has also come up with a preliminary cost estimate for an expansion and complete remodel.

Directly following the FBSAF meeting we held our first full meeting and elections of the Florida Beta Theta Pi Alumni Association. The 2008-2009 officers of the AA are:

President - Brad Fortune '92 - Gainesville, FL, brad1541@bellsouth.net Secretary - Eric Wickstrom '82 - Stuart, FL, eric@floridasportsman.com Treasurer - Fred Wallrap '79 - Tampa, FL, wallrapp1@verizon.net

The other members that were elected to the board were: Michael Thompson '89 (Auburndale), Earl Hoskins '93 (St. Pete/Clearwater), and Mike "Max" Klimas '77 (Orlando). (Max was a long time member of the board in the '80s).

Continuing discussions were held in regards to the formation of our bylaws as well as the approval to begin a communications program with The Laurus Group (currently conducting our feasibility study). This program will consist of informative newsletters and e-mails that will keep everyone in the loop on the happenings of Gamma Xi and our alumni.

The main purpose of the Alumni Association is to help brothers reconnect the thousands of UF Betas and brothers from all chapters living in the State of Florida. Of course, the Alumni Association will also work to assist the actives in their efforts to become a better Beta Chapter. With this in mind we have formed an events committee to help coordinate a large slate of events to take place over the next several months.

Some of these events include, local gatherings in South Florida, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and here in Gainesville over the summer. Football season will bring a fresh slate of events with viewing parties around the state as well as a "tour of tailgates" to be held amongst the biggest of the "tailgators" on campus.