Alpha Epsilon welcomed 40 new members this year, 23 in the fall Alpha class and 17 in the spring Beta class, into this new and thriving brotherhood. Throughout their associate member process culminating in the Ritual of Initiation, these new members built ties with their associate brothers, chapter members and alumni during various events throughout the year, such as an associate member retreat, Big Brother program and alumni weekends. After saying farewell to our graduating members, Alpha Epsilon stands strong with 93 members going into fallÑexceeding the campus membership average after three short years on campus.
The University of Florida prides itself on its academic curriculum and Greeks on campus are no different as the chapter boasted an average cumulative grade point average of 3.23, one of the highest among the 25 fraternities on campus. In the fall, after meeting nearly a year of requirement and colonization requirements, the chapter was awarded its charter at a banquet held in Emerson Alumni Hall, located across from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, named for our chapter alumnus. In attendance were members of the Pi Kappa Phi National Council, the University of Florida Dean of Students, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council Presidents, and the families of the chapter members. Though young on campus, Alpha Epsilon has proven to be a philanthropic force, led by our Push Chairman, Alex Povella. Between the fall’s Pie a Pi event, the spring’s Rose Queen Pageant, and the year-round Dance Marathon fundraiser, our chapter totaled $20,170 raised for the philanthropic organizations Push America and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Pi Kapp also frequently participated in competitive sorority fundraising events on campus, placing first in Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Delta, and Delta Gamma’s events.
Just as the University of Florida’s five number one ranked teams displayed their athletic prowess during this past spring, Alpha Epsilon’s intramural football, volleyball and soccer teams finished undefeated regular seasons. We also have chapter brothers that participate in triathlons and play on the University’s club volleyball and crew teams. The chapter also prides itself on its participation and working relationship with the national fraternity. Former Chaplain and current Vice Archon Justin Hall also represented Alpha Epsilon with pride during his ride in Gear Up Florida. Former Vice Archon Austin Sellers has been selected to serve the fraternity as a Leadership Consultant in this upcoming year, while former Archon and current Historian Ryan Montgomery was selected to and served on the Council of Archons. Former pledge class presidents Nick Stampar and Joey Whelihan and current Alumni Relations Chairman David Hicks were admitted to and participated in Pi Kapp College this past summer.
This past year has shown only a glimpse of the promise that this Pi Kappa Phi chapter has to offer both the University of Florida and Pi Kappa Phi as a national fraternity. In looking to build on the success we have already achieved, we hope to also continue to use these platforms to shine as true examples of the values of Pi Kappa Phi.