THE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER OF PI KAPPA PHI AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
SPRING 2011
THE PI KAPP GATOR AE HOUSING UPDATE: FIXING UP THE HOUSE
BY BILL CHARLAND
It was early March of 2009 when I received “Well, you can see the best the phone call. It was Mark Timmes. in the kitchen.” There was “Bill, I have a hell of a mess at AE,” he no power or water available. said. “Can you help me?” Those services had been shut I replied, “Sure Mark, what can I do?” off and sent to collection Mark informed me that the housing for lack of payment. As we corporation had the potential to rent walked through the kitchen, the Alpha Epsilon chapter house out the memories started swirling for several years to another fraternity through my head again. I that was interested in being housed on remembered our cook Bertha campus. Leasing the house would serve with her big smile and a spoon two purposes: generate some income in her hand. to pay off several substantial debts that It did not take much light had been amassed by the previous active to figure out that the kitchen chapter and preserve our long range plan was a horrible mess. Trash, “As I held back a tear and swallowed hard, I thought, ‘How could we have fallen this to re-colonize the Alpha Epsilon chapter far? How could something so great be degraded to this?’” pots & pans and used kitchen in four years. Mark further informed supplies were strewn around. me that he had a young man from Pi Kappa Phi Properties, Greg If that wasn’t enough, there was rodent excrement everywhere. It was Buehner, in Gainesville working to determine if renting the house was on the floor, the shelves, the dry goods storage closet and the walk-in a viable option. cooler. In some areas, it was over a quarter of an inch thick. I asked I asked Mark, “What shape is the house in?” Greg, “Is the kitchen the worst problem in the house?” “I haven’t actually seen it for myself,” he replied. “I want you to go Greg replied, “That depends on your perspective. The upstairs take a look and establish what the condition is and how much money bathroom is pretty ripe.” it will cost to get it in leasable condition.” I got my flashlight and we started to walk around. It had not even “Ok,” I replied. “I can go up next week.” been an hour when Mark called and asked me how the house looked. As I drove into Gainesville, it occurred to me that I had only been Without hesitation I told him we needed to scrape the house off the back to the Pi Kapp house on three other occasions since graduating site and start over. in the spring of 1987. The times that I had returned were just not “How much do you think we could spend?” Mark asked. enjoyable, so I stopped going. As I drew near campus and turned onto “You could spend as much as you want to,” I said. “I am thinking Fraternity Row, thoughts of memories past started swirling in my head, half a million, easy.” the “Frat/hub” bus stop, my favorite parking space and playing football Mark replied, “That’s ridiculous. Call me back after you have in the field across from our house. Of course, these are all gone now. walked around and figured it out.” As I turned into the parking lot between the Pi Kapp house and I was not joking. the Beta house, which was under a substantial renovation, I got the As Greg and I walked around the house in the dark, the memories really first look at our house. As I held back a tear and swallowed hard, I started flooding in: initiation night, pledge raids, answering the phone in thought, “How could we have fallen this far? How could something so the phone booth, the parties, the inter-house pranks and, most importantly, great be degraded to this?” all of the old faces and personalities of my era in the AE house. The yard was totally overgrown. Every window was boarded up. Each turn only provided more destruction and disgust. Each turn There were vines growing up the walls and over the roof. There was only made me ask time and again, “How could this happen?” The trash everywhere outside. extent of the destruction and lack of respect indicated clearly that I put my boots on and walked up to the front door. Greg Buehner those who lived here were neither happy nor part of the brotherhood from Pi Kappa Phi Properties was there waiting for me. I asked that I remembered. For better or worse, it was clear that they wanted Greg where he thought the best place to begin would be. He said, to make a lasting impression. (continued on page 3)
JACKSONVILLE AE PI KAPPS GATHER FOR UF VS. UGA WEEKEND PI KAPPA PHI
ALPHA EPSILON
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The Pi Kapp Gator is published by Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters through the fraternity’s alumni newsletter program. Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity P.O. Box 240526 Charlotte, NC 28224 (800) 929-1904 www.pikapp.org alumniservices@pikapp.org
HOUSING CORP.
Chairman Bert Luer (bertluer@aol.com) Vice Chairman Mike Sullivan (michael.sullivan@sorc.com) Treasurer Tim Hancock (ithancock87@yahoo.com) Secretary Bram Maravent (bram.maravent@gmail.com) Past Chairman Don Slesnick (don@deconetworks.com) Trustee Bill Charland (bcharland@charlandrurery.com) Trustee Darren Gutierrez (darrenkim@verizon.net) Trustee Jeff Gutierrez (lordbytor@gmail.com) Trustee Rob Meis (rmeis@burkhardtsales.com) Trustee Mike Rettew (rettew@gmail.com) Trustee Steve Walker (stwalker@gmail.com)
VISIT ALPHA EPSILONS WEBSITE AT:
www.pikappae.org 2
Scott Hamilton, Chris Thomas, Asher Gray, John Haladyna and Tim Murphy enjoy a day on the links with brothers during the Florida vs. Georgia weekend.
Attendees gathered in the Selva Marina clubhouse after a round. From left to right, those in attendance included John Haladyna, Buff Rastrelli, Asher Gray, Stuart Stockton, Tim Murphy, Pete Cummings, George Cross, Scott Hamilton and Chris Thomas.
Taking advantage of the annual Florida vs. Georgia football game weekend, Jacksonville area Pi Kapps gathered on Friday, October 29, for a round of golf at the historic Selva Marina Country Club in Atlantic Beach. To avoid embarrassment the scores will not be reported here, but it was mentioned from a very reliable source (who shall remain anonymous, but whose nickname is “Digger”) that the high score prize of the day belonged to Scott Hamilton. Of course, the group gathered in the clubhouse after the round to quench their thirst and discuss the weekend’s activities. On Saturday, those lucky enough to have tickets attended the game, in which the Gators continued their dominance over the Bulldogs with a 34-31 win. The golf outing is an annual event, so anyone attending a future Florida vs. Georgia weekend who would like to join the group for golf on the Friday before the game should e-mail Pete Cummings at peter.cummings@yahoo.com.
OLD FRIENDS MEET FOR ANNUAL RAYS GAME
Fraternity brothers and friends gather at Ferg’s Sports Bar before a Tampa Bay Rays game against the Boston Red Sox. Standing left to right: Tim Horvath, Hal Reddick (cousin of Walt), Mike Willis, Bert Luer, Walt Reddick, and Farrell Conlon. Seated: David Bender and Pi Kapp Little Sis Wanda Smith.
Pi Kappa Phi was created to be a lifelong brotherhood. Such is the case for four Alpha Epsilon brothers from Sarasota, three of which have known each other since Little League baseball. Farrell Conlon, Tim Horvath, Bert Luer and Mike Willis all grew up in Sarasota, and all went to Riverview High School together, graduating in 1975. During their time as roommates in off campus housing while attending UF, the four befriended Pi Kapp brothers Walt Reddick and Mike Shepherd, who lived in the same apartment complex. That fall, Bert Luer pledged Pi Kapp, and eventually all four friends found their way into the chapter and
contributed to the resurgence of the late 1970’s. For the last three years, Farrell Conlon has organized a gathering of the four friends at a Tampa Bay Rays game, with pre-game activities at Ferg’s, a sports bar next to the stadium. Other Pi Kapps and friends have attended the annual gathering, including Walt Reddick, David Bender, and little sister extraordinaire Wanda Smith. The annual pre-game gathering at Ferg’s has the potential to grow into a large Pi Kapp event. This coming year invitations will be sent to Alpha Epsilon alumni in the Tampa area. For questions or details contact Bert Luer at bertluer@aol.com.
HOUSING UPDATE (continued from cover)
After three hours and several pages of writing, we called Mark. Again, he asked, “How much?” I said, “I would guess around $150,000, but that does not include the roof. I haven’t been up there yet.” He said, “We have $100,000, can you do it?” I said, “We can fix what $100,000 will buy. I hope that’s enough.” I left that day around 4:00 p.m. As I drove south on I-75, Mark, Greg and I continued to speak about the project and what was needed to be accomplished in the coming weeks. Greg became the full time point person for the project. While working with Mark in negotiating a lease with the tenant, he worked with me to define the scope of work that needed to get done and provided cost estimates accordingly. Our work list for the house included: securing AE memorabilia, removing plywood from the windows, clearing the site of debris, new carpeting, new paint inside and out, drywall repairs, new doors for all the cubes, plumbing repairs, a new 20-ton air conditioning unit for the “old” house, new four-ton split systems for the Ben Hill Griffin Wing (BHGW), cleaning all ductwork, demolishing the bathroom and shower in the BHGW, new tile, new toilets, replacing several broken windows, new wood siding, fire alarm and sprinkler repairs, re-build several cube walls and eliminate the pest and rodent issue. As we approached the end of April 2009, our estimates were all generally falling into place until we received the roofing prices. We had five respected local roofers provide us pricing, the least expensive price was $90,000. I asked two of my local Broward County roofers to go up and look. They both said if we could “get somebody to do that job for $90,000, good luck!” Simultaneously, the lease negotiations were getting tenuous. For a while, it appeared that the project might not move forward. Ultimately, I believe Mark made the decision that we could not let the house continue to sit there and deteriorate. It was an eyesore and the University was pressuring us to get something done. Even though we were over our construction budget, we had surmised that over a four year lease term with ZBT, Alpha Epsilon could pay its bills and get “right side up.” I told Mark, “Let me know when the lease is done, and we will get to work.” We started the project in June of 2009. Greg was onsite continuously for the first month and made many trips in the following months. I sent one of my working foremen, Dean Ringuette, to work with him. I must say that for two young single guys living in Gainesville, they stayed focused on the job and worked hard. Over the next two and a half months, these two young men accomplished a tremendous amount of work. There were multiple pitfalls as we progressed through the project. Nothing was easy with the local vendors due to the chapter’s payment history. Even the University of Florida utilities plant required a cash payment before turning the water back on. We were lovingly referring to the house as the “Money Pit” from the famous Tom Hanks movie. But by the end of the summer, not only had we crafted a patchwork system to seal the roof for under $30,000, but we were able to get ZBT in on time for the fall term for under $130,000. The house wasn’t in perfect condition and ZBT worked with us in order to make the deal happen. The rooms were livable. The kitchen worked. The air conditioning and the bathrooms worked. ZBT was
happy to be on campus and start rush. Everything seemed great and we were all looking forward to Gator football season. The end of summer 2009 marked what I now refer to as “phase one” of the work. Labor Day weekend is always an exciting time in Gainesville. The summer is ending, school is starting and Gator football kicks off in the Swamp! While tailgating before the game that weekend, I received a phone call from Greg Buehner informing me that raw sewage was spilling out into the yard while ZBT was hosting a barbecue with a sorority. This was obviously traumatic for the ZBT men and their dates but even worse for our budget. We called the university utilities plant and had them check the sewer connection. This unfortunate event began “phase two” of the chapter house renovation. There were a series of hidden plumbing issues that surfaced over the following 18 months that included replacing the outside sewer service, replacing water piping, completely demolishing and rebuilding the gang shower in the old bathroom and replacing the sump pump for the basement. During this phase of construction, we removed tuna cans and plastic coke bottles from the sewer lines, we corrected illegal and non-code compliant plumbing issues and we continued to patch the roof and pray that nothing else would break down or fall apart. It was sad to see the shape of our beloved house. But as the chapter began to neglect and ignore the values of our brotherhood, the upkeep of the house was neglected and ignored as well. However, this is not a time to focus on the mistakes of the past. As we work to keep the old house structure afloat, we begin to plan to re-colonize the chapter and build a new home. As the national office prepares to revive Alpha Epsilon and return to Florida during the spring and fall of 2012, we too must get our house in order as alumni of Pi Kappa Phi.
PI KAPP PREPARES RETURN The expansion team for the Pi Kappa Phi National Staff has begun preparing for the fraternity’s return to the University of Florida. Pi Kappa Phi staff will visit campus during the spring of 2011 to build relationships with faculty, spend time with fraternity and sorority leaders and recruit upperclassmen to form an initial interest group. The staff will then return in the fall to continue to grow and educate the new chapter. In order to aid the staff’s process of identifying and recruiting quality men, we need your help. If you know of any family or friends with young men currently enrolled at UF or planning to enroll in the fall, please send their name, phone and e-mail address to cwiggins@pikapp.org.
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AE ALUMNI CELEBRATE SUPREME CHAPTER IN ORLANDO In August, more than 750 alumni, students and friends of Pi Kappa Phi gathered in Orlando for the 52nd Supreme Chapter. At this year’s convention, Alpha Epsilon alumni gathered to observe the legislative process, catch up with brothers and celebrate the fraternity. Seven AE Pi Kapps, representing four different decades, attended the convention,which was the fifth largest delegation for any alumni chapter. Alpha Epsilon alumni figured prominently in the leadership of the convention overseen by Alpha Epsilon initiate and then National Council President, Jeff Wahlen. At the time of the convention, Alpha Epsilon alumni were represented on the National Council, Pi Kappa Phi Properties Board and the Pi Kappa Phi Foundation Trustees. This made Alpha Epsilon one of only two chapters that could boast alumni serving on 3 of the 4 leadership boards for the national fraternity (Push America board being the fourth). In addition to these roles, Mark Timmes serves as Chief Executive Officer for Pi Kappa Phi and
alumnus Pete Barr was given the distinction of National Warden for the convention. National Warden is an honorary position on the National Council for the convention to honor a local alumnus for his service to Pi Kappa Phi. Alumni attending the convention were: Pete Barr (1954)—National Warden Bob Paterno (1955) – Foundation Trustee Bob Halcrow (1968) David Pope (1968) Mark Timmes (1976)—Chief Executive Officer Tim Hancock (1979) – Properties Board Member Jeff Wahlen (1981) – National President (2008-2010) But, the convention is about more than simply board meetings and ceremonial distinctions. It is an opportunity to reconnect with one another and reconnect with Pi Kappa Phi. At the Alumni Breakfast on Friday morning, Bob Halcrow and David Pope were able to reconnect with one another. Halcrow and Pope were initiated into AE
in the same year, but had not seen one another in several years. Supreme Chapter provided an outstanding back drop with which to rekindle their friendship. “This was the first Supreme Chapter that I had ever attended, and because of my work schedule, my attendance was limited in time. However, during the sessions I attended, my thoughts and feelings transcended backward 40 years to my time as an undergraduate. I realize only now how much Pi Kappa Phi meant and still means to me.” said Pope. “Seeing Bob Halcrow, reliving some old times and catching up on lost years was a blast. Connecting with other AEs that I had never known was so easy because of our shared bond.” Pi Kappa Phi’s next convention will be held in Washington, D.C., on August 2-5, 2012. In addition to celebrating the 35th anniversary of Push America, Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy project, Alpha Epsilon brothers will enjoy the return of the undergraduate chapter, which is expected to take place in 2012.
RIGHT: Executive Director Emeritus Durward W. Owen addresses brothers and friends of the fraternity at the Supreme Banquet. LEFT: Mark Timmes (left) addresses the Supreme Chapter as Jeff Wahlen (right) scans the crowd and prepares to lead more than 500 students and alumni through the Supreme Chapter session.
AE ALUMNI ORGANIZE TAMPA LUNCHEONS For several years, AE alumni Steve Stanford, James Perkins and Mike Mitchell have organized luncheons in the Tampa Bay area for a large group of Alpha Epsilon brothers. The group gathers at least twice a year to reminisce, network and update brothers on life changes. As many as 25 brothers attend the lunch and enjoy reconnecting with friends and meeting initiates from different decades. The group rotates through favorite local restaurants and has met at multiple establishments including the Tampa location of Burrito Brothers, while it existed. The Tampa lunches are a great way to casually connect with Pi Kappa Phi brothers without rearranging your schedule. If you live or work in the Tampa area, please e-mail Mike Mitchell at mikemitchax@earthlink. net to ensure your contact information is correct.
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FRONT: Bill Thorpe, Mike Prevatt, Mike Mitchell, Mike Wehrell, Mike Trentalange, Craig Morrison, and Dale Thompson. MIDDLE: Steve Steinfeld, Steve Stanford, James Perkins, Randy Wadle, Mark Yegge. BACK: Eric Van Horn, Steve Terp, Doug O’Dowd, Tim Hancock, Mike O’Donnell.
ALUMNI UPDATES Mike Sullivan, AE 886 (Fall 1968) Mike is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Source Interlink Companies in Bonita Springs, Fla. Source Interlink Media is the largest enthusiast publisher – print and digital – in the business and publishes Motor Trend, Automobile, Powder, Surfer, Snowboarder, Hot Rod and 60 other magazines and Special Interest Titles. Source Interlink Distribution Company is the largest distributor in the United States of magazines and books to the retail trade: Wal-mart, Target, Kroger, B&N, Safeway, etc., with major distribution centers in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia. I would love to hear from my pledge brothers from the Fall of 1968. Drop me a line at michael.sullivan@sorc.com. Richard Gamm, AE 906 (Spring 1969) Rich and his wife, Marty, live in Arlington, Va. where is he is a judge with the U.S. Department of Labor. Chuck Rybos, AE 907 (Spring 1969) Chuck and his wife Susan live in Washington, D.C., where he is engaged in his financial consulting practice. James Perkins, AE 1340 (Spring 1984) James is married with three kids and living in St. Petersburg, Fla. He currently serves as the Florida District Manager of GE Energy. Bram A. Maravent, AE 1838 (Fall 1993) Bram married Stacey Brandt on October 23, 2010, and lives with her and her son Zachary in Lake Worth, Fla. Bram also co-authored an article entitled “Fumbling Away the Season: Will the Expiration of the NFL-NFLPA CBA Result in the Loss of the 2011 Season?” which was published in the Summer 2010 edition of the Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal.
Ryan Sullivan AE 2122 (Fall 2004) Ryan recently turned 25 this December and is currently working for Turner Construction as a project engineer on a project at Rockefeller University, a $400 million venture consisting of two new lab buildings, a building that bridges the two together and a historical library. He is living in Manhattan with fellow AE John Switzer who is attending Brooklyn Law School. Julian Sanguedolce, AE 2297 (Fall 2004) Julian started in an institutional research sales roll at Trading Central Americas in New York City in June. He was recently recognized as top salesmen and generated more new revenue than senior managers (5+ yrs experience). He also leads the South American Campaign. Eric Vladem, AE 2321 (Fall 2005) Eric graduated from the University of Florida in ’09 with a Sport Management degree and a minor in Business Administration. Upon graduation Eric joined the Arena Football League Office after spending the 2010 season with the American Conference Champion, Tampa Bay Storm’s Media Relations Department and even did a stint as a professional football player for the Storm. Since then, Eric has worked with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and worked as a member of the NFL’s public relations staff for Super Bowls XLIV and XLII. Tyson Patterson AE 2354 (Fall 2006) Tyson graduated from the University of Florida in May 2010 with a degree in Finance. He currently lives in New York City and is attending Columbia Law School. He will graduate in 2013 with a J.D. and MBA.
Don Slesnick III, AE 1888 (Fall 1994) Don and his wife Cecilia celebrated the birth of their daughter, Cecilia Anne Slesnick, on November 6, 2010. Barry Sharon, AE 1964 (Spring 1997) Barry is currently living in Orlando, Fla., and is a Claims Manager at Allstate Insurance. He is married with a 2-year-old son. Rich Pashkin, AE 1981 (Spring 1997) Rich is currently living in New York City. In July of 2010, Rich married his wife, Alison, and just received his MBA degree from Columbia Business School. Jason Kung, AE 2012 (Fall 1997) Jason is currently working as an Assistant Project Manager at Kast Construction. W. Doug Martin, AE 2071 (Spring 1999) Doug is a personal injury attorney with the law firm Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna & Ruffier in Orlando, Fla. He has recently been elected to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida. He also currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Young Lawyers Section of the Orange County Bar Association.
To celebrate 20 years of brotherhood, the Fall 1990 pledge class organized a reunion in Gainesville on the weekend of October 9, 2010. The group, organized by brother John Mettel, met for an elaborate and fun-filled tailgate pre-game party before the LSU football game. FRONT: Jeff Alexander, David Desantis, John Mettel. MIDDLE: Dean Crowley, Ben David, Adam Bello, Jeff Miceli, Greg Corbett, and Adam Scott. BACK: Jack Serenci, Gary Struick, Paul Shorstein, Bryan Markiet, Adam Mopsick, and Andres Bejerano (Warden).
SEND US YOUR UPDATES! Submit a quick note to inform fellow AE alumni on your new job, family news, exoctic travel, etc. Send your updates to Bram Maravent at bram.maravent@gmail.com.
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PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY P.O. BOX 240526 CHARLOTTE, NC 28224
PI KAPP GATOR ALPHA EPSILON
1986
Alpha Epsilon chapter members clean Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after a Gator victory in the Swamp.
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