Foundation CEO speaks; 13 Semi-Century Sigs honored . . .

Orlando, FL - April 22, 2008: Some 96 central Florida brothers (81 alumni, 15 undergraduates from UCF) gathered at the Country Club of Orlando today for the annual Blue & Gold Honors Luncheon to hear former NASA Astronaut and Sigma Chi Foundation President Greg Harbaugh (Delta Delta/Purdue ’78) speak of the work of the foundation in funding scholarships and leadership development to keep Sigma Chi competitive and relevant in the 21st century collegiate environment. Brother Harbaugh drew analogies between the leap alumni must take to support Horizons, the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop and Cornerstone to his own launches into space as an astronaut in NASA’s Shuttle Program.

Order of Constantine Sig Joe Hartman (Eta Pi/UCF ’74) presented the Significant Sig Award to the first Eta Pi brother from UCF to be so honored, Tico Perez (Eta Pi/UCF ’83), who spoke of the importance that Sigma Chi values and the lessons of his undergraduate fraternity experience have played in his life and career. Former Orlando Utilities Commissioner and candidate for Mayor of Orlando, Brother Perez announced in February he was forming Tico Perez Solutions LLC, a business development and government relations consulting firm. His first client is his former law firm, Baker Hostetler, where he spent 14 years. Tico is a political analyst on WESH-TV and a regular political commentator on the nationally syndicated show The Daily Buzz. He also hosts “Talkin' With Tico”, a talk radio program on Newstalk AM 580 WDBO.

Master of Ceremonies Todd Bowers (Eta Pi/UCF ’77) and CFAC President Brian Furniss (Eta Pi/UCF ‘03) presented 13 central Florida Sigs with the Semi-Century Sig certificate and Pin honoring their 50-year membership in the Fraternity. Present to receive this honor were Glenn Paulk (Beta Chi/Emory), John Russell (Eta/Mississippi). Bill Singleton (Gamma Nu/South Carolina) and Tom Ustler (Gamma Theta/Florida). Outgoing Eta Pi Chapter Consul and incoming Magister Cody Dennis introduced the 14 other Eta Pi undergraduates present from UCF, including incoming Consul Blake Stockton and his new cabinet of chapter officers.

The 2008 Blue & Gold Honors Lunch concluded with the traditional Sigma Chi cheer led in the absence of Jerry Chicone (Gamma Theta/Florida ’56) by P J Stephens (Tau Tau/Washington U – St. Louis ’71).

P. J. Stephens

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