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Late Cakes FTK

Stacks on stacks on stacks.

What better way to end the night than with unlimited pancakes? On Feb. 17, 2012, the ladies of Delta Gamma served up hundreds of plates of pancakes for the post-midtown crowd at their event, Late Cakes for the Kids. For $5 each, guests received plates of pancakes and bacon with all proceeds benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network.

“A big group of us headed over to DG after Cantina, and I swear pancakes have never tasted so good,” said Katie McLeod, a member of Alpha Delta Pi. “I saw a lot of different people there, and it was a fun way to end the night.”

But UF students were not the only ones present. Family members came to support their daughters, and even students from other schools such as Florida State University and the University of Central Florida attended.

Members of Kappa Sigma at UCF were in town attending Florida Conclave, an informative conference promoting leadership hosted by the Delta Delta chapter of Kappa Sigma. Several of their members made an appearance throughout the three hour fundraiser.

“My brothers loved the generosity from the lovely ladies of Delta Gamma and they thought the fundraiser was such a great idea that we are planning to try and use it at UCF,” said Brandon Talbott, Sorority Relations and External Philanthropy Chair for Kappa Sigma at UCF. “We had such a great time that we hope to have a social with UF DG in the future.”

Delta Gammas provided rides to and from the midtown area and fraternity houses, making it easier for guests to attend and get home safely. Delta Gamma dished out over 400 plates of pancakes and raised over $5,500 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

“We thought it was great to extend our sorority relations outside of UCF,” said Talbott. “And on behalf of the Lambda Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Sigma at UCF, we would like to extend our thanks to the ladies of Delta Gamma for their invitation and for being so hospitable at their fundraising event.”

DG “did good” for the kids.

RCC Western

     Looking for those perfect boots to complete your woodser outfits? Whether you prefer to stick to the original look or spice things up with some saucy red-colored boots, look no further; RCC Western has a boot style for everyone.

     Over 2,000 pairs of boots brought from Durango, Colo. crowd the store including fashion and work boots for men, ladies, and children. Customers can choose from top brands including Ariat, Justin, Tony Lama, Anderson Bean, Durango, and many more. RCC Western has hundreds of stylish cowboy hats whether customers are looking for some shade or completing an outfit. For the ladies, RCC has bling belts, and even a great selection of Brighton handbags and jewelry including some Florida Gator accessories.

     For first time boot buyers, employees at RCC Western provide custom service and fitting to make sure you find the perfect boot. But be warned; choosing one style could be difficult with the array of choices. Talk a walk past the walls of boots and you’ll see eye-catching colors like turquoise, lime and orange alongside the traditional earth-toned designs. However, not only do their colors vary, but also their shape, square and pointed toes, and different animal garnishments including snakeskin, alligator and even elephant. Men’s boots run up to a size 15, and store manager Annel Douglas expressed her fondness of Ariat boots; they are cushioned for the feet and fit well.
     Located on Williston road, RCC Western is a nearby western wonder. For all the Foursquare users, make sure next time you visit to “check-in” at RCC Western to unlock discounts and promotions going on in-store. Or, make sure to follow RCC Western on Twitter (@RCCWestern) to stay up-to-date on new arrivals, promos, sweepstakes and general information about your favorite Western store. 

Treat Your Valentine at Vellos

     What better way to spoil your sweetheart than a romantic evening at Vellos Brickstreet Grill? Even before you get the chance to glance at the menu, the modern-styled and amorous setting will kick-start the evening for you and your date. In the heart of downtown Gainesville, customers are surrounded by rich culture and history.

     From appetizers to entrees, Vellos offers an assortment of options to choose from. The Crab BLT made with jumbo lump crabmeat, fried green tomato, pancetta, and truffle aioli is rich with flavor; it was a delicious starter on my last visit. Not a seafood fan? The Baked Brie or Bruschetta never seem to disappoint.

     If in the mood, Vellos’ flats are a must. Choose from a number of combinations with titles that will catch your eye as you graze the menu including: Fungi, Rockin Moroccan, Black and Blue, and my personal favorite the Cowboy with steak, potato, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream and scallions. Or for those thinking to order a salad, choose from over five different selections like The Brickstreet or Wasabi Wedge.

     No matter what, you can’t go wrong with one of Vellos’ Signature Entrees. For seafood eaters, I’d recommend the Sesame Tuna or Herb Roasted Salmon; either choice will have your taste buds begging for more. Otherwise, the Peach Barbecue Ribs with baked macaroni and cheese or the Southern Pecan Pork Chop are both mouth-watering alternatives.

     Want to get a good look at their choices ahead of time? View the lunch or dinner menus online at www.vellosbrickstreetgrill.com as well as information for Happy Hour and specials, and making reservations.

     Whether a first time visitor or a veteran, Vellos is the perfect setting for a relaxing and scrumptious evening. So go grab a table, or a seat at the spacious bar and have a divine outing with your dear valentine. 

Leaders and Legacies

     Otis Allen Glazebrook, Erskine Mayo Ross, and Alfred Marshall founded Alpha Tau Omega at the Virginia Military Institute in 1865.

     Today, Alpha Tau Omega is considered America’s Leadership Development Fraternity with over 140,000 living alumni and more than 6,500 undergraduate members in over 140 chapters across the nation. Created by Alpha Tau Omega in 1986, The LeaderShape Institute, Inc. is considered one of the country's premier leadership development training programs available for college students and young professionals.

     The Alpha Omega chapter was founded February 26th, 1884 at the University of Florida, making it one of the first fraternities on campus.

     Nine buildings on campus are named after ATOs including our basketball arena, the Stephen C. O'Connell Center and our Law Library, the Spessard L. Holland Law Center. Of the five Gator football players in the Swamp's "Ring of Honor," two are ATOs: Jack Youngblood and Steve Spurrier.

     Every year, the Alpha Omega chapter serves more than 5,000 hours of time cleaning up roads, hosting food, clothes, and blood drives, and volunteering for organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.

     “Although lots of guys were coming through during rush, the brothers were eager to know all of us. It showed me that they genuinely cared about the people who were going to become a part of their brotherhood. When one of us needs anything at all, nobody hesitates to lend a hand. It just shows how close we are as brothers,” said Lance Ferrer.

Spring Forward with Fashion

Another one of my Odyssey articles for the first spring issue coming out!

     Brightening the day, one accessory at a time.

     It would be abnormal to walk to class and not spot the flowery, eye-catching prints of Vera Bradley or Lilly Pulitzer. The fad only seems to be growing as spring and summer approach with the release of new, vibrant patterns.

     Vera Bradley’s “Laptop Backpack” is a hit in the sorority house and the steps of the libraries with its spacious compartments.

     “I always carry my books and laptop in my Vera backpack. It can hold all of my things in the different pockets and even has a special lined place for my computer. On the weekends when I go home or visit friends in Tally, I use my Vera duffel bag too! They are both the same print and easy to keep track of,” said Ryan Evans, a member of Delta Gamma.

     Other popular items include pencil cases, laptop skins, duffel bags, ID holders and cross-body bags.

From Recruitment week to Derby Days, it’s easy to find a Lilly Pulitzer dress amongst the crowd. The classic structure and design flatters almost any body shape and the bold designs make a statement.

     “For my Kentucky Derby social, I wore my Lilly dress plus a big, floppy hat and it fit the theme perfectly,” said Katie McLeod, a member of Alpha Delta Pi.

     With the arrival of the new patterns and items, including the sorority designs for Lilly Pulitzer, these spring-season sightings are just getting started. 

Samantha Marozzi (left), a member of Alpha Delta Pi, and Jacki Rubin (right), a member of Kappa Alpha Theta leaving Keene-Flint Hall after history class.

First of the Fratty

One of my articles published in The Odyssey: University of Florida

     “The True Gentlemen.”

     Although Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) is popularly recognized on campus as the fraternity with a large lion statue out front of their house, SAE’s history runs deep throughout the South.

     The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity was founded March 9, 1856, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. by eight men - John Barratt Rudulph, John Webb Kerr, Nathan Elams Cockrell, Wade Foster, Abner Edwin Patton, Samuel Marion Dennis, Thomas Chappell Cook and Noble Leslie DeVotie.

     Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded during a controversial time leading up to the breakout of the Civil War. Seventy members of the fraternity lost their lives during the War including one of the eight founders, Noble Leslie DeVotie. DeVotie was officially recorded in the archives of the War as the first man on either side of the lines to give his life in military service, and has become widely known for his active role with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and his dedication during a time of war.

     The Florida Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was established on Feb. 11, 1884 and was the first fraternity at the University of Florida.

     Prior to initiation, new members have learned about the fraternity’s history. Their understanding preludes to their chapter events later on, such as their trip in remembrance of Paddy Murphy. Paddy Murphy, according to SAE history, was a bootlegger doing deals with Al Capone during the 1920’s while being housed in an Illinois SAE chapter house. In Murphy’s honor, SAE members would dress in their best “mobster” attire during their trip. So last year, our SAE guys dressed in their best gangster outfits and strut their stuff in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

     Today, the SAE Cajun Cookout benefits the Gainesville Fisher House – helping America’s military and their families in a time of need.  Cajun Cookout also continues to fund the Ehren Murburg Scholarship in honor of their fallen brother.

     The focus of SAE history is that it survived the great sectional conflict, and since the end of World War II the fraternity has grown much larger; its total number of initiates continues to be one of the highest of all fraternities.