Page 6 - Marching Along - Fall 2018

alumni spotlight

BETA BROTHERHOOD jumped in to assist with planning and logistics.
Now there was a team in place!
Word spread like wildfire about the 25–30-year
(continued from page one) Beta Reunion to be held in Atlanta in support of
Jeff’s battle with ALS. Beta Theta Pi brothers from
determine a date. We agreed the reunion would be near and far, who graduated well before and after
in the Atlanta area, not only because it would be Jeff, stepped up in support of the effort and cause.
easy for the brothers to arrange travel, but also more Emails came in one after another, confirming flights
importantly, it would not require Jeff to travel and to Atlanta for the weekend. Within only two days,
he could easily maintain his treatment regimen. The more than 25 commitments had been received.
downside of the decided weekend was that it was Jeff’s situation had touched the hearts of many who
less than three weeks away, leaving very little time knew and loved him. Being in Atlanta was clearly a
for planning and travel arrangements. priority. Obviously not everyone was able to make
R estaurants the trip, for many reasons, but that did not diminish
were booked for their support of the event and their dedication to Jeff Warchol (left) with pledge dad Vince
socializing and assist. It was very humbling to see everyone rally for Turturro (right).
the neighborhood Jeff.
clubhouse was While excited for Jeff, Beth confessed he had Hundreds of pictures from 25-year-old photo
chosen as a central been depressed as of late. He was no longer able to albums appeared, reminding all of their shared
gathering spot. speak and therefore did not like to go out in public. fraternal bonds and great times spent together at
Jeff’s pledge father, She worried he might not want to be in public UF. Everyone reminisced their shared love of Beta
Vince Turturro with the group. The response was simple— Jeff was Theta Pi, the University of Florida, and our brother,
Look who showed up ’92, and fellow loved, and he would have no choice. Flights were Jeff Warchol. The initial surprise on Jeff’s face
to Jeff’s party—Dolly Beta brother David booked and this reunion was in motion. turned into a constant smile confirming the success
Parton! Asarnow ’90, Michael Barron ’94, suggested a fundraiser for of the reunion.
both immediately All costs were underwritten by a handful of
the Warchol family. I floated the idea by Beth for
approval, who advised a fundraiser was fine with very generous brothers; to not only help attendees
her. With her blessing, another email was blasted curb their expenses, but to allow more funds to
FROM THE ALUMNI to the group with only five days until the event. be donated to the Jeff Warchol Family Fund.
Donations flowed in from even more brothers
PRESIDENT In short it stated a goal of raising $10,000 for Jeff’s from around the country. Presenting a check in the
Family Fund, in the hopes of presenting the funds
to Jeff and his family, with no strings attached, to amount of $25,000 to our friends, Jeff and Beth,
(continued from page one) be used for a vacation, medical expenses, college was humbling and a true honor for me.
tuition, or anything they needed. The group knew Pledging and being a member of Beta Theta Pi
are 21 years old and older for two years, after which the amount was overly optimistic, especially in while attending The University of Florida built
the houses will be completely alcohol-free. Beer light of the number of people attending, who were many Men of Principle. Our shared honor and
and wine will be allowed for six alumni events each already spending money on flights, cars, and hotel love for each other spans great distances and even
year—events that must be approved by the general rooms. decades. As a group, we are proud and thankful to
fraternity. Clearly this is a bold step being taken by The weekend arrived and 41 members of the have been a part of this true brotherhood and we are
our brotherhood, and not one to be taken lightly or Gamma Xi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, from the grateful to know and love Jeff Warchol and call him
without a great deal of courage. It is never the wrong University of Florida, attended. One member our brother. Plans are already in place for another
time to do the right thing, and I believe this is both stopped by the chapter house and borrowed the Beta Reunion. In the months since the reunion, Jeff
the right thing to do at precisely the right time. Now Loving Cup, a symbol of Beta brotherhood, and and Beth’s oldest son, Matthew, was accepted to UF
more than ever, I thank God I am a Beta. brought it to the reunion. With it in hand, the where he plans to attend in the fall.
If you want to give me your thoughts on the first keg of beer was consumed in short order. Sadly, Jeff passed away peacefully on July 18 in
newsletter or relate things in your life that you Marietta, Georgia, with his wife and kids by his
would like to share with other Beta alumni, please side and a smile on his face. ALS is a
send them to me. My email address is fred@ very cruel disease. Jeff will be sorely
wallrapp.com. We also invite you to please stop in missed by his family, friends, and Beta
to the house anytime you are in Gainesville. Lunch brothers. Any Beta brother touched by
is served on all football game days. You will be Jeff’s story that wants to donate to the
welcomed and will enjoy meeting the young men Warchol Family Fund, please contact
there carrying on our Beta traditions. me at brooks.endacott@gmail.com.
Both Jeff and Beth were able to
Yours in – kai –, read the draft of this article before
his passing and gave their approval
to share. We are proud to share Jeff’s
story and to be able to share with
Fred Wallrapp ’78 you what he and his family have
Brothers Seve Williams (left) and Brooks Endacott experienced. Jeff, you will be missed,
(right) join Jeff Warchol (center). but never forgotten.

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