May 1, 2026

 

INSIDE: Alumni Spotlight: Brother Bill Buchanan, Alfred Torossian, FIU Alumni Cocktail Reception, A Pair of Nuts, Undergraduate Update, 40 Year Anniversary Save the Date, FIU SigEp Founders Club

Alumni Spotlight: Bill Buchanan – Investing in the Future of SigEp

We are proud to recognize Brother Bill Buchanan for his generous support of the SigEp Learning Community (SLC)—a gift rooted in gratitude, legacy, and a deep commitment to the future of Florida Nu.


For Bill, this contribution was not transactional—it was personal.


“FIU has been part of my life for more than twenty years,” he shared. “It’s where I met my wife, where many of the relationships that still matter most to me began, and where my career started. At a certain point, that turns into responsibility. This was paying back a debt to a place and a group of men that had a real impact on my life.”


Bill’s connection to SigEp runs deep. As a former Chapter President, he credits Florida Nu as one of the most formative experiences of his life.


“SigEp was not just a social experience. It was a group of men that challenged me, supported me, and forced me to grow. It taught me accountability and how to lead—how to make decisions under pressure and bring people together with different perspectives. The friendships I built then are still part of my life today.”


Looking ahead, Bill sees the SigEp Learning Community as far more than a building.


“This facility should be more than just brick and mortar. It should be where guys come in and get better—where accountability is real, standards are high, and people push each other to grow. It should also be a place where brotherhood is built and where these young men feel at home on campus.”


He also emphasized that the SLC belongs to the entire SigEp community.


“This is the SigEp home on campus. It’s used by the undergraduates, but it belongs to all of us. It should stand as a beacon of 40 years of brotherhood at FIU—and many more to come.”


Bill also recognizes the dedication that made the project possible.


“A lot of credit belongs to Tom Jelke and the alumni who stayed committed long enough to make this real. That doesn’t happen without people refusing to let it go.”


Finally, Bill offers a clear message to fellow alumni:


“If SigEp had any impact on your life, then you already know the answer. This is not about writing a check. This is about taking ownership of something that gave all of us a lot. If we want this to last and to mean something for the next generation, it requires consistent support. We all took something from this chapter—this is our chance to give something meaningful back.”

Congratulations to Brother Alfred Torossian

We are proud to congratulate Brother Alfred Torossian on being named a Finalist for Principal of the Year by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.


This recognition reflects his outstanding leadership and dedication to education, as well as the positive impact he continues to make in his school community.


Read more about this achievement:

https://news.dadeschools.net/cmnc/new/37747


Congratulations to Alfred on this well-deserved honor.

FIU Alumni Cocktail Reception

Join fellow Panthers for an evening of connection, networking, and celebration at the FIU Alumni Cocktail Reception at The Biltmore Hotel on Thursday, May 14.


This event brings together FIU alumni from across industries for a relaxed and engaging atmosphere—perfect for reconnecting with old friends, expanding your network, and celebrating the FIU community.


We encourage all SigEp alumni to attend and represent Florida Nu as we continue to strengthen our presence within the FIU alumni network.


We look forward to seeing a strong SigEp turnout.

A Pair of Nuts is Back!

SigEp brothers Yamil Piedra and Johnny Trabanco are back at it as the comedy duo A Pair of Nuts, bringing laughs with their signature Miami-style humor.


What started as brotherhood at FIU has turned into a successful comedy act, performing across the country and building a strong following with their relatable and energetic content.


Make sure to check them out and give them a follow. Click Here


Always great to see SigEp brothers making moves and keeping the laughs going.


Undergraduate Update

The undergraduate brothers continued to stay active across campus with a strong mix of professional development, wellness, brotherhood, and alumni engagement.


The chapter participated in a Stop the Bleed training, providing valuable, real-world skills focused on emergency response and preparedness. Strengthening alumni connections, the brothers also took part in an Alumni Golf Day, creating another opportunity to build relationships across generations of Florida Nu.


SigEp maintained a strong presence on campus through a variety of events, including participation in the Baller League, a Jazz Club event, and hosting social gatherings such as the SigRow Party and SigEp Formal, which were highlights of the semester.


Wellness and personal development remained a priority, with the chapter organizing a SigEp x ALO Yoga Wellness Class and a Pilates class, promoting both physical and mental well-being among members.


We also extend our congratulations to our graduating seniors as they prepare for their next chapter, and welcome our newest brother, Mark Marandino, who was recently initiated into the chapter.


The undergraduates continue to represent SigEp with a balanced approach to leadership, brotherhood, and campus involvement.

Save the Weekend and Send us Photos for

our Ruby Red 40 Year Anniversary Celebration

Mark your calendars! Sigma Phi Epsilon at Florida International University turns 40 on January 17, 2027. Block off Jan 15-17 for an amazing celebration.


Our Ruby Red anniversary will be a time to reconnect with brothers from every era, reminisce about the great memories you have made, honor our chapter’s legacy, and celebrate SigEp's impact at FIU and beyond.


We need you do three things:

  • Go to your calendar RIGHT NOW and block off the dates.
  • Send photos to THIS LINK. We will be posting photos every Throwback Thursday and have a huge slideshow going that weekend.
  • Tell all your FIU SigEp Friends!

Introducing the FIU SigEp Founders Club

The Founders Club is designed for individuals who contribute at a leadership level, including those who give:


  • $100 per month or more,
  • the equivalent amount annually, or
  • a major one-time donation ($5,000+) that supports our long-term goals.


These contributions help strengthen our undergraduate experience, sustain programming, and ensure the long-term success of major initiatives such as the SigEp Learning Community, scholarships, and alumni engagement.


Join the Founders Club


If you believe in investing in the next generation of Balanced Men and building a stronger SigEp at FIU, become a Founders Club donor today by clicking below.


Thank you to all of our current Founders' Club members:

Alex Tabares Antonio Gomez Ariel Martinez Ben Sardinas Bill Buchanan Cecilio Toledo Charlie Andrews David Azzarito David Capote David Hernandez David Solis Eddie & Frances Hondal Fran Oses Frank Gaviria Jaime Gomez James Horst Jim Freyre Jose Proveyer Juan Molina Julio Almeyda Len Lucia Manny Becerra Manny Rodriguez Manny Vadillo Marcos Barahona Michael Hernandez Nate Ortiz Nilo Cuervo Ralph Espinosa Sean Gazitua Sergio Fuenzalida Steve & Sara Mangano Steven Ocampo Tom & Rebecca Jelke


IT'S GREAT TO BE A SIGEP!


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