June 1, 2026

INSIDE: Alumni Spotlight - Carlos Cruz, Undergraduate Update, FIU Alumni Board Swearing In & Cocktail, FIU Football Tickets, 40 Year Anniversary Save the Date, FIU SigEp Founders Club

Alumni Spotlight: Brother Carlos M. Cruz Authors New Book

Congratulations to Brother Carlos M. Cruz, Florida Nu Class of 1990, on the release of his latest book, Guide to Law School and Bars: Eliminate Mental Bars.

Drawing on decades of professional experience as an author, coach, and public affairs professional, Carlos wrote the book to provide aspiring attorneys with the roadmap he wishes he had when pursuing a legal career. The book offers practical guidance for students navigating the path to law school, including academic preparation, admissions strategies, career planning, and overcoming the mental barriers that often prevent people from reaching their goals. Carlos has spent more than 30 years helping others build influence and achieve success in business, government, and life.  

Carlos has remained actively involved with Florida Nu over the years, including participating in the chapter's Career Fair, where he has shared his professional experience and mentored undergraduate brothers as they prepare for their own careers. His continued commitment to helping the next generation reflects the lifelong impact of SigEp brotherhood.

For undergraduates, young alumni, or anyone considering a future in law, this book is a valuable resource from a fellow SigEp brother who is committed to helping the next generation succeed.

Congratulations to Carlos on this accomplishment and for continuing to give back through education and mentorship.

Undergraduate Update

With the spring semester complete and Summer A classes underway, the undergraduate brothers have shifted their focus toward building a strong recruitment class for Summer B 2026.

The chapter has already hosted two recruitment events this summer, with another scheduled in the coming weeks. Recruitment remains a top priority as the brothers work to introduce outstanding young men to the Balanced Man experience at FIU.

If your son, a family member, or a friend will be attending FIU this fall, we encourage you to connect them with our Vice President of Recruitment so they can learn more about SigEp and become involved in the recruitment process.

As part of Summer Rush, the chapter has launched a football card-themed recruitment campaign featuring undergraduate brother Rodrigo Marron of FIU Football, highlighting the diverse and accomplished young men involved in Florida Nu. The campaign showcases the chapter's continued commitment to recruiting student leaders who excel both in and out of the classroom.

Academically, the chapter continues to excel. Florida Nu finished the Spring semester with an impressive 3.18 chapter GPA, reflecting the brothers' commitment to scholarship and personal development.

While summer is traditionally a quieter time on campus, the chapter is laying the groundwork for another successful year through recruitment, academic achievement, and continued engagement at the SigEp Learning Community.

FIU Alumni Board Swearing-In & Cocktail Reception

The FIU Alumni Board Swearing-In and Cocktail Reception, held on May 14, was a tremendous success and a great evening celebrating leadership, service, and Panther pride.

Congratulations to Brothers Sean Gazitua, Tom Jelke, and Nate Ortiz, who were officially sworn in as members of the FIU Alumni Association Board of Directors. We are especially proud that both Sean Gazitua and Tom Jelke will serve on the Board’s Executive Committee.

It was a wonderful event that highlighted the continued impact of SigEp alumni within the FIU community. Congratulations again to our brothers on this outstanding accomplishment and continued leadership at FIU.

FIU Football Season Is Almost Here

The excitement is building for another season of FIU Football, and FIU SigEp is looking forward to another great year supporting the Panthers at Pitbull Stadium.

We encourage all alumni, undergraduates, family members, and friends to consider purchasing FIU Football season tickets. When ordering tickets, be sure to contact FIU Ticketing and request seats in the SigEp section, located in Sections 114 and 115, so you can enjoy the season alongside fellow brothers and supporters.

This year promises to be an exciting one as FIU continues to build on the momentum generated under Coach Willie Simmons' leadership. The season also carries special significance for Florida Nu as undergraduate brother Rodrigo Marron takes the field for the Panthers. We look forward to supporting Rodrigo and the entire FIU Football team throughout what promises to be an exciting year.

Be sure to mark your calendars for several key SigEp events this fall:

• September 12 – SigEp Day at FIU Football vs. Buffalo
• September 26 – The Pig Roast returns as FIU SigEp looks to defend its championship title when FIU takes on LIU
• November 7 – Homecoming vs. Missouri State, where we hope to continue our tradition of a strong SigEp turnout

Whether you attend one game or the entire season, we hope you'll join us in cheering on the Panthers and celebrating the brotherhood of Florida Nu.

Go Panthers! Go SigEp!

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 Michael Weber 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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