The Gamma Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Florida proudly celebrates its Significant Sigs—brothers who have achieved the fraternity’s highest honor. These alumni exemplify the ideals of friendship, justice, and learning, bringing distinction to Sigma Chi through extraordinary leadership in business, law, public service, medicine, media, education, athletics, and humanitarian work.

Larry Loftis

Larry Loftis is an American author, former U.S. Army intelligence officer, and attorney known for writing compelling narrative nonfiction focused on real-life espionage and World War II heroes. Drawing on his background in intelligence and law, he brings depth and authenticity to stories such as Code Name: Lise and The Princess Spy.

Loftis is recognized for blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling, often spotlighting overlooked figures who played critical roles in history. His books have gained international recognition and adaptation interest, establishing him as a leading voice in modern historical nonfiction.

Craig Ustler

Craig Ustler is one of Florida’s most impactful urban real estate developers and CEO of the Orlando-based Ustler Group of Companies. For more than 25 years, he has focused on transformative urban infill projects, most notably Creative Village, a 68-acre, $700 million redevelopment in downtown Orlando that integrates education, residential, and commercial spaces.

Named Orlando Magazine’s “Best Commercial Real Estate Developer” in 2024, Ustler has championed walkability, density, and public-private partnerships that have reshaped Central Florida’s urban core. His board service with the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Urban Land Institute reflects his continued civic leadership.

Judge Michael McHugh

Judge McHugh serves as a Circuit Court Judge in Florida and was elected the youngest Chief Judge in the history of the 20th Judicial Circuit. As Chief Judge, he implemented Florida’s first differential civil case management system, later adopted by the Florida Supreme Court as the statewide model.

Previously, he served in the felony division of the State Attorney’s Office, trying more than 50 jury trials with a conviction rate exceeding 95 percent. His leadership during COVID-19 court operations and statewide judicial reform efforts highlights his commitment to innovation and fairness in the judiciary.

James Bruce Culpepper

James Bruce Culpepper is an Administrative Law Judge for Florida’s Division of Administrative Hearings, presiding over complex disputes affecting the statutory rights of Floridians. He is a past president of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary and has taught administrative law at both UF and Florida State.

A U.S. military veteran and former Chief of Administrative Law for the Air Force, Culpepper’s distinguished legal and military service underscores his lifelong dedication to impartial justice and public service.

Earle S. Cooper

Earle S. Cooper is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Mediator and founder of Earle S. Cooper ADR Construction Neutral. After decades leading Hawkins Construction into a major Southeastern contractor, he transitioned into alternative dispute resolution, specializing in complex construction conflicts.

Cooper has chaired numerous civic boards, including Morton Plant Mease Healthcare Foundation, and continues to serve the City of Clearwater. His ethical leadership in both business and dispute resolution exemplifies Sigma Chi values in action.

Brad Culpepper

Brad Culpepper is a former NFL defensive tackle who played nine seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears before becoming a founding partner of Culpepper Kurland. A UF Academic All-American and “Gator Great,” he was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame.

Beyond athletics, Culpepper gained national recognition as a finalist on Survivor and has built a respected legal career as a trial attorney. His diverse achievements reflect excellence in sports, media, and advocacy.

Kyle Bachus

Kyle Bachus is a nationally recognized catastrophic injury attorney and founding partner of Bachus & Schanker, LLC. He authored the bestselling book Unthinkable and helped draft Colorado’s Made Whole Doctrine to protect injury victims.

Following 9/11, Bachus provided pro bono services through Trial Lawyers Care and later led the trial team that achieved the largest personal injury verdict in Colorado history. His advocacy for vulnerable families has earned national acclaim.

Judge Tibbals

Judge Tibbals serves on Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, presiding over family, civil, and criminal matters. As Associate Administrative Judge in the Family Law Division, he has advanced unified family court models focused on efficiency and fairness.

Prior to the bench, he was a trial attorney at Akerman LLP and devoted hundreds of pro bono hours as attorney ad litem in juvenile delinquency court. His judicial leadership reflects integrity and compassion.

Robert F. Stuart

Robert F. Stuart has served nearly two decades as Orlando City Commissioner for District 3 and previously led the Christian Service Center of Central Florida. He helped create Orlando’s Working Committee on Homelessness, advancing solutions for the city’s most vulnerable residents.

A fourth-generation Orlando public servant, Stuart’s steady civic leadership has shaped downtown development and strengthened community partnerships.

John Kampfe

John Kampfe served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Turner Broadcasting Systems, overseeing financial strategy for CNN, TBS, TNT, and other major networks during a transformative era in media.

A 14-year board member of JDRF and active civic leader in Atlanta, Kampfe was named a Distinguished CFO by the Media Financial Management Association in 2013, recognizing his excellence in financial stewardship.

Richard “Dick” Petry

Reverend Richard “Dick” Petry served Florida communities for more than six decades as a United Methodist minister. He was a founding pastor, longtime church leader, and board member of Volunteers in Medicine, serving the uninsured in Jacksonville.

His ministry emphasized outreach to the homeless and vulnerable, leaving a profound humanitarian legacy across Central and Northeast Florida.

Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly is an internationally bestselling author known for the Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer series, with more than 80 million books sold worldwide. His novels have been translated into dozens of languages and adapted into film and television.

Recipient of the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award, Connelly’s storytelling excellence has made him one of the most influential crime writers of his generation.

Michael T. Harding

Michael T. Harding is the founder and CEO of Millennium Media, Inc., and the driving force behind BLAB Television Affiliates, America’s first OTT local television network dedicated to community-based programming. His innovative leadership has expanded local broadcasting across Florida and Alabama.

Earlier in his career, Harding served the University of Florida as Senior Director of Development and Alumni Affairs for the College of Journalism and Communications. His career reflects a rare blend of media entrepreneurship, education leadership, and community impact.

Richard “Dick” Petry

John “Chip” Lutz is an accomplished businessman and internationally celebrated amateur golfer. A former member of the Florida Gators golf team, he built a successful career in insurance, law, and business advisory services while earning CLU and ChFC designations.

Lutz is best known for his extraordinary senior amateur golf achievements, including the 2015 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship and three British Senior Amateur titles. His sustained excellence in both business and competitive golf demonstrates discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

Scott Hawkins

Scott Hawkins is a prominent business litigation attorney and served as President of The Florida Bar from 2011–2012. A shareholder at Jones Foster in West Palm Beach, he is Board Certified in Business Litigation and represents clients in complex commercial disputes.

His leadership within The Florida Bar and the American Bar Association reflects his dedication to advancing professional standards, mentoring young lawyers, and strengthening the legal profession across Florida.

Judge James Whittemore

Judge Whittemore was appointed as a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida in 2000 after a decade on Florida’s 13th Circuit Court. He also successfully argued a criminal case before the U.S. Supreme Court earlier in his career.

Recognized as an outstanding jurist and inducted into the Stetson College of Law Hall of Fame, Whittemore’s federal judicial service has been marked by fairness, scholarship, and steady leadership.

Blair Culpepper

Blair Culpepper was president and CEO of seven Florida banks and a respected leader in Florida’s banking community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he chaired numerous civic and cultural institutions, including the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Orlando Museum of Art.

Named Winter Park’s Citizen of the Year in 2004, Culpepper’s civic-minded leadership left a lasting imprint on Central Florida’s business and nonprofit communities.

Jacob V. Stuart

Jacob V. Stuart served nearly 25 years as President of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and later led the Central Florida Partnership. He was instrumental in advancing regional collaboration, transportation initiatives such as LYNX and SunRail, and sustainable economic development.

Recognized as a Legacy Champion of Sustainability, Stuart’s visionary leadership strengthened Central Florida’s long-term economic vitality and civic unity.

George L. Stuart Jr.

George L. Stuart Jr. served three terms in the Florida State Senate and was instrumental in landmark legislation involving growth management, affordable housing, and international business development. He also played a key role in establishing the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

His bipartisan leadership and dedication to public service continue to influence Florida’s economic and civic landscape.

Judge James S. Moody Jr.

Judge James S. Moody Jr. has served as a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida since 2000. Previously a circuit court judge and board-certified civil trial lawyer, he also served as a CPA and civic leader in Hillsborough County.

His judicial career reflects a reputation for thoughtful rulings, professionalism, and long-standing service to Florida’s legal community.

Kenneth P. Mingledorff

Kenneth P. Mingledorff is a veteran Houston attorney and founder of the Mingledorff Law Firm. He previously served as Chief Prosecutor in Harris County and as General Counsel to U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins.

He was a principal architect of legislation leading to the Missing Children’s Assistance Act of 1984 and has dedicated decades to advocacy on behalf of disadvantaged children and the public good.

John James

John James was an NFL Pro Bowl punter and three-time Atlanta Falcons selection before serving as Executive Director of Gator Boosters at the University of Florida. A member of the UF Athletic Hall of Fame, he has helped secure athletic scholarship support for generations of student-athletes.

His excellence on the field and leadership in fundraising demonstrate lifelong dedication to UF athletics and alumni engagement.

Arthur Weaver

Arthur Weaver served as Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration from 1977–1981 and later as U.S. Ambassador to the European Union. He also held executive roles in banking and insurance.

His federal service and international diplomacy reflect distinguished leadership in government and business, earning recognition for both national and global impact.

Dr. Joseph Salvatore

Dr. Joseph Salvatore is a volunteer orthopedic surgeon and preservationist who co-founded Historic Cold Spring Village and chaired the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. He invented medical procedures bearing his name and served as an assistant clinical professor at Columbia University.

Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame as an Unsung Hero, Salvatore’s life blends medical innovation with dedication to historical preservation.

Dr. Pedro Greer

Dr. Pedro Greer is a pioneering physician who founded Camillus Health Concern and organized clinics for Miami’s homeless and underserved communities. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he has dedicated his life to compassionate care.

His leadership in medical outreach and education has made a national and international impact on community health and humanitarian service.

Hugh Latta

Hugh Latta founded Design Continuum in 1970 and led its expansion to international prominence, pioneering “resimercial” design principles blending residential warmth with commercial function.

An ASID Fellow and recipient of the ASID Lifetime Achievement Award, Latta’s nearly four decades of leadership brought global recognition to his firm and enduring influence to the design profession.

Jack Dicks

Jack Dicks built a multifaceted career as an attorney, entrepreneur, author, and business strategist. As CEO and co-founder of PremiereTrade Securities and Realty, he pioneered financial trading software and corporate growth strategies.

He has remained active in pro bono legal work and civic leadership in Orlando, reflecting a commitment to business innovation and community service.

Robert LIndgren

Robert Lindgren served as the 15th President of Randolph-Macon College, leading record fundraising, enrollment growth, and infrastructure expansion. Previously, he held senior advancement roles at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Florida.

His transformative leadership in higher education strengthened institutional sustainability and academic excellence over nearly two decades.

Jay Howell

Jay Howell is a prominent Jacksonville attorney and victims’ rights advocate. He served as founding Executive Director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and as Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins.

Recipient of the National Crime Victims Service Award at the White House, Howell’s career has focused on justice, public safety, and protection of vulnerable populations.

Jerry Chicone

Jerry Chicone, known as “Mr. Florida Citrus,” was a legendary leader in the Florida citrus industry. He championed grower advocacy, sustainability initiatives like Conserv II, and preservation of citrus history.

Inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, his lifelong dedication strengthened one of Florida’s most iconic industries.

Judge James Carriger Paine

Judge James Carriger Paine served more than three decades as a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. Appointed in 1979, he presided over complex federal cases with integrity and diligence.

His long tenure on the federal bench reflected deep commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Henry “Hank” Haeseker

Henry “Hank” Haeseker was a respected utility executive and President and CEO of Mid-State Energy. His leadership in energy distribution strengthened infrastructure and economic growth across Florida.

A lifelong supporter of UF and Sigma Chi, Haeseker exemplified professional excellence paired with steadfast community commitment.

Edward Bleckner Jr. ’54

1991 Significant Sig Honoree

Edward Bleckner Jr. was Chairman and CEO of Racal-Milgo and a pioneer in data communications during the rise of modem and network technologies.

Recognized as Businessman of the Year by Florida publications, his leadership advanced telecommunications innovation during a transformative technological era.

Judge Gonzalez

Judge Gonzalez served on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida for nearly two decades after appointment by President Jimmy Carter. His judicial service spanned more than 50 years.

He was widely respected for fairness, scholarship, and dedication to the legal profession and community service.

Arthur Lord

Arthur Lord was an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning NBC News producer who covered major global events, including the Apollo lunar landings and White House operations.

His distinguished journalism career reflected integrity, technical excellence, and impactful storytelling on the national stage.

Stetson Kennedy

Stetson Kennedy was a renowned author and civil rights activist who infiltrated and exposed the Ku Klux Klan in the 1940s. His work contributed to dismantling organized hate and promoting social justice.

Inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, Kennedy’s fearless activism and literary contributions left a lasting mark on American civil rights history.

Don G. Mitchell

Don G. Mitchell served as President and Chairman of Sylvania Electric and was recognized early in Gamma Theta history as a Significant Sig. His executive leadership in electronics and manufacturing contributed to the growth of a major American company.

As one of the chapter’s earliest honorees, Mitchell helped set the standard for professional achievement and leadership that continues to define Gamma Theta’s legacy.