Toi Poi: What Sigma Alpha Epsilon means to me.

Late evening. April 25, 2025. Toi Poi is a tradition for all new Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapters the day before receiving their charter. The brothers of Florida Chi, along with local alumni, and officers from the Sigma Alpha Epsilon National office came together in a circle in H.B. Plant Park adjacent to the "Sticks of Fire" sculpture.

One-by-one, each Florida Chi brother and alumnus steps into the middle of the circle and gives his fellow brothers a brief synopsis of "what SAE means to him" in their lives as a new brother or alumni.

The result is a very simple, but moving event filled with stories of reflection, grace and humor. Topics can range from deep personal connections, anecdotes, achievement, enthusiasm, victories, success, alumni remembrances, and humor.

"I was lucky enough to share Toi Poi event with my father," said Eminent Archon Trevor Sandler, "and both my father and I walked away from the circle feeling a deep personal connection with one another both as father & son as well as fraternity brothers." Brother Sandler concluded, "I will never forget this weekend, nor the shared experience of Toi Poi with my father and fellow brothers."

Mark Turner, Chapter Advisor for Florida Chi chapter advisor stated, "This was my first Toi Poi, so I had no idea of what to expect." Brother Turner continued, "To my surprise, Toi Poi was a very moving experience and affected me in an almost spiritual way." Turner concluded, "Toi Poi was one of the highlights of a very busy Charter Initiation Weekend."

For more information about Toi Poi, go to the Florida Chi Alumni Association Facebook Page at "Welcome True Gentlemen" for more photographs and content.

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