Hofmann Dedication & Balanced Man Scholarship

The California Gamma chapter at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has had a quite a long-lived history with many trials and tribulations; however, one figure that has always prevailed is John Hofmann.  In 1979, at the age of 27, John Hofmann took on the enormous responsibility of single-handedly rebuilding our amazing chapter.  For four decades, he led us through many great and memorable times including the prestigious honor of achieving the Buchanan Cup.  To honor all of the hard work and dedication that John had put into the Cal Gamma house, the chapter felt it fitting to officially dedicate its chapter house as the Hofmann House.  On November 4, 2006, Cal Gamma held a ceremony not only dedicating the house to John but honoring his memory and great contributions as a brother and alumni board president. Friends and family of Hofmann, as well as brothers from many decades joined us for this special service.   Many of the brothers throughout the decades under the direction of John Hoffman spoke about past experiences they shared with him.  Although many different experiences were shared, all the stories had one common theme; John Hofmann had influenced each of our lives, one way or another.  He was able to bring out the best in all of us and inspired us to be selfless and contribute to our community and fraternity.  Following the dedication, we held a Renaissance Brother Initiation for (Greg Cocklan), a close friend to John Hofmann and Cal Gamma.  Although John’s contributions have been important and beneficial to many fine gentlemen, it has not been John’s greatest gift to society.  John believed in building truly well rounded men and established Cal Gamma’s Educational Fund for BMS Scholars in which we reward elite scholars, athletes, and leaders that convey the ideals of a balanced man.  To further honor Hofmann we held our annual Balanced Man Scholarship Banquet on November 5, 2006.  Unlike past ceremonies, this year Cal Gamma stretched its Balanced Man Scholarship to not only includes young men that exude leadership qualities, but also young women with the same foundation in the ideals of a Sound Mind and Sound Body.  Classics professor Apostolos Athanassakis and Past Grand Chapter President Bill Tragos spoke at the banquet and reflected upon the ideals of Sigma Phi Epsilon, emphasizing the importance of having a balanced lifestyle to the ancient Greeks and to our fraternity today.  This not only applies to John Hofmann’s legacy, but to all the brothers of Cal Gamma.  We have had the highest grade point average for the past (four) years, recruited members of the UCSB lacrosse, wrestling, crew, triathlon, rugby, and baseball teams.  Besides athletics, we have members on the Student Government, in the Technology Management Program, on Greek Standards Board and the Interfraternity Council.  Although John Hofmann has left us, his legacy will always be carried on, and his spirit will continue to live within the walls of the Hofmann house and influence our lives.  His dedication and repeated contributions to the house and community has inspired all of us at Cal Gamma to do as John Hofmann did.