Note: This story was originally published in the spring 2026 issue of California Beta’s Updates from the Heart newsletter as part of SigEp’s Alumni Communication Program.

It doesn’t take a long look at IMDb to realize that Todd Grodnick, Southern California ’79, has made his mark as a film and TV producer. His credits range from “Die Hard 2,” “Lethal Weapon” and “Blind Justice” to “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and “I Dream of Jeannie … Fifteen Years Later.” Todd loves connecting with actors like Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep and William Shatner. His favorite memories come from getting to know these big names for who they really are — not just their public image.

And Todd credits connections like these to his collegiate years with California Beta.

“SigEp taught me to be more honest and open with people, and I’ve tried to practice those same interactions personally and professionally,” he said. “People like working with me — not because of business, but because I’m open, friendly, and treat them with respect. All of that comes from the philosophy of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love.”

Behind the scenes

Film enthusiasts may not know that Todd also has a lifelong passion for home renovation he formed by watching every related TV show since childhood. Long before the California Beta AVC reformed, he served as the chapter’s alumni house manager, maintaining our property for 20 years until it was leased to other organizations. Now he’s chairman of the AVC Housing Committee, where he has led the chapter house renovation project as California Beta prepares to welcome brothers home.

Since accepting the project in September, Todd has been in close contact with the managing director of SigEp National Housing, Ben Hutto, South Carolina ’16, in addition to his fellow AVC members and many more brothers. “I started asking Ben for his approval of the paint, the house color, and this and that — and every time, he said, ‘Todd, do what you think is right; that decision is up to you.’ It meant a lot that he trusted me to make these decisions.”

Every piece matters

Todd will gladly chat with any brother about many more housing details and insights — even the history of 28th Street architecture — than we can fit in this newsletter. For now, we discussed a few key details that the brotherhood can look forward to.

As a film producer, Todd begins every project with lots of organizing, planning and budgeting; that part of home renovation is no different. While he hasn’t finalized every interior detail or color just yet, he can’t wait to see the vision come together.

Every current house on the row is some flavor of white, tan or brown, so Todd chose an olive-like color that will truly grab attention. Landscaping will be low maintenance yet feature new grass with more plants and colorful décor along with a wooden pergola to bring character to the property. The current front metal doors will be replaced with nice, crafted wood doors painted red to reflect SigEp’s color scheme. The dining room will be furnished with new round tables and nice new chairs, rather than your typical rec-center seating. The living room will be totally refurbished and have a TV, of course along with sandblasted walls to display an authentic brick look. Upstairs will have a new residential learning center.

As excited as Todd is for all the planning, he stresses that none of the choices are for his exclusive taste. The brotherhood has diverse requests and perspectives, which he wants reflected in this renovation. He works closely with the AVC team to discuss features like flooring, and when the undergraduate chapter requested a pool table, Todd was happy to deliver. “It’s not just a modern pool table — it looks like one from the ‘Minnesota Fats’ days, and it’s got character!”

A true home

“We’ve been gone for 13 years, and our comeback won’t be just to open up a house and say ‘Cal Beta is back,’” Todd insists. “We want to make sure that when neighboring students pass our house, there’s no doubt in their mind SigEp is back!”

Like all our alumni volunteers, the only compensation Todd gets from this role is the pleasure of doing the job. SigEp’s brotherly bonds are a unique experience that Todd takes to heart, and he wants our newest brothers to find the same thing in their home. More than that, he hopes they will see the house itself as a member of the Fraternity and take pride in its upkeep.

Above all, Todd looks forward to being there when the undergraduates first set foot in the building. “I can’t wait to watch them open those red doors, walk inside, and say, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this is our house.’ It won’t just be a Fraternity house — it’ll be a home that every SigEp can be proud of.