Kappa Sigma - Missouri University of Science & Technology

Fall 2018 Newsletter

Beta Chi Chapter of Kappa Sigma at Missouri University of Science & Technology

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2 Beta-Chi Columns 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees William G. Meister '73 I f not for Kappa Sigma, Bill Meister '73 says, "I would have found college life at UMR to be almost unbearable." The brotherhood and opportunities he experienced have always meant so much to him. The balance of academics, social life, and sports found at Kappa Sigma was very appealing. "I knew I wanted to join a fraternity to have a life outside of attending classes." In addition to earning a degree in civil engineering, Bill served the Chapter as assistant grand treasurer, grand treasurer, and grand master. Among the benefits and opportunities Kappa Sigma provided, he says the fraternal experience taught him the importance of leadership, "which has helped me with my career and my whole life." He also says the ability to observe upperclassmen was valuable, and he still holds those Brothers in high esteem. Bill's memories of his undergraduate days are filled with weekend parties and drives to Columbia "up windy US 63 to visit [future wife] Deb. There was no shortage of Brothers wanting to escape Rolla for a weekend at Mizzou." Receiving a scholarship-leadership award as a senior at Founders Day in St. Louis stands out as a significant moment, as well as driving to Hollywood by the Sea, Florida, with Pat Owen '73 and Jim Pelger '72 for Grand Conclave. Encouraged by the Chapter's faculty advisor, Dr. John Rockaway, to go on to graduate school, Bill received an M.S. in geological engineering in 1978. "He told me that if I did, I'd write my own ticket to a job in the mining industry. While it hasn't necessarily been easy, he was correct." Bill began his career with Shell Oil and for 15 years held a variety of engineering, operations and management roles. Zeigler Coal Holding Company bought Shell in 1992, and Bill worked there for five years. Back in St. Louis, Bill moved into consulting with Marston & Marston. "For the first time in my life, I got a passport and worked in more than 15 countries on six continents." Since 2016, Bill has been an independent mining consultant and has never been happier. "It's turned out to be a great way to transition into retirement—working fewer hours while making more money!" His free time is spent as a deacon in the Catholic Church and fishing, swimming, and playing with his three grandsons, "anything they (or I) want to see or do that I can talk them into joining me!" Bill and Deb were married the weekend after Bill graduated with his B.S. While he was in graduate school "and on my meager fellowship, we looked forward to eating dinner one night a week at the Fraternity house!" They live in Kirkwood and have two daughters, Kelley and Addie. Bill can be contacted at bill. meister.mining@gmail.com. Stephen Hoffmann '02 S tephen Hoffmann '02 says his Kappa Sigma experience "meant everything." The Fraternity provided a wonderful home where he could mature, socialize, and create friendships that will last a lifetime. His father, Robert '78, had a small hand in Stephen joining Beta-Chi Chapter. "We went down to Rolla for a PRO day, and he had the rush chairman give me a bid card and told me I'll be living at Kappa Sigma!" His days as an undergraduate were busy: studying for a degree in mechanical engineering, serving the Chapter as secretary, vice president, and intramural chairman, as well as Greek Week chairman. "I'll never forget winning Greek Week. We came out of nowhere and won the event, which we hadn't competed in for a long, long time. It took a whole house effort and really brought the members closer." After graduation from MS&T, Stephen went on to earn a law degree from St. Louis University School of Law. He has worked at the Simon Law Firm and Hoffmann Law Firm and currently works at Roskin & Hoffmann in St. Louis. His areas of practice include Missouri workers compensation, personal injury, wrongful death, life insurance claim denial, probate, and estate planning. The lessons Beta-Chi ingrained in Stephen have benefitted him professionally and personally. "You have to work for everything you get. Sometimes it doesn't work out, but that just means you have to try that much harder next time." He has taken the knowledge and experience acquired and used it to lead by example. As an alumnus volunteer with the Kappa Sigma House Corporation, as well as an advisor for several years, Stephen proudly represents the Fraternity and its four pillars. When not working, Stephen enjoys exercising and watching sports, particularly Mizzou football and basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues. He and his wife, Meena, whom he met at Rolla, live in St. Louis and have two children, Luke (4) and Emma (2). Stephen can be reached at stephenjhoffmann@gmail.com. Fred Niemeier '92, Inductee Bill Meister '73, and Robert Hoffmann '78 Fred Niemeier '92, Inductee Stephen Hoffmann '02, and Robert Hoffmann '78 Bill's memories of his undergraduate days are filled with weekend parties and drives to Columbia up windy US 63 to visit [future wife] Deb. "I'll never forget winning Greek Week. We came out of nowhere and won the event, which we hadn't competed in for a long, long time."

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