Kappa Sigma - Missouri University of Science & Technology

ΚΣ C lumns Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Missouri University of Science and Technology | Fall 2019 Beta-Chi E very summer, we spend significant effort reconditioning our facility so everyone comes back to a clean, fresh Chapter House. This summer we cleaned rooms and carpets, waxed floors, and painted the interior. We also replaced more than 60 chairs, 16 mattresses, some furniture, some A/C units and tack boards, and repaired ceilings and walls. I want to thank Ron Acker '75 and Jackson Pence '15 for leading this effort. It is a huge yearly undertaking to keep our facility in great shape. Next year, our planned projects include major renovations of the dining room and weight room. This past year, the university changed the rules for Greek recruitment. MST imposed substantial financial penalties on students for leaving the dorms after certain dates and gave Greek organizations little notice to plan for this. I am proud of how Beta-Chi rose to the challenge and changed our recruitment plan. As a result, we have one of the largest pledge classes on campus. Congratulations to our recruitment chairman, Phil Daugherty '17, on his successful efforts. This fall we will induct Eric Norman '60 and Ketan Patel '00 into the Beta-Chi Hall of Fame, which occurs each year at Homecoming. We will also honor the life of Patrick Beasley '14. Both Ketan and Patrick unexpectedly passed away this year. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our events. Christmas Happy Hour in December, the June golf tournament, and Homecoming are all great times to catch up with your Brothers. A.E.K.Δ.B., Robert Hoffmann '78 President Alumni House Fund Association FACING NEW CHALLENGES HEAD-ON Kappa Sigma Rises to the Occasion T he countless hours of research that Eric Norman '60 has conducted as the president of Norman Clinical Lab since 1985 has been well-documented. Eric's main claim to fame is launching a urine test for B12 deficiency that was more accurate than the blood test and went on to be used around the world. Numerous colleagues, professors, and role models have pitched in to Eric's success throughout his career. One group Eric is particularly thankful for is the Kappa Sigma Beta- Chi brotherhood. The pillars of fellowship, leadership, scholarship, and service positioned Eric to be successful in and out of the lab. "We all studied pretty hard," Eric said. "With the friendships I made, I've kept in touch with a number of people over the years. It was a good school and the camaraderie kept us studying, so it benefited me later in life." Eric had a good impression of Kappa Sigma from his older brother, who was a member of the Fraternity for two years at the University of Missouri. Since the dorms were full at Missouri School of Mines when Eric was accepted, he stayed at the Beta-Chi Chapter House during recruitment week and went on to live there for the next four and a half years. Eric represented Beta-Chi well academically and in intramurals. "I competed in intramural boxing and won three championships," Eric said. "I played bridge and we won the intervarsity bridge championship. I enjoyed mixing with the Brothers, getting together and building friendships." The service pillar is firmly instilled in Eric through his faith and work in the community. He has served as a deacon in the Baptist church for the past 42 years. Eric has been on nine multi-week mission trips to Africa, seven to Uganda and two to Ghana. He has also been a loyal supporter of the Boy Scouts. One of Eric's recent honors is a testament not only to his research, but his overall character. In 2018, Eric received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Eric has remained humble in everything he has accomplished. "I've just tried to put Jesus Christ first in my life. I kind of got more active in church when I got out of college," Eric said. "I've just tried to serve God and other doors have opened." Eric and his wife, Claudia, have happily shared nearly 46 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of five children and enjoy spending time with their six grandchildren. You can connect with Eric at b12tester@aol.com. 2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE ERIC NORMAN '60

• Cover