Sigma Chi - Missouri State University

2 S igma Chi has been transforming the lives of its members since 1855. For Kevin Francis '85, his transformation began when he was initiated into Eta Kappa Chapter in 1982. ese weren't small changes, but as Kevin notes, "It literally changed my entire life course for the better." Kevin admits that if it weren't for Sigma Chi, he likely would have dropped out or failed out of college. However, the support from 60 "big brothers" pushing him to focus on academics and achieve grades allowed him to stay a part of the brotherhood and kept him on task. at support also motivated Kevin to serve as scholarship chairman. "Being forced to show up at study hall was absolutely key to making the required grades to become a Sig, and I wanted to pay that back by becoming the scholarship chairman," he stated. "Plus, it forced me to study. Without Sigma Chi, I would never have gotten a college degree." Aer earning his bachelor's degree in marketing, Kevin moved to St. Louis and worked in several medical sales positions. ose roles eventually led him to start Surgical Direct, Inc., a company that provides eye surgery equipment and supplies on a rental basis. is allows affordable access to vital medical tools for hospitals and surgery centers that have a low volume of ocular surgeries. Kevin launched Surgical Direct, Inc., in 2001 and is the CEO. Being a member of Sigma Chi has also made a lasting impact on Kevin's life on a personal level. "If it weren't for Sigma Chi, I never would have finished school, which means that I wouldn't have met my wife, nor would I have, to this day, my very best friends," he shared. Kevin and his wife, Dana, who was a Little Sigma and Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, have been married for 32 years. It wasn't just a wife and a degree Kevin gained thanks to Sigma Chi, but also the importance of giving back. Kevin and his wife are involved in philanthropic endeavors that include partnering with doctors and nonprofit organizations, such as Hands of Hope. ey organize medical mission trips and donate surgical supplies and equipment to those in need. Additionally, they provide trained surgical technicians, allowing them to provide no-cost cataract surgery to thousands of people in third world countries each year. rough his Sigma Chi membership, Kevin has reached a level of personal and professional success he admittedly wouldn't have reached otherwise. With the chapter's recent return to campus, he hopes that undergraduate members will develop a strong sense of gratitude for the Sigma Chi experience and an appreciation for the brotherhood, as well as the opportunities it can provide. "I hope they get as much out of their membership as I did," he stated. "Without question, it was the first time that I became a part of something bigger than myself." You can reconnect with Kevin at kevin@surgicaldirectinc.com. Changing the Course of a Life How Sigma Chi Shaped Kevin Francis '85 into His Best Self Doug Hauser '72 retired two years ago and tries to keep busy by playing golf, working out, and traveling. He remembers the first active meeting aer the charter was awarded in 1971. "To see the pride taken in this accomplishment, particularly by the Nu Sigma Chi founders, was wonderful." John lives in Joplin, Mo. Email: auser0278@yahoo.com Darryl Bueker '73 remembers the first Derby Days held in spring 1973, which was phenomenal and was held on land adjacent to the house at Cherry and National. "Campus had never seen an event like that and we sold 25 half barrels of beer on that day. I was a coach and was dressed as a Brillo pad." Darryl lives in Springfield, Mo. Email: darryl.bueker75@gmail.com Jerald D. Richards '73 still enjoys float trips, hiking, lunches, and going to games with his brothers from Sigma Chi. David remembers winning the championship in intramural flag football, basketball, soball, and volleyball all in the same year! Email: jdavidrichards42@gmail.com Chuck Champion '74 was a member of the first pledge class for Sigma Chi at Missouri State. Chuck remembers beating the SigEps in the intramural flag football championship, catching the attention of the Greek community across campus. is set Eta Kappa on the way to being recognized as a leading fraternity for a range of activities. Chuck and his wife, Patty, who was the chapter Sweetheart in 1973, celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary with a river cruise on the Danube River in Germany. Email: cchampion@kalo.com Patrick Barr '77 officially retired on August 31, 2019. Pat finished his career with Edward Jones Investments as a financial advisor. He still holds fond memories from his time with Eta Kappa, especially Derby Days! Email: pat.barr1973@ sbcglobal.net Kenneth Burson '78 reports that Buzz came all the way to Seattle from Kansas City and they went to the Mariners game. "Daytona Beach 1977—spiritual as hell!" Email: catdog19742000@yahoo.com Mark Preston '79 has been a funeral home/ cemetery manager for almost 30 years. He's also been playing guitar for 51 years, professionally since age 13. His new band, e Repeat Offenders, plays classic rock in the Kansas City area. ere is not a day he forgets he is a Sigma Chi and says the Jordan Standard is a big part of his professional and personal life. Email: buzzardpreston@gmail.com Gregory Adams '82 is a service technician for a pool company and gets paid to stay in shape and get a tan. "Life is good." His favorite Eta Kappa memories include Sunday night meetings, "catching up with everyone and figuring out all of us are in school to meet a hot chick and what the Alumni News (Continued on page 4)

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