Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Missouri

MissouriAlpha • 2 • TheSigEpTigerHeart T hese columns are increasingly fun to pen. In fact, this entire issue is about our chapter's wins from our brothers of the 1960s to this semester's undergraduates. Missouri Alpha nabbed our first Buchanan Cup in years at Conclave in August, not long after the university gave us the lion's share of Greek awards that you'll read about within this issue. Our house is full and the chapter just keeps winning, including Homecoming king just before we went to print. Dave LaRusso '76 is a key part of our current success, but you'll see in the cover story that his commitment to Missouri Alpha spans decades. He was AVC president back when I was a pledge and, more recently, largely orchestrated the closing, renting, and reopening of 405 Kentucky. He's just retired from his role as AVC treasurer, but rest assured that Dave will remain involved as a board member going forward. Thankfully, Mark Schordock '84 has been preparing to take on that treasurer role and is joined on the board by new additions Joe Brandel '91, Dennis Bond Jr. '93, and Greg Pierson '23. Going back a little further: Denny Bond '69 passionately poured much of his time over the past year into organizing a reunion of his decade's brothers, earning centerfold status for our winners issue. These brothers built a winning, red rock-solid chapter, and celebrated with each other on a perfect weekend in September. My thanks to each of you for supporting Missouri Alpha with your time, talents, and treasure, helping to stack up the wins. Fraternally, Adam Baer '85 AVC President abaer@hme.com The Latest on Missouri Alpha's Success Winners! • In the spring, MU's Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life recognized Greek chapter excellence in seven areas. Missouri Alpha took first place in five of the seven, including philanthropy, academic excellence, and member development. Our chapter was named #1 in overall excellence for all fraternities. We are THE top fraternity at Mizzou! • Missouri Alpha won the Buchanan Cup at the 58th Grand Chapter Conclave in August. This was the fastest turnaround from rechartering to winning a Buc Cup in SigEp history, and our first since 2001. • Thanks go to faculty fellow Dr. Jim Green, director of Office for Financial Success (and professor), who keeps regular hours at the house in his role as our academic advisor. • Mike Duggan, Missouri Eta '74, our former district governor, was elected to the SigEp National Board at Conclave. Ed Clausen '84, our former outstanding chapter counselor, accepted Mike's position as district governor of the 27th district (MO and S. IL), and Kevin Coughlin, Kentucky Eta '14 has been selected as our new chapter counselor. Congrats to all three Missouri Alpha supporters! • With a new member class of 42 outstanding men, we have filled the house for the first time since moving back to campus! Total membership now stands at 110 men. • Our chapter utilizes year-round recruitment, meaning we welcome new brothers to join at any point throughout the year. If you know of a young man at Mizzou who you think is of SigEp quality or could benefit from the SigEp experience, please send me their contact information at codysalka@gmail.com. • Homecoming weekend was another success for Missouri Alpha. The theme for this year was childhood story books. Homecoming efforts included a float for the parade, house decorations, banners, and a skit. · We paired with the ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority with the theme of The Little Engine That Could. · Braden Bond '25 and Jon Thomas '25 serve on the Homecoming steering committee. · Jayden Reyes '24 and Chrisitan Hall '25 stood at the 50-yard line at halftime of the Homecoming game as two of the royal finalists, and Brother Hall was crowned Homecoming king for 2023! • Christian Hall '25 led the Greek Week festivities as executive director, and Jaden Black '25 served as director of events. • RAMS (Rockin' Against Multiple Sclerosis) selected Christian Hall, Jaden Black, Andy Hinkamp '24, Jace Cavness '25, and Braden Bond as members of the RAMS steering committee for 2024. Fraternally, Cody Salka '25 President The Best in Columbia The Best in Columbia Loyal Mizzou fan Dave LaRusso '76 (right) prepares for a game with son Tony and brother- in-law Daryel Carter '80. Thank you, Dave, for five decades of service to Missouri Alpha. Recent Undergraduate Accomplishments Undergraduate president Cody Salka '25 is presented the Buc Cup by Greg Pierson '23, member of the National Board of Directors, in front of some 1,200 brothers at the 58th Grand Chapter Conclave. Want to get involved? Drop me a line!

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