Kappa Sigma - Missouri University of Science & Technology

5 Kappa Sigma 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees William Turner '61 T here are many reasons to choose to join a fraternity, and for William Turner '61, he was looking to develop leadership and social skills. "I knew some individuals from Springfield who joined Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Rolla and I felt that it would offer me the kind of fellowship I was looking for. I had always been on the quiet side and felt that being in this Fraternity would help me immensely." Looking back, Bill says it was the overall brotherhood experience that he cherishes most, "knowing that everyone was willing to help each other, and we always enjoyed our time together no matter what we were doing." Bill earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from MSM and later an MBA degree from Xavier University. After graduating from MSM, he accepted an entrylevel position as an analysis engineer at the Arnold Engineering Development Center. While there he participated in tests for the Air Force and aerospace industry on a number of NASA and Air Force rocket engines. From there he went to work for GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he held a multitude of positions. When working as the manager of military marketing he coordinated the first Air Force Value Engineering repair contract ever awarded to GEAE for repair of spare parts. He was also responsible for organizing and negotiating the first commercial spare parts catalogue to be utilized on a military contract with the Air Force. This eliminated a multitude of lengthy and costly individual contract negotiations for each single part. benefit others. In the late 1970s through the early 1980s he led the effort to organize a citywide youth soccer program in Cincinnati. He was able to expand the program to include onethird of the elementary school system. "I'm proud that even when I moved away the program continued. Within a few years the city recognized the soccer program's positive benefits and added it as a new sports program within the school system." Throughout his leadership positions in his career, he acknowledges the role Kappa Sigma played in his success. "Kappa Sigma gave me the foundation I needed. As you get out into life and work you realize the importance of having learned good leadership skills. In order to be successful in whatever you want to pursue, you have to learn how to deal with people and organizations. Being able to use your leadership skills to complete projects is very gratifying, especially when it is beneficial to others. I learned that being a doer is much more satisfying than just simply participating." He has also stayed connected to BetaChi. "I support the Chapter through the annual dues, contributions to the house fund campaign, and provide an annual contribution to Kappa Sigma at the national level." In recent years he worked with his Beta-Chi Brothers in the Springfield, Missouri, area to organize reunions for '50s and '60s graduates every two or three years. Bill learned firsthand how being a leader can help Bill and his wife, Kay, live in Springfield and have two sons, Sean and Tracy. He enjoys playing golf and has a small business doing golf club repairs. He also likes to collect and repair antique sewing machines. Jeff Melcher '79 J eff Melcher '79 found an immediate connection with the members of Kappa Sigma during recruitment. Being able to learn from and share new experiences with his Brothers made a lasting impact. "Being in the Fraternity was a great basis for future learning of how to work with people. We always had fun when we spent time together, whether on float trips, St. Pat's, Greek week, and just being around like-minded engineering majors." After earning his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Jeff began working at General Motors, where he was awarded a scholarship to the General Motors Institute to pursue a master's degree in manufacturing management and business and administration. He left General Motors in 1987 and has been an entrepreneur since. He is the CEO of NetStandard Inc., a technology company that provides IT departments for businesses; owns and operates an Internet data center; and has a cloud computing platform that hosts about 50 different applications. He is also the president of Accutype Medical Services, which provides medical record documentation for hospitals and physicians. Jeff is also a Kansas senator. "I want to make Kansas the best state to live, work, and learn in. I was faced with potentially moving my company to Texas, and I decided instead of that I would run for senate and try to get things done here to become a more competitive state." He serves on several local chamber of commerces in the Kansas City area, is on the board of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Johnson County Charter Commission, and was appointed by the governor to the board of directors to the Johnson County Research Triangle. Jeff is also the founding advisor for Generation Tech, a workforce development initiative dedicated to strengthening and growing the region's technology workforce. From his experience, Jeff has learned the value of developing leadership skills. "Leadership skills are vital. As a member of the board for Generation Tech, one of the things we value the most is leadership skills and critical thinking skills, and that is something that we have found most lacking in graduates today. I believe Kappa Sigma taught me those necessary skills." Jeff lives in Leawood, Kansas, with his wife, Kris, and their two children, Isabella and Jack. He enjoys auto racing, flying, boating, and discussing and debating public policy.

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