Kappa Sigma - Baker University

2 Major's Update W hen Jack Bowerman '67 set out play football at Baker University, he had hadn't yet decided which route to take in terms of Greek life. During the summer, Jack attended rush parties for all Baker fraternities, but it wasn't until he began football two-a- days that he realized he identified most with his Kappa Sig teammates. After joining, it was clear that he had made the right choice. "In the late '60s, we were the top academic fraternity on campus and held many leadership positions at Baker. We were also a very athletic group, equal to the Delts. We were clearly the top chapter on campus." More than two decades later, Jack's son, Mark '88, would follow in his footsteps, followed soon after by his other son, Blake '97. Both grew up hearing stories of Jack's days in Beta- Tau, and both had similar bonding experiences with the active members which helped make the final decision to join. "I had several friends who were pledging which made my choice even easier," said Mark. "Once I was in, staying was easy as the friendships I made in the house have lasted my whole life." Jack, Mark, and Blake graduated with degrees in economics, international business and German, and marketing, respectively, and each has gone on to do outstanding things. "My experiences in the house and the leadership opportunities I had helped shape who I am today," said Blake. "Whether it's working with others or managing situations, I continue to draw on the lessons I learned from Kappa Sig." Blake is the vendor relations manager for Sun & Ski Sports, a retail sports store based in Houston, Texas. Jack is retired from Deloitte & Touche Consulting. After working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, he knew he wanted to work in consulting where he thought his economics background would be an asset. Meanwhile, Mark owns and operates a School of Rock franchise in Katy, Texas. "School of Rock is a performance-based music school for kids ages 6-18 and adults." Mark's passion for music and entrepreneurial spirit led him to this venture. "My love of music was broadened during my college years after being exposed to new sounds by my fraternity brothers." As a member of Baker's Board of Trustees and president of the Alumni IFC, not to mention an honorary chairman of Beta-Tau's capital campaign, Jack has the opportunity to spend a lot of time on campus and at the house. "Our current chapter consists of a great group of young men. The demands placed on them for campus leadership, athletics, and chapter operations are more significant than when we had three times as many active members. One of the biggest obstacles is in recruiting, which is where they need substantial alumni support." "Every fraternity is cyclical in nature with members graduating and new members coming in," said Blake. "The focus has to be quality men, member retention, and continual recruitment. The biggest challenge right now is the condition of the Chapter House. Providing a competitive facility is just as important as the men you put in it." Donating to the Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future campaign came easy for these men. "Baker has already lost one of its sororities and the other fraternities have invested heavily in their houses," said Jack. "We have to maintain the condition of our house and meet the standard set by other fraternities at Baker." To those alumni who have already given back, Mark appreciates your dedication. "I am encouraged by the devotion alumni still maintain for the Chapter and their efforts to affect positive change and grow Beta-Tau. I would love to see the house thrive so we can once again offer the experiences I gained as a member to a new group of students. It would be so sad to lose the rich tradition that Kappa Sig has at Baker." "It has to be a collective alumni effort," said Blake. "The Chapter needs our support to ensure our Beta-Tau tradition continues. Every pledge of support, whether monetarily or on the volunteer side, makes an impact." Jack and his wife, Marcia, live in Overland Park, Kansas. He enjoys genealogy, music, and sports. You can contact him at rbowerman@mac.com. Mark and his wife, Asia, live in Katy, Texas, and have two sons, Dylan and Jackson. When he's not listening to music, he enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family and friends. Connect with Mark at markjbowerman@gmail.com. Blake lives in Houston, Texas, and is very involved with fitness. He can usually be found at the gym, on his bike, or out for a run. You can contact Blake at blakebowerman@yahoo.com. Leaving a Legacy at Beta-Tau Jack '67, Mark '88, and Blake Bowerman '97 on Giving Back to Kappa Sig 3. Establish a maintenance endowment to ensure the upkeep and repair costs of the Chapter House are provided for. Alumni who came before us provided the tradition that each of us helped to build upon. We were given the opportunity to join Beta-Tau and be a part of a special brotherhood and tradition. This is the chance in our lives to repay what Kappa Sigma provided us. Those of us who enjoyed the brotherhood, camaraderie and support of our Fraternity will forever owe a debt of gratitude for that unique experience. Already, 56 brothers and our undergraduate chapter have committed $347,399 to the campaign. Now is the time to join us and provide the same wonderful experience to a new generation of Beta-Tau men. We need the support of loyal brothers, such as you, to reach our $800,000 goal. In the coming weeks, you will receive additional information detailing the project and the ways in which you may help. We hope you will join our growing list of loyal supporters who wish to ensure the lasting impact of the Kappa Sigma experience on the lives of young men attending Baker. Remember, Kappa Sigma is not for a day, an hour, or college term only, but for life! AEK∆B, J. Stuart Hoffman '80 Campaign Chairman / jshoffman42160@yahoo.com Beta-Tau Announces $800,000 Campaign (Continued from page 1)

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