Sigma Phi Epsilon - Kansas State University

Sigma Phi EPSilon Renz family CReates and leaves legaCy at Kansas Beta Lucas Renz '17, Charles Renz '92, and Don Button '51—Why We Joined SigEp V ery few people can claim that they are a triple legacy in their fraternity, but for Lucas Renz '17, Charles Renz '92, and Don Button '51, this is a reality. Why did you decide to join Sigma Phi Epsilon is a question that all three Kansas Beta legacies can answer without hesitation. "From the moment I met the SigEps at K-State, the Fraternity instantly became my home away from home. It sure made me proud to follow in my father-in-law's footsteps in Kansas Beta and become part of something bigger than myself," says Don. Charles, a Manhattan native, experienced this same sentiment at KSU and takes great pride in continuing the Renz family legacy. He says, "It is truly amazing how similar my SigEp experiences are to those of my grandfather and son. After nearly 100 years, Kansas Beta's values remain intact and stronger than ever. It has been a privilege watching Lucas excel in the Fraternity, and my hope is that SigEp will continue to provide members with the same opportunities I had." Growing up in a family of Kansas Betas, Lucas exemplified the Fraternity's values at an early age and developed connections with members prior to attending KSU. "Being a legacy has brought me closer to my father and great-grandfather, and is an unbreakable bond that we all share," he says. "The Kansas Beta tradition runs deep in our family and it is an honor to be part of such a thriving organization." Don stays connected with Kansas Beta brothers through attending KSU sporting events and golfing, and his daughter is President and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. Lucas is the vice president of membership development in SigEp, serves on the Chapter's standards board, and was elected director of judicial affairs for the Interfraternity Council. When he is not hard at work, Charles enjoys attending SigEp alumni events, spending time with his children, golfing, and vacationing in the summer. You can contact Don at mdbutton@twinvalley.net, Charles at crenz@jgrarchitects.com, and Lucas at luke.stingrays27@ gmail.com. PAGE 2 A Lifetime of Brotherhood and Support Baker Family Shares Memories, Stories, and Vision for the Future B eing in a fraternity opens you up to a side of life and a sense of camaraderie that you didn't previously know existed. It's the sort of brotherhood that you never forget and look back at with a sort of fondness and sense of nostalgia. For the Baker family, this could not ring more true. "I was exposed to SigEp early on and I thank Mike Dyer '82 for encouraging me to join the Fraternity," says Doug Baker '84. "The men I surrounded myself with challenged me to succeed personally and professionally, and I am blessed to call them my brothers." Doug's younger brother, Marc Baker '85, didn't have any intention of joining the same Fraternity; however, when Marc visited KSU, he stayed at the SigEp house and developed relationships early on with members. "I tried to find an excuse to get away from Doug," Marc teases, "But I quickly realized that Kansas Beta was a slam dunk and it became my home away from home. SigEp allowed me to connect with individuals from all walks of life, including Thomas Liebl '82, who eventually became my brother-in-law! From fraternal values to friendships to leadership, Kansas Beta exemplified everything I hoped to become and I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything," he says. Marc has enjoyed watching his two sons, Riggin Baker '19 and Levi Baker '16, and nephew, Parker Liebl '13, excel in all aspects of the Fraternity. Marc's youngest son, Cole, is eager to attend KSU and carry on the Kansas Beta family legacy. Levi wasted no time getting involved in SigEp and has served as vice president of recruitment, Phi coordinator, and social chairman. "Of all the unique experiences I've had in Kansas Beta thus far, I will never forget when my dad surprised me by showing up to my initiation,'" Levi says. "His passion for SigEp is what makes me proud to continue our lifelong legacy." Riggin has had the opportunity to share similar fraternal experiences with Levi and is eager to leave his mark on Kansas Beta. "Witnessing the tremendous leadership that Levi demonstrates in SigEp has given me confidence to pursue opportunities within the Chapter, and I hope to one day become as great of a leader as he is," Riggin says. "Having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share this bond with my family is an indescribable feeling. Brotherhood isn't just four years; it is for life." You can contact Doug at doug_baker@greenleafnursery.com, Marc at marc.baker@ey.com, Riggin at rigginbaker12@ksu.edu, and Levi at lbaker22@ksu.edu. Tyler Struckhoff '15, Jacob Paschal '18, and Luke Henes '18 attend the Grand Chapter Conclave in Nashville, Tennessee, which rewards the top performing SigEp chapters across the nation. Cody Simkins '18 and Carson Lilley '18 enjoy the toga party hosted by SigEp and Sigma Chi last fall. SigEp Nationals partnered with Alpha Delta Pi to help end sexual assault on college campuses.

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