Sigma Pi - Missouri University of Science & Technology

Page 5 SP K evin Goring '87 came to UMR for the engineering program, but didn't realize that choice would impact him positively for the rest of his life. "The school was close, affordable, and one of the best engineering colleges in the country. I joined Sigma Pi because the only people I knew at UMR were members of Sigma Pi. They invited me to join and the rest is history." According to Kevin, "Sigma Pi was instrumental in teaching me how to work in a committee type of atmosphere. I didn't know it at the time, but our chapter meetings were very similar to meetings I've had at work. I learned what to say, what not to say, when to say it, and when to shut up. I learned how to persuade and occasionally how to apologize. I learned how to work alongside people I didn't necessarily get along with. The fraternity experience basically gave me a four-year head start on how things worked in the business world." This head start is something he hopes his sons, Zach Goring '18 and Luke Goring '19, will receive as part of their Sigma Pi experience. "I toured three houses when I visited Rolla for a PRO Day. I liked Sigma Pi best. I knew a lot about it from my dad, but I really liked the layout of the house and how the guys were hanging out in the common areas, not just in their rooms playing video games," Zach says about his first impression of Alpha Iota. Luke had a similar experience when he made the decision to join. "I knew I wanted to be Greek, and no other chapters stood out as being head and shoulders above the rest. I liked the guys at Sigma Pi the best. My decision to be Greek was influenced by Zach and my Dad, but I chose Sigma Pi myself because it was the best fit for me," Luke says. Both brothers are learning leadership and responsibility at Alpha Iota. "As house manager for two semesters, I learned delegation and leadership skills, and I learned how to deal with lazy people," says Zach. Luke followed his brother's footsteps as house manager "I learned you need to be confident when telling people what to do; they listen better and it earns you their trust." For Kevin, sharing his brotherhood bond with Zach and Luke is something special. "It's interesting how some of the traditions have changed in the 30 years since I've been out. But I can still relate to what they're experiencing, not just in college but with the fraternity. That can be very powerful if either of them is having issues, I am more capable of understanding and helping. Sometimes it seems the same issues that popped up when I was in school pop up now." Kevin encourages alumni to stay connected to Alpha Iota even if they don't have sons in the chapter. "I think alumni staying in touch can save a lot of relearning how to solve those issues. An alumnus saying 'this is what worked for us' or 'whatever you do, don't do what we did…' can save a lot of heartache. Also, those alumni have continued learning long after they graduate. Post-college learning, I believe, is more real-world learning. We need alumni to bring that infusion of knowledge back to the chapter for them to benefit from it. They don't teach that stuff in class." The Sigma Pi bond of brotherhood has stood the test of time for Kevin. "I stay in touch with Tim Kamp '88, Dave Kleikamp '86, Keith Pendleton '86, and Larry Tipton '86. I see others occasionally. Also my younger brother, Russell Goring '91, and cousin, Phil Frerking '90, were in the chapter at the same time as me." Zach and Luke believe the friendships they have formed in Alpha Iota will last long after graduation and both see the networking benefit of Sigma Pi. Zach is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree. "My current co-op with Toyota North America I got thanks to Dylan Jones '13. I hope to continue working for Toyota after I graduate and would like to get into the arms development or manufacturing fields," Zach says. Luke is majoring in civil engineering. "I'd like to do construction of buildings and structures. I will use the active and alumni Sigma Pi roster to help myself find an internship or co-op and hopefully I'll be able to return the favor in the future," Luke says. Kevin is putting his engineering degree to good use. "I design electrical installations for flight test data systems that get installed in military aircrafts. I get to work on and around F-15 and F/A-18 fighters, among others. It's neat having your hands on an aircraft that most people just get to see in the distance. I did several weeks in Spain early in my career, working with the Spanish air force on an F/A- 18. I saw a lot of sights and learned a lot about life outside the USA." Thanks to Sigma Pi, Kevin met his wife, Jackie, which set the ball rolling for his family legacy. "I was set up with her as a blind date to one of the fraternity parties. All pledges were required to have a date. At that time, we had a Little Sisters of Sigma Pi organization, Daughters of the Emerald. The Little Sisters set the pledges up with their various friends. Mine worked out really well." Together they have eight children: Hannah, who is also an MS&T graduate, Zachary, Luke, Katie, Taylor, Joey, Daniel, and Teresa. The Goring family lives on 10 acres and Kevin helps take care of his mother-in-law's farm. "I do a lot of mowing. I also garden and do woodworking and welding, house repairs, home improvements, and auto repair. With eight kids, there's always something going on and always something to fix." You can reach Kevin Goring at kgoring1964@ gmail.com, Zach Goring at zhgvy7@mst.edu, and Luke Goring at lpgz7c@mst.edu. Kevin Goring '87 and Sons Zach '18 and Luke '19 Find Value in Sigma Pi Luke Goring '19 moves into the chapter house with help from his dad, Kevin Goring '87, and older brother, Zach Goring '17.

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