Sigma Pi - Missouri University of Science & Technology

L iving in an on-campus dorm his freshman year at the Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy, now Missouri University of Sci- ence and Technology, Bernie Ebert '64 and several of his dorm mates were visited by AI active members, led by Ralph Wink '64. Unaware of the po- tential impact a fraternity could have on his college ex- perience, friendships, and life beyond college, Bernie decided to see what brotherhood, and most importantly Sigma Pi, was all about. "I was impressed with the nearly 30 actives and new members at the AI house and when offered a chance to pledge I was more than happy to accept it," he shared. "Looking back, everyone in the house made an enormous impact on my college ex- perience. My role models were Paul Becher '63, my pledge father, and Kent Thoeni '62, a key leader at the time." After graduating with his bachelor's degree, Bernie spent over 34 years working for Shell. Through his Shell career, he has lived in Missouri, Texas (three times), Washington State, and Saudi Arabia. He is now enjoying his second retirement, after 13 years of leading a process industry funded engineering standards orga- nization operating under the College of Engineering at The University of Texas, Austin. When it comes to success, Bernie advises current members to take advantage of their years in Alpha Iota. "Don't underestimate what you can achieve as an individual or as a leader/contributor to a group activ- ity," he points out. The fraternity lays a foundation in developing important skills for a future in any field. When the Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future capital campaign was announced, supporting the chapter was a no-brainer for Bernie. "I believe it is important to look to the positives of our individual experiences at Alpha Iota and recognize that even any amount of support to the campaign will be important in keeping the legacy alive and should provide some amount of satisfaction to each of us," he shared. Alpha Iota has been at the same location for over 80 years, and though there have been many upgrades during this time, the house is in need of replacement. "I firmly be- lieve it is a 'now or never' opportunity to sustain the Alpha Iota legacy, but in order to do so, a complete rebuild appears to be the only real answer," Bernie shared. Bernie and his wife, Nancy, have been married over three years and live in a golf course community in The Hills, Texas, near Austin. He has two children, Terri and Kevin, who he had with his first wife, Sandy, who sadly passed away in early 2012 after 47 years of marriage. Bernie enjoys golfing, taking hiking trips in the mountains, and in the past was an avid bike rider and tennis player. Throughout his life, Bernie's Sigma Pi experi- ences gave him a solid foundation to build on, and supporting the organi- zation means giving future young men the chance to have one-of-a-kind experiences, just as he did. You can connect with Bernie at bcebert@austin.rr.com. T he Alpha Iota House was the only chapter that Chris Brannon '98 visited during recruitment and the only Sigma Pi members he knew were his brother, Brian Holt '92, and a friend from his hometown, Sam Abernathy '97. When Chris made the decision to pledge, he was determined to make it work. "Turns out, I made the right decision." "The wisdom the men of Alpha Iota shared with me lingers with me to this day. My first roommate, Robert Lundberg '98, was sharp, even as a sophomore. I sought out advice from veteran actives Jeff Mockaitis '96 and John Stewart '97. Their dedication to me was more than I could have hoped for." The brotherhood Chris found in Alpha Iota reminds him that his bond and duty to the chapter are deep. Chris's loyalty to Alpha Iota remains strong and those bonds compelled him to give back to his roots through the Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future campaign. "The campaign has been needed for many years and I felt that it was time for me to step up and be aggressive with my contributions." Chris supports the efforts of the campaign that will allow the chapter to continue as an asset to the university and a leader amongst fraternities. He maintains that supporting the campaign is vital to upholding the growth and maturity of the young men living in the chapter house. Chris believes the completion of the project will reignite alumni interest and will be a springboard for growth for years to come—but to see those results, pledges need to be made. "The power of compounding numbers! If you can find a way to just pledge $50 a month for the next five years, that makes a difference. That may not seem like much, but multiply that by 10, 15, 20, 30, 50—the total grows and grows. Give back to Alpha Iota, the way it gave to you while you lived in the chapter house. It is our duty to give something back." Chris and his family reside in Dextor, Mo. Chris works for State Farm, insuring people from financial ruin and making a plan for legacy to share with loved ones. He enjoys golf in his free time, but doesn't get to play as often as he would like. You can make contact with Chris via email at chris. brannan.u0m6@statefarm.com. Page 4 REVITALIZING THE LEGACY OF ALPHA IOTA Why Bernie Ebert '64 Supports the Honoring Our Past, Securing Our Future Campaign Chris Brannan '98—Why I Gave Our Duty to Alpha Iota

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