Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri University of Science & Technology

Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri Gamma Chapter 310 S Arthur Ashe Blvd Richmond, VA 23220-5706 Address Service Requested BEARTRACKS W e said goodbye earlier this year to our esteemed Brother Leroy Thompson '56, who passed away on April 7. A young man who grew up in the rural farming community of Lithium, Missouri, Leroy's love of MO Gamma and SigEp inspired him to reengage when he returned to our chapter in 1961 and found things in dire need. As our Chapter Advisor and Counselor, he spent many years dedicated to rebuilding our chapter and our facilities during the 1960s and 1970s. While our current chapter house at 801 Park Street could be called his greatest legacy, those who knew him well would argue that it was his passion for SigEp that he inspired in others. As Mike Hurst '74 recalled, "I have always credited Leroy for setting the example of paying the fraternity back by serving Missouri Gamma as an alumnus." For his devotion and service to SigEp, Leroy was awarded the Order of the Golden Heart in 2013, and is remembered in this memorial in the SigEp Journal: sigep.org/sigepjournal/ sigep-remembers-volunteers-lasting-impact- on-two-chapters From the Editor Brothers of All Ages Get Involved Dave Denner '76 President Missouri Gamma Alumni Corporation denner@earthlink.net G reetings, brothers and friends. Another school year started on August 19, and we look forward to working with Chapter President Tyler Warner '25 and his executive team and members to achieve another successful year. To get ready for the 2024-25 school year, Dave Braun '79, the AVC Housing Chairman, managed a group of contractors that inspected, painted, polished floors, and fixed windows and door locks. The summer efforts were capped off by Dave and a large group of alumni and undergraduate volunteers on July 27 for House Prep Day to make the House like new. August 11 was move-in day, and our Faculty Advisor, Logan Wilcox '19, and Chapter Counselor, Jacob Kassing '22, were on hand to meet new members and parents. This BEARTRACKS includes an article on how the membership development program has changed over the years, with a focus on continuous development. Pledge Educator has been replaced by VP of Membership Development, who has responsibility for the Balanced Man Program by leading a team of coordinators for Sigma, Phi, Epsilon, and Brother Mentor challenges. Also, VP of Programming, VP of SigEp Learning Community, and Scholarship Chairman play key roles in Balanced Man development. Our Balanced Man Steward, Trevor Thornton '20, serves as a mentor to the VP Mem Dev and works with the Alumni Board to make sure our young members have the knowledge and resources to keep the program functioning at a high level. In response to growing volunteer interest, the Alumni Corporation held a special meeting on August 21 and voted to amend the Bylaws to raise the maximum number of Directors from seven to 11. At the subsequent Board of Directors meeting, we welcomed two new Directors, Tom Bach '79 and Rocky Andes '79. Tom brings his enthusiasm to our team, and Rocky will take on the new role of Alumni Engagement Chairman, a position which will focus on making MO Gamma alumni across the country feel more connected to their brothers. Growing Stronger MO Gamma brothers old and new celebrate together after a hard day's maintenance work preparing the chapter house for the 2024-25 year. True SigEp pride! Mike Hurst '74, Gerry Wappelhorst '73, Virgil Jordan, Idaho Gamma '09, Tom Cadwell '67, John Welte '72, Elijah Ceesay '27, Elijah Baker '27, Mark Berger '77, Rohith Velmurugan '27, Jake Lansdowne '27, John Swinson '79, Tim Brown '79, Myron Grubaugh '78, Mike Schmidt '76, Luke Roth '25, Brian Bakala '11, Tom Bach '79, Steve Thies '72, John Farmer '74, and Dave Braun '79. Missing from photo: Bob Meiners '71 and Steve Thies '72. AVC REPORT

• Cover