Sigma Phi Epsilon - Drake University

Growing in Confidence B ob Bekkerus '05 was initially drawn to Sigma Phi Epsilon because of Iowa Delta's strong leaders. "I joined because I looked up to them," he shared. "I knew that surrounding myself with quality people would help me grow as a young man." Once a member, Bob discovered a Chapter deeply committed to its members and the broader Drake community. "Members invested time and energy in making our school better and making individual members better," he said. Bob remains proud of Iowa Delta's enduring tradition of striving for excellence. The Chapter House became the backdrop for some of Bob's favorite memories. "Whether it was watching football games together, cheering for intramural sports, or bonding during our brotherhood retreats, these were the times we built real community," he recalled. After earning a bachelor's degree in social studies education in 2005, Bob pursued his passion for faith and service at Luther Seminary. Today, he is the senior pastor at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines, Iowa. "My faith has always been a central part of who I am," he said. "I believe communities of faith help us understand who we are and how we can make a difference in the world." Bob credits SigEp with shaping the leader he is today. "I went to college as a nervous, shy kid who wasn't sure if I could be confident speaking in front of a group," he said. "I came out of SigEp confident in my skills as a leader and part of a community that made a difference." That transformation motivates him to stay involved as an alumnus. "For young men going to college, I want SigEp to be a place where they can discover their own leadership abilities." As part of alumni communications, Bob works to keep connections strong. "I want our brothers to know that SigEp always has a place for them," he explained. He also encourages alumni to give back by volunteering. "It's a great way to invest in yourself and SigEp while staying connected to the brothers you love." President Jeff Raymond '26 VP of Programming Jack Malinski '26 VP of SigEp Learning Community Jacob Aldridge '26 VP of Finance Ben Denly '26 VP of Member Development Craig Morrison '27 VP of Recruitment Bryce Hammar '27 VP of Communications Carter Landerman '27 Chaplain Gabe Meier '26 BMS Chairman Brogan Zahn '27 Chapter Officers Join us in wishing our newest alumni the best of luck as they venture into life beyond college! To Our Graduating Seniors... Page 3 Now living in West Des Moines with his wife, Jen, Bob finds joy in family and community. They have three children: Nick, who is married to Whitney; Ava, a freshman at South Dakota State; and Abby, a sophomore at West Des Moines Valley High School. "Jen and I are also avid golfers and have been Drake basketball season ticket holders for five years." Looking back, Bob's SigEp experience is one he cherishes. "I'm not sure who I would have become without it," he said. "It taught me to lead and gave me a community that inspired me to make a difference." If you'd like to reach out to Bob, send an email to bob.bekkerus@gmail.com. Lane Affield Drake Ashmore Stephen Barnacle Sam Basala Nathan Carter Ben Connolly Luke Gregoire Tommy Huelhorst Thomas Karandjeff Dagan Martin Mark Pepper Cam Pugliese Graham Robinson Shandhan Sureshbabu Jack Upton Parker Wright CONGRATULATIONS! BOB BEKKERUS '05 SHARES HIS SIGEP STORY

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