Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri University of Science & Technology

Alumni newsletter DeDicAteD to All the men AnD women of the sigmA Phi ePsilon missouri gAmmA chAPter AnD nAmeD in memory of our enthusiAstic Brother wilBur "BeArtrAcks" Burton AnD his wife DAisy sPring 2014 InsIde: Alumnus spotlight 2 High Motivation Helps the Chapter excel 3 save the date 4 Congratulations, Graduates 4 W hen I became re-involved in MO Gamma in 2006 the differences jumped out at me and made me ask myself, are these changes good for our fraternity? As I look back today, it is an easy and fast answer to my question. The changes were absolutely needed and they have resulted in a much better organization. I wish all of you had the opportunity to work with the men of our Chapter for five years. I am confident you would come away from that experience with an evaluation very similar to mine. We should all be proud that Sigma Phi Epsilon, as a national fraternity, has taken the lead in changing the way fraternities operate. Most new members today have no idea how different MO Gamma is from the Chapter it was in 2005 and before. Listing just a few, these differences include: • The Balanced Man Program has replaced the pledge program. • "Pledge" is gone from MO Gamma vocabulary. • There is no hazing of new members. • New members are full voting members on day one; each member must still progress through the major personal development programs Sigma, Phi, Epsilon and Brother Mentor with their associated Right of Passages. • The Balanced Man Program is a continuous member development program that lasts until a member graduates. • Everyone participates in house details, projects and cleanups. • The Chapter is focused on ranking in the top three GPAs among fraternities. I recognize that the vast majority of you will not have the chance to experience the evolved brotherhood of today. Yet, for those of you who do interface with the Chapter members, an important contribution can be to encourage the continued utilization of today's enlightened program. As alumni, it is easy for us to plant seeds in the minds of the undergraduate members; it can happen with just a few words or a short story. We need to make sure our stories support our outstanding fraternity that is committed to excelling and avoiding hazing, alcohol abuse, disrespect of house property, etc. Yours is an extraordinary chance to help these undergraduate members develop into the best they can be. Thank you for doing everything you can to support MO Gamma by taking full advantage of this amazing opportunity. Fraternally yours, Michael D. Hurst '74 Alumni Board President (314) 991-5517 md_hurst@yahoo.com This Fraternity Is different than What You experienced A nostalgic walk through recent MO Gamma SigEp history awaits you at the Chapter's excellent webpage, www.mogammasigep.com. When you visit this site you are greeted by a striking color photo of our new home and a giant Balanced Man medallion. Directly under the photo of the house, on the right, is an "Alumni" link that you should click. You are immediately presented with the entire eight- year archive of ALL Beartracks issues. Be sure to check out these iconic issues: • May 2006 – Our First Beartracks • May 2010 – Something Wonderful • October 2011 – Dedication of the New House Have fun and enjoy the history and stories of our great fraternity! A Sentimental Walk through History Check It Out! BeArTrACks

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