Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri University of Science & Technology

PAGE 2 BEARTRACKS A s it is in life, we get involved in an organization or activity with the expectation of accomplishing certain things, but upon leaving, we realize that we gained so much more. That was the case for John Voss '85 when reflecting on his time as a MO Gamma active member. "Looking back, I realize just how much the house meant to me." John expressed. "My experience provided me a great environment to grow and develop into a leader in the house, on campus, and now beyond Rolla in my company and community." As an undergraduate, John was a member of various committees and was elected vice president his junior year. He was also a St. Pat's Board representative and loved planning one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in all of the U.S. All of these leadership opportunities helped prepare him for life after college. "These experiences not only reinforced my leadership skills, but I also came to appreciate and respect the diverse backgrounds that comprised the Chapter," he said. "We had a shared purpose and mission, first as a new member, then as an active brother." After graduation, John worked for Procter & Gamble and has been there for nearly 31 years. He spent four years abroad starting diaper factories: the first two and a half years in Manchester, England, and one and a half years in Warsaw, Poland, right after the fall of communism. He currently serves as the North American physical distribution operations manager responsible for implementing new warehouse management software systems in their distribution centers. "Being abroad provided me growth both professionally and personally," he said. "It was an interesting time to see the world changing and have the opportunity to reflect on the U.S. through the lens of foreign media." As much as he enjoys his job at P&G, there was still a yearning in John to give more back to his community. He first started by re-engaging with the Boy Scouts of America and being an active member of the local Republican committee and Habitat for Humanity. When his oldest son, Justin, was selected to be a page in the U.S. Senate, he was inspired once again, and ran for City Council. John served two four-year terms on the Cape Girardeau, Missouri, City Council from 2006 to 2014 and was mayor pro tem for the last two years. "I really enjoyed my time (on the city council) because it was for my hometown. There is nothing better than being elected to local office because you can actually make a difference," John said. "There are still challenges, mind you, but it is much more manageable." To his alumni brothers, John stresses the importance of giving back to MO Gamma. "There are lots of things we can do to help the chapter grow and become stronger," he said. "Many have gone before us, and we realized the benefits from their investment. It's important for us to give back and ensure those that follow can build on previous success and momentum." John lives in Cape Girardeau with his wife, Janice, and they have three sons, Justin, Jordan, and Jackson. He can be reach by e-mail at capegman@gmail.com. What We Gain Without Even Knowing John Voss '85 on serVice and Lessons Learned at Mo GaMMa John Voss '85 and his wife, Janice. W E L C O M E , N E W M E M B E R S Matias Aura Columbia, Mo. Austin Brewer Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Drew Brooks Leawood, Kan. Jack Cantwell St. Louis, Mo. Albert Gonz Jr. Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Connor Henry Kansas City, Mo. Ethan Jones Ironton, Mo. Brody Kirsch Highland, Ill. Ethan Klafehn Springfield, Mo. Joe Lawson Columbia, Mo. Dalton Modlin Nevada, Mo. Jacob Pessina Springfield, Mo.

• Cover