Sigma Chi - Kansas State University

Delta Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi Kansas State University P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100 Address Service Requested Chad Somers '97 Reflects on Benefits of Sigma Chi I t was during his time in Sigma Chi that Chad Somers '97 began learning the lessons of the business world. As house manager and pro consul, he began to hone the skills that would later be indispensable in working with teams and managing a company. "Sigma Chi offered a great leadership opportunity. It brought together all different types of people and taught us how to build relationships, practice conflict resolution, and deal with scenarios that would emerge in the real world." Chad earned his degree in milling science and management, going to work for ConAgra Foods after graduation. He progressed from project engineer to manager of corporate manufacturing. After five years working in plant engineering, Chad ran a startup division of the company for two years before diverting from food and plant engineering to the health insurance administration business. "I had an opportunity to jump into a business that was struggling and found that changing industries allowed me to do a lot of the things I loved. I enjoyed working with people, loved leadership and building things, and wanted to grow operations and business." In the last 15 years, the venture proved successful. Chad's company, Benefit Management, which he sold last May, employs 100 people in Kansas and Missouri. The company administers health insurance plans for employers across the United States. In 2014, they were chosen as a finalist for the Kansas Governor's Award of Excellence, and in 2013 were ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the top 5,000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the country. Earlier this year, the company launched a start-up designed to help national health plans transition from fee-for-service to value-based healthcare payment arrangements. Outside of the healthcare realm, Chad owns the St. Louis market franchise rights for The Egg & I, a breakfast restaurant with three locations in the area. He also operates the six-screen megaplex in Great Bend, Kansas, growing it from 25,000 patrons a year in 2010 to 100,000 patrons a year. Through all of this work, Chad still looks fondly on his time in Sigma Chi. "I really do owe a lot to Sigma Chi. It gave me structure and direction and I wouldn't be where I'm at today without that experience." Chad and his wife, Shannon, who he met at a Sigma Chi party, have three children: Ellie (12), Ethan (9), and Eli (8). Chad coaches youth wrestling, serves as a stroke and turn judge for central Kansas swimming, and has over 400 hours of pilot experience. He can be reached at csomers@benefitmanagementllc.com. Welcome, NeW members Teddy Adams* / Prairie Village, Kan. (Grandfather Patrick Kress, Butler University) Ryah Ash / Olathe, Kan. T.J. Ball / Overland Park, Kan. Zak Boxler / Overland Park, Kan. Camren Duff / Overland Park, Kan. Michael Greco* / Overland Park, Kan. (Brothers Nick Greco '17 and Joe Greco '16) Alec Green / Lenexa, Kan. Mitchell Holsinger / Olathe, Kan. Graham Hunter / Olathe, Kan. Will Jaggers / Westwood, Kan. Hayden King / Shawnee, Kan. Jake Marsh / Westwood, Kan. Jacob Schmidt / Olathe, Kan. Dawson Schroeder* / Kansas City, Kan. (Grandfather James C. Schroeder '63 and Father David Schroeder '90) Trace Tyrell / Overland Park, Kan. Justin Varney / Leavenworth, Kan. Alex Wesselowski* / Independence, Kan. (Grandfather John Finch, Butler University) Sean Whitmore* / Lee's Summit, Mo. (Uncle Josh Whitmore, University of Kansas) Tommy Woods / Independence Kan. *Legacy; relative in parentheses Recruitment Recommendations In an effort to effectively recruit the young men brought forward through referrals and legacies, an alumni liaison is involved to ensure consistency, accountability, and ample communication. If you have referrals, please notify Blakelund Moroney '12 at (913) 406-4337 and he will work with the recruitment chairmen to facilitate appropriate follow-up and follow-through. f www.facebook.com/WildcatSig Chapter Eternal Jeffrey Passantino '91 entered Chapter Eternal on November 6, 2016. He was a resident of Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of Coffeyville, Kan. Jeff, an architecture major, joined the DU Chapter as a sophomore in the fall of 1987. He was an active leader in the house, serving as assistant Magister, Magister, and other chairmanships. He always brought a thoughtful and well prepared approach as a brother in Sigma Chi. In his career, Jeff worked for Medicalodges as a project manager-facility manager and as the director of planning and engineering for the city of Coffeyville. Since 2005, he was a Realtor in the Cape Coral/Sanibel area. Jeff is survived by his wife of 22 years, Elizabeth; his children, Jeffrey Jr., Katharine, and Ella; as well as his parents and three siblings. He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

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