Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri University of Science & Technology

President Derek Steinbach '18 VP Programming Austin Zimmerman '19 VP Finance Ethan Bond '18 VP Recruitment William Dunn '18 VP Membership Development Trevor Thornton '18 VP Communications Andrew Schmidt '17 sPring 2017 ChAPter offiCers PAGE 2 BEARTRACKS Larry Hendren '73 Grateful for MO Gamma Experience Maintaining Connections Is Key to Chapter's Success "T he day I pledged SigEp," says Larry Hendren '73, when asked what college memory he would relive. "I never felt closer to a group of people before that time, and the bond grew stronger with time." Growing up in Hannibal and St. Charles, Missouri, Larry became good friends with several SigEp brothers in the spring and summer of 1969. While he was delighted to become a MO Gamma member, he says, "Bob Scanlon at PKA was very disappointed, but we remain good friends." Larry's experience in MO Gamma is a source of pride, and he is grateful for the camaraderie and family atmosphere the fraternity provided. He notes that many brothers had a great influence on him, specifically Steve Wiechens '71 (his big brother), Steve Thies '72 (first roommate), Dennis Grelle '73 (best man at his wedding), Russ Wortham '71 (a great Chapter president), Larry Oliver '69 (an outstanding scholar- athlete), and Pete Hatcher '64 (Larry's mentor early in his career). Larry graduated in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in mining engineering and began his career with Zapata Corp. in West Virginia and Barnes & Tucker in Pennsylvania. In 1978, he came back to Missouri and worked for Engineering Surveys & Services in Columbia. He served as president in 1982-2002 and managing partner from 2002 until he retired in December 2015. Larry credits the fraternity with preparing him for leadership roles in business, church, and technical associations. "I never joined an organization that I did not want to lead at some point." Recalling Larry Oliver's speech at Senior Steak Fry, Larry says it was the first time he had heard the saying, "If it is going to be, it is up to me." It made a lasting impact. "From that moment on, I realized there was nothing I could not accomplish if I really wanted to work for it." And he proved that with his successful career, managing a business that grew from one office to three and nine employees to 54. Asked to impart advice to undergraduates and young alumni, Larry says, "Maintain communication with your fraternity brothers and classmates—someday they will help you. Maintain a strong work ethic. Last, if you do not enjoy walking across that parking lot on the way to your office, find another job." Larry believes it's important for alumni to also sustain connections with the undergraduate Chapter. "Like investments, we all have equity in MO Gamma and should strive to maintain a strong rate of return. Involvement is the first step." A supportive alumni base will result in a successful Chapter well into the future. "And the Beartracks newsletter provides a great way to stay in touch." Now retired, Larry and Polly, his wife of 43 wonderful years, spend time making home improvements to their houses in Columbia and Turks & Caicos, traveling, and visiting their grandchildren. Larry says his biggest achievement is marrying Polly and raising a wonderful family: Joshua, Emily, Abby, and Matt '05. He can be reached at lhendren210@gmail.com. VP Risk Management Almin Pilica '19 Chaplain Kellen Steagall '18 Scholarship Luke Lohmann '19 House Manager Logan Wilcox '19 Steward Ryan Zickel '19 Secretary Connor Slattery '17

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