Sigma Phi Epsilon - Missouri University of Science & Technology

Inside this issue: Larry Hendren '73 gratefuL for Mo gaMMa experience (p. 2) Sigep SetS itSeLf apart on caMpuS (p. 3) Dedicated to the Men & Women of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Missouri Gamma Chapter and Named in Memory of Our Enthusiastic Brother Wilbert "Beartracks" Burton and his wife Daisy BEARTRACKS Missouri Gamma Chapter Alumni Newsletter S I G M A P H I E P S I L O N Summer 2017 August 9 tArget DAte for eighth street ProPerty renovAtion W e have ended a very busy and exciting semester and year. It was highlighted by the 70th Founders Celebration in May. We have closed on the purchase of the 508 W. Eighth property, completed the plans for the renovation, awarded a contract for the work, and the work is underway. Our target is an August 9 completion. The construction cost came in higher than we had hoped, but still within the range that the board felt made sense to proceed. We made the decision to provide fire sprinklers in the building, which was one of the items that increased our cost. It is an old building, and we have had a few surprises, but we believe those are now behind us. The officer's transition and scholarship review retreat was hosted on May 6. Six officers were awarded a total of $3,865. This is always a great day, as the Alumni Board and Chapter review SigEp's status and plan for the future. The Chapter completed the year in excellent form, finishing third in intramurals and first in GPA among fraternities for the spring semester. It was very telling of the Chapter's depth when on May 6 the officers participated in the daylong retreat while at the same time members were participating in a major service project at the Great Circle Ranch near Steeleville, and the SigEp recruiting team was working the PRO (Preview, Registration and Orientation) day on campus and giving house tours. There are some eight PRO days—key days for making the initial contacts in the recruiting process. Another great indication of the quality and depth of the members is the fact that in February the Chapter was recognized for above-average GPA and service and the following SigEps received awards from the IFC: • Andrew Schmidt '17 for Fraternity President of the Year • Matt Achelpohl '16 for Fraternity Man of the Year • Chauncey Depew '90 for Outstanding Greek Volunteer When you get a chance, thank the brothers who serve on the Alumni Board: John Parks '64 (vice president), Mike Schmidt '75 (treasurer), Dave Denner '76 (secretary), Mike Kearney, Ray Zesch '70, Jim Taylor, Derek Steinbach '18, and Dave Braun '79 (Beartracks editor). They are all very dedicated and hard working. And remember to stop by and visit your Chapter. Fraternally yours, Mike Hurst '74 Alumni Board President md_hurst@yahoo.com Alumni Celebrate 70th Founders Day B rothers gathered in St. Louis on May 19 and 20 to remember and celebrate MO Gamma's founding on May 10, 1947. Michael Kearney '61 and his committee did an exceptional job. The two days were filled with fun and opportunities to renew friendships and make new acquaintances with brothers we had never met. Thank you to those who took advantage of the occasion. If you didn't participate, think about making it a priority the next time we have a big celebration. You'll be glad you did. Friday evening was devoted to welcoming each alumnus and to presenting the Balanced Man Program, which has replaced the pledge/active model that most of us experienced. All attendees were pleased and impressed with the presentation delivered by Trevor Thornton '18, vice president member development. Saturday we had a tour of iconic landmarks in St. Louis, including a trip to the top of the Arch, McGurk's Irish Pub for lunch, and the 1904 World's Fair exhibit at the Jefferson Memorial Museum. That evening's banquet was held at Mason's Garage, home of a fantastic private collection of classic automobiles. Mike Kearney '61 presented the history of MO Gamma, including our recent purchase of the fourth quadrant of the SigEp Block. Vice President Member Development Trevor Thornton '18

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