Kappa Sigma - Missouri University of Science & Technology

Kappa Sigma 3 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees Robert Wright '56 R obert Wright '56 says that living in a fraternity house taught him many lessons that have benefitted him professionally and personally. "My undergraduate experience contributed heavily toward my maturing process—to be considerate of my brothers and learning communication skills, as well as becoming a leader." A native of Springfield, Missouri, Robert was recruited by several hometown Kappa Sigma members. He says his favorite memories of those early years "were not necessarily all that pleasant at the time since they include hell week and carrying a large shillelagh everywhere during St. Patrick's week." While studying for a degree in civil engineering, Robert held several Chapter and campus offices: Beta-Chi grand master, Blue Key and Chi Epsilon president, and ROTC brigade commander. After graduation he began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a first lieutenant combat engineer leader. He later went on to work for Clark Daily and Dietz, HMG Consulting Engineers, R.F. Weston, and Boyle Engineering. Also earning an M.S. degree in environmental engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.S. in civil engineering from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Robert's path took him to RHMG Engineers, CH2MHill, Missimer International, and finally to Watervap. Not only is Robert a registered professional engineer in five states and a diplomat member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, he is the designated inventor of two U.S. patents pertaining to water desalination processes. A highlight of his career was winning the 2006 Dow Jones/General Electric Environmental Business Plan Challenge. He was awarded $50,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York with his wife, Donna. "We saw my name and award posted for 36 continuous hours on the Times Square news ticker." Robert's success has made him realize that accomplishments cannot be achieved without leadership. It can't be "measured by monetary means, but more so by the ability a person has to inspire others and help with making this world a better place in which to live." Service and leadership are still important to Robert long after his college days. He was president of the Fort Myers (Fla.) Rotary Club and of the Calusa Chapter Florida Engineering Society and is a lay minister at his church. Robert and Donna have been married for 58 years and live in Dahlonega, Georgia. They have two sons, David and Douglas, and three grandchildren, Alex (20), Laura (15), and Sophia (9). Over the years, Robert's hobbies have included tennis, golfing, hiking, and white water rafting. He enjoys reading, gardening, and walking their two dogs in his free time. Robert can be reached at rwright129@aol.com. Grant Mabie '02 T he list of memories is long for Grant Mabie '02— including Greek Week, St. Pat's, float trips, and road trips—but perhaps his favorite undergraduate days were spent just hanging out with his brothers at the Chapter House, playing beergammon, listening to music, and ringing the social bell. Encouraged by his father, Glenn Mabie '76, to go Greek and to check out Beta-Chi, Grant says his dad ultimately wanted him to choose the chapter he most connected with. After the first Kappa Sigma recruitment event at a St. Louis Blues game (where he was picked up in a conversion van and had a great time with Aaron Prewitt '02, Stephen Parle '00, Nathan Hooper '03, Ketan Patel '00, and Seth Hanebutt '96) and meeting other brothers, he signed on the dotted line. Learning discipline and forming good habits were necessary to meeting MS&T's rigorous academic requirements, and Beta-Chi provided a home that supported Grant's studies and so much more. "Not only were my undergraduate years some of the most fun times, but I made lifelong friends through the fraternity." Grant took advantage of the many leadership opportunities presented through the fraternity and university. He served Beta-Chi as outer guard, rush chairman, and a judicial board officer, among other positions, and he represented Kappa Sigma on the Interfraternity Council and was Poseidon during Greek Week 2004. In addition to writing a weekly feature column for the Missouri Miner student newspaper, Grant was a member of several leadership and service societies on campus, including Theta Tau Omega and Order of Omega. Grant graduated summa cum laude in 2005 with a B.S. in business and management systems. He went on to law school and received a J.D. in 2008 from Saint Louis University. He worked at Oswald Law Firm (2008- 10) and has been an attorney with Hein Schneider & Bond for the past eight years, focusing on real estate and business litigation matters. Recognized by Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Real Estate (2014-17), Grant has a successful record of trial wins and judgments affirmed by the Missouri Court of Appeals. Brother Mabie represents the type of stewards Beta-Chi needs to carry on the fraternity's achievements. As a successful attorney, as well as licensed real estate broker, Grant uses his experience and skills to benefit Beta-Chi, serving as an advisor and member of the educational foundation and house fund association. "An organization like Beta-Chi, filled with quality and talented individuals, can achieve amazing things when its leaders are honest, inspiring, and lead by example. Quality leadership is critical to an organization." He encourages undergraduates and alumni alike to "be an agent for change. If you are frustrated with the status quo, there are probably others who agree with you and will help you articulate the need and make the change you seek." He also believes diligence and preparation make all the difference, "whether planning a service event or preparing for trial. How much you prepare and how hard you work are variables you can always control." Grant and his wife, Patty (ZTA), met on Kappa Sigma's back patio and live in Crestwood, Missouri, where Grant has been elected to the Board of Aldermen. They have two daughters, Anne and Claire. When not working or volunteering, Grant spends as much time as possible with his family and friends—attending Cardinals games and "golfing terribly." He and several Beta-Chi brothers have a standing monthly happy hour, which strengthens the bond established years ago. "Always make time for a drink with friends." Contact Grant at grantmabie@gmail.com.

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