On March 9, 2018, about 100 brothers from the University of Central Missouri kicked off a weekend celebration of the chapter’s 50th anniversary with a social at the Hidden Pines Country Club in Warrensburg, Missouri. Alumni and current chapter members reminisced, talked about the chapter’s future, and discussed the many ways SigEp has impacted them and the campus community since Missouri Theta was chartered on March 30, 1968.

The next morning, alumni gathered at the chapter home as Justin Vann, ’18, Matthew Wallace, ’18, and Chapter President Jacob Hetzel, ’19, unveiled renovations to the trophy room and a new study room. The undergraduates spent months making the improvements as part of their effort to become an accredited SigEp Learning Community. With new computers, a printer and sound-proof doors, the area provides a quiet environment with the right tools for brothers to complete assignments and study.

Afterward, the group headed to the campus chapel for the Epsilon Rite of Passage. The time that Chaplain Samuel Taylor, ’20, put into preparing for the ceremony was evident, as everything went smoothly. Brothers who had been initiated some time ago enjoyed seeing how the balanced man ceremony differs from the previous ceremony.

The celebration then moved back to Hidden Pines for a BBQ lunch. During the lunch, the J. Edward Zollinger Outstanding Senior Award was presented to Vann for his leadership of and contributions to the chapter.

The grand finale of the anniversary weekend occurred March 10 with a cocktail hour at the university’s recreation center, followed by a banquet hosted by Jim Reeves, ’80. The chapter was honored by the presence of three former Grand Presidents: John Hartman, Missouri ’61; Ed Hammond, Emporia State ’66; and Central Missouri’s very own Rick Bennet, ’74.

The evening was filled with memorable moments. Members were pinned with the Founders Badge, learned about the current state of the chapter and held a remembrance for brothers who have passed on. In addition, attendees heard remarks from the university president. At the end of the banquet, the founding members of Missouri Theta were honored.

The weekend was a great success, as alumni reconnected and the undergraduate chapter got the opportunity to share its current achievements and goals for the future of Missouri Theta with alumni.