Chi Chapter and Kappa Sigma have held an important place in the heart of Brother Joel Bates ’53 for 55 years now.
Fifty five years ago, Joel pledged Chi Chapter. The “fraternity sonny” of Joe Harshman ’48 was extremely active as an undergraduate, taking advantage of the opportunities Chi and Purdue provided him. He served Chi as Grand Master, Social Chairman, Rush Chairman, as Editor of the Chi Agitator, and as Song Leader of the Chi chorus that
finished 3rd in the all campus sing in 1956. He also represented Kappa Sigma on the Inter-Fraternity Council and as a representative at the Grand Conclave, 1955, in Lookout Mountain, TN.
When not busy in one of his roles at Chi, Brother Bates was also recognized by Chi Epsilon, national civil engineering honorary, as well as Scabbard & Blade, a military honorary. He received the Purdue Order of Military Merit, was Best Cadet at ROTC Summer Camp, and, finally, Co-Chair of the Big 10 IFC-Panhellenic Conference in 1956.
After graduation, and a six month stint in the United States Army, Joel went to work for Esso Standard Oil Co. in 1956. He received a Teagle Scholarship from Esso and went back to school – this time at Cornell- to earn his M.B.A.
His career track followed many paths. Brother Bates spent time with Westinghouse Electric Corp in the Transportation Division; with Gerald D. Hines Interests, Houston, as a project developer; Vice President and General Manager for Hawker Siddeley Power Engineering in Houston. He also served as the VP of Corporate Development for Brown & Root, Inc before going to work with ExxonMobil Power, where he led development of a 750 mw power generation project in the U.K. In 2001 he retired from ExxonMobil Power as a vice president.
An alumnus of Chi and Purdue, he’s been a life member of the Purdue Alumni Association, a member of the President’s Council, the Griffin Society, and attended his 50th Class Reunion Celebration. He’s also been a loyal supporter of Chi and the building fund. He’d like to give back more frequently to the chapter’s annual homecoming festivities.
Brother Bates has also been involved with his church – including launching a church sponsored program in 2002 offering job search skills development for those who had been either laid off or downsized. Almost 200 have gone through this no cost program to date and are working.
“Chi and Kappa Sigma mean a great deal to me. I have a lifetime of great memories, many long term friends, was provided countless leadership opportunities and challenges, and have a place we can always come back to. We must keep Chi strong to carry on the brotherhood!”
