Tuesday, August 03, 2010 10:03 Written by Administrator

One of KU SigEp’s most prominent members, Ben Craig, was honored as the 2010 James Naismith Outstanding Alumnus at the KU SigEp Business Lunch.

Often referred to as “Mr. Kansas” or “Mr. Johnson County,” Brother Craig has been a pillar in the growth and success of Johnson County. He is credited helping start Johnson County Community College. Whether the College, a nearby park, a new school, or an air center, there are few Johnson County projects in the past 50 years that have advanced without Ben Craig’s quiet leadership. Professionally, he has been with Metcalf Bank for almost 50 years, serving as CEO for most of those years. Prior to his business career, he played semi-pro baseball with a teammate named Mickey Mantle!

During his undergraduate days at KU, SigEp was transitioning from the house that it was forced to sell while most members were away serving uring WWII (Delta Gamma’s current house), and SigEp’s current location at 1645 Tennessee. Craig said that interim house, at 14th and Tennessee, was fondly referred to as the “Brown Palace.” Today, Brother Craig said that he is “extremely proud and impressed by all of SigEp’s recent accomplishments and awards” and that he “values his many SigEp friendships.”

KU SigEp is proud to call “Mr. Kansas,” Ben Craig, a Brother!