Beta Theta Pi - University of Missouri

F or the past six years, Bill Toalson '70 has been the business manager for Zeta Phi. He advised us several months ago that he would be retiring effective July 1, 2018. When we were in the process of planning and building the new chapter house about seven years ago, the leadership team, with the urging of member Dave Spence '80, suggested we have a business manager who had an office at the chapter house. The team concluded that with a $14 million investment, we needed to have more of a business approach to managing the property on a daily basis. Not too long before then, we had ended our relationship with our property manager who handled some of these duties. Our initial job description was somewhat vague, but we knew that we wanted day-to-day financial management as well as mainte- nance of the property. Bill's background in business and property management as well as his understanding of the Zeta Phi culture made him a natural for the position. What started out as a business position evolved into so much more over the past six years. Little did we know having a male adult present in the chapter house most days a week would have so many advantages. We will likely never know how many potential disasters Bill headed off before they happened. Having his presence daily in the house has given the board a lot of comfort in these troubling times for fraternities and young men in general. Bill's involvement as an adviser and business manager did not start in 2012 when we completed the new house, but many years prior. During the construction phase he was a consultant on the project and an integral part of the project team. You can never have too many advis- ers in Columbia who are on the ground daily. The work was just a sequel to the many times Bill was in- volved in construction-related projects at the house. Beginning in the late 1960s with the construction of the chapter room and library in the old house, Bill participated. When major repairs were needed to those rooms in the 1990s once again, Bill pitched in and helped. We will miss Bill, but we understand that he wants to retire and spend more time with his wife, Vicki. While he will not be our business manager going forward, we do anticipate that he will continue to be an adviser to the chapter and provide all involved the experience he has gained with his past service. Send your thanks for his years of dedication to btoalsonbeta@ gmail.com. THE ZETA PHI PAGE 2 Passing the Torch Bill Toalson '70 Steps Down as Business Manager E ven though we said goodbye to Bill Toalson '70 as busi- ness manager, Zeta Phi was fortunate to find and retain his replacement in another Zeta Phi, Christian Nuener '91. When word circulated about Bill's retirement, several individuals expressed interest in the po- sition. In his interview it was clear that Chris- tian was the right person for us. He understands the Zeta Phi culture, is from mid-Missouri, and wanted to return "home." He's the age where young men in the house may well be sons of men Christian knew as an undergraduate. In our conversations with him, it was obvious that Christian has a strong set of positive values, which is what we need as the chapter works its way out of probationary status. Since graduation, Christian has held a number of positions in sports journalism. His most recent position was as a photographer for the Washington Capitals. Christian's duties will be expanded from how we defined the position six years ago. In addition to the day-to-day business operations, Christian has been asked to assume a greater role as an advis- er in leading the chapter's activities. This trend had been started by Bill, but with the current MU environment for fraternities, it is essential that Christian take on this additional role. As you visit the chapter house, please take time to find Christian and introduce yourself. While he will not be living at the house, he will be spending a lot of time there. Zeta Phi Welcomes New Business Manager, Christian Nuener '91

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