Beta Theta Pi - University of Missouri

3 KEY VALUES OF BETA MEMBERSHIP S tarting college not knowing much about Greek life, David Harris '91 was unsure about the opportunities a fraternity could bring him. at's when he turned to his family for guidance. Encouraged by his cousin, a Pi Phi at Mizzou, David took a chance and visited the Beta chapter house during recruitment. It wasn't long before David realized he "liked the guys at the house and all that Beta stood for." Along with the unforgettable memories and lifelong friends, Zeta Phi instilled in David a set of values that he still practices today. Work hard, take the initiative, and build strong relationships. Work Hard for Success Immediately aer joining Zeta Phi, David learned, "Hard work was linked to academic success." ere is no question about Zeta Phi's caliber of academic success on campus. However, that doesn't come without hard work. Encouragement from his Zeta Phi brothers to focus on his education infused a strong work ethic in David that later translated into the financial success he's achieved in his professional career. "Beta helped me stay focused on academics, but also provided plenty of activities with friends that made my college time enjoyable." Take the Initiative Along with hard work, Zeta Phi taught David the importance of taking initiative in the classroom David Harris '91 Recalls Zeta Phi's Invaluable Lessons "I am extremely grateful for four of the best years of my life." and in the real world. "Learning to jump out and try things, instead of always hanging back and watching," made a huge difference for him as an undergraduate. But taking the initiative and being a bold leader did not end with college for David. "It led me to quit a nice career with a large corporation and start my own business, which has had good success and given me more time to spend with my family." Build Strong Relationships One of the most important skills that Zeta Phi passed on to David was the ability to build relationships for both personal and professional success. Without this capability, David would not have his lifelong friends, business connections around the world, or even his wife. "It is safe to say that Zeta Phi has completely influenced who I am today because of the relationships I built; most importantly, I met my wife through a brother." During his undergraduate years, Zeta Phi was the center of many unforgettable days for David. Some of his fondest moments include the walk- out to New Orleans, trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, and many late nights in the annex with his brothers. He also cherishes the fraternity's life lessons and values on hard work, taking the initiative, and building strong relationships that shaped him into the man he is today. "It was invaluable." David and his wife started their own steel fabrication contracting business, Joenic Steel, in 2006. eir company manufactures in China, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia, servicing customers in the United States, France, and Italy. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his three children and grandchild, golfing, boating, and connecting with his Zeta Phi brothers. David's sons, Joe and Nick, will be graduating high school in the next few years and David hopes they will gain the same invaluable lessons as he did at Zeta Phi. Connect with David at david.harris@ joenicsteel.com. THE ZETA PHI 2 Second Annual MDSA Christmas Party e men of Beta eta Pi hosted the second annual Missouri Down Syndrome Advocates (MDSA) Christmas party last December. Fami- lies and their children with down syndrome came and celebrated the holiday season by let- ting the children tell Santa what they would like for Christmas and engaging the family members in small games. It was a successful event and the chapter is looking forward to next year being the best one yet! Honoring Alumni We are thankful for the very generous and con- tinuous support of the Zeta Phi Society. Last fall, Brothers Nic Bruyere '18, Sam Caprio '18, Andrew Hall '18, and Nick Lippert '18 dress up as elves and Santa Clause for the Missouri Down Syndrome Advocates (MDSA) Christmas party. No. 1 in GPA (Continued from page 1) alumni and members of the chapter gathered at Missouri Country Club to congratulate Rich- ard Miller '70 on his induction into the Wall of Fame. Another alumnus, Grant Mechlin '03, was recently selected by the Business Journal as one of the leaders in St. Louis for those under 40. We are very thankful for our strong alumni net- work and the importance of honoring those who came before us. From all Zeta Phi active mem- bers, we thank you. Yours in _kai_, Charlie Caprio '20 President charles.caprio@missouribeta.com

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