Beta Theta Pi - University of Texas

Spring 2021 INSIDE: Sustaining Success Across the Board • Page 2 Alumni News • Page 3 New Members • Page 3 BETA CHRONICLE BETA CHRONICLE Beta Omicron Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Texas O n behalf of the Texas Beta Student Aid Foundation Board, I hope you and your loved ones are doing well this spring. The TBSAF board was thrilled to reintroduced Beta Omicron's alumni communications program last fall with the previous issue of the Beta Chronicle, and I hope you have enjoyed it as well. It's been a weird year for Beta Omicron due to the pandemic, but we are proud of the collegians and ever grateful for alumnus volunteers. In this issue of the Beta Chronicle, you'll see exciting updates from Chapter President Alec Bassett '18 and Mike Harris '69, who serves on the TBSAF Board of Directors and is director and treasurer of the Beta Omicron Housing Corporation. Mike has been instrumental in modernizing our accounting and record-keeping systems. Prior to his taking over the treasurer's job, we were literally operating out of a shoe box. His CPA background has been crucial in TBSAF getting a strong financial footing. He has taken a real leadership role. The active Chapter has also been thriving thanks to the leadership of Alec and the other Chapter officers. Beta Omicron's recruitment team is ramping up its efforts with summer just around the corner. If you know a young man coming to Austin in the fall, please consider sending a recommendation to VP of Recruitment Matthew Donohue '19 at (469) 964-2639 or recruitment@texasbeta.org. Thank you for your support of Beta Omicron. I'm excited to share updates about upcoming Beta Omicron alumni events and am looking forward to reconnecting with many brothers in person very soon. Yours in _kai_, Don Roberts '69 TBSAF President edroberts@financialguide.com Strengthening Our Ties as Texas Betas Beta Omicron Has Bright Future anks to Dedicated Active and Alumnus Leaders W hile Beta Theta Pi's Men of Principle initiative wasn't officially implemented until 1999 by the National Fraternity, Mike Harris '69 is proud that the men of Beta Omicron fit the mold of being Men of Principle long before that and have ever since. Mike immediately felt at home at Beta Omicron when he first stepped in the Chapter House and knew he wanted to forge lifelong friendships with his brothers, helping each other develop into Men of Principle along the way. "The spirit of brotherhood and friendship was very evident," Mike said. "The friendships I made as an undergraduate remain strong today and have been mutually beneficial." Mike has remained involved at Beta Omicron as an alumnus by serving on the board of directors of the Texas Beta Students Aid Foundation and the as the director and treasurer of the Beta Omicron housing corporation. He's been privileged to work closely with several of the men he knew as an active and to meet several other Beta Omicron alumni. Most of all, Mike is thankful for the opportunity to work with the Chapter's active members and help them become Men of Principle. "The Texas Beta Students Aid Foundation likes to reward the guys in the Chapter who are performing well academically and provide them scholarships," Mike said. "Some of the men in the Chapter have 4.0, 3.9, and 3.8 GPAs—we want to encourage that. We also want to provide funds for attending the various conferences that are available within the National Fraternity." Beta gave Mike a skill set that has allowed him to be successful in each of his three careers. His first career was in business, as he primarily served as a chief financial officer for several companies across a variety of industries. He and his wife then returned to University of Texas to each earn a Ph.D., which then led Mike to begin his second career as a university professor of accounting. Mike is now in his third career as a CPA in public accounting and is a managing partner with Harris, Queza & Company. "I have two partners, both of whom are former students, are CPAs, and have big firm experience," Mike said. "I am very proud of the professional accomplishments of these men. Working with my partners is very rewarding as I build our firm to hand over to these men." Next year will mark Mike's 50th year as a CPA. He feels very fortunate to immensely enjoy what he does and to offer his expertise to help others. Mike is also an unpaid volunteer on the board of directors of University Federal Credit Union in addition to his roles on the Beta Omicron housing corporation. "My career as an accounting professor provided the wonderful opportunity help students achieve academic and professional goals," Mike said. "Two former students named their sons after me and I am proud of that." You can connect with Mike via email at mike@harris-partners.com. Molding More Men of Principle at Beta Omicron Mike Harris '69 Shares Why He Remains Active in the Chapter as an Alumnus

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