Zeta Phi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at the University of Missouri
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1464948
O ver 800 alumni and friends joined the weekend of November 12, 2021, to celebrate Zeta Phi's 150th anniversary since its founding in 1870. Alumni converged on Columbia to attend several events organized by the Zeta Phi Society Foundation. The chapter house was open for the weekend, and undergraduates gave tours of the facility to visiting alumni. Nearly 200 people attended a chapter house luncheon followed by an awards ceremony in the Spence Auditorium, where distinguished alumni Gus Otto '65 and Bob Shamberger '71 were installed into the Zeta Phi Wall of Fame. Otto, a former all-pro linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, made seven tackles in Super Bowl II (among many other achievements). Bob, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, is a world- class authority on pediatric surgery. Other alumni were awarded the inaugural Hugh E. Stephenson Jr. award for distinguished service to Zeta Phi. That evening, a much larger crowd attended a banquet at the Brewer Fieldhouse, featuring a film on Zeta Phi's history. The video, put together by Christopher Ave '86, included a recording of the original 1872 "Zeta Phi March," performed by a concert pianist. General Fraternity President Tom Cassady, Cincinnati '76 attended and congratulated the chapter on its outstanding accomplishments. University of Missouri President Mun Choi also addressed the crowd and extolled the many accomplishments of Zeta Phi alumni across the decades. After various presentations, the crowd was entertained by St. Louis-based band Dr. Zhivagas. The next day, alumni gathered at a large tailgate for the Mizzou Tigers football game. John Hofman '82 and Mike Carlson '99 served as co-chairmen of the reunion and received widespread praise for their service. The active chapter presented each with a crystal loving cup in recognition of their contributions. Foundation officers report that the reunion netted a $22,000 profit and has helped invigorate the alumni base for future support. Thank you to all alumni who attended! A Publication of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi The Zeta Phi Inside: Alumnus Spotlight 2 Making Our Mark on Campus 3 chapter Officers 3 Mizzou Greek Alliance 4 SPRING 2022 Bob Shamberger '71 and Gus Otto '65 display their Zeta Phi Wall of Fame plaques! Both alumni were recognized at the chapter's 150th anniversary celebration. 150th Anniversary Celebration a Resounding Success The recipients of the inaugural Hugh E. Stephenson Jr. Award. The Stephenson is awarded to alumni who have demonstrated lifelong and significant service to the betterment of Zeta Phi Chapter, as exemplified by Dr. Hugh E. Stephenson '43. The alumni honored at the 150th Reunion were Bob Teel '49, CJ Spener '56, Dave Knight '59, Charley Brown '61, Tom Turner III '67, John Hllhouse '69, Gil Stevens '69, Bill Toalson '70, Richard Miller '70, Steve Gardner '79, Dave Spence '80, Jim Rhea '80, Joe Bartmess '81, John Hofman '82, Bob Selsor '82, Jason Swindle '93, John States '94, and Garrett Taylor '99. In addition, two were honored posthumously, Barton Boyle '55 and Rogers Crittenden 1916. These men served Zeta Phi in many different capacities over the years.