Beta Theta Pi - University of Missouri

Z eta Phi continues to move forward, with an occasional step sideways, in a difficult environment. The pandemic, as well as MU's changing attitude toward Greek life, have kept the attention of the men and chapter advisors. The chapter maintains its reputation as a superior academic fraternity with the freshmen's 3.5 GPA. Overall the house had a 3.44 GPA, best among the larger houses. Congrats to alumni advisor Jon McRoberts '05 and undergraduate scholarship cochairmen Jason Binkley '23 and Stephen Bowen'23. As the result of an impromptu social gathering in October, the chapter was once again placed on probation until September 1. The University has tight rules for what constitutes a fraternity social event and strict rules for registering any such events. A significant number of members had such an event and did not properly inform the University in advance. Chapter advisors are working with the executive team to ensure future events are properly handled. There has also been additional emphasis on risk management as it relates to social events, and the chapter needs to address the seriousness of these matters. As part of our effort to work with the University on issues impacting Greek life, Beta was a major factor in establishing the Mizzou Greek Alliance. Read more about the good work this organization is doing on page 4. The chapter's financial position is strong; we are paying down the debt on the new facility ahead of schedule. The outstanding debt stands at about $1.3 million, which is due in February 2025. We project that there will only be a small remaining balance, if any, to be refinanced at that time. As noted in our last newsletter, our business manager, Christian Neuner '91, stepped down last year to move on to the next phase of his life. The house corporation has worked hard the last several months to find his successor, or an alternative way of handling the financial and repair/ maintenance aspects of the house. We are very appreciative of Christian's dedication and loyalty to continue to work with us these last eight months during the transition. Through success and hardships, Beta persists. Yours in __kai__, John Hillhouse '69 Secretary Zeta Phi House Corporation hillhouse@drlb.net THE ZETA PHI PAGE 2 A good first impression is important for undergraduates considering fraternity life. Brad Robertson '85 had plans to attend a school in upstate New York until a close friend took him to Columbia for a Beta recruitment event before the new school year. "I never intended to join a fraternity, but I fell in love with Mizzou and the Beta house," Brad said. "I canceled my upstate New York plans, filled out my application for MU, and pledged Beta. Best move I ever made." Through his studies, Brad earned an agricultural economics degree at the University of Missouri and is currently the owner and CEO of a plastics company. His father had just purchased the company when Brad graduated, and he did small tasks at the start. "I had one specific moment in my career when I needed some serious assistance after a disaster ruined our company," he said. "I reached out to a fellow Beta in the industry, and he offered to help unconditionally and with no need for repayment." Brad recognizes that his true Zeta Phi pride came long after his college years. "You really don't see the deeper meaning of what Beta is until you are out of college. Only then do you truly understand what the deep and rich traditions and connections of being a Zeta Phi are." As an alumnus, Brad volunteers for the house corporation (HC). "It's a real challenge," he explained. "Fraternities are under a microscope and face great pressure when it comes to changes and rules." Brad and the HC are responsible for conveying the message of rules and regulations for the sake of safety and betterment of fraternity life. Undergraduates typically range from ages 18 to 21, with first-time, significant freedom that can influence behavior. "We educate, train, and assist them in every way we can, though the responsibilities ultimately lie with the members. Zeta Phi continues to be the best fraternity on campus. The HC does all it can to assure safety, success, and proper fun under our General Fraternity and University guidelines." Brad is proud to work with the roster of exceptional alumni who volunteer for the HC. He sees the hard work by active chapter members to improve and uphold Beta Theta Pi traditions, though there is always more to be done. "It was Beta and my Zeta Phi brothers that set the bar for me on what kind of career path I had and the person I wanted to be," Brad said. "The friendships last a lifetime and can never be replaced or duplicated." Even 40 years after college, Brad keeps in touch with over half of his 40 pledge brothers through a group text. "I remember recently talking with another Beta brother who experienced similar shortcomings in his first year of college as I did. He told the same story about Beta being his motivation for personal change. This is what Beta is all about." Brad met his wife at the University of Missouri and has now been married for 33 years. He has a daughter, Katherine, who is a registered nurse and graduate of the Sinclair School of Nursing at MU. His son, Sam Robertson '23, is a junior in the Business School at MU and is an active Zeta Phi member. "That brings some degree of difficulty with me being part of the house corporation—dad isn't always very popular!" You can reconnect with Brad at brobertson@forteproducts.com. Why Brad Robertson '85 Is Prouder to Volunteer for Beta as an Alumnus W isd o m Com es with Ti me, Distance, and Experie nc e The State of Our House Alumni Ensure Our Brothers Are in Good Hands

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