Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Missouri

FINDING A FAMILY As a first-semester freshman, I originally moved into the residential hall and found it very depressing. Also, my roommate (a friend from high school) and I did not have a lot of common interests. I had been recruited by SigEp over the summer and began to see the benefits of joining the brotherhood! I joined the chapter a few short weeks into the semester. GETTING TO WORK As an undergraduate, I quickly found my place in the house and served as a pledge educator for one year, executive vice president for one semester, and vice president of finance for three semesters. This was an excellent fit for me since I was always good with numbers. I went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in accounting. CAREER MOVES My favorite memories from the house involve my closest friends. I was able to live with and hang around many great brothers who became successful in their later lives. We had doctors, dentists, bankers, lawyers, business leaders, and educators! Many of the brothers became successful and influential in their personal careers. Being a SigEp greatly impacted my career path by providing several key life lessons and instilling in me the value of hard work, loyalty, leadership, and dedication. I recently retired after 23 years of being a business owner. My corporate life included being the CFO of two different companies and being the CEO of a public company. I also greatly enjoyed a 10-year career at Hussmann Corporation in various financial management roles. LESSONS LEARNED As I reflect on my professional life, my advice to the current undergraduates is to seek leadership roles and find something that you are passionate about. Missouri Alpha taught me how to use my passion to better a cause or an organization. If you are going to do something, give it everything you have got and devote yourself to achieving success. This lesson applies to your marriage, your family, your faith, your career, and your outside interests. GIVING BACK After graduating, I decided to give back to the chapter as a volunteer. I served initially as the president of the alumni board from 1980-95. I then returned as president from 2009-21. Since 2021, I have served as treasurer. I retired as an executive officer of the board in September but hope to remain as a general board member for the next several years. The highlight of my time with the board was celebrating our 100th anniversary as an active chapter. The 2010 house renovation was another milestone and, at the time, our chapter house was one of the finest on campus! We held the chapter together during its evolution from a traditional college fraternity to a leader in the new age. LEAVING A LEGACY Our chapter has become a very proud tradition at Mizzou. We have adapted to changes in the Greek system over the last decade or so by focusing on academics and eliminating all forms of hazing. I believe that the bonds of brotherhood are still very strong. Our chapter led this change on campus and not only survived but also excelled. I have seen literally hundreds of undergraduates come through Missouri Alpha during my time on the board. It is very rewarding to watch these brothers get married, have children, and succeed in the workforce. I would like to think SigEp played an important role in their personal development and our efforts gave them the same growth opportunities we had. Fraternally, Dave LaRusso '76 davelsvdp@gmail.com Dave has been blessed with an exceptional wife and family. He and his wife have been married for 47 years and have three children: Tony, Amy, and Ali. They also have six grandchildren and one more on the way. In his spare time, Dave continues to cheer on the Tigers, play golf, volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul Society, manage his local parish as chairman of the finance committee, and volunteer with the Special Needs Soccer Association. A Legacy of Service A Legacy of Service Dave with his wife. Dave LaRusso '76 Reflects on Years as a Chapter Volunteer SigEp A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI OF MISSOURI ALPHA t SIGMA PHI EPSILON FALL 2023 Tiger Heart Inside: Best in Columbia t 2 Red Rock Reunion t 3 Save the Date t 4

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