Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Missouri

SigEp A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI OF MISSOURI ALPHA t SIGMA PHI EPSILON SUMMER 2024 Tiger Heart D uring college, Dave always enjoyed trips with his brothers, whether it was a weekend at the Lake, road trips to New Orleans, Cardinals games in St. Louis, or recruiting events around the state. He was elected as chapter president as a sophomore. "It was a little daunting at first. We were college kids and suddenly handed the keys to a house and all the challenges that come along with it: budgets, risk management, recruiting, maintenance, etc. We had to rely on teamwork to make sound decisions." The position provided leadership and mindset skills that have benefited his life and career. Dave treasured the 25 years he spent as a sports writer at the Columbia Tribune and St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I was able to travel the country, document some incredible moments, and get to know some amazing people and tell their stories." During that career, Dave wrote three books, including co-authoring Hall of Fame Mizzou football coach Gary Pinkel's autobiography. "It was an incredible experience to spend countless hours with him, listening to stories, writing, and editing." Other career highlights include traveling throughout the country in the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference, visiting college stadiums and arenas, getting the chance to meet athletes and coaches over the years, and sharing stories with Mizzou fans. During his final three years as a sports writer, Dave taught at the Missouri School of Journalism. In summer 2023, he joined the Mizzou Athletics Department's senior leadership team as an assistant athletics director. "It's turned into the best professional decision of my career," he shared. "No two days are alike when working in college athletics, and I'm fortunate to be surrounded by some incredible teammates and oversee a tremendous communications staff." Dave's wife, Molly, is a school nurse, and they have three boys: twins Jackson and Connor, who will begin high school this fall, and Will, who will begin second grade. Each are talented artists and great students, and Dave loves watching them compete in their sports. Connor is a runner in both cross country and track and field; Jackson is a lacrosse goalie; and Will plays baseball and basketball. In his limited free time, Dave enjoys reading and going to concerts with Molly when they can. Dave's SigEp brothers have remained his friends. "Some I see regularly and some I may only see once every few years, but that bond will always be there." Dave Matter '00 Pivots from Sports Writer to Assistant Athletics Director "There was something different about the guys I met at 405 Kentucky; there was a sense of authenticity there that I didn't feel from the other campus houses. It felt like home right away." YOU CAN CONNECT WITH DAVE AT DMATTER@MISSOURI.EDU. A LOVE OF SPORTS A LOVE OF SPORTS Why Is Missouri Alpha So Successful? IT STARTS WITH YOU P aging through this issue, I note many strategic differentiators that have helped to fuel our chapter's meteoric rise to the top of MU's Greek world: support from SigEp National's resources, best practices sharing with other SigEp chapters, and a passionate core of incredibly talented undergraduates since we first returned to campus five years ago. As I interact with other SigEp chapters working to reach the top on their respective campuses, I'm constantly reminded of Missouri Alpha's single most valuable advantage: our 1,000+ living alumni. Time, talents, and treasure are provided by YOU, our AVC officers and board, mentors, donors, and so many who simply share the memories of 405 Kentucky and live our principles of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. In recent years, our chapter has grown from mere dust to critical mass, to the best fraternity at MU, to the best of all Greek chapters on campus. Where do we go from here? I'm not sure, but it will involve continued growth in all areas of operation, including alumni engagement. HOW MIGHT YOU HELP? Come home to 405. We're hosting tailgates at six home games this fall. Mark your calendars now and plan to come and visit with your brothers, old and new. See page 2 for how you can help!

• Cover