Beta Theta Pi - University of Missouri

BETA THETA PI 3 O ne of the most important things you can have in life is a strong group of friends. rough all the ups and downs, William Kircher '60 has had his fellow Betas by his side. "Zeta Phi Chapter has had a powerful and significant effect on my life," Bill said. "My Beta pals have helped me professionally, socially, and in just about every way possible. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Dave Knight '59 and Paul Palmer '59. Except for the times when we were all in the service, Dave and I have not missed talking with each other at least once a week for 60-plus years. How's that for a friend? Paul is a true war hero and he, like Dave, has had to put up with our phone calls for almost as long." Bill is a patent lawyer and has "slowed down a bit," now working only six and a half days per week. He loves being a patent lawyer because it combines his engineering background with law and remains an intellectual challenge every day—in the best way. "I have a lot of entrepreneurs and startups as clients," Bill said. "ere has been fantastic and interesting group of people that I've met along the way. I highly value my people relationships, so most of my clients that I've had, I still have. ey've become more than clients; most of them are good friends." Bill has worked with companies from large tech to small startups. He recalls having worked with a soware company that started out with eight employees, and he had the joy of watching the company grow. e company's president— who was also a good friend—ended up selling BROTHERHOOD KNOWS NO BOUNDS William Kircher '60 Shares the Impact of His Brothers on His Life that one-time tiny business to Oracle for $2.2 billion, and the president is now the governor of Montana. "I've had the thrill of watching some of the inventions of my clients go on to help make absolute huge fortunes!" One of the highlights of Bill's career was when he represented Clemson University in a lawsuit. He remembers his examination of a key witness for the other side. e witness's answers ended up helping his team win the case. However, the day- to-day excitement and the many friends he has made during his career is what keeps him going. "It's been a good ride for me, and I'm still doing it," Bill said. "It gives me a daily challenge, keeps me busy, and continues to teach me." Bill remains a loyal Mizzou Tiger and enjoys closely following Mizzou athletics and other MU activities. He was on the Mizzou Intercollegiate Athletic Committee for a number of years and is a member of the Dean of Engineering Advisory Board and the Missouri 100. His greatest joy, however, is his four wonderful daughters. Aer his wife passed away three years ago, he and his daughters became closer than ever. "ey were, and still are, the absolute joy of my life," Bill said. "From a personal standpoint, I don't know what I do without them." Bill is grateful for the collection of great memories and the amazing friends that Beta eta Pi has given him and wishes he had time to name and thank each one in person. "I sometimes kid that Coach Norm Stewart '56 … that he helped save my life," Bill shared. "When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had a 10% chance of survival. One day, while I was sitting in my office with a 'woe is me' attitude, Norm called. He sensed my depressed mood and said, 'Bill, get your ass out of that chair, posit yourself in the 10% that's going to survive, and I don't want to hear any more of this.' Of course, I said, 'Yes, Coach.' at instruction was typical Norm, but by golly, I did survive." Bill closes with, "ank God I'm a Beta—oh, and make that a Zeta Phi Beta." You can connect with Bill at wbkircher@kcpatentlaw.com. Make Sure You're Up to Date! Do we have your email address? Please send your current email address to ssmoot@penningtonco.com to ensure you're not missing important email updates. Chapter President Tyler Hagan '23 Vice President Spencer Foster '23 House Manager Wil Strubberg '23 New Member Educator Cade Koehly '23 Risk Manager Jack Politte '23 Philanthropy Chairman Teddy Chen '23 Treasurer Trip Dolan '23 IDE Chairman Daniel Rhea '23 CHAPTER OFFICERS William Kircher '60 enjoying the view in his Montana office.

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