Pi Kappa Alpha - University of Texas

www.texaspike.com 6 T hroughout his legal career at Baker Botts, LLP, in Dallas, Van H. Beckwith '84 was often reminded of the role Pike played in his life. His fraternal experience jumpstarted his career and instilled a foundational knowledge of leadership. Earning a finance degree at UT and going to law school at Southern Methodist University School of Law, Van immediately started using the skills he learned as a Pike. "Baker Botts provided me a fabulous platform to build a national litigation practice, lead its 300 lawyer litigation department and serve on the global executive committee," Van shared. Through hard work and a willingness to learn and grow, his career advanced. He traveled the world serving clients, meeting new people and expandeding his understanding of the world around him, which eventually opened doors for him as he began the next chapter of his legal career. Van joined global energy concern Halliburton Corporation in January 2021, where he serves as executive vice president, secretary and chief legal officer. His friend, the late Lee L. Warren '83, began Van's enriching journey as a Greek. Lee introduced Van to men from around the state who were all Pikes. "Pikes were an eclectic bunch," Van said, "They didn't fit one mold, and I liked that about them." His experience as Pike's treasurer taught him about business's art of persuasion, as he consulted with chapter officers, oversaw a budget and maintined financial security for the chapter. "Some of you still owe for that Mitsubishi big- screen TV that we crowdsourced. You know who you are! $20 in 1986 is now $49.92—send your check to the building fund," Van said in a jest. Van's close friend from Pike, John W. Ward '85, said, "It was so fun to follow in Van's footsteps as treasurer. He was so efficient and made it fun. I have fond memories of Van and I negotiating with vendors on some 'slightly past due' balances." In addition to the skills and life lessons Van gained from his undergraduate journey, he made some lifelong friends too. Until his recent move to Houston, John and Rick Jackson '86 lived right down the road from one another in North Dallas. Van, Rick and John raised their families together, traveled together and ultimately witnessed life together. John said, "It has been a joy sharing our lives together. We are godparents for Van and Tracey's son, Scott, and our daughters were Kappas together at UT." "I never would have the depth of those friendships, and many others, if I had not met those guys on 2400 Leon St. That life is a gift I can never repay," John said. "The friendship we started in college became increasingly stronger over time. Van has always been my first call when considering any major life decision." Van, who grew up in San Antonio, is a generous man of faith: "We exist for a purpose. We do our daily work to serve others—our life, our family, our neighborhood. Business doesn't receive enough credit for its ability to positively impact people and their families far into the future." Van contributed a generous gift to aid in the development of the new Pike house. Inspired by the multitudes of friendships he created at Pike and his downright desire to pay it forward, Van felt honored to contribute. "Donating was a testament to many friendships as well as the many others who have donated," Van stated. Given everything Van has learned along the way, he stays true to his values and his roots. He now has the privilege of leading Halliburton's legal global communications and marketing as well as government affairs groups in over 70 countries. There is no greater joy to Van and his wife, Tracey (UT Pike Dream Girl), than watching their family grow and become their best selves. Van and Tracey's children, Scott and Hannah, are both married with children. You can connect with Van at vanbeckwith@gmail.com. Van H. Beckwith '84, Proud to Be a Pike, Aims to Make a Difference Alumni Spotlight Van with Rick Jackson '86 at a Pike party in 1986. Van and his family at their home away from home in Rosemary Beach, Fla. Tracy and Van with longtime friends and Dallas neighbors, Mary Jo and John Ward, at the recent Pike Alumni Open House. The Beta Mu Review

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