Phi Delta Theta - University of Missouri

MO ALPHA PHI M I S S O U R I A L P H A C H A P T E R O F P H I D E L T A T H E T A THE UNIVERSIT Y OF MISSOURI WINTER 2023 The W H AT WO UL D BRUCE DO ? M issouri Alpha has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Brother Bruce H. Beckett, (Missouri '69) in October of 2022. Bruce was a family man, hero, patriot, and a pillar of the community. He loved his fraternity, the lifelong brotherhood that came with it, and will enter the Chapter Grand as a Fraternity Man of impeccable integrity, wit, and grace. Bruce lived an impressive and full life based on honesty, loyalty, humility, and selfless service. He was initiated at MO Alpha in 1966, and upon graduation, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S Marine Corps. Assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines as an infantry platoon commander, he completed a 13-month tour in Vietnam. He received numerous decorations for his distinguished service, including a Bronze Star for gallantry in the field. Bruce left active duty for the reserves, with a rank of Captain. He returned to Mizzou for law school and earned his Juris Doctor in 1975. Bruce practiced law for 46 years and was always engaged in the community. He served as President of the Boone County Bar Association and Permanent Trustee of the Missouri State Historical Society. Bruce knew no strangers. He was a great listener, a gifted storyteller, and had an ability to connect with anyone he met. He provided advice, guidance, and encouragement to generations of Phi's, and he remained engaged as a member and advisor to the Phi Delta Theta Club of Columbia, MO until his passing. Bruce was a reliable, instrumental, and passionate member of MO Alpha for over 56 years. He was at the chapterhouse regularly and lead by example. Attending and leading advisory meetings, special dedications, ceremonies, and numerous "Summer Clean-Up's". He often prophesied that another coat of paint would "improve the structural integrity" of our beloved chapterhouse. He logged countless hours improving our facilities, operations, and the MO Alpha Chapter as a whole. Bruce chaired fundraising campaigns, major renovations in 1988 and 2016, and was a major supporter of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation. Bruce generously and selflessly donated his time, energy, and expertise to ensure MO Alpha's prosperity and future success. Personally, I am proud to have known Brother Beckett as a friend and a mentor. He generously offered council and encouragement throughout our relationship; personally, professionally, and fraternally. I am blessed to share that same relationship with his greatest legacy to our chapter, his sons and our Brothers: Adam Beckett '95, Matt Beckett '96, Daniel Beckett '00, and Andrew Beckett '06. The CAB and Housing Corp have always sought Bruce's astute, straightforward, and judicious perspective. Following a recent and uniquely difficult chapter decision, members of the CAB received a simple, personal note from Bruce. It ended with— "You all have my sincere respect and admiration for tackling tough things." YitB, Bruce It was a reassuring gesture from a revered, trusted, and respected Brother. It speaks volumes to Bruce's humility, empathy, and support. MO Alpha will continue to approach "tough things" with the memory of Bruce, his contributions, and his words as inspiration. Brother Beckett is survived by his loving wife, Donna Huskey Beckett, his four sons, Adam Harty Beckett, Matthew Huskey Beckett (Suzanne), Daniel Gray Beckett (Jenny), Andrew Wilson Beckett (Lindsay), and eight beautiful grandchildren. Bruce will be greatly missed, never replaced, and always remembered. In coelo quies est, Chris Crocker, Missouri '96 (Continued on page 2) NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Campaign Gains Momentum with $342,000 and Counting Campaign Gains Momentum with $342,000 and Counting A lthough the last few years brought obstacles for many, Phi Delta Theta finished 2022 on a bright note. In the summer, we announced our capital campaign to build a scholarship fund for members and bolster our housing funds. In a few short months, we reached over 65% of our $500,000 goal! We are beyond thankful to the 61 loyal donors who have committed a total of $342,487. This is truly outstanding and proves that our brotherhood is still important to many of you. While this is a great start, I'm confident we can keep building momentum to meet our goal, which will help our brothers offset rising costs for today's college students. We hope to start awarding $2,000 scholarships to as many brothers as possible as soon as next school year (2023-24). The more money we raise, the more we can give to deserving Phi Delt scholars! Meeting our fundraising goal will also help our active brothers thrive in the best environment by keeping their home in top shape and their 0 15 PROUD PROUD C E L E B R AT I N G 150 YEARS OF MO ALPHA Bruce H. Beckett '69, Master of Ceremonies, speaking at the War Memorial dedication on October 3, 2021, during Missouri Alpha's 150th Anniversary weekend.

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