Beta Theta Pi - University of Missouri

The ZeTA PhI PAge 2 A humbliNg experieNce William "Bert" Bates '49 Shares Why Brotherhood Is a Necessity W hen William "bert" bates '49 stepped foot on the University of Missouri campus, he was unlike his peers in that he had not been freshly emitted from high school. He started his undergraduate studies after three years of enlistment in the military, and knew little to nothing about fraternities. Several of Bert's friends, however, were Phi Delts and had urged him to join too. "I was going to try and join, but had a friend's wedding to attend that weekend," he said. "Phi Delt told me to make a choice between attending the wedding or recruitment week." Personal integrity and the value for his friendship led Bert to sticking with his original plans and attending the wedding. Fortunately, Bert's interest in being part of a brotherhood was not swayed. After doing some homework on the chapters on campus, he learned that Beta Theta Pi had a strong reputation for ethics, morals, and education. He too placed those same standards in high regard and wasted no time getting involved after being recruited by Zeta Phi. "I had great study habits and tested out of 25 of my classes, so by the time I became a Beta, I was technically a junior," he shared. As someone who took his education seriously, Bert appreciated the chapter house's nice study hall and that the brothers pushed each other to maintain excellent grades. Bert's active years as a Beta included establishing bonds with several of the brothers and serving as vice president of the chapter his senior year. Many of his pledge brothers became his closest friends on campus (and would later become some of his law clients). "I made friends with Reed schearer, who was later killed," said Bert. "Robert teel '49 was a fine gentleman, a great student, and a phenomenal athlete whose abilities I'm sure rubbed off on me. John dalton '48 was an outstanding person and president of the student body." The Betas were an active group, and Bert truly enjoyed participating in the Wooglin Club and intramural programs. He credits his activities and the brotherhood with helping him become reacclimated to life after getting out of the service. "My exposure to the Betas helped me break out of the framework of military life and taught me the importance of grooming and self-upkeep," shared Bert. "The Beta rules are enlightening and enriching." Bert has practiced law for over 64 years and is now semiretired. The list of professional honors he has received is extensive, including the Justice Charles Evans Whittaker award, President's Citation Pro Bono award, and the Oxford Cup. He's also a distinguished philanthropist, having received many awards for his charitable work, along with an honorary degree from Mizzou and being placed on the wall of fame at the Zeta Phi house. Still, he says that he is most proud of his fantastic late wife, Joy Godbehere, having reared two outstanding children with her, and having a grandson who was initiated into BQP at the University of Kansas in February. Bert enjoys attending Zeta Phi's alumni receptions and events as much as possible. In his spare time, he likes to swim, volunteer, and remain active through civic activities. He also attends Chamber of Commerce meetings. Bert emphasizes to active Betas the importance of paying attention to chapter rituals and the oaths they take. "ΒΤΡ is a truly exceptional organization," he stated. "Zeta Phi's executive office oversees the chapter probably better than any other fraternity in the country." He also encourages current active members to remain humble, establish a sound and productive work ethic, and follow each of the Beta rules. "Maintain a high level of performance with academics, campus activities, and become fine, respectable men," he said. You can connect with Bert at bbates@lathropgage.com. gettiNg bAck oN trAck ZetA phi AdheriNg to cAmpuS regulAtioNS I n our last newsletter, it was noted that Zeta Phi was on probation with the University of Missouri until the end of the school year due to violation of party and alcohol policies. Mizzou has begun strict enforcement of their regulations regarding social activities and parties, which has resulted in the ΚΑ and DU chapters being suspended from campus. Those groups, however, may have been suspended for infractions other than or in addition to their alcohol violations. Several other fraternities have been put on probation, which has led to a very different environment on campus than what many of us alumni experienced during our undergraduate years. I suspect that some of the change in the University's position is a result of nationwide pressure on colleges to deal with the alcohol issue. At the same time, several alumni who are directly involved with the chapter acknowledge that, at times, the party aspect of fraternity life has been overemphasized. They agree that some pulling back is in the best interest of the fraternity and the young men. Chapter advisors and our house corporation continue to monitor the situation. They have implemented additional restrictions on the social activities of the chapter in an attempt to adapt to current University enforcement policies. In _kai_, John Hillhouse '69 Secretary hillhouse@drlb.net

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