Beta Theta Pi - University of Missouri

ZETA PHI, A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE Why Matt Flanigan '84 Treasures His Time in βθπ 75 YEARS OF BROTHERHOOD Chapter Celebrates Robert Sweeney '45's Lifetime Membership PAGE 3 BETA THETA PI After earning his bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance, Matt began his career in banking. He had some intriguing job offers, one of which took him to Dallas where he accepted a position at InterFirst Bank. He then went on to work for a global bank, Societe Generale, where he was offered an opportunity to move to either New York or Paris. Matt sought advice from Harry, and instead of New York or Paris, ended up becoming the chief financial officer of Harry's company, Leggett & Platt Inc., where Harry served as CEO for 40 years. Harry's wisdom and advice was one of the key factors in Matt's career, but what Zeta Phi taught him was also instrumental to his success. Matt's college experience showed him how to interact with different types of people as well as learn from the collective wisdom that being in a fraternity brought. "Welcoming other perspectives, even when I didn't necessarily agree with them, was certainly a vital lesson I took with me when I left 520 College," Matt recalled. He finds that many of Zeta Phi's and Mizzou's principles are still valid today, bearing in mind the "4 H's": Honesty, Huge (think big), Hustle (work hard), and Happiness. Although Matt does not get to visit the chapter house very much with his travel schedule, he has returned a few times since 2012. He also works everyday with Brother Scott Douglas '81 and for many years with Mark Bumgarner '83. Matt is reconnecting with his brothers every chance he gets and encourages his brothers to do the same. "The friendships we all made so many years ago are always ready to be rekindled and relished once again." Matt and his wife, Tracy, a Beta Little Sister, have been married for 32 years. They have one son, Bren, who is serving in the Peace Corps in Africa, and a daughter, who will graduate in May from the University of California-Berkeley. He remains a big Mizzou sports fan, which he shared is as enjoyable as it is frustrating. Matt is continuously amazed by what Beta has done in his life, and thinks about the future of the chapter, adding, "It's inspiring to know that the young men at Zeta Phi today are having similar, life-changing experiences like I did—whether they realize it just yet or not!" You can connect with Matt at matt.flanigan@ leggett.com. Continued from page 1 R obert Sweeney '45 at the Beta chapter house sporting his recently received 75-year anniversary pin. He is honored alongside his brothers in a display case inside the house showing the names of brothers who served in WWII. Enlarging the picture, you will see his name listed—61 missions as a P47 pilot. After returning from the war, Robert finished his degree and at 94 years of age, we are fortunate to still have him with us. He was thrilled to receive this lapel pin and recognition. The current brothers he met were wonderful to him and they enjoyed the chance to meet a 1942 initiate of their chapter! (1) Robert Sweeney '45 visits the chapter house after 75 years as a member of Zeta Phi. (2) The display case where Robert Sweeney '45 found his name as a Zeta Phi member who served in World War II. President Jack Schimpf '18 Columbia, Mo. jack.schimpf@missouribeta.com Vice President Matthew Myer '18 St. Louis, Mo. Pledge Educator John Rhea '18 Jefferson City, Mo. House Manager William Meyer '18 Hannibal, Mo. Alumni Relations Chairman Brooks Davis '20 Champaign, Ill. CHAPTER OFFICERS 1 2

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