Sigma-Theta
Saint Leo University
Donald R. Tapia is a 2008 initiate of the Sigma-Theta Chapter at Saint Leo University. A Life Loyal Teke, this Frater has volunteered as a member of the Sigma-Theta Board of Advisors and served on the TKE Foundation Board of Directors from 2006-2015. He rejoined the TKE Foundation Board of Directors in 2021 and continues to serve on the board today as a Chairman Emeritus.
Frater Tapia has attended and supported numerous TKE events since his initiation into our bond. His support of the Foundation reached a new level when he permanently endowed the Midwestern Regional Leadership Conference in 2015. Not only did he endow the RLC, through his generosity and support, the TKE International Fraternity Headquarters was named in honor of Frater Donald R. Tapia. He is an esteemed member of both the Order of the Shield and the TKE Educational Foundation Circle of Excellence.
Frater Tapia began his professional career in the United States Air Force, serving from 1957 to 1960. He then worked as a Sales Engineer for General Electric Company before joining the Electric Division of International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT). He later became Chairman of the Board and CEO of EGM, Inc. and Wholesale Electric, Inc., where he served for 37 years before retiring in 2010.
At one time, he was the largest Hispanic business owner in Arizona and received the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award. His company was also ranked the 56th-largest Hispanic-owned business in the nation by Hispanic Business magazine.
Today, Frater Don Tapia remains deeply involved with his alma mater, where he previously served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Saint Leo University awarded him the Marion Bowman Medal in recognition of his leadership and service to the institution.
In 2014, he was honored with the Caring Award by the Caring Institute of Washington, D.C. where received this distinction alongside President Bill Clinton, actress Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, Lonnie Ali, and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
Frater Tapia has two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. He currently resides in the Greater Phoenix area.