When he first joined SigEp, J. Daniel Bariault, Washington State ’74, hoped to surround himself with a strong support group in college. Now as an alumnus, Dan is paying the SigEp experience forward through his involvement in the alumni and volunteer corporation (AVC). He gives back as a volunteer while also managing a successful career in business law.

Washington Alpha Support

“The house functioned in a very different time and culture than today,” Dan said, reflecting on his role as vice president in 1972. The challenges he faced alongside Chapter President Ken Christianson ’74, rapidly developed Dan’s leadership skills and helped him prepare for life beyond college.

When Dan saw the work alumni like Ken have done through the AVC over the past decade, he was inspired to get involved. The modern fraternity experience at WSU was shaken by the university’s decision to limit first-year students living in chapter houses. Still, Dan is impressed by the integrity of current members to overcome obstacles.

“Fraternities are facing a crossroads. SigEp’s Balanced Man Program and complementary leadership programs represent the core value proposition to transition to a new era successfully.” Dan continues to learn from fellow alumni volunteers as he figures out how to support Washington Alpha undergraduates. He often advises members to balance their physical and mental health alongside academic priorities and social experiences, emphasizing that fun and safety are not mutually exclusive. “Priorities are essential, and members must understand why they invested (with help) in four years at WSU.”

A Career in Law

After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science, Dan completed his MBA and worked as a stockbroker before heading to law school. His passion for business translated well to a career as a business lawyer, including work in Seattle, Taiwan, and the federal court in Puerto Rico.

“I learned that my wife, Stephanie, was pregnant just a couple of months before beginning law school,” Dan added. “My career followed my very talented spouse during her uber-successful career with AT&T Wireless.”

The law landscape is changing to adapt to artificial intelligence. Due to his prior tech startup work with various scientists and entrepreneurs, Dan is excited about opportunities to include this growing technology in his work. Albeit challenging, Dan keeps up with current trends by incorporating AI into his work to offer more efficient services to his clients.

Personal Life

Dan met Stephanie, a Pi Phi, through a first-year blind date at WSU thanks to the efforts of Cliff Webster ’74. Their son, Evan, is a successful attorney, while their daughter, Lindsey, is an executive with the largest real estate firm in the country.

In addition to staying current on the latest technology trends, Dan frequently spends time with his five grandchildren. He also enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, and diving.

This article is shared from the Washington Alpha newsletter in the Alumni Communications Program.