AUGUST 5-8, 2021
“WE REAFFIRM.”
PURPOSES OF CONVENTION
RELATIONSHIP CULTIVATION
The General Convention will engender bonds of friendship among all Betas, Friends of Beta and guests, and inspire their passion and commitment to Beta Theta Pi and her family.
BUSINESS OF THE FRATERNITY
The General Convention will promote an efficient model of governance that engages chapter, alumni and General Fraternity leadership in establishing common organizational direction.
EDUCATION
The General Convention will provide a high-quality educational experience focused on developing participants personally and enabling them to own and carry out with clarity the mission and specific goals of Beta Theta Pi and her leadership.
INSPIRATION
The General Convention will build pride in the organization’s achievements and empower all participants to take ownership of the Fraternity’s future.
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION
The General Convention will honor the organizational, individual and chapter achievements of Beta Theta Pi in an aligned, engaging and celebratory fashion.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 General Secretary Welcome
6 Convention History
8 General Fraternity Leadership
10 Event Highlights
13 Speakers
14 Convention Schedule
17 Legislation
19 Leadership Programs
20 General Information
25 Mission, Vision, Core Values
26 Campus Map
“WE REAFFIRM.”
PG. 4
S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73 General Secretary
WELCOME
to Beta Theta Pi’s 182nd General Convention in Oxford, Ohio! All told, Beta Theta Pi has held its annual reunion in 32 American states and Canadian provinces over the years, but nothing quite compares to coming home. Every General Convention leaves its mark on Beta history. From landmark legislative decisions to speeches now forever enshrined in our texts, some of the Fraternity’s most cherished moments occur around this great Beta tradition. When brothers across chapters and generations come together to rekindle their Beta Spirit, we chart the path forward for our Great and Good Fraternity. Perhaps not surprisingly as host to now 11 Beta Conventions, many of these memories throughout the years were made right here where it all began – Oxford, Ohio. It’s here at Beta’s birthplace where Founder John Reily Knox, Miami 1839, gave a rousing address on the Fraternity’s first anniversary, where hundreds of brothers gathered on the lawn of Old Main to sing the “Beta Doxology” and ring in the centennial and where, some 25 years ago, former North Carolina Governor and General Fraternity President Jim Martin, Davidson ’57, perfectly summed up what makes the General Convention so pivotal to the Beta experience: “This uniquely annual event has long been a special source of strength of our Fraternity . . . It brings us together to renew Beta’s vitality; it brings us together, annually, so that no class of undergraduates will be skipped; and it brings us together to share in building a Fraternity . . . In short, it brings us all together.” This emphasis on togetherness rings especially true to me here at Beta’s 182nd. Following an unprecedented year of disconnect and distance due to the COVID19 pandemic, we come together on this hallowed ground to celebrate and honor our eight founders and this great Fraternity we all know and love. We reaffirm our commitment to the brotherhood of Beta Theta Pi.
PG. 5
CONVENTION HISTORY THE FOUNDERS’ PARAGRAPH
At nine o’clock on the evening of the eighth day of the eighth month of the year 1839, eight earnest young men, all students at Miami University, held the first meeting of Beta Theta Pi in the Hall of the Union Literary Society, an upper room in the old college building known as “Old Main.” The eight founders in the order in which their names appear in the minutes were: John Reily Knox, 1839 Samuel Taylor Marshall, 1840 David Linton, 1839 James George Smith, 1840
Charles Henry Hardin, 1841 John Holt Duncan, 1840 Michael Clarkson Ryan, 1839 Thomas Boston Gordon, 1840
BETA CONVENTION LOCATIONS YEAR 1842 1847 1848 1851 1854 1856 1858 1860 1862 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882
PG. 6
NO.
3rd 8th 9th 12th 15th 17th 19th 21st 23rd 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st 32nd 33rd 34th 35th 36th 37th 38th 39th 40th 41st 42nd 43rd
REILY
LOCATION
Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Hudson, Ohio Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Cincinnati, Ohio Louisville, Kentucky Berkeley Springs, Virginia Columbus, Ohio (Skipped due to Civil War) Indianapolis, Indiana Detroit, Michigan Cincinnati, Ohio Indianapolis, Indiana Nashville, Tennessee Columbus, Ohio Chicago, Illinois Indianapolis, Indiana Richmond, Virginia Cincinnati, Ohio (Skipped due to late timing of 34th) Evansville, Indiana Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Detroit, Michigan Indianapolis, Indiana Cincinnati, Ohio Baltimore, Maryland Chicago, Illinois Cincinnati, Ohio
TAYLOR
YEAR
1883 1884 1885 1886 1887-93 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907-08 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917
NO.
44th 45th 46th 47th 48-54th 55tth 56th 57th 58th 59th 60th 61st 62nd 63rd 64th 65th 66th 67th 68-69th 70th 71st 72nd 73rd 74th 75th 76th 77th 78th
DAVE
LOCATION
Saratoga Springs, New York Wooglin-on-Chautauqua, N.Y. St. Louis, Missouri Cincinnati, Ohio Wooglin-on-Chautauqua, N.Y. Niagara Falls, New York Chicago, Illinois White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Niagara Falls, New York Cincinnati, Ohio Niagara Falls, New York Put-in-Bay, Ohio Lakewood, New York Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota Put-in-Bay, Ohio St. Louis, Missouri New York, New York Denver, Colorado Niagara Falls, N.Y. Put-in-Bay, Ohio Saratoga Springs, New York Niagara Falls, Ontario Detroit, Michigan Nantasket Beach, Mass. St. Louis, Missouri Oakland, California Saratoga Springs, New York Niagara Falls, New York
LEB
CONVENTION HISTORY YEAR
1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933-34 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943-45 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971
NO.
79th 80th 81st 82nd 83rd 84th 85th 86th 87th 88th 89th 90th 91st 92nd 93rd 94-95th 96th 97th 98th 99th 100th 101st 102nd 103rd 104-106th 107th 108th 109th 110th 111th 112th 113th 114th 115th 116th 117th 118th 119th 120th 121st 122nd 123rd 124th 125th 126th 127th 128th 129th 130th 131st 132nd
LOCATION
White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Swampscott, Massachusetts Williams Bay, Wisconsin Estes Park, Colorado West Baden, Indiana White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Mackinac Island, Michigan Lake of Bays, Ontario White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Lake of Bays, Ontario Colorado Springs, Colorado Lake of Bays, Ontario Old Point Comfort, Virginia Lake Rosseau, Ontario Hot Springs, Virginia Mackinac Island, Michigan Seigniory Club, Quebec Biloxi, Mississippi Mackinac Island, Michigan Poland Spring, Maine Oxford, Ohio Del Monte, California Mackinac Island, Michigan Mackinac Island, Michigan (Skipped due to World War II) Mackinac Island, Michigan Poland Spring, Maine Mackinac Island, Michigan Glenwood Springs, Colorado Lake of Bays, Ontario Old Point Comfort, Virginia Lake of Bays, Ontario Pasadena, California Oxford, Ohio Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania Mackinac Island, Michigan Poland Spring, Maine Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania French Lick, Indiana Mackinac Island, Michigan Pasadena, California Asheville, North Carolina Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania Oxford, Ohio Mackinac Island, Michigan Lake of Bays, Ontario Asheville, North Carolina Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania Bretton Woods, N.H. Mackinac Island, Michigan Sun Valley, Idaho
CHARLEY
JOHN HOLT
YEAR 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
NO.
133rd 134th 135th 136th 137th 138th 139th 140th 141st 142nd 143rd 144th 145th 146th 147th 148th 149th 150th 151st 152nd 153rd 154th 155th 156th 157th 158th 159th 160th 161st 162nd 163rd 164th 165th 166th 167th 168th 169th 170th 171st 172nd 173rd 174th 175th 176th 177th 178th 179th 180th 181st 182nd
MIKE
LOCATION
Asheville, North Carolina Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania Mackinac Island, Michigan French Lick, Indiana Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri Mackinac Island, Michigan Oxford, Ohio Hot Springs, Virginia Scottsdale, Arizona French Lick, Indiana Mackinac Island, Michigan Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri Boca Raton, Florida Scottsdale, Arizona Asheville, North Carolina Toronto, Ontario Oxford, Ohio Palm Desert, California Tarpon Springs, Florida Washington, D.C. Denver, Colorado Marco Island, Florida Cincinnati, Ohio Palm Desert, California Washington, D.C. Miami, Florida Oxford, Ohio Schaumburg, Ill. (Chicago) Oxford, Ohio Kansas City, Missouri Oxford, Ohio Atlanta, Georgia Scottsdale, Arizona Toronto, Ontario Orlando, Florida Dallas, Texas Phoenix, Arizona Washington, D.C. Seattle, Washington Chicago, Illinois Charlotte, North Carolina Oxford, Ohio Orlando, Florida Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Salt Lake City, Utah Norfolk, Virigina Oxford, Ohio (Virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic) Oxford, Ohio
TOM
PG. 7
“WE REAFFIRM.”
GENERAL FRATERNITY LEADERSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73 Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76 Ben Swartz, Connecticut ’05 Robert Beall, Oklahoma ’80 Steven Cruz, Florida International ’12 Justin Foster, West Chester ’11 Ken Grispin, Rutgers ’70 Bill Haywood, Miami ’74 Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00 Nick Sexton, Eastern Kentucky ’11 Joel Stern, UC Riverside ’94 Mike Wortman, Nebraska ’70
General Secretary General Fraternity President General Treasurer Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President
UNDERGRADUATE COMMISSIONERS Jeff Pioquinto, Iowa State ’22 Ian Ross, Michigan ’21 Andrew Weiss, Bethany ’21
GENERAL FRATERNITY HOUSE CORPORATION John Stebbins, Emory ’92 Adam Collins, Wabash ’02 Steve Becker, Florida ’69 Andy Mattox, Nebraska ’00 Andrew Zurborg, Arkansas ’15
President Treasurer Secretary Director Director
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PG. 8
Mike Feinstein, MIT ’82 Foundation Chairman Ken Bryan, MIT ’88 Foundation Treasurer Amar Budarapu, Lawrence ’87 Foundation Secretary Rick Banks, Cornell ’72 Stavan Bhatt, Louisville ’98 Michael Bickford, Oklahoma ’80 Todd Bleakley, Kansas State ’77 Art Carmichael, Oregon ’62 Peter Darrow, Miami (Fla.) ’09 Jeff Flanagan, Rhode Island ’93 Randy Groves, Kansas State ’78 Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05 Kent Mire, TCU ’07 Tom Olver, Central Michigan ’98 Fred Pierce, San Diego State ’84 Tom Purinton, Kansas State ’63 Tom Reeves, Eastern Kentucky ’99 John Rothwell, Southern California ’78 Rick Sabol, Ohio ’77
GENERAL FRATERNITY LEADERSHIP GENERAL FRATERNITY OFFICERS Mike Okenquist, Villanova ’94 Zac Haines, Miami ’05 Ryan Westberry, Clemson ’98 Brock Johnson, Oklahoma State ’09 Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96 Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76 Jim Strilesky, British Columbia ’72
Advisory Council Commissioner Archivist and Historian Assistant Historian Chorister Editor Insurance Commissioner Scholarship Commissioner
REGIONAL CHIEFS
REGIONS
Tommy Raimondi, Ohio ’16 Matt Zahn, George Washington ’15 Peter Wagner, South Dakota ’62 Martin Lewison, Columbia ’88 Nick Gilson, Utah ’03 Randy Master, Hanover ’82 Jeff Stephenson, South Carolina ’88 Ryan Newton, Kansas State ’08 Bob Griffiths, Washington ’67 Ethan Turner, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’12
East Great Lakes Mid-Atlantic North Central Northeast Northwest South South Central Southeast Southwest West Great Lakes
DISTRICT CHIEFS
DISTRICT
John Smid, Toronto ’99 3 Bruce Fein, Colgate ’84 4 James Ebert, Stevens ’19 5 Kal Pipo, Case Western Reserve ’86 6 Dave Kobel, Central Michigan ’15 8 Dan Dahlen, Ohio ’76 9 Michael Lavina, Hanover ’11 10 Charles Hutchinson, Kentucky ’91 12 Andy Thomas, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’97 13 T.J. Barber, Texas at Arlington ’99 14 Brandon Lamp, Wisconsin ’14 15 Malcolm Andrews, Virginia ’89 16 Dave Thompson, Purdue ’64 17 Woody Ratterman, Middle Tenn. St. ’95 18 Tyler Moose, Central Florida ’12 19 John Hodges, Alabama ’66 20
DISTRICT CHIEFS
DISTRICT
Terry Webber, Truman State ’01 21 Jason Carlson, Wichita State ’09 22 Chase Colvin, Oklahoma State ’14 23 Mark Antonson, Nebraska ’06 24 Joe Jongewaard, Iowa State ’70 25 Jacky Pang, UC San Diego ’15 27/28 Jake McKinney, Louisville ’01 33 Brock Griffin, Utah ’14 34 Tom Enck, Denver ’18 35 Michael Hay, Eastern Kentucky ’94 36 Coby Crosby, Southern California ’16 37 Andy Prochnow, Southern California ’04 38 Robert Alberts, General Fraternity ’20 41 Brock Griffin, Utah ’14 45 Vince Jackson, Florida State ’99 46 Nick Hatton, San Diego ’18 48
PG. 9
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS RELATIONSHIP CULTIVATION Free-time Before and after official Convention sessions, be sure and enjoy everything Oxford has to offer. Take a walk around Miami University’s beautiful campus, grab a bite to eat at one of the “Uptown” restaurants or simply enjoy spending time with your Beta brothers.
All-Convention Welcome Reception This is a twist for modern-day Conventions. By adjusting the program, time has been created for an all-Convention Welcome Reception that reinforces the basis upon which Beta Theta Pi was founded: friendship. Join your brothers and friends in the East Quad Lawn immediately following the Convention Kickoff for lawn games, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine or beer. (IMPORTANT: Only credit/debit cards accepted for purchases of wine or beer. Cash cannot be accepted.) Heritage Tours Following the Recognition Ceremony, and upon departing from Armstrong Pavilion at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, the Beta Heritage Tours are your chance to soak in 182 years of history of our Great and Good Fraternity. Stationed
PG. 10
tour guides will help you explore locations such as Beta’a founding site in Harrison Hall – Room 304 (Old Main), the Beta Campanile, the recently renovated Alpha Chapter House, and the Administrative Office and Museum. Dinner will be provided at the Administrative Office and Alpha Chapter House. Movie and Popcorn Beneath the Beta Stars Following the dessert reception Saturday night, enjoy an outdoor movie and popcorn with your brothers beneath the Beta stars. Group Pictures Say GO BETA! Beta’s official Convention photographer, GreekYearBook, will take group photos on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the Beta backdrop after each all-Convention program. Beta’s photo booth will be located in Armstrong Pavilion ballroom, and images will be available for purchase online within a week following the Convention.
BUSINESS Convention Legislation Convention legislation will be at the heart of Saturday’s schedule. Lugar Fellows (undergraduate delegates) and Alumni Association delegates will conduct the business of the Fraternity, which includes voting on charter petitions, chapter reviews, Trustee elections and proposed amendments to The Code of Beta Theta Pi. One must be a registered Convention attendee to gain admittance to the legislation hall.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS General Fraternity Officer Meetings At various points throughout Convention, the Fraternity Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board of Directors, General Fraternity House Corporation Officers, Regional Chiefs and District Chiefs will meet together and independently. Please consult the Master Agenda for meeting times and locations.
EDUCATION Leadership & Education Sessions These sessions serve as the educational focus for this year’s Convention. As the Fraternity prepares for an important first year after the COVID-19 pandemic, an all-star lineup of speakers and topics have been selected to ensure Beta chapters and volunteers hit the ground running this coming academic year.
INSPIRATION The Singing Fraternity Beta’s singing tradition lives on! Throughout the Convention, attendees will join in song to celebrate the sentimental side of the Fraternity and remind everyone that Beta is still “The Singing Fraternity.” Marching Line A cherished Convention tradition led by the Board of Trustees, Betas will unite at the Beta Campanile at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and proceed into the Celebration Banquet while singing Marching Along.
RECOGNITION & CELEBRATION Convention Kickoff Join all Betas, Sweethearts and guests at this opening recognition program on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Armstrong Pavilion. Focusing on loyal volunteers, including the cherished Convention Countdown, this year’s Convention theme will be kicked off in style. Celebration Banquet The closing Celebration Banquet on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the Armstrong Pavilion is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of Beta Theta Pi, including presentation of the Fraternity’s highest chapter honor, the John Reily Knox Award. The program will also feature the Beta Countdown and presentation of Beta’s highest honor for service to the General Fraternity, the Francis W. Shepardson Award. A Toast to 50 Years of the Beta Leadership Fund! Immediately following Saturday’s Celebration Banquet, all Convention attendees are invited to enjoy the closing Dessert Reception in the Armstrong Atrium. (Wine and beer available; only credit/ debit cards accepted. No cash.) Beta Foundation Chairman Mike Feinstein, MIT ’82, will offer brief remarks to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Beta Leadership Fund. Join your brothers and friends as we toast to 50 years of the BLF impact as the Foundation says “thank you” to all brothers and friends who help bring Beta’s Men of Principle mission to life!
PG. 11
BETA LEADERSHIP FUND
ADERSHIP LE
N FU
D
BET A
developing men of principle for a principled life
E S T. 1 97 1
BETA.ORG/GIFT
A
N
YEARS
R NI VE RSA
Y
“Older men can lead, direct, encourage, correct and inspire younger men. Likewise, young men can give older men strength, courage, faith and add ‘future to their minds.’ This is what happens when the hand of age grips the hand of youth.” — Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence 1922 PG. 12
RECOGNITION & SPEAKERS CONVENTION KICKOFF
THURSDAY EMCEE Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76
FRIDAY EMCEE Ben Swartz, Connecticut ’05
SATURDAY EMCEE Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05
THURSDAY | AUGUST 5
Join 300 Betas, Sweethearts and friends during this year’s Convention Kickoff, as the official theme is dedicated and the course is charted for the Fraternity’s largest gathering of the year. Emceed by General Fraternity President Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76, witness the traditional Convention Countdown and recognition of individuals who have labored out of love this past year for our Great and Good Fraternity.
RECOGNITION CEREMONY
FRIDAY | AUGUST 6
CELEBRATION BANQUET
SATURDAY | AUGUST 7
In this all-Convention session, witness the recognition of dozens of chapters as we celebrate their extraordinary campus achievements. Outgoing General Treasurer Ben Swartz, Connecticut ’05, will emcee, as current chapter presidents join him to announce this year’s award winners. Beta lore expert Zac Haines, Miami ’05, will close out the ceremony and set the stage for the must-see sights of the Beta Heritage tours that follow, which include dinner. General Fraternity Archivist and Historian Haines will reveal some of the best kept secrets of these magnificent Beta monuments.
Unite with Foundation Board member and candidate for Vice President on the Board of Trustees Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05, in the closing ceremony of the General Convention. In addition to honoring Fraternal Fifties in the cherished Beta Countdown and enjoying Beta’s singing tradition, cheer on Beta’s Knox Award-winning chapters and reflect on inspiring remarks by Beta’s 2021 Shepardson Award recipient, former Foundation Director and Chairman of Beta’s $20 million “Upon These Principles Capital Campaign” Bert Bates, Missouri ’49. Attendees will also honor Undergraduate Commissioner Ian Ross, Michigan ’21, and Beta’s University of Texas Chapter Counselor, Jen Zamora, Delta Zeta, who were both recently named 2021 NIC Award of Distinction recipients.
SHEPARDSON AWARD Bert Bates, Missouri ’49
NIC AWARD OF DISTINCTION Ian Ross, Michigan ’21
NIC AWARD OF DISTINCTION Jen Zamora, Delta Zeta
PG. 13
MASTER AGENDA
THURSDAY SCHEDULE // AUGUST 5, 2021 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Registration: Volunteers Registration: Students Board of Trustees Lunch Board of Trustees Meeting General Fraternity House Corporation Meeting Board of Trustees, Foundation and GFHC Dinner Dinner: All Convention Registrants Convention Kickoff Outdoor Welcome Reception & Lawn Games
Marcum Lobby Dennison Hall Lobby Marcum 180 Marcum 112 Marcum 124 Marcum 180 Garden Commons Armstrong Pavilion East Quad Lawn
FRIDAY SCHEDULE // AUGUST 6, 2021 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast: Marcum Guests 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast: All Convention Registrants 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Foundation Finance Committee Meeting 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Foundation Development Committee Meeting 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Foundation Governance Committee Meeting 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration: Volunteers 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration: Students 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Board of Trustees Meeting 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. General Fraternity House Corporation Meeting 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Foundation Board Meeting 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Leadership & Education Programs Kickoff 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fall Term Preparation (Breakouts by Region) Great Lakes Mid-Atlantic North Central Northeast Northwest South Southwest 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Partners in Safety by Holmes Murphy 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch: Advisory Council and Joint Boards 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch: All Convention Registrants 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Creating Change by Jordan Fischette 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Interactive Case Studies
PG. 14
Marcum Lobby Garden Commons Marcum 124 Marcum 150 Marcum 112 Marcum Lobby Dennison Hall Lobby Marcum 112 Marcum 124 Marcum 150 Farmer School of Business; Taylor Auditorium Room 33 Room 32 Room 28 Room 31 Room 42 Room 20 Room 21 Taylor Auditorium Marcum 180 Garden Commons Taylor Auditorium TBA
MASTER AGENDA
FRIDAY SCHEDULE // AUGUST 6, 2021 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Foundation Board Meeting Marcum 150 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. General Fraternity House Corporation Meeting Marcum 124 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Gen. Fraternity Officer Programming/Roundtable Marcum 180 3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Recruitment in a Changing World by Zach Lepperd Taylor Auditorium 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting Marcum 112 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Snack Break: All Convention Registrants Armstrong Pavilion 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Recognition Ceremony Armstrong Pavilion 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Heritage Tours and Dinner Various Dinner provided at Administrative Office and Alpha Chapter House
SATURDAY SCHEDULE // AUGUST 7, 2021 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Breakfast: Marcum Guests Breakfast: Volunteers and Students Legislation: Credentials Meeting Registration Legislation Advisor Education: Welcome Advisor Education: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lunch: All Convention Registrants Advisor Education: Best Practices & Data Legislation Advisor and Guest Thank You Reception Registration Marching Line Celebration Banquet: All Convention Registrants Dessert Reception: All Convention Registrants Movie and Popcorn Beneath the Beta Stars
Marcum Lobby Garden Commons Shriver - 204 Marcum Lobby Shriver, Dolibois Room Shriver, Heritage Room Shriver, Heritage Room Garden Commons Shriver, Heritage Room Shriver, Dolibois Room Formal Gardens Armstrong Pavilion Beta Campanile Armstrong Pavilion Armstrong Atrium East Quad Lawn
SUNDAY SCHEDULE // AUGUST 8, 2021 3:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Airport Shuttles and Grab-n-Go Breakfast Marcum & Dennison Shuttles Depart 3:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Breakfast: Marcum Guests Marcum Lobby Board of Trustees Meeting Marcum 112
BLACK: General Information/Multi-Audience Events; BLUE: General Fraternity Officers; GREEN: Legislation; ORANGE: Education
PG. 15
“WE REAFFIRM.”
“BETA THETA PI’S RECORD FOR THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS IS HISTORY. WHILE WE CAN TAKE JUST PRIDE IN THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE WORN THE BADGE BEFORE US, OUR PRIMARY CONCERN IS IN THE BETA THETA PI OF THE SECOND CENTURY. WITH THE HERITAGE WHICH WE ENJOY, HOW MUCH MORE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY PLACED UPON US TO CONTINUE THE WORK OF THE BETAS OF THE FIRST CENTURY, IN THE BUILDING UP OF A FRATERNITY WITH RECOGNIZED STANDARDS!” — G. Herbert Smith, DePauw 1927 General Secretary
PG. 16
LEGISLATION
CONVENTION OFFICERS
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021
PRESIDENT
CHARTER/CHAPTER REVIEWS (VIRTUAL)
Jared A. Thompson, Centre ’17
SECRETARY
Ryan Reichenbach, Kettering ’18
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Dr. Eric Buller, Miami ’19
MARSHAL
Remy McClain, Truman State ’19
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CHAIRMAN
Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75
VICE PRESDIENTS
William E. Lowry Jr., Kenyon ’56 Douglas G. Houser, Willamette ‘57 David A. Thompson, Purdue ’64 Kenneth J. Grispin, Rutgers ’70 Michael J. Wortman, Nebraska ’70 Robert L. Schnese, Wisconsin ’83 Michael R. Okenquist, Villanova ’94 Zachary T. Haines, Miami ’05 Benjamin M. Swartz, Connecticut ’05
Charters Panel 1 – James Madison Charters Panel 2 – Florida Gulf Coast Charters Panel 3 – Colorado Charters Panel 4 – LSU; Embry-Riddle Charters Panel 5 – New Mexico; Bowling Green Chapters Panel 1 – George Mason; Toledo Chapters Panel 2 – Oregon Chapters Panel 3 – South Florida; Oregon State Chapter Reviews – Virtual
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021 CHARTER VOTES
CHARTER Colorado James Madison Florida Gulf Coast
NOTE: Times subject to change due to normal legislative processes.
TIME LOCATION 9:30 a.m. Shriver, Dolibois 9:50 a.m. Shriver, Dolibois 10:10 a.m. Shriver, Dolibois
PG. 17
TOP 15 TIPS ON ETIQUETTE
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN AT A BETA CONVENTION BANQUET 1. Introduce yourself and shake hands with all of your tablemates. (But leave the wimpy and bone-crushing handshakes at home.) 2. Keep your coat on throughout the banquet – not on the chair back. 3. If a woman (or alumnus) approaches the table to be seated, rise out of respect. (Likewise, if she excuses herself from the table at some point.) 4. Avoid checking your cell phone throughout the banquet. It’s disrespectul to the brothers around you, not to mention the speakers and award winners on stage. 5. Begin eating only after the Beta Doxology has been sung. 6. Begin eating only after everyone has been served but not until the women at the table have lifted their forks. (If the table is all-male, wait until the eldest has begun.) 7. Pass food to your left. 8. Pass the salt and pepper together. 9. Cut one bite at a time . . . not several pieces. 10. Never leave a spoon in a bowl, cup or glass. 11. Place the knife and fork on the edge of the plate while eating, in the center when finished. 12. Keep your napkin in your lap. 13. Use silverware from the outside in. 14. Use the restroom prior to the banquet and, if necessary, during dessert but never while someone is speaking. 15. Engage your tablemates in good conversation and stay focused on the presentations and speakers. You’ll be amazed at how it adds to your Convention experience! PG. 18
2022 BETA LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Beta is committed to member health and safety and will continue to evaluate the feasibility of in-person events.
MILLER NICHOLS CHAPTER PRESIDENTS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Who: All Chapter Presidents When: January 14-16, 2022 Where: Cincinnati, Ohio Registration Opens: October 1, 2021
HUGH E. STEPHENSON JR. LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Who: Regional and District Chiefs When: January 14-16, 2022 Where: Cincinnati, Ohio Registration Opens: October 1, 2021
KEYSTONE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES
Who: Executive Chapter Officers and Chapter Advisory Teams When: TBA Where: TBA Registration Opens: Fall 2021
WOODEN INSTITUTE
Who: Initiated Undergraduates When: January 6-9, 2022; Summer 2022 Where: Oxford, Ohio Registration Opens: October 1, 2021
PETER F. GREINER LEADERSHIP COLLEGE
Who: Any undergraduate Beta attending the General Convention who is not serving as a chapter delegate When: August 4-7, 2022 Where: 183rd General Convention Registration Opens: Winter 2022
UNDERGRADUATE INTERFRATERNITY INSTITUTE Who: Undergraduate Betas When: Summer 2022 Where: Bloomington, Ind. Registration Opens: February 1, 2022 For more info: nicfraternity.org
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership program graduates can apply to serve as an intern for CPLA, Keystone, the Wooden Institute and Leadership College. Applications will be available at beta.org and are due October 1. For more information, please contact: Claire Dixon, Director of Leadership & Education claire.dixon@beta.org
REGISTER FOR ALL OF BETA’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AT . . .
BETA.ORG
PG. 19
GENERAL INFORMATION AWARDS
Awards will be presented to individuals and chapters during Thursday’s Convention Kickoff, Friday’s Recognition Ceremony and Saturday’s Celebration Banquet. Except for Knox and singing-related Awards presented Saturday night, chapters will be able to pick up their hardware at the awards booth where group photographs will be taken upon request. Awards must be claimed by 9:00 p.m. Saturday evening. Please congratulate Beta’s deserving individuals and chapters!
CONDUCT
To ensure the General Convention and Beta Theta Pi continue to maintain a reputation of excellence and high standards, the Fraternity expects all Convention attendees to govern themselves accordingly, respecting the property and rights of the hotels and residence halls, as well as other guests. Please be advised that alcohol is not permitted to be consumed in public areas outside and the laws of the host state apply to all participants. Conduct will be monitored and enforced by off-duty University police officers. If a disturbance or issue is reported, it will be addressed in accordance with Beta’s Convention Standards Procedures: • First Offense: Individuals will receive a warning and be asked to discontinue the actions of disturbance. Individuals will be given notice of the consequences of a second offense. • Second Offense: Individuals will be asked to return to their assigned room and, if present, all alcohol will be confiscated and discarded. Individuals will be given notice of the consequences of a third offense. Individuals will be asked to meet with the Convention Marshal, Regional Chief, District Chief and Chapter Delegate the next morning. • Third Offense: Individuals will be asked to leave the General Convention and will no longer be allowed to participate in related activities or events. No travel fees or registration fees will be refunded. The General Fraternity will follow up on the incident post-Convention. • Depending on the severity of one’s action(s), the Fraternity reserves the right to utilize good judgment in addressing each situation. Actions of the individual may result in immediate removal from campus and Convention.
SMOKING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The entire campus of Miami University, as well as Beta’s Foundation and Administrative Office, are 100% smoke- and tobacco-free. This includes all buildings and grounds (including the Marcum Center). Guests wanting to use tobacco products must do so in Uptown Oxford (west of Campus Avenue).
EVALUATIONS
PG. 20
An electronic evaluation will be sent to you following the Convention. Your feedback is important. Please take time to complete the evaluation and help the Fraternity improve future Conventions.
GENERAL INFORMATION NAME TAGS
Name tags should be worn at all times during the General Convention since they serve as one’s admission into all educational sessions, the legislation hall, special events, etc. If you lose your name tag, please visit the Convention registration area to obtain a replacement.
REGISTRATION
The Convention registration areas are located in Marcum Conference Center and Dennison Hall beginning Wednesday. Please see the daily agendas for detailed registration hours.
PARKING
If you drove to Convention, you can get a parking permit by going to beta.org/conventionparking. This permit allows parking on Miami’s campus wherever signs indicate “Parking for Red Permits,” which are most campus parking spaces. This permit does not cover parking meters or garage fees, and it is not valid in the lots behind the Shriver Center and Sesquicentennial Chapel that say “Admission Guest Parking.” It is not necessary to print or display the permit.
TRANSPORTATION & SUNDAY SHUTTLES TO AIRPORT
Should you need transportation while at Convention, please visit the registration desk. Complimentary airport shuttles on Sunday will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Departures start at 3:00 a.m. and run until 10:00 a.m.
QUESTIONS
Questions regarding the Convention and host facilities should be directed to any Convention staff member. They are easily identified by their name tags and red/blue polos.
CONVENTION ATTIRE
Attire for all events is resort casual (polo/collared shirts, shorts or khaki pants for men and comparable for women). Please refrain from wearing T-shirts, jeans or ball caps during official Convention activities and, when worn, please ensure T-shirts reflect positively upon the Fraternity (i.e. no alcohol, void of sexual innuendo, etc.).
MEALS
Convention registrants will be dining on campus at Garden Commons Dining Hall for most every meal. Garden Commons will be open for dinner on Thursday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday; and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday. Please Note: Your meal card will NOT work at the Armstrong Student Center. Miami is a “cashless campus,” meaning only debit/credit cards are accepted. PG. 21
GENERAL INFORMATION WIRELESS INTERNET
Computer access is available in each student room through Ethernet connections. This allows fast connection time and access to the university network and internet. Every residence hall is equipped with wireless connections as well. The wireless network is MU-GUEST.
TWITTER, INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK
The official Twitter hashtag for the 182nd General Convention is #Beta182. Please use this hashtag to share your thoughts, reflections and significant moments regarding your Convention experience. When posting, remember you are representing Beta to thousands of constituents via social media. In addition, should you have feedback or suggestions for improvement, please share those in the evaluation or directly with a Convention staff member.
LOST & FOUND
Please check for and turn in lost items to the Convention registration area. All items not claimed by Sunday at 12:00 p.m. will be held at the Administrative Office for 14 days at which time all unclaimed items will be discarded or become property of the Fraternity.
SECURITY
It is important for you to know that during these times of heightened security, the university is doing everything it can to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay. Please do not hesitate to contact university security if you need assistance.
EMERGENCIES AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you experience an emergency, please call 9-1-1. For on campus safety concerns, please call the Miami University Police Department (513.529.2222) and/or inform the Miami front-desk staff member located in the lobby of your residence hall. Please report all injuries or illnesses to the Beta Convention staff at beta@convention.org.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
Marcum check-in is at 11:00 a.m. If you are staying at a residence hall, you should be able to check-in anytime after 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Check-out time for both locations is 11:00 a.m. If you would like a late check-out from the Marcum Center, please make arrangements with the front desk. There is no option for a late check-out from a Miami residence hall.
LINEN AND TOWEL EXCHANGE
PG. 22
If you are staying in Miami’s residence hall, your room will come with bed linens, a towel and washcloth. If you need additional towels/linens you can find them in the residence hall’s laundry room.
GENERAL INFORMATION HOTEL / RESIDENCE HALL BILLS
Student Delegates: Students are exclusively staying in campus housing; no additional charges will be applied. Delegates will receive a travel reimbursement following Convention. Advisors: Advisors who chose to utilize the Miami Inn on campus will incur no additional billing as the room charges are being handled by Beta Theta Pi. Advisors who chose to stay off campus can utilize their $350 travel reimbursement to pay for their room. Beta Theta Pi will not assume additional charges. General Fraternity Officers: GFOs who are staying in the Marcum Center are eligible for room cost reimbursement. After Convention you can submit an expense form for reimbursement. The General Fraternity will only reimburse for the room cost that is available at the Marcum Center. Reimbursements can be sent to austin.dunlop@beta.org.
LOST KEY CARDS
If you lose your Miami University electronic key card (which grants you access to your residence hall and pays for your dining hall meals), you will be assessed a $35 fee. Lost key cards should be reported to the front desk of your residence hall where a replacement card can be issued. An on-call number will be posted on external doors and at the front desk.
UNIVERSITY AND HOTEL FEEDBACK/ISSUES
Should you encounter any issues or have any feedback for the hotel/ residence hall, or if there is anything that can be done to make your stay more comfortable, please contact Convention Coordinator Claire Dixon.
BETA STAFF CONVENTION LEADERSHIP TEAM Claire Dixon, Coordinator Ethan Bell Martin Cobb Austin Dunlop Anne Emmerth Phil Fernandez Koby Harrington Erin McHale Jeff Rundle Jacob Tidwell
claire.dixon@beta.org ethan.bell@beta.org martin.cobb@beta.org austin.dunlop@beta.org anne.emmerth@beta.org phil.fernandez@beta.org koby.harrington@beta.org erin.mchale@beta.org jeff.rundle@beta.org jacob.tidwell@beta.org
Beta Theta Pi Foundation and Administrative Office 800.800.BETA (2382) /// convention@beta.org PG. 23
SUMMER SALE
Visit BetaSpirit.com and receive a 10% discount on all recruitment merchandise!
Pink and Blue ‘Stripe Design’ White SoftStyle T-Shirt $20.33
Navy/White Umbrella $35.70
Flip Flops $18.96
Twill Pro-Style Hat $16.93
NavyDry Mesh Polo
Gray SoftStyle T-Shirt $22.05
$26.14
PG. 24
BETASPIRIT.COM
BETA THETA PI MISSION
To develop men of principle for a principled life.
VISION
Every member will live Beta Theta Pi’s values.
CORE VALUES
To build lasting bonds of friendship and brotherhood, Beta calls for:
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
INTELLECTUAL GROWTH
Betas believe that men are mutually obligated to help others in the honorable labors and aspirations of life. Betas are devoted to continually cultivating their minds, including high standards of academic achievement.
TRUST
Betas develop absolute faith and confidence in one another by being true to themselves and others.
RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT
Betas choose to act responsibly, weighing the consequences of their actions on themselves and those around them.
INTEGRITY
Betas preserve their character by doing what is morally right and demanding the same from their brothers.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
BROTHERHOOD
PERSONAL GROWTH
HOME
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES 1. Member Education and Safety 2. Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Brotherhood 3. Fraternity Growth 4. Volunteer Recruitment and Training 5. Alumni Engagement 6. Safe and Competitive Homes
PG. 25
k an tW al
Harrison Hall (Old Main)
Oak Street
P
732
Beta Campanile
27
To Richmond, IN - Hueston Woods State Park
Sl
Campus Avenue
Phi Delta Theta Headquarters & Gates Walnut
Collins
To Airport (Fairfield Road)
Bern
Central
Plum
Ardmore
P
High Street
Spring Street
Chestnut Street
Armstrong
A C H
Ph C
Maple Street
P
n–
ilto
Shriver
Shideler
Bachelor
cin
Cin
Taylor Auditorium, Farmers School of Business
Western Dining
Beechwoods Hall
es t
er
n
D riv
e
m Ha
Patterson Avenue
27 i nat
W
To
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
Hillcrest Hall
ON-CAMPUS LODGING & DINING Dennison Hall Garden Commons Dining Hall Marcum Conference Center
PG. 26
Drive
73
To Middletown-Dayton
Western
Peabody Hall
P
BETA / INTERFRATERNAL LANDMARKS
Alpha Chapter House Beta Theta Pi Administrative Office Beta Campanile & Harrison Hall (Old Main) Delta Zeta Headquarters Lewis Place (Miami Univ. President’s home) Peabody Hall (Home of original Beta rose) Phi Delta Theta Headquarters & Gates Phi Kappa Tau Centennial Marker Slant Walk
D
CAMPUS MAP Vine
Withrow
Church
Alpha Chapter House
Campus Avenue
Delta Zeta Headquarters
Lewis Place
Sycamore Street
University Avenue
Bishop Street
Millett Hall Tallawanda Road
hi Kappa Tau Cenntennial Marker
Sh ad o w y Hi l l s
Dr iv
e
P
Garden Commons Dining Hall
Bo
nh
am
Ro
ad
P
Beta Theta Pi Administrative Office
Marcum Conference Center
Dennison Hall
MAIN EVENT LOCATIONS
Armstrong Center/Pavilion Farmer School of Business (Taylor Auditorium) Marcum Conference Center Shriver Center
PARKING
Shaded Regions in Yellow
SUNDAY AIRPORT SHUTTLES Dennison Hall Marcum Conference Center
PG. 27
“WE REAFFIRM.”
AT THE BETA BELL TOWER During the 125th General Convention of Beta Theta Pi held in August 1964, at the scene of its birth on the campus of Miami University, a special ceremony was held at the base of the Beta Campanile to mark the 125th anniversary of the founding. A special plaque taking note of the occasion was unveiled and Seth R. Brooks, as president of the Fraternity, delivered the following remarks:
A
s we stand at this historic spot, our thoughts turn to the Bible as men’s thoughts have often turned when they have come together for an act of commemoration. We can call to mind Moses standing before the Burning Bush and we can hear him say, ‘I will take the shoes from off my feet, for the ground whereon I stand is holy ground.’ In a sense, we who have come together on the campus of Miami University stand on what is to us hallowed ground. Symbolically, we can take the shoes from off our feet. The plaque which is to be unveiled tonight is to mark our meeting on this campus 125 years after the founding of our Fraternity. It is significant that on the plaque there appears the word “reaffirm.” We have come here from all over Beta’s Broad Domain to reaffirm. We reaffirm—our belief, faith and hope in Beta Theta Pi as a Great and Good Fraternity. We reaffirm—our continued allegiance to the vision first held by the founders. We reaff rm—the ideals of our Fraternity are still guiding lights for us upon our way. We reaffirm—our conviction that college fraternities have a vital and important role to play in the lives of college men. We reaffirm—that the history of Beta Theta Pi is one of which its individual members can be justifiably proud. We reaffirm—our belief that each chapter and each member should endeavor to bring honor to the Fraternity. We reaffirm—that as we are grateful for our past that we will ever keep our eyes to the future and strive for progress. We reaffirm—our appreciation for the individual Beta, Beta parents, Beta spouses and Beta families. We reaffirm—our commitment to principles which are expressed in reverence and ethical behavior. For we are certain that right conduct and spiritual motivation have much to do with the kind of fraternity we desire to be.”
PG. 28
— Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence 1922 In Beta’s Broad Domain, page 254
