185th General Convention sponsors help lower the event’s costs while enriching members and chapters with potential opportunities for future collaboration and services. Please thank them by learning more about their services and considering them for upcoming partnerships.
DIAMOND LEVEL
CSL Management
Greek House Chefs NMDP
Residential Capital Corp.
GOLD LEVEL
Billhighway Enjoy Oxford Flare
GreekYearbook
Quokka Brew
GENERAL SECRETARY
John Stebbins, Emory ’92 General Secretary
WELCOME TO BETA THETA PI’S 185TH GENERAL CONVENTION IN OXFORD, OHIO!
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. As host to now 12 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, 30 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 185th. I wish you all the best weekend as we come together on this hallowed ground to celebrate and honor our Founders and this Fraternity we all know and love.
Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,
FRATERNITY LEADERSHIP
COLLEGIATE COMMISSIONERS
Nazar Abbas, Miami ’24
Christopher Cardenas, Texas ’24
C.J. Fovozzo, John Carroll ’23
Alex Houlton, George Mason ’23
Phillip Miavelstück, George Mason ’25
Jake Polzin, Minnesota ’25
Nick Zingales, Sacred Heart ’24
GENERAL FRATERNITY OFFICERS
Mike Okenquist, Villanova ’94
Alumni Commissioner
Zac Haines, Miami ’05
Archivist and Historian
Ryan Westberry, Clemson ’98
Assistant Historian
Brock Johnson, Oklahoma State ’09
Chorister
Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96
Editor
Ryan King, Southern Illinois ’01
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commissioner
David Schawe, Louisville ’06
Insurance Commissioner
Mike Wortman, Nebraska ’70
Scholarship Commissioner
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John Stebbins, Emory ’92, General Secretary
Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, General Fraternity President
Ken Bryan, MIT ’88, General Treasurer
Robert Beall, Oklahoma ’80
Amar Budarapu, Lawrence ’87
Scott Fussell, Middle Tennessee State ’95
Bill Haywood, Miami ’74
Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05
Willie Romero, UNLV ’95
Nick Sexton, Eastern Kentucky ’11
Joel Stern, UC Riverside ’94
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rick Banks, Cornell ’72, Chairman
Randy Groves, Kansas State ’78, Treasurer
Tom Reeves, Eastern Kentucky ’99, Secretary
Stavan Bhatt, Louisville ’98
Mike Bickford, Oklahoma ’80
Art Carmichael, Oregon ’62
Karl Chiao, Texas A&M ’90
Peter Darrow, Miami (Fla.) ’09
Jeff Flanagan, Rhode Island ’93
Scott Grotjan, South Dakota ’92
Zac Haines, Miami ’05
Kent R. Mire, TCU ’07
Marty Obst, Southern Illinois ’03
Tom Olver, Central Michigan ’98
Tom Reeves, Eastern Kentucky ’99
Rick Sabol, Ohio ’77
John Torget, Cornell ’93
Bruce Wenger, Lawrence ’89
GENERAL FRATERNITY HOUSE CORPORATION
Adam Collins, Wabash ’02, President
Steve Becker, Florida ’69, Secretary
Andrew Zurborg, Arkansas ’15, Treasurer
Daen Ekpa, Loyola Marymount ’10
Dan Farmer, Cincinnati ’75
BAIRD FUND CORPORATION
Kris Swanson, Lawrence ’87
Robert Umstadter, San Jose State ’05
David Wright, Ohio State ’67
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
BUSINESS
CONVENTION LEGISLATION
Delegates will conduct the business of the Fraternity on Friday and Saturday, including voting on charter petitions, chapter reviews, Trustee elections and amendments to The Code. One must be an initiated member to gain admittance into the legislation hall unless otherwise authorized.
GENERAL
FRATERNITY OFFICER MEETINGS
At various points throughout Convention, the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, General Fraternity House Corporation, Baird Fund Corporation, regional chiefs and district chiefs will meet to advance Beta’s system of chapter and volunteer support.
EDUCATION
LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION SESSIONS
These sessions serve as the educational focus for this year’s Convention. An allstar line-up of speakers and topics have been selected to ensure chapters and volunteers hit the ground running this coming academic year.
INSPIRATION
THE SINGING FRATERNITY
Beta’s singing tradition lives on!
Throughout Convention, brothers will join in song to celebrate the Fraternity’s sentimental side as Beta is still “The Singing Fraternity!”
HISTORY AND HERITAGE TOURS
Join brothers and guests on Friday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to visit Oxford locations important to Beta’s founding and history, including Harrison Hall, the Beta Campanile, Alpha chapter house and Administrative Office. With snacks and Beta swag available at each stop, you’ll want to visit them all!
MARCHING LINE
A cherished Convention tradition led by the Board of Trustees, Betas will unite at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Beta Campanile and march to the closing general session while singing “Marching Along.”
MODEL INITIATION
All Betas will attend the Friday morning general session focused on the Fraternity’s ritual, including a flawless performance of the Initiation Ceremony. Not to be missed!
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
From new chapters bestowed charters in the legislation hall, to the recognition of Foundation donors and individual and chapter award winners, the 185th will do its part to honor those who labor out of love for Beta Theta Pi.
SATURDAY EVENING CELEBRATION
Join brothers and guests Saturday evening in Uptown Oxford for brotherhood, games and food trucks!
LEGISLATION
LEGISLATION OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Tom Olver, Central Michigan ’96
SECRETARY
Jason Steckel, Case Western Reserve ’92
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Kevin Levy, American ’16
MARSHAL
Jason Waggoner, Truman State ’04
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CHAIRMAN
Ross McKenzie, Guelph ’84
VICE PRESIDENTS
Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76
Pete Barnhart, Miami ’66
Fred Brower, Miami ’50
Tom Fey, Miami ’68
Ferd Del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis ’58*
Jerry Blesch, Centre ’60*
Joe Chinnici, Ohio State ’64*
*Deceased
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024
CHARTER/CHAPTER REVIEWS (VIRTUAL)
CHARTERS PANEL 1
Appalachian State
CHARTERS PANEL 2
Boise State and LSU
CHARTERS PANEL 3
Kennesaw State and Nebraska at Omaha
CHAPTERS PANEL 2
San Diego State
CHAPTERS PANEL 3
Illinois and Vanderbilt
CHAPTERS PANEL 4
Colorado State and Samford
CHAPTERS PANEL 5
West Chester
CHAPTERS PANEL 6
Central Florida and Tulane
FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2024
CHARTER VOTES
CHARTER
TIME LOCATION
San Diego State 4:00 p.m. Dolibois
Appalachian State 4:15 p.m. Dolibois
BETA THETAPI
85THGENERALCONVENTION|OXFORD
BROTHERHOOD
“Then gather round my Brothers, On this glorious Beta Day, Live again old Wooglin’s kinships That can never fade away; Oh greet your Beta Brothers And renew those Beta ties, Sing again your Phi Kai Phis.”
– Richard R. “Misty” Shoop, Denison ’41 “Beta Day”
FEATURED SPEAKERS
CONVENTION KICKOFF EMCEE
Willie Romero, UNLV ’95
WELCOME TO OXFORD
Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75
CELEBRATION CEREMONY EMCEE
John Stebbins, Emory ’92
SHEPARDSON AWARD
Dr. P. Thomas Purinton, Kansas State ’63
CONVENTION KICKOFF
THU. | JULY 25
Join nearly 450 Betas and friends during this year’s Convention Kickoff. Led by Trustee Willie Romero, UNLV ’95, with a welcome from General Fraternity President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, witness the Convention Countdown and the awarding of several individual and chapter awards, including two prestigious Awards of Distinction presented by the North American Interfraternity Conference.
MODEL INITIATION
FRI. | JULY 26
All Betas will gather to conduct the sacred Model Initiation Ceremony. Practiced to perfection by an enthusiastic cast of brothers, come prepared to learn the details that take this beautiful tradition to another level. During this event, Friends of Beta and guests have a free morning to relax and explore Oxford.
CELEBRATION CEREMONY
SAT. | JULY 27
Unite with General Secretary John Stebbins, Emory ’92, in the final celebratory event of the General Convention. In addition to hearing the annual State of the Fraternity address and honoring Fraternal Fifties in the cherished Beta Countdown, cheer on Beta’s 14 Knox Award-winning chapters and witness the kickoff of the Foundation’s new, generation-defining capital campaign.
SHEPARDSON AWARD PRESENTATION
A nearly 30-year Beta Theta Pi volunteer, former General Fraternity President Tom Purinton, Kansas State ’63, will receive the Fraternity’s highest honor for General Fraternity service, the Francis W. Shepardson Award.
CONVENTION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY /// JULY 24, 2024
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Administrative Office Open for Tours and Beta Swag Shop Administrative Office
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Check-In and Help Desk Marcum: Lobby
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Check-In and Help Desk Hillcrest Hall Dinner on Your Own
THURSDAY /// JULY 25, 2024
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Available for Early Arrivals Garden Commons
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Available for Marcum Conference Center Guests Marcum : Lobby
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Presidents Academy (Collegiate Chapter Delegates)
Shriver: Dolibois
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Keystone: VPs of Education (VPs of Education and Advisors) Shideler: Rm 152
2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Legislation
5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Dinner
5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Exhibits and Vendors
5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Foundation Campaign Cabinet Dinner and Meeting
Shriver: Dolibois
Western Dining Hall
Western Dining Hall
Marcum: Rm 180 - 186
6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Sweethearts and Guests: Pizza Party Dinner LaRosa’s (RSVP to Leeza Dempsey at slkdempsey@gmail.com or 330.631.3552)
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. History and Heritage Tours
Various Locations (Administrative Office, Alpha Chapter House, Beta Campanile and Harrison Hall)
9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. GLBTQ+ and Allies Mix-n-Mingle Left Field Tavern (Contact Tommy Raimondi at tpriii@gmail.com or 714.745.5296 for More Information)
SATURDAY
/// JULY 27, 2024
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast Western Dining Hall
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. General Fraternity House Corporation Board Meeting Marcum: Rm 112
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Foundation Committee: Development Marcum: Rm 108
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Keystone: Member Education (VPs of Education and Advisors) Shideler: Rm 152
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sweethearts and Guests: Pottery Painting You’re Fired! (RSVP to Leeza Dempsey at slkdempsey@gmail.com or 330.631.3552)
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Marching Line (Assemble at Beta Campanile) Beta Campanile
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. General Session: Celebration Ceremony Hall Auditorium
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. John Reily Knox Club and Bridge Builder Society Dinner The Elms Hotel: Overlook (Invitation Only, Contact Aaron Selby at aaron.selby@beta.org With Questions or to RSVP)
6:30 p.m. Dinner on Your Own
7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Beta’s Uptown Celebration Oxford Memorial Park
SUNDAY /// JULY 28,
2024
Airport Shuttles: Times To Be Announced During the Week Hillcrest Hall/Marcum
6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. Breakfast Available for Dragon Classic Golfers
7:00 a.m. Buses Depart for Dragon Classic Golf Tournament
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Administrative Office Open for Tours and Beta Swag Shop
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Latest Check-out Time
Latest Check-out Time
Hillcrest Hall/Young Hall
Marcum: Lobby
GENERAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION AND HELP DESK
Convention registration and help desks will be located in Marcum Conference Center and Hillcrest Hall beginning Wednesday. Please see the daily agendas for detailed registration hours.
NAME TAGS
Name tags must 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 help desk to obtain a replacement.
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 Western Dining for most meals. It will be open for dinner on Thursday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday; and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Please note: Your meal card will NOT work at the Armstrong Student Center or Shriver Center. Miami is a “cashless campus,” meaning only debit/credit cards are accepted.
AWARDS
Awards will be presented to individuals and chapters during the general sessions on Thursday and Saturday. Awards can be picked up after the last Legislation session on Saturday afternoon in the Shriver Center; shipping is available and can be arranged at that time. Questions? Contact awards@beta.org
WIFI
Wifi access is available across Miami’s campus via the MU-GUEST network.
INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN
The official hashtag for the 185th General Convention is #Beta185. 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.
PARKING
All guests parking on Miami’s campus must register their car using the online registration system found on Beta’s Convention micro-site (scan the QR code on the back of your name tag). The parking link includes a campus map with recommended parking areas highlighted.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
All guests staying in Miami dorms (Hillcrest Hall and Young Hall) must check out by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday by turning their swipe card in at the front desk to a Miami University employee. Guests who do not turn in their swipe card will be charged a $40 fee (for students, your chapter will be charged on the August statement).
Check-out for the Marcum Conference Center is 11:00 a.m. If you need a late check-out please arrange that via the front desk.
SUNDAY AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Airport shuttles to Cincinnati (CVG) and Dayton (DAY) are available on Sunday morning; at check-in guests will be asked to confirm their need for transportation and their shuttle time. Shuttles will depart on time and cannot wait for late arrivals.
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONDUCT
While attending the General Convention, all participants are expected to respect the property and rights of the hotel and other guests. Please note that alcohol consumption is not allowed in public areas outside, and all attendees must adhere to the laws of the host state. Campus security will enforce these expectations, and any reported issues will be addressed according to 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, Administrative Office staff, 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 the Convention and the dorm/hotel.
SMOKING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The entire campus of Miami University, as well as Beta’s Foundation and Administrative Office, are 100% smokeand tobacco-free. This includes all buildings and grounds (including the Marcum Conference Center).
LOST KEY
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 $40 fee. Lost key cards should be reported to the front desk of your residence hall where a replacement card can be issued. If someone is not at the front desk, you can call 513.330.1717 for 24-hour assistance.
LOST AND FOUND
If you find something, please turn it in to the nearest Convention staff member. If you lost something, please email convention@beta.org and include a complete description and your full contact information. Lost and found items will be stored at the Help Desk at the Marcum Conference Center and kept at the Administrative Office for 14 days after Convention.
QUESTIONS
Questions regarding the Convention and host facilities should be directed to any Convention staff member.
FEEDBACK/ISSUES
Should you encounter any issues or have feedback for the university, or if there is anything that can be done to make your stay more comfortable, please contact the Convention staff at convention@beta.org.
EMERGENCIES AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you experience an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Report all injuries or illnesses to the Beta Convention staff at convention@beta.org. All guests should opt into Miami University’s emergency alert system by texting “muguest” to 79516. To opt-out, guests can reply STOP to cancel the service.
“THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A BETA CONVENTION.”
BROTHERHOOD
“Indeed, let us take hope from the fact that friendship and brotherhood flourish fully only where men in common union work together toward the accomplishment of aims and goals of high purpose.”
– General Secretary Dr. Paul P. Van Riper, DePauw ’37
CONVENTION PURPOSE
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 highquality 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
Scan for more information about the 185th General Convention, a map of Oxford and event photo gallery.
The General Convention will honor Beta Theta Pi’s organizational, individual and chapter achievements in an aligned, engaging and celebratory fashion.
