Dive into the highlights of the 184th General Convention in Dallas, where some 850 Betas, Friends of Beta and Sweethearts rallied around this year’s theme, “Hearts Aglow.”
Friday’s
Pictured: Beta brothers filled the stands at
excursion to the Texas Rangers baseball game.
16
The Importance of Respecting the Hutt
Few chapters appreciate and respect the house they call home more than the Alpha Nus of Beta Theta Pi.
On the Cover
18 On, Wisconsin!
Like a phoenix from the ashes, the Beta house on the lake is back on top, and for good reason. Its alumni never quit.
The burgundy and gold helmet of the Washington Commanders. Photo: Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports
The Beta Theta Pi
The first college fraternity magazine, founded December 15, 1872, by Charles Duy Walker, VMI 1869, and published continuously since.
26 Mitch Rales Takes Command of Historic NFL Franchise
Last summer, Mitch Rales, Miami ’78, took the helm as co-owner of the Washington Commanders, ushering the storied football team into a new generation.
Publication Schedule Issue Deadline Mail Date
Winter Jan. 15 Feb. 15
Spring April 15 May 15 Fall Oct. 15 Nov. 15
Who Receives the Beta Magazine?
All Beta undergraduates and parents, current and former volunteers, Foundation donors, and anyone who requests to receive it in print. Update your subscription and contact info at my.beta.org, 800.800.BETA or officemanager@beta.org
46 Memorializing Adobe’s John Warnock
The Oxford Cup recipient and revolutionary tech pioneer passed on August 19 at age 82.
How Does One Get Published?
Content submissions and photos can be sent to beta@beta.org or:
While space constraints make it difficult to include all submissions, a fair evaluation process is exercised to publish a variety of unique content. Want Instant Access to a Past Issue? All issues since 1872 can be accessed in Beta’s digital archive: magazine.beta.org.
The Beta Theta Pi, (USPS 052-000), official magazine of Beta Theta Pi, is owned by the Fraternity, edited and published under the direction and control of its Board of Trustees, and published winter, spring and fall for a $30 one-time, pre-paid subscription. Standard non-profit class postage paid at Oxford, Ohio, and additional points of entry. Canada Post International Publications Mail (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 0397474. Copyright Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Produced in the USA.
Sing A
In nineteen twelve the Usher home became our Mansion, too, One hundred ten years going strong, the pride of Alpha Nu. Where values shared and victories won have far outpaced the rest, Pursuit of excellence as our creed, to be the very best. So
Chorus
And now we’ve come from far and near, it’s time to celebrate, One hundred fifty years of all that’s made our chapter great. The friendships formed, great memories last in sacred unity, So sing a song to Alpha Nu, our great fraternity. O
historical throwback
Unique
50th Anniversary Program Secured; Foreshadows 150th Tribute Song
D.L.
Except for Alpha Chapter, every single branch of Beta Theta Pi has been founded thanks to the efforts of alumni from other chapters. Even Beta's proud outpost at the University of Kansas was given life thanks to Maj. Wyllys C. Ransom, Michigan 1848, and Rev. Theodore Y. Gardner, Western Reserve 1864, and Alpha Chapter sophomore L.D.L. Tosh, Miami/Kansas 1873, who followed his parents to Lawrence given Miami University's financial difficulties that led to school closure in 1870. Fast forward to 1923 and the commemorative program, above, of Alpha Nu's 3-day 50th anniversary weekend. Unique as it is historic, in 2020 General Fraternity Archivist and Historian Zac Haines, Miami ’05, secured it in an online auction. What makes this one so special? Toward the bottom of the second-from-left column, one finds the signature of Founder Tosh – now safe and secure in Oxford.
During the chapter's recent 150th, Bob Swan, Kansas ’64, wrote a new song, also above. In 1973, he co-authored the chapter's 260-page, award-winning centennial history, "Kansas Betas, 1873-1973."
Lindorf
Tosh, Kansas 1873, wearing his Beta badge in Alpha Nu's oldest known photo.
In eighteen hundred thirty-nine John Reily Knox and friends Founded Beta Theta Pi whose days will never end. It spread across the nation and in eighteen seventy-two, Lindorf Delos Lockhart Tosh founded Alpha Nu. So
"O
Song To Alpha Nu," by Bob Swan Jr., Kansas '64
Sing a song to Alpha Nu in Beta Theta Pi. We will all be Betas until the day we die. We’re strong in bonds of friendship and fidelity. So sing a song to Alpha Nu, our grand fraternity.
editor’s note
Editor Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96 martin.cobb@beta.org
Chief Communication Officer Justin Warren, SMU ’10 justin.warren@beta.org
Creative Director Sarah Shepherd sarah.shepherd@beta.org
Director of Brand Marketing Mike Roupas, Iowa ’10 mike.roupas@beta.org
Director of Digital Media Sutton Jacobs, Wittenberg ’18 sutton.jacobs@beta.org
Assistant Director of Digital Media Alex Fuentes, Texas at Arlington ’20 alex.fuentes@beta.org
Publication Printer Royle Printing Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
As we turn from last year's 3-part tribute honoring the first 150 years of The Beta Theta Pi magazine, the first issue of this 151st year features an incredibly |accomplished Beta businessman and philanthropist, Mitch Rales, Miami '78. Becoming a new co-owner of the NFL's Washington Commanders certainly deserves coverage.
As our editorial team approached the final hours before sending files to the printer, however, an unintentional theme started to become apparent.
Like brother Rales, page after page you'll find an incredible variety of interests and achievements that should give all Betas a sense of pride in the membership of the Fraternity and the credit so many bring to it day after day.
Sure, there are exceptions, and hiccups do occur in our organization. Some are serious. Nonetheless, the goodness of Beta Theta Pi continues to ring loudly, and we should always be inclined to give "atta boys" and Beta snaps for brothers' success.
So, read on to learn about Mitch Rales. And then grab a second cup of coffee or a glass of wine and dive into the worlds of other inspiring Betas:
• an ESPN icon retires;
• a Purdue undergraduate beats cancer;
• a chapter respects its chapter house like no other;
• a track star is named a two-time All-American; and,
• a tech creative giant is lost to pancreatic cancer.
Just to name a few.
Among the slew of alumni and undergraduate stories highlighted this cycle, may we all be reminded of two timeless lines in the Beta song "Let All Stand Together," by David Hastings Moore, Ohio 1860:
"Honor shall come to the badge that we wear, And every true Beta that honor shall share."
Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,
"Honor shall come to the badge that we wear, and every true Beta that honor shall share."
— David Hastings Moore, Ohio 1860
“Kudos to the Fraternity for terrific anniversary editions of The Beta Theta Pi! Beautiful. Keep at it! Fondly in -kai-”
— Tom Chapman, Louisville ’71
magazine feedback
“I remain a big fan of The Beta Theta Pi magazine . . . It is well thought out and beautifully designed, especially the last few issues, including the spring issue with the large photo of Laura on her 30th anniversary since joining the staff. Beautiful indeed. Keep going. _kai_” — Dan Wilhelm, Penn State ’79
“Just finished my 100% read of the Beta mag. I especially liked rereading Seth’s speech. It was truly magnificent. I was blessed to be with and listen to Seth on many occasions. Just being with him was so moving and inspirational. He loved The Grand Hotel and its ‘Old Porch Chairs,’ and he spent many hours in them. All Betas should read this speech at least once. I still read the books; I have all of his talks. Again, thanks for your great efforts. ___kai___”
— Rick Brown, Ohio ’65
(Did you miss the 1976 Convention speech Brother Brown is referring to that was printed in the spring issue? Read or, better yet, listen to the actual recording of Seth Brooks’ “Boy in the Window Seat” keynote at beta.org/thebestof.)
“Top notch. I’ve really enjoyed the magazine’s 150th anniversary issues. Thanks for the fine work.”
“Bear fell asleep while reading the magazine.”
— Jason Waggoner, Truman State ’04
(Editor’s Note: It’s never a good sign when you’re putting the readership to sleep. Point well taken, brother. We’ll up our game going forward for Bear and company. ___kai___, Martin Cobb, Editor)
“I read with great interest the ‘Pink and Blue’ story by Brother Moriarty, Indiana ’78, in the most recent issue of our magazine. In particular, certain names really stood out for me.
The ‘blondes from Delaware Ohio’ who first wore these colours, and ‘Brother Dennison’ who led the effort to get these colours accepted as official Beta colours at the ‘1879’ Convention.
feedback
— Jon Brown, Middle Tennessee State ’97
When I joined the Fraternity, I was dating a blonde from Delaware Hall at the University of Western Ontario and my big brother who supported my entrance into the Fraternity was Chapter President Steve Dennison, who graduated in 1979 _kai_” — Scott Falconer, Western Ontario ’82
beta birthdays
“Many thanks for the initiation anniversary email. Still have my ‘Son of the Stars’ after all these years. Proud to be a Beta!” Fernando Rodriguez, Houston ’78
“The attached photo was taken on my 86th birthday, which is four days before the date of my initiation, April 8, 1956.
‘We see the milestones backward run.’
Three organizations made a significant contribution to the shaping of the person I became: the University of Chicago, Beta Theta Pi and the U.S. Army. Staff Sergeant Dietmann seems so long ago.
I remain proudly yours in __kai__,” John Dietmann, Chicago ’59
beta hero
“I am a Columbia Beta and have been slowly reviewing the chapter roll. I’ve come across a brother whose actions have vanished with time, but I believe he should be added to the Beta Heroes book and its section on chapter deaths in WWI. Please pass along his information to whomever may be currently overseeing the Beta books so he may be included in the next edition.
Dudley Gilman Tucker, Columbia 1911, was a fighter pilot in Lafayette Escadrille, the French Air Force unit consisting mainly of American volunteer pilots. He was killed in action on July 3, 1918.
Tucker has individual memorials in Raymond, New Hampshire, and Louâtre, France, and he is named in the group memorials for American Volunteers and the Lafayette Escadrille inside and outside Paris. I was able to have Columbia add him to the University’s Roll of Honor. Yours in ___kai___,”
Kevin Roach, Columbia ’77
His love of Beta lore is no surprise to most who know General Fraternity Archivist and Historian Zac Haines, Miami ’05, but his respect for the history of Beta’s interfraternal friends is also near and dear to his heart. That may be why on August 21, while on business in Chicago, he made a short trip up to Evanston to visit Sigma Chi’s headquarters and peruse the rich tradition of the Miami Triad’s youngest son. Executive Director Mike Church hosted Haines as they explored and bantered a very friendly rivalry.
Delegates of the 184th General Convention in Dallas deliberated 16 legislative proposals this year, including a motion to alter the Fraternity’s Substance-Free Housing Policy. By a vote of 103 to 40, the Convention reaffirmed the current policy as is, declining to reverse the position prohibiting tobacco, alcohol and drugs in Beta facilities that was first adopted by a Convention vote of 91 to 49 in 2018.
Proposals related to modernizing language in The Code and Ritual were also vetted, and the Convention adopted a Statement of Position on Antidiscrimination but denied establishing a Statement of Position on Gender Identity. See pages 40-45 for a complete Convention recap.
937 Beta Volunteers Receive Gratitude “Swag Bags”
In line with the Trustees’ top strategic priority focused on volunteeri sm at the local level, Beta’s new volunteer services department introduced gratitude “swag bags” as a small expression of the Fraternity’s appreciation for those who give of themselves to serve the organization. In this inaugural year, volunteers were mailed Beta-branded journals, pens and stickers, with chapter counselors also receiving coffee tumblers.
Closure at Eastern Washington
Citing recruitment struggles and campus enrollment challenges in the wake of COVID-19, on May 24 General Secretary John Stebbins, Emory ’92, announced the disappointing decision to close the Epsilon Omega Chapter at Eastern Washington University. Installed October 30, 1993, the charter will remain in care of the Board of Trustees.
Shepherd Honored by FCA
Creative Director Sarah Shepherd was honored by the Fraternity Communications Association on May 4 with the top honor for service to the association, the Marilyn Simpson Ford Award. Current FCA vice president, Shepherd has served on the Beta staff since 2005.
the beta house
Historic Wesleyan House Sold; Alumni Establish Scholarship Corp.
Built in 1913 thanks to the generosity of William Raimond Baird, Stevens 1878, and his wife, Jennie, as a memorial to their only child, Raimond Duy Baird, Wesleyan 1909, who died at the age of 23, the Beta house at 184 High Street in Middletown, Connecticut, was sold last year for $520,000 to local developer Stone Point Properties. Following closure of the Mu Epsilon Chapter in 2015, alumni have dedicated proceeds to establish the Raimond Duy Baird Scholarship Corporation to benefit the children and grandchildren of Mu Epsilon alumni attending 4-year colleges and universities through 2040, the 150th anniversary of the chapter’s chartering. Info can be requested at bairdscholarship@gmail.com.
greek headlines
Story Update: Wyoming Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Kappa Kappa Gamma
Appointed in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan, Tau Kappa Epsilon, U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Kappa Kappa Gamma members at the University of Wyoming against the sorority claiming a transgender woman was admitted improperly. In the 41-page decision dissected by Fraternal Law, Johnson relied heavily on case law precedent, remarking, “Defining ‘woman’ is [Kappa’s] bedrock right as a private, voluntary organization—one this Court may not invade.”
Interfraternal Legends Barker and Buffett Pass After Historic Careers in Entertainment
Game show enthusiasts across North America were saddened on August 26 to learn of the passing of Bob Barker, Sigma Nu, iconic 35-year host of the longest running game show in TV history, “The Price is Right.” Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, he was 99. On September 1, singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, Kappa Sigma, passed from a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Known for his music style that has been described as “tropical rock” and “island escapism,” he was 77.
beta events
November 2023
3-4 Fall Board of Trustees Meeting O xford, Ohio jeff.rundle@beta.org
18 Stephenson Leadership Summit Virtual beta.org Learn more at beta.org/calendar. Upcoming alumni event? Email specifics to beta@beta.org!
Beta Commits $150,000 to Fraternity Research
Announced this past May, the General Fraternity has pledged $150,000 to the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence to advance research priorities of the North American Interfraternity Conference. Prioritizing the study of hazing and impact of the fraternity experience on first-generation college students, the Fraternity will realize up to a $15,000 reduction in annual NIC dues because of the educational investment.
alumni
Neil Everett, Oregon ’84, joined ESPN in 2000 and co-anchored “SportsCenter” from 2009-23.
After 23 Years, Everett Retires From ESPN
Recognized as one of ESPN’s most talented and quick-witted anchors, Neil Everett, Oregon ’84, concluded his tenure with “SportsCenter” this summer, having joined the network in 2000. It marks the end of an era for a personality known for sarcasm and wisecracks, often peppering the show with clever references to the Fraternity – like “Wooglin,” “John Reily Knox,” and the like.
Hailing from Portland, Neil was actually born Neil Everett Morfitt. That’s how his Beta brothers knew him, given his initiation at Willamette on February 12, 1981, followed shortly thereafter by his transfer to Oregon and joining of the Beta Rho Chapter. Upon establishing a professional surname, however, he dropped his last name as a tribute to his mother, whom he lost to cancer in 1983. She routinely called him by his first and middle name when his behavior was “less than optimal.”
As reported by The Beta Theta Pi in winter 2022, Everett has also been serving as a studio host for the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers the last two years. Upon retiring, he remarked, “ESPN changed my life, but now it’s time for me to change my life. Time to write a new chapter.”
Photo: ESPN
alumni news
A | Top 10% of BMW Dealers
Cain BMW in North Canton, Ohio, was recently named a Center of Excellence, BMW’s highest honor bestowed annually on just 32 of 349 BMW dealerships across the United States. Owned by Brian Cain, Ohio ’91, it and his second dealership, Toyota of North Canton, are both recognized as the oldest stores in Ohio for each brand. Maybe not surprisingly, as a senior Cain was elected by his Beta brothers to serve as chapter treasurer.
B | Campus Icon Revitalized
Known for decades as the heart of campus, “The Corner” at Eastern Kentucky University served as the gathering spot between classes for members of the Greek community. Playing home each day to hundreds of fraternity and sorority members reinforced the interfraternal culture that has long distinguished Greek life in Richmond. It has certainly been near and dear to the hearts of all Betas, including former Chapter Presidents Mike Conway, Eastern Kentucky ’75 (left), and Tim McCubbin ’76 (right). The two joined together this past year to fund the university’s refurbishment of the space that has meant so much to so many.
C | Super Bowl Rings in Hand
Kansas State Betas have long had a reputation for posting tops in grades and dominating intramurals. That may be why both Derek Nelson, Kansas State ’93 (left), and Bernie Haney ’97 (right), have served as statisticians for the Chiefs Radio Network the last 23 years – be it home and away games. Imagine their surprise, however, when the Kansas City Chiefs presented both of them with their own Super Bowl rings. Loyalty and teamwork pay off in Beta Theta Pi!
Pierces Endow San Diego State Greek Life Center With $3 Million Gift
San Diego State University is now home to the largest endowed Greek life department in North America, thanks to a $3 million gift from Christine and Fred Pierce, San Diego State ’84.
When asked about making such a large donation, Fred remarked, “With 21 Greeks in my family, I knew I wanted to join a fraternity from day one. Today, that’s probably not the case for most students. That’s why investing in Greek life has never been more important. Many first-generation students aren’t exposed to fraternity and sorority life in their families. We need to open our arms and welcome those students into the Greek community.”
alumni news
G | Commencement Keynote
Spending most of his career in technology and as executive vice president of Cisco, Randy Pond, Ball State ’77, was asked by his alma mater to deliver the commencement address this past spring. A longtime Foundation Board member, he also chairs the university’s new $350 million capital campaign.
H | Bock Launches Podcast
D | Yingst Covers War Between Israel and Hamas
In the wake of the October 7 attacks levied upon Israel by the internationally designated terrorist group, Hamas, resulting in the death of some 1,400 Israelis and capturing of some 240 hostages, Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst, American ’16, has led Fox News’ live coverage. As of November 6, another 10,000 Palestinians have died in the crossfire.
Trey, a founding father of Eta Pi Chapter, was featured in The Beta Theta Pi’s spring 2022 issue, which detailed his coverage of the war in Ukraine and America’s troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. In 2019, he was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for media.
E | Mayekar Named Fellow at Federal Reserve of Chicago
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago recently named Samir Mayekar, Northwestern ’06, as a visiting scholar. Past president of Northwestern’s alumni association, Samir also sits on the university’s board of trustees and is a guest lecturer on energy and entrepreneurship at Northwestern and Illinois.
F | Idaho Betas Suffer Devastating Losses in Hawai’i Fire
While their families are thankfully safe, Brothers Scott Cleverly, Idaho ’87, and J. DuShane ’87, lost everything – their homes, cars, businesses and belongings – in the devastating wildfire in Lahaina, Hawai’i. Learn more details written by their Beta brothers on GoFundMe.
Following an internship at the “Late Show with David Letterman,” and writing and producing jobs for CBS, ABC and the History Channel, Tony Bock, Nebraska ’01, launched Omapod.com this spring, Omaha’s only daily podcast and newsletter.
I | Montgomery Named Pastor
Rev. Will Montgomery, HampdenSydney ’93, graduated from Duke Divinity School in 1996 and was recently named senior pastor of Great Bridge United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia.
J | Staff Member of the Year
John Carroll University recently named Director of Alumni Operations Eric Eickhoff, Ohio Wesleyan ’00, as its 2023 staff member of the year.
K | Top 30 Under 30
Former president and new Zeta Psi Chapter Financial Advisor Nat Jones, Central Florida ’15, was recently named to UCF’s Top 30 Under 30.
alumni news
L | Oklahoma State Beta Spirit
Gamma Lambda’s class of 1987 has been reuniting annually for years, but in the words of Chuck Russell, Oklahoma State ’87, “This was the best reunion yet, and the bonds of our brotherhood grow stronger every year. We text each other daily and truly love each other as brothers. We owe everything to Beta Theta Pi for this lifelong bond!” Of the 27 initiated in 1984, 18 returned for this year’s reunion. It was held August 4-6 at a lake house in Cookson, Oklahoma.
M | 71-year-old EKU Beta Completes 35th Ironman
A charter member of the Delta Xi Chapter, Bill Peterson, Eastern Kentucky ’74, isn’t one for sitting around. He recently completed his 35th Ironman, coming in as the second oldest finisher out of 1,256 who made it across the finish line. The cruise he took afterwards with his Kappa Alpha Theta wife, Vicki, seems very well deserved.
N | Kansas Celebrates 150th
As detailed on page 4, the Alpha Nu Chapter at Kansas was founded in 1873 thanks to the leadership of three Betas from Michigan, Western Reserve and Miami. The chapter has had a legendary run of success ever since, which gave cause for celebration May 5-6, when some 250 alumni returned to celebrate the chapter’s 150th.
O | Illinois Alumni Reunite for 17th Year in a Row
The annual Murph Open golf tournament has brought a dozen 1979-82 Illinois Betas together for the last 17 years, but this band of brothers had extra special reason to celebrate this year’s reunion: a new house for Sigma Rho Chapter! (Stay tuned for future coverage of this beautiful new Beta facility.)
“Air Coryell” Inducted
Into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Described as “a godfather of the modern offense,” former NFL Coach Don Coryell, Washington ’47, was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 5. Serving in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during World War II, as well as head coach for 12 years at San Diego State, Coryell led the Aztecs to seven conference titles and three victorious bowl games. He was named head coach for the St. Louis Cardinals 1973-77, followed by nine years for the San Diego Chargers, 1978-86.
Hall of Famer Dan Fouts described the 1974 NFL Coach of the Year’s contribution to the game fittingly, “‘Air Coryell’ changed the game on both sides of the ball. One cannot write the history of the National Football League without the contributions of Coach Coryell.”
Receiving the honor posthumously on behalf of her dad, Coryell’s daughter, Mindy, remarked, “Ladies and gentlemen, Air Coryell has landed in Canton.”
Photo: Getty Images
THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECTING THE HUTT
by Steve Babb, Illinois ’87
designed by Mike Roupas, Iowa '10
“It's cool seeing everyone go out of their way to keep it special. 'Respecting the Hutt' is such a crucial value to all of us."
When the Kansas chapter's alumni newsletter made its way to Oxford last fall, it struck a chord with Beta’s editorial staff. Third in a seven-part series focused on chapter values, the feature article went beyond predictable emphasis on brotherhood and GPA, critically important as they are.
With extreme reverence toward "The Hutt," few chapters appreciate and respect the house they call home more than the Alpha Nus of Beta Theta Pi.
In this third installment of “Forever Alpha Nu Values,” we will reflect on the responsibility of each Alpha Nu member to “Respect the Hutt.”
As members of the house all come to learn, this value has a dual meaning; “Respecting the Hutt” refers to both preserving the mansion’s physical magnificence and maintaining the distinct status of the Fraternity that was forged by the “boys of long ago.”
“To me, it means upholding and remembering the values and tradition in order to represent Alpha Nu to the best of my abilities and to ensure it can be around for another 150 years,” Ben Whittaker, Kansas ’24, said on the importance of “Respecting the Hutt.”
As it relates to the Hutt’s physical magnificence, members are constantly reminded of how lucky they are to live in such an architectural masterpiece as Usher Mansion. Once the residence of Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of the interior, John Palmer Usher, the house is scattered with historical relics and brilliant design features that have stood the test of time. It looks less like your typical fra-
ternity house and more like a limestone fortress while towering over the constantly bustling crossroads of 14th and Tennessee. Not every college student has the opportunity to come home to a national landmark, and the members of Alpha Nu are reminded of this when witnessing guests walk the halls of the Hutt in awe of the mansion’s grandeur.
“Living in the Hutt gave us a perspective of being a part of living history; we took pride in the building and its place in Lawrence,” said Matt Vineyard ’96. “Returning to the Hutt, we have the same feeling as we did the first day on campus—inspiration to live up to something greater than ourselves.”
Living in such a spectacle comes with a great amount of responsibility, however. From the moment they spend their first night in the Roost, Alpha Nus carry the burden of keeping Usher Mansion’s beauty intact. Each member of the house must do his part to make sure the building continues to hold its authentic feel for generations to come. The Hutt is not what generally comes to mind when one thinks of a fraternity house, and it is up to the members of Alpha Nu to ensure that Usher Mansion continues to be viewed as more than that.
“We are incredibly lucky to live in a place with as much history as the Hutt,” shared Jack Lockton ’24. “It’s cool seeing everyone go out of their way to keep it special. That’s why ‘Respecting the Hutt’ is such a crucial value to all of us.”
Each Alpha Nu must also carry the responsibility of honoring the rich history of the Fraternity itself. It can be easy to get caught up in the everyday responsibilities and distractions of college life, especially with all the opportunities the Hutt provides. Nevertheless, it is the duty of members to remember the men who have helped build such an environment as the one experienced by an Alpha Nu. During pledgeship, a heavy
emphasis is placed on freshmen to learn of the Kansas Betas who came before them and develop the very values that they are asked to live by. Such an appreciation is gained for past generations that upperclassmen are constantly seen reading from the Alpha Nu Centennial Book (also known as White Book), discovering stories that help put their experience into perspective.
“I have come to learn that the deep respect we all developed for Usher Mansion does not diminish through the passage of time—it grows outwardly as well,” Don Johnston ’56 shared. “I was involved in the remodeling project of the Mansion in 1992 and saw clearly the importance the Kansas Historical Society placed on the structural accuracy and integrity we had to be mindful of as we brought about the significant and pleasing enhancements for the century to come.”
As older alumni of Alpha Nu make visits to the Hutt, there are naturally many different aspects of the Fraternity that have changed since their experience. However, one thing that will always remain the same is the reverence that members share for the generations of Alpha Nus that have carried the torch. It is up to the current and future members that the flame continues to shine bright.
Steve Babb, Illinois ’87, serves as executive director of Alpha Nu, a part-time paid position responsible for managing the house’s day-to-day operations and mentoring chapter members and officers. Focused on “keeping things between the rails,” he serves as the point of contact for parents, manages the house mother and facilitates interactions with the university. He is also a proud Beta dad to Tommy, Kansas ’19, and Adam ’21.
The KU Beta house is affectionately known as "The Hutt," a nod to Mr. Hutt, landlord of the chapter's first house at 1537 Tennessee Street (1894-1912). Despite moving to Usher Mansion in 1912, the Beta house in Lawrence has been commonly referred to as "The Hutt" ever since.
Left: Digital illustration of a photograph from Alpha Nu's Archives, "Relaxing with the brothers in the old porch chairs;" Mother's Day, 1948.
ON, WISCONSIN!
CHAPTER REVIVAL LEADS TO LAKE HOUSE RENOVATION
Photo: Potter Lawson
BY MARTIN COBB, EASTERN KENTUCKY ,96
DESIGNED BY MIKE ROUPAS, IOWA ,10
we present the corporation,s house to you and future chapters with no small degree of pride. the generosity of our alumni made possible this new home. it should be an institution for character building.,,
- beta building association january 20, 1926
hen word spread in 2019 that Beta’s house corporation at the University of Wisconsin was launching a $2 million campaign to restore its chapter house on the bank of Lake Mendota, it wasn’t uncommon to get raised eyebrows in response. After all, the chapter hadn’t come close to filling the 34-bed house in 30 years and, prior to 2015, its undergraduate membership barely averaged 35 men.
What has followed, however, may be one of Beta’s most remarkable “phoenix rising from the ashes” stories in modern memory. Not only did Alpha Pi Chapter best its fundraising goal by $100,000, garnering a total of $2.1 million raised by 2023 – one year ahead of schedule – but it also now boasts Beta’s eighth largest chapter, a hefty 156 brothers strong.
As longtime father figure to the chapter and major benefactor Ted Kellner, Wisconsin ’69, shared in an interview with The Beta Theta Pi, “No matter how bad things got, no one ever gave up. We never quit. No one quit on Beta.”
On, Wisconsin! | Fall 2023 | 19
no matter how bad things got, no one ever gave up. we never quit. no one quit on beta.,, - ted kellner, wisconsin ,69
THERE,S A SCENE
Like so many chapters at large, flagship state schools, the Alpha Pi Chapter came to life in a golden era of Beta expansion. The Fraternity’s first-mover advantage given its 1839 origins routinely placed Beta among the first of any fraternity on campus.
Having its pick among students, athletes and leaders built Beta a bedrock of high-minded alumni support and a portfolio of prime chapter house locations – a fast head start compared to younger fraternities.
That was certainly the case at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Founded June 6, 1873, and by 1874 boasting Beta university President John Bascom, Williams 1849, for whom UW’s iconic Bascom Hall and Bascom Hill are named, a legion of elder statesmen started their leadership paths at the Beta house on the lake.
governor, respectively. Others included Congressmen Webster Brown 1874, a chapter co-founder, Joseph Farrington 1919, and Steve Gunderson ’73. For years, Alpha Pi was a fraternity beacon in the Badger State.
THE SPIRIT OF ALPHA PI
By the early 1900s, the chapter had secured a beautiful home on the bank of Lake Mendota, just two blocks from campus. Tragedy struck on February 11, 1925, however, when a midnight fire left the chapter homeless. Given the quality of the Beta experience the prior 52 years, the chapter’s loyal alumni wasted no time. In less than one year they built and dedicated the beautiful Italian-inspired house all living Wisconsin Betas call home.
Read
more about Wisconsin’s 1925 house fire and 1926 new house dedication at beta.org/wisconsinhouse.
Robert LaFollette Jr., Wisconsin 1917, and Phil LaFollette, Wisconsin 1919, the sons of powerful Congressman, Governor and U.S. Senator Robert LaFollette, joined Wooglin’s band, becoming senator and
Following a February 11, 1925, midnight fire that engulfed the Wisconsin Beta house at 622 Mendota Court, the Mediterranean Revival style replacement, above, was built in 1925-26 for $58,000.
20 | The Beta Theta Pi | On, Wisconsin!
Alpha Pi’s first century was storybook, one anchored in brotherly love that bound men for life. Look no further than 18 Betas from 1968-70 who, prompted by Brothers Kellner ’69, and James Pearce ’68, developed a plan while still in school to keep their bond tight.
In 1968, the brothers pooled together $6,000 and created the “Beta Fund.” Including an annual convention for oversight, it doubles as an opportunity to pass the Loving Cup around. With ski trips, golf outings, Wisconsin Bowl visits and overseas excursions, the fund has grown to $45 million.
“From an investment standpoint, the Beta Fund has done well,” Kellner said. “More importantly, we have college brothers who still come together and have remained close friends for over 50 years.”
A DISAPPOINTING REALITY
For decades, 622 Mendota Court fostered a chapter that was among the upper echelon in Madison. It was that kind of success-oriented camaraderie that gave birth to the Beta Fund. But it could not escape the 1970s’ anti-authority movement due to Vietnam and Watergate.
As former House Corporation President George Moore ’79, shared: “I noticed the
decline in all Madison fraternities by the late ’80s from membership, principles, regard for the house and the whole sense of brotherhood. Fraternities no longer had meal plans and housekeeping services for common areas. The brothers’ bond during meals was gone; no more ‘Beta Doxology.’”
He continued, “Actives treated the Beta house as an apartment versus a fraternity. It was more desirable to just come down to the house and party the place looked like ‘Animal House.’ When alumni visited, it always looked like a war zone.”
For three decades the chapter endured a never-ending cycle of stops and starts toward improvement. Eventually, a culture of isolation and malaise became normed. As House Corporation President Max Lord ’07, put it: “I would characterize Alpha Pi’s existence as more stagnant with low membership levels as opposed to a downturn. We had a mansion on the lake and generally kept to ourselves. There was no urge to be a major part of Greek life.”
THE PHOENIX TAKES FLIGHT
But then, something special happened in 2015. A spark took hold in the chapter’s culture that fanned the flame of brotherhood. Lord suggests the notion toward change took hold when the chapter was approached by the General Fraternity offering recruitment support in 2012. “While the chapter voted it down, it caused everyone to realize something needed to change,” he said. “Ben Belzer ’17, and Jacob Hentges ’18, served as recruitment chairs for multiple semesters. The process they put in place led to substantially larger classes, including our record 42-man class in fall 2018.”
By the time a spring Fraternal Fifty celebration started taking shape fall 2018, Rod Taylor ’72, and Lord huddled to talk about how it could springboard awareness of the chapter’s trajectory, especially since the chapter had grown to 115 men and was routinely posting a 3.40, top-5 GPA among UW’s 27 fraternities.
The Beta House
A | The Wisconsin Beta house has a gorgeous view of Lake Mendota, just two blocks from campus and Memorial Union. B | Capital Campaign Chairman Bart Kocha ’80, and his Sweetheart, Carol, join former General Fraternity Trustee Jim Curtis ’86, (center) for the 150th anniversary celebration, April 22. C | General Fraternity President Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76, welcomes former G.F. President Bob Schnese, Wisconsin ’83, to the stage. D | Chapter President Mikey McGuire ’25, represents the undergraduate chapter. E | Alpha Pi undergraduates at the sesqui-centennial banquet.
Photo: Potter Lawson
HOUSE TOUR
F | The billiard room, like every other room on the first floor, underwent significant renovations. Thanks to Regional Chief Ethan Turner, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’12, original chandeliers from the 1920s were recovered from the shed of Edwin Galloway, Wisconsin 1914, and John Galloway ’48, and the windows, valances, book cases, flooring and trim were all refinished.
G | Tiled over in a prior renovation, Alpha Pi’s hallmark steps in the entry foyer were restored with mosaic tiles to the delight of alumni and Sweethearts – serving as a daily reminder of the special Beta tradition undergraduates must strive to uphold.
H | A second custom Beta chandelier was refurbished and rehung in the entrance hall that leads to the staircase.
I | The living room fireplace was refurbished, including installation of Tudor style paneling to warm the space and conceal electronics. Stately andirons emblazoned with the Beta coat of arms still stand guard in front of the fireplace like they have for generations.
J | The dining room now features encased food service and storage, especially important given the chapter’s growth.
K | With a new vaulted ceiling and breathtaking views of Lake Mendota and campus, the fourth floor penthouse is a focal point for hanging out. Originally referred to as the “Alumni Room” in 1926, the fireplace was donated by the class of 1895 to honor a brother who died as an undergraduate: Walter Tratt, Wisconsin 1895.
With the help of Alan Kaniss ’72, momentum built, resulting in other classes using the Golden Jubilee as a reason to reunite. All told, 80 alumni descended upon Madison in spring 2019 and laid eyes on what so many of them had wanted for so long. The rest, as they say, is history.
ALL FOR THE BROTHERHOOD
Hard-charging Campaign Chairman Bart Kocha ’80, led the fundraising; Kellner stepped forward with a $200,000 challenge gift; and others secured $300,000
in tax credits as part of the house’s 1986 National Historic Place designation.
In-kind services were gifted, like Don McLauchlan ’71, designing the HVAC system, saving $110,000; and the grounds enjoyed a complete overhaul, including a new fire pit, dock, shoreline and flagpole thanks to landscaping company owner Bob Downing ’91, who also serves as property manager.
A slew of other life-loyal Alpha Pis also helped seize the opportunity: Charlie
Giesen ’68, Tom Oberwetter ’74, Mike Muoio ’74, Mike Imse ’77, Rick Abegglen ’82, Bob Schnese ’83, and Jim Curtis ’86.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Partnering with Potter Lawson, successor architecture firm to the home’s original 1925 designers, Law and Law, the house corp prioritized the character of the house, improving safety and tending to student preferences. Windows were replaced, the fire escape was relocated and the brick was repointed. Bathrooms were renovated, as
was the kitchen; a new fitness area was incorporated and the study was refreshed. The attic was even converted into a 3-bed apartment, increasing capacity to 37.
The house corp’s operations have also leveled up, a reflection of heightened standards. Drawing from the General Fraternity’s resource bank and endorsed vendors like alumni engagement specialist Pennington & Co., it moved to digital leasing, billing and payments, and now assesses parlor fees and security deposits on every member
regardless of residency – evidence again of just how far Alpha Pi has come in 10 years.
Call it luck, brotherly loyalty, patient leadership or a combination of all three, when a pivotal moment faced the undergraduate chapter, much like the fire of 1925, Alpha Pi alumni never quit. They were there to champion the cause like brothers of long ago.
It's been a long time since the delicate shades above Lake Mendota looked so clear. For Alpha Pi, maybe the state motto rings truer now more than ever: “Forward.”
cut and polishedrefining
STEP 1 | Patience Makes Perfect
men of principle
stubble trouble
Facial hair can make (or break) a man’s look. For Betas looking to double down on the lumberjack vibe this winter, follow these tips to show out the best beard possible.
Find 4-6 weeks in your calendar without a major event – no formals, weddings or big celebrations – and let your beard grow. It takes at least this long for hairs to fill in evenly.
STEP 2 | Shape Up
Next, find a beard style that works for you. Certain styles will best suit your face shape and hair density. Are you a little patchy? Keep it short. Skinny jawline? Beef that baby up. There's lots to consider and, frankly, we’ve only got one page to get through this. So, you know, Google it.
STEP 3 | Tools to Tame
Even the bushiest of beards needs a trimmer and pair of grooming shears to stay polished and professional. A brush and balm will help you take it to the next level.
STEP 4 | The Main Event
Set the trimmer to the desired length, hold the trimmer to your face at a 90-degree angle and move in a straight line in the direction the hair grows. Going “with the grain,” when possible, means a fuller beard that better hides patches.
STEP 5 | Nix the Neard
Neard \ neerd \ noun 1. “Neck beard” That Beta knows what he’s doing. By ending his beard line just above his Adam’s apple and working outwards toward his jawline, he’s avoided the dreaded neard.
STEP 6 | Cheeky Strays
Many men will stop there, but not you. A Beta knows perfection is in the details. Shave away hair high up on the cheeks or, for a crisper appearance, shave a line from the corner of your mouth to your sideburns following the curve of your cheekbones. Finally, use scissors or the trimmer to cut mustache hairs that fall onto your lips.
STEP 7 | Basic Training
Unlike a dog, you can’t train your beard to “sit.” But, with a daily brushing (in a downward direction, if that wasn’t obvious) you can train it to “stay.” Prune the flyaway rebels with shears or put them in their place with a beard balm.
beta eponyms
worldwide tributes
Morrow High School Memorializes Mexican Ambassador and N.J. Senator
Boasting the likes of actors John Travolta and Sarah Jessica Parker, and a litany of NFL coaches and players, Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, New Jersey, has certainly graduated its fair share of notable alumni since opening in 1933. That reality is pretty ironic, given its Scottish-Irish namesake, Dwight E. Morrow, Amherst 1895, was of modest means, at best.
The son of a teacher, who put himself through college and Columbia Law School, Morrow became a close classmate with eventual U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, Phi Gamma Delta. Rising to the rank of partner in J.P. Morgan, Morrow was named ambassador to Mexico by Coolidge in 1927. Acclaimed for his character, popular appeal and sound economic philosophies, a 1925 TIME magazine cover paid homage to his genuineness and integrity, which led to a vast improvement in U.S.-Mexico relations. Given his love for Mexico, it is fitting the high school that bears Morrow’s name now consists of some 50% Hispanic students. He was elected U.S. senator from New Jersey in 1930.
Amb. Morrow, Amherst 1895, was featured on the TIME cover, October 12, 1925.
MITCH RALES
BETA BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST TAKES COMMAND OF HISTORIC NFL FRANCHISE
By Justin Warren, SMU ’10 | Designed by Sarah Shepherd
In the world of professional sports, team ownership often carries an air of mystique. These owners can shape the destiny of a franchise for better or worse. Such was the case for the Washington Commanders, a storied NFL team plagued by a nearly quarter century of tumult and scandal under the eye of Dan Snyder.
All of that changed in July 2023, however, when businessman, philanthropist and native Washingtonian Mitch Rales, Miami ’78, assumed partial control of the league mainstay, and in so doing ushered in a new era of optimism and hope for sports fans in the nation’s capital.
Mitch Rales, new co-owner of the Washington Commanders, on the sideline of FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, before the team faces the Arizona Cardinals in the 2023 season opener on Sunday, September 10. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/UPI.
BEYOND THE GRIDIRON
Citing their modest, middle-class backgrounds, in 2019 Emily and Mitch Rales pledged to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. They have donated billions of dollars in support of the arts and education, including to found and operate Glenstone, an art museum in Potomac, Maryland, with an endowment on par with New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
WASHINGTON
MEET MITCH
Born August 21, 1956, Mitch Rales enjoyed a modest upbringing in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., learning the values of hard work and determination from his father, Norman, who became a successful entrepreneur. That early exposure to lessons on business and ethics would shape Rales’ future in profound ways, including his decision to enroll at Miami University where, on October 27, 1975, he joined the Alpha Chapter of Beta Theta Pi and graduated three years later with a degree in business administration.
Upon completing his education, Mitch, along with biological and fraternal brother Steven, DePauw ’73, ventured into the business world. In 1984, they co-founded Danaher Corporation, which specializes in manufacturing medical, industrial and commercial products. As leaders, the pair have acquired more than three dozen companies and turned Danaher into a Fortune 100 science and technology firm with $31.5 billion in revenues.
Rales’ success in the corporate world is often attributed to his innovative thinking, competitive spirit and a relentless focus on quality and customer satisfaction. He’s known for a hands-on approach and a commitment to continuous improvement – principles that will no doubt influence his time and strategy as he sets out into the world of professional sports.
Brothers Steven Rales, Depauw ’73, (left) and Mitch Rales, Miami ’78 (right)
Mitch Rales and his Beta Sweetheart, Emily Wei Rales, whom he married in 2008.
The Washington Post
FOR SPORT
A star high school athlete who captained the football and baseball teams, Rales is not new to sports broadly. One of his former teammates told The Washington Post in 1988 that “Mitty” had a go-forbroke batting style. “He would always go for the home runs and swing for the fences,” he recalled. Throughout his life, as “Mitty” has given way to Mitch, Rales’ tenacity and ambitions have persisted.
The Rales family is, likewise, not new to sports ownership. Norman, the family patriarch, at one time held an ownership stake in the Texas Rangers baseball franchise, and Steven, the oldest of the Rales brothers, reportedly mulled a purchase of the then-floundering San Francisco Giants in the mid-1970s. Buying the Commanders isn’t even Mitch’s first foray into the sports scene as he at one time reportedly considered making a play for a stake in the Baltimore Orioles alongside the team’s current owner, Peter Angelos.
Though that never materialized, Mitch and Steven did bring the first sports-only radio station, WTEM, to Washington in the 1990s – a venture that, as fate would have it, was eventually taken over by Dan Snyder, the Commanders’ nowbeleaguered former owner.
THE RISE AND FALL OF WASHINGTON
Dating back to its inception in 1932, the Washington Commanders – previously the Boston Braves and Washington Redskins –is one of the NFL’s crown jewels. Its more than 90 years of history have produced nearly 20 Hall of Famers, five league championships, 15 division titles and 25 playoff appearances.
When Dan Snyder purchased the team in 1999, dedicated fans hoped that legacy would continue. However, during Snyder’s tenure the team never won another Super Bowl, or even made it to another conference championship game. The
football team experienced an arguably unprecedented fall from grace during his 24 years of ownership, not only on the field but in courts and all the way up to the U.S. Congress, prompting calls far and wide for the team to be sold. As The New York Times put it in July 2023:
By the time he agreed in principle to sell the Washington Commanders Snyder was ravaged by scandals which drew NFL investigations and legal inquiry. The formerly brash, big-spending owner had been pressured into changing the team’s name and logo, buying out his partners and, eventually, to awaken from a dream which had turned into a nightmare for many.
A RECORD-SETTING PURCHASE
For months in early 2023, speculation ran rampant about whether a sale would take place at all and, if it did, who Snyder’s successor would be. The list of names included giants of industry, from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to rapper Jay-Z.
By March, though, two fully financed bids for the team – each meeting Snyder’s $6 billion asking price – had been officially submitted. One came from Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos, the other from a consortium led by Josh Harris, coowner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
Harris, who grew up in nearby Bethesda, Maryland, didn’t have the ability to close the deal alone. To bring it to fruition, he brought aboard several other investors, but most notably another capital-area local –Rales, whose net worth in 2022 was $5.8 billion, according to Forbes – and NBA basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
On July 21, 2023, the Harris group closed the $6.05 billion deal, making it the highest price ever paid for a North American professional sports franchise.
ALL OUT BLITZ
The Harris Ownership Group (above) came out victorious, but other personalities pursued the historic football franchise.
Byron Allen Comedian; Television Executive
Jeff Bezos Founder, Amazon; Owner, Washington Post
Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) Rapper, Record Producer and Entrepreneur
Michael Dell Founder, Dell Technologies
Kevin Durant Player, NBA’s Phoenix Suns
Behdad Eghbali Co-founder, Clearlake Capital; Co-owner, Chelsea FC
Larry Ellison Co-founder, Oracle Corporation
Jose E. Feliciano Co-founder, Clearlake Capital; Co-owner, Chelsea FC
Ted Leonsis Owner, Washington Capitals/ Wizards/Mystics
Matthew McConaughey Actor; Owner, Austin FC
Source: Washingtonian
Rales joins the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Shad Khan, Illinois ’70, (top) and the Cincinnati Bengals’ Mike Brown, Dartmouth ’57, (bottom) as the third Beta to currently own an NFL team. The large Nordstrom Beta family from the University of Washington owned the Seattle Seahawks from 1976-1988.
BETAS ON TOP
To make the purchase official, the transaction required approval from the league’s other 31 team owners. The decision was unanimous, which means Rales received early support from two of his Beta brothers: the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Shahid Khan, Illinois ’70, and Cincinnati Bengals’ Mike Brown, Dartmouth ’57.
Rales now joins Khan and Brown as the league’s third Beta team owner, accounting for nearly 10% of the entire league.
Khan offered his congratulations on Rales’ successful bid:
The entire National Football League community will long benefit from the character and leadership that Mitch brings to the Washington Commanders. I am proud to welcome him to the NFL ownership family, and even more so knowing we share the bond of Beta Theta Pi. The values instilled in me through Beta continue to serve me in both business and in life, and I am confident Mitch’s experience has been no different.
AN EYE TO THE FUTURE
Rales is now thrust into the spotlight as a team owner.
During his opening press conference, he recalled taking a bus to home football games with his three brothers from the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C., to the historic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. His nostalgia and enthusiasm inspired hope that the Commanders’ legacy was in good hands. “We’re here to build this again from the bottom up by engaging everybody in a passionate, inspiring way,” Rales said. “We are here to ignite the communities we serve by winning championships.”
Upon taking the helm, Rales and his partners immediately set out to usher in a new era for the Washington Commanders – one that is intentional about culture and stresses zero tolerance for “ethically challenged behavior.”
Recognizing the team’s historical importance, Rales and his fellow investors pledged to support initiatives and outreach programs to create an environment where the team is once again seen as a community asset that fosters pride and unity among Washingtonians.
Knowing a potential new stadium deal is on the horizon, Rales and his fellow owners also committed $40 million to upgrade the team’s current home, FedEx Field, to enhance the fan experience and provide more comfortable conditions for players.
And on the matter of the team name, which the team could consider changing once again under this new ownership,
EXCITEMENT IS BREWING FOR THE WASHINGTON COMMANDERS.
“I’VE WAITED SEVEN YEARS TO SEE THE FAN BASE LIKE THIS.”
– JONATHAN ALLEN COMMANDERS DEFENSIVE TACKLE
WASHINGTON
Rales says definitively it will not revert back to the nickname it held from 1933 until 2019. “That ship has sailed,” he said. “We’re not going to relitigate the past We’re about building the future and not having a divisive culture.”
THE FUTURE OF THE WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
As Rales and his colleagues look to revitalize the franchise, one thing is clear: Though long-term success will be judged on the field, hopes are high. An estimated 5,000 people attended an event last summer to celebrate the new ownership group. “I’ve waited seven years to see the fan base like this,” Commanders tackle Jonathan Allen told the crowd.
For team supporters who have endured a grueling stretch of disappointments, though, many rightfully question if Rales is committed enough to steer this latest venture through to success.
If he’s half as committed to his hometown Commanders as he is to his Fraternity, the answer is a resounding “yes.”
When the Miami chapter launched its Forever Alpha Campaign to reestablish the chapter’s membership and renovate its historic home in 2017, alumni approached Rales asking for his support. “The most important experience that I had in my years at Miami happened at [the Beta house],” Rales said. And with that, he made a $100,000 gift and pledged an additional $200,000 in matching gifts.
If success is a passionate leader willing to do what it takes for the causes he loves, Beta can attest that the Washington Commanders are in good hands.
Though a new stadium deal may soon be on the horizon, in the meantime Rales’ group has spent $40 million upgrading the team’s current home, FedEx Field.
FOOTBALL
BETA’S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Unwrap the spirit of brotherhood with Beta Theta Pi’s Holiday Gift featuring a curated selection of merchandise from Beta’s official store, BetaSpirit.com. Elevate your holiday cheer with a variety of Beta-branded apparel and gifts.
Beta Theta Pi Heritage Ornament
Add a shimmer of tradition to your festivities with this inaugural piece from the Beta Theta Pi Heritage Ornament series — a multi-layered, gold ornament fashioned into the Fraternity’s coat of arms. Let this limited run collectible serve as a beacon of brotherhood that gleams through the season, available while supplies last at beta.org/heritageornament
*Ornament designed and manufactured in collaboration with Beacon Design by ChemArt, America’s leading ornament manufacturer and producer of the White House Historical Association’s annual Christmas ornament since 1981.
Explore the ultimate Beta shopping experience at thebetashop.com, where tradition meets variety. From apparel to accessories, this one-stop marketplace brings together a diverse selection of merchandise from Beta’s licensed vendors, all tailored for the brotherhood.
2023 Coat of Arms Gold Ornament - $25
campus
life student highlights
Kinder Named 2023 Tyler Trent Courage and Resilience Award Winner
He was just your typical high schooler, a lover of all things sports, friends and the daily excitement associated with coming of age. A product of Cathedral High, a private Catholic high school located on the northeast side of Indianapolis, Andrew Kinder, Purdue '26, had the world at his fingertips – great family, great friends, great future.
That was, until the lacrosse player took a hit his junior year resulting in a trip to the hospital. First believed to be a broken rib, tests discovered something different – an enlarged spleen – and then the moment he and his family would never forget: "You have cancer. Leukemia." Devastated, to say the least, his teammates seemed to take it equally hard. With two older sisters, they were the brothers he never had. Recalling the moment he and one of Andrew's closest childhood friends got the news in the locker room, Jack Wajda, Kentucky '26, shared,“I just remember us looking at each other and giving each other a huge hug as we were crying.” When he lost his hair, clippers ensured the rest of the team did, too.
Despite grueling treatments, Andrew graduated from high school and added more brothers to the family: He joined Beta. The irony that Beta Mu's annual "Buzz-a-Beta" philanthropy benefits Purdue's Institute for Cancer Research isn't lost on anyone.
Now in remission, Andrew was awarded the 2023 Tyler Trent Courage and Resilience Award, an honor that recognizes an undergraduate who has encountered serious physical or daunting adversity while pursuing higher education. Like Tyler Trent, one of the Boilermakers' most recent avid fans, Andrew is anything but typical. (Read more at stories.purdue.edu.)
Photo: John Underwood
campus life
A | Happy HAlphaween from Miami University
Pairing up to compete for bragging rights and best carved pumpkins, Alpha Betas at Miami University gathered in the chapter house complex's central courtyard to show off their Halloween artwork created during a social with the women of Zeta Tau Alpha. According to some who lost, "The results were rigged."
B | Florida State Betas Boast
Another Homecoming Chief
Add another trophy to the mantle for Delta Lambda Chapter in Tallahassee. Beta Brother Kyle Casiple, Florida State '24, was honored during halftime of the Seminoles' game against Duke on October 21 when he was named the 2023 Homecoming Chief.
As fellow Beta Russell Lucas '26, praised his brother on social media, "Kyle invented involvement."
This marks the second Homecoming Chief win for FSU Betas in the last five years. In 2019, Caleb Dawkins '24, also received the highly coveted honor.
C | Cincy's Big and Little Bros
One of Beta's cherished traditions is the matching and revealing of big and little brothers. That mentormentee relationship is profound, helping broaden a new member's friendships beyond his own class into the greater bonds of the chapter. UC Betas recently expanded their family lines, including these two biglittle duos, (left to right) Rhashan Turner '27, and Brady Miller '26, and Bryce Gunn '26, and Nathan Rudnick '24. With a new 36-man class embraced by 108 Beta brothers, they're doing it right in Cincinnati!
campus life
D | SHU Betas Never Forget
Ever since Beta's establishment at Sacred Heart University in fall 2017, the chapter has been a value-add to the Roman Catholic campus in Connecticut – as evidenced by its explosive growth to an 86-man chapter. Not surprisingly, that enthusiasm is coupled with patriotism, demonstrated again this year by their 9/11 stair climb honoring those lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks before they were even born.
E | Georgia Tech Betas Scale Stairway to Heaven in Austria
Georgia Tech has long been known for its engineering college, which routinely ranks among the top 10 across the U.S.
Could that be why this math-minded foursome of Beta brothers from the Gamma Eta Chapter found so much satisfaction during their study abroad program this summer climbing the "Stairway to Heaven" in Austria?
Requiring them to scale a 140-foot ladder over a 2,300-foot abyss in the Dachstein Mountains, one can't help but love the fact they prioritized taking the Beta flag!
F | When It Comes to Beta Spirit, It's All About The U
Recruitment totals for the fall won't be made official until January, but initial reporting suggests Beta is headed for a banner year.
One need look no further than Eta Beta Chapter at "The U" in Miami, Florida, given the fall class – which is typically smaller than the spring – boasts a hearty 13 new members. Chartered in 2009, the chapter has swelled to 135 brothers strong!
The Miata Master
In his first race of the season in early June, Brian Kaminskey, Sacred Heart '26, finished first in the Mazda Miata MX-5 MST4 series in Monticello, New York. This is the second year in a row he claimed the title of Sprint Champion, having won the race in 2022, as well. A self-described adrenaline junky, Brian is also passionate about raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the fight against childhood cancer.
2x All-American
Tyrell Pierce, Knox '24, certainly lived up to Knox College's nickname, the "Prairie Fire." Bringing absolute heat on the track, he broke six school records last spring in the indoor 200m, 400m and 4x200m Relay, and outdoor 200m, 400m and 4x100m Relay.
A two-time All-American, and Knox's 2023 Men's Athlete of the Year, Tyrell transferred to Nebraska this fall to compete at the D-I level.
Photo: Knox College
campus life
G | Wazzu Betas Win Tourney
Wouldn't you know it? Beta joined with the Washington State athletic department to host a campus-wide 3-on-3 basketball tournament and, you guessed it, the men in these slick jerseys came home with the dub thanks to a hard-fought buzzer beater.
Cougar basketball players weren't allowed to play, of course, but they did a bang-up job serving as coaches. Way to go, Beta Cougs!
H | NIC Honors Two Betas, Taps Two-Term Beta IFC Prez
On May 18, the NIC announced the appointment of six undergraduates to its IFC Advisory Council for 202324, including two-term IFC President Braeden Boyle, High Point ’24 (featured). One month later, the NIC revealed this year’s 12 Undergraduates of Distinction honorees, including Chuck Perry, Truman State ’22, and Nathan Satterfield, Michigan ’23.
I | FIU Beta Welcomed to Banking Internship in Style
Giovanni Luciano, Florida International '24, landed a top-shelf internship this summer with Morgan Stanley. Even better? Beyond the cool way the company welcomed him to work on the digital billboards his first day, he completed the internship and secured a full-time offer!
J | SDSU Betas Make Waves
Following the 184th Convention's "Be The Match" service project, San Diego State Betas held a campus swabbing event and added another 211 to the bone marrow registry. Since Convention, 900-plus individuals have registered thanks to events hosted by chapters at Appalachian State, Cal Poly, Loyola Marymount, TCU and Texas.
Hearts Aglow in Dallas
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF AN ELECTRIC CONVENTION
BY SUTTON JACOBS, WITTENBERG ’18, AND MIKE ROUPAS, IOWA ’10
Everything is bigger in Texas, including Beta Conventions. For only the second time in history, the Fraternity’s annual reunion was held in the Metroplex, hosted August 3-6, 2023, at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel.
Three local chapter presidents – Brian Hopp, TCU ’25, Jordan Nash, Texas at Arlington ’23, and James Tota, SMU ’25 – proudly welcomed some 850 Betas, Sweethearts and friends to the “Big D” and the 184th General Convention.
Attendees were wowed Thursday night with the Model Initiation kickoff and then engaged in the third installment of The Great Conversation. Facilitated in his highly effective knee-to-knee format to promote deeper conversations, Brother Dipper DiPaolo, Michigan ’78, was welcomed back for the first time since the 175th anniversary in Oxford. He called for Beta to reclaim the positive aspect of being “radical,” part of Beta’s pioneering DNA.
Some 85 awards were received by more than 50 chapters and individuals at Friday’s Awards Luncheon, and Undergraduate Speaker Adam Jolles, Kansas ’24, moved all attendees as he spoke on his chapter’s support of a brother with the recurrence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Among the many items of debate in the legislation hall, delegates were pleased with the growth of two young chapters and approved the charters of the Zeta Beta Chapter at South Florida and Theta Theta Chapter at Embry-Riddle. (See page 42 for legislation results.) A Friday night at the ballpark with brothers new and old, cheering on the Texas Rangers, was the perfect cap to a day of education and legislation.
The awards and recognition continued into Saturday night, as the Celebration Banquet was the day’s featured event. There, 13 John Reily Knox Awards were presented to deserving chapters along with the presentation of two Oxford Cups and the Francis W. Shepardson Award. (See pages 44-45 for award recipients.)
A thrilling end to the entire weekend was The Dragon Classic golf outing, returning for the first time since 2009. Foursomes hit the links to show off their best in the scramble. In dramatic fashion, Brother Luke Rimsky, Dayton ’24, tried to win the closest to the pin challenge and came away with a hole-in-one!
“I came here to be with my brothers. I came here to hear words of wisdom. To reconnect, to talk to you undergraduates, to be inspired by you. You are our future, and I have such great hope for you. I need that energy of your youth and enthusiasm.”
Tom Purinton, Kansas State ’63
Left: Adam Jolles, Kansas ’24, during his Awards Luncheon keynote address. Above: Dipper DiPaolo, Michigan ’78, leads all attendees in The Great Conversation Part III: A Radical Brotherhood.
APPROVED PROPOSALS
Proposal 1 Update Subject to Suspension Definition
Proposal 2 Inclusive Language for Chapter Meetings and Chapters Without Houses
Top: Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, was introduced for the first time as newly elected General Fraternity President. Bottom: Chapter President Jaycee Perez, South Florida ’24, thanks delegates for an affirmative vote to recharter his Zeta Beta Chapter.
“The ability to have serious debates and conversations around difficult and sometimes polarizing topics while remaining respectful was an amazing thing to witness. While there were many different views and opinions, we all left there with a mutual feeling of respect for one another and pride in what we accomplished.”
Jono Holloway, British Columbia ’24
Proposal 3 Clarification of Collegiate Membership
Proposal 5 Update References to a Beta’s Spouse To Be Non-Gender Specific
Proposal 6 Modernize Financial Language in The Code
Proposal 7 Expansion of Collegiate Leadership Awards
Proposal 8 Allow All Chapters With a Facility To Host Up to Seven Alumni-Sponsored Events Annually With Alcohol
Proposal 16 Update and Align Trustee Membership and Elections
Proposal 18 Statement of Position on Anti-discrimination, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Resolution 1 Men of Principle Scholarship Review
FAILED PROPOSALS
Proposal 4 Statement of Position on Gender Identity
Proposal 9 The Badge To Be Worn on the Lapel
Proposal 10 Improve Consistency of the Term “New Member”
Proposal 11 Redefine Substance-Free Housing
Proposal 12 Withdrawn by Author
Proposal 13 Create a Mediation Review Committee
Proposal 14 Withdrawn by Author
Proposal 15 Modify the Term “Colony” and Update Article III
Proposal 17 Withdrawn by Author
APPROVED CHARTERS
Zeta Beta Chapter University of South Florida
Theta Theta Chapter Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTIONS
President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75
Trustees Scott Fussell, Middle Tennessee State ’95
As the elected and appointed leaders of Beta Theta Pi, we gather together in this Board of Trustees meeting just prior to the 184th annual Convention. We will conduct the important business of the Fraternity in both the meeting as a Board and in the General Convention.
Let us never forget the real reason we are here: to promote the fundamental objects of our Fraternity. As you know, they are “the mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, the devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, unsullied friendship and unfaltering fidelity.” Our founders chose these principles to create and inspire a compelling brotherhood based on love.
We work on diversity, equity and inclusion; new member education; and creating a culture of safety, leadership, achievement, accountability, service and philanthropy in order to build something better, something aspirational. It enables us to care more personally and empowers us to love more deeply – which makes us a better brother, and will make us better men, husbands, fathers and leaders.
C.S. Lewis said, “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket — safe, dark, motionless, airless — it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”
Beta brothers are vulnerable, authentic and real. We hold each other accountable with discipline and kindness in our Eyes of Wooglin. We gently push our friends to be better, and we courageously and lovingly hold them accountable.
Discipline is what makes a Beta of character: We are willing to delay gratification, accept responsibility and dedicate ourselves to the truth, as Scott Peck talks about in “The Road Less Traveled.” It is only with discipline that we can truly love, and it is only with discipline that we can have a strong brotherhood.
The mental health of our members is a significant concern that challenges us as leaders. We know that a healthy, loving brotherhood is an ideal antidote. Kindness, inclusivity and listening are the tools we use to remedy the toxins of isolation and loneliness. Wooglin taught us, and we teach our new members.
I want to say one more time for the record how humbled I am to serve as General Fraternity President of this Great and Good Fraternity. Other than my family, Beta has been the most important institution of my life. It has changed me into the man I am — still imperfect, still a dreamer, still a lover, but better nonetheless. I will never be able to repay her for all I have learned.
Now, if you would, please join me by standing and sharing Beta’s Loving Cup and singing our most famous fraternal song.
awards and recognition
CHAPTER AWARDS
John Reily Knox Award | Centre (10), Creighton (6), Georgia Tech (10), Idaho (9), John Carroll (3), Kettering B (12), Miami (11), MIT (3), New Jersey (5), San Diego (14), Texas (3), Truman State (14), Virginia Tech (4)
Francis H. Sisson Award | Arkansas (2), Cal Poly (5), Case Western Reserve (15), Central Michigan (15), Centre (16), Cincinnati (19), Creighton (7), Delaware (5), Elon (3), Georgia Tech (36), High Point (4), Idaho (20), Iowa (10), John Carroll (6), Kansas (20), Kettering B (14), Miami (17), MIT (11), New Jersey (5), Oklahoma State (9), Pittsburgh (6), Purdue (10), San Diego (16), South Florida (5), TCU (9), Texas (8), Texas A&M (16), Texas at Arlington (7), Toronto (15), Truman State (22), Utah (14), Virginia Tech (8)
Advisory Team of the Year | Bethany
Best New Song Competition | South Florida
Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Award | South Dakota (Total Attendees, 9);
Kennesaw State (Highest Chapter Participation, 61%)
Excellence in Risk Management | Florida
H.H. Stephenson Jr. Award for Excellence in Historical Preservation and Research | Virginia Tech
John Holt Duncan Community Service Award | Idaho
Most Improved Chapter of the Year | Florida
North Dakota Award for Excellence in Chapter Publications | Cal Poly
Outstanding Campus Involvement | John Carroll
Outstanding Recruitment Program | San Diego
Outstanding New Member Education | MIT
Outstanding Alumni Relations | John Carroll
Outstanding Alumni Association | South Dakota
Virginia Tech Awards For Academic Excellence
Highest GPA | Vanderbilt
Most Improved GPA | Denison
Region Leaders | Elon (MA), Georgia Tech (SE), Kansas (SC), Kettering B (EGL), Louisville (S), Maine (NE), Miami (WGL), Nebraska (NC), San Diego (SW), Utah (NW)
Top Fraternity GPA on Campus | Appalachian State, Butler, Cal Poly, Centre, Creighton, Dayton, Denison, Denver, High Point, James Madison, John Carroll, Kansas, Kentucky, Kettering B, Loyola Chicago, Miami, Northeastern, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Sacred Heart, Saint Louis, San Diego, South Florida, TCU, Texas at Arlington, Utah, Vanderbilt, West Chester
Whitman Choral Cup | Texas at Arlington
Left: Brothers from the Gamma Xi Chapter at the University of Florida show off their awards announced during Friday’s Awards Luncheon.
The Convention Chorus, led by General Fraternity Chorister Brock Johnson, Oklahoma State ’09, and joined at times by all brothers in the crowd, serenaded attendees with a medley of Beta songs at Saturday night’s Celebration Banquet.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Francis W. Shepardson Award
Bob Schnese, Wisconsin ’83
Oxford Cup
David Koch, MIT ’62 (Posthumous)
Bill Koch, MIT ’62
Jonathan J. Brant Interfraternalism Award
Dr. Carrie Whittier, Alpha Omicron Pi
Jerry M. Blesch General Secretary Leadership Award
Nathan Satterfield, Michigan ’23
NIC Undergraduate Awards of Distinction
Nathan Satterfield, Michigan ’23
Chuck Perry, Truman State ’22
Dr. Edward B. Taylor Chapter Counselor of the Year
Lorie Miller, Friend of Beta (James Madison)
Charles W. Warner Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year
Elizabeth Aiello-Coppola, Chi Omega (Cal Poly)
Regional Chief of the Year
Chuck Graves, Middle Tennessee State ’94
District Chief of the Year
David Thompson, Purdue ’64
Rookie District Chief of the Year
Ian Ross, Michigan ’21
Outstanding Advisor of the Year
Antonio Dempsey, John Carroll ’18
House Corporation Excellence Award
David Krebs, DePauw ’78
House Director of the Year
Todd Curry, Friend of Beta (South Carolina)
David H. and William I. Koch, MIT ’62
Oxford Cup Roll No. 88 and 89
Twin brothers who followed their older brother, Charles ’57, to both MIT and Beta Theta Pi, David and Bill played basketball for the school, with David as captain.
In business, they built multi-billion dollar companies, becoming two of the most philanthropic men in the U.S., supporting cancer research, the arts and education.
Robert L. Schnese, Wisconsin ’83
Francis W. Shepardson Award Roll No. 30
In his 40 years since graduation, and with loyal support from his Beta Sweetheart, Lori, Bob has served the Fraternity as chapter advisor, district chief, regional director, Trustee and two-term General Fraternity President.
For Convention news, photo galleries, videos and more, scan the QR code or visit beta.org/cnv184.
dobe's
JOHN WARNOCK
OXFORD CUP RECIPIENT AND TECH TRAILBLAZER WHO REVOLUTIONIZED DIGITAL CREATIVITY PASSES
Written by Justin Warren, SMU ’10 | Designed by Alex Fuentes, Texas at Arlington ’20
In the world of technology and design, certain names shine as bright beacons of innovation and influence. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and X’s Elon Musk shepherd the industry in the twenty-first century, but decades earlier stood luminary figures whose vision and pioneering spirits first transformed the way we create and interact with digital content. Among them, Apple’s Steve Jobs, Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Adobe Co-founder John Warnock, Utah ’62.
Warnock, an Oxford Cup honoree whose life and achievements left an indelible mark on modern personal computing, died from pancreatic cancer on August 19 at age 82.
John Edward Warnock was born October 6, 1940, in Holladay, Utah, just outside Salt Lake City. Though in interviews he called himself a “mediocre” student who failed algebra in his first year of high school, he ultimately attended the University of Utah – where he was initiated into the Gamma Beta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi on May 17, 1959 – and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and a doctorate in electrical engineering. In obtaining that crowning academic achievement, according to the Los Angeles Times, Warnock produced the shortest Ph.D. dissertation in the school’s history – “a masterpiece of conciseness” at 32 pages.
Afterwards, he and his Beta Sweetheart, Marva, moved to Northern California
where he began a career in technology. He eventually went to work for Xerox, where he met Dr. Chuck Geschke. Together, they worked to figure out what Warnock called “the holy grail in computer science” – how to communicate documents between computers and printers. When the partners arrived at a solution, their bosses at Xerox weren’t interested, so Warnock and Geschke quit.
The two used their discovery to found Adobe Systems, named for a creek near Warnock’s home, in 1982. Their initial product, PostScript, became an essential component of desktop printers and typesetting machines in a matter of years. The protocol made it possible to accurately represent fonts and images on a computer screen, paving the way for the development of desktop publishing software. Now, individuals and small businesses could create professional-quality printed materials, including brochures, magazines and newsletters, without the need for expensive equipment.
Though objectively successful due to these innovations alone, Adobe didn’t become known to the masses until the 1990s when Warnock created a universal document format readable on any device and platform. The Portable Document Format (PDF) significantly simplified document sharing and archiving, thereby changing the way the world viewed and interacted with digital content.
AT 82
Under Warnock’s leadership, Adobe continued to innovate and expand its product offerings with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, which together laid the foundation for the Adobe Creative Suite, a comprehensive suite of software that has become the industry standard for creative professionals.
Dr. Warnock retired as CEO in 2000 and he was chairman of the board, a position he shared with Dr. Geschke, until 2017. He remained a member of the company’s board of directors until his death.
At the time of his passing, John Warnock had 20 patents to his name and was the deserving recipient of numerous awards, including Beta's Oxford Cup recognizing alumni of outstanding professional achievement, as well as the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation which he received from President Barack Obama in 2009.
A strong supporter of higher education, in 2003 he and his wife donated 200,000 shares of Adobe Systems (worth some $5.7 million) as the naming gift for the University of Utah’s new engineering building, as well as three presidential endowed chairs at his alma mater and one at Stanford University.
Adobe’s PageMaker, released in 1985, played a pivotal role in democratizing the publishing process.
At its initial public offering, Adobe debuted at a split adjusted share price of $0.17. Today, it is the fifth largest software company by market cap, trading at $556.28 per share.
At a March 2012 gathering with some 230 in attendance, including previous honoree Spence Eccles, Utah '56, and former General Fraternity President Doug Houser, Willamette '57, (pictured bottom right), Warnock became the 75th recipient of Beta’s Oxford Cup.
chapter eternal
in loving memory
Forever Remembered
Notices of Betas, Sweethearts and Friends of Beta who passed within the last two years and were reported to the Administrative Office between April 27 and October 25 are included in this listing.
Report a Beta’s Death
Please contact the Beta receptionist at 800.800.BETA or officemanager@beta.org to report a death.
Donate to the Archives
Ask loved ones to donate your Beta badge and important Beta artifacts to the Fraternity’s Archives and Museum in Oxford.
Memorial Gifts
The Fraternity is often asked how to memorialize a dearly departed Beta. Memorial gifts can be made at beta.org/gift or with Director of Development Laura Lednik at 800.800.BETA. In lieu of flowers, consider naming the Beta Leadership Fund in your own obituary.
Friends of Beta
Elizabeth Guevara, Oct. 13
Fred Lawler, Sept. 10
Kathy Lewis, Aug. 8
LouAnn Williams, Sept. 29
Carolyn W. Wilson, Feb. 7
Alabama
Phillip G. Hodges '75, April 11
Wayne A. Hogg '66, May 31
Amherst
David N. Laux Jr. '50, July 2
Frederick F. Marston Jr. '52, June 18
George J. Phillips Jr. '55, Jan. 24
George A. Scanlan Jr. '51, Aug. 15
Arizona State
Lance L. Kuester '83, Dec. 4, 2022
Auburn
Austin A. Caldwell Jr. '74, Sept. 5
Ball State
Dennis P. Collins '78, April 17
Baylor
Paul E. Venable '83, June 7
Beloit
Allan F. Schneider '48, June 9
Junie L. Sinson '52, March 18
Bethany
Thomas J. Hawk '57, June 1
Bowdoin
Theodore C. Sandquist '59, Oct. 1 c
British Columbia
David H. Burnett '50, May 15
Robert McClelland '37, May 8
Peter B. Sievenpiper '50, Sept. 21, 2022
Brown
James L. McLay '51, May 30
Cal State, Chico
David B. Johnson '88, June 1, 2021
Carleton
Mark A. Blum '99, March 9
Carnegie Mellon
George L. Candler Jr. '54, Jan. 23
James M. de Blasis '59, Nov. 30, 2022 c
Kenneth K. Humphreys '59, May 26
John W. Wesner '58, July 3
Elizabeth Guevara Friend of Beta
Oct. 13
Case
Bradley J. Pettibone '44, Oct. 23, 2022 c Centre
Clarence V. Bloomfield '48, Oct. 11, 2022
Sebastian Chai-Onn ’18, June 5
Robert C. Giltner '75, Sept. 15
John A. Gregory Jr. '52, May 29, 2021
Jerome A. Michelsen '61, March 3
Chicago
James B. Zagel '62, July 15
Cincinnati
William C. Duffey '46, Nov. 22, 2022 c
D. A. Jefferis '60, Sept. 17, 2022
Jerome E. Kennedy '51, June 25
Alan Meyer '99, June 22
Mark R. Naegel '71, Aug. 6
Nelson C. Vincent '12, June 2
James W. Vockell Jr. '67, May 16
Ben T. Yamaguchi, Jr. '56, Aug. 3
Clemson
David J. Bernstel '88, April 18
Colgate
David B. Greenwood '51, March 23
James M. Lomonosoff '73, Nov. 23, 2022
John P. Rutter Jr. '55, March 9
Peter D. Vogt '65, April 7
William E. Williams '59, Nov. 18, 2022
Colorado College
Kenneth A. Shane '60, Dec. 8, 2022 c
Columbia
Thomas E. Powers '51, May 4
Dartmouth
John J. Heidbrink '65, Feb. 17
Terence S. Malone '52, Sept. 15, 2021
Davidson
William G. Boyd '63, July 19
Charles D. Nanney '58, Jan. 10, 2022
Denison
Don P. Brown '58, Oct. 2
James A. Kijowski '69, Jan. 31, 2022
Edward F. Weber '53, Feb. 27
Denver
Luke T. Brennan ’24, Oct. 20
Frederick H. Stinchfield '73, Aug. 12, 2022
DePauw
J. R. Emens '56, June 28
Robert V. Johnson '56, Sept. 2
Robert P. Little '59, March 23
James A. Readey '67, Aug. 11
Duke
Thomas E. Enck '59, Aug. 1
Miles J. Gullingsrud Jr. '63, Oct. 9, 2022
Gene L. James '54, May 31
Arthur I. Kuman '51, Nov. 23, 2022
Thomas N. McNamara '52, Oct. 10, 2022
George P. Smith '55, May 10 c
East
Carolina
Michael D. Featherstone '91, Aug. 5
Emory
Jules S. Dupont Jr. '72, Aug. 12
Florida
Thomas D. Bryant '78, Aug. 28
Paul F. DeLargy '53, Sept. 26
Donald L. Tuttle '56, Sept. 1
General Fraternity
Charles W. Huddleston, Oct. 3 c
Georgia
Clark P. Howard '00, May 21
Scott C. Huggins '93, Aug. 1
Georgia Tech
Charles K. Cobb, Jr '56, Aug. 21
Patrick D. Dean '62, July 24 c
Richard W. DeVane Jr. '56, May 21
Larry P. Jackson '60, Aug. 31, 2022 c
Thomas C. Mayes Jr. '54, April 22
William A. Thau Jr. '62, Aug. 26
Hanover
Ralph W. Anderson '58, April 16
Herbert P. Brandt '52, Aug. 28
Vincent D. Kinkade '83, June 27
Thomas H. Waltz '60, June 29, 2022
Idaho
Robert A. Bartles '83, Nov. 29, 2022
Donald S. Carley '51, Sept. 29, 2021
Ronald G. Chaney '50, July 15
Maurice Quinn '50, Aug. 23
Illinois
John L. Bitzer '74, July 14
William R. Bradle '72, Sept. 19, 2022
Randall W. Dahl '68, May 3
Richard D. Koeller '59, Nov. 13, 2022
Flags indicate Betas who served in the United States or Canadian armed forces.
Volunteering in 2011 to serve on Beta’s founding advisory team at Chapman University, Elizabeth served for five years as Eta Theta’s risk management advisor. Waging a fierce 3-year battle against breast cancer, she leaves behind a husband and young daughter.
Sebastian Chai-Onn Centre ’18
June 5
Described as “a bright light” in Beta and “always punctual and never underdressed,” Sebastian was a curious learner who studied abroad and earned his MBA at Maryland. Working for the Four Seasons as finance manager, he died by suicide.
Jim Zagel
Chicago ’62
July 15
Son of Jewish immigrants from Poland, Jim served as chapter president and earned a Harvard law degree. Appointed by President Reagan, he served on the FISA Court, oversaw mobster convictions and presided over the corruption trial of Illinois Gov. Blagojevich.
Fred K. Konrad '62, Sept. 8
Jerry A. Krumbholz '52, June 8
Ronald W. Maris '58, Aug. 21
James C. Potter '66, July 1, 2022
Indiana
Brock L. Blosser '65, Nov. 13, 2022
William L. Green II '66, Jan. 14
Joseph A. Greenlee III '85, June 3
Michael C. Haggarty '56, Feb. 28
Erik J. Jensen '65, July 31
Stephen P. Johnson '65, April 3
Steven M. Mowrer '64, Aug. 10
Chlois D. O’Neal '72, Oct. 8
William W. Wells '60, July 13
Iowa
Edward A. Brodersen '58, Dec. 1, 2022
Steven J. Naber '74, April 30
William D. Schoonover III '73, Jan. 20, 2022
Iowa State
James S. Balloun '60, Feb. 25 c
Shawn M. Fernald '87, Dec. 21, 2022
William S. LaGrange '53, Jan. 22, 2022
J. T. Rohwer '63, July 31
James H. Woods Jr. '58, Nov. 12, 2022
Johns Hopkins
Wilfred M. Potter '53, Aug. 6
Kansas
Robert F. Banker '49, May 16
Jan L. Cobble '63, Sept. 25
Michael T. Hagan '06, Aug. 17
Melvin G. Kettner '47, Nov. 13, 2022
Philip D. Ridenour '66, June 13
Kansas State
Robert D. Cowdery '49, Aug. 26
Richard W. Knostman '53, March 16, 2022
James P. Lindsay '59, Jan. 12, 2022 c
David H. Martin '88, Oct. 5
Ronald E. Nelson '63, Sept. 19
Burton G. Randle '50, April 6
Knox
John M. Clardy '72, Feb. 8
Christopher R. Tuckey '96, April 17
Lawrence
Theodore C. Froemming Jr. '52, Dec. 6, 2021
Maine
Jeffrey C. Chapman '65, March 8
Raymond D. Cheney '64, July 2
John G. Mitchell '62, Feb. 9
Nelson Vincent
Cincinnati ’12
Jun. 2
Beloved Friend of Beta to the Beta Nu Chapter, Nelson’s role as chapter counselor was so influential that the men initiated him onto their roll in 2012. He was eventually appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve on Beta’s Foundation Board.
Miami
Thomas K. Amstutz '66, Jan. 18
Bruce H. Branyan '69, Aug. 2 c
Charles O. Chrysler '52, April 8 c
Erin M. Ennis '89, Feb. 22
Robert B. Huebschman '54, April 30, 2022
Bruce K. Ismael '70, May 31
Phillip D. Jeffers '70, Jan. 6
Barry H. Kent '58, Aug. 26
Richard P. LaFleur '83, Aug. 16
Jon G. Peterson '66, June 30
George N. Stefango '64, Feb. 19
Richard C. Zima '66, Sept. 11
Miami (Fla.)
Daniel Perez '24, May 13
Michigan
Charles D. Abood '66, Oct. 22, 2022
Galtjo L. Geertsema '54, May 27
Robert H. Gillow '56, March 12 c
Michigan State
Anthony S. Earl '59, Feb. 23
Howard B. Freeland Jr. '62, Oct. 8
Andrew J. Haase '97, June 12, 2022
Phillip E. Schmitt Jr. '70, Dec. 31, 2022
Richard E. Stegmeyer '59, Nov. 2, 2022
Middle Tennessee State
Barry A. Chandler '87, Jan. 28
Minnesota
Donn P. Barber '56, Aug. 2
Todd S. Ferguson '65, March 12
James W. LaFave '53, April 22
Bertram G. Leach '52, July 11 c
Mississippi
Thorwald H. Anderson '58, April 1 c
Jeffrey H. Shaw '88, March 11
Missouri
John R. Bagley '59, July 10
William H. Bunker '60, April 18 c
W. T. Coghill '48, July 25 c
Donald W. Collier '56, Sept. 7 c
Kenneth L. Harlan '82, April 1
Richard T. Hazell '56, May 24 c
Frank L. Kerr '60, Oct. 2
Edwin B. Rector '59, Sept. 10
David L. Ryan '65, Aug. 6
Thomas R. Talbot Jr. '62, Aug. 21
Don Brown
Denison ’58
Oct. 2
A proud Beta along with his dad and two brothers, Don was elected chapter president while also playing football and baseball. Earning his law degree at Western Reserve, he remained passionate about coaching and officiating. He served eight years as district chief.
MIT
Raymond F. Brunsberg '86, April 23
William G. Roeseler '65, March 11
Robert B. Tabakin '80, March 21
Nebraska
John C. Dean '43, May 26
John W. Hummel '58, July 13
Delbert E. Snoberger '69, Sept. 21
Jonny L. Wendt '68, June 11
North Carolina
Edwin S. Early Jr. '48, Sept. 21, 2021 c
Frank W. Leak '56, Oct. 4 c
Roger A. Moore '68, Dec. 7, 2022
Thomas A. Sully Jr. '53, Sept. 7
Peter C. Thompson '75, May 11
Michael J. Waltrip '68, Aug. 11
North Dakota
Donald L. Anderson '52, July 27
James H. Prondzinski '65, May 18 c
John R. Sakariassen '52, March 26
Northwestern
Jeffrey A. Heller '80, June 2
Franklin C. Jesse, Jr '63, Feb. 11
Richard K. Mastain '46, April 4
Ohio
Robert B. Andersen '67, March 31
William D. Coats '61, March 20
David E. Culbert '59, May 25 c
Richard M. Fulks '68, Feb. 21
Roger S. Krupa '70, Oct. 7
Glenn C. Randall '59, Sept. 14
Robert R. Riggin '57, Sept. 26
Eugene J. Vejsicky '57, March 14
Garry L. Weigand '65, July 2 c
Ohio State
Alfred A. Campbell '52, March 14
David L. Dillahunt '57, Aug. 16
Chris S. Jeney '88, March 13
George M. McClure Jr. '44, Nov. 8, 2022
Ohio Wesleyan
Charles T. Cozier '58, March 12
Charles P. Hauck '52, Aug. 17
Oklahoma
Gary D. Baer '60, March 6, 2022
Richard C. Baker '52, Aug. 5
John D. Coleman '62, May 1
John R. Eubanks '56, Oct. 14
Eric K. Feaver '67, June 22, 2022
Luke Brennan
Denver ’24
Oct. 20
In the words of his brothers, “Luke was a beacon of joy across Denver’s campus . . . and a Beta full of love. He was a man of principle to the highest degree.” Set to graduate next spring, Luke loved animals, golfing, skiing, surfing, fishing and boating.
Daniel Perez
Miami (Fla.) ’24
May 13
Known for his big smile, humor and positivity, Daniel loved soccer, F1 racing and traveling home to Venezuela. Studying entrepreneurship, he drowned while on vacation with Beta brothers this summer.
Bob Gillow
Michigan ’56
March 12
A Navy veteran and lifelong supporter of Lambda Chapter, having served for years as house corporation president, Bob worked for IBM and owned multiple car dealerships.
Bert Leach Minnesota ’52
July 11
A retired Army helicopter pilot, serving a tour of duty in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, Bert was life-loyal to his Beta Pi Chapter. Longtime alumni board member, he also served on the Beta Foundation’s $20 million capital campaign for the Men of Principle intitiative, 2001-06.
Glenn Randall Ohio ’59
Sept. 14
Lead donor to Beta Kappa’s 2013 house renovation, Glenn has a slew of campus honors named for him, including OU’s Lifetime Achievement Award. For his generosity, the Beta house also bears his name.
Jim Whitmer
Texas Tech ’25
June 24
Remembered for his influence, Jim always encouraged his brothers to embrace life with energy and excitement – always pursuing the best of themselves. A mechanical engineering major, he was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident.
Kevin M. McGee '75, June 3
James W. Sparks '63, Feb. 20
Thomas S. Stapleton '78, June 25
Roy C. Williamson Jr. '56, June 6 c
Oklahoma State
David G. Bishop '94, May 9
John R. Dicks '59, July 1
Walter B. Duke Jr. '59, Dec. 8, 2022 c
David L. Elder '69, April 12 c
Robert E. Harvey '57, Dec. 19, 2022
Thomas A. Hendrickson '64, April 28
David B. LeBaron '74, Sept. 17
Edwin C. Lindly '42, Aug. 12
Harold D. Rogers '53, Nov. 3, 2022 c
Harland K. Schug Jr. '50, July 12 c
John B. Tate '84, April 25
Oregon
Craig R. Johnston '64, Sept. 10, 2021
Oregon State
Robert W. Arndorfer '55, Oct. 20, 2022
Dean P. Behse '64, April 22
Fred W. Burri '52, March 18
Gilbert W. Lawrence '56, July 26, 2022 c
Edward J. Lewis '61, Jan. 13
Donald M. Megale '53, May 17
Gary R. Pellow '79, Sept. 20, 2022
Penn State
Richard W. Bird '83, Oct. 22, 2022
Paul R. Kemmerer '62, Sept. 11, 2022 c
Pennsylvania
Richard S. McLaughlin '54, Nov. 29, 2022
Carl B. Shulman '69, Sept. 26
Puget Sound
Douglas M. MacPherson '77, Dec. 9, 2022
Ernst R. Peterson '79, Feb. 12
Purdue
Jon F. Guckenberger '59, June 28
Donald M. Gwinnup '53, Sept. 17
John W. Longstreth '51, June 7
Joseph G. Reidelbach '02, Dec. 23, 2022
Dale E. Roberts '50, Aug. 10
Randall L. Saal '67, June 23
George E. Shortle Jr. '62, April 18
Rutgers
Robert M. McCoy '49, Feb. 9
Marshall L. Zimmerman '79, March 26
Suhaib Mumatz
UC San Diego ’24
May 14
Recognized within his Zeta Gamma Chapter for always helping and never expecting anything in return, Suhaib was quickly elected vice president of programming and brotherhood. He loved music festivals, electronic dance music and international travel.
Sewanee
Gary D. Steber '59, July 23, 2021
South Carolina
Holton R. Batton '19, June 28
South Dakota
Donald R. Masker '53, June 21 c
Jerry R. Morrissey '57, Oct. 4, 2022
Steven K. Rabuck '75, Dec. 16, 2022
Southern California
Stephen J. Langs '65, March 28
Perry O. Lindberg '64, Dec. 19, 2022
Max S. Tomlinson Sr. '52, Oct. 30, 2021
St. Lawrence
Valentine E. Coluni '59, Dec. 22, 2022
Peter J. Connellan '90, June 12
David A. Hills '52, Oct. 2
Stanford
Robert D. Arnon '67, Dec. 4, 2022
Syracuse
Timothy Gowan '94, July 8
James O. Mullin '52, June 10
Tennessee
Mark C. Whitler '73, July 5
Texas
J. B. Cherry Jr. '62, Aug. 18
Douglas S. Dapper '55, June 8
Charles S. Labatt '66, June 22
Sherman P. Macdaniel '56, Oct. 31, 2022 c
Paul F. McKean '57, Aug. 25, 2022
Alan H. Meyers '71, June 22 c
Othel W. Ogden '63, Aug. 2
Robert E. Sanders Jr. '52, July 4, 2022
Lloyd M. Shellhorn '65, Sept. 11, 2022
George M. Woodman '56, May 17
Texas at Arlington
Larry G. Minter '72, May 8
Texas Tech
James O. Whitmer IV '25, June 24
Toronto
Alan T. Ross '50, April 21
Tulane
Hunter E. Babin '55, Feb. 18
Arthur P. Dayries '56, Oct. 2, 2022
Stonewall J. Felton Jr. '50, Feb. 14 c
Nathaniel R. Troy '61, Feb. 25
Dr. John Warnock
Utah ’62
Aug. 19
Co-founder, president and CEO of Adobe Systems, Inc., John’s entrepreneurial spirit revolutionized the world of publishing and visual communication. Known for also inventing the PDF, he was presented Beta’s Oxford Cup in 2012. At least six Warnock family members are proud Betas.
UC Berkeley
Duke T. Leffler '78, Sept. 25
John S. Morken '55, Sept. 12
UC San Diego
Suhaib A. Mumtaz '24, May 14
UCLA
Michael R. Bongiorno '69, Feb. 13 c
Harry C. McDean '63, May 2
Nelson C. Rising '63, Feb. 9 c
Utah
Nathan B. Archer '01, June 27
Trygve R. Sandberg '84, March 1
Richard R. Sangberg '56, Oct. 12 c
Lynn S. Scott '54, July 20, 2022
John E. Warnock '62, Aug. 19
Vanderbilt
John E. Cain III '52, March 17 c
Manning B. Kirby Jr. '52, Oct. 13, 2021
William F. Russell '49, July 19
Villanova
Stephen W. Cartwright '99, Aug. 22
Virginia
George W. Barlow II '57, Aug. 25
Robert B. Phillips '54, Nov. 8, 2021
Wabash
Robert F. Bowman '69, Aug. 25
John A. Butz III '95, April 26
Washington
Patrick M. Hogan '70, May 31 c
Donald H. Simpson '57, Dec. 1, 2022
John M. Teutsch Jr. '52, Aug. 12, 2021
Washington & Jefferson
John D. Miller '50, June 4 c
Washington and Lee
James W. Bradner IV '85, Sept. 4
James K. Falk '81, May 9
Farris P. Hotchkiss '58, June 21
David A. Kennedy '76, July 3
Washington in St. Louis
Joe H. Hope Jr. '53, July 26
Robert S. Jordan '63, Aug. 4
Michael B. Kotner '67, Feb. 24
Michael J. Lesko '70, June 30
Brereton Jones
Virginia ’61
Sept. 18
Elected Kentucky’s 58th governor, Brereton was known for his bipartisan nature. Officiating Beta’s 1990 charter installation at UK, in 1993 he invited EKU Betas to the capitol to recognize their first Sisson Award. He founded Airdrie Stud, an internationally acclaimed thoroughbred farm.
Washington State
Edward P. Link '58, Jan. 30
Eugene F. Martin '55, Feb. 6
Weber State
W. R. Van Orman '84, Sept. 12
West Virginia
Michael B. Curry '65, Aug. 27
Pat C. Fragile '67, Dec. 2, 2022 c
Ray R. Ritchie '55, Jan. 27
James F. Smith '74, May 22
Western Ontario
Bruce O. Blair '56, June 18
John W. Jardine '64, March 1
James H. Little '57, Dec. 30, 2021
Western Reserve
John C. Draeger '69, June 29, 2022
Westminster D. C. Steinheimer '57, Aug. 21, 2021 c
Whitman
Robert N. Burton '55, Aug. 10
Emery A. Petersen '54, Feb. 11
William F. Schulte Jr. '63, Feb. 14
Phillip A. Tjelle '56, June 22
Ross V. Waggoner Jr. '55, April 18
Wichita State
Myron K. Hultgren '63, May 21
Donald H. Pratt '60, April 3 c
Timothy J. Tierney '61, Sept. 19
Willamette
Donald L. Miller '57, May 8
Williams
Stanley J. Miller Jr. '53, June 21
Wisconsin
Lawrence E. Wallden '61, Jan. 4
Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Joshua A. Pawlukiewicz '07, July 22
Wittenberg
Richard V. Holloway '56, July 3
Charles A. Phillips '61, May 17
Caspar H. Schonau '04, March 5
Yale
Thomas F. Tuttle '55, April 5
Wash. and Lee ’58
Jun. 21
Working for his alma mater for 35 years, Farris served 14 of those as vice president of university relations. Recognized for growing the endowment from $18 million to $400 million, the school renamed its alumni office “Hotchkiss House.” He served two terms on Beta’s Foundation Board.
Farris Hotchkiss
Beta
BETA THETA PI FOUNDATION
Hearts AGlow
Beta Brothers and Friends,
On behalf of the entire Foundation Board, we are delighted to present to you this year’s Annual Report for the Beta Theta Pi Foundation. As we reflect on the past year’s achievements, challenges and the impact we’ve collectively made, we are reminded of the incredible support and commitment from individuals like you who have made it all possible.
This year’s Annual Report is not just a compilation of statistics and figures; it’s a testament to the power of brotherhood and the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers and partners. Through these pages, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive overview of our accomplishments, initiatives and stories that showcase hearts aglow – all powered by YOUR philanthropic support!
In the following pages, you will find:
• By the Numbers: A look at our overall health and how your contributions have been utilized.
• Program Highlights: Stories of impact, testimonials and the initiatives that have made a real difference in the Beta experience.
• Recognition: We take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding alumni brothers and friends who have supported us tirelessly.
CELEBRATING $ 3,679,647 RAISED FOR THE BETA FOUNDATION
As we navigate today’s ever-changing landscape, our mission remains the same – to develop men of principle for a principled life! We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a better place for those we serve – our young Betas! We invite you to explore this Annual Report, learn more about our journey and feel the pride that comes with being part of the Beta donor community that truly cares.
We extend our deepest gratitude for your trust, support and partnership. Together, we are setting hearts aglow, and together, we will continue to write the Beta story by fostering brotherhood, personal growth and home.
Thank you for being an essential part of our mission, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
Sincerely and yours in kai ,
Rick Banks, Cornell ’72, Foundation Chairman
Phil Fernandez, Miami ’06, Chief Foundation Officer
Cover Photo: Beta brothers celebrating the 184th General Convention in Dallas, Texas.
PURPOSE
To advance the educational mission and goals of Beta Theta Pi toward the vision of the
RESPONSIBILITIES
Cultivate lifelong friendships; solicit Betas and friends; provide gift stewardship; fund leadership and educational grants; empower Foundation volunteers; oversee investment strategies; recognize Betas, parents and Friends of Beta.
FOUNDATION BOARD
Rick Banks, Cornell ’72, Foundation Chairman
Fred Pierce IV, San Diego State ’84, Vice 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 Mire, TCU ’07
Marty Obst, Southern Illinois ’03
Tom Olver, Central Michigan ’98
Rick Sabol, Ohio ’77
John Torget, Cornell ’93
Bruce Wenger, Lawrence ’89
COLLEGIATE COMMISSIONERS
Jack Corby, Elon ’22
C.J. Fovozzo, John Carroll ’23
Collin George, Embry-Riddle ’23
FOUNDATION STAFF
Phil Fernandez, Miami ’06, Chief Foundation Officer
Laura Lednik, Director of Development
Travis Robinson, Director of Annual Giving
Aaron Selby, Wabash ’06, Director of Advancement
Jackson Chambers, Utah ’12, Director of Advancement
Jeff Newton, Miami ’77, Director of Advancement
Zane Brown-Carlson, Knox ’16, Director of Advancement
Powered By A
COLLECTIVE FORCE THAT POWERS OUR IMPACT
As a donor to the Beta Foundation, you are more than just financial supporters; you are partners in our mission. Together, we create a collective force for good that is greater than the sum of its parts.
As we reflect on the past year, we are inspired by the dedication of our donors. Your belief in our mission and your unwavering support empowers us to keep striving for a better Beta. We thank you for your commitment to the cause and look forward to the continued journey of progress we will undertake together. Your donations are not just financial; they are the heartbeat of our programs, and together we will continue to make a profound difference.
Explore with us the collective force that powers our mission for young Betas everywhere in the areas of Brotherhood, Personal Growth and Home.
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS ALLOW THE FOUNDATION TO IMPACT BETA GENERATIONS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW
$606,244 NAMED FUND GRANTS IN 2022-2023 FOR A LIST OF FUNDS VISIT BETA.ORG/NAMEDFUNDS
John Reily Knox Club
CLUB MEMBERS DONATED $722,650 TO THE BLF LAST YEAR
The John Reily Knox (JRK) Club is the premier annual giving club of the Beta Foundation, recognizing gifts of $1,839 or more to the Foundation in a single year. Betas within 10 years of graduation can also join the club by making a BLF gift of $500 or more. Special thanks to the 306 Betas and friends who were John Reily Knox Club members in 2022-2023!
Hearts
Photo Above: Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73 (left) and Bill Haywood, Miami ’74 (right), sharing in the bonds of friendship at this year’s JRK Dinner in Dallas, Texas.
Sons of the Dragon Club
The Sons of the Dragon Club is the annual giving club for collegians, designed to highlight the purpose of the Beta Foundation and begin young brothers on their path of annual giving. This year, students who joined with a gift of $25 received a Beta-branded shirt, while those who joined by giving $10 (or more) received a welcome card with stickers.
COLLEGIANS DONATED $24,822 TO THE BETA LEADERSHIP FUND
The following chapters reached 100% participation or 63+ club members (Beta’s average chapter size):
CHAPTERS
#1 - ARKANSAS
Baylor
Denver
Eastern Kentucky
Embry-Riddle
George Mason
Iowa
Miami
Texas at Arlington
Westminster VISIT BETA.ORG/DRAGONS TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF STUDENT DONORS
RECURRING ELECTRONIC GIFTS TO THE BLF
The Auto-Kai Club recognizes Betas and friends who establish recurring electronic gifts to the Beta Leadership Fund (BLF) in monthly, quarterly or annual installments. The Auto-Kai Club maximizes impact through simple, secure and ongoing charitable giving.
In 2022-2023
$128,184
Dollars Raised
327 Club Members MAKE YOUR BLF GIVING AUTOMATIC AND JOIN THE AUTO-KAI CLUB.
AGlow
Giving Day Challenge
1 DAY. 8 HOURS. 39 MINUTES.
The Giving Day Challenge, now in its fourth year, is a friendly fundraising competition between chapters. It is an opportunity for brothers and friends to celebrate Beta Theta Pi’s impact on its members and bolster pride in our Great and Good Fraternity through an unrestricted gift to the Beta Leadership Fund.
Gifts made during the event provide unrestricted funds to support recruitment, need-based scholarships, volunteer and advisor training, and expanded leadership program attendance for the Fraternity’s collegiate brothers.
GIVING DAY CHALLENGE RAISED $467,351 FOR THE BLF LAST YEAR
TOP THREE
Winning CHAPTERS
WITH 1,000+ MEMBERS
2,474 DONORS
WITH LESS THAN 1,000 MEMBERS
THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED! For more information and a complete list of donors visit beta.org/givingdaychallenge.
Brotherhood
FRIENDSHIP GAVE OUR ORDER BIRTH...
Betas are called to cultivate deep and purposeful relationships to sustain a thriving Men of Principle experience. This is more important than ever as the need for genuine connection and belonging has never been more profound. The Foundation’s investment in the Beta Brotherhood Assessment keeps a sense of belonging at the forefront of how we support the work of the Fraternity. Betas also believe that men are mutually obligated to help others in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, which is at the core of being a good brother. This act of brotherhood is on display here as we highlight this year’s merit and needs-based scholarship recipients.
*Need-based scholarships were started in FY21 (fiscal year ‘21) to specifically help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brother
BETA BROTHERHOOD ASSESSMENT
The Beta Brotherhood Assessment serves as a critical tool that is used by collegiate officers, volunteers and staff to help set goals and strategically work to foster a strong sense of brotherhood across Beta’s Broad Domain. The assessment aligns directly with the Fraternity’s strategic plan and reports on measurements in four main areas of brotherhood: solidarity, shared social experiences, belonging and accountability. At the General Fraternity level, it drives changes in educational programming at events like the Miller Nichols Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy and support from chapter development consultants.
top eight FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIPS
Each of the Founders Memorial Scholarship recipients received $2,425. These scholarships were endowed by an estate gift of Robert C. Lafferty, Ohio Wesleyan 1928.
54
CHAPTERS RECEIVED NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
64% OF COLLEGIANS REPORT PAYING FOR THEIR EXPERIENCE OUT OF POCKET 490 TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS GRANTED
THAT AIDED 144 BETA BROTHERS IN NEED
96
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
TOTALING $125,000 WERE AWARDED TO BETAS AND CHILDREN OF BETAS.
“ BEING IN A FRATERNITY HAS TAUGHT ME VALUES AND HAS ENGENDERED A SENSE OF CONNECTION THAT I OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE NEVER ACHIEVED.”
$2,425
JOHN REILY KNOX
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Ryan J. McLaughlin, Vanderbilt ’23
$2,425
SAMUEL TAYLOR MARSHALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Cameron K. Goodwin-Schoen, Case Western Reserve ’24
$2,425
DAVID LINTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Dominick J. Rossi III, Drexel ’24
$2,425
JAMES GEORGE SMITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Petyo D. Manev, Drexel ’23
$2,425
CHARLES HENRY HARDIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Brett N. Schneider, Lawrence ’24
$2,425
JOHN HOLT DUNCAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Ethan C. Guffey, UCLA ’24
$2,425
MICHAEL CLARKSON RYAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Lucas J. Pieper, Iowa ’24
$2,425
THOMAS BOSTON GORDON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Paul J. Cappuzzo, Quinnipiac ’23
The full list of Beta scholarship winners is available at beta.org/scholarships.
Personal Growth
In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate with each passing day, the quest for personal growth and self-improvement has never been more crucial. We find ourselves at a crossroads where the demand for mental resilience, emotional intelligence and lifelong learning has become not just a desire but a necessity. Personal growth is an empowering journey that promises to unlock our true potential, redefine our boundaries and set us on a path toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. In this section we highlight Beta’s portfolio of leadership and educational programs funded by the Beta Leadership Fund and the profound impact it can have on young Betas.
1,036 CURRENT ACTIVE ADVISORS
*In 2022, the number of required officers to attend “Keystone” was reduced by two students per chapter.
423 (44%) Keystone Regional Leadership Conference
113 (12%)
967 STUDENTS ATTENDED BETA’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS IN 2022-23
282 (29%) participated in Convention Programming
• 54 Peter F. Greiner Leadership College
• 138 Keystone Leadership Conference
• 90 Miller Nichols Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy
149 (15%) John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle
SON OF THE STARS NEW MEMBER PROGRAM
ETHAN SKARNULIS, Arkansas ’25
“For our chapter, the Son Of The Stars New Member Orientation Program is irreplaceable when preparing our new members to become part of the chapter. The lessons taught, relationships forged and brotherhood built has become foundational to our chapter’s growth over the last 7-8 years. The program’s structure and direction is pivotal to our new members and their ability to join our chapter. These young men are coming to campus wide-eyed, without parents or someone to tell them what to do for the very first time in their life. Through the Son of the Stars Program, they truly buy in to what Beta Theta Pi is trying to build with its core values. It creates lifelong relationships, invaluable lessons and discipline with school, life, relationships and everything in between.”
WILL WOODEN
Nebraska ’26
“I think it’s an honor to be related to the late, great John Wooden. He was a selfless leader and he continues to teach so many people. I am excited to use this experience from the Wooden Institute and his teachings to better my life and the lives of my brothers back at the Alpha Tau Chapter in Nebraska.”
HUNTER SCHLEPP
Utah ’26
“I had the privilege to attend the Peter F. Greiner Leadership College earlier this summer in Dallas, which opened my eyes to the true brotherhood and family of Beta Theta Pi. I attended seminars about leadership and job networking. The skills and understanding I gained highlight the longevity of Beta Theta Pi and the lifelong experiences the Fraternity offers.”
64 CHAPTERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE SON OF THE STARS
3,282
NEW MEMBERS HAVE COMPLETED THE SON OF THE STARS SINCE 2018
JAYCEE PEREZ
South Florida ’24
“My chapter has been struggling with communication between the executive board and the members, as well as receiving feedback from everybody within the General Fraternity. I feel like Keystone has given me good strategies to come back with to improve that communication between everybody and make sure that we remain a unified brotherhood.”
AGlow
BEN GONZALEZ
Baylor ’24
“I cannot express how thankful I am for my experience at the Miller Nichols Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy. I learned so much after meeting and connecting with other chapter presidents. The things I took away will definitely be used to better my chapter. Thank you for all those who build the bridge so that we can succeed.”
The Eta Mu Chapter at the University of Arkansas helps set up for the American Diabetes Gala.
Home
. . . WITHIN THE HALLS OF BETA THETA PI
14 CHAPTERS USED THE DEA PROGRAM IN 2022-23
While the Fraternity’s ’halls’ take many forms, the Beta home is more than just a place; it’s the heart of our existence and where our stories unfold. It’s where we create memories, share meals, and discover who we are as young leaders. It’s also where we come back to reconnect with our past and build bridges for the future. In this section we look at the profound importance of “home” to the Beta experience and examine its role as the cornerstone of brotherhood, personal growth and sense of belonging.
Join us as we explore how the Zeta Omega chapter at San Diego utilizes the Foundation’s Men of Principle Scholarship program to create a sense of home for new members. Moreover, we recognize the Kansas State chapter’s impressive, multi-million-dollar renovation made possible through their ongoing capital campaign and funded in part through a Designated Educational Area (DEA) Grant from the Beta Foundation.
Brennan Hall, home of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation and Administrative Office in Oxford, Ohio.
Zeta Phi Chapter at the University of Missouri
$52,250 IN MEN OF PRINCIPLE SCHOLARSHIPS DOLLARS AWARDED
Each year the Beta Foundation provides a $1,000 grant for each applying chapter to conduct the Men of Principle Scholarship, designed to recognize non-Greek male students who embody the Fraternity’s values.
$26,224,461 HAS BEEN RAISED FOR DEA FUNDS OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS
ENHANCING THE ACADEMIC CULTURE OF BETA’S LIVING ENVIRONMENTS
The Designated Educational Area Grant Program allows alumni to make charitable gifts earmarked for educational projects for chapter houses, such as libraries, study rooms, internet access and general learning space. For more information on the DEA Grant program, visit beta.org/DEA.
32 CHAPTERS HAVE BENEFITED FROM DEA FUNDS AND GRANTS
GARRETT BURNS, San Diego ’24
“The Men of Principle Scholarship program was absolutely crucial to our spring 2023 recruitment class, which was one of the best in our history. Through the program, we were able to meet many exemplary young men of principle who were eager to get involved with a fraternity their first semester. The scholarship showcases what makes our chapter so great, and many of our new members were Men of Principle Scholarship applicants who we got the chance to identify before primary recruitment.“
KANSAS STATE IS ACTIVELY RAISING $3 MILLION FOR HOUSING RENOVATIONS
Zeta Omega Chapter on Bid Day, 2022-2023.
Gamma Epsilon Chapter at Kansas State University
Brother Burns (right)
RECOGNITION
Michael Hillock ’73
Paul Knauff ’67 %
ANNUAL, LIFETIME AND TOTAL YEARS GIVING
The following list contains all alumni, parent and Friends of Beta donors (grouped alphabetically by school) who made gifts to the Beta Foundation between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. Lifetime giving societies, total years giving and Auto-Kai Club members are highlighted using various symbols and colors defined in the legend.
All student donors can be found at beta.org/dragons.
ALABAMA
$250 - $499
Yancey Swearingen ’67 Y
$100 - $249
Greg Cusimano ’65
Brandon Flowers ’99
Scott Jackson ’79 %
Charles Newton ’69 %
Others
V. J. Graffeo ’00
AMERICAN
$500 - $999
Tyler Jacobs ’22
AMHERST
$500 - $999
Dave Morine ’66
$100 - $249
Bill Colby ’60 %
Stan Hirt ’56 %
ARIZONA
$2,500 - $4,999
Fred Oliver ’67 &
$500 - $999
Troy Whitehead ’11 %
$250 - $499
Bob Petrucciani ’62 Y
$100 - $249
Jon Jump ’91 %
Micky Murphy ’66 %
Ted Vallone ’64 %
Others
Scott Angell ’15
Alton McCormick ’90
ARIZONA STATE
$250 - $499
Pat Rissi ’80 %
ARKANSAS
$250 - $499
Andrew Pang ’13 %
Others
Adam Harness ’20
Josh Parisi ’17
Andrew Zurborg ’15
AUBURN
$500 - $999
Bob Batson ’70 %
Richard Bishop ’81 %
Chris Jette ’93 %
$250 - $499
Fred Newman ’81 Y
$100 - $249
Bill Johnston ’71 %
Jim Stevenson ’71 %
Norwood Utter ’73 %
Others
John Ellison ’67
John Hughes ’77 % BALL STATE
$2,500 - $4,999
Randy Pond ’77 &
$1,000 - $1,838
Frank Davis ’67 %
Larry Johnson ’81 %
$500 - $999
Kurt Phares ’80 Y
$250 - $499
Steve Riddle ’80 Y
Greg Smith ’87 Y
Mike Thayer ’83 %
$100 - $249
Bob Barrell ’66 %
Christopher Brandt ’76 %
Mark Hesterman ’75 %
Doug Marsh ’69
Jason Melton ’99 &
Tom Teusch ’67 %
William Thompson ’67
Craig Welti ’76 %
Others
Myron King ’78 %
Jon Widdifield ’03
BAYLOR
$500 - $999
Nick Jones ’16 %
Others
Ben Bratt ’22
Daniel Haddad ’12
BELOIT
$1,000 - $1,838
Steve Goldman ’64 &
$250 - $499
Bob Lang ’65 %
$100 - $249
Bruce Hampton ’76 %
Jim Mertz ’61 %
Richard O’Hair ’67 %
Ernie Strauch ’63
Others
Mark Dutton ’78
James Steckel ’61 %
Rob Voight ’66
BETHANY
$5,000 - $9,999
Psi Diamond Charitable Fdn. t
$1,839 - $2,499
Scott Brooks ’78 &
Neil Christman ’55 &
Dean Lesiak ’74 &
$1,000 - $1,838
Douglas Cameron ’81
$500 - $999
Dick Boyd ’61 %
Tom Byrum ’63 %
Art Musicaro ’77 %
$250 - $499
Jeff Boucek ’82 %
Paul Chewning ’75
John Chiesa ’75
Brian Goin ’83
Whitey Klein ’77
Bob Mackenzie ’77 &
Robert Mize ’75 %
Doug Selwyn ’75
Doug Stein ’78
Ben Woods ’84
Dale Wytiaz ’85 %
$100 - $249
Nicholas Berry ’58 %
Cliff Bowers ’75
David Brooks ’78
Ted Brouse ’68
David Cottington ’79
Hal Doster ’53 %
Paul Emili ’78 %
Mark Harman ’77
Mark Hicks ’73
Bruce Kelley ’82
Bradley Kidder ’87
Rod Lake ’73
Kip Lewis ’79
Thomas Loeser ’77
Jack Morgan ’71
James Moyle ’74
Bill Newton ’75
Mark Nicholson ’73
Gary Novak ’76
Richard Parisi ’79
Dennis Pavan ’74
Jim Pool ’79
Bill Railing ’79
Frank Ravella ’76
Byron Shindler ’77 %
Rick Snyder ’76 %
Scott Thompson ’78
Frederick Vines ’57
David Zarnoch ’70 %
Rick Zarnoch ’80
Others
Bill Atwater ’77
Anthony Barsch ’89
Art Bertol ’82 %
Dave Butz ’60 %
Ron Caputo ’75
Steve Chernicky ’78
Bill Cole ’64
James Davis ’74
John DeBlasis ’74
Sam DeBone ’78
Alex Delgiorno ’14
Anthony DeSantis ’81
Hugh Devine ’61 %
Art Dilg ’59
Gary Frankhouser ’81
Charles Hamm ’97
Gary Hammond ’81
George Hanlon ’77
Ryan Heasley ’98
Alex Henry ’14
Mark Hermsen ’86
Bill Hickok ’81
Marty Hoffman ’85
Rudy Horvat ’65
Ken Kruluts ’77
Tom Kuhns ’75
Dean Lipperman ’83
Bud Long ’77
Doug Miller ’77
Jeff Namy ’78
Robert Nani ’77
Brian Nolan ’94
Michael Pendred ’84
Michael Quinones ’02
Tim Redman ’75
Blake Rowe ’74 %
Mark Scorpion ’79
Jon Shaw ’76
Dennis Thompson ’77
Chris VonHoffmann ’78
JR Wright ’79
Dean Young ’80
BOWDOIN
$100 - $249
Jon Gibney ’63 %
Mike Hutchinson ’75 %
Others
Peter Flynn ’73
BOWLING GREEN
$1,839 - $2,499
John Lower ’73 &
$1,000 - $1,838
Jim Enyart ’63 &
$500 - $999
Daniel Effler ’07 Y
$250 - $499
Jeff Levinson ’81 %
$100 - $249
David Gagner ’92
Mark Gagyi ’70 %
Barry Hodge ’70
John Reno ’69
Betas at the University of the Pacific participate in IFC house tours to kick off fall recruitment.
Lilly Satterfield
Ryan Satterfield
Beth Satterfield
Mary Jo Simmons
Carol Simpson %
Robert and Rachel Smith %
Robert Symms
Alice Thomas
Danny and Nancy Tomassini
Paul Williams
Jennifer Zamora %
$100 - $249
Maureen Aardahl
Andrew Brown Family Aardahl
Tammy Arnold %
Carol Artmann
Brian Baer
Brandi Barber
Amory Baril
Craig Barth
Midge Bateman
Tim Bell
Phyllis Boehm
Doug Bonnington
Susan Braman %
Jasmine Braun
BB Breittholz %
Mary Bruce
William Buckner
Meghan Bullard
Ilando Capolino
Kate Collins
Duc Correa Correa
Michael Crawford
Georgia Crockett %
Cheryl Deason
Megan Del Frate Y
Tim Driscoll
Michelle Engle
Jennifer Fadden
Jin Feng
Joyce Fernandez
Diane Fovozzo
Federico Franciosi
Aniruddha Gadre
Emily Gray
Janice Hall
Victoria Hollidge
Olya Horobets
Lynn Huynh %
Betsy Jefferis
Brenda Kangas
Monk Kemp
Alan King
Coree Kirsch
Greg Kritner
Marian Kurz
Nancy Larson
Bridget Lawrence
Pogi Lucero
Meg Luebke
Lisa Lynch
Cao Mac
Christine Maggio
Robert Maund
Kathryn and Bruce McClain
Sharon McMeel
Stephen McNamee
Jeff and Debbie McNaul %
Pamela McWilliams
Alma Medina
Robert Miller %
Katherine Nichols
Tina O’Malley
Eric Paine
Mary Peterson %
Steve Picard
Penny Pinion
Jeremy Poincenot
Marc and Diane Prigmore
Erik Prince %
Sarah Quigley
Diane Rooney
Chanin Ropka
Elaine Roupas
Stephen Selby
Karen Selby
Zoe Shade
Sarah Shepherd %
Kevin Slezak
Robert Spencer
Ash Spoto
Carol Swegle
Kathryn Taylor
Steve and Gwyneth Tigner&
Joe and Mary Viavattine %
Philip Ward
Stacy Wittkamp
Ruth Wong
Alison Zubel
Others
Michael and Barbara Abeln
Bobbi Abney
Karen Aldana
Amy Andrews
Webby Applegate
Melissa Bade
Samuel Baldwin
Brett Balkenbusch
Kent Balkenbusch
Deanna Ballinger
Maryanne Banks
Corey Barnett
Elliott Beach
Dan and Fran Becque
Nicole Bell
Mary Bellavance
Rebecca Bergner
Ramendra Bhatt
Cathy Billoni %
Carroll Birk
Amanda Bocik
Daniel Boehm
Steven and Laura Bonjonia
Lindsay Bons
Amy Boson
Jared Brant
Peter Brant
Floyd Brinton
Katie Brown
Shaun Brown %
Ashleigh Brown-Carlson
Linda Brunner
Heather Bruno
Katie Buck
Terri Budiselich
Ellen Bullard Bullard
Natalie Burton
Kelly Buschur
Michele Camarco
Shelley Cameron
Rob Capobianco
Sidney Capolino
Penny Capolino Capolino
Chris Carlson
Deanna Carr
Bethany Carr
Sean Carr
Natasha Caudill
Carrie Chambers
Robert Chambers
Kathy Chambers
Charlee Chambers
Kristie Chambers
2022-2023 HONORARY
FRIEND OF BETA CHAIR
Lindsay Montgomery
Chapter Advisor at Kennesaw State
PARENT CHAIRS
Suzanne and Phil Baldwin
Parents of Jason Baldwin, Wichita State ’23
Anjali Phukan Chatelle
Katie Close
Annemarie Colosimo
Kelsey Cottle
Brandon Counts
Brittany Daffron
Laura D’Angelico
Francisco Javier De La Morena
Paul Dean
Matt DeGroot
Ramoncito Deguzman
David DeLaet
Sherry DeVilbiss
Mo Diallo
Cody Dingus
Claire Dixon
Laura Dobson
Bill and Diana Dunlop
Lauren Dunlop
Sandy Edelmann
Eagle Egelhoff
Rochelle Ekpa
Hind Elgin
Mary Ervin
Missy Etter
Cayla Etter
Gregory Fabiano
Janet Farner
Cari Fealy
Nicolette Fernandez
Joyce Ferrucci
Cody Flynn
Sean Foley
Allison Fowler
Gwyn Fox Stump
Holly Frisby
Erica Galles
Paul Gant
Bei-Ting and Kim Gao
Laura Gelinas
Charles Gibson
Alyson Gilson
Isla Gilson
Judd Gilson
Jessica Gionta
JoAnn Gionta
Marc Gmuca
Richard Goldstein
Bridget Gonnella
Stebbie Gonzales
Melody Grand
Laurie Graves
Debbie Gray Patton
Ann Haas
Carter Haigh
Dalton Haney
Katie Harford
Paige Harles
Laura Harmon
Sarah Harrington
Linda Hawley
Philip Heil
Rudy Hernandez
Mary Elizabeth Herring
Derrick Hinton
Greg Hollen
Kendel Holloway
Matt Hornyak
Emily Hughes
Cassie Jackson
Matt Jackson
Elle Jimenez
Jake Johnson
Alexandra Johnston
Seth Jones
Carol Kane
Will Kane
Kristen Kardas
Sherri Kohlbeck
Jason Kor
John Krafcik
Beverly Kramer
Matt Kranser
Jane Kratochvil
Kushida
Barrett Lane
Everett Lanter
Natalie LaRosa
Nathan Laudan
Lulu Lednik %
Ann Leech-Bates
Tom Lepperd
Nicole Lepperd
Ben Llames
Rebecca Lockhart
Laurie Lockhart
Mark Lockhart
Katie Lockhart
Sarah Lockhart
Amie LoPresti
Pedro Lora
David Low
Sally Lugar (Loving Cup)
Jennifer MacMillan
Daniel MacMillan
Brenda Maier
Amy Malek
Jessica Marcum
Clay Martin
Anna Masica
Tom Mattingly
Kelly McCarthy
Taelor McCarthy
Daniel McCoy
Thomas McGrath
Denise McNaughton
Sue McPhee
Peter Michalski
Connie Miles
Lorie Miller
Carter Mitchell
Tim Moffitt
Daniel Moore
Greg Morgan
Doug Morris
Marcus and Kristen Mungioli
Anita Neuhaus
Amy Newton
Carolyn Newton
Carlitos Nosoyo
Stuti Obryan
Theresa Olguin
Emily Olson
Marie and Chuck Onan
Kristie O’Nan
Glenn O’Nan
Nick O’Neal
Lee Ormsby
Jessica Osner
Debbie Osner
Jane Pallokat
Jeremy Paul
Lindsay Pavel
Melissa Peppers
Kelly Perkins
Bill and Cathy Perry
Tara Peters
Billy Pipkin-McNeil
Vicki Ploeckelman
Mikah Pransky
Jillian Prince
Ronda Purdin
Horse Re
Christian Reineke
Alex Reineke
Logan Reneau
Kelley Rich
Lana Richards
Alex Rickett
James Roach
Melissa Rocco
Gabriel Rundle
Erica Rundle
Paige Ryan
Jess Schauble
Diane Schindler
David Schlenker
Therese Schwind
Jamie Selby
Dale Severson
Veronica Seymour
Margo Shaw
Kathryn Shipp
Dawn Simmons
Ann Smith
CJ Smith
Elizabeth Spears
Kathryn Spears
Leslie Stebbins %
Iris Steinberg
Jon Stenger
Mary Stiebler
Sharon Stills
Zoe Storck
Lisa Sunderhaus
Crystal Sutton
Sondra Swartz
Rudes Tapalla
Keri Thurner
Paige Townley
Beth Traub
Tomasz Ubysz
Julia Ubysz
Jeffrey Voth
Sean Wagner
Suzette Walden Cole
Julie Wavrunek
Connie Wavrunek
Chuck Wavrunek
Karen Wavrunek
Erin Wendover
Terri Wheeler
Betty White
Tim Wilkinson
Benjamin Williams
Viancca Williams
Kathleen Wintch
Mike and Rohini Winters
Elizabeth Wojcik
Sarah Wolff
Natalie Yim
Pam Zamora
Neil Zehnder
Angela Zemke
Thea Zunick
Nan Zupancic
Bridge Builder
“...I AM BUILDING THIS BRIDGE FOR HIM!”
Bridge Builder Society (BBS) members are those brothers and Friends of Beta that have chosen to include the Foundation in their will or estate plans. Estate gifts from BBS members continue to be a vital source of support for both the Beta Leadership Fund (BLF) and the Founders Fund.
In 2022–2023, $27,549 was allocated from undesignated estate gifts to bolster the BLF, contributing to its ambitious goals. In addition, a total of $35,561 from estate gifts was specifically directed to the Founders Fund. This fund, functioning as a quasi-endowment, plays a crucial role by providing unrestricted distributions to support the Foundation’s purpose on an annual basis. This dynamic approach allows for the Foundation to address the immediate educational needs of the Fraternity through the BLF and to ensure financial resources are available for longterm sustainability through the Founders Fund.
Thanks to our generous donors, unwavering commitment to disciplined policies, the outstanding performance of the BLF and consistently robust investment returns, the Founders Fund has enjoyed remarkable growth over the past 18 years.
“BETA
MORE THAN 1,700% INCREASE!
TOP THREE WAYS TO JOIN THE BBS:
GIVE A CHARITABLE BEQUEST IN YOUR WILL OR LIVING TRUST TO THE BETA FOUNDATION
THETA PI
CAME
NAME THE BETA FOUNDATION AS A BENEFICIARY IN YOUR 401(K) OR OTHER RETIREMENT PLANS
OPEN A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY WITH THE BETA FOUNDATION AS EITHER THE POLICY OWNER OR BENEFICIARY
AT A PIVOTAL POINT OF TRANSITION IN MY LIFE. AS A FIRST GENERATION STUDENT, NO OTHER EXPERIENCE WAS MODELING WHAT IT MEANT TO BE A MAN IN SOCIETY, LET ALONE ONE OF PRINCIPLE. EVERY BROTHER SHOULD HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITY TO BENEFIT FROM THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTER GROWTH OUR GREAT AND GOOD FRATERNITY OFFERS . THAT IS WHY MY BETA SWEETHEART & I JOINED THE BRIDGE BUILDER SOCIETY.”
NICHOLAS SEXTON, EASTERN KENTUCKY ’11
AUBURN
Rod Hastie ’82
BALL STATE
Randy Phillips ’79
BETHANY
Alex Delgiorno ’14
Dave Butz ’60
Dick Boyd ’61
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Alan Young ’71
Jim Strilesky ’72
BROWN
Bruce Lloyd ’69
CAL STATE, CHICO
Bob Dean ’89
CASE
Hank Vernon ’68
Jim Kewley ’66
CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Terry Massie ’12
Tom Olver ’98
CENTRE
Jerry Blesch ’60
CHARLESTON
Zach Sierputowski ’16
CINCINNATI
Dave Kerka ’88
Doug Eustice ’71
El Bourgraf ’54
Tom Cassady ’76
Tom Seifert ’64
CLEMSON
Bryant Blakeslee ’06
COLGATE
Bruce Fein ’84
COLORADO MINES
Newell Orr ’48
Philip Moldenhauer ’75
COLORADO STATE
Tim Allen ’88
CONNECTICUT
Adam Porter-Price ’06
CORNELL
Phil Spiller ’95
Rick Banks ’72
DAYTON
Br. Simon Herrmann ’10
Tom Farnsworth ’09
DENISON
George Brown ’60
DEPAUW
Doug Vines ’68
Jeffery Cable ’82
EAST CAROLINA
Adam Scarboro ’06
Dave Pyle ’06
Kirk Little ’82
EASTERN KENTUCKY
Martin Cobb ’96
Mike McFerren ’77
Nick Sexton ’11
EMORY
Alan Teplis ’78
John Stebbins ’92
William Korth ’76
FLORIDA
Gary Leech ’70
Matt Paynter ’00
Mike Gable ’67
Steve Becker ’69
FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Rob Billoni ’95
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Mike Angelica ’10
Steven Cruz ’12
FLORIDA STATE
Curtiss Potter ’92
Jeff McLain ’76
GENERAL FRATERNITY ROLLS
Joel Huxley ’06
GEORGIA TECH
Arthur Smith ’75
Lynn Maddox ’64
Ted Haile ’75
GMI-EMI
Dave Hogan ’74
Ron Meegan ’69
HANOVER
Ross King ’62
Sang Han ’60
IDAHO
Bill Jordan ’69
ILLINOIS
Gant Redmon ’59
John Manczak ’71
INDIANA
Charlie McCormick ’72
Jim Roudebush ’71
Phil Goddard ’67
Tad Drew ’72
IOWA
Neal Brower ’90
Steve Bensema ’06
IOWA STATE
Bill McCulloch ’56
Bob Wiley ’87
Jud Horras ’97
Khayree Duckett ’17
Mike Dubes ’66
Ron Sande ’64
Johns Hopkins ’71
Jim McMenamin ’71
KANSAS
John Stewart ’60
Lloyd Kirk ’55
KANSAS STATE
Bill Manning ’80
Chris Althoff ’00
JD Keith ’86
Jeff Rundle ’03
Jim Porter ’64
Paul Attwater ’83
Scott Hoisington ’79
Tom Purinton ’63
KETTERING A
Matt Lepkowski ’98
LAWRENCE
Daniel Hertel ’09
Dave Schnackenberg ’90
LOUISVILLE
Bill Raizor ’71
Josh Latzko ’16
Matt Tsien ’80
Tom Chapman ’71
LYNCHBURG
Charlie Warner ’87
MAINE
George Pullen ’03
MARYLAND
Vincent Chu ’87
MIAMI
Ben Beshear ’01
Bob Wertz ’61
Jim Neef ’53
John Slavens ’67
Jonathan Brant ’75
Jeff Newton ’77
Pete Barnhart ’66
Phil Fernandez ’06
Tom Fey ’68
MIAMI (FLA.)
Peter Darrow ’09
MICHIGAN
Bill Johnson ’57
Dipper DiPaolo ’78
Jim Denbo ’63
Roger Helman ’89
MICHIGAN STATE
Russ Palmer ’56
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE
Michael Filyaw ’14
MINNESOTA
Justin Miller ’00
Ryan Marek ’12
MISSISSIPPI
Bill Lipscomb ’65
MISSOURI
Bob McKinley ’66
Carl Bolte ’51
Charlie Brown ’61
Rick Kammerer ’80
Robert Healy ’64
MIT
Ken Bryan ’88
Mike Feinstein ’82
NEBRASKA
Bruce McKeag ’68
Bud Walling ’61
Matt Roby ’07
Preston Mesick ’06
R. C. Mead ’65
NORTHWESTERN
John Mutz ’57
Justin Rutherford ’00
Paul Gudonis ’76
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN
Roger Roa ’02
OHIO
Brian Cain ’91
Dick Griffin ’65
Jeff Radomski ’81
Rick Brown ’65
OHIO STATE
Dan Westerbeck ’67
David Wright ’67
John Hopkins ’57
OHIO WESLEYAN
Eric Eickhoff ’00
OKLAHOMA
Chip Craft ’86
John Coker ’72
Koby Harrington ’09
Lance Tolson ’82
Mike Ritz ’66
OKLAHOMA STATE
Josh Fairchild ’5
Leo Meade ’79
Lou Linxwiler ’53
OREGON
Bill Crist ’68
Glen Holden ’51
John Herman ’60
2022-2023
ESTATE GIFTS
from the following individuals totaled $63,110
JAQUES CROMMELIN, CORNELL ’32
JOHN B. GOERING, CINCINNATI ’56
JOHN E. MCDANIEL, GEORGIA TECH ’42
DONORS JOINED THE BRIDGE BUILDER SOCIETY IN 2022-2023
HUGH P. WILLIAMSON JR., WESTMINSTER ’64
ALBERT L. WINEGAR, WISCONSIN ’53
These generous gifts help to advance Beta’s mission both today and for many years to come
PACIFIC
Julio Hernandez ’16
PURDUE
Cary Wood ’89
Dave Cox ’64
John Young ’56
Terri Earnest ’66
RHODE ISLAND
Jeff Flanagan ’93
RUTGERS
George Fosdick ’63
Ken Grispin ’70
SAINT LOUIS
Nick Block ’03
SAN DIEGO STATE
Fred Pierce ’84
Patrick Hidalgo ’91
SAN JOSE STATE
Aaron Vogt ’17
SMU
David Light ’64
Don Pearce ’65
John Hagerman ’63
SOUTH DAKOTA ’61
John Thietje ’61
SOUTH FLORIDA
David Schmidt ’92
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Ryan King ’01
ST. LAWRENCE
Kevin McGrath ’77
SYRACUSE
Bob Hanley ’83
Clif Heidel ’56
Marc Benshetler ’82
TCU
Kent Mire ’07
TEXAS
Hardie Bowman ’72
Michael Eubank ’83
Wade McMullen ’79
TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
Pat Connelly ’74
TEXAS TECH
Christian Ritchie ’17
Dean Stalcup ’71
TORONTO
Rob McConnell ’79
Ross Marsh ’90
TRUMAN STATE
Zach Lepperd ’16
UC IRVINE
Bryant Fiesta ’16
Christopher Ogilvie ’80
UCLA
Mike Downer ’77
Wally Chenoweth ’52
UNLV
Mike Kawazoe ’01
Willie Romero ’95
UTAH
Bob Stagg ’67
VIRGINIA TECH
Andy Wise ’10
Charlie Comer ’75
Dan Westra ’76
Wayne Kay ’73
WABASH
Bob Grand ’78
Jim Carroll ’65
JR Roberts ’83
Ron Nichols ’64
Sam Hildebrand ’61
WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON
Victor Lazzaro ’67
WASHINGTON IN ST. LOUIS
Aaron Kozuki ’05
Ferd Del Pizzo ’58
Tristan Sopp ’11
WEST VIRGINIA
Tom Gulliford ’68
WESTERN ONTARIO
Doug Reid ’58
John Birkett ’71
Scott Falconer ’82
WESTERN RESERVE
Tom Lipton ’63
WESTMINSTER
Jim Williams ’86
Mike Esser ’70
Ted Planje ’68
WICHITA STATE
Bob Smith ’67
Brian Wells ’87
Tim Watt ’80
WILLAMETTE
David Ashby ’68
Doug Houser ’57
Ethan Braden ’02
WILLIAM & MARY
Patrick Everett ’07
WISCONSIN
Bob Schnese ’83
Jim Curtis ’86
Lou Wagner ’64
Perry Atterholt ’83
FRIENDS OF BETA
Anne Emmerth
Arlene Corsiglia
Brian Breittholz
Carol Briggs
Carolyn Harmon
Chris McGill
Diane Todd
Dorotha Pitcher
Gwen Stoecklein
Helen Davis
Jane Patrick
June Cole
Kathy Tolan
Kay Wiley
Lady Smith
Lindsey Mercer
LouAnn Williams
Marilyn Klingaman
Mary Jane Meeker Stogsdill
Mona Skager
Ron Beshear
Sally Church
Sandy Northrop
Susanne Somme
“AS A RECENT COLLEGIAN WHO HAS NOW JOINED THE RANKS OF OUR ALUMNI BROTHERS, I AM CONTINUALLY AMAZED AT THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT THE BETA FOUNDATION PROVIDES TO COLLEGIATE MEMBERS LIKE ME ALL ACROSS BETA’S BROAD DOMAIN. . . . . . PROGRAMS LIKE THE WOODEN INSTITUTE WOULDN’T BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE BETA LEADERSHIP FUND. THANK YOU ALL!”
— Nathan Satterfield, Michigan ’23
Former Interfraternity Council president and Collegiate Commissioner; recipient of the Jerry M. Blesch General Secretary Leadership Award and North American Interfraternity Conference Undergraduate Award of Distinction
ways to Give
JOIN A CLUB
Many Betas and friends make their gifts through the Auto-Kai Club by setting up a recurring gift online, the esteemed John Reily Knox Club with a gift of $1,839 or more, or the Sons of the Dragon Club (collegians) with a gift of $10 or more.
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Establish a special Named Endowment Fund to make an impact in perpetuity. A minimum investment is required, and the Beta Foundation will work with you to ensure your named gift meets your intentions.
APPRECIATED STOCKS
Make a charitable gift of stock, bonds or mutual funds. And, if you were born before 1954, you may also realize a significant tax savings by making a qualified charitable distribution directly from your individual retirement account.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY.
Make your 2023-24 Beta Leadership Fund gift at gift.beta.org/ar or scan the QR code.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers offer a gift matching program to incentivize charitable giving. Your contribution to the Beta Foundation may be doubled or even tripled, so ask your employer if they participate or visit beta.org/match to use our matching gift company search tool.
THE BETA WALKWAY
More than 8,000 Betas and friends have a personalized brick in the Beta Walkway at the Administrative Office. You can also secure a place in this historic spot with a gift of $500 or more!
COACH WOODEN WOULD BE PROUD
With the last name “Wooden,” one is sure to raise eyebrows in Beta Theta Pi. After all, one of the most recognized individuals across North America is none other than Beta Brother John Wooden, Purdue ’32, the winningest NCAA basketball championship coach in history.
That’s why, when William H. Wooden IV rushed at the University of Nebraska in summer 2022, it didn’t take long for the Alpha Tau Chapter to pose the inevitable: “Any chance you’re related to Coach Wooden?”
Will responded humbly but proudly, “Actually, yes; he’s my great-great uncle.”
Not surprisingly, Will has lived up to the family name, having received the first roll number in his class, a chapter tradition that recognizes the top-performing new member. He also traveled to Oxford this past summer to attend Beta’s hallmark John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle (left).
A final twist in this good news story? Will learned his great-grandpa, William H. Wooden – Coach’s youngest brother – was also a Beta at Purdue!
(See page 34 for 17 other Campus Life stories.)
Wooden Will
UCLA coaching legend John Wooden, Purdue ‘32, holds great-great nephew Will Wooden, Nebraska ’26, during his 2006 induction into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in Kansas City.
