His brothers call him J.D., but the Academy Awards know J.D. Wargo, MIT ’75, as the Oscar-winning executive producer of “Oppenheimer,” 2024 Best Picture. Read on to learn more about his quest to produce the film, along with 19 other Betas of achievement.
18 What Could’ve Been
In a twist toward the unexpected, this issue’s feature focuses on Beta’s eight most evolved heraldic symbols that could’ve been, but were never meant to be.
24
Untangling Kai
Beta’s brotherly form of signature has long been a treasured tradition within the Fraternity. But how did it come to be, and why are there so many variations?
MEN OF PRINCIPLE
28 Men of Principle at 25
The Fraternity celebrates the silver jubilee of the groundbreaking Men of Principle initiative and the beginning of one of the most influential periods in the history of Beta Theta Pi.
30 Chapter Reports
Featured alongside a quantitative 2023-24 chapter performance review, all 141 chapters reflect on highlights from this academic year.
The Beta Theta Pi
On the Cover In a collaged design, Beta teases old versions of Fraternity symbols that have evolved the last 185 years.
The first college fraternity magazine, founded December 15, 1872, by Charles Duy Walker, VMI 1869, and published continuously since.
Publication Schedule
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
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 fall, winter and spring 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.
"Old Main" Lintel Believed to Have Influenced Evolution of Beta Badge
Next to deciding the name of the Fraternity and constructing its Constitution, designing the Beta badge was a top priority for Founders Knox and Marshall. Together, they labored night after night studying the Greek lexicon to determine the Fraternity's letters and draft the Constitution. Eventually, they also settled on a design of what would become one of Beta's most treasured and identifiable symbols.
Interestingly, lintel stones were common decorative appointments in buildings at that time, often adorning the tops of doors and windows, including those of "Old Main" and the Hall of the Union Literary Society. One such stone was eventually gifted to the Fraternity's archives by Ken Shafor, Miami '54, following the razing of "Old Main" in 1958. In addition to the badge of Alpha Delta Phi, the only other fraternity at Miami, the lintel's eight-sided impression has long been believed to have influenced Knox's and Marshall's original badge design, especially given "eight earnest young men held the first meeting" on "the eighth day of the eight month of the year 1839."
The 185-year-old badge of Founder Michael Clarkson Ryan, Miami 1839, is the only original badge ever secured.
historical throwback
foreword
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
It's often been said that everyone needs a tribe, be it a close-knit family, members of one's church group or a collection of weirdo friends who just "get" you. Belonging to a pack that has your back is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
Beta Theta Pi is a tribe, and it's steeped in a tradition that believes devotedly man should not live alone. Wooglin himself even shared with a small band of brothers huddled in a farreaching grove: "What happiness [we] seek is dependent upon friendships between men." It's hard to argue with that old guy, don't you think?
So it is, as we approach Beta's 185th anniversary, that our editorial team has intentionally departed from its more serious reputation and chosen to reflect on unique characteristics of our Fraternity tribe, in particular the symbols that represent Betas' love, loyalty and concern for one another. Emblems that foster deep sentiment and affection between brothers everywhere.
Sure, it's a little more lighthearted of a magazine this quarter, but "What Could've Been," "Untangling Kai" and "Archives" all nod to Beta's symbological beginnings – recognition that, like most everything in life, things change. And (re)learning about such evolutions is good for Beta's soul and longevity.
In 1989, Peter J. Floriani, Lehigh '77, authored "Faithful Home of the Three Stars," the 150th anniversary history of our Fraternity. In his herculean, 550-page masterpiece, he opines on Beta's heraldic devices, adding substance to why we even care about them in the first place:
"Our symbols are simple, for the most part. Only a few are composite, such as the badge, but even the badge is a simple collection of more elementary symbols, not an overwhelming complexity of detail. This simplicity should not deceive the student of Beta: our simplest symbols carry the greatest meaning.
Each of the symbols have their place in the lore, song and poetry of Beta – they do not stand apart. Each contributes to a greater unity of conceptualization of the great ideals of fraternity – friendship, devotion, honor, trust."
As we're soon to kick off Beta's 185th year, may we each reflect on our personal Beta tribes and the symbols that represent those brothers who have enriched it.
Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,
"It's a little more lighthearted of a magazine this quarter, but 'What Could've Been,' 'Untangling Kai,' and 'Archives' all nod to Beta's symbological beginnings . . . Relearning about such evolutions is good for Beta's soul and longevity."
the inbox
unfiltered feedback
magazinefeedback
BETA
“Just got around to reading the article in the winter magazine on loneliness. It’s very well done!
I’m excited to be facilitating the Wooden Institute again this summer — doing what the article proposes: supporting young men on their journeys. Peace to you and in ___kai___,”
— Fr. Simon “Tim” Herrmann, Dayton ’10
“I have now received three Beta magazines and it was the first communication from Beta since I graduated. It was well received and well done. I hope it continues. Thanks.” — Gary Finerty, Dartmouth ’58
“Just wanted to send a quick note – really enjoyed the last issue of the Beta magazine, particularly the ‘Cut and Polished’ article that cited Dale Carnegie. Being a graduate (and student) of his courses and teaching – great stuff!” — Mark McCombs, Missouri ’92
“The best Beta magazines ever. I especially enjoyed the recent ‘Eponym’ highlight about President Patterson at the University of Kentucky. In my three years at UK, I never knew he was a Beta. And the back cover featuring Coach Wooden’s nephew, the articles about the Beta houses at different schools with photos of the interiors ... thanks for [the Fraternity’s] great efforts. Yours in ____kai____,” — Charles Williams, Duke ’69
“I want to offer my applause and thanks for the ‘Mr. Lonely’ article in the
winter issue of the magazine. It was excellent, and it landed in my lap at a neat moment.
The day I received my copy, I had just come from a district-wide PTA meeting with the social/emotional learning team from our district’s administrative office. They had shared some programming they’re doing with 5th-12th grade girls, and a parent asked the ‘what about boys’ question, which led to that team and me having a great convo about young men’s development. Anywho …
The timing was coincidental, so I shared ‘Mr. Lonely’ back with our SEL Team, extending our conversation about boys’ identity and supporting them in the K-12 space.
So, all that is to say thank you for Beta continuing the great work y’all have always done in this space!”
— Ryan Hilperts, Friend of Beta
“Reading the latest Beta magazine. Great seeing the piece about Illinois’s new house. Thank you for your work on the publication.” — Dan Szczesny, Illinois ’12
“Laura, I received your sympathy card today. The gesture of support was beyond kind. Indeed, I thank you from my heart. And the offer to include me in the distribution of the Beta magazine is generous ... yes, I’d like that.
I have many fond memories of the Wabash College Beta house and the wonderful men that John was proud to call his brothers.
As I write this to you in fact, I can see a burgundy-bound book in our bookcase entitled ‘Songs of Beta Theta Pi.’ I remember learning many of those songs over the course of years, which the brothers would enthusiastically sing after dinner when I’d visit John on the weekends.
Memories which bring me to my knees in these moments, however, for which I’m truly blessed to have. With heartfelt thanks,” — Laurie Mann, Beta Sweetheart of John Mann, Wabash ’77, “of ever honored memory”
broad domain
“Terrific turnout for our Year of the Dragon Festival at Li Wah restaurant in Cleveland, February 10, 2024.” — Tom Lipton, Western Reserve ’63
“Charlie’s Beta experience has been phenomenal. The opportunity for leadership and responsibility … not to mention the friend group … is just what he needed. Not that you need the reminder, but the work you do makes a real difference.” — Beta Mom email to General Secretary John Stebbins, Emory ’92
“I was reading ‘The Fury’ by Alex Michaelides in which the author said something that may resonate with college students having selfdoubts if they don’t fit in.
‘In case I am speaking to a young person now, let me give you something to hold onto: do not despair in being different, initially such a source of shame, so humiliating and painful, for it will one day become a badge of honor and pride.’” — Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76
milestones backward run
“It was with great pleasure that I received my 75-year Beta pin. As I near my 94th birthday, I still have fond memories of my time in Beta Psi Chapter.
My memories are dulled, however, by the current and past years’ fate of our once proud Beta house. We were full of leaders and athletes. Those days are apparently gone – maybe forever.
Once again, thanks for your kind remembrance.” — Joe Hushion, West Virginia ’52
[Editor’s Note: Good news, brother. The Fraternity is reestablishing your chapter at WVU this fall!]
“Initiating into Beta was a seminal moment in my life six decades ago. For the first year of my experience in Ann Arbor, I was a bit overwhelmed – there were more kids in my freshman psychology lecture than people in my entire hometown.
But, I stuck with it and was ready at the beginning of my sophomore year to explore fraternities. Apparently, I had more going for me than I realized and got interest from three houses.
Beta felt the best, so I cast my lot with them. It was the best choice and generated a solid base to advance not only on campus but in life.
In more than a few words, I appreciate your recognition
of my 63rd initiation anniversary. It was a fantastically superb decision. __kai__,” — Tom Bennett, Michigan ’63
“What a surprise!
My mail arrived, bringing the 75-year lapel pin. Sure brought back immediate, wonderful memories of Beta Kappa Chapter and my brothers … award-winning glee club, all-night work on our home coming float and turning the chapter house over to alumni for homecoming weekends are just a few highlights.
But, sharing campus life with a great bunch of guys was the best! Thanks so much for the honor.”
— Carl Laub, Ohio ’52
“Thanks for the anniversary pin for 75 years since I became a Beta. The downer? It has reminded me I’m about to turn 95.
Beta widow who’s our neighbor in Florida. She lost her husband last year.
I keep myself busy with serious philanthropy since my goal is to give it all away before I die. Cornell has been the biggest recipient with several endowed professorships and scholarships. And, yes, I have made gifts to Beta!
I have a passion for the ‘mantra’ that providing the opportunity for education to help people develop and use their God-given skills is the ultimate solution to poverty and other failures in human existence. Thanks for all you do to help our fraternity remain relevant!”
— Don Follett, Cornell ’53
She talked a lot about [Ralph] being a Beta at Yale – and how important that was to him.
She then showed us her charm bracelet where she literally had just added his Beta pin so she would be reminded of his love for the Fraternity. Was really cool; made me proud! -kai-”
— Mark Stephan, Miami ’80
A letter to the editor from C. Caldwell Hart Jr., Washington & Lee ’91, in response to last issue’s “Mr. Lonely” feature article: beta.org/mr.lonely.
March 8, 2024
Dear Brother Martin:
lettertotheeditor
I recently received my winter Beta magazine. I read the article, “Mr. Lonely,” intensely. It struck a chord with me on several levels. As someone who transitioned to remote-only work, first during COVID and later as a self-employed consultant, I felt the loss of adult interaction and camaraderie profoundly. What I know is that social media is not social connection. But neither is merely living together in a fraternity house, sharing meals, attending events and existing in close proximity.
As a society, we have become conditioned to live in the moment, with short sound bites, electronic stimulus and electronic means of correspondence. Texting and email fails on all levels to develop and nurture the bonds of true social connection. Unless the Fraternity addresses this very real communication issue simultaneously with mental health, and restructures the “social scaffolding” for this century, we will continue to face the loss of brothers, family members and friends to loneliness and suicide.
This article struck home for another reason. We lost our son to loneliness and suicide in 2017. He was a freshman at a major state university. He had supposed friends and brothers. He joined a national fraternity (not Beta) and thought he had a group of friends that would support, care and look out for him. He participated in all activities, led his pledge class, inspired the brothers and had a vision of what he thought they could and should be. He heard stories of my experience and saw my lifelong friendships born of time at Beta.
During rush he sought deep conversations with the brothers. He wanted to “know” who they were and what they were about. He invested so much time to find the right house. In the end, this group and his pledge brothers broke his heart. He felt betrayed by those who he thought would be his lifelong crew. You see, sharing meals, partying, living together and attending chapter meetings alone within the context of “social scaffolding” does not in of itself save us from loneliness. What is missing today are the conversations and verbal connections between people. These foster real connection that foster lifelong friendship.
They had a wonderful vigil for our late son, spoke glowingly of the impact he had on their lives and how he would never be forgotten. They spoke of how unique he was and the meaning of brotherhood. When we had a celebration service for him three months later not a single member of his fraternity showed up. NOT ONE! Hold onto that fact, as I want to use it as a differentiator to my Beta experience but also as a warning for our beloved fraternity in this modern era.
I am thankful I attended college in the days before electronics. I was blessed to join the Alpha Rho Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Washington & Lee in 1987. We certainly enjoyed our share of fun and antics. In those days, however, we spoke to each other. Dinners were a ruckus time filled with stories from sports, personal lives, intramurals, the IFC, trips, etc. We actually spoke to each other. Those that lived in the house formed bonds and friendship, legendary lore and myths. Now, I am not naïve enough to think that all of my fraternal connections ended in deep meaningful relationships; however, I want to share a story which signifies the difference between my son’s experience and my own.
When we were struck by the sudden loss of our beloved son, the outpouring of support from my friends and a number of my fraternity brothers was enormous. Despite 30 years since pledging and 26 years since our graduation, a number of Beta brothers attended my son’s celebration of life. I need to share a story about one in particular which speaks to the connection and meaning of true brotherhood.
One of my Beta brothers flew up on the first flight that day from D.C. to Connecticut and then drove one hour to see my wife and me. He embraced us and apologized that he could not stay, but that he “had to come.” He had his own family commitments that required him to be back in D.C. that evening. Nonetheless, he came. He spent 45 minutes with us. He listened, cried and embraced us. He apologized for having to leave before the service. Nonetheless, he came. We had not been in close contact for a few years, and yet he still came. He has no idea how much that act meant to me and my family.
Now, consider the fact that none of our son’s brothers came. They had the “scaffolding” at his fraternity, but something was missing. I know my chapter has not been perfect over the years. I know there are Beta chapters and other fraternities that have failed to live up to expectations. I live in the real world. But, my brother’s act that day is the essence of -kai-.
For many, fraternity life is parties, antics and storytelling. Years later it is easy to reminisce about those days in college. It takes real commitment, though, to make -kai- a living thing. I am thankful for my closest Beta brothers. I am thankful we lived in a time when we were able to forge meaningful bonds born from shared experiences and conversation unencumbered by electronic distractions and short memory spans of the modern age.
I may sound old in that statement. However, I think deeply that if Beta is to make a real difference in men’s lives and provide more than “social scaffolding” based on shared residential life, chapter meetings, event attendance, selfies and Instagram posts, it has to nurture the art of meaningful conversation, interaction and camaraderie. I will never forget the embrace I received that day from my brother let alone the fact that he came.
We joke about the old poster that depicts the “Beta Grip” handshake as a play-on-words for when a brother and his date embrace. The real Beta Grip is one which emulates the compassion and care my brother showed me and my family that day when he stepped away from his own family to take mine in his arms and say, “I’m here for you.” That is the real meaning of the Fraternity. Each of us should strive to make the Beta experience this meaningful.
-kai-,
C. Caldwell Hart Jr., Washington & Lee ’91 Alpha Rho Chapter
“The real Beta Grip is one which emulates the compassion and care my brother showed me and my family that day, when he stepped away from his own family to take mine in his arms and say, ‘I’m here for you.’”
P.S. I encourage the Fraternity to look into the JED Foundation. It was founded by the Satow family 25 years ago after their son, Jed, a 20-year-old University of Arizona student, took his own life. JED works with schools and organizations to prevent suicide and promote mental health. I hope sharing my story makes a difference. I truly do not want any more families to endure what we do.
Caldwell with his son, Peter, at his 2016 high school graduation.
newsworthy
fraternity updates
Four Expansions Finalized for 2024-25
Fraternity officials have confirmed next fall’s expansion plans, which will reestablish chapters at the University of Arizona (est. 1959), Auburn University (est. 1964) and West Virginia University (est.1900). Beta will also start a new chapter at Temple University in Philadelphia next winter. Student recommendations can be submitted at beta.org/ recommend; alumni volunteers can learn more at beta.org/volunteer
Two New Chapters Installed
Despite Enrollment Cliff, Chapters Hold Ground on Recruitment
Amidst the highly predicted college enrollment cliff, resulting in 1.5 million fewer students than five years ago, 119 Beta chapters took spring classes totaling 1,219 men. Combined with 2,504 recruited by 130 chapters last fall, the Fraternity squeaked out a slight manpower increase (0.5%) year-over-year.
Academic YearNew Members
2015-16 4,061 (1st)
2016-17 3,897 (2nd)
2017-18 3,781 (4th)
2018-19 3,645
2019-20 3,523
Academic YearNew Members
2020-21 2,681 (COVID-19)
2021-22 3,830 (3rd)
2022-23 3,705 (6th)
2023-24 3,723 (5th)
Approved by the General Convention in Dallas, Zeta Beta Chapter at South Florida was reinstalled by General Fraternity President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, at Le Meridien Hotel on April 6, 2024 (left: Chartering President Jaycee Perez, South Florida ’24). Theta Theta Chapter at Embry-Riddle was also installed by President Brant at the Student Union Center on May 3.
Five Chapter Status Changes
Hazing and substance abuse issues led to the suspension of two chapters this spring, Columbia (through spring 2026) and Dayton (through spring 2025).
“Failure to thrive” influenced closures at Illinois State, Rochester and the reestablishment effort at Northwestern.
beta spirit
Founding Fathers Bring Beta Spirit to Three Campuses in 2023-24
The Fraternity reestablished Beta Xi Chapter at Tulane University in New Orleans and Zeta Psi Chapter at the University of Central Florida in Orlando in 2023-24 (above: UCF’s executive officers). A new chapter was also established at the University of Nebraska at Ohama.
Three-peat: Beta Wins Top Magazine, Again
With an interfraternity-high seven awards for digital communication, writing, design, videography and story packaging, Beta was honored at the recent 2024 Fraternity Communications Association annual meeting with the coveted Yoder Award for best fraternity and sorority magazine of the year. (See back cover.)
greek headlines
Sig Ep Alum Named Seahawks Head Coach
In January, Georgia alumnus Mike Macdonald, Sigma Phi Epsilon, was hired to replace Pete Carroll, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Prior coaching stints include Georgia, Michigan and the Baltimore Ravens.
Phi Psi Alum Bequeaths $33 Million to Fraternity
July 2024
25-28 185th General Convention O xford, Ohio beta.org/convention
August 2024
15 57th Annual Northeast Ohio B eta Alumni Assoc. Steakout C anton, Ohio betasteakout.com
November 2024
8-10 Fall Board of Trustees Meeting O xford, Ohio jeff.rundle@beta.org
Learn more at beta.org/calendar. Upcoming alumni event? Email specifics to beta@beta.org!
Sorority Alumna Appointed First Female Navy Chief
Described as “a giant” within the halls of Phi Kappa Psi, real estate developer Jerry Nelson passed last July at the age of 94. Having developed more than 9,000 acres and 8,000 homes in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nelson bequeathed a $33 million life insurance policy to Phi Kappa Psi Foundation to further an operating endowment, the Nelson Leadership Institute, educational housing and chapter scholarships. It is the single largest gift to date made to an NIC fraternity.
Fraternity Men Grab Headlines Protecting U.S. Flag
UNC Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members attracted national media attention in May for protecting the American flag from campus activists protesting Israel’s war with Hamas. In response, independent organizers launched a GoFundMe campaign to recognize the mens’ patriotism, resulting in more than $515,000 in donations. Spearheaded by fund organizers, a “Pints for Patriots” party is in the works for Labor Day, with remaining proceeds going to aligned charities.
Northwestern University alumna and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Delta Zeta, was named chief of naval operations last November, becoming the first woman to hold the Navy’s highest ranking position. In so doing, she also becomes the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Levering Honored by FEA
Longtime Friend of Beta Jenny Levering Loeffelman, Delta Gamma, was honored in May by the Fraternity Executives Association with its 2024 Fraternal Excellence Award. Jenny served nine years as the director of fraternity and sorority life at Miami University and now serves as assistant vice president for student and campus life at Cornell. She is the daughter of Beta’s own Bruce Levering, Oregon State ’76
news lifelong brotherhood
Florida Atlantic’s Final Four Coach Lured to Michigan
The 2023 Final Four run by the men’s basketball team at Florida Atlantic was a Cinderella story for the ages. A 79-76 upset win over the No. 3 seed Kansas State Wildcats at Madison Square Garden, followed by a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to San Diego State that kept the Owls from going to the championship game, goes down as the most successful season in FAU history.
Given the program’s turn-around success in just six years on the job by Beta brother and Head Coach Dusty May, Indiana ’00, it’s no wonder his name has remained at the top of the list for programs with head coach openings. This spring, historic basketball programs at both the University of Louisville and the University of Michigan came knocking.
The Wolverines in Ann Arbor eventually came up victorious, as May was announced as the new head coach on March 24. “He embodies the values of high integrity and outstanding character, coupled with an unparalleled understanding of the game of basketball,” said Athletic Director Warde Manual. Born in Illinois, Dusty was a manager under IU Head Coach Bobby Knight from 1996-2000.
Photo: Junfu Han | USA Today Network
Dusty May, Indiana ’00, captured coaching headlines leading FAU’s 2023 Cinderella story.
A | Women’s Soccer Coach Announced at Marquette
An early member of Zeta Xi Chapter, Chris Allen, Truman State ’02, was named head coach of Marquette’s women’s soccer program this winter. Allen served on the Saint Louis University coaching staff the last eight years, where in 2023 the program finished 19-3-2 overall and 9-0-1 in the Atlantic-10 Conference, claimed the league’s season and tournament titles, and made its first-ever round of 16 in the NCAA Championship.
B | Two More Oscars and a Tony
Most are aware of the blockbuster movie, “Oppenheimer,” which tells the moral dilemma of the U.S. physicist who helped bring the atomic bomb to bear during World War II. Receiving seven Oscars, including 2024 Best Picture, it took years for Executive Producer J.D. Wargo, MIT ’75, to bring the biography to life after he bought the rights and all of the major studios passed on the project. J.D. is one of four biological Wargo Beta brothers who call the MIT Beta chapter home.
Steven Rales, DePauw ’73, also won a 2024 Oscar for Best Action Live Short Film for “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” and “Merrily We Roll Along” by Stephen Sondheim, Williams ’50, won four Tony Awards, including 2024 Best Musical Revival.
C | 20 Years Later, Super Trooper Still Gins Up Laughs
Never forgetting his comedic roots, Super Trooper Jay Chandrasekhar, Colgate ’90, continues to make audiences laugh via stand-up and his 2023-launched podcast, “Mustache Tales,” which features “interviews with actors, comedians, and other interesting people discussing mustaches and shenanigans.”
Photo: Kevin Mazur | Getty Images
“Gunsmoke”
Named Top Western of All Time
Esquire magazine released its 20 Best Western TV Shows of All Time in February and the first series detailed was none other than “Gunsmoke,” starring Beta’s own James Arness, Beloit ’46, as Matt Dillon, marshal of a 19th-century Kansas town. The show’s 20-season run held a television drama record for longevity until 2019 when it was surpassed by “Law & Order: SVU.”
Photo: Getty Images
D | “Fore”
the Greater Good
Born of a dream formed at the Ocala Golf Club, Kyle Sammons, Florida ’18, co-founded Fringe the Label in February to change the look and versatility of golfwear. Made in the U.S. from recycled water bottles and organic materials, Sammons hopes to offer sustainable fashion while helping the environment golfers love to play in.
E | Friedman Honored on 60th Anniversary of MLK Jr. Speech
Civil rights attorney Avery Friedman, Louisville ’68, received the Southern Christian Leadership Conference President’s Award last August at its 64th annual convention and on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Each year, the SCLC president selects an individual or organization that has made an impact on the country, positively advocated for the poor and disenfranchised, spoken for the unheard and stood for truth and justice. Friedman is a federal litigator, law professor and civil rights activist. He had a weekly legal segment on CNN for nearly 20 years, where he was a legal analyst and gave the civil rights perspective on the nation’s legal cases.
F | New York Power Player
PoliticsNY has released its 2024 Power Players in Corporate Social Responsibility, and Ed Domingo, Duke ’98, has been named to the list. A first generation Filipino-American and former CFO of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Domingo serves as president and chief operating officer of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts.
alumni news
G | Moses Named CEO
Moses Song, Centre ’92, has been named chief executive officer of ARAVest, a $9.8 billion real estate company that focuses on value-add properties in Asia Pacific’s office, retail and hospitality markets.
H | Fraternity Alum of the Year
Former Chapter Counselor and Trustee Charlie McCormick, Indiana ’72, was named Indiana University’s Herman B. Wells Greek Legacy Award honoree this spring for success in his personal and professional life.
I | Knapp Bequeaths $750k
David Knapp, Wesleyan ’49, is best known as a Top 100 Most Influential Voice by Advocate magazine following his expulsion from the Boy Scouts for being gay. His legacy grows further given his surprise $750,000 bequest to save Deer Lake, a 253-acre Boy Scout camp threatened by development.
J | Professor of the Year
Founding Father Brad Elliott, Kentucky ’13, earned his PhD at Emory but returned home to join UK’s math department in 2020. In March, he was named one of just six of the alumni association’s 2024 Great Teachers.
K | Nadeau Fires Up CMU
Scott Nadeau, Central Michigan ’89, has been elected to a two-year term as president of Central Michigan’s alumni association.
D
F
alumni news
L | Rising Through the Ranks
He was a three-sport athlete in high school, elected both chapter and IFC president, and a track-and-field All-American, which may explain why Captain Joseph L. Puntoriero, Knox ’13, is quickly rising through the Army ranks. Among a litany of commendations, including humanitarian actions in Lebanon and South Korea, he was recently tapped as the assistant senior military mentor for the 2024 U.S. Senate Youth Program Washington Week.
M | Coach Travillian Wins 250th
In his 14th season as head coach of the Maryville College women’s basketball program, Darrin Travillian, Kentucky ’96, celebrated his 250th team win late last December. The private liberal arts college is located in the Smoky Mountains just south of Knoxville.
N | College Opp Ignites Spark
Adam Krings, Lawrence ’09, recently completed the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia program at Mayo Clinic, the oldest continuously operating nurse anesthesia program in existence. Recognizing the nursing shortage across the continent, Adam remarked, “I was determined to become a nurse anesthetist after being exposed to their important role on a shadow opportunity in the operating room during my undergraduate education.”
O | Beta Vet Supporting Vets
A Vietnam veteran himself, Garry Morfit, Arizona ’65, (center) continues to support those who have served as part of the Healing Towers program he founded in 2007. An outdoor expedition program based out of Alaska, it refocuses disabled veterans through the power of mentorship, camaraderie and the great outdoors. Learn more at healingtowers.org
President Appoints Haugh to Lead NSA
President Biden’s pick to head both the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate in late December, elevating Air Force Lt. General Tim Haugh, Lehigh ’91, to the rank of Four-star General. Previously leading the Air Force’s digital and warfare information branch, Brother Haugh served as Lehigh’s chapter president 1990-91.
Photo: Getty Images
Beta’s Most Evolved Heraldic Symbols
by Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky '96 designed by Mike Roupas, Iowa '10
big Fraternity milestone is on the horizon this August and it’s sure to be reflected on by brothers around the world: Beta’s 185th anniversary. What “eight earnest young men” started so many years ago is pretty unfathomable by most, especially when considering this Fraternity is older than half the states in the Union and all 10 provinces in Canada.
Ironically, 2024 is also recognized as the Year of the Dragon according to the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. What fitting alignment for a fraternity that anoints new brothers as “Sons of the Dragon” in the final PreInitiation Ceremony.
In Chinese culture, being born in the Year of the Dragon is considered lucky, supposedly leading to better life outcomes. So, too, does membership in Beta Theta Pi, which is why it's irresistible given the timing of this particular issue not to explore Beta’s evolution of heraldic elements through the years.
In a twist toward the unexpected, let’s dwell on Beta's eight most evolved heraldic symbols that could’ve been — but were never meant to be.
COAT OF ARMS AND GREAT SEAL
In 1869, the Convention adopted a coat of arms designed by John I. Covington, Miami 1870. On a silver background, the shield featured a gold book in the upper right corner with crossed swords and a key, along with a blue band slanted from upper left to lower right with narrow borders and three gold stars. In the lower left, a laurel wreath was featured with clasped hands and a burning heart.
Consistent with other symbological changes influenced by Maj. George M. Chandler, Michigan 1898, it was altered in 1897, along with Covington's 1879 Great Seal, to void elements with little meaning and project simple designs that are true to heraldic principles.
Eliminate all elements with littlemeaning.
Correct thedragon.green
WORDMARKS
Modern protocol suggests an organization’s branding is good for about 10 years before it likely deserves a refresh or, in worst case scenarios, a complete overhaul.
Beta branding has varied widely the last 185 years, which includes the tale of inaugural Administrative Secretary Ralph N. Fey, Miami ’40, placing his first order for stationery from the local Oxford printer when he opened Beta's Administrative Office in 1949.
As the story goes, a box of letterhead with a green dragon at the top arrived a few days later. When asked the reason behind the color choice, the printer replied, “Because green ink was already on the press.” Thus, the standard was set for the next 40 years of letters coming out of the Administrative Office.
Change to gold white.and
PLEDGE PIN
Early Beta documents do not suggest the idea of “pledging” as it is now understood. In the first 30 years (1839-69), a prospect was studied carefully, then simply approached. If he accepted the invitation to join, he attended a chapter meeting and was immediately initiated by taking an oath to the reading of the Constitution.
Sometime before the pledge pin appeared in 1894, chapters pinned ribbons of the Fraternity’s colors on the prospect to announce his allegiance.
The first pledge pin was designed in the shape of the badge, an eight-sided Grecian shield of pink and
Replace ribbons with an Grecianeight-sided shield.
roseandSimplifychange to a dragon.
and blue (AI interpretation, above, since no image exists) but, maybe not surprisingly, were characterized in a March 1890 editorial in The Beta Theta Pi as “dismal failures.”
By 1890, John I. Covington, Miami 1870, shifted the vision by featuring a red rose on a blue field, surrounded by an equilateral triangle of three white stars. A white rectangular border was inset as a nod to Beta’s 1889 absorption of the Mystic Seven fraternity.
Becoming the go-to heraldic expert of the Fraternity, Maj. George M. Chandler, Michigan 1898, revised Covington’s design in 1902 to its present form.
Royalpurple, redandwhite orpinkand blue?
OFFICIAL COLORS
The 1879 Convention selected “delicate shades of pink and blue” as Beta’s official colors, one of the most hotly debated decisions in Fraternity history (also challenged in 1940, 1952 and 1982).
Preferring bolder colors, Beta’s “first great power” Maj. Wyllys C. Ransom, Michigan 1845, advocated for royal purple, while Maj. George M. Chandler, Michigan 1898, fought hard for red and white based on heraldic principles, plus they also mirrored the colors of Miami University.
In the end, impassioned efforts by chapters at Ohio Wesleyan and DePauw – that already used the "delicate shades" devotedly – led the Fraternity to adopt colors that, together, symbolize gentlemen and chivalry. Pink and blue were also difficult to produce and, sensitive to stain, symbolic of the Fraternity and how “sullied” actions bring dishonor to it.
Overseen primarily by Founder Marshall, Beta’s original badge was clearly influenced by that of Alpha Delta Phi, Beta’s older and only Miami rival. Similar in shape with a crescent moon, stars, Greek letters and founding date, Alpha Chapter eventually preferred a distinct badge rooted in Beta ideals, not one imitating its competitor.
In 1841, much to the dismay of Knox, Alpha added black enamel and replaced the inconsequential moon with a laurel wreath and diamond. The arrow-pierced-heart on the back was replaced with two hands clasped in friendship.
Badges varied widely the first 70 years depending upon a jeweler’s style and skill sets. Specified by Maj. George Michigan 1898, a uniform badge standard was adopted in 1909.
DRAGON
The prominence of the dragon in Beta Theta Pi started off unintentionally. With no evidence of deliberateness to establish an official Beta mascot, a griffin (half lion, half eagle) first graced the Fraternity’s magazine as part of an 1874 advertisement selling Beta note paper.
Followed by Cleveland artist G.G. Finn's dragon sketch for the Centre chapter's section of the 1881 Catalogue, a dragon similar to the 1874 griffin was featured on the cover of the October 1883 Beta magazine.
On that same 1883 cover, however, a rather large owl was positioned atop a Beta badge. As wisdom is widely associated with the owl, it's not hard to understand how it may have been an early candidate as a
Disregard owl in favor of dragon.the
Reject that uglyand crooked name!
NAME CHANGE
Most Betas are aware one of the first steps taken by Knox and Marshall when they founded the Fraternity was the poring over of the Greek lexicon, eventually selecting the letters Beta, Theta and Pi as the name of their new brotherhood.
What most don’t know, however, is what Beta author Peter J. Floriani, Lehigh ’77, described as “one of the most drastic proposals ever made in all of our history.”
As Founder Hardin wrote to Knox in January 1841, the young Cincinnati chapter proposed “to change the name and blessed sound of Beta Theta Pi into that ugly and crooked title, Pi Theta Kappa." Hardin concluded, "This, though not urged warmly, was most warmly rejected.”
kai Untangling
by Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky '96 designed by Mike Roupas, Iowa '10
For nearly 185 years, Beta’s brotherly form of signature has been a treasured tradition within the Fraternity. But how did it come to be, and why are there so many variations?
The badge, coat of arms and flag are three of Beta's most recognizable symbols, but one of the Fraternity's most frequent expressions is a brotherly signature used by all Betas when writing to one another.
Quickly jotted at the end of emails and letters to signify a fraternal tone, and dashed upon all types of mediums when Betas mark their presence somewhere (often with one's Roll No.), the Fraternity's mysterious form of signature is about as old as the organization itself.
With so many variations of the signature used through the decades, however, and in light of this issue's emphasis on heraldry as the Fraternity's 185th anniversary nears, Beta's editorial team couldn't resist digging through the archives to get to the bottom of two simple but puzzling questions: How did "___kai___" come to be? And what is the correct way to present it, anyway?
Go To The Source
As the great archival deep-dive of 2024 commenced, it was logical to head straight to the founding artifacts in Oxford and see how the founders, themselves, approached the matter. That alone was quite revealing, as the original July 4, 1839, Constitution in Marshall's handwriting never presents "___kai___" in any form. He simply wrote out the passwords with no reference to them being used as a secret signature.
It's not until an April 10, 1841, letter from Founder Hardin to Pater Knox that we're first introduced to what would become one of Beta's longest standing traditions. A unique brotherly signature is born as "Charley" ends his letter: "Yours with ___and___, Chas. H. Hardin." (Whether he used blanks or the words were omitted for publishing purposes appears to be unknown.)
In “Beta Letters,” Editor William Raimond Baird, Stevens 1878, reprints an 1844 note from Chapter Recorder George Hoadly, Western Reserve 1844, to James Galloway, Miami 1844. Therein, the first evidence of "and" being presented as "kai" appears, no doubt a sign of the time when the classics like Latin and Greek were taught to all students. Hoadly writes, "Our members are in excellent spirits, full of zeal and animation in the good cause of —kai—."
Different Interpretations
Baird presents Hoadly's letter with long dashes, called em dashes, on either side of kai instead of tildes (~),
short dashes or underscores. Thus, one of Beta's most extensively documented authors appears to be responsible for standardizing the em dash on either side of kai, despite if that's what was intended by Hoadly or others that followed. Given the nearly 40 years Baird anchored Beta's publishing chair, it's easy to understand how the "—kai—" format followed for so long.
Prior to Baird's late 1870s entrance on the scene, however, it is interesting that Knox's expression of brotherly love is laden with finesse and gravitas: extra long tildes (see top left corner). Francis W. Shepardson, Denison 1882, followed suit, as depicted (see far right margin) in his final letter to Knox on February 8, 1898 – unbeknownst to him at the time, the day after Knox's passing.
Variations have entered Beta culture through the years, no doubt influenced by the handwriting and typing styles of individual brothers, not to mention the evolution of communication mediums – from handwritten letters, the printing press and typewriters, to laptops and cell phones:
—and—
Written password first used by Founder Hardin in 1841
—kai—
First used by Hoadly in 1844
~kai~ Preference of Knox and Shepardson
- kaiProminent throughout 1920s-80s
___kai___
Beta Style Guide standard adopted in early 1990s
kaisja
Email signature originated by Beta director Scott J. Allen, Minnesota '95
To be sure, legibility of the early letters lays question to what was originally intended by their authors, be it tildes, dashes or underscores, compounded by the fact that Baird transcribed them and his interpretation (or preference) put the em dash pattern in motion for decades as he began his publishing marathon. As this writer's wise, humble old grandfather often said, however, "There's no need to correct a man's grammar if you know what he means."
While the Fraternity is right to adopt a uniform, public standard for its beloved written password, what really matters between brothers is the sentiment behind it.
cut and polishedrefining men of principle
Small Steps, Big Gains
The road from couch potato to fitness influencer can be long and meandering, but the journey need not be arduous. Every Beta, regardless of age or ability, can (and should) start somewhere.
Pull Up Pro
The chin-up bar: So simple in design, so intimidating in practice. With its low cost of entry and versatility to be cranked out at the gym, park or from the comfort of home, few bodyweight exercises offer a better bang for your buck than the pull up. Acing this one exercise will reap big benefits for your back, shoulders, arms and core. Can you complete even one rep to start? Great! You’re on your way.
If you can only do one pull-up, do it. Then, wait 45 seconds before doing it again. Repeat 12 times, twice each week.
Once you can do two pull-ups, things really get good. Follow this progression, performing each instance twice a week with 45 seconds of rest in between sets.
• Week 1: 6 sets, 2 reps
• Week 2: 5 sets, 3 reps
• Week 3: 4 sets, 4 reps
• Week 4: 3 sets, 6 reps
Afterwards, retest yourself aiming for 10-12 pull-ups straight. That thought may give you scary middle school gym class flashbacks right now, but several weeks in you’re sure to surprise yourself.
One Step at a Time
It’s all the rage these days to log 10,000 steps in a day. And yes, for the suburban Betas among us that may seem downright daunting. Lucky for you, meeting this expert-recommended threshold can be easily met in just a few weeks or month. Each day, just pledge to walk a little further than the day before. How?
• Park at the back of the parking lot instead of endlessly stalking for a spot up front.
• Bypass the conference room at work and propose a walking meeting instead.
• Skip the drive-thru (and crowds) and walk in instead.
• Pick the second-closest restroom instead of the one nearest you.
• Walk a lap around the store or mall before starting shopping.
• Map out your favorite haunts and lace up your sneakers for spots walkable in 10 minutes or less.
• Exit the bus or train one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.
• Commit to taking one flight of stairs before calling for the elevator, then increase that count over time.
eponyms worldwide tributes
MIT Stadium Memorializes All-American Beta Hurdler
These days, the name Steinbrenner is most closely associated with ownership of Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees, but before 1973 it had a stronger connotation with shipping magnate and Beta Brother Henry Steinbrenner, MIT 1927. Born in the Cleveland suburb of Westlake, Ohio, Steinbrenner assumed leadership over his family’s shipping line hauling ore and grain in the Great Lakes.
Steinbrenner was a leader from the get-go, having graduated atop his class with naval architecture and engineering degrees and given a track career that included team captainship, two-time All-American status and the national title in 220-yard hurdles – MIT’s first student championship.
In 1977, son George, Delta Kappa Epsilon, and daughters Susan and Judith made the lead gift to construct Steinbrenner Stadium in honor of their father. Described by MIT as its “most prominent athletic venue,” it is home to football, lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, and track and field.
Henry Steinbrenner, MIT 1927, graduated first in his class and earned MIT’s first individual athletic championship.
Photo: FourSquare City Guide
MEN OF PRINCIPLE of
“Our Men of Principle initiative will not be the choice of every man … but will be the choice of those who seek to be remarkably different, and different for the right reasons.”
– Senator Richard G. Lugar, Denison ’54 | Men of Principle Initiative Spokesman
Many have said it, and with each passing year it becomes increasingly clear: Second only to the founding itself, the birth and evolution of the Men of Principle initiative is among the most influential periods in the history of Beta Theta Pi.
By Justin Warren, SMU ’10 |
Shepherd
Designed by Sarah
men of principle
Though initially piloted in 199899, this summer marks 25 years since Men of Principle was formally introduced at the 160th General Convention in Oxford in 1999. A grand response to the deluge of Beta chapters at that time lacking consistent standards of accountability, alumni involvement, leadership training, and the resources and opportunities necessary to foster a healthy culture, what followed was a rebirth of the Beta experience centered on academics, brotherhood and an intense focus on principles and traditions.
“There were no defined formulas, no pre-existing Beta programs, no recipes or manuscripts on how best to bring the Men of Principle initiative to life,” said former staff director Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96. Yet, after receiving the framework mission, vision and goals from the 25-person Strategic Vision Steering Committee, he and 11 other devoted brothers comprising the development team tipped the crucial first domino that set the Fraternity on a path of extraordinary success and compelling results.
In addition to piloting the initiative at Nebraska, Georgia and Pennsylvania in 1998-99, summer 1999 saw the first session of what would come to be known as the John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle in Oxford. It established a precedent of Beta-sponsored leadership programming that would quickly evolve in subsequent years to include the Beta Wilderness Challenge (2001), Peter F. Greiner Leadership College (2002), Miller Nichols Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy (2005), Hugh E. Stephenson Jr. Leadership
Summit (2005), Keystone Regional Leadership Conference (2006) and Advisor Academy (2021).
There have been more than 25,000 total graduates from a Fraternity-sponsored leadership program in the 25 years since the initiative’s inception, a figure that has lent credence to Beta’s moniker as “The Leadership Fraternity” and attracted high caliber men to consider Beta Theta Pi at higher rates than ever before.
The brotherhood crossed the symbolic 10,000-collegiate-member threshold for the first time in 2016 and has hovered in that zone ever since. Equally impressive is that today’s average Beta chapter size is 73 men, markedly increased from just 49 men before Men of Principle.
as Beta Theta Pi’s chief executive officer. “Beta Theta Pi is healthy, relevant and valuable today because of the initiative and the work of so many committed members and volunteers over the last 25 years.”
The initiative’s positive and lasting effects don’t begin and end with recruitment, though. Its focus on the purpose of fraternity also reinforced the importance of academics, and in ensuing years has seen the All-Beta chapter grade point average rise from a 2.82 in 1997 to a 3.30 in 2023. Additionally, while an average Beta chapter might have expected to receive support from two total volunteer advisors in 1998, that number rose to four by 2008 and seven now in 2024.
“The recommitment to Beta’s values was critically important, but lasting progress would not have been possible without an equal commitment to higher standards, accountability, and tremendous resources and support for brothers and advisors,” said Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03, who attended the second-ever Institute for Men of Principle in 2000 and now serves
The Men of Principle initiative has been an award-winning effort, returning Beta Theta Pi to a place of relevance in the eyes of potential new members, parents, campus partners and alumni. Perhaps more importantly, it has radically altered the Fraternity’s trajectory, placing it squarely back in line with the vision its eight founders laid out in 1839.
Yet an important question remains: What will this defining initiative mean for Beta in the next 25 years?
“The energy generated by those involved in Men of Principle’s formative years was truly lightning in a bottle,” shared Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96. “What has flowed from those passionate efforts has permeated the fabric of the Fraternity. Like any business start-up or organizational renaissance, however, Beta’s future rests upon the depth of those original convictions and the degree of camaraderie and spirit necessary to fuel them.”
Twenty-five years ago, Men of Principle was the answer as Beta sought to cement its place during an uncertain time for fraternities at large. The challenges the brotherhood faces in the future will prove equally complex. Undoubtedly, though, the initiative will remain a reliable solution for whatever obstacles come Beta’s way because the principles upon which it was founded are timeless.
Reported alongside a quantitative 2023-24 chapter performance review of academics, leadership, recruitment and advisor support, all 141 chapters reflect on highlights from this academic year.
chapter reports your alma mater
Flipping the Script
For many, executing a backflip represents the pinnacle of physical achievement, inducing a dizzying sense of awe. Yet, for one extraordinary brother, the feat merely scratches the surface of his athleticism. From his humble beginnings in gymnastic classes at age three, Tomas Minc, Texas ’27, has soared to new heights as a formidable contender for Team USA.
Brother Minc has quickly made his presence known on the podium. In 2022, he silver medaled as a double mini trampoline competitor at the USA Gymnastics Championships before placing third in the same event at the World Championships. Unfortunately, his Beta Omicron Chapter new member class was one short at its Initiation Ceremony last November, as Tomas was across the Atlantic claiming gold in the team double mini at the 2023 World Championships in England. In his spare time, Tomas shares his journey and other acrobatic feats with his 750,000 followers across several social media platforms.
Photo: USA Gymnastics
Alabama
ΔΘ | Tuscaloosa, Ala. | Est. 1965
Brayden Boggan ’25 bjboggan@crimson.ua.edu
3.06 | 3.20 5 | 3 62/191 | 56 9 | 9
We hosted several philanthropy events this year, including blood drives, Beta Theta Paws supporting Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. We held an event on the one-year anniversary of the passing of our dear Brother Patterson Alward ’23, honoring him with time spent with one another.
This semester, the Eta Pi Chapter celebrated regaining our spot atop the fraternity GPA list for the fall. We had a great time connecting with other D.C. chapters at Keystone and look forward to sending delegates to the 185th General Convention in July.
Appalachian State
New Chapter | Boone, N.C. Henry Jonas ’25 jonashd@appstate.edu
2.80 | 2.96 8 | NA 25/57 | NA 8 | NA
We recently adopted a street in Boone and completed our first street cleanup. Our second annual parents weekend went just as planned, complete with a cookout and tailgate during an Appalachian State baseball game. We competed in three intramural sports throughout the year, including our standout basketball season.
Arkansas
HM | Fayetteville, Ark. | Est. 2016
Landon Robinson ’25 landon65raider@gmail.com
3.35 | NR 9 | 9 76/242 | 71 9 | 7
Over the past year, our chapter has grown immensely. We initiated roughly 80 new members, making us the second-largest chapter in Beta. Eta Mu has made great strides toward a permanent house on campus and we are closer than ever. Our continued dedication to our campus, surrounding community and academics prove the excellence of our chapter.
Baylor
ΔΨ | Waco, Texas | Est. 1980
Gavin Pickerill ’26 gavin_pickerill1@baylor.edu
3.36 | 2.90 9 | 7 20/47 | 18 6 | 5
In April, we held our first-ever Beta Bats, a home run derby raising money for our philanthropy Mentor Waco. We involved the kids who are part of the mentorship program by having them help us catch softballs in the outfield and allowing them to hit homers themselves during the fundraising event.
Bethany
Ψ | Bethany, W.Va. | Est. 1860
Ethan Wilczynski ’25 ewilczynski@bethanywv.edu
2.86 | 2.47 5 | 4 22/44 | 16 7 | 8
Through our annual Wingfest event, we raised over $2,000 for our philanthropy, Augusta Levy Learning Center. We have also made efforts to help out the community of Bethany through service, such as conducting town cleanup days and helping our neighbors with yard work.
Boise State
New Chapter | Boise, Idaho Coby Presley ’26 cobypresley@u.boisestate.edu
2.86 | 3.11 7 | 5 33/53 | 33 7 | 5
Approaching the end of the semester, our brothers presented a check for all of the philanthropic funds raised to the Women’s and Children’s Alliance at their office in Boise. The brothers that attended were thrilled to be able to present it to a cause that hits so close to home and were very appreciative of the gratitude expressed from the WCA staff.
British Columbia
ΓΟ | Vancouver, B.C. | Est. 1936 Brendan Cooper ’25 brendancooper87@gmail.com
This year, our chapter stood out as leaders on campus with a strong philanthropic presence and great intramural success. In the past three years, we have raised over $115,000 for mental health organizations. We look forward to our alumni efforts continuing to grow as we enter the next year.
Butler
AΨ | Indianapolis, Ind. | Est. 1878
Clayton Forrer ’26 cforrer@butler.edu
3.37 | 3.24 10 |
Our guys are more engaged than ever and ready to make necessary changes in our chapter. Through talks with the university, we’re inching closer to getting a house. Regardless, we’ve had a much bigger presence on campus and plan to continue building our reputation as men of principle.
Cal Poly
ΕΔ | San Luis Obispo, Calif. | Est. 1986 Cole Krueger ’25 colegkrueger@gmail.com
3.31 | 3.12 11 | 9 50/132 | 41 6 | 6
The Epsilon Delta Chapter had an exciting fall quarter. We switched our philanthropy partnership to Teach Elementary School, a recipient close to our community, and raised money through a flag football tournament, “Beta Blitz.” We are beyond grateful to the alumni who came together to purchase our chapter house!
Greek life in Ottawa is taking a big hit, but we have not let that discourage us. We participated in our school’s Relay for Life and raised $2,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society. The chapter completed our yearly actives vs. alumni hockey game where we invited many EY alumni for a friendly game of hockey.
Case Western Reserve
ΛΚ-Β | Cleveland, Ohio | Est. 1979
Pieter Verbeek ’26 pov@case.edu
NR | NR 11 | 9 7/31 | 9 10 | 9
Our most recent recruitment success in new member quality inspired our chapter to continue working toward distinguishing ourselves among our campus community and the other Beta chapters across the continent. We are sure the best is yet to come and will have even more to report next year!
Central Florida
ZΨ | Orlando, Fla. | Est. 2004
Sam Soares ’26 sa503869@ucf.edu
3.22* | 3.03 2 | NA 49/39 | NA 8 | NA
In the first year back on campus, the Zeta Psi Chapter has made great strides! We are excelling in the classroom with the top GPA among IFC peers. We’ve built strong relationships between refounding fathers and recruited our next class of great men to join our band. Stay tuned for more on our continued growth!
Central Michigan
ΕΓ | Mount Pleasant, Mich. | Est. 1985
Timothy Fortier ’25 forti1tj@cmich.edu
NR | NR 11 | 8 25/70 | 25 4 | 9
Epsilon Gamma’s favorite moment this past year was our philanthropy week. As a chapter, we decided to have all of our proceeds go to the family of a chapter alumnus who has been battling liver cancer. Being able to help a brother’s family is something our chapter will remember for years to come!
Centre
Ε | Danville, Ky. | Est. 1848
Nathan Weaver ’25 nathan.weaver@centre.edu
3.56 | 3.20 9 | 9 15/63 | 22 18 | 15
We celebrated our 175th anniversary at homecoming last October with a monumental alumni turnout to celebrate with us. This spring, we traveled to the Hall of Chapters to initiate our newest members into our brotherhood. We have had several service events in the central Kentucky area and are looking forward to more!
Chapman
HΘ | Orange, Calif. | Est. 2015
Charles harvego ’25 harvego@chapman.edu
3.23* | 3.34 10 | 8 39/99 | 33 7 | 6
Our chapter has hosted two very successful spring philanthropy events supporting the Orange County Animal Alliance and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Two of our brothers have also been elected to the IFC executive board, Brother Tanner Pierce ’25, as president and Brother Jordan Ellison ’25, as diversity, equity and inclusion chair.
Cincinnati
ΒΝ | Cincinnati, Ohio | Est. 1840
Davis Hagler ’25 davisrhagler@gmail.com
3.40 | 3.20 5 | 8 49/148 | 44 6 | 6
Our intramural basketball team won its second-consecutive basketball championship. We all had a great time celebrating our team with about 70 of us cheering them on in the stands. It was a really fun experience and we had a big celebration after the game!
Clemson
ΔΝ | Clemson, S.C. | Est. 1970
Connor Winston ’25 connorwinston18@gmail.com
3.26 | 3.21 3 | 4 33/123 | 32 3 | 4
While keeping up with academics, we have been able to plan our philanthropy week and support Grant, a child in the B+ Foundation, and got him out onto the Clemson basketball court prior to a game. We have enjoyed great brotherhood events such as our mountain weekend this past term.
Colgate
ΒΘ | Hamilton, N.Y. | Est. 1880
Justin Fedele ’25 afedele@colgate.edu
3.51 | NR 1 | 4 15/52 | 17 8 | 8
Our chapter had a successful fall semester with great participation from the brothers! We had a fantastic philanthropy event in which we hosted a co-ed pickleball tournament in support of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. One of our brothers has been involved in the foundation and we wanted to help spread awareness.
In the past year, our chapter has moved into a larger house, won multiple intramural championships and surpassed all previous philanthropy expectations. The chapter is currently at its largest size since refounding, and we look forward to seeing what we can do for the duration of 2024.
Colorado Mines
ΒΦ | Golden, Colo. | Est. 1908
Anthony Ligrani ’25 aligrani@mines.edu
3.23 | 2.80 9 | 5 20/77 | 26 7 | 7
Beta Phi revitalized its philanthropy efforts and alumni outreach over the past year. Successful philanthropy events included our Men Against Violence run to raise awareness for sexual assault, and an event making dog toys to support a local shelter. The chapter hosted an alumni meet-and-greet at the house and attended a hockey game with alumni.
Colorado State
EK | Fort Collins, Co. | Est. 1988 Jake Matullo ’26
jarimat@colostate.edu
3.13 | 3.01 9 | NA 7/11 | NA 7 | NA
Vice President of Programming Dimitry Volchansky ’26, won our school’s Emerging Leader Award at the annual Fraternity and Sorority Life awards ceremony. Brother Dimitry has bettered the chapter by promoting a positive image of Beta with different organizations on campus.
Columbia
AA | New York, N.Y. | Est. 1881 Staff: Jacob Tidwell jacob.tidwell@beta.org
NR | NR 3 | 6 18/57 | 20 5 | 6
A series of concerning missteps and risk management violations, including hazing, resulted in the suspension of the Alpha Alpha Chapter last spring. As a result, the charter will remain in the care of the Board of Trustees until Beta is eligible to resume operations in fall 2027.
beta stars | denison university
President’s Recognition | Said to “represent the best of what a classic liberal arts education can do,” Nadeem Jones, Denison ’24, was honored with the prestigious President’s Medal for exceptional leadership and accomplishment on campus. The former chapter officer is a chemistry and studio art double major and three-time conference tennis champion. The recognition illustrates the caliber of excellence within Alpha Eta Chapter, as Tait Ferguson ’23, also received the President’s Medal in 2023.
Connecticut
ΖΧ | Storrs, Conn. | Est. 2004
Ahmed Sadig ’25 ahmed.sadig@uconn.edu
3.08 | 3.26 3 | 5 31/60 | 18 3 | 4
Brothers of Zeta Chi set a new chapter record, raising $17,000 for the university’s signature philanthropy event, HuskyTHON, supporting the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. We’ve also improved recruitment efforts, initiating 21 brothers in the fall and following it up with a strong spring semester.
Cornell
ΒΔ | Ithaca, N.Y. | Est. 1879
Ron Varghese ’25 rav73@cornell.edu
3.66* | 3.49 2 | 5 13/32 | 13 12 | 12
The Beta Delta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi is proud to have finally restarted its magazine this year, further expanding outreach to alumni. This magazine will allow for continuous updates on the brotherhood, but also encourage further funding for the chapter house to be renovated through improved alumni relations
Creighton
HI | Omaha, Neb. | Est. 2015
William Harper ’25 williamharper@creighton.edu
3.61 | 3.23 12 | 10 25/98 | 28 8 | 8
Creighton Beta has had an incredibly successful term! We recruited two new member classes, both of which are already growing into their own unique roles in the chapter. We were able to raise money for both Global Partners in Hope and the Nebraska Humane Society through our favorite event, Pizza and Pups!
Dayton
HΔ | Dayton, Ohio | Est. 2009 Staff: Jacob Tidwell jacob.tidwell@beta.org
NR | NR 2 | 7 3/41 | 17 6 | 6
An incident last fall involving the forced consumption of alcohol – a form of hazing for which the Fraternity has a zero-tolerance policy – resulted in the chapter being suspended from the University of Dayton campus through spring 2025. All members have been placed on alumni status.
Delaware
ΘA | Newark, Del. | Est. 2021 Ryan Apostolico ’26 ryanapo@udel.edu
3.44* | 3.17 10 | 7 20/71 | 24 9 | 8
Our chapter has continued to strive in the areas of academics and philanthropy. We currently hold the highest GPA of all fraternities on campus and have continued to stay engaged with the community through tabling for the Sexual Assault Resource Center and a fundraiser for Garret Cares this spring.
The Alpha Eta Chapter had a very successful year. We hosted another Mental Health Gala to benefit Mental Health of America and the chapter won Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash competition! Earlier this spring, we recruited 10 new members during formal recruitment. Brothers have grown outside of the chapter in their extracurricular endeavors, as well.
Denver
AZ | Denver, Colo. | Est. 1889
Austin Shanley ’25 austin.shanley@du.edu
3.26 | 3.30 5 | 7 44/115 | 38 8 | 7
During the winter quarter, the Alpha Zeta Chapter held two socials with sororities and a brotherhood event at a Colorado Mammoth lacrosse game. Throughout the quarter we have been creating a timeline to reinstate both an annual philanthropy event and alumni event for the spring quarter.
The Delta Chapter at DePauw has been working hard to prepare the house for summer bathroom renovations which include single showers on the second and third floors. We have been working hard to prioritize GPA and on-campus commitments this year while providing a welcoming community for fellow students to relax.
Drexel
HO | Philadelphia, Pa. | Est. 2017 Andrew Moak ’25 am4826@drexel.edu
3.38* | 3.29 9 | 8 4/19 | 10 6 | 6
We successfully planned and participated in a mountain retreat with collegiate and alumni brothers of the Drexel chapter. We joined together with the West Chester chapter for a joint formal. Our chapters have grown closer in recent months and we look forward to planning more events with them next year.
Fraternity of the Year
The effects of COVID were profound on many Beta chapters, including Delta Xi at Eastern Kentucky University. Dwindling to just 25 members, her future was certainly fragile. The chapter’s historic Beta Spirit prevailed, however, thanks to the heart and passion of brothers like (left to right) Sam Jones ’24, Brandon Hinojosa ’24 and Beta legacy and former Chapter President Dylan Moore ’24. This past year the chapter doubled its membership to 53, claimed the top GPA on campus and was once again named IFC Fraternity of the Year!
East Carolina
ΕΑ | Greenville, N.C. | Est. 1983
Connor Froling ’25 cfroling03@gmail.com
2.79 | 2.79 8 | 4 23/55 | 19 9 | 10
The Epsilon Alpha Chapter has been focused on membership and academic growth throughout the past year. We have grown to become one of the largest chapters on campus and strive to be the best. Last December, we held our most successful philanthropy event for Operation Christmas Child, providing Christmas gifts for kids across the world.
Eastern Kentucky
ΔΞ | Richmond, Ky. | Est. 1971
Gabriel Disbennett ’25 gabriel_disbennet@mymail.eku.edu
3.10 | 3.03 7 | 6 41/53 | 18 8 | 8
Delta Xi earned the top fraternity GPA in spring and fall 2023 and doubled our chapter size after taking the largest new member class of all fraternities. We hosted great alumni events at Arlington and Keeneland, and participated in multiple service projects. To cap off one of the best years in recent memory, this spring we were named best fraternity on campus!
Elon
HΥ | Elon, N.C. | Est. 2019
Adam Carey ’25 acarey7@elon.edu
3.43 | 3.21 9 | 7 28/96 | 28 8 | 5
Beta Theta Pi at Elon has been diligently developing men of principle. This past semester, the chapter hosted its annual broomball philanthropy event where eight sororities participated and all proceeds went to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This moved us another step closer to achieving our goal of 1,100 service hours.
Embry-Riddle
ΘΘ | Daytona Beach, Fla. | Est. 2024
Cristian Martinez ’24 martc126@my.erau.edu
3.36 | 3.22 9 | 8 8/24 | 10 4 | 7
We hosted a successful philanthropy to support veterans and had four socials with organizations on campus. Our biggest accomplishment this year was being installed as the Theta Theta Chapter by General Fraternity President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75 at the Student Union Center on May 3.
Emory
ΓΥ | Atlanta, Ga. | Est. 1948
Adrian Valencia ’25 aevalen@emory.edu
3.26 | 3.63 1 | 4 4/19 | 10 4 | 5
During fall, we proudly celebrated 75 years of the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Emory University. We successfully hosted another alumni weekend in the spring where brothers came back to revisit campus, reunite with one another and meet with collegiate brothers and new members.
Florida
ΓΞ | Gainesville, Fla. | Est. 1930
Samuel Hall ’25 thesamjh1203@gmail.com
3.45 | 3.42 7 | 6 66/218 | 59 6 | 7
This spring, our chapter raised $35,000 through our annual philanthropy in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. In the fall, Brother John Brinkman ’25, founded a new student government party, which this spring secured the majority of Senate seats and resulted in him being elected student body president.
Florida Atlantic
ΖΔ | Boca Raton, Fla. | Est. 1995
Thomas cook ’25 thomascook2020@fau.edu
Since April 2023, the Zeta Delta Chapter has initiated its two largest spring and fall classes since refounding. We raised over $10,000 for our internal philanthropies and $15,000 for external philanthropies. Our brothers continue to be leaders on executive boards of student organizations, including president of the college radio station.
Florida Gulf Coast
ΘH | Fort Myers, Fla. | Est. 2022
Nicholas casalino ’25 ncasalino4@gmail.com
2.97 | 2.71
We hosted many successful brotherhood events, more than any previous year. We hosted a 2v2 Beta basketball tournament, trips to Orlando to watch soccer games, FIFA tournaments and attended Florida Everblades hockey games. These brotherhood events built a stronger brotherhood to help us in the future.
Florida International
ΗΓ | Miami, Fla. | Est. 2010
Giuliano Cofresi ’24 gcofresi@gmail.com
NR | NR 8 | 6 26/62 | 30 5 | 5
In the beginning of the year, our intramural basketball team won their second-straight championship and our intramural volleyball team won its championship, too. During the fall semester, our Miss Shooting Star pageant raised over $20,000 for the Live Like Bella Foundation. In January, we celebrated our local founding with alumni from our chapter.
Florida State
ΔΛ | Tallahassee, Fla. | Est. 1969 Ryan Gill ’26 ryan8gill@gmail.com
3.24 | 3.19 6 | 9 32/121 | 41 3 | 3
Delta Lambda is home to the student body president, back-to-back co-directors for Linedance – the nation’s largest Greek-run philanthropy – and an IFC executive, showcasing our commitment to service. We hosted engaging brotherhood events, strengthening bonds within our community and fostering personal growth.
Furman
ΖΛ | Greenville, S.C. | Est. 1998 John O’Neil ’24 onejo4@furman.edu
3.34* | NR 15 | 6 12/33 | 10 5 | 3
Our chapter has continued to grow this semester, as we just recently initiated nine new brothers into our ranks. We had a successful philanthropy event, a St. Patrick’s Daythemed 5k run, raising money for our local police and fire foundations.
George Mason
EM | Fairfax, Va. | Est. 1989 Phillip Dickey ’25 phillipjad@gmail.com
3.12 | 2.99 11 | 9 19/40 | 18 6 | 7
The Epsilon Mu Chapter made significant strides toward maintaining strong alumni relations by meeting our original 10 founders from the 1980s. We also had a terrific semester in terms of philanthropic efforts, raising nearly $1,600 for Paws of Honor. Finally, we hosted a first-of-its-kind event in collaboration with Oh George! restaurant.
George Washington
ΖΝ | Washington, D.C. | Est. 1997
Alec Shafran ’25 alec.shafran@gmail.com
3.41 | 3.32 1 | 5 25/97 | 35 5 | 6
The Zeta Nu Chapter has made significant strides in improving the experience of its members, placing an increased emphasis on strengthening brotherhood and philanthropy. We hosted a successful philanthropy week in mid-April to benefit NAMI, which brought the GW FSL community together in support of mental health awareness and advocacy.
This semester, our chapter formed a new mental wellness committee. After a tragic event that happened with another fraternity on campus, we saw a need for this committee. Having that as a resource within the chapter to support one another has been a benefit knowing it’s there when needed.
Georgia Tech
ΓΗ | Atlanta, Ga. | Est. 1917
Jak Marshall ’25 jak.marshall@gtbeta.org
3.64 | 3.47 8 | 10 25/94 | 25 9 | 10
We hosted our second annual Beta Lei philanthropy week to support Funding Bright Futures, a nonprofit founded by Brother Jay Patel ’25, that helps underprivileged kids worldwide. We were able to sponsor full-ride scholarships for 14 kids in developing countries to attend school for the whole year.
High Point
HΞ | High Point, N.C. | Est. 2017
Mac Esposito ’25 mesposi2@highpoint.edu
3.29 | 3.10 5 | 9 25/81 | 23 7 | 6
The Eta Xi Chapter has had steady membership growth. We presented a student at our university with the chapter’s first Men of Principle Scholarship in many years, which was a huge success. We were presented the Francis H. Sisson Award at the General Convention last year and are striving for another.
Idaho
ΓΓ | Moscow, Idaho | Est. 1914
Michael Farris ’26 michaelfarris60@gmail.com
3.19 | 3.09 11 | 8 22/69 | 22 5 | 5
Our chapter received awards for community service and chapter excellence, while Peyton Rossi ’23, was named president of the year. We also held a haunted house philanthropy event for the Vandal Food Pantry in October, which raised around $1,000 and collected hundreds of canned food items.
Illinois
ΣP | Champaign, Ill. | Est. 1902 Mathias Spitzer ’25 spitzer7@illinois.edu
3.64* | 3.31 5 | 2 9/16 | 11 5 | 5
The Sigma Rho Chapter opened a brand new chapter house back in the fall of 2023. It was host to a grand opening party and reunion weekend for Sigma Rho alumni of all generations. This spring we also hosted our first semiformal since reestablishment.
Illinois State
New Chapter | Normal, Ill.
Staff: Erin McHale erin.mchale@beta.org
NR | NR 4 | NA 1/4 | NA 4 | NA
A rare recent instance where the Fraternity pursued an expansion by way of an established interest group, the chapter fell behind in key operational areas, most notably in the recruitment and retention of members. The chapter roster had dwindled to only one active brother and was disbanded.
Indiana
Π | Bloomington, Ind. | Est. 1845
Ryan McDonald ’26 rymcdon@iu.edu
3.21 | 3.23 5 | 5 54/170 | 54 4 | 4
The Pi Chapter has had a very successful year and we have continued to cement ourselves as an elite fraternity in Beta and on IU’s campus. Our current number of initiated brothers sits at 170, with a fall new member class of 37 and a spring new member class of 15.
Iowa
| Iowa City, Iowa | Est. 1866 Ryan Bybee ’24
rjbybee31@gmail.com
3.27 | 3.09 26 | 7 49/117 | 36 4 | 8
The Alpha Beta Chapter brought in backto-back double-digit new member classes in spring ’23 and spring ’24 recruitment, the best numbers in more than 50 years. While doubling total chapter size in two years, the Iowa chapter has strengthened its pursuit of intellectual growth by holding the top GPA of all fraternities on campus.
Iowa State
ΤΣ | Ames, Iowa | Est. 1905
Lucas Annable ’26 lannable@iastate.edu
3.22 | 3.04 2 | 11 27/81 | 28 8 | 9
We have successfully made updates to the house, including new door locks, additions to our study room and a game room with a pool table, air hockey, darts and poker table. We have successfully filled the house to maximum capacity and reached a total number of 82 members during this term.
James Madison
ΘΓ | Harrisonburg, Va. | Est. 2022
Niko Marchetta ’25 nikomarchetta@icloud.com
NR | NR 10 | 7 19/78 | 38 4 | 7
Our chapter worked diligently to complete our directives and upgrade our chapter status. The chapter’s morale is much higher now than in previous months! We recently participated in the Greek Day of Service where we cleaned up trash along local train tracks.
beta stars | kettering university b
Total Beta Spirit | Were you in the path of totality for April’s solar eclipse? Kettering brothers expected around 96% maximum coverage in Flint, Michigan, so to take in the full experience of the phenomenon they packed their Beta flag and made the day trip south to Ohio and the path of totality.
John Carroll
ΗΕ | University Heights, Ohio | Est. 2010
Nicholas Brunetti ’25 nbrunetti26@jcu.edu
3.12 | 3.15 15 | 9 19/32 | 12 12 | 10
During the last year, we have grown our campus engagement by working with more sororities, philanthropic partners and student organizations. Also, we held our first event, a potluck, with Beta’s chapter at Case Western Reserve. The future continues to look bright for the Eta Epsilon Chapter.
Johns Hopkins
ΑΧ | Baltimore, Md. | Est. 1877
Arman Kian ’26 akian516@gmail.com
3.70 | 3.59 9 | 6 11/42 | 17 4 | 5
The Alpha Chi Chapter has been having a fantastic year growing our brotherhood and promoting the successes of its brothers as stand-out campus leaders. We are proud of our efforts to re-establish our alumni database, and we hosted a successful gathering during our university’s alumni weekend this April!
Kansas
ΑΝ | Lawrence, Kan. | Est. 1873
Henry Curnow ’25 hencurnow@gmail.com
3.67 | 3.19 11 | 5 25/91 | 25 10 | 10
Spring at the Alpha Nu Chapter was very busy! Our chapter hosted a basketball tournament in partnership with NMDP, which was a huge success. We have placed favorably in intramurals, finishing first in basketball, football and soccer. We also enhanced our dedication to academic excellence with the addition of a brand-new study room.
Kansas State
ΓΕ | Manhattan, Kan. | Est. 1914 Cooper Hillman ’26 chillman7@ksu.edu
3.44 | 3.12 14 | 9 38/87 | 25 8 | 6
Last fall, we moved into our newly renovated chapter house at 500 Sunset and welcomed our largest new member class ever. Since then, we have been able to complete another successful Beta Boo philanthropy week as well as host our most successful alumni event in recent history.
Kennesaw State
New Chapter | Kennesaw, Ga. Garrett Pendley ’25 garrett.pendley02@gmail.com
3.18 | 2.91 17 | 7 6/15 | 16 6 | 5
This semester we have focused hard on building the bonds between our brothers by having great event opportunities. Some of those events included watch parties, game nights, whitewater rafting and tubing at our annual brotherhood retreat on Lake Wedowee.
Kentucky
EO | Lexington, Ky. | Est. 1990
Zachary Tow ’26 zmto222@uky.edu
3.49 | NR 6 | 4 54/158 | 47 6 | 5
Our “Bring It On” philanthropy raised $70,000 and “Greek Sing” with Chi-O raised $440,671 – all benefiting Make-a-Wish. We initiated 38 men last fall and 13 this spring, making Beta UK’s largest fraternity with 158 brothers. We again retained the top GPA last fall; Dalton Bertram ’25, was elected SGA vice president; and the house is full next year for the seventh in a row!
Kenyon
ΒΑ | Gambier, Ohio | Est. 1879
Landen Prows ’25 prows1@kenyon.edu
3.52 | 3.48 9 | 6 11/34 | 10 3 | 2
The Beta Alpha Chapter is thriving. We welcomed our largest new member class in several years and have been focusing on improving our chapter’s Ritual engagement. Also, our annual Beta Theta Pi in the Face fundraiser benefiting Salvation Army was a huge success.
Kettering A
ΔΗ | Flint, Mich. | Est. 1964
Nathaniel Burton ’24 burt1876@kettering.edu
3.36 | 3.33 13 | 8 1/9 | 4 9 | 9
We were glad to have two bid acceptances. A brother and a Sweetheart both graduated this past term and 10 brothers return to campus for the upcoming summer term! This is something we have not been able to do since winter 2022. The current executive board is very passionate and ready to increase our chapter size even further.
Kettering B
ΔΗ | Flint, Mich. | Est. 1964 Ryan Bolduc ’26 bold2643@kettering.edu
3.44 | 3.32 15 | 10 4/15 | 6 12 | 12
Although we lived far apart during our winter work term, many brothers were able to meet up and hit the slopes of Nub’s Nob and Boyne Mountain on a skiing and snowboarding getaway. Additionally, we fought off the winter cold with bid returnees in a day of competitive laser tag and brotherly bonding.
Knox
Ξ | Galesburg, Ill. | Est. 1855
Liam Gallagher ’24 ltgallagher@knox.edu
2.98 | 2.95 8 | 7 8/27 | 8 6 | 8
We participated in six successful collaborations with other student-led organizations on campus, three of which were hosted by the Xi Chapter. In addition to four philanthropy and volunteer events, we had a Beta basketball team perform well against other student teams. As campus leaders, three of the six IFC executive positions are filled by Betas.
Lawrence
ΓΠ | Appleton, Wis. | Est. 1936
Matthew Dalgleish ’25 dalgleim@lawrence.edu
3.37 | 3.31 6 | 5 6/16 | 10 5 | 6
Lawrence chapter has had a Wisconsin winter warmed with Beta pride. This term, we had three philanthropy events, a revamped ritual process and made it to the finals in intramural volleyball. As brothers have been enjoying guaranteed housing for the next year, we have worked hard for an enjoyable alumni weekend in the spring term.
Louisville
ΔΠ | Louisville, Ky. | Est. 1971
Jacob Jackson ’25 jbjack04@louisville.edu
3.17 | 3.07 10 | 7 31/71 | 20 10 | 10
The Delta Pi Chapter was intramural champion for the second year in a row. We were also proud to have Brother Donovan Marcum ’26, as Louisville’s second-consecutive IFC president from the Delta Pi Chapter. Brothers also attended RaiseRed Dance Marathon and Fryberger Greek Sing.
Loyola Chicago
ΗΩ | Chicago, Ill. | Est. 2020
Alec Richter ’25 arichter1@luc.edu
3.55 | 3.12 7 | 5 5/24 | 11
The Eta Omega Chapter had the highest GPA of all fraternities with a 3.67 and multiple members embodying cultivation of the intellect with their 4.0 GPAs. In addition, the alumni have been an invaluable asset for our chapter during the spring semester, meeting with the executive board on a weekly basis.
Loyola Marymount
ΗΑ | Los Angeles, Calif. | Est. 2007
Arthur O’Neil ’25 aoneil2@lion.lmu.edu
NR | NR 1 | 4 25/77 | 22 2 | 3
Throughout this term, our chapter has held many successful philanthropy events to raise money and awareness for our upcoming Beta Boat Races event. All proceeds went to Homeboy Industries for re-entry and rehabilitation support. We have also held many alumni events, bringing our community together.
LSU
New Chapter | Baton Rouge, La. Tucker Mullenax ’27 tuckermullenax@icloud.com
2.96 | 2.95 3 | 6 19/30 | 11 3 | 6
Our chapter is all about teamwork. Because of the hard work our members put into recruitment this year, we were able to double our chapter’s size. This year, we have hosted tailgates for football and baseball season with alumni, won the fraternity beach volleyball league and spent countless hours building houses with Habitat for Humanity.
Maine
BH | Orono, Maine | Est. 1879 Ethan Drummond ’26 ethan.drummond@maine.edu
2.92 | 3.15 4 | 5 20/56 | 19 10 | 10
This term, the Beta Eta Chapter has been very successful. One of our brothers, Jacob Heartquist ’25, was elected as IFC president. Our chapter has maintained excellent financial health throughout our term as well. We have hosted several very successful philanthropy events and have raised roughly $12,500 for various charities.
Maryland
ΔΩ | College Park, Md. | Est. 1982 Yonatan Arzt ’26 yarzt@terpmail.umd.edu NR | NR 1 | 3 28/63 | 36 8 | 8
This semester, our chapter officially decided on a new philanthropy to support. Magen David Adom is an emergency response service that works with ambulances and first aid officials within Israel. We are currently planning an alumni golf tournament at the university to raise funds and donate to this cause.
Miami
A | Oxford, Ohio | Est. 1839
Stevie Hauer ’25 hauersc@miamioh.edu
3.61 | 3.17 14 | 10 44/122 | 37 9 | 9
The Alpha Chapter has been thriving. We have the best GPA (3.61) in IFC, held our second annual brotherhood week planned by Nate Madding ’25, and raised $1,000 for the Dragonfly Foundation through our annual philanthropy, Beta Rose. We also held a community engagement dinner for faculty leaders and local business owners on campus.
Miami (Fla.)
HB | Miami, Fla. | Est. 2009 Sebastian Feldman ’25 scf90@miami.edu
3.37 | 3.10 8 | 1 49/156 | 43 3 | 5
Our chapter accomplished remarkable feats, recruiting a record-setting 36-man pledge class and shattering philanthropy records by raising nearly $40,000 for The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation and Mentoring America. We secured four members on the IFC executive board, enhancing our influence and leadership within the fraternity community.
Michigan
Λ | Ann Arbor, Mich. | Est. 1845 Jack Michelini ’25 jackmic@umich.edu
3.46 | 3.51 8 | 8 8/32 | 12 7 | 7
Our fall semester started out strong as we were able to continue our annual Boat Smash over homecoming weekend to raise money for the Cancer Research Institute. After watching a great season of Michigan football, we hosted an amazing alumni event for the national championship parade.
Michigan State
ΓΨ | East Lansing, Mich. | Est. 1950 Alexander Ziouras ’26 ziourasalex@gmail.com
3.22 | 3.32 8 | 7 52/96 | 26 5 | 7
We secured our largest fall class since refounding in 2011! It was a huge step forward for us. We’re excited to announce that we won the intramural hockey championship this spring, as well. We are working hard and looking forward to another great year for the chapter!
Mr.
President
With the campaign slogan “Your Voice, Our University,” Dante Grayson, Tennessee ’25, mobilized over 100 students to create a platform advocating for transformative change within the student experience. Determined and enthusiastic, this led to his election as the next student body president at the University of Tennessee. Eager to bridge gaps between student organizations and the broader student body, Grayson is committed to creating a positive impact. Joining him as SEC student body presidents on their campuses are Beta brothers John Brinkman, Florida ’25, and Clay Van Eaton, Missouri ’25.
Minnesota
ΒΠ | Minneapolis, Minn. | Est. 1889
Mikil Foss ’26 foss0379@umn.edu
3.41 | 3.29 8 | 8 23/45 | 19 6 | 8
Our chapter hosted a very successful alumni event this past April where we commemorated members of the 2014, 2004 and 1974 classes and heard stories of their time as collegiate members. We revised our new member education program to include events that connect new members to their family tree of big brothers.
Mississippi
BB | University, Miss. | Est. 1879
Wilson Beatty ’25 wtbeatty@go.olemiss.edu
2.89 | 2.81 3 | 6 101/254 | 77 7 | 8
This past year, the Beta Beta Chapter raised a record $119,000 for our philanthropy. We are also expecting to start our new massive housing expansion in the month of May, which we are extremely excited about. We continue to stay involved in all types of student organizations and clubs, as well.
This year, the Zeta Phi Chapter had great success in academics, athletics and philanthropy. Academically, our new member class had the highest GPA among all fraternities. We hosted the inaugural Mizzou Lacrosse Cup supporting the Day Dreams Foundation, participated in the BeStrong29 Foundation hockey game and won three intramurals.
MIT
BY | Boston, Mass. | Est. 1913
Evan Hong ’25 ehong129@mit.edu
3.67 | NR 8 | 7 10/35 | 11 6 | 7
This past semester, the brothers collaborated with the other New England-area Beta chapters on cleaning up Malibu Beach. Furthermore, the brothers organized an ornament sale to support the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. The chapter had a great time during a retreat to Acadia National Park in Maine.
Nebraska AT | Lincoln, Neb. | Est. 1888 Charlie Lorkovic ’25
charlorkovic8@gmail.com
3.56 | 3.17 13 | 8 39/115 | 34 12 | 12
The Alpha Tau Chapter had another tremendous year of success across academics, social life and philanthropy. In October, we hosted our annual “Dynamo” event featuring a concert performed by active members and tent camping for all in attendance. In April, we had our “Backpack in Black” philanthropy concert in partnership with three other fraternities.
Nebraska at Omaha
New Chapter | Omaha, Neb. Johnny Do ’27
johnnydo@unomaha.edu
3.67* | 3.25 7 | NA 23/14 | NA 7 | NA
The Nebraska at Omaha chapter recruited an outstanding class of founding fathers. We had our first retreat at Mahoney State Park with plenty of memorable moments between brothers. We are still working on improving the skills needed for every member while making sure everyone has a good experience being a Beta brother.
New Jersey
ΗΨ | Ewing, N.J. | Est. 2021
Matt Smith ’25 smithm16@tcnj.edu
3.35 | 3.09
The Eta Psi Chapter made many great memories this term. We volunteered at a local soup kitchen to give back to our community. We also had a homecoming barbecue and pig roast with our alumni. Finally, some brothers played on an intramural flag football team raising money for the B+ Foundation.
North Carolina
H | Chapel Hill, N.C. | Est. 1852 Kieran Amin ’25 kieran1216@gmail.com
3.59 | 3.41 4 | 3 22/81 | 20 3 | 3
Our chapter was honored to have the highest GPA among fraternities at North Carolina for the third-consecutive semester. In addition, we raised around $9,000 to benefit UNC Children’s Hospital, engaged in community service by cleaning up the yards of elderly residents and raised awareness for men’s mental health.
North Dakota
ΓΚ | Grand Forks, N.D. | Est. 1922
Jacob Taylor ’27 jbttaylor03@gmail.com
3.07 | 3.11 9 | 6 14/35 | 12 4 | 7
This semester, we held our annual Grilled Cheese Feed philanthropy in support of local veterans. To promote the event, I agreed to shave my head once we hit our goal to raise $1,000. The philanthropy went incredibly well and we raised around $1,060. Our chapter is also in the process of developing an alumni association.
Northeastern
ΗΖ | Boston, Mass. | Est. 2013 Ryan Dust ’26 dust.r@northeastern.edu
3.72 | 3.46 4 | 7 28/77 | 20 6 | 7
The biggest highlight of the year was developing a relationship with our philanthropy partner, the B+ Foundation. Not only did we raise nearly $20,000 in 2023 (a new record for our chapter), but we’ve gotten considerably closer with our B+ Hero, Lucas. We act as older siblings to help him regain normalcy after his leukemia diagnosis and treatment.
Northwestern
P | Evanston, Ill. | Est. 1873 Staff: John Reineke john.reineke@beta.org
NR | NR 0 | NA 23/3 | NA 4 | NA
In consultation with key alumni, the decision was made to cease recruitment efforts after the Fraternity’s on-the-ground staff team encountered insurmountable recruitment obstacles and a significant attrition event that left the young group with only three new members this spring. A future return timeline will be developed with alumni and university partners.
Ohio
BK | Athens, Ohio | Est. 1841 Mason Fordyce ’26 mf800120@ohio.edu
3.00* | 3.00 5 | 3 28/91 | 31 5 | 7
Beta Kappa has been busy this spring. Our guys have grown closer through three brotherhood events: a basketball tournament, wiffle ball tournament and golf outing. The chapter has also raised over $500 for the Wounded Warriors Project and created a new alumni relations chair on our executive board.
beta stars | george mason university
Congrats Are an Order! | There’s reason to extend a salute to this brother. Matt Dadoly, George Mason ’25, (right) finished basic training in October and graduated from infantry school a mere four months after. By his side, Andrew Frohmiller ’23, (left) made the trip to Georgia to support his pledge brother and celebrate the achievement.
Ohio State
ΘΔ | Columbus, Ohio | Est. 1885
Andrew Monzel ’26 monzel.4@osu.edu
3.45 | 3.25 6 | 6 57/157 | 49 5 | 6
Over the past year, the Theta Delta Chapter has continued to expand our Brotherhood Outreach Program. The Brotherhood Outreach Program was created to give each member an outlet for any mental health concerns. Whether it be school or personal issues, we have expanded the program to always have a brother to contact when needed.
Oklahoma
ΓΦ | Norman, Okla. | Est. 1907
Tucker Dunn ’24 tuckerdunn@ou.edu
3.32* | 3.23 5 | 5 61/223 | 62 8 | 15
The Gamma Phi Chapter has had a great year. In the fall, we added 63 new members from across the country. Those new members, and the chapter as a whole, had the highest GPA among fraternities with a 3.55 and 3.45, respectively. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence here at OU.
Oklahoma State
ΓΛ | Stillwater, Okla. | Est. 1923
Matthew Muller ’26 mullermattheww@gmail.com
3.55 | 3.14 4 | 6 67/185 | 58 7 | 10
Gamma Lambda continues to be a dominant force on campus. We placed second and third in university shows, won multiple intramural championships and built an impressive housedeck in America’s Greatest Homecoming. We remain the largest fraternity at Oklahoma State, finishing second among all fraternities in fall 2023 GPA.
Oregon
BP | Eugene, Ore. | Est. 1909 Tripp Repp ’26 trippr@uoregon.edu
3.11 | 3.16 7 | 7 54/117 | 39 7 | 9
We’ve begun incredible outreach to other houses in the Greek community. With this being our first year over 100 members, we’re looking to be as involved in campus and resident life in Eugene as possible! We hosted an event at the house that allowed us to donate $1,000 to local sexual assault support awareness centers.
Pacific
HK | Stockton, Calif. | Est. 2015 Sandor Bartok ’24 sandorbartok11@gmail.com
The chapter has formed new relationships and reinvigorated old ones with campus organizations. The chapter has fought hard at preserving its household ownership and continued status as a relevant Greek organization. We have rethought our annual philanthropy event into a more accessible and entertaining series of events, allowing for better attendance.
Pennsylvania
Φ | Philadelphia, Pa. | Est. 1880 Juan Tejera ’25 juanchi@sas.upenn.edu
Vice President of Recruitment Jake Goell ’25, received the Victor W. K. Ku Memorial Award this spring. This award is presented annually to only one student in the department of mechanical engineering and applied mechanics who at the end of their junior year best exemplify the ideals of high scholarship, personal discipline and service to others.
We were awarded Highest IFC Cumulative GPA in December to add to our Sisson Award from the 184th Convention. Alongside Delta Zeta, we hosted a philanthropy dance event for Casa San Jose, a Latinx-supporting organization, and were one of the top fundraising teams for Pitt Dance Marathon benefiting Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital.
Purdue
BM | West Lafayette, Ind. | Est. 1903 Magwire Graybill ’26 mgraybil@purdue.edu
This year, the Beta Mu Chapter raised over $72,000 for the Tyler Trent Foundation and cancer research through our Buzz-a-Beta event! Members of the chapter also started a branch of the Greek Basketball Association here on Purdue’s campus. We initiated 42 new brothers into the chapter, as well!
Quinnipiac
HΣ | Wallingford, Conn. | Est. 2018
Troy Sheldon ’25 troysheldon395@gmail.com
3.37 | 3.16 10 | 6 8/34 | 16 5 | 5
The chapter successfully organized its Beta Buzzthon in December where brothers shaved their heads to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer. In April, we proudly presented our Stand Up to Cancer event, featuring performances by our brothers and fellow Quinnipiac students to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Elite Greek
Beta’s chapter at Sacred Heart is raising the bar, being named IFC Chapter of the Year for a fifth time in seven years at the 2024 fraternity and sorority life awards. Among the individual honors awarded was Most Valuable Greek, given to one of the community’s most recognizable leaders: Rafael Mahario ’25.
Brother Mahario is also a standout on the track. The sprinter lays claim to six school records, including in the 400-meter dash, where he was the Northeast Conference champion during the indoor season. With another year of racing collegiately, he’s already been invited to compete at top-tier events. Rafael has five all-conference recognitions on his resume, as well.
Photo: Elijah Abraham | LAH-GLOBAL
Rochester
HX | Rochester, N.Y. | Est. 2020
Staff: Jacob Tidwell jacob.tidwell@beta.org
NR | NR 1 | 6 0/7 | 11 7 | 7
Despite multiple interventions from staff and local volunteers, sustained recruitment challenges led to a decline in this young chapter’s membership and deficiencies in several operational areas. As a result, the chapter was disbanded this spring and all members were placed on alumni status. The charter is now in care of the Board of Trustees.
Sacred Heart
ΘB | Fairfield, Conn. | Est. 2022
Kyle Vaughan ’25 kylev2287@gmail.com
3.22 | 3.10 6 | 5 33/91 | 27 8 | 11
The Theta Beta Chapter started its fall semester by achieving a new high in philanthropy donations and raising more than $11,000 for the Thomas Matthew Milosca Foundation. We continued to hold our annual Super Bowl brotherhood event and many other brotherhood traditions.
Saint Louis
ZT | Saint Louis, Mo. | Est. 2003
Sean Cavanaugh ’24 sean.m.cavanaugh@slu.edu
3.41 | 3.19 7 | 8 39/119 | 34 4 | 4
The Zeta Tau Chapter had one of our most successful philanthropic years to date. We were awarded the 2023 Community Partner of the Year Award for our philanthropy efforts with the Women’s Safe House of Saint Louis. Beyond this, we have been thrilled to extend membership to over 30 new brothers in the past year.
Samford
ΑM | Birmingham, Ala. | Est. 1872
Jack Fraser ’24 jfraser@samford.edu
3.34* | 3.22 9 | NA 13/33 | NA 5 | NA
Since April 2023, the Alpha Mu Chapter has had a lot of firsts and our second year of operating has been a success! This past fall we established our annual philanthropy event, Halloween Film Night, and had our first semiformal. In the spring, we had our first executive committee transition and our first historian created our chapter’s website.
San Diego
ΖΩ | San Diego, Calif. | Est. 2007
Kole Karwoski ’25 kkarwoski@sandiego.edu
3.45* | 3.20 14 | 7 37/103 | 30 10 | 9
The Zeta Omega Chapter is celebrating a remarkable recruitment season, surpassing 100 current members for the first time in nearly a decade. Our ongoing philanthropic efforts with Perkins Elementary are making a meaningful impact on the youth of San Diego. Overall, it has been an exemplary semester as we approach our 20-year anniversary!
San Diego State
EB | San Diego, Calif. | Est. 1984
Tanner Dozier ’25 tdozier4036@sdsu.edu
3.10 | 3.01 13 | NA 32/53 | NA 10 | NA
We took on 31 new members this year, despite it being our second year of chapter operations since refounding. We have greatly improved the Beta experience this year with alumni relations, steadfast brotherhood building, philanthropy events and a refined new member education process. Proud to be a Beta!
San Jose State
ΖΗ | San Jose, Calif. | Est. 1995 Mason Cole-Schweizer ’25 mcoleschweizer@gmail.com
2.92 | NR 6 | 6 17/50 | 21 5 | 4
Our chapter held its second annual philanthropy week supporting Pet Partners. Many of the sororities on campus participated in the events, adding to the week’s success. In addition, we continued to work hard in academics to increase our chapter GPA.
SMU
ΓΩ | Dallas, Texas | Est. 1951 James Tota ’25 jamesptota2021@gmail.com
3.53* | NR 2 | 6 45/148 | 51 13 | 5
Since April 2023, we have worked hard in the areas of recruitment, philanthropy and academics. Our most recent spring class initiated at the beginning of March; we were able to initiate 42 great young men. We have had two philanthropy events this year that have raised approximately $18,000 combined for great causes.
South Carolina
Y | Columbia, S.C. | Est. 1858
Thomas Hoban ’26 thoban@email.sc.edu
3.33 | NR 9 | 6 60/163 | 46 5 | 4
The Upsilon Chapter recently won IFC chapter of the year for 2023 and our former president, Patrick Feiner ’24, was inducted into the South Carolina Greek Hall of Fame. Additionally, our chapter is the leading student organization involved in USC’s Relay for Life, having already raised over $6,000 and with 90% of the chapter actively involved.
The Gamma Alpha Chapter’s year has been packed with fun because about 85% (37 members) of our chapter opted to live in the house this year. We were the highest-rated, five-star fraternity on campus, having satisfied 39/40 of the university requirements. Finally, we were fortunate to receive $29,000 in scholarship donations from our alumni.
This semester has been great, from philanthropy to building brotherhood. In February, we hosted an adoption and donation event for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and every dog was adopted. Zeta Beta was also reinstalled by Fraternity President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, on April 6 at Le Meridien Hotel.
Southern California
ΓΤ | Los Angeles, Calif. | Est. 1947
Ryan G Parra ’25 rgparra@usc.edu
NR | NR 2 | 4 38/38 | 24 3 | 3
Over the past three months, the Gamma Tau Chapter has been looking for a new place to call home. Thanks to Brother Bill Fedde ’84, we have secured a new chapter house on 28th Street, the first time the chapter has been on Greek Row. We are also beginning to form our house corporation.
St.
Lawrence
ΒZ | Canton, N.Y. | Est. 1879
Artemis Joukowsky-Koprulu ’24 ejouk21@stlawu.edu
3.19 | NR 0 | 3 18/64 | 30 3 | 5
We hosted our annual Teddy Balkind Memorial Tournament philanthropy event. This event commemorated Teddy Balkind, son of Brother Jonathan Balkind ’89, who tragically lost his life playing hockey. In 24 hours, we raised over $5,000 which, for a small school, is really significant.
Stevens
Σ | Hoboken, N.J. | Est. 1879
Robert Brennan ’25 rbrenna2@stevens.edu
3.50* | 3.43 2 | 4 15/64 | 25 8 | 8
This term, our chapter welcomed a dynamic class of 13 exceptional men, enriching our Fraternity with diverse talents and vibrant energy. Additionally, we hosted a successful philanthropy event, uniting our community to support cystic fibrosis awareness. These achievements reflect our commitment to growth, service and brotherhood.
TCU
HH | Fort Worth, Texas | Est. 2014
Joseph Sudbeck ’26 joseph.r.sudbeck@tcu.edu
NR | NR 5 | 9 43/140 | 41 5 | 6
The chapter had a GPA of 3.71 in the fall – the highest among TCU fraternities. We proudly raised over $20,000 for the Giving Heart philanthropy at Cooks Children’s Hospital. We have continued expanding our philanthropy to help organizations such as Once Upon a Room and Special Olympics.
We had three brothers invited to be involved with the OSFL Future Greek Leaders program. The chapter has grown to over 160 members, including 16 new members this spring. We are very pleased with what we have accomplished but are excited to continue moving forward and develop men of principle.
Texas
BO | Austin, Texas | Est. 1866
Nick Bartlett ’26 president@texasbeta.org
3.51 | 3.44 17 | 10 51/121 | 36 6 | 6
Beta Omicron is thriving after recruiting our largest fall and spring classes since refounding. Our new executive board is making great strides in philanthropy, risk management and alumni relations. While some members are making progress on internships, Tomas Minc ’27, will be representing Team USA in the Junior Olympics for gymnastics.
Texas A&M
EH | College Station, Texas | Est. 1987
Jake Allison ’25 jakehudson2525@gmail.com
3.36 | 3.14 0 | 7 41/128 | 42 10
With full chapter engagement, Epsilon Eta recruited a fall 2023 new member class of 39. Fall chapter GPA was a 3.37 overall, placing us first among all IFC chapters with 20 or more members. We were excited about Aggie baseball alumni weekend, our spring philanthropy benefiting Disabled Outdoorsmen and other brotherhood events this past term.
Texas at Arlington
ΔP | Arlington, Texas | Est. 1971
Matthew Slovak ’25 mjs0091@mavs.uta.edu
2.75 | 2.82 11 | 8 3/6 | 8 7
The Texas at Arlington chapter was awarded the Francis H. Sisson Award, the Whitman Choral Cup, and Virginia Tech Award for Academic Excellence at the 184th General Convention. Since then, the chapter has started an alumni newsletter and started volunteer work with the UTA Volunteers Association.
Texas Tech
ΔM | Lubbock, Texas | Est. 1970
Reuben Wilkinson ’25
reuben.wilkinson02@gmail.com
2.97 | 2.88 6 | 7 45/122 | 46 5 | 6
Here at the Delta Mu Chapter, there have been many highlights this spring semester. One of which, our very own Caleb King ’25, was elected as our IFC president. We are all extremely proud of him and the contributions he is making to the Greek community at Texas Tech and on our chapter.
Toronto
ΘZ | Toronto, Ont. | Est. 1906
Luca Giavedoni ’25
lgiaved5@gmail.com
3.42* | NR 10 | 5 14/37 | 12 6 | 9
The Toronto chapter has seen incredible growth and development in the past semester. We raised hundreds of dollars for charitable organizations in Toronto and had another successful year for our Halloween food drive supporting a local food bank. Moreover, the chapter house remains as beautiful as ever.
Truman State
ZΞ | Kirksville, Mo. | Est. 1997
Elijah Fogarty ’24 epf8471@truman.edu
3.38 | 3.17 11 | 9 9/39 | 16 5 | 5
We won Greek Week for the second year in a row. We also won our 14th Knox Award and Brother Chuck Perry was awarded the NIC Undergraduate Award of Distinction. We won homecoming and Brother Brady Lisec ’24, was homecoming royalty. We raised $1,500 at our Beta Rose Pageant for our philanthropy, Avenues.
Tulane
BΞ | New Orleans, La. | Est. 1908
Nathan Chen ’26 nchen3@tulane.edu
NR | NR 3 | NA 24/22 | NA 4 | NA
We successfully reestablished the Beta Xi Chapter in the fall semester, ending up with a refounding father class of 22 brothers. Our initiation helped us strengthen our fraternal bonds. We established our executive board and look forward to advancing our chapter.
beta stars | university of san diego
Triumphant on the Mat | Skylar Tsimmerman ’27, earned an impressive win at Tap Cancer Out’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Open in February. He took down the competition on his way to the top of the podium, an impressive feat considering it was his competitive debut. Friends and Beta brothers were there to cheer him on at every matchup along the way.
UC San Diego
ΖΓ | La Jolla, Calif. | Est. 1995
Bryce Blair ’25 b1blair@ucsd.edu
NR | NR 3 | 5 24/45 | 23 9 | 10
This year, we took home the intramural tennis championship, placing both first and third place in doubles competition. We also hosted a successful philanthropy event that supported the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Finally, we began rolling out a new alumni newsletter with the help of chapter alumni.
UCLA
ΓΝ | Los Angeles, Calif. | Est. 1926
Luca Reed ’25 lucareed@g.ucla.edu
3.50* | 3.49 6 | 5 45/76 | 26 2 | 2
The Gamma Nu chapter spent time building brotherhood and raising money for our charity, Inner-City Arts, through our Beta Bash concert and Beta Gala philanthropy event. The chapter picked up a record 35 new members in fall recruitment and initiated 31.
Utah
ΓB | Salt Lake City, Utah | Est. 1913
Ryan Penz ’26 ryanpenz@icloud.com
3.51 | 3.19 18 | 5 47/129 | 41 8 | 8
Our philanthropic efforts were record-breaking with $14,322 raised in the spring and $145,000 through the last calendar year. For our work, we received the Rape Recovery Center’s Rising Youth Pillar of Hope and the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s Community Partner Award. We also broke the attendance record for our biannual alumni dinner.
Vanderbilt
BΛ | Nashville, Tenn. | Est. 1884
Alex Allen ’26 alexander.c.allen@vanderbilt.edu
3.43 | 3.60 5 | 2 7/16 | 16 7 | 4
Our chapter is proud of our philanthropic efforts benefiting underprivileged students in schools through several events. We have strengthened alumni relations with frequent newsletters and a successful homecoming in November. Our chapter has continued house improvements, including the restoration of composites dating back to the early 1900s.
Villanova
ΖΕ | Villanova, Pa. | Est. 1995
Michael Riley ’26 mriley03@villanova.edu
We were the first Greek organization on campus since 2020 to become the sponsor of a hero and his family through the B+ Foundation. We are now partners with Pascal, a 5-year-old boy battling leukemia, to be role models to him and help his family financially.
Virginia
O | Charlottesville, Va. | Est. 1855
Benjamin Harris ’25 nra2je@virginia.edu
3.61 | 3.50 0 |
In the fall, we proudly welcomed a group of alumni from the class of ’65 to the Omicron house. This term, brothers saw success on the sand volleyball court and won the intramural fraternity league. Also, local alumni matched Beta’s Men of Principle Scholarship to provide four $500 scholarships to first-year men instead of two.
Virginia Tech
AΦ | Blacksburg, Va. | Est. 1877
Jack Dockrill ’25 jdockrill@vt.edu
3.32 | 3.21 4 | 7
In 2023 the Alpha Phi Chapter was busy on a multitude of fronts. Last spring we won Virginia Tech’s IFC Chapter of the Year and then at Convention we received the Knox and Sisson Awards, as well as the H.H. Stephenson Jr. Award for Historical Research and Preservation. We’ve focused on community impact through multiple volunteering events.
Wabash
T | Crawfordsville, Ind. | Est. 1846
Luka DiFilippo ’25 ladifili25@wabash.edu
3.33 |
The chapter proudly celebrated its 175th anniversary last fall, where our brothers connected with many alumni attending. We also hosted alumni for the annual Monon Bell Game. We have been active in philanthropy this year doing Be The Match and supporting one of our brothers from another chapter.
The brothers of Beta Omega have successfully raised $59,793 for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s “Project Stella,” exceeding our goal of $50,000. This effort reflects our commitment to contributing positively to our community and supporting important cancer research initiatives.
Washington & Jefferson
Γ | Washington, Pa. | Est. 1842
Anthony DeLuca ’25 delucaaj@washjeff.edu
2.95* | 3.09 3 | 4 5/27 | 9 4 | 5
Within the last year, we collected and donated $500 to Lifewire, a foundation providing support to victims of domestic violence. We held an informational seminar about proper risk management that was available to all of Greek life and campus. A few brothers participated in a charity basketball tournament for Make-A-Wish.
Washington
in St. Louis
AI | Saint Louis, Mo. | Est. 1869
Alex Kemp ’26 a.kemp@wustl.edu
3.60 | NR 5 | 1 27/58 | 15 3 | 4
This year, we hosted live music and 3-on-3 basketball tournament philanthropy events for the HardyStrong Foundation supporting cancer research. We also built and ran a booth with Alpha Phi at the annual ThurtenE Carnival raising money for Women’s Safe House. Athletically, seven members received all-conference honors in their respective sports.
Washington State
ΓΘ | Pullman, Wash. | Est. 1920
Quinn Stauffacher ’26 quinn.stauffacher@wsu.edu
3.24* | NR 12 | 8 42/92 | 25 13 | 10
In the past few months, Gamma Theta has put a strong emphasis on brotherhood and bonding. We recently updated our chapter room which has quickly become a hangout spot for all brothers. Our brotherhood committee has done a fantastic job at boosting engagement within our chapter.
West Chester
ZΣ | West Chester, Pa. | Est. 2002
James Carbone ’25 carbonej134@gmail.com
3.10 | 2.98 13 | NA 20/32 | NA 8 | NA
Our recruitment this spring was a resounding success, nearly doubling our chapter’s size. Originally 15 brothers, we welcomed 14 new members into our brotherhood. In addition, we established a partnership with the local animal shelter, Lucky Dawg, adopting it as our chapter’s philanthropy and community service project for the semester.
We are involved in more than 25 campus organizations. In SGA, three of four class presidents are members of the chapter. We have worked hard with philanthropies, including our Beta Rose event in February and Dare-A-Beta event in April in support of CHADS Coalition. We hosted our annual faculty dinner this semester.
Whitman
ΓΖ | Walla Walla, Wash. | Est. 1916
Angelo Santos ’25 itsangelo31@gmail.com
3.02 | 2.77 3 | 2 19/36 | 10 5 | 6
Bouncing back from prior years, the Gamma Zeta Chapter had a great spring recruitment cycle. We gained eight new members this spring, the most we’ve had in recent years. This puts us at a total membership of 36 brothers, making Beta the largest fraternity at Whitman!
Wichita State
ΔΓ | Wichita, Kan. | Est. 1959
Aaron Rutherford ’25 rutherfordaaron20@gmail.com
The chapter co-hosted a community outreach event for first responders and, for the first time post-COVID, hosted our Wok N’ Roll philanthropy to raise $300 for the Wichita-Area Sexual Assault Center. At the house, we fully renovated two bathrooms, one bedroom and our volleyball pit. Brothers currently hold two of seven IFC executive positions.
William & Mary
ZY | Williamsburg, Va. | Est. 1876
Hardy Mennen ’25 hardymennen@gmail.com
The chapter won the intramural fraternity league basketball championship this semester and had a March Madness philanthropy event which raised over $1,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Additionally, Benjamin Lee ’24, finished his term as IFC president. We had a successful recruitment, adding 14 new members to our ranks.
Wisconsin
AΠ | Madison, Wis. | Est. 1873
Jared Shimelman ’26 jarshim03@gmail.com
Our intramural sports teams took home a variety of championship trophies across the fall and spring semesters. Our chapter was again involved in Wisconsin Humorology’s philanthropic efforts and raised over $50,000 this year. The chapter house is looking as beautiful as ever and there are plans for the kitchen to be remodeled this summer.
Wisconsin-Oshkosh
ZZ | Oshkosh, Wis. | Est. 1995
Michael Campbell ’26 campbellmi55@uwosh.edu
2.69* | 2.94 5 | 6 8/19 | 9 7 | 7
This year, the Zeta Zeta Chapter proudly earned Chapter of the Year at the Greek Life Awards. We’ve prioritized community connections, strengthening ties in Greek life and deepening our philanthropic efforts. Notably, we hosted Chanel Miller, author of “Know My Name,” for an enlightening keynote.
Wittenberg
ΑΓ | Springfield, Ohio | Est. 1867
Cal Tipton ’24 tiptonc@wittenberg.edu
3.08 | 3.02 5 | 5 5/16 | 8 6 | 6
This semester, the Alpha Gamma Chapter has improved quite a bit! We implemented new programs like Beta Study Table to improve our overall GPA and to emphasize academics more as a chapter. We’ve also significantly improved our internal organization and processes so that we can tackle problems more efficiently.
WPI
HΤ | Worcester, Mass. | Est. 2019
Jeremy Allen ’25 jmallen@wpi.edu
3.55 | NR 8 | 7 8/35 | 11 9 | 10
We have maintained a 3.57 chapter GPA, with 12 brothers having a 4.0. We raised nearly $1,800 for our philanthropy, African Community Education, and have done over 300 hours of community service. We have initiated nine new brothers and inducted two new members.
International Leadership
From a humble beginning of simply joining a club in high school, Brother Eric Bedrosian, Butler ’26, (center) soon found himself standing front-and-center on an international stage. He was elected Collegiate DECA’s president in April, representing over 180 global chapters and more than 4,500 members.
His legacy of leadership was first recognized when he took on the challenge of building Butler’s DECA chapter from the ground up. Today, it’s the third largest chapter around the world. Prior to his new appointment, he continued to give back to future entrepreneurs and business leaders, volunteering at Indiana’s state-wide DECA events.
Read more about Eric’s journey at beta.org/deca-eric.
Friends of Beta
Colgate
Claude M. Jones III ’63, Dec. 31, 2023 c
chapter eternal in
Mildred M. Bunker, Jan. 10
Helen B. Davis, March 19
Elaine Love, Feb. 20
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 January 16 and May 18 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.
Mary Jane Meeker, Nov. 11, 2023
Fran Redmon, March 11
Alabama
Michael D. Lyon ’72, Feb. 22
Edwin D. Stoudenmier Jr. ’78, Feb. 7
Trent Wilson ’13, Jan. 22
Amherst
Arthur D. DeLaOssa ’59, Sept. 20, 2023
Auburn
Terry W. Hosmer ’83, Dec. 31, 2023
Bethany
Donald J. Fielding ’62, March 2
Andrew E. Hare ’46, Feb. 18, 2022 c
Marinus D. Macolino ’55, May 2
Henry C. Wruble ’52, July 2, 2022
Bowdoin
George E. Bumpus Jr. ’77, Dec. 16, 2023
Bowling Green
G. R. Butler ’97, March 25
British Columbia
Ronald L. Cliff ’49, Dec. 13, 2022
Brown
Jack R. Marquis ’65, Feb. 25
Case
Richard J. Crossland Jr. ’65, April 19
Henry E. Frey Jr. ’58, Dec. 22, 2023
Stephan C. Hobson ’62, May 4, 2023 c
John R. Slobada ’66, Oct. 19, 2023 c
Jerome S. Wolf ’57, June 26, 2023
Case Western Reserve
Donald M. Zubic Jr. ’84, March 4
Centre
William C. VanInwegen ’53, Nov. 1, 2023 c
Chicago
Victor L. Andrews ’53, Jan. 21 c
Marvin P. Konertz ’54, July 3, 2023
Cincinnati
Jon E. Anderson ’70, Jan. 8
Thomas G. Ernst ’59, Feb. 16
Flags indicate Betas who served in the United States or Canadian armed forces.
Michael A. Harding ’72, Jan. 28
Carl H. Matthey, Jr ’54, Dec. 25, 2023
Colorado
Ralph K. Black ’52, April 4 c
Colorado College
James S. Johnson Jr. ’53, Feb. 22 c
Robert M. Turner ’38, Feb. 1
Colorado Mines
James S. Ault ’52, June 28, 2022 c
Cornell
Robert G. Cyprus ’57, Feb. 19 c
Harold M. Doty ’73, May 10, 2023
Theodore A. Wilson ’58, Feb. 21
Dartmouth
Peter H. Benzian ’64, Feb. 25
Jay E. Moyer ’62, March 21
John G. Skewes ’51, March 27, 2023 c
Davidson
Thomas Craven Jr. ’51, Dec. 19, 2023 c
C. P. Craver Jr. ’63, Jan. 21 c
J. G. Johnson ’72, Jan. 30 c
William G. Russell III ’53, March 23 c
Denison
Morton R. Cook Jr. ’66, April 27, 2023
Thomas A. Fernley III ’63, March 27, 2023
Robert A. Knuti ’64, July 28, 2023
Kenneth J. Luchs ’61, July 29, 2023
Denver
James P. Smith ’57, Jan. 10, 2023 c
DePauw
John A. Morehead ’57, Aug. 30, 2023
Dickinson
Andrew Y. Rogers Jr. ’65, Jan. 24
Duke
Robert G. Pfeiffer ’62, April 6
Peter N. Smolen ’69, Aug. 2, 2023
Eastern Kentucky
Sidney G. Ratliff ’75, Oct. 21, 2022 c
Douglas K. Wilson ’78, May 7
Florida
Samuel J. Garrett ’57, Aug. 14, 2022
John L. Gatz ’54, Jan. 23 c
Fran Redmon
Sigma Sigma Sigma March 11, 2024
First runner-up in the Miss Illinois pageant, Fran was also chapter president of Tri-Sigma at the University of Illinois. Passionate about the arts, in the fourth grade she met her to-be beloved Beta husband, former Vice President Gant Redmon, Illinois ’59.
George D. Matthews ’55,
Lawrence M. Stanfill ’58, Dec. 5, 2023 c
Georgia Tech
R. G. Bailey ’60, Jan. 27 c
Donald L. Chapman ’61, March 14
Ronald E. Rich ’58, Sept. 20, 2022
William A. Schaffer ’56, March 6 c
William B. Ten Eyck ’60, April 17 c
Hanover
Jon A. Ford ’58, Feb. 21
Kevin E. Lewis ’85, April 19 c
Robert F. Muhlhauser Jr. ’67, April 13
John R. Tennant ’57, April 13
Idaho
J. P. Acuff ’67, Feb. 9
Lucas J. Fitzpatrick ’10, Oct. 8, 2023
Richard R. Ioset ’50, March 5 c
Frank A. Shrontz ’53, May 3 c
Illinois
William C. Boon Jr. ’54, Jan. 2
Gerald L. Exline ’59, George L. Gfroerer ’55, Jan. 9
Lucien C. Kapp ’55, April 30
Kent M. Karraker ’58, March 24 c
Clifton N. McIntire Jr. ’54, Nov. 27, 2023
George M. Simmons ’65, Jan. 5
Indiana
Thomas A. Fribley ’76, Sept. 30, 2023
Joseph A. Greenlee Jr. ’60, June 3, 2023 c
Stephen P. Hokanson ’69, May 3
Perry McCart ’62, Jan. 17
William D. Swift ’58, Feb. 15 c
Iowa State
Jerry A. Bartley ’57, Dec. 1, 2023
Johns Hopkins
John J. Petillo ’60, Jan. 5
Kansas
Wayne L. Attwood MD ’51, Dec. 1, 2023
Gordon J. Barlow ’60, Feb. 6
George S. Benson III ’65, Feb. 7 c
Hal E. Cleavinger ’53, Sept. 16, 2022 c
Robert L. Cordill ’62, April 22 c
Alan B. Phares, Jr ’63, Sept. 15, 2023
David E. Raab ’52, April 27, 2022
John Gatz
Florida ’54
January 23, 2024
An Army veteran of the Korean War where he served in counterintelligence, John worked for 50 years as a CPA. Survived by Jane, his wife of 27 years, he was a recent Convention veteran, often earning top honors as “Most Years a Beta.”
Hal Thomas Maine ’54
January 6, 2024
An electrical engineer who designed more than 100 schools and eight of Maine’s largest hospitals, Hal was an Army veteran and outdoor enthusiast, sailing, skiing and playing hockey into his ‘80s. He served devotedly as district chief for 10 years.
Kansas State
Hugh P. Howe ’54, March 17
Joseph R. Reppert ’65, April 6 c
Monte W. Wedel ’83, May 17, 2022
Kurt C. Wilbur ’83, March 9
Knox
Lawrence E. Hund ’65, March 27
S. C. Judson ’58, Aug. 13, 2022
Thomas F. Strobel ’43, Sept. 9, 2023
Lawrence
Brian K. Beck ’59, Dec. 20, 2023 c Matthew P. Gray ’02, April 16
Robert J. Schaupp ’51, April 15 c
Maine
Robert S. Davis ’60, March 21 c
Charles S. Perkins ’51, March 23, 2023
Erle B. Renwick Jr. ’47, May 15, 2022
James P. Rice Jr. ’49, Feb. 10, 2023 c
Harold W. Thomas ’54, Jan. 6
Miami
Earl M. Johnson ’33, March 20
John G. Perrin ’69, March 14
Thomas D. Reed ’67, Sept. 26, 2022
William D. Shardelow ’55, Feb. 22
Michigan
William L. Carr ’65, Feb. 1, 2023
Vaughn T. Gresly ’65, Feb. 12
Richard H. Robison ’74, Aug. 30, 2023
Daniel E. Tolfree II ’55, Feb. 1 c
Michigan State
Steven R. Christie ’02, Jan. 17
Robert E. Pingry ’53, Dec. 10, 2023
Minnesota
James D. Acers ’64, Aug. 31, 2023
Cornelius H. Hook Jr. ’51, June 25, 2022
Jay T. McCluskey ’61, Jan. 13, 2023
James A. Reese ’60, Feb. 18
Mississippi
Paul J. Wright ’80, April 16
Missouri
Carl E. Bolte Jr. ’51, Jan. 25
Charles E. Brown ’61, Feb. 5
Jack R. Jones ’53, April 10 c
Robert W. Keith ’47, Jan. 28
Jay L. Milne MD ’57, April 23
Robert K. Pugh ’62, March 18 c
Carl Bolte
Missouri ’51
January 25, 2024
A Navy captain in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Carl was a passionate philanthropist, including roles as Rotary president, Goodwill Industries chairman and 180-pint blood donor. In Beta circles, he was most known for his love of composing Beta songs.
Nebraska
Ronald J. Bucklin ’61, Feb. 13
Lynn D. Dvorak ’73, April 15
Michael J. Hanich ’70, Jan. 1, 2022
North Carolina
James W. Curtis Jr. ’50, Jan. 27, 2022
Charles T. Donegan ’73, March 3
William S. Leake Jr. ’65, Dec. 10, 2023
Ian A. Munn ’77, Oct. 20, 2023
David L. Skalski ’77, Dec. 6, 2023
Albert L. Sneed Jr. ’65, April 14 c
North Dakota
Michael J. Berg ’66, Feb. 11
William C. Morris ’52, Jan. 30 c
Northwestern
Frederick C. Fowler III ’55, March 22
Ohio
Robert B. Foster ’59, Nov. 24, 2023
Jim L. Greene ’56,
Bradley G. Inskeep ’77,
James S. Ochsenhirt ’66, March 15, 2023 c
Clayton F. Riley ’50, Jan. 20 c
Wesley L. Sedgwick ’55, May 17, 2023 c
Ohio State
John R. Agler ’48, June 12, 2023 c
George H. Collins ’63, March 26
James D. Shane ’51, March 14
George I. Slaman ’56, Dec. 16, 2023 c
Ronald C. VanBuren MD ’55, Jan. 21 c
Micheal L. Watts ’76, March 14
Oklahoma
Michael S. Burke ’80, Nov. 30, 2022
E. P. Couch MD ’63, Jan. 18
Robert L. Dale, MD ’60, Nov. 15, 2023
Kenneth R. Feagins ’85, March 11
Donald H. Garrett ’63, March 30
Donald W. Hassebroek ’62, Feb. 2
William O. Johnstone ’69, Feb. 25
Stanley M. Ward ’61, March 10
Oklahoma State
Richard R. Abernethy ’53, March 3 c
Andrew D. Briscoe ’53, Jan. 28 c
Samuel P. Clark ’55, June 13, 2023
Larry L. Field ’60, March 24, 2022
John G. Hollingsworth ’60, Jan. 18 c
George T. Lazenby ’77, Dec. 22, 2023
Charlie (C.E.) Brown
Missouri ’61
February 5, 2024
Loyal to Lebanon High School, the University of Missouri and Beta Theta Pi, Charlie was staunch in his advocacy for youth sports and personal growth. Throughout life he was passionate about investing in Beta at Mizzou and through the Beta Foundation.
Donald E. Rippetoe Jr. ’73, March 8
Collin D. Sanders ’18, Feb. 23, 2023
Joseph C. Steadman ’55, Sept. 27, 2023
James L. Sughru ’73, Dec. 19, 2023
Dwight V. Terry Jr. ’62, April 22 c
Oregon
Glen A. Holden ’51, April 18 c
Thomas R. Lyon ’54, May 28, 2023
Michael G. Parich ’76, Feb. 3
Jon A. Paulsen ’79, Oct. 29, 2023
Oregon State
Gerald G. Chadburn ’53, April 15 c
Clifford R. Forbes ’57, Dec. 30, 2022 c
Keith H. Osborn ’52, Dec. 19, 2023
Penn State
Raymond M. Binkley ’55, March 11 c
Terry E. Fry ’72, March 9 Charles E. Ramsey Jr. ’73, Feb. 20
John D. Urban Jr. ’60, April 16
Albert W. Wick Jr. ’54, Oct. 9, 2022 c
Frank M. Wick ’54, June 11, 2023 c
Pennsylvania
Robert M. Flood Jr. ’52, Oct. 20, 2022
Pepperdine
Majid Mojibi ’02, Sept. 18, 2022
Purdue
William O. Fifield ’68, March 22
Jeffrey K. Joslin ’79, May 8
Phillip L. Zellers ’64, Jan. 25
Rutgers
David L. Blackwell ’78, May 25, 2023 c
George D. Fosdick ’63, May 10
George M. Lasky Jr. ’77, Jan. 11, 2022
Sewanee
Ronald B. Swymer ’78, Jan. 6
SMU
William G. Bowen Jr. ’81, Jan. 10
Charles L. Cabe ’65, Nov. 24, 2023
South Dakota
Marlo D. Goodroad ’55, Oct. 1, 2022
Robert J. Graff ’58, Dec. 28, 2023
George W. Jenter ’68, Oct. 23, 2022
Joseph P. Trotzig ’45, Dec. 14, 2022
Floyd I. Viel ’69, Feb. 7
George Fosdick
Rutgers ’63
May 10, 2024
A volunteer firefighter for nearly 60 years, a Master Mason and an Eagle Scout, George was a beloved fixture in the village of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. There, he served as a history teacher, as well as mayor for nearly 30 years.
Southern California
Truman T. Ackerson MD ’64, Oct. 21, 2023
Emile L. Faure ’63, June 12, 2023
Eric G. Mah-Hing ’09, July 6, 2023
St. Lawrence
Roger W. Greene ’56, Sept. 28, 2023
Henry B. Hoffman ’56, Dec. 27, 2023
Syracuse
Charles N. Lee ’46, June 7, 2022 c
Henry W. Tedeschi III ’84, April 11
David L. Wood ’52, Feb. 10
Texas
Edwin W. Killian ’73, Jan. 22
James K. Tidwell ’70, Feb. 1
Texas Tech
Christopher M. Christanelli ’02, Sept. 14, 2023
Ronald D. Howell ’96, March 5
Toronto
Robert A. Ridgway ’61, Aug. 29, 2023
Donald J. Tefft ’61, Feb. 5
Tulane
Richard H. Gilliam Jr. ’49, Jan. 28, 2023 c
UCLA
Charles N. Quigley ’52, Feb. 1, 2022
Union
Joseph A. Barone ’53, April 26
Frank Rapant Jr. ’51, March 6, 2023
Utah
L. J. Ellsworth ’61, March 13 c
William P. Harlin Jr. ’77, June 19, 2023
Vanderbilt
Lee C. Dale ’06, Jan. 22
Elton A. Herrick III ’52, Feb. 20, 2022
Lemuel M. Reed Jr. ’65, March 7 R. S. Wilson ’75, May 5
Virginia
Garrett W. Kirksey ’53, Feb. 21
Virginia Tech
Erik W. Lytikainen ’88, Feb. 26
Wabash
John K. Mann ’77, June 10, 2023
Matt Creighton
Western Ontario ’84
April 19, 2024
Successful in the insurance and medical device industries before retiring in 2022, Matt was known for his warmth, thoughtfulness and non-stop volunteerism. A former house corp president, his mantra was, “I’d rather burn out than rust out.”
Washington
Dale E. Brooks ’60, Jan. 27
Richard A. Daubert ’57, Sept. 27, 2023
Bruce A. Nordstrom ’55, May 18 c
Nat R. O’Day ’53, Aug. 8, 2023 c
Donald E. Petersen ’46, April 24 c
Robert L. Regan ’51, Jan. 24, 2022
Jack G. Strother ’63, Dec. 21, 2023
Washington & Jefferson
Allan F. Doelling ’55, March 20
Robert P. Vivian Jr. ’71, Dec. 21, 2023
Washington and Lee
Edward B. Harris Jr. ’59, Aug. 31, 2022
Washington in St. Louis
Norris J. Benedict ’50, Jan. 1
Thomas H. Teasdale ’56, April 27, 2022
William J. Williams ’52, Jan. 12, 2022
Washington State
William T. Campbell ’54, Sept. 11, 2023
Weber State
Kent R. Waldron ’95, Aug. 6, 2023
West Virginia
Albert G. Barnett ’61, March 29
John C. Boyd ’62, March 13
William M. Wyckoff ’45, Nov. 29, 2022 c
Western Ontario
Matthew D. Creighton ’84, April 19
George S. Dembroski ’56, Feb. 26
Ian M. Underhill ’62, April 29
Ronald C. Warden ’92, Jan. 6
Western Reserve
John R. Murphy ’47, March 11 c
Ralph S. Sylvester ’65, Jan. 6
Westminster
James W. Hensley ’60, Feb. 22
Whitman
Edwin R. Heberlein ’50, May 29, 2022
Willamette
George W. Hoyt ’58, April 3 c
Williams
James M. Murphy Jr. ’64, March 5
Wisconsin
Thomas E. Anderson ’54, March 14 c
Warren R. Rebholz ’57, Sept. 2, 2023 c
Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Scott D. Katzer ’00, Nov. 29, 2023
Yale
Stephen Adams ’59, March 14
Born from what former NBC Nightly News Anchor Tom Brokaw coined as “The Greatest Generation,” Betas of the Great Depression and World War II era remain national treasures. The Fraternity lost five such brothers this spring, all “industry giants” who were honored with the Oxford Cup, Beta’s highest honor for professional achievement.
Frank Shrontz
Idaho ’53
May 3, 2024
Commissioned into the Army before joining Boeing in 1958, Frank was appointed assistant secretary of the Air Force in 1973 and assistant secretary of defense in 1976.
Rejoining Boeing in 1977, he became the company’s president in 1985, CEO in 1986 and chairman in 1988. He also served on the boards of 3M, Chevron and the Seattle Mariners baseball club.
Former chapter president, and one of six Idaho Betas in his family, Frank was a major benefactor to both his Gamma Gamma Chapter house and the Beta Theta Pi Foundation.
Bob Schaupp
Lawrence ’51
April 15, 2024
Drafted into the Army after graduation, Bob spent his career as an executive in the logistics industry.
He served Beta for decades, including house corp president, president of the Fox Valley Alumni Association, General Fraternity trustee and President, and Beta Foundation director. Generous beyond belief, he gifted the Administrative Office’s grand piano, a nod to Lawrence’s music program and decades of Whitman Choral Cups earned by his chapter.
He is survived by a large family, including grandson and former Chapter President Konrad Siebert, Nebraska ’14
Amb. Glen Holden
Oregon ’51
April 18, 2024
After serving in the Army, Glen enrolled at Oregon where he joined Beta and was elected both chapter and IFC president.
Building a successful insurance career pioneering the variable annuity and products adopted by most life insurance companies, he sold The Holden Group to Metropolitan Life. In 1989, he was named Ambassador to Jamaica by President George H.W. Bush.
For his generosity, Oregon’s Beta house is named Holden Hall and the Greek Life office is housed in the Holden Leadership Center. Glen was an acclaimed polo enthusiast and Pepperdine University regent.
Bruce Nordstrom
Washington ’55
May 18, 2024
Grandson of Swedish immigrant John W. Nordstrom who founded a small shoe store in Seattle in 1901, Bruce joined Beta at Washington in 1952 and entered the family business in 1958 after serving in the Army.
Bruce became president of Nordstrom in 1963 and served twice as chairman.
“Loyalty and pride may be the two things I believe in most,” he shared during his Oxford Cup remarks.
“I’ve always been proud to say I work at Nordstrom, and I’ve always been proud to say I’m a Beta.” The Fraternity boasts 10 Nordstrom alumni, including Bruce’s sons, Blake ’82, Peter ’84, and Erik ’85
Don Petersen Washington ’46 April 24, 2024
Enrolled at Washington while serving in the Navy during World War II, Don also served in the Korean War from 1951-52.
Beginning in 1949, Don spent 41 years with Ford Motor Company. Named president and chief operating officer in 1980 and chairman in 1985, his inclusive, team-oriented management style is credited with rescuing the company, notably by “saving the soul” of the Mustang.
Hailed “CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive Magazine in 1989, he also served on the boards of Boeing, Dow Jones and HP.
Outside the date range of this Chapter Eternal listing, the June 11 passing of Oxford Cup honoree Howard Fineman, Colgate ’70, will be properly memorialized in the fall issue.
CEO, Boeing
Ambassador to Jamaica
CEO, Nordstrom
CEO, Ford Motor Company
CEO, P&S Investments
A MOMENT TO CELEBRATE
IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, THE 2024 GIVING DAY CHALLENGE SAW A RECORD-BREAKING 2,789 DONORS RAISE A RECORDBREAKING $518,950 FOR TODAY’S MEN OF PRINCIPLE.
BETA THETA PI GIVING DAY CHALLENGE
A TIME TO ACT
Missed your chance to participate? The Beta Foundation is on the march to raise $1,250,000 for the Beta Leadership Fund by next spring. Show your support year-round at beta.org/give.
San Jose State Betas at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Southern California.
Honored in 2016 and 2020, The Beta Theta Pi magazine was once again named top fraternity and sorority magazine of the year by the Fraternity Communications Association. Rules require four years lapse before a winning organization can again be eligible, resulting in Beta’s first-ever three-peat.
