wright to receive shepardson award delegates grant charters to six chapters
T
he scene was repeated a total of six times: as colony representatives waited nervously outside of the legislation hall, doors flew open and the words of “There’s A Scene” filled the ballroom. In an instant, six colonies had become chapters. First was the Theta Delta Chapter at Ohio State. Recolonized in 2014, the chapter has grown to almost 100 men and raised over $8,000 for homeless youth. Next was the Beta Omicron Chapter at the University of Texas. Since their recolonization in the fall of 2015, the men have
achieved a 3.34 chapter GPA and raised over $16,000 for the Lone Survivor Foundation. Following was the historic Beta Mu Chapter at Purdue. Recolonized in 2014, they have been finalists for the Purdue Catalyst Award and ranked in the top five of 41 fraternities in GPA. Fourth was the Gamma Sigma Chapter at Willamette. Since 2014, the chapter has achieved a 3.15 chapter GPA and been home to many campus leaders. Next up was the Delta Epsilon Chapter at Puget Sound. The
SPECIAL GUESTS celebration emcee General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73, serves as master of ceremonies for tonight’s celebration banquet. He is president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego.
Tonight, Convention attendees will witness the presentation of the Francis W. Shepardson Award to former General Secretary David Wright, Ohio State ’67.
chapter is known across campus for its work with sexual assault prevention and education, even receiving local media attention when they participated in the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event.
Considered one of the Fraternity’s most prestigious awards, the Board of Trustees developed the Shepardson award in 2001 to recognize brothers who embody the spirit and dedication of Brother Shepardson and epitomize the concept of lifelong service to the Fraternity.
Finally, delegates granted a charter to the new Eta Sigma Chapter at Quinnipiac. Now home to almost 150 undergraduates and alumni, the men have seen their brothers elected to significant campus leadership roles in the IFC and beyond.
Brother Wright more than meets the criteria required for recognition. He began volunteering for Beta in 1988 and has served in both local and General Fraternity capacities: a house corporation president, district chief, regional director, member of the Foundation Board of Directors and Fraternity Board of Trustees, including six years serving as General Secretary.
With the granting of six charters, Beta now stands strong at 119 chapters and 20 colonies.
Wright will become only the twenty-fourth member of Beta Theta Pi to receive the Shepardson Award. He will accept the handsome full-lead crystal cup at tonight’s Celebration Banquet.
horras returns home NIC President & CEO and former Beta Theta Pi Administrative Secretary Jud Horras, Iowa State ’97, will be here throughout the day and will present three NIC Awards of Distinction to Beta chapters and advisors.
lugar makes the rounds Retired Senator and Men of Principle Spokesman Richard Lugar, Denison ’54, will be on site to address the newest class of Lugar Fellows and help present the Fraternity’s coveted Knox Awards.