182ND BETA THETA PI GENERAL CONVENTION
THE WOOGLIN DAILY NEWS OXFORD, OHIO // SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021
WEREAFFIRM
FISCHETTE: CREATING CHANGE
INSIGHTS FROM THE BOARDROOM In Friday’s joint meeting of the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board and General Fraternity House Corporation, each board reported on their progress addressing priorities of Beta’s strategic direction. Volunteerism, specifically, continues to receive focused attention given the Fraternity’s longtime belief that volunteers are the key to local chapters’ long-term success. Ben Swartz, Connecticut ’05 (above), who concludes an almost 10-year run on
the Board of Trustees, was also honored for his dedicated service with a replica of the badge of Maj. Wyllys Ransom, Michigan 1848, who was the guiding force behind Beta’s 1879 move to become the first fraternity to openly publish its constitution. Swartz has been instrumental for the Trustees, serving most recently as General Treasurer. Brotherly appreciation was certainly a theme this year, as General Fraternity President Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76, announced
the next recipient of Beta’s Francis W. Shepardson Award: Bill Lowry, Kenyon ’56. A central figure for the Fraternity as chairman of its commission on diversity, equity and inclusion since June 2020, he currently serves on the Advisory Council after being the first Black brother to serve on a board of the General Fraternity. To be formally honored in the coming year, he will become the 28th recipient of Beta’s highest honor for service to the General Fraternity.
During Friday’s education programming, renowned speaker Jordan Fischette, Alpha Tau Omega, provided a keynote to collegiates and volunteers on his experiences with hazing. “We understand the personal aspects of hazing,” he said. “Know that fundamentally it will destroy your organization.” While his story focused on hazing, his keynote was reflective on all aspects of chapter operations that can be positively influenced by change.
IOWA STATE’S NAUGHTRIP RECOGNIZED WITH 2021 GENERAL SECRETARY LEADERSHIP AWARD Tyler Naughtrip, Iowa State ’22, was the recipient of this year’s Jerry M. Blesch General Secretary Leadership Award. The honor, recognizing an outstanding chapter member whose vision, leadership and execution significantly improved his chapter, was decided by General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73. Current IFC president and past chapter president, Naughtrip prioritized his brothers’ wellness and mental health through educational sessions and the establishment of a dedicated mental health chapter advisor, which proved especially prescient during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMCEES AND SPECIAL GUESTS | SATURDAY Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05, serves as master of ceremonies for tonight’s closing Celebration Banquet. It will include presentation of Knox Awards, NIC Awards of Distinction and the Shepardson Award.
Bert Bates, Missouri ’49, will receive the Shepardson Award tonight at the Celebration Banquet. He becomes just the sixth Beta to earn both it and the Oxford Cup, the Fraternity’s highest honor for professional achievement.
Dr. Gentry McCreary, Alpha Gamma Rho, CEO and managing partner of Dyad Strategies, will lead chapter advisors in a discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion during Saturday’s education programming.