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BETA THETA PI // 183RD GENERAL CONVENTION // TOGETHER WE RISE
WOOGLIN DAILY NEWS ATLANTA, GEORGIA // SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022
RUTHERFORD HEADLINES CONVENTION EXCURSION OREGON, GEORGE MASON RECEIVE CHARTER APPROVALS TO COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Last night, brothers traveled across Centennial Park to visit the College Football Hall of Fame. In addition to exploring the exhibits, Rivers Rutherford, Mississippi ’89, capped the night by receiving the Fraternity’s 87th Oxford Cup presented by President Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76. Being a member of the Singing Fraternity, Brother Rivers rightfully captivated the audience with a three-
song performance. He brought the crowd to their feet with hit tracks and crowd favorites he wrote: Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man,” Kenny Chesney’s “Living in Fast Forward” and Brad Paisley’s and Dolly Parton’s “When I Get Where I’m Going.” His own Beta Beta Chapter brothers and his wife joined him onsite in support. His parents were able to witness the cherished brotherhood of Beta Theta Pi — be it via FaceTime.
The Oxford Cup is the Fraternity’s highest award for professional achievement. Rivers joins two other Beta Beta brothers on the Oxford Cup Roll: U.S. Congressman Jamie Whitten ’33, and U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Ambassador Ray Mabus ’69. Prior to the ceremony, all Betas explored the College Football Hall of Fame. Some 1,100 men have been inducted, 19 having worn the Beta badge.
By unanimous vote, delegations from Oregon and George Mason were approved to receive their chapter’s charter. The Beta Rho Chapter at Oregon (top) was reestablished in the fall of 2019 and has since added more than 75 members to the 2,000-plus alumni body. The men have made considerable efforts in positively impacting their community; recently, the chapter donated over 500 teddy bears to a local hospital to give to children receiving treatments. George Mason (bottom) is set to return as the Epsilon Mu Chapter. Since its refounding, the chapter has strived to see consistent improvement in its academic performance and recruitment.
EMCEES AND SPECIAL GUESTS // SATURDAY General Fraternity House Corporation President John Stebbins, Emory ’92, hosts tonight’s Celebration Banquet, capping off the 183rd with the cherished Beta Countdown and more recognitions.
Considered the first black initiate of any NIC fraternity, Beta is proud to present the 29th Shepardson Award to Chairman of the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bill Lowry, Kenyon ’56.
Outgoing General Secretary Wayne Kay will share remarks on his tenure during the Celebration Banquet, as well as present the esteemed Knox Awards to Beta’s highest-performing chapters.