The Beta Theta Pi Magazine (Spring 2008)

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Commitment to Community

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AN EVERY DAY IMPACT “There are many ways we can help our Fraternity as volunteers... even if it’s just sharing a simple lesson about the importance of paying an old speeding ticket.”

Wayne Huddleston District Chief XXXII

Professional:

Corporate Training Account Manager, Tarrant County College District

Alma Mater(s):

University of Texas at Arlington (Delta Rho); Texas Christian University

Degree(s):

1998 - Bachelor of Business Administration 2002 – Master of Business Administration

Hobbies:

Backpacking, sports of all kinds, getting involved in the local community

A decade ago, I was given an incredible opportunity to work for our Fraternity as a leadership consultant. During that time I developed some of my most cherished friendships and gained a greater appreciation for the principles and values that guide our Fraternity. I was also fortunate to pick up a few important life and Beta lessons along the way. One such life lesson was discovering how an unpaid speeding ticket earned long ago in another state can come back to bite you when you least expect. More importantly though, those years on the road traveling from chapter to chapter taught me that advisors can make all the difference.

During my travels to more than 40 chapters, I never encountered a struggling chapter that had a capable advising team in place. At the same time, I never encountered a successful chapter that did not have at least one advisor engaged in the crucial work of nurturing leadership and modeling the values we hope to instill in our undergraduate brothers.

Advisors truly made the difference then and they continue to do so today.

Beta Theta Pi has developed tremendous leadership resources in recent years.

However, just as it is true at the chapter level, these leadership resources will not reach their full potential without the involvement of an even greater number of volunteers.

Not everyone has the time, or lives close enough to a chapter, to serve as an advisor, but everyone can volunteer in some way.

Help an undergraduate brother experience convention for the first time by contributing to a leadership fund, identify a capable advisor for a local chapter or organize an alumni gathering. There are many ways we can help our Fraternity as volunteers . . . even if it’s just sharing a simple lesson about the importance of paying an old speeding ticket (it’s really important, trust me).

Consider what you can do for Beta today and get involved. I have no doubt you will discover a rewarding experience.

The Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Vol. 135/No. 4

18 Students of the World

Three young Betas make a difference in the lives of thousands, proving that this generation of young men have a lot of talent and a lot to offer society.

[Spring Contents] FEATURES 8 14

Historical Museum

The Alpha Chapter completes a unique project that will preserve its rich history for generations to come.

Good Kids

An impressive program aimed at getting kids off the streets, Artworks has brightened Seattle in more than one way.

18 Departments 4 5 6 9 10 12 26 28 32 34 35

From the Editor News & Notes Books by Betas Alumni News Marching Along Center Stage Campus Leaders Sports RoundUp Mystic Shrine The Last Word A Lasting Moment

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22 The Beta Theta Pi The Offical Magazine of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

The oldest continuously published college fraternity magazine, The Beta Theta Pi was founded December 15, 1872, by Charles Duy Walker, V.M.I. 1869.

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Head Strong

In its 10th year, Colorado School of Mines’ Ski-A-Thon continues to exceed expectations.

Fulfilling a Promise Norton Tennille said he would teach one day. That promise took him to Africa.

Dreams of Flight The home of the world famous Spruce Goose is also a tribute to the life of a loyal Beta.

Spring 2008

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[From the Editor] Commitment to Community

BETA THETA PI FRATERNITY Founded 1839, Miami University BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GENERAL SECRETARY

Charles W. Warner, Lynchburg ’87

PRESIDENT

On Sunday nights, I love to sit down in front of the TV to watch the latest episode of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The personal stories are always so compelling and the emotion of the “Move that bus!” moment at the end always seems to tug at my heartstrings. There’s just something uniquely inspiring about a community coming together to embrace a family and provide them with a proper place to call their own.

As a new home owner, I’m quickly becoming better acquainted with the concept of community. Not only have I joined my new neighbors, but I’ve also become a part of the Illustration by Roger Warrick community of individuals who have greater expertise than I do. My real estate agent is a Beta. My insurance agent . . . he’s a Beta, too. The many friends who continue to help me along this journey? You guessed it. They are my brothers . . . because the Fraternity is such a significant part of my community.

Watching friends and family walk through the house for the first time, I’m enjoying the experience of seeing the place through fresh perspectives.

There’s a world of possibilities when it comes to renovation projects, color schemes, furnishings and the like. I’m comforted by the experience they bring to the table and the advice they continue to share, and am proud to welcome them into my home.

I’m finding an extreme sense of pride in home ownership. Four acres may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s my four acres . . . well, for now, it’s the Bank’s four acres, but it feels like mine. After all, the Bank isn’t cleaning out the gutters, raking the leaves or clearing the brush! Still, were it not for the Bank’s important role, I wouldn’t have this unique opportunity.

The combination of being part of something bigger and sharing our experiences and expertise with others leaves us with an indelible feeling of community. To be sure, each of us belongs to a community of communities.

There are the closer associations of family, friends, churches and clubs, but there are also the farther-reaching communities of our universities, businesses, countries and the world at large. No matter the scope of our community, we all have a role to play, expertise to share and something to give.

Several months ago, nearly two dozen Administrative Office staff members embarked on the Musician’s Village in New Orleans to assist with various rebuilding projects through Habitat for Humanity. We spent a day working on houses that would soon become homes to people who truly needed them in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It was humbling to take part in this important process of rebuilding a community, if only for a brief moment.

As Betas, we are sensitive to the needs of others and those of our community.

We refer to this commitment as “mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life.” We have a duty to help others whenever possible. Our communities are depending on us. — T. Olver

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P. Thomas Purinton, Kansas State ’63

GENERAL TREASURER

Christopher D. Miller, Kansas State ’86

VICE PRESIDENTS

John V. Conway, South Dakota ’56 James R. Curtis, Wisconsin ’86 W. Martin Haskell, Ohio Wesleyan ’68 David E. Schmidt, South Florida ’92 Paul B. Swartz, Kansas State ’64 Joseph M. Troncale, Alabama ’63

BETA THETA PI FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Carroll R. Black, Wabash ’66 Michael J. Dubes, Iowa State ’66 James J. Ellis, Missouri ’55 Michael G. Feinstein, MIT ’82 Garland G. Fritts, Illinois ’52 Thomas W. Hook, Miami ’81 Douglas G. Houser, Willamette ’57 S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73 Jeffrey Lieberman, Pennsylvania ’96 Lynn C. Maddox, Georgia Tech ’64 Thomas H. McCasland Jr., Oklahoma ’56 Charles O. McCormick III, Indiana ’72 Christopher D. Miller, Kansas State ’86 Jeffrey N. Newton, Miami ’77 Richard C. Spangler III, North Carolina ’71

EDITOR

Thomas C. Olver, Central Michigan ’98

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Steven M. Brylski, Virginia Tech ’06

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Robert T. Umstadter, San Jose State ’05

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Sarah Shepherd

CONTRIBUTORS Phyllis Bowie; Jay Langhammer; Patrick Singler; Mac Churchill; Wayne Huddleston; Zac Haines EDITORS EMERITUS

Erv Johnson, APR, Idaho ’53 Robert H. Kurz, Miami ’58 The Beta Theta Pi, (USPS 052-000) official magazine of Beta The-

ta Pi Fraternity, is owned by the Fraternity, edited and published under the direction and control of its Board of Trustees, published Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring for $30 one-time pre-paid subscription. Periodical 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, 2007. Produced in the USA.

DEADLINES Summer 2008 ....................................................... May 15 Fall 2008 ...........................................................August 15 Winter 2009 ................................................November 15 Spring 2009 .................................................. February 15 FOUNDATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Brennan Hall 5134 Bonham Road P.O. Box 6277 Oxford, Ohio 45056 Tel: 513-523-7591 beta@betathetapi.org www.thebetathetapi.org

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Beta Theta Pi P.O. Box 6277 Oxford, OH 45056

[News & Notes]

68 FOUNDING FATHERS AT VIRGINIA

In Charlottesville, Va., a four-man expansion team concluded a three-week long recruitment process for the re-founding father class at the University of Virginia with an induction ceremony for 68 men on Saturday, February 23, 2008. The group, which is the third largest re-founding class in Fraternity history, has a cumulative 3.554 GPA compared to the All-Men’s Average of 3.078. This immediately ranks the group first in grades and third in overall size among 31 fraternities at Virginia.

The Beta Theta Pi Magazine Podcast offers the latest information on the Fraternity.

The program includes headlines, campus news and more. Podcasts are released on Wednesdays and are available for download at www.thebetathetapi.org. The podcast can also be found at iTunes.

The re-founding father class includes 17 freshmen, 19 sophomores, 28 juniors and four seniors. Among that group, 18 are high school valedictorians and three are salutatorians.

Onsite Leadership Consultant Phil Fernandez, Miami ’06 has been on the grounds at Virginia since the beginning of the 2007-08 academic year and is proud of the highcaliber student/leaders that were inducted.

“All in all, this is a fantastic group of men,” he states. “We should be very proud of what they are doing and what they will continue to do for this Fraternity!”

FOUR TRAINING CONFERENCES FOR OFFICERS AND ADVISORS

More than 900 undergraduates, advisors, Friends of Beta and guests converged on four separate cities in the month of February for the third year of the Keystone Regional Leadership Conference. The event, which merges individual executive officer training with contemporary leadership theory, is held in conjunction with the Advisory Team Conference, which focus specifically on training chapter advisors. Altogether, Keystone gathered members from 102 chapters and colonies in the United States and Canada.

In addition to training young leaders and providing critical resources for chapter success, Keystone also serves as an opportunity to network among like-minded men. For some, this was an eye opening experience about the expansive nature of Beta Theta Pi.

FRATERNITY-WIDE GPA

According to reports from universities and chapters across the United States and Canada, the collective GPA for Beta Theta Pi reached 3.029 for the spring 2007 semester. This cumulative report includes initiated members’ and pledges’ academic performances for the spring 2007 only. The average was derived from reports submitted by officials from universities and self-reported from chapters. All but four chapters were included: Yale and Pepperdine had their charters revoked during that period and Kettering, which houses two chapters during different sessions, uses an alternate grading scale than the typical 4.0 system.

Spring 2008

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[Books by Betas] Additional Beta Books LIFETIME LOSER Jim Furkin, Missouri ’74 A gripping and intriguing tale of one man’s challenges with trust and honesty.

Hardback. 327 pages. US$12.95.

New Year Publishing. 2007.

WHAT WIVES WISH THEIR HUSBANDS KNEW ABOUT SEX Dr. Ryan Howes, Willamette ’93 A straightforward, no-holds-barred, entertaining manual for Christian men.

Paperback. 176 pages. US$14.99.

BakerBooks. 2007.

EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADERSHIP Scott Allen, Minnesota ’95 and Marcy Levy Shankman Because the campus environment provides a rich array of diversity and opportunities for honing leadership skills, college students are in the unique position of having a “learning lab” at their disposal. Emotionally Intelligent Leadership is a groundbreaking book that combines the concepts of emotional intelligence and leadership in one model — emotionally intelligent leadership (EIL.) This important resource offers students a practical guide for developing their EIL capacities and emphasizes that leadership is a learnable skill that is based on developing healthy and effective relationships. Step by step, the authors outline the EIL model (consciousness of context, consciousness of self and consciousness of others) and explore the 21 capacities that define the emotionally intelligent leader.

Leadership, the authors explain, is within everyone’s ability to develop and is not just for those in official roles in formal organizations. The book explores the concept of leadership as a process among people working together productively in the group rather than simply a top-down phenomenon.

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership offers a clear and engaging perspective on leadership as well as a practical guide for applying leadership skills. The book offers tools for reflection on the concepts of leadership. It also provides students with exercises to learn more about themselves, Submit a Book for Review

Have you recently published a book that you would like featured in “Books by Betas?” Send a signed copy of the book, a brief description of the work and a brief biography to: Thomas C. Olver, Editor; 5134 Bonham Road, Oxford, Ohio 45056

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DISTANT FORCE Dr. George A. Roberts, Carnegie Mellon ’39 A memoir of how Teledyne Corporation became a $4 billion company.

Hardcover. 316 pages. US$39.95.

Teledyne Corporation, Inc. 2007.

IN THEIR WORDS Bob Gingrich, Missouri ’57 Features the vital role of the Bible in the foundation of early American history.

Paperback. 260 pages. US$12.47.

Xulon Press. 2006.

RAINMAKERS, CLOSERS, AND OTHER SALES MYTHS Arnold Tilden, St. Lawrence ’69 Replaces the myths of sales performance with winning strategies.

Paperback. 128 pages. US$21.95.

University Press of America. 2006.

Beta Theta Pi has partnered with amazon.com!

Log on to www.thebetathetapi.org and click on “Books by Betas” for the new online store.

www.bearcreek-golf.com

Bear Creek Golf Club Dallas, Texas

Sponsorships are now available!

Friday, August 8, 2008 Registration Fees: Alumni & Guests: $90

Undergraduates: $45

Registration includes greens fees, cart, range balls, customized golf balls & tees, snack/beverage tickets, contests, prizes & dinner. If you are attending the 169th General Convention, register for the golf outing when you register for Convention.

If you are not attending the Convention, register online at www.betathetapi.org (click on “Events”, then “169th General Convention” and “Dragon Classic”.)

The generosity of corporate and individual sponsors helps to ensure a successful event by subsidizing registration costs for undergraduates, and supporting the ongoing efforts of the Fraternity. Corporate sponsorships for 2008 are now available at the $500 (lead) and $250 levels. Individual, chapter and alumni association sponsorships are available at the $100 (Ace), $75 (Eagle), $50 (Birdie) and $25 (Par) levels. Contact Tournament Director Tom Olver at 800-800-2382, ext. 235 or tom.olver@betathetapi.org for details.

Lead Sponsor ($500) Benefits: quarter page ad in two issues of The Beta Theta Pi magazine, half page ad in the Convention program, recognition on the event website, large digital ad on www.betathetapi. org or www.thebetathetapi.org (one month), large digital ad in one Convention e-newsletter, large digital ad displayed on screen at three Convention banquets and signage at the tournament Corporate Sponsor ($250) Benefits: quarter page ad in one issue of The Beta Theta Pi magazine, quarter page ad in the Convention program, recognition on the event website, small digital ad on www. betathetapi.org or www.thebetathetapi.org (one month), small digital ad in one Convention e-newsletter and signage at the tournament.

Winter 2008

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HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Alpha Chapter “Lasting for an Age” is the ever appropriate motto of the Alpha Chapter at Miami University.

This is especially true considering the recent conclusion of a massive historical preservation project intended to preserve the distinguished history of Beta Theta Pi’s oldest chapter.

In 2006, Alpha Chapter Counselor Brian E. Breittholz assembled a “meeting of the minds” to discuss the establishment of a “living history” to celebrate Alpha’s accomplishments since its recolonization in 1999. This idea soon expanded to envelop Alpha’s complete history, beginning with its founding in 1839. After nearly two years preparation, the Alpha Chapter museum and archives was officially dedicated on November 10, 2007.

Project Coordinator and District Chief Zac Haines, Miami ’05 spent much of that time researching, confirming and compiling the historical information, and then diligently designing a museum-quality presentation showcase to highlight key facts.

Humbly, Haines addressed the Alpha Chapter in the winter/spring edition of the alumni newsletter, “Let all brothers rest assured that our beloved Chapter’s cherished and distinguished history is now preserved within the Chapter’s new archives.”

The museum consists of a main five-panel display case, measuring approximately 22’ x 9’. Utilizing

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glass sliding doors, down-lighting, lockable storage cabinets for archival use and delicate shades of pink and blue, the exhibit details the history of the Chapter in chronological order. Each of the five panels contains original photos, documents, artifacts and countless untold stories. Many themes that are apparent throughout the museum include: athletics, recruitment, scholarship, service, social, university paraphernalia and “Alpha during wartime.”

Of particular significance are pictures, dates and descriptive text of all homes, meeting places, house mothers and counselors.

The opposite wall contains equally impressive hanging exhibits. The center of this wall houses a locked cabinet which holds copies and commentary of the original July 4, 1839 handwritten Constitution of Beta Theta Pi authored by Founder Samuel Taylor Marshall 1840.

In a fitting tribute to the Alpha Chapter’s longstanding relationship with the General Fraternity, the museum and archives sits in the room once occupied by the archives of the Administrative Office. Former General Fraternity Archivist H.H. Stephenson Jr., Miami ’39 would have been proud of this shrine built for all to enjoy.

The project would not have been possible were it not for the loyal support of Anne A. Brown, Leon A. Kreger ’65 and Thomas W. Hook ’81.

[Alumni News]

ZETA PHI SOCIETY FOUNDATION

The Missouri Beta Golf tournament has been going on for 17 years and each year the group gathers more than 150 golfers. In that time span, the group has raised close to $250,000 to support scholarships the Zeta Phi Society Foundation. More than anything, however, the event builds bonds between five decades of pledge classes. This year’s event will be held on October 10 at the Country Club of Missouri.

Please call John Hofman (314-630 9300) for more information.

KENYON’S

TEMPLE SAVED? The Temple in the Woods has long been considered a treasure by undergraduates and alumni alike from across Beta’s Broad Domain, and yet this structure has remained in a state of disrepair for more than 25 years. Efforts to repair it have consistently fallen short with a few examples of success throughout that time. In 1985, for example, a “Save the Temple” campaign raised approximately $15,000 over three years.

UPCOMING “STEAKOUT”

What began as a few brothers gathering at the Tschantz family farm for a cookout in 1967, has seemingly stood the test of time. Over the years, the event has moved to the pavilion at Covered Bridge Park in Canton, Ohio, and then to North Canton’s Hoover Park. In recent years the event has included golfing at Tam O’Shanter and a cookout at Lake Cable’s main beach pavilion. For a day that has become known as simply “The Steakout,” join brothers on Tuesday, August 19, to mark the 41st anniversary of this great tradition.

For more information, please contact Rod Kirkendall (jrodk@wilkshire.net or call 330-602-3147; PO BOX 48, Mineral City, OH 44656-0048).

Recently, an enthusiastic discussion in favor of restoring the temple has been met with an equally fervent response to demolish, which included talks of “wrecking balls” and “cost-savings.” With a collapsing roof, rotting support beams and no promise for future renovations, it seemed destined for demolition.

The Chapter decided to pursue other options, however, and was soon joined by alumni from Minnesota, Cincinnati and Ohio State in an effort to garner support. Their experience with the Fraternity and professional backgrounds emboldened the Chapter and soon, a new roof was added.

A rededication of the Temple will take place during Kenyon’s 2008 reunion weekend, May 29-June 1.

Tell Us About Your Recent News!

Visit www.thebetathetapi.org and click “Submit Content” or send a photo and brief description to steve.brylski@betathetapi.org.

Spring 2008

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[Marching Along] GARY M. ROPSKI Carnegie Mellon ’72

Ropski is currently the president of one of the top intellectual property law firms in the United States — Brinks, Hofer, Gilson & Lione. He is individually ranked as one of the top lawyers in the State of Illinois. Ropski has practiced intellectual property law exclusively since joining the firm in 1976 and now focuses on litigation. He has extensive experience in presenting and rebutting damage claims in intellectual property litigation.

ROBERT W. GREEN Dayton ’09

Green was accepted into Global Platinum Securities, an elite international studentmanaged investment organization, which includes 40 students from seven other schools — MIT, Harvard, UPenn, Georgetown, NYU, Colorado and the London School of Economics. The group manages a $200,000 portfolio, which has been seeded by investments from members, alumni and mentors.

A portion of the investment proceeds will go to a charity event held at each of the member schools.

JAMES B. PHILPITT Florida State ’77

Captain Philpitt recently ended a more than 30-year career in the U.S. Navy following a retirement ceremony in historic Hangar 3 at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. A career Naval Flight Officer with more than 3,600 flight hours, Philpitt initially served on active duty from 1977 to 1989. He also served Beta Theta Pi as Chief of District XXXIX.

DOUGLAS L. BAYER Knox ’66

Bayer and his wife Maria of Bellevue, Wash., recently bolstered Knox College’s expanding environmental studies program with a major financial contribution in the form of a $1 million endowed faculty chair. The Douglas and Maria Bayer Faculty Chair in Earth Sciences will begin supporting the new faculty position in earth sciences next fall. Bayer recently retired from Microsoft where he served as a manager and director of software development, and most recently as a software security architect.

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DANIEL R. PLUMLEY Virginia Tech ’81

Plumley announced that the Mongolian government has adopted a major program put forward by his organization, The Totem Project, which funds and facilitates the only direct outreach and lobbying effort between the nomadic Dukha reindeer herders and the Government. The project is in its eighth year of direct advocacy on behalf of the native Dukha people and is undergoing a major campaign push to further develop the program.

ROBERT T. Grand Wabash ’78

Grand was named to serve on the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and was unanimously elected by the board’s members as the new president. The Capital Improvement Board of Managers was created in 1965 by the Indiana General Assembly and empowered to finance and manage capital improvements in Marion County, including the Indianapolis Convention Center and RCA Dome, Victory Field and Conseco Fieldhouse. Grand is a past chaiman of The Beta Theta

PHILLIP O. ALDERSON Washington-St. Louis ’66

Alderson will be returning to St. Louis to become dean of the St. Louis University Medical School. Dr. Alderson is a nationally recognized radiologist who is presently the chairman of the department of radiology at Columbia University in New York and director of radiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia.

He is president of the American Board of Radiology and prior to that was president of the American Roentgen Ray Society, the oldest radiology society in the United States.

JOHN. H. GALLAGHER West Virginia ’50

Gallagher was winner of the top 2007 special recognition award of the Military Writers Society of America. His historical novel, Grady’s Tour, is set in the 1950s and details the adventures of young lieutenant John Grady and his four years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Gallagher is a retired intellectual property attorney who served as a U.S. Navy enlisted man in World War II and as a U.S. Army Signal Corps officer during the Korean War.

[Center Stage] Beta Stars Jay Chandrasekhar, Colgate ’90, has announced plans to direct and star in Super Troopers 2 and has been filming The Slammin’ Salmon, which will reach theaters before the end of this year. Joining him as part of the Broken Lizard comedy team on those two films are Kevin Heffernan, Colgate ’90; Steve Lemme, Colgate ’91, and Eric Stolhanske, Colgate ’91.

Held Up, a TV comedy Chandrasekhar directed, is now in post-production and he has also directed recent multiple episodes of The Loop and Human Giant during the current television season.

Kevin Heffernan, Colgate ’91, joins his Broken Lizard Beta buddies as an actor and writer on upcoming films The Slammin’ Salmon and Super Troopers 2.

He had an acting role in recent film Strange Wilderness and guest roles on How I Met Your Mother and Curb Your Enthusiasm. (photo by viewimages)

Griffin House Griffin House, Miami ’02, is poised for a breakout year as a singer/ songwriter in 2008, with the late April release of new CD/album Flying Upside Down on Nettwerk Records. The 13 original tracks include his first single, “Better Than Love,” which was featured on a CW Television Network episode of One Tree Hill in February. The day after the show aired, more than 10,000 plays were generated on his MySpace page. Backing him on the CD are musicians from Beck, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Nickel Creek. House will much of the spring to promote Flying Upside Down.

Rivers Rutherford Rivers Rutherford, Mississippi ’89, has been in the studio recording a new CD/album to follow up his current Just Another Coaster CD. Among recent country hits he has co-written are “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks and “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” by Jason Michael Carroll.

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Horace Heidt, Cal-Berkeley ’24, was one of Beta’s brightest musical stars as an orchestra leader and piano player for more than four decades prior to his death in 1986.

His group, Horace Heidt & His Musical Knights, produced numerous popular hits but his recordings have been hard to find in a compact disc format. A new two-disc CD set (2007), entitled Musical Knights, is now available from www.collectorschoicemusic.com.

The compilation, which covers Heidt’s success in the late 1930s and 1940s, features a total of 50 songs. Among the CD’s big hits are “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire,” “Ti-Pi-Tin,” “The Man With the Mandolin,” “I’ll Love You in My Dreams” and two songs co-written by the late Leigh Harline, Utah ’29: the legendary “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Heigh Ho” from the film Snow White.

Adam West (William Anderson), Whitman ’51, has a lead role as dictator Kostka Volvic in upcoming film National Lampoon’s Ratko: The Dictator’s Son and appeared in the 2007 comedy Sexina: Popstar P.I. He also wound up appearing as Mayor Adam West in 32 episodes of TV comedy Family Guy between 2000 and 2007. West is currently filming the comedy Super Capers.

Spring 2008

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Good

the story o

h g u o r h t e l p o e p g n u o y g n i r e w Empo 14

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d

K i ds

of Ar tWorks

t r a c i l pub

THE SCENE

There’s a lonely area of every big city where people don’t typically visit. These parts of town are run down, dingy and, unfortunately, not always the safest after dark. They are mostly industrial districts lined with brown and gray warehouses, where the only hint of color comes from the faded outlines of graffiti tags.

Such is the general description of many industrial districts around the United States and Canada. More specifically, however, the SoDo district of Seattle, Washington, once epitomized the very image one might conjure of a slowly deteriorating city.

It encompasses approximately four square miles and 2,000 businesses with more than 50,000 employees. During the mid-90s, it was riddled with crime and pollution to the point of creating an unsafe environment for residents.

ArtWorks Founder Mike Peringer, Washington ’57, describes a busway that draws more than 16,000 commuters every morning and evening, “Along each side were transients’ camps, overgrown weeds and vines so tall you couldn’t see the fence that separated certain buildings from the street, and items I don’t care to mention.”

Spring 2008

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aRTwORKS PROJECTS BRIGHTER And it is here where Urban ArtWorks, a nonprofit organization created to clean up the district as well as the lives of troubled youth, would make its biggest impact.

The busway had become more than an eyesore. It was turning into a magnet for crime, attracting and encouraging the lowest assortment of criminals. The longer it stayed in this state of disregard, the more likely it was that minor vandalism could escalate to other forms and make it unsafe for honest employees and residents. Something had to be done.

IN THE BEGINNING l erfu ive w Before stumbling upon the eventual o gp ug n o i y creation of Urban ArtWorks, h et en ce Peringer first realized an active Som ens wh a chan rk. o p h w t p interest in building a SoDo t ha you blic ar way k s Business Association. Rampant i at-r ate pu sitive s. crime, a rat infestation and o e re p to c find a emselv cted a number of unwanted y th ne n s encounters with the local o s The ec pre r x o e homeless gave rise to a m to eel rs and hey f feeling of disparity within y dt t The ir pee n a A h the oft-disenfranchised t he ies. skills e. community of the district. t i r to t n u t fu mu rld com eal-wo for the r Soon, a town meeting was m gain re the pa pre 16

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organized with the Seattle Police Department to address potential solutions to public safety problems in the area. Attendance to this meeting was astounding.

“None of us could believe what happened,” a duly surprised Peringer exclaimed.

“More than 500 people showed up. Some actually had to peer in from outside the door. Needless to say, cars were parked everywhere within a half mile.”

With nearly every attendee agreeing to the necessity for an organization that looks out for the best interests of its members, the SoDo business association was conceived.

Peringer was “volunteered” by the Chief of Police as its first leader.

One task of this organization was to clean up the filth, grime and graffiti that had taken hold of the SoDo district. In mid-June of 1995, a partnership was formed with Seattle Public Utilities, which helped the business association earn a $25,000 grant from the City of Seattle. Urban ArtWorks was born.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK According to Urban ArtWorks’ website (www. urbanartworks.org), the goal for the new organization was to “empower young people with professional opportunities in the arts.”

In h is boo Pulitz er P k ri ArtW Good Kid ze nom o r s ks i Mik e Pe , auth the Sto nated o ry o ri inte r f gra nger p and fo t r e u app e d n s , pr der en ro cha ach fo inciple ts an nge r . Th creati center ww ed n e bo w.u g so rba o c k i nar two is avai al labl rks. e at org .

S PAINT A FUTURE FOR AT RISK YOUTH Every mural and panel created (and there have been more than 2,000 to date) is designed, painted and managed through a collaborative effort between at-risk teenagers, university art students and the City of Seattle.

At first, the program started as a summer alternative program for young adults caught in petty crimes. Rather than have them waste their time in juvenile detention, Peringer felt that it was important to instill a sense of responsibility and pride by giving these young adults a set of expectations and tangible results that they could see with time.

As the program grew, so too did the reach of ArtWorks’ brush. After the beautification of the busway into the City, the surrounding area of Seattle received a similar treatment.

Now, with more 2,000 murals and panels completed over 13 years, the project has provided opportunities for self-improvement to thousands of youth that juvenile detention would not have.

It’s also given a dreary section of Seattle a much needed facelift, where vibrant colors now reflect the changed attitude of an entire business community. – S. Brylski

More than that, ArtWorks provided the volunteer service hours necessary to payback the community and paid each “employee” $7.25 an hour to help raise funds for restitution. In every way, this program was primed for success.

And succeed it did.

The work that was done during this time would set a precedent for years to come.

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“During the next six weeks, all 11 murals were done, and the summer was only half over.” Peringer recalls vividly, “We not only completed all the assigned murals, but by summer’s end, there would be a total of 23 murals, literally glowing on the Urban Art Corridor for everyone to see and admire.”

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Spring 2008

17

Students of the F

orget the “iGeneration.” This newest tag name for an entire group of people from the age of nine to 38 has an opposite and much more compelling alternative. It turns out that for all of their misgivings, the generation which follows “X” and the “Baby Boomers” may be the most prepared to incorporate the concept of “Us.” According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, volunteering is at a 30-year high. Much of the growth in that area comes directly from college students, where they are outpacing the growth rate of all adult volunteers by more than

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The Beta Theta Pi

World double. In a report entitled College Students Helping America, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as individuals of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher learning.

Students of the World is an organization conceived and led by college students that got its start just two years before 9/11 at Duke University. Since then, the organization has grown significantly and includes additional chapters at Brown, Columbia, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas. Teams of college students spend four weeks immersed in, learning from and documenting developmental issues surrounding

a localized international community. Through documentary film production, photography and art exhibitions, policy studies, and newspaper and magazine articles, Students of the World works to inspire a sense of societal ethics and activism.

At Columbia University in New York City, David Caldwell ’06, Bryan Mochizuki ’07 and William Snider ’09 founded and secured a strong chapter at Columbia, upheld the highest standards of Beta Theta Pi and Students of the World, and promoted a greater understanding of global issues.

Spring 2008

19

“I think our generation understands their collective responsibility,” Mochizuki starts. As the photographer who manages still-images on projects, his goal is to portray world issues in a way that captivates the imagination of an audience. His job revolves around the idea of curiosity and facilitating the process that leads to a person’s interest in a particular subject.

Caldwell, the Chapter’s founder and cameraman who recruited Mochizuki, remembers the images that helped bring him down to earth. He recalls driving past a graveyard on the side of the road, where old

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The Beta Theta Pi

old car tires served as headstones. People living in makeshift tents on muddied ground, and street kids searching tepidly for food changed his global outlook.

“How we live here — regardless of our socioeconomic background — is not how most of the world lives,” Caldwell states with a convincing tone.

Snider, the youngest of the three and latest to join Students of the World relates a frustration he encountered in a small village.

“One day, early in the trip, a woman caring for more than 10 village orphans asked how our project would help her and her family. We told her that the [documentary] we were working on would help to raise awareness about the issue of orphans and help . . . raise funds, but it was clear that this wasn’t the greatest answer. She needed help right away and we weren’t able to provide it. It was awful not being able to change things right then.”

The act of trying gets more tangible results than not.

In the small town of Mae Sai, which is on the border of Thailand and Burma, a woman named Kru Nam provides shelter, hot meals and a loving environment for street children. She works with non-citizens as well as natural born Thai, and therefore cannot receive aid from the government. Students of the World distributed a film of her experience to every attendee at the Clinton Global Initiative meeting.

They received a $10,000 donation for Kru Nam, because someone watched their work . . . and cared.

“Community is synonymous with responsibility,” says Mochizuki.

individuals look out for each other. In Ethiopia, people who drove cars kept a tray full of coins to give to beggars on the street. New Yorkers never give change to anybody.”

And still, with the work that these three men do on a daily basis to help educate others on the conditions of people around the world, they are still draped under the banner of the “iGeneration.” Maybe it’s about time we think of them as the flagbearers for the “usGeneration.” — S. Brylski

Snider agrees, “[It] means more than just a group of people living together. [Community] is about a culture of mutual responsibility.”

Caldwell explains further, “It’s a place where

Spring 2008

21

He ad St ro ng

The Beta Phi Chapter has donated more than 3,500 helmets to 36 ski equipment stores, which provide rental helmets at absolutely no additional cost.

Complimentary helmets are supplied to ski schools, instructors and patrol personnel. The brothers have also seen a 25% increase in helmet usage at local area ski resorts.

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The Beta Theta Pi

event nthropic a il h p f its a d host being o n ll a e te w a e can cre ffects th hapter ectly a c ir y d r e d v n Not e r time a rated res ove u d n e s celeb t e in tha M f o avor, School nity. ic ende p lorado o commu r o C th n e a th s a top ing phil pter at ki slope d-winn s r hi Cha a e P w th ta a n e o f its nd is The B e safety rsary o ness a k e e r a iv a m n w n d a a s helpe helmet the 10th ropies. motes hich ha o w r , p n t o n philanth h e p T v e to A e i’s Sk ternity 998. Th , the Fra since 1 g y n it events o r io m r a p ed lasting k n g a n r lo y f o s ntl t occur e types consiste ver tha te thes o a n r e r tu c ip most to mbersh on; the ult task e ti c a fi m if iz e d n nced. rga g th It’s a experie of the o nsiderin in o ip t c h s y s o r ll h the m e leade especia ced wit within th la r p a e r e y e ting ar every of crea mbers ts e fi m e n d e e b nc gain hts the experie embers highlig m le r p te m p a the exa last. Ch ild onto -Thon u to A b t iil k to u S b The uraged r event. that are re enco h bette ropies a c u th d n n m a a a il ph reates erience ’09 which c hip exp s , r d e e d s Ferrara a s n a le o p s s n r a a J tions from ye sident efforts ter Pre w ques p fe a h a C d swere nding, er ines an ndersta g of oth u M in t f d a o il l th u o b o With in the do Sch Colora e to aid c e r u th o s m e fro quick r ated a e r c d n a ropies. philanth

PICK THE RIGHT CAUSE “Find something that is important to your area or your community. Use this idea and work to find a way that you can affect a change for the better.

If at a loss for an idea on what to do, talk to businesses in your area, attend meetings where many businesses congregate such as a chamber of commerce or a town meeting. So far we have raised $37,000 in donations for St. Anthony’s Intermountain Neurosurgery Helmet Donor Program.”

This was due to a personal story that affected the chapter (see FIND ADVISORS below.)

START SMALL; THINK BIG “This event has come a long way since its humble beginnings. While the aim of supporting St. Anthony’s hospital has always been present, the method of raising the money has changed greatly. The first couple of years consisted of many of the brothers heading up to the mountains to enjoy the snow and each others company. Slowly though, changes could be seen over the years. Through hard work, the Chapter began seeing more and more support from the community and corporations.”

BE PATIENT “Once you have an idea, build a program.

A great philanthropy will not just happen overnight. If you ask for someone’s help and they are unable or unwilling, return to them the next year and the year after that.

If the event attracts a small crowd the first year, advertise differently for the second. Let people know you’re around to stay and give them something to look forward to.”

FIND ADVISORS “The philanthropy advisor, Denver Haslem, has been a critical part of our success. While skiing five years ago, Haslem hit a tree and would not have survived the crash had he not been wearing his helmet. Knowing the value of protecting his head, he has made it a personal point to make sure the cause of Ski-a-Thon succeeds. Haslem will offer his

guidance on the best ways of raising support.

He also helps to make introductions between event coordinators and key sponsors.”

BUILD PARTNERSHIPS “A strong relationship of trust and support grew between the Chapter and the City of Golden. By offering to help whenever needed, we saw that the City was willing to reciprocate in response. The City offered its thanks by supplying gifts and prizes for raffles and silent auctions. It then purchased tickets to the event itself.

Corporate support only came after many hard years of work. After repeated contacts with different companies, many started to realize that this event was not going away.

We found the most success by starting with companies close to the industry affected by our fundraiser, skiing in this case.”

RAISE MONEY & AWARENESS “That’s kind of the purpose of this type of event. Sure we want people to have fun, but the goal is to raise money and awareness that will help save lives. So far we’ve accumulated $37,000 over 10 years. During that time, the average for each year has steadily increased with approximately $5,000 raised this year alone.”

To learn more about how you can support the Ski-A-Thon, contact Chapter President Janson Ferrara (Janson.ferrera@gmail.com).

Spring 2008

23

Fulfilling

A

Promise

When Norton Tennille, North Carolina ’61 interviewed in early 1958 to become a Morehead Scholar, he promised the [scholarship] committee he would use his education to become a teacher. Now, nearly 50 years later, he’s finally making good on that statement.

THE PROJECT

Morehead-Cain Scholarship

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship (originally the Morehead Scholarship) is a full four-year scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship. Each summer, scholars participate in a summer enrichment program that varies from year-to-year with a different theme: outdoor leadership, public service, travel study and enterprise.

Tennille, 67, is founder of the South African Education and Environment Project, based in Cape Town. The project works with underprivileged students, or “learners,” as they are called in South Africa, at five schools to prepare them for life after high school. He and his volunteer workers are teaching the students skills such as debating, proper grammar, writing and drama. “I have not spent a dull day since I came to South Africa,” said Tennille, who arrived in the country in 1994, right before the elections that made Nelson Mandela president. “I love this. I love working with these kids.”

The programs have been a huge success. In 2001, some of the program’s students won the national debating championship. In addition, the project helps students at the five high schools publish newspapers. And in 2007, the Western Cape Education Department asked Tennille to run a one-week winter school to help students catch up on class work missed due to a teacher’s strike.

Tennille is expanding the project’s reach. His wife, Jane Keen, a former social worker in South Africa he married in 2005, began a program in 2003 helping preschools near Cape Town raise money and register with government agencies for aid. The same year, Tennille began a program for newly graduated high school students who needed another year to prepare for college. That program has sent students to the University of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of the Western Cape.

The only gap in the project’s programs, noted Tennille, is at the elementary school level. “If we had the resources and the opportunity, we would expand,” he said.

THE MAN

A Winston-Salem native, Tennille majored in Latin at UNC, graduating after three years, and then went to Harvard for a master’s degree in classical theology, intending to become a professor. At Harvard, he received a Rhodes Scholarship and studied politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford. When he returned to the U.S. in 1965, he went to Harvard Law School and graduated in 1968.

Tennille moved to Washington, D.C., where he became an environmental lawyer, taking cases for the Natural Resources Defense Council and the N.C. Wildlife Federation, among other clients but by early 1994, Tennille said, he “was no longer getting the satisfaction in doing pro-environmental work.” He met a young South African lawyer, however, and became intrigued with the country’s dramatic changes. Tennille visited the country for three weeks and returned to Washington, where he created the Southern Africa Environment Project — the name has since changed — as a nonprofit organization and then returned to Cape Town.

At first, Tennille performed environmental work such as creating an environmental education center and a nature conservancy in Port Elizabeth. But in 1998, he began conducting an after-school environmental education program at Sinethemba High School

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The Beta Theta Pi

in the Philippi Township outside Cape Town.

The students, however, didn’t want to learn just about environmental issues. They started asking Tennille: “Can you help us with biology? Can you help us with mathematics?” So he obliged, and the project began focusing more on education.

THE REASON

Although blacks and other races are now legally treated equally in South African society, huge discrepancies remain in the education system, which hinder many people from earning enough money to have a reasonable life. Blacks, for example, are 76 percent of the population in South Africa, but they make just 29 percent of the country’s total income.

competition. The same year, two high schools were added to the program. Two more high schools were added in 2006.

The post-high school tutoring started when the national debate champions came to Tennille and said that they didn’t know what to do after graduation. So he and the volunteers began giving them intensive English training and basic computer skills, as well as instructing them in social skills so they could move from the secluded township to a university. This year, the program has six students, primarily due to a $25,000 grant from the Campbell Foundation in Oregon. Tennille would like to expand the program to 20 or 30 students.

Tennille wants to change that situation. “Focusing on comprehension and being able to read an exam question and a textbook - that is the single most important thing that we can do to improve the chances for these kids to succeed,” he said. “If they can’t read a physics program or a biology question, they’re not going to be able to answer it, even if they have learned the concept.”

THE RESULTS

By 2000, Tennille and his volunteers — typically U.S., European and South African college students — were helping the Sinethemba students with publishing a newspaper and writing poetry. In 2003, he created the Township Debating League with the help of some University of Cape Town students, mostly because primarily white high schools refused to come to the predominantly black townships when one of those schools hosted a

Tennille says he’s simply making good on his promise nearly 50 years ago to be a teacher.

“I’ve thought about that often,” he said about his Morehead interview. “This was something that obviously had been repressed. It was a part of me that I had not developed.”

Consider it a promise fulfilled.

— Chris Roush

Originally published in The Carolina Alumni Review (November-December 2007)

Spring 2008

25

Campus Lea William Bennett Indiana ’09

Philip Klassen

Central Michigan ’09

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTS Sean Kearney, British Columbia ’07 Adam Harvey, Puget Sound ’09 Alex Caffey, Sewanee ’08 Cartter Berg, Washington ’09 Scott Krysiak, Washington & Jefferson ’09 Joseph Andrews, William & Mary ’09 Eric Jacob, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’10 INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL OFFICERS Josh Cirulnick, Alabama ’10 (secretary) Joe Birchak, Cincinnati ’09 (risk management) Kyle Olney, California-Irvine ’09 (vice president) Joe Cole, California-Santa Barbara ’09 (recruitment) Christopher Coy, Case Western ’09 (scholarship) Ryan Jaghab, Central Florida ’10 (philanthropy; judicial) Philip Klassen, Central Michigan ’09 (finances & records) Robert Gabriel, Connecticut ’09 (member development) James Merz, Denison ’10 (recruitment) Alexander Soli, Denver ’10 (Greek week) Peter Poznako, John Carroll ’09 (administration & finance) Aviran Sethi, Minnesota ’09 (recruitment) Thomas Nell, Northwestern ’10 (standards) Theodore Erde-Wollheim, Oregon ’10 (accountability) Brent Hasse, Purdue ’10 (Greek relations) Blake Elliott, San Diego ’07 (special events) Torrey Fishman, Southern California ’09 (judicial) Ben Hartard, Southern California ’09 (communications) John Todd, Washington & Jefferson ’10 (treasurer) Alex Boehling, Washington & Lee ’10 (judicial)

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The Beta Theta Pi

Zachary Parsons, West Virginia ’08 (treasurer) Colin Waite, Willamette ’10 (membership) Jordan Steinert, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’10 (programming) Chad Smith, Kenyon ’09 (internal affairs) STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENTS Connor McCarthy, Georgia ’10 William Bennett, Indiana ’09 (Kelley School of Business) Nathan M. Gribowski, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’08 (president) STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS Kyle Olney, California-Irvine ’09 (vice president) Joseph Femia, Central Florida ’11 (advisory council) Ryan Jaghab, Central Florida ’10 (leadership council) Andrick Lewis, Central Florida ’09 (student director) Steven Witte, Central Michigan ’10 (senator) Andrew Bender, Eastern Kentucky ’09 (ethics administrator) Bradley Harn, Eastern Kentucky ’09 (chief of staff) Jai Mani, Emory ’09 (representative) Oliver Ong, Emory ‘09 (representative) Christopher Denton, Florida ’08 (senator) J.R. Tungol, Kettering ’09 (communications) Adam Clampitt-Dietrich, Miami ’10 (senator) Josh Feinberg, Rhode Island ’08 (chief operating officer) Michael Yan, Saint Louis ’10 (senator) Wilson Heflin, Sewanee ’10 (honor council) Bill Hughes, South Florida ’10 (senator) Jeffrey Lichtenfeld, Stevens ’11 (senator) Jake Lewis, Texas ’11 (senator) Adam Kress, Virginia Tech ’08 (justice) Craig Rumbaugh, Washington & Jefferson ’10 (treasurer)

aders

Paul Rotert

Truman State ’08

Andrick Lewis Central Florida ’09

Korie Mertens, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ‘08 (director, shared governance) Jordan Steinert, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’10 (senator) Thomas Wolf, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’09 (vice president) CLASS OFFICERS James Warren Reed, Columbia ’09 (president) Ben Hobbs, Denison ’09 (vice president) Nathan Litt, Lawrence ’08 (president) Nate Ferguson, Washington in St. Louis ’11 (president) David Ross, Washington in St. Louis ’09 (president) ORDER OF OMEGA OFFICERS Stephen Springer, Carnegie Mellon ’08 (treasurer) Ross Gionfriddo, Connecticut ’09 (treasurer) Anthony Sofia, Emory ’08 (president) Jared Halpin, Missouri-Kansas City ’10 (president) Will Hotchkiss, Missouri-Kansas City ’10 (vice president) Madison Marceau, Texas A&M ’08 (treasurer) Frank Perera, Texas-Arlington ’08, (president) Lee Raby, Truman State ’09 (secretary) Joseph Andrews, William & Mary ‘09 (president)

Michael Reardon Emory ’11

HONORARY SOCIETY & FRATERNITY OFFICERS Marshall Printy, Florida ’08 (chairman, Florida Blue Key Mathematics Bureau) Andrew Willert, Miami-Fla. ’09 (president, National Society of Collegiate Scholars) Tyler Bergtholdt, Truman State ’09 (2nd vice president, Blue Key National Honor Service Fraternity) Paul Rotert, Truman State ’08 (vice president, Blue Key National Honor Fraternity)

Nathan Litt Lawrence ’08

MISCELLANEOUS Jeremy Harchelroad, Case Western ’09 (president, Physics and Astronomy Club) Alexis Villegas, Connecticut ’08 (finance director, Huskython) David Hickey, Denison ’08 (president, Habitat for Humanity) Phil Miskovic, Hampden Sydney ’08 (secretary/treasurer, Catholic Campus Ministry) Matt Kelly, Eastern Illinois ’08 (president/co-founder, university Mothers Against Drunk Drivers; president, Public Relations Student Society of America) Michael Reardon, Emory ’11 (president, Turman Hall Residence Hall Association) William Seidelmann, Eastern Illinois ’09 (president, Student Council for Exceptional Children) Matt Martin, Iowa State ’10 (president, Engineering Student Council) Benjamin Glover, Lawrence ’08 (co-president, Premedical Chapter of the American Medical Students Association) Calloway Robertson, Miami ’08 (vice chairman, Administration of Student Foundation) Rob Sellers, North Carolina ’08 (coordinator, dance marathon) Derek Lieser, North Dakota ’09 (president, Student Managed Investment Fund) Evan Wondrasek, North Dakota ’08 (presidential scholar mentor) Roland Maxharaj, Southern California ’08 (vice president, Golden Key International Honor Society) Clay Stewart, Sewanee ’08 (chairman, disciplinary committee) C. Ryan Rupert, Texas ’08 (vice president, Society of Petroleum Engineers) Eugene Wong, Wesleyan ’09 (founder/president, College Republicans) Anthony Feghali, William & Mary ’08 (vice president, One in Four) Spring 2008

27

Sports R [Sports RoundUp]

Andrew Zimmer Wabash ’08

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The Beta Theta Pi

Roundup BASKETBALL

Andrew Zimmer, Wabash ’08 was named to the All-North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) first team for the second straight season after leading his team to an 18-10 season as a forward. He led the team in scoring with a 17.0 average (476 points) and rebounding with a 7.4 average (207 boards). He also ranked second in minutes played (880), free throw shooting (82.4% of 131), steals (40) and blocked shots (33). Two of his top performances came against Oberlin College with 36 points/14 rebounds in the first and 31 points/11 rebounds in the rematch. He also had 30 points/13 rebounds against Hiram College. Teammate Chris Haltom ’10 played every game at guard, had 38 assists and shot 83.8% at the free throw line (31 of 37).

Seeing action at forward for the 16-13 Utah team was forward Jonathan Downie ’10. The Utes had a 16-13 mark going into the Mountain West Conference tournament as this issue went to press. Two Betas were key starters for the 17-8 Westminster squad. Guard Cade House ’08 scored 152 games (6.3 average), tied for third in rebounds (86, 3.6 per game) and had 21 steals. Forward Dylan Schram ’08 led in free throw shooting (51.6%) and blocked shots (17) while ranking as co-rebounding leader with 125 (5.1) He scored 146 points (5.8) with a top game of 19 points, six rebounds versus Principia.

Forward Brock Dawson ’08 of 13-13 Hanover scored 234 points (9.0) and was second with 67 assists.

Captain/guard Josh Moten ’08 started 20 contests for Knox and led the squad with 13 blocked shots. He scored 181 points (7.9), ranked second in assists (56) and was third in minutes played (548) and field goal shooting (53.1%). Playing in 15 games at forward was teammate Rusty Coon ’08.

Head coach Mark Edwards, Washington-St. Louis ’69, has led his alma mater to a 21-6 mark going into the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament as this went to press. It is the 10th time his squads have won 20 or more games in a season.

Three Betas were involved in the professional basketball ranks as coaches or players during the 2008 season. Serving as an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers was Dick Harter, North Carolina ’52. Jerry Sichting, Purdue

’79, was an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Playing his second season in Japan was center Chris Ayers, Loyola Marymount ’06 of the Oita Heat Devils.

SWIMMING

Two Betas were members of the Yale squad once again. Gjorgji Gjeorgjievski ’08 swam on the fourth place 400 meter relay at the East Coast Athletic Conference meet. Teammate Colin Stalnecker ’08 also competed in several meets. James Forrest ’11 swam for George Washington in the 500 and 1000 meter freestyle events. He placed third in the 1000 during a dual meet with Georgetown. At the NESCAC meet, diver Dave Wilkinson ’09 of Wesleyan was third on the one-meter board and sixth in the three-meter event. Steve Webber ’10 of Puget Sound competed in the 200 individual medley (IM) along with the 100 and 200 breaststroke events.

Nine Betas helped lead DePauw to a fourth straight Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title. At the SCAC meet, Charlie Boehme ’10 won the 200 backstroke (1:56.82) and 400 IM (4:13.58) while placing second with the 800 freestyle relay and fourth in the 500 freestyle.

John Cook ’10 was on the winning 400 freestyle relay and placed second in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, 400 medley relay and 800 freestyle relay. Greg Nowak ’09 was on the first place 400 freestyle relay; second with the 200 and 800 freestyle relays; sixth in the 200 freestyle, and 10th in the 100 freestyle.

Six other DePauw Beta swimmers did well at the SCAC meet. Alex Troxel ’10 ranked fourth in the 400 IM, fifth in the 200 IM and fifth in the 200 breaststroke. Dan DeGeus ’10 was with the second place 400 medley relay, fourth with the 200 medley relay, sixth in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events and 14th in the 200 IM. Gibb Wallace ’08 was second with the 400 medley relay, seventh in the 200 backstroke and 11th in the 200 IM. Kyle Kerrigan ’10 was on the second place 200 freestyle relay, 13th in the 100 butterfly, 15th in the 50 freestyle and 16th in the 100 freestyle. Tom Lancaster ’10 was seventh in the 200 butterfly, 10th in the 100 butterfly and 13th in the 500 butterfly. Jon Corwin ’10 was 12th in the 1650 freestyle, 14th in the 200 freestyle and 15th in the 500 freestyle.

Jonathan Downie Utah ’10

Cade House

Westminster ’08

Dylan Schram Westminster ’08

Josh Moten Knox ’08

Dave Wilkinson Wesleyan ’09

Spring 2008

29

Sports R Dan Mancuso

Washingtoon & Jefferson ’09

James Roarty Stevens ’10

The Washington & Jefferson squad featured six Betas at the Centennial Conference meet.

Co-captain Dan Mancuso ’09 was on the third place 800 freestyle relay, fifth in the 200 backstroke and sixth in both the 200 and 500 freestyle events. Diver Luke Morgan ’10 placed third in the one-meter event and fourth at threemeters. William Kidston ’10 was on the third place 800 freestyle relay, 12th in the 200 IM and 14th in the 200 freestyle. Brent Johnson ’08 was on the third place 800 freestyle relay and 12th in the 100 butterfly. Jay Minster ’10 finished 13th in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM. Captain Josh Wilder ’08 finished 16th in the 100 freestyle.

Kyle Griffin ’09 was the only Midwest Conference champion for Lawrence, winning the 1650 freestyle (16:58.32). He was also third in the 400 IM and fourth in the 500 freestyle.

Matt Yauch ’09 placed sixth in the MWC 200 breaststroke, seventh in the 400 IM and eighth in the 100 breaststroke. He also had a second place finish in the 200 breaststroke at the Wisconsin Private College meet. Diver Bryan Rosen ’08 placed third in the MWC one-meter and three-meter events. Also competing at the MWC meet for Lawrence were co-captain James Hustace ’08, co-captain Pat Jordan ’08 and Nate Kontry ’10.

WRESTLING Kyle Brisson Stevens ’10

Becoming a two-time All-American for Knox was captain Jaran Rutledge ’08, who placed eighth in the 285 lb. weight class at the NCAA Division III meet. He won the Pete Wilson Invitational, the Knox Invitational, the North Central College Invitational and the Milwaukee School of Engineering Invitational, and placed second at the Great Lakes regional meet. Teammate Marty Dertz ’09 placed second at 184 lbs. at the Northern Wrestling Association meet and Luke Karner ’09 was fourth in the NWA 165 pound class. Winning fourth place for Knox at the NWA meet was 174-pounder Aaron Barnett ’09.

Competing in the 285 lb. weight class for Pennsylvania was Jason Bowlsby ’09 and, at 184 lbs., Brian Hillard ’09 was a member of the Truman State squad. Three Betas were team members at Stevens, led by co-captain Zak Lenz ’08 who wrestled at 157 lbs. James Roarty ’10 at 285 lbs. posted a 17-11 mark and placed third at the Centennial Conference meet, as did teammate Kyle Brisson ’10 (125 lbs.)

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The Beta Theta Pi

FOOTBALL

Former Northern Illinois head football coach Joe Novak, Miami ’67 was inducted into the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of its induction class on February 9, 2008. He retired in 2006 after 12 seasons at NIU. In midJanuary, Mike Hankwitz, Michigan ’71 was named defensive coordinator at Northwestern after spending the 2006 and 2007 in the same role at Wisconsin. He has now been a defensive coordinator at six major schools and was interim head coach at Arizona in 2005.

In early January, three Beta standout collegiate players were named to the North-American Interfraternity Conference’s All-Fraternity AllAmerican first team for NCAA divisions II and III. Chosen on offense were wide receiver Carlin Shoemaker ’08 of Kenyon and tackle Brian Hilts ’08 of Wabash. Named as a first team defensive lineman was end Clay Crites ’08 of Carnegie Mellon. He was also named to the Academic All-American first team by ESPN the Magazine.

Punter Mike Adams, Carnegie Mellon ’08 was on the Academic All-American second team.

OTHER SPORTS

Tennis great Stan Smith, Southern California ’68, was honored by the International Tennis Hall of Fame as recipient of The Davis Cup Award of Excellence. He received his award in Portland, Ore., during matches between the United States and Russia.

Brandt Jobe, UCLA ’88, missed much of the 2007 PGA Tour with a hand injury and returned for a tie at 31st in the Northern Trust Open.

Two Johns Hopkins undergraduates were standout fencers and helped lead the squad to the MACFA title. Paul Nunley ’10 had a 28-23 record and finished 25th in the foil competition at the NCAA Mid Atlantic regional meet. Teammate Ian McCue ’10 posted a 26-12 foil record. Brian Rowerdink ’10 of Lawrence was 31st in foil at the Midwest Fencing Conference meet.

George Washington’s squash team included Bradley Birenbaum ’09 and reached the finals at the Conroy Division of the national college meet.

Amin Elaguizy ’09 was a leading player for the 13-11-1 Tennessee hockey team which went to the American Collegiate Hockey Association national tournament. – Jay Langhammer

Dreams of Flight spruce goose The attempt to fly, whether with a machine like DaVinci or something else altogether like Icarus, has long been a feat that humans have literally dreamt about for centuries. Even in today’s world where a plane trip and a bus ride are similarly novel, the simple idea of flight can be surreal.

Such was the case for Michael Smith, Washington ’89, whose fascination with flying started in his childhood and continued throughout his life. His fierce dedication and passion for flying led to a career with the Air Force and a dream of a museum unlike any other – a living museum that celebrates aviation’s rich history, honors the patriotic service of our veterans and offers enlightening educational programs in aviation.

After graduating from the University of Washington, Michael Smith received a commission in the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant. He was first in his class at Columbus Air Force Base and

was the recipient of many awards including the Commander’s Trophy and Distinguished Graduate Award. In 1991, Captain Smith graduated from Fighter Lead-In Training School at Holloman Air Force Base and F-15 RTU at Tyndall Air Force Base. When he returned, he had found a passion for the creation of an aviation museum, a passion that he shared with many others.

The Evergreen Aviation Museum and the Captain Michael King Smith Educational Institute in McMinnville, Ore., is the collaborative dream of Captain Smith and his father, Delford M. Smith.

Together they collected vintage warbirds and began the process of creating a world-class aviation museum in Oregon – a museum that would keep the inspiring stories of early aviators alive while encouraging other visionaries to pursue their dreams.

The museum’s claim to fame, and central attraction, is the world-famous Spruce Goose, which is widely known as the largest flying boat in history. Featured in such movies as The Aviator (2004) and The Rocketeer (1991), the plane was only airborne for approximately one minute before being permanently grounded by lead investor Howard Hughes.

Today, it exists in a museum where visitors can see other famous artifacts from the history of aviation. It is a place where people can become inspired to change their lives through academic and professional career training in the fields of aviation and aerospace. The Evergreen Aviation Museum is the realization of Captain Smith and his father to create a tribute to aviation and its vital role in our world.

Tragically, Captain Smith died in an automobile accident in March of 1995. A memorial was erected in his honor that includes a McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle, which is located across from the museum in memory of Captain Smith and Major Rhory Roger Draeger, who also died in the accident.

Alongside the F-15A Eagle are the flags of the United States, Oregon and the 123rd Fighter Squadron “Redhawks.”

In keeping with the spirit of his memory, the museum serves a much larger role than simply to educate and impress visitors from around the world. Rather, it encourages the same passion that gave Captain Smith his zeal for life. — S.Brylski

Spring 2008

31

[Mystic Shrine]

In Loving Memory Amherst

Columbia

Arizona

Cornell

Fauver, Worth A. Jr. ’58, May 19, 2007

Diener, Peter R. (Pete) ’61, Oct. 3

Beloit

Canty, Roy A. ’49, Nov. 4

Bethany

Stoner, Dr. James L. ’41, Dec. 24 Ward, Honorable Paul F. ’37, Dec. 10

British Columbia White, Harry A. ’55, Jan. 15

California-Berkeley

Grant, Wilbur J. ’51, April 23, 2007

Carnegie Mellon

Craighead, Gordon F. Jr. ’46, Nov. 7

Centre

Herndon, Ansel R. ’32, Oct. 5

Cincinnati

Kodros, James M. (Jim) ’70, Jan. 2 Wachs, James S. ’55, Feb. 19 (see opposite page) Wilson, Charles E. ’66, Dec. 20

Colorado College

Henn, Robert R. (Bob) ’50, Aug. 3 Myers, William C. ’42, Oct. 2

32

The Beta Theta Pi

Miner, John M. ’48, Feb. 13

Cushing, Capt. Prentice C. ’45, Sept. 29 Edmunds, Robert T. ’42, April 21, 2007 Miller, Arthur S. Jr. ’45, Oct. 14

Davidson

Indiana

Somes, Charles J. (Chuck) ’68, April 15, 2007

Iowa State

Buck, Dr. William M. ’48, March 29, 2007 Robison, William W. ’48, July 9 Thomsen, William D. (Denny) ’72, Nov. 2

Ferguson, Richard F. Jr. ’52, Oct. 6 Hoskins, Robert S. ’50, Aug. 1

Kansas State

Denison

Maine

Watterson, Stuart E. Jr. ’50, Feb. 1 Weidemaier, Lt. Col. G. W. (Pete) ’49, Feb. 9.

Denver

Waters, Robert G. (Bob) ’42, Jan. 15

Kneeland, Douglas E. ’53, Dec. 15 Smith, George E. Jr. ’48, Sept. 6

Miami

Price, Robert W. ’40, Dec. 5

Mark, Thomas H. ’48, Jan. 4 Rawlings, C. F. (Gerry) ’60, Dec. 30

Dickinson

Michigan

Gardner, George F. III ’60, Feb. 2

Eastern Kentucky

Cummins, Stewart N. ’96, Aug. 16

Florida

Baker, John D. ’51, Jan. 22 Marble, Frederic W. Jr. ’44, June 22

Michigan State

Moreno, Julio C. ’86, Oct. 15

Hunter, Albert S. III (Bert) ’54, May 14, 2007

Minnesota

Hanover

Missouri

Brady, Michael P. ’75, Feb. 15, 2007.

Kerchner, James (Jamie) G. ’67, Jan. 15.

Smith, Burkhart G. ’63, Oct. 22

Lottmann, Donald C. ’62, Jan. 31 Montague, Hodgen P. ’29, Oct. 31 Raidt, William T. ’40, Oct. 10

Slayton, John A. ’40, Jan. 10

MIT

Gardner, Frank S. ’38, Dec. 25

North Carolina

Beckwith, Bosworth C. ’52, Oct. 9

Northwestern

Forester, John P. ’45, Dec. 14

Ohio

Knox, Philip E. ’65, Oct. 10

Ohio State

Couch, Rev. Thomas E. (Tim) ’61, Aug. 8

Ohio Wesleyan

Chenault, William I. ’47, March 16, 2007

Oklahoma

Blair, Richard W. Jr. ’29, Jan. 31 Matthews, Dr. Dewey L. Jr. ’55, Feb. 2

Oregon

Casey, Timothy M. ’63, Feb. 15 Rushing, Marion T. ’46, Jan. 19

Stevens

Western Reserve

Tulane

Whitman

Utah

Wichita State

Heck, Howard R. ’48, April 14, 2007

Murrell, George M. Jr. ’50, Feb. 8

Heyman, W. Keith ’50, Feb. 1 Knowles, Lawrence R. (Larry) ’60, July 7 McNamara, James J. (Jim) ’54, Aug. 6 Ramsey, T. Upton ’42, Nov.

Vanderbilt

Anderson, Robert P. ’48, July 16, 2007

Virginia Tech

Repaske, Roy Ph.D. ’49, Nov. 27

Flathers, Benjamin B. ’39, Jan. 14

Blake, Col. Ronald W. ’62, Jan. 19

Willamette

Calkins, Felix E. ’52, March 6, 2007

Williams

Sheehan, Peter J. ’64, Dec. 19

Wisconsin

Hathaway, D. Tod ’84, March 7, 2007

Hilpertshauser, Jacob C. (Jake) ’51, Jan. 13

Washington & Lee

Wittenberg

McConnell, James R. ’41, Sept. 4

Washington State

Shattuck, Dennis D. ’52, Nov. 21

Washington-St. Louis Graber, Gordon E. ’33, Nov. 10 Killeen, Thomas E. III ’49, Feb. 4 Lebens, Charles A. ’57, Jan. 10

Carlson. Gordon A. ’40, Oct. 10 West, Philip J. ’44, April 3, 2007 Zimmerman, Richard G. ’56, Jan. 10

Yale

Ainsworth, Forester F. Jr. ’51, Nov. 22 Gibbens, James C. ’45, Dec. 19 Hawley, Melvin L. ’42, May 4 Kohler, Peter G. ’57, Dec. 25

Pennsylvania

Lapp, Wendell V. ’34, Dec. 17

Purdue

Cartmell. William C. ’50, Jan. 5 Decatur, Alfred G. Jr. ’64, Dec. 22 Murray, William H. ’40, March 19, 2007 Parr, John D. ’70, Dec. 22 Peterson, Thomas G. ’51, April 21, 2007 Rice, Taylor B. ’34, June 26 Traylor, Ferris J. ’76, July 26 Whitehorne, Charles R. (Chuck) ’48, June 24

Rutgers

Butler, Thomas Y. ’48, Aug. 14

South Dakota

Schaefer, Daniel L.’58, Feb. 17 Swisher, Jay C. ’43, Jan. 11

St. Lawrence

Kapp, Christopher F. ’63, Nov. 11

Stanford

Naftzger, Roy E. Jr. (Ted) ’46, Oct. 29

General Fraternity Legal Counsel James S. (Jim) Wachs, Cincinnati ’55 passed away February 19 at his home.

James S. (Jim) Wachs Cincinnati ’55

Brother Wachs served as General Treasurer from 1973 to 1976. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation Board of Directors from 1993 to 2000, ultimately serving as its chairman. Wachs was also a district chief (1963-65) and attended some 15 General Conventions. He was a strong and loyal supporter of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation throughout his life.

Wachs was a member of Frost Brown Todd LLC and its Personal Planning and Family Business Department. His practice focused on estate planning, estate administration and the representation of numerous family corporations.

He was a member of the Cincinnati and Ohio State Bar Associations, and served as a trustee of the Cincinnati Bar Association Foundation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Works or Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio. The Beta Foundation will also accept memorial gifts to the Beta Leadership Fund.

Read more about brothers who have passed away by logging on to www.thebetathetapi.org and click on Mystic Shrine. The online information is more timely and informative than what can be featured in the Magazine.

Spring 2008

33

[The Last Word] The Challenge

by Patrick Singler, Michigan State ’06

I

f we work together we can end poverty, homelessness and even hunger.

It takes a lot of audacity to make that claim, but seeing what can happen when people come together for a single purpose has profoundly affected me.

“Whatever you can give, give it now.

Tomorrow you might find yourself unable to do so.”

For more information about how you can help Patrick reach his goal, please contact him directly at psingler@upwithpeople.org or via phone 773-343-9536.

For the last year, a program called Up with People has allowed me to travel the world, learn valuable leadership skills and interact with diverse cultures through community service. One of our stops was New Orleans.

Even after a year and a half, nothing seemed Big or Easy about the Crescent City or southern Louisiana. They were still in desperate need of our help. Hurricane Katrina had left the bayou shattered and broken, and I was not the only one who felt this way. More than 500 young adults had gathered that week with Habitat for Humanity to help build the Musicians Village.

Seeing 500 college students giving one week of their lives to help rebuild a damaged city was an incredible sight. When these students gathered around the end of a semi-truck to listen to the Habitat leader, I got chills.

The leader spoke passionately as he addressed the crowd, reminding us that we were there to serve the U.S. and more specifically the people of New Orleans. He made the point that each of us chose to be there and it was in this spirit that we should work together.

“We all have the opportunity to choose if we are going to help ourselves,” he reproached, “or if we are going to help others.”

At this point in time, there are many opportunities to volunteer and make a real difference in the community. Whether you consider your community to extend down to the end of your street or if you have more of a global mindset, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Whatever you can give, give it now. Tomorrow

34

The Beta Theta Pi

you might find yourself unable to do so.

Imagine biking across the United States and building homes along the way with a nonprofit organization. That’s exactly what I will do in the next few months for an organization called Bike and Build. Over five seasons, Bike and Build has reached countless numbers of people and has contributed $1,144,231 to housing groups to fund projects planned and executed by young adults.

This summer, I will ride my bicycle, along with 25 other young adults, across the United States. As the name Bike and Build indicates, we will stop along the way to build homes and raise awareness for affordable housing. Nine weeks and 3,600 miles later, we will have completed this transcontinental adventure.

The original goal was to personally raise $4,000. And here’s where you’ll see the beauty of a fraternity, especially one that values mutual aid and assistance.

As I have made this plea to my own chapter alumni, I have already received donations from two brothers whom I had never met.

Their support not only helped me reach my goal, but encouraged me to shoot a little higher.

And this revised goal is a little more daunting: $100,000 by mid-August.

Here’s the challenge. In the next year, I hope you will keep my adventure in your thoughts.

More than that, if you’re willing and able, I hope you’ll consider stepping up to the plate of community service wherever you are in the world. Maybe there are enough people reading this right now that next year we could see a Beta Bike and Build Trip. It would take 25 brothers to form a team and a willing attitude to help change the world.

Considering that we’re Betas, that shouldn’t be hard to do.

A Lasting Moment

L P

ersuading groups to act is very tricky. With nothing that forces people toward one decision or another, some�mes it is necessary to show how certain ideas are in their best interests.

join the others at the rally and have a good �me.

We le� immediately. (I had told them that it was probably a good place to meet women!)

I was chapter president during the Vietnam War peace marches on campus. As most people know, this was a �me that divided the na�on and caused a great deal of tension within families.

Our Beta family was no different. During one protest rally in par�cular, our chapter mee�ng was scheduled during the same �me. Half of our Chapter showed up for the mee�ng and the other half decided to a�end the rally.

I tell this lighthearted story to show that the fraternity-experience is a leadership incubator, allowing men to learn the so�-skills that will transfer over to a professional career. Persuasion is a skill that any manager, entrepreneur or businessman will use on a daily basis.

Although this is a specific example of a personal experience, it is important to con�nually develop our undergraduates in all areas of leadership so that they are ready for what the world throws at them.

— Mac Churchill, Texas ’72

Soon it became apparent that a ri� was forming between brothers, one that needed to be dealt with immediately. Rather than wait un�l the next mee�ng to address the situa�on, I convinced the group who showed up to the house that we could

Mac and his wife Lu Jo reside in Ft. Worth, Texas, where Churchill is president of a successful Acura dealership.

Beta Theta Pi Foundation & Administrative Office Brennan Hall P.O. Box 6277 5134 Bonham Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 www.betathetapi.org

Beta Theta Pi foundation

The last day of the ďŹ scal year is May 31st and it is just around the corner.

Make your gift to the Beta Leadership Fund today!

www.betathetapi.org/gift