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New magazine distribution policy to take effect in fall 2009
FACT
256,620 copies of The Beta Theta Pi magazine were printed and mailed in the last year. In doing so, the Fraternity used 73,269 lbs. of paper!
FACT
It cost $63,500 to print and $78,200 to mail the last four issues of The Beta Theta Pi magazine.
FACT
This year’s Baird Fund draw, which supports magazine and communications-related expenses, will fund just 29% of this year’s magazine budget (approximately $64,000.)
Do you want to continue to receive the print edition of The Beta Theta Pi magazine every three months . . . or would you prefer to read it online? When it began in 1920, Beta Theta Pi’s “lifetime subscription” cost $10 per member. In 1952, the charge increased to $20. The Baird Fund contribution (included in the initiation fee) has been $30 since 1981. Upon initiation, each member was promised a lifetime subscription, and we’re doing our best to uphold that promise; however, rising printing and postage costs combined with significant reductions in the overall market value of the Baird Fund (brought on by the current economic climate) make it impossible to fund the magazine in its entirety. Because of the need for chapters to remain financially competitive, the Fraternity has made no real attempt to keep the Magazine’s subscription fees in line with the actual costs. Besides, it is the alumni — not the undergraduates — who have been getting the bargain all these years. We strive to be good stewards of the Fraternity’s limited resources . . . while honoring your communications preferences
and sharing the good news of Beta Theta Pi on a consistent basis. With that objective in mind, we need you to take action. Log on to www.betathetapi.org/news/ magazine/subscribe to indicate your magazine subscription preference no later than October 1, 2009. If you do not have internet access, please call the Administrative Office at 800-800-2382. We will continue to mail the magazine to those who prefer a hard copy; however, members who do not specifically indicate their desire to receive the magazine in print will be removed from the mailing list starting with the fall 2009 edition. Email notifications will be sent to those who maintain an active email address with the Administrative Office. Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to indicate your subscription preference, and for considering an additional contribution to the Baird Fund to support the Fraternity’s communications efforts.
www.betathetapi.org/news/magazine/subscribe
BETA THETA PI E
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“I continue to learn and gain experience that I carry back into my own business, and I am constantly reminded of the importance that living our principles plays in achieving a successful and moral life.” Dan Farmer District Chief
Profession: Architect
Alma Maters:
University of Cincinnati
Degrees:
1975 Bachelor of Architecture
Hobbies:
Sailing, puzzles and travel
Paying it forward is such a simple idea. Someone gives you the gift of help when you need it. You, in turn, give that gift to someone else in their time of need. They “pat it forward” and the world is a better place for all of us. This concept is at the very core of what it means to be a Beta. As an undergraduate, I received the benefit of many such gifts and they significantly changed my life. I became a better person as a result of my association with Beta Theta Pi and that is why I made a commitment to repay the Fraternity for all it has given me. Since I have lived most of my adult life in an area where there are only a few chapters close by, it took nearly 25 years for me to have the opportunity to fulfill my promise. I was asked to be an advisor to a new colony at the University of Central Florida eight years ago. Since then, I have served as chapter counselor, district chief and regional director. I have also had the opportunity to facilitate at The Wooden Institute and the Keystone Regional Leadership Conferences.
The satisfaction gained from helping young men achieve their potential through our principles, and watching our Beta legacy continue as our chapters grow and prosper, is only part of it. I continue to learn and gain experience that I carry back into my own business, and I am constantly reminded of the importance that living our principles plays in achieving a successful and moral life. Through my continued involvement with the Fraternity, I have rekindled old friendships and made many new ones. As tremendous as my undergraduate experience was, my post-graduate experience has been even better. I have come to the conclusion that I cannot ever pay the Fraternity back . . . I can only pay it forward. I urge you to remember your college days and the gifts that you received. Then I would ask you to make a commitment to pay it forward. You will be surprised by how such a small gift can be so rewarding. I assure you that you will never regret it.
The Beta Theta Pi Magazine/V Vol. 136/No. 4
[Spring Contents]
10 YEAR
ANNIVERSARY
Men of Principle B E T A
T H E T A
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I am a Man of Principle.
I AM A MAN OF PRINCIPLE
I believe in the power of the mind, cultivating my own intellect and the minds of others. I respect leadership, lead when called upon to do so and help to prepare the leaders who will come after me. I willingly lend my talents and abilities to the service of my community. I recognize and respect the worth of each person, refusing to take part in activities that undermine the dignity of others or myself. I choose to act responsibly, weighing the consequences of my actions on those around me.
14 feature story
See It to Save It Birthright Earth, founded by Wesleyan’s Tim Devane and Eli Bronner, encourages young people to take a more active role in saving our planet.
departments 6
From the Editor
8
News & Notes
A Little Off the Top
Books by Betas
11
Destinations
28
Campus Leaders
30
Sports Roundup
32
Mystic Shrine
I build bridges, not walls.
34
A Principled Life
I am a Beta.
35
A Lasting Moment
I seek the company of other men of principle, extending them the bonds of brotherhood.
like to go from zero to 60 every day.
Fraternity Happenings
10
I speak honestly and listen actively.
features in the Fast Lane 12 Life Lawson Aschenbach tells what it’s
Beyond Common Sense
18
Head of the Class
24
Every Dog has Its Day
26
Lights, Camera, Action!
Best Beaches Shining Stars
Winter Athletes
In Loving Memory The Revolutionary Man A Guiding Light
Six seniors personify the very best of the Fraternity and the class of 2009
Epsilon Epsilon works toward its third consecutive Knox Award.
Hokie Idol is the new fan favorite on the Virginia Tech campus.
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. Member, Fraternity Communications Association
Spring 2009
5
[From the Editor] A Little Off the Top I was 11 years old in the late spring of 1987 when my obstinate behavior directly conflicted with my dad’s persistent perseverance. At that age, a boy isn’t always as concerned with his appearance as his father. While it didn’t bother me, he quietly and calmly instructed me to get a hair cut. In the early afternoon, I hopped on my black and gold Mongoose bike and peddled the eight blocks to Don Wirsing’s Barber Shop on Euclid Avenue. Dad and Don were good friends from the old days. I flipped through a dog-eared copy of Field & Stream as I waited my turn, occasionally glancing out the window at the red, white and blue barber pole rotating gently with the breeze.
Illustration by Roger Warrick
Several minutes later, I was released from this moderately uncomfortable detention, paid Mr. Wirsing the $6.50 my dad had given me and headed for the door. The kick-stand never really worked on my bike, so I wasn’t surprised to hear it crash to the ground as I crashed through the front door at 1312 S. Raymond Street. Dad was sitting at the table, eating a big bowl of bean soup and gnawing on the end of an over-sized hunk of homemade bread. He took one look at me and pointed toward the door. I knew exactly what that meant . . . Don Wirsing wasn’t surprised when I pulled myself through the door of his shop for the second time. “I knew you’d be back,” he quipped with a wry smile. Moping and mumbling, I climbed back into the chair for Round 2. A moment later, I was facing the mirror when Don sarcastically asked, “A little off the top?” After a few strategic cuts, I was set free, paid the man another $6.50 (out of my own pocket this time) and headed for the door. This time, dad was sitting on the porch and I didn’t even have to stop the bike. I was set on a perpetual 16-block loop. But this time . . . I was determined. When Don swung the chair around, I barked, “Take it all off . . . that’ll show him!” It didn’t take long, and I was now out 13 bucks. When I returned home, there was the old man, wearing a broad smile . . . “Now THAT’s a haircut!” Thankfully, hair grows back. In the 22 years since, I have kept a relatively clean cut look. Maybe because it works for me . . . or, perhaps it is in deference to the man whose expectations I’ve long tried to exceed. Regardless, I learned a couple of valuable life lessons that day: No.1, honor those in authority and No. 2, use your resources wisely. In recent years, we have taken a “little off the top” of this publication. We’ve trimmed pages and clipped costs resulting in an award-winning publication that is about half the size of the issues produced 15 years ago, with a budget that is now 75 percent of what it once was. Yet, more must be done . . . the time has come for a much more significant cut. We must be good stewards of the Fraternity’s limited resources. Will you do your part? — T. Olver The Beta Theta Pi
Founded 1839, Miami University
Board of Trustees General Secretary Charles W. Warner, Lynchburg ’87 President P. Thomas Purinton, Kansas State ’63 General Treasurer Christopher D. Miller, Kansas State ’86 Vice Presidents Scott J. Allen, Minnesota ’95 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
When my turn came, I climbed into the red leather chair and donned the sky blue cape that was intended to catch the clippings. “A little off the top, please!” I casually advised. Of course, old Don wanted to make sure, so he swung the chair around so that I was facing the mirror and bellowed, “Are you sure?” I responded with a resounding “yup!”
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Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
Carroll R. Black, Wabash ’66 Michael J. Dubes, Iowa State ’66 Michael G. Feinstein, MIT ’82 Garland G. Fritts, Illinois ’52 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 H. Kent Mergler, Cincinnati ’63 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 Alexander S. Hammel, Florida ’08 Associate Director of Communications Robert T. Umstadter, San Jose State ’05 Graphic Designer/Production Assistant Sarah Shepherd Contributors Phyllis Bowie, Dan Farmer, Jason Gaddis, Jay langhammer & Tom Purinton Editors Emeritus Erv Johnson, APR, Idaho ’53 Robert H. Kurz, Miami ’58 The Beta Theta Pi, (USPS 052-000) official magazine of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, is owned by the Fraternity, edited and published under the direction and control of its Board of Trustees, published Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall 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, 2009. Produced in the USA.
Deadlines Fall 2009 ......................................................... August 15 Winter 2010 .............................................. November 15 Spring 2010 .................................................February 15 Summer 2010 ......................................................May 15
Foundation and Administration Office Brennan Hall 5134 Bonham Road P.O. Box 6277 Oxford, Ohio 45056 513-523-7591 beta@betathetapi.org www.betathetapi.org
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You’ll declare your support for Beta Theta Pi every time you present your card. Plus, every time you make a purchase using your card, a contribution is made to Beta Theta Pi — at no additional cost to you.
Our members deserve the very best. That is why we are pleased to present the Beta Theta Pi Platinum Plus® Mastercard® credit card with WorldPoints® rewards from Bank of America. This No-Annual-Fee card delivers premium service, unsurpassed rewards, a money-saving Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and the attention to security our members expect.
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www.watchworks.ca Product Info: High quality stainless steel, scratch proof sapphire crystal and water resistant tested to 330ft
Contact: David Wong watchworks@rogers.com
[News & Notes] W W
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KEY a success! STONE
The Beta Theta Pi
Throughout the month of February, the General Fraternity hosted an astounding six Keystone Regional Leadership Conferences throughout North America. Each event consisted of three days where students and advisors focused on chapter officer development, principled leadership and volunteer training. The Keystone setting provides a unique opportunity for the Fraternity to recognize the outstanding efforts of its chapters within each of the six regions, as well as the ongoing efforts of several remarkable Beta volunteers and alumni. Each Keystone awards chapters, individual members and volunteers for their unselfish contributions to the Fraternity. The Keystone Leadership Development award recognizes the chapter or colony with the highest participation in leadership experiences, improvement over the previous year and diversity of experiences attended. The 2009 recipients were John Carroll (NE), Kansas State (SC), Central Florida (SE), Eastern Kentucky (MW), Washington (NW) and Southern California (SW). The Keystone Self-Governance award recognizes excellence in risk management. A chapter or colony must have a risk management rating of excellent to qualify. The 2009 recipients were Carnegie Mellon (NE), Texas-Arlington (SC), North Carolina (SE), Wisconsin-Oshkosh (MW), Idaho (NW) and San Diego (SW).
Region Key
Midwest ........... MW North East ........ NE North West ....... NW South East ........ SE South West ....... SW South Central .. SC
The Keystone Recruitment award recognizes the chapter or colony with the best overall recruitment program, taking into account solid membership selection practices and excellent program organization and execution. The 2009 recipients were Virginia Tech and Pennsylvania (NE), Texas Tech (SC), Alabama (SE), Iowa (MW), Washington State (NW) and Loyola Marymount (SW). The Keystone Member Education award recognizes outstanding positive pledge education program implementation. The 2009 recipients were Virginia (NE), Nebraska (SC), Florida International (SE), Truman State (MW), British Columbia (NW) and California, Irvine (SW). Recipients of the Outstanding Regional Friend of Beta award included Villanova Recruitment Advisor Christine Quisenberry (NE), Texas A&M Chapter Counselor Mary Elizabeth Herring (SC), Miami (Fla.) Risk Management Advisor Keith Fletcher (SE), Illinois Greek Advisor Ashley Dye (MW), Oregon Greek Advisor Amy Long (NW) and San Diego Greek Advisor Mandy Womack (SW). The Outstanding Regional Beta Volunteer award honorees were John Carroll Chapter Counselor Ric Eickhoff (NE), District Chief Yancey Swearingen (SC), East Carolina Chapter Counselor Jacob Tidwell (SE), Kettering Recruitment Advisor Dave Hogan (MW), Washington Housing Corporation Board Member Jim Clack (NW) and Arizona Chapter Counselor Mark Harlan (SW). Recipients of the Outstanding Graduating Senior award included Maine’s Jameson Hardy and Virginia’s Sean Douglas (NE), Kansas’s Trey Anderson (SC), Georgia’s Trent Culbertson (SE), Eastern Illinois’s Will Seidelmann (MW), Puget Sound’s Torey Holderith and Washington’s Max Harden (NW), and Cal Poly’s Stuart Watson (SW). Finally, the Outstanding Regional Advisory Team award honorees were Bethany (NE), Oklahoma State (SC), Auburn (SE), Minnesota (MW), Willamette (NW) and Loyola Marymount (SW).
KEYSTONE PARTICIPATION SUMMARY 2006-09 KEYSTONE YEAR
KEYSTONE HELD
CHAPTERS REPRESENTED
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS
GFO/ADVISOR PARTICIPANTS
2006
2
36
256
32
2007
3
73
527
129
2008
4
101
701
134
2009
6
116
846
166
[Books by Betas] Additional Beta Books Finish Line
James Ross, Missouri ’74 A story describing the heart-wrenching relationship between an impressionable child and a pseudo big brother over a summer to remember. Hardcover. 289 pages. US$19.99 Xlibris Corporation. 2008
Swap
Samuel M. Moffie, Wittenberg ’82 Inspired by the real-life wife-swapping incident involving two former New York Yankees, this story shows readers how to cope with life’s most unconventional choices. Paperback. 300 pages. US$12.11 UEL Enterprises. 2007
The Lullaby Lost
Beyond Common Sense: Psychological Science in the Courtroom Eugene Borgida, Wesleyan ’71 and Susan T. Fiske
A timely and extremely interesting analysis of the many ways in which psychological science can contribute to a more accurate understanding of various issues often raised in legal proceedings. Psychological science challenges and sometimes contradicts common sense ideas about stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and other behavioral domains that intersect with legal processes such as eyewitness identification, polygraph testing and affirmative action.
A love story that breaks all the rules about time and memory. A story about one man’s quest to fill an indefinable emptiness in his life, transcending the limits of reality. For more information, visit www.thelullabylost.com. Paperback. 249 pages. US$14.49 AuthorHouse. 2008
The Invisible Church
J. Pittman McGehee, Oklahoma State ’65 and Damon J. Thomas This story is about helping readers improve their understanding of the religious nature of the psyche, the origins of myths and religions in the collective unconscious and the ways in which organized religion has often worked to infantilize its followers.
Eugene Borgida and Susan Fiske give an indispensable guide to the psychological science of the legal system. Beyond Common Sense confronts the public’s often erroneous beliefs about human behavior in legal contexts like the courtroom.
Hardcover. 125 pages. US$31.45 Praeger Publishers. 2009
Hardcover. 396 pages. US$93.27 Blackwell Publishing. 2008
A book that offers a one-step source that explains the history, increasing incidence, costs and treatments of depression across ages, gender, culture, socioeconomic group and sexual identity.
Beta Theta Pi benefits when you buy from amazon.com! Log on to http://astore.amazon.com/thbethpi-20 for the online store.
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Paul William Barada, Indiana ’67 and J. Michael McLaughlin, Indiana ’67
The Beta Theta Pi
Understanding and Treating Depression: Ways to Find Hope and Help Rudy V. Nydegger, Wichita State ’65
Hardcover. 173 pages. US$39.95 Praeger Publishers. 2008
[Destinations] Beaches
Coronado Beach, California
St. Petersburg Beach, Florida
The sun is bright, the skin is pale and the waves are crashing into what is expected to be another great beach season. Beaches are the number one tourist destination for Americans and Canadians alike. These sandy playgrounds that line our coasts offer some of the best restoration for the mind, body and soul. So, it’s time to arm yourself with sunscreen and a good book, and hit the sand for some much needed sun and relaxation from the wrath of winter.
Coronado Beach, California
This venue has a taste of everything for beachgoers of all types. Coronado Beach is a peninsula that is connected to the mainland of San Diego. The main beach stretches a stunning 1.5 miles down the coast and offers magnificent views of the mansions along Ocean Boulevard. Coronado attracts swimmers, bodysurfers, sand artists and boogie boarders. It is home to the Naval Amphibious Base where Navy SEALs complete part of their training. The far north end of the beach is known as Dog Beach, where canines can swim in the surf and roam the area free of leashes. www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/coronadocitybeach.htm
St. Petersburg Beach, Florida
Ocracoke, North Carolina
Relaxation in its purest form, St. Pete Beach is located along the west coast of the Sunshine State on the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its spectacular sugarwhite sand and incredible sunsets, this beach is your escape to an uplifting and enriching experience. Though not equipped with lifeguards, these azure waters are lined with buoy markers to notify swimmers and splashers when they have ventured too far. Sand dollars anchor to the bottom of the floor while dolphins can easily be spotted in the distance. During the afternoon hours, parasailing and jet skiing are offered through private vendors or hotels. When the day is drawing to a close, head over to the historical Don CeSar Beach Resort for some flavored ice cream and watch the sunset fade away along the hotel decks. www.stpetebeach.org
Ocracoke, North Carolina
Part of the Outer Banks region, this 16-mile-long island can only be reached by boat, private plane or ferry. As a result, this peaceful community has fended off the hordes of tourists that engulf other parts of the region. A quaint fishing village founded in the 1700s, Ocracoke extends a remote getaway for tourists. The island offers the sweet serenade of the Atlantic Ocean as it rumbles against the rocks and shore line. Equipped with an aged lighthouse and fishing village, many fisherman of yesteryear still retreat to this storied getaway. www.ocracokeonline.com
Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
Coopers Beach, which is located in the original Hampton, is home to wealth, extravagance and a playground for the rich. Beachgoers have the luxury of playing on this unspoiled landscape with the breath-taking view of private estates off in the distance. The sprawling sands are lined with lifeguards, while wave after wave crash into the exceptionally clean sand. Although this beach caters to the super-rich, there are many hotels and bed and breakfasts that are reasonably priced for a quick romantic getaway. If you’re looking for style, charm and beauty, Coopers Beach is the spot for you. www.southamptonvillage.org — A. Hammel Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
Spring 2009
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life in the
Fast
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“Ironically, I have always felt at ease when racing, even though I am embracing extreme heat well over 100 degrees and g-force pressures.”
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awson Aschenbach, Vanderbilt ’06, has never been one to sit in the stands. He thrives off high intensity and fast energy, so naturally sports car racing is a perfect fit for him. “Ironically, I have always felt at ease when racing, even though I am embracing extreme heat well over 100 degrees and g-force pressures . . . I feel very comfortable and calm when behind the wheel in competitions,” an enthusiastic Aschenbach said. Aschenbach has been racing cars since he was eight years old, and has raced in everything from go-karts at the local tracks to being sponsored by Pontiac and winning the Koni Challenge Series. He says that the most important thing a driver can do to assure a win is to stay relaxed and have a clear head. Drivers top out at speeds in excess of 170 miles per hour, so the slightest mistake can potentially cause serious accidents. A calculated sport, sports car racing is a unique blend of various types of racing. The cars are similar to those in NASCAR, however most professional sports car series will have much more advanced cars and body styles that look similar to a streetcar. The drivers compete on actual roads, so there are no ovals and very few straight-a-ways. There is also an endurance factor to the sport that often aids in its intense situations. Races can vary from two and a half hours all the way up to 24 hours, which requires multiple drivers for one team. Sports car racers are often discredited as athletes because, to the spectator’s eye, there is no strength being used in the competition. Aschenbach, however, mentions that one of the most important factors determining success in the sport is the type of physical condition each driver is in. “Most people do not understand what drivers go through during a race and why we need to train. It’s very physical on your body,” he lectured. Aschenbach trains for competitions
much like a tri-athlete would, running, swimming and biking and makes a conscious effort to stretch daily. Races usually require drivers to be in the car for up to three hours at a time with a fireproof suit and a full faced helmet, so it becomes vital for them to be in top physical shape. Unfortunately, Aschenbach explains, like everything else, the economic climate has put a drastic dent into his future plans with the sport. He adds that the economy plays a vital role in every form of motorsports because almost all race teams are solely funded by sponsorships from major and minor companies. “When the majority of companies in America hit a
“The most important thing a driver can do to assure a win is to stay relaxed and have a clear head. Drivers top out at speeds in excess of 170 miles per hour, so the slightest mistake can potentially cause serious accidents.” slump, sponsorships are always one of the first things to go,” he proclaimed. Aschenbach tells that many professional, championship-winning drivers are now out of work and are being asked to find funding to continue their careers. Ultimately, Aschenbach wants to be a champion, regardless of what series he is racing. He aspires to win an Indycar Championship and then pursue a career on the NASCAR circuit. He would also like to mentor younger drivers, and develop a program that will help them achieve success on and off the tracks. He loves his job, and works tirelessly at achieving the pinnacle of success in the sport. His relentless attitude and exciting optimism give him hope for his future in car racing. So no, Lawson Aschenbach has never been one to sit in the stands with the crowd. He would prefer to stand alone, in the Winner’s Circle. — A. Hammel Spring 2009
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Wonders See It to Save it
The Theory The concept of Birthright Earth sprouted from Richard Devane’s work in eco-tourism. Along with his son Tim Devane, Wesleyan ’10, and Eli Bronner, Wesleyan ’10, the three began discussing the crisis of global warming and the effects that it started having on the planet. After realizing that younger generations would begin shouldering an environmental burden for years to come, they decided to create a program that would encourage young people to take a more active role within the cause. The idea is for Birthright Earth to operate on direct exposure. Tim Devane believes that in order for individuals to become passionate about a cause, they need to have a connection to it.
“We want to give everyone the opportunity to see these exotic and fragile eco-systems as we believe it is the only way that young people will become seriously passionate about saving them” — Devane
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The Beta Theta Pi
Founded by Tim Devane and Eli Bronner, Birthright Earth was developed in May 2008 as a rather vague concept. Crafted from the overwhelmingly successful Taglit-Birthright Israel program, which focuses on bringing young people of Hebrew decent to Israel free of charge, Birthright Earth hopes to develop similar success by bringing young people to the world’s rainforests. “I believe that this model could work for an entire country or world. We want to give everyone the opportunity to see these exotic and fragile eco-systems as we believe it is the only way that young people will become seriously passionate about saving them,” Devane elaborated. The program is currently being funded through events and private donations. With the constant support of their fraternity brothers, Devane and Bronner have an astounding amount of assistance with the program. Bronner said that the idea is to have sponsorships with banks and public companies that will help provide substantial funding in the future.
Brazilian Tapir Pantanal Research Center is also one of the few locations in the world where you can see the shy 600-pound lowland Tapair, Latin America’s largest land animal.
“Today, 20% of global warming is caused by tropical deforestation. We need young people who are passionately committed to protecting the rainforest. First they need to see it. Therefore: Birthright Earth.” Scarlet Macaw
The Reasoning A generation consumed by media and technology, Generation Z (defined as those born between 1982 and sometime after 2000) has the ability to take a stand for the environment and come out victorious. Today, 20 percent of global warming can be directly linked to tropical deforestation with that number potentially sky-rocketing in years to come. “In today’s mile-a-minute cultures, it is extremely hard to grab anyone’s attention for more than a second and even harder to mold that attention into a motivation to act,” Devane stressed.
Pan Beetle
A common misconception the general public has is that many of them believe that travel emissions from cars and airplanes are the main factors of carbon releases into the atmosphere. In regards to carbon dioxide release, the 20 percent annual rate created by rainforest deforestation would be the equivalent of eight million passengers flying from New York to London. Spring 2009
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Rain forests work as “carbon sinks” that trap and store carbon monoxide for a period of time, taking it out of the atmosphere. “In rain forests, photosynthesis causes this carbon re-uptake and it is at its strongest in the richly fertile rain forests of our world. Without forests like the Amazon, global warming would increase at alarming rates.”
Rain forests work as “carbon sinks” that trap and store carbon monoxide for a period of time, taking it out of the atmosphere. “In rain forests, photosynthesis causes this carbon re-uptake and it is at its strongest in the richly fertile rain forests of our world. Without forests like the Amazon, global warming would increase at alarming rates,” Devane lectured. So how do you stop something with such momentum? Birthright Earth forces its participants to turn off the television sets and journey into the illustrious rain forests.
Forest burned down for cattle
The foundation is profoundly unique and offers something that a theme park, zoo or the Discovery Channel cannot. The hope of the organization is to show participants the phenomenal flora and fauna of these eco-systems, as well as the horrible effects of deforestation. Devane mentions that the overall goal is to create a generational shift in the way young people think, act and care for the environment.
Yaminahua Indian Machiguega Indian
Birthright Earth not only wants its students to see the ecosystems, but also for them to interact with the people who live in these environments.
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The Beta Theta Pi
The Experience Participants travel to one of 10 lodges in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador. Students take part in a variety of daily and nightly activities with ecologists, guides and researchers in the lodges. The trips are offered to anyone between the ages of 18 to 26, with trips initially being presented during the month of June. Activities include planting saplings in destroyed areas, nocturnal jaguar treks, bird watching trips through rain forest canopies and evening round table discussions with trip leaders. The lodges will serve as their home-base during the trip, which lasts a total of 10 days, ending with a biologists’ reflection before returning to North America.
Marmoset
An important facet of the trip is indigenous community interaction. Birthright Earth not only wants its students to see the eco-systems, but also for them to interact with the people who live in these environments. These individuals most certainly have the greatest impact on the system’s
For more information on Birthright Earth, please visit www.birthrightearth.com.
preservation. By spending days in these communities, participants will learn more about the conservation issues from a different side of the planet. “They will be able to see how easy it is for subsistencefarmers to cut down acres of rain forests or simply just burn it to make more room for the cattle to graze,” Davane said. The experience also offers potential environmental employment, both within and outside of the organization, to participants after completing the trip. The After Effect Birthright Earth does not end once the trip has concluded. In fact, it is the exact opposite. The true experience begins once participants have completed their journey south. “We hope to produce a generation of people who are much more environmentally conscious and active than they previously were,” Devane stated. The reforestation projects will begin the process of combating the deforestation, global warming and environmental destruction.
Military Macaws
Upon from returning from their trips, travelers will be given mediums to become more environmentally conscious. Participants are expected to take a more active role in their communities to help alleviate environmental stresses. If the program can help produce a more earth-friendly generation, then it will be a success. The end result is that people will take away an appreciation for what they have seen, but also have a definite understanding that they are responsible for saving it. — A. Hammel Spring 2009
17
Head of the Class
Coy Christopher Coy, Case Western Reserve ’09
“We were still a small group of 15 when I entered, but we had a strong foundation for the future.”
Entering college, Christopher Coy was certain he wouldn’t join a fraternity; however, during the first two weeks of class, he met the members of the smallest fraternity on campus. There were only five men, all of whom were graduating seniors. They had recently disaffiliated the majority of their members with hopes of starting fresh and living up to the ideals of their fraternity. Within a year they would face 100 percent turnover in membership, presenting many opportunities, but also many challenges. Coy has taken many positions within the Chapter including president, treasurer and recruitment chairman. He created a detailed system to track
18
The Beta Theta Pi
the finances, and has produced the most comprehensive budget for the Chapter in years. He organized multiple community service events the Chapter regularly participates in, and managed 120 applicants for the academic scholarship the Chapter offered, conducting 40 interviews. As Coy became more involved, he found more opportunities and support. Through the Fraternity, he was awarded an internship with U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, Denison ’54. For two consecutive years following his internship, he has been asked to speak to the incoming freshmen class of 1,100 students about the benefits of being involved on campus and finding internships.
Head of the class Class head
Dailey Fuller, Texas Tech ’09 An outstanding individual, Fuller has found time to devote not only to the Fraternity, but to the entire Texas Tech community as well. Taking on several roles in the Delta Mu Chapter, Fuller adequately improved the positions of alumni relations and public relations to their highest levels. Always striving to be a leader and role model to his fellow brothers, Fuller made it a point to positively represent Beta Theta Pi while being affiliated with other prestigious organizations on campus.
One of Fuller’s proudest affiliations is having the honor to serve as a President’s Select, an organization whose members are elected by the Texas Tech University president and representatives. Fuller serves as an ambassador for the University, representing the president, office of admissions and the University’s athletic teams. His main duties include fostering relationships with all University publics including prospective students, special guests and alumni.
“I am confident that the principles of Beta Theta Pi gave me the fundamental grounding that has enabled me to be successful in college and ultimately live a principled life.”
Fuller Spring 2009
19
Schoonmaker
Ryan Schoonmaker, John Carroll ’09 “Knowing that every life I touch and every action I perform represents the thousands of Betas around the world, when you keep that in mind, it becomes very easy to live the principled life of a Beta.”
20
The Beta Theta Pi
Schoonmaker is a founding father of the Beta Theta Pi Colony at John Carroll University. In his first year, he served as vice president, where he took on both the honor of a leadership role, as well as the innate struggles of defining and developing the foundation for the Colony. As vice president, he was charged with leading the development of the Colony’s constitution and its standards of conduct.
Schoonmaker was honored as Greek Week 2008 “Most Honorable Man” and has since taken on the position of the events committee co-chairman. He is an Order of Omega inductee and has served as a member of the 2009 Millor Orator selection committee, which chooses the only student speaker at John Carroll’s commencement. He is heavily involved with Relay 4 Life, where he walked all 18 hours for cancer awareness.
Head of the class Class head
Brian Selman, Alabama ’09 Upon his initiation in the fall of 2005, Selman immediately accepted the role of recruitment chairman and maintained that role until spring 2008. His relentless efforts brought in more than 70 brothers spanning a two-year period. His hard work contributed to the Chapter receiving three consecutive Sisson awards, as well as two consecutive Knox awards, neither of which had been presented to the Delta Theta Chapter before in its 45 year history. His participation in activities outside of the Fraternity have allowed him to positively represent the ideals of the organization through means that very few are able to navigate. Selman is a
member of the University of Alabama football team, and has been a starter and varsity letterman since the 2007 season. He has the unique opportunity to favorably represent the Fraternity on a national stage each week during the fall semester. He continues to receive recognition for his academics, and has earned a spot on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll in the 2005-08 football seasons. Selman’s ability to maintain extensive commitments throughout his collegiate career, including fraternal leadership, academic excellence and athletic triumph makes him one of Beta Theta Pi’s outstanding undergraduates.
“In all my endeavors, I strive to present myself in a class manner that is faithful to the honor given me by my supporters.”
Selman Spring 2009
21
Head of the class Class head
Aviran Sethi, Minnesota ’09 “For all of those who came before me and built this bridge that I was able to walk, I am happy to build one for all of those who will come after me.”
Sethi
22
The Beta Theta Pi
Early on in his Beta career, Sethi decided he would always give as much of himself to the organization as he could. This past year, he served as president of the Beta Pi Chapter and notes that although challenging, the position was one of the most rewarding he has experienced. He has forced the Chapter to branch out from purely internal development to seeking improvement in the greater Greek community.
Sethi is involved heavily with his college, the Carlson School of Management. This past year, he became involved with the Carlson Buddies program, where he acts as a “big buddy” to an incoming freshman. Sethi is a mentor to the incoming student and aids in his or her acclamation to university life and expectations.
TAYlor
Scott Taylor, Dayton ’09 Taylor has been involved with the Fraternity since his freshman year and is a founding father of the University of Dayton Colony. Awestruck and inspired to do more, he quickly became involved with the recruitment committee. Taylor quickly began to inspire his fellow brothers with passion and a vision of what things may come in the notso-distant future. Since then, he has represented his Colony as new member educator and vice president.
A volunteer by nature, Taylor regularly devotes his time to those around him in the community. Each year, he assists the St. Vincent Hotel by organizing food donations and other products to be given to those less fortunate. He also participates and helps direct a soup kitchen through the help of his parish.
“I decided to take a look at Beta Theta Pi one day and soon became enamored of what it stood for and the people who represented its principles.”
Spring 2009
23
EVERY
DOG HAS ITS DAY
“I would like to see our chapter win this award, but the desire to continue making our chapter better daily will ultimately be what defines Epsilon Epsilon.” — Vice President Tommy Kinney, Georgia ’10
T Epsilon Epsilon Chapter Facts Chapter age: 21 years (147 in dog years) The Chapter house was built in 1901 and is deemed a historical landmark. The brotherhood consists of 100 men Received the Knox Award two consecutive years
he University of Georgia mascot is an English bulldog named Uga VII (pronounced UH-guh). This highly-respected member of the Bulldog Nation can usually be seen wearing a spiked collar and red jersey, and is present for every home and most away football games. Although Uga VII is young, he approaches each game as if it were his first, and he works to live out the traditions of the University. The Epsilon Epsilon Chapter resembles its school mascot in many ways. It is a young chapter with much determination and pride. Brothers make a valiant effort to live the ritual daily and spread the good word of the Fraternity. The Chapter is applying for its third consecutive Knox Award at this summer’s General Convention. Will August 2nd be the day when Epsilon Epsilon is rewarded for its significant strides within the Fraternity and its community as well? The Knox Award is the highest a chapter can receive from the General Fraternity and is the most difficult to obtain. Chapters must achieve a chapter grade point average that is above the all-men’s, all-fraternity and all-campus averages, and have 100 percent involvement in at least one community organization or campus activity outside the chapter. These are only two of several lengthy requirements that must be met; however, the brothers of Epsilon Epsilon are confident they can build success from an excellent foundation. General Fraternity president and long-time advisor, Tom Purinton, Kansas State ’63,
24
The Beta Theta Pi
applauded the undergraduates for their dedication to giving a noble effort in working toward the prestigious award. “They are always above the all-men’s and all-campus grade point averages and have consistently been involved in organizations throughout the campus. They are a very open group and are always willing to listen.” Although the Chapter would be honored and ecstatic to receive the Knox Award for a third consecutive time, winning will not ultimately define the Chapter and its members. “I would like to see our chapter win this award, but the desire to continue making our chapter better daily will ultimately be what defines Epsilon Epsilon,” expressed Vice President Tommy Kinney, Georgia ’10. “We want to build young men up so they can take the Beta philosophy out into society and impact the outside world.” More interesting, according to brothers, is that each member’s daily commitment to the Fraternity’s values and principles happens naturally. They see it as something every brother should be doing. Winning the Knox Award would mean that brothers are upholding their end of the deal. Each day, they step a little closer to what it truly means to live a principled life and what exactly that encompasses. The Chapter is only 21 years old; however, its house was built in 1901 and has been deemed a historical landmark. The old Victorian home is in desperate need of repairs, and an interior makeover is at the top of Epsilon Epsilon’s list. The brotherhood normally consists of 100 men and has quickly outgrown the house’s capacity.
“The condition of a fraternity house has absolutely no correlation to the character of its devoted members, their selfless integrity and their noble ambition.” — Assistant Pledge Educator Andrew Gross, Georgia ’11
Yet, brothers refuse to make excuses. “The most dominant ideal that has been adopted universally among the brotherhood is that the age of a chapter is of little importance, and the condition of a fraternity house has absolutely no correlation to the character of its devoted members, their selfless integrity and their noble ambition,” voiced Assistant Pledge Educator Andrew Gross, Georgia ’11. Will the brothers of Epsilon Epsilon be honored for their efforts? They work hard each day to live Beta Theta Pi. Brothers are conscious of their actions, yet acknowledge their mistakes. If Uga VII has anything to say about it, the final full day of Convention will be one for his dogs. — A. Hammel
Spring 2009
25
Lights, Camera, Action! An enormous roar erupts from the audience, and the shadows moving across the stage curtain indicate a standing ovation had just been awarded. The girl who just performed nailed every note and was on perfect pitch throughout the entire song. It was good, but was it that good?
Hokie Idol is the Alpha Phi Chapter’s philanthropy and the money collected will benefit the Free Clinic of the New River Valley.
This was no time to second guess your song selection or ability to be here, you deserved it. A dynamic performance would be needed, and you were just the guy to deliver it. The judge’s remarks for the girl were predictable, but not intimidating. This was your night, your song, your stage. Your palms begin to sweat as you frantically wipe them on your faded blue jeans. Butterflies begin to whirl in your stomach, as that all too familiar feeling begins to cast itself upon you. The emcee announces your name and directs the audience to welcome you to the stage. You take a deep breath, walk out and begin to smile and wave to the crowd. The house lights are blinding, but your calm and confident demeanor does not falter. This was it. This is what you had prepared for.
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The Beta Theta Pi
This is what you had dreamt about. The crowd, the cheers, the judges, the center stage . . . this is your moment. This is Hokie Idol. On March 24, the Virginia Tech community collectively crowned its first Hokie Idol. The event, Hokie Idol, is the Alpha Phi Chapter’s philanthropy and the money collected will benefit the Free Clinic of the New River Valley. The clinic provides health and dental services to eligible residents throughout the area. The idea was fashioned from Fox’s popular reality hit show American Idol. “We wanted to pick an event that members of the community and students could relate to,” said Adam Newman ’09, philanthropy chairman. “We wanted to do something different.”
The Chapter raised more than $3,000 “This type of fundraiser allows for the involvement of the entire student body, instead of strictly members of the Greek organizations.”
Brothers of the Chapter wanted to make sure their philanthropy would amount to something fun that students and the local, surrounding communities alike could enjoy and relate to. Although the actual event took place during one evening, the entire process for Hokie Idol spanned the course of six weeks. A preliminary round took place on February 18, where close to 75 students auditioned for the 12 spots to become a finalist. After the first round, hopefuls auditioned to make it past the second and third rounds, before landing a coveted finalist spot. The final event consisted of six women and six men from the Virginia Tech student body. A panel of three judges was presented with the task of helping crown this year’s Hokie Idol. Local Hot 100 radio DJ Nicole Williams, Editor-in-chief of the Collegiate Times David Grant and the Clinic’s executive director Michelle Brauns played the roles of Simon, Randy and Paula. It was the judges’ role to either pick apart or praise each contestant’s performance, ultimately helping the crowd choose a winner.
One of the attractive concepts Alpha Phi brothers created for Hokie Idol was that it was not limited to sororities. “This type of fundraiser allows for the involvement of the entire student body, instead of strictly members of the Greek organizations,” stated Recruitment Chairman Brad De Wet ’10. The Chapter raised more than $3,000 for the Clinic through a number of ways. Contestants are taxed with a one-time, five dollar fee to audition, and attendees for the final were charged three dollars to see the show. Food and beverages were also sold during the event and a radio broadcast was sent out over the airways to boost publicity for the worthy cause. Although it might not have the national presence of American Idol, Alpha Phi’s Hokie Idol proved equally exciting. Contestants continuously raved that it was fun to act out Virginia Tech’s own version of the show and mimic those involved with it. Luckily for Blacksburg, the evening was not spoiled by Simon’s crushing remarks. All in all, the event was . . . bloody brilliant! — A. Hammel Spring 2009
27
Nick Chen
Alec Magham
Daniel Raynes
INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTS Nick Chen, Colgate ’11 Paul Eldred, Willamette ’10 Vinny Giacolone, Carnegie Mellon ’09 Justin Foster, West Chester ’11 Taylor Hutcherson, Texas Tech ’09 Brandyn Lawson, Central Michigan ’10 Mario Medina, Florida International ’09 Matthew Penny, Virginia Tech ’10 Matthew Villasenor, California, Irvine ’10 Welles Wiley, Colgate ’10
INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL OFFICERS
Rajiv Asnani, Florida ’11 (scholarship) Alex Boehling, Washington and Lee ’10 (vice president) Matt Boker, Idaho ’13 (public relations) Chris Brubaker, Iowa State ’10 (public relations) Josh Cirulnick, Alabama ’10 (vice president) Lance Flint, Central Florida ’10 (risk management & judicial) Brian Fuller, Colgate ’10 (vice president) Roger Gonzalez, Florida International ’11 (judicial) John Graham, Missouri-Kansas City ’13 (treasurer) Max Grimard, Florida ’10 (intramurals) James Jarman, Central Florida ’11 (vice president) Jason Lepse, Kansas ’12 (risk management) Lee Van Loenen, Kansas State ’10 (community relations) Alec Maghami, Washington ’11 (vice president) Frederick Myrtle, San Diego ’11 (philanthropy) Jake Pariani, Missouri-Kansas City ’12 (secretary) Reed Pankratz, Kansas State ’11 (public relations) Nicolas Patonai, Missouri-Kansas City ’13 (vice president) John Reineke, Central Michigan ’09 (vice president)
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The Beta Theta Pi
Matt Schill
Brandon Keim
Eric Roberson, San Diego ’10 (vice president) Grant Schnell, Central Florida ’09 (chairman) Matthew Sehlinger, Louisville ’06 (supreme court) Joey Stromberg, Kansas ’11 (recruitment) Matt Szambelan, Georgia ’11 (scholarship) Josh Tower, Louisville ’11 (service) Andrew Vogel, John Carroll ’11 (administration) Charles Walgren, Missouri-Kansas City ’11 (vice president)
STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENTS Connor McCarthy, Georgia ’10 Thomas Wolf, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’08
STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS
Andrew Bender, Eastern Kentucky ’09 (ethics administrator) David Bernstein, Willamette ’10 (judicial board) Chris Brandt, Alabama ’11 (senator) Trey Butler, Texas Tech ’10 (senator) Jamelle Dooley, Central Michigan ’10 (senator) Tyler Enders, Kansas ’11 (senator) Joey Femia, Central Florida ’11 (senator) Clark Goble, Kansas ’08 (senator) Joshua Goldstein, George Washington ’12 (senator) Bradley Harn, Eastern Kentucky ’09 (treasurer) Joseph Knuckles, Eastern Kentucky ’09 (vice president) Andrick Lewis, Central Florida ’10 (vice president) Ivan Martinez, Central Florida ’08 (senator) Matt May, Alabama ’11 (senator) David Nickels, West Chester ’10 (senator) Kyle Olney, California, Irvine ’08 (vice president) Brooks Osburn, Missouri-Kansas City ’12 (senator) Drew Pope, Central Florida ’12 (senator)
Eric Russell
Zachary Reibold, Central Michigan ’12 (senator) David Reichert, Willamette ’09 (senator) John Reineke, Central Michigan ’09 (senator) Eric Russel, Florida ’10 (senator) Matt Schill, Iowa ’09 (senator) J.J. Siler, Kansas ’10 (senator) John Taliaferro, Georgia ’10 (chief of staff) Steven Theulen, Iowa ’10 (senator) David Wilcox, Kansas ’10 (senator)
Eric Roberson
CLASS OFFICERS
Nick Chen, Colgate ’11 (president) Alex Katz, Colgate ’11 (philanthropy chairman)
ORDER OF OMEGA OFFICERS
Alex Brandt, Carnegie Mellon ’12 (president) Christopher Coy, Case Western Reserve ’09 (president) Sean Doran, Missouri-Kansas City ’09 (vice president of programming) Juan Fernandez, Florida International ’09 (treasurer) Jason Ferrera, Colorado Mines ’09 (treasurer) Kurt Hauber, John Carroll ’10 (vice president) Andrew Kolupski, John Carroll ’10 (treasurer) Daniel Raynes, Virginia Tech ’09 (vice president) Avi Sethi, Minnesota ’09 (vice president) Christopher Smith, Missouri-Kansas City ’12 (president)
HONORARY SOCIETY & FRATERNITY OFFICERS
Scott Beeler, Missouri-Kansas City ’10 (new member educator, Alpha Phi Omega) Tyler Bergtholdt, Truman State ’09 (historian, Blue Key) Zach Brown, Missouri-Kansas City ’11 (president, Alpha Lambda Delta) Richard Hankins, Mississippi ’09 (recruitment chairman, Mortar Board) Brandon Keim, Loyola Marymount ’09 (historian, Alpha Sigma Nu) Tyler Kenney, Missouri-Kansas City ’11 (new member educator, Kappa Psi) David Kitchel, Louisville ’09 (vice president, Mortar Board) Steve McLaughlin, Florida ’10 (chairman, Florida Blue Key Mathematics Bureau) Tim Riley, Florida ’10 (finance director, Florida Blue Key Mathematics Bureau) Matt Schill, Iowa ’09 (corresponding secretary, Tau Beta Pi) Andrew Willert, Miami (Fla.) ’09 (president, Alpha Kappa Psi)
Clark Goble
Connor McCarthy
MISCELLANEOUS
Bryce Abraham, San Diego ’10 (director, Center for Awareness, Service and Action) Peter Avila, California, Los Angeles ’09 (vice president, Latin Business Student Association) Eric Bumbalough, Kettering A ’11 (president, Greener Engineering Organization) Alex Bura, Case Western Reserve ’09 (president, Russian Club) Mike Casey, California, Los Angeles ’10 (president, Greek Week) Robert Clarke, Florida ’09 (chairman, Homecoming) Andrew Collings, Georgia ’09 (president, Relay for Life) Kyle Cooper, Colgate ’09 (president, Greek Life Advisory Council) Jeremy Crystal, Miami (Fla.) ’09 (president, Honor Council) Douglas Facemeyer, Carnegie Mellon ’09 (vice president, American Society of Civil Engineers) Rob Hanusa, California, Los Angeles ’10 (secretary, American Institute of Chemical Engineers) James Jarman, Central Florida ’11 (executive director, Late Knights) Scott Kirklin, Kettering A ’10 (treasurer, Society of Physics Students) Chris Lang, Missouri-Kansas City ’12 (president, Residence Hall Council) Michael McPhee, Furman ’10 (chairman, Homecoming) Andrew Rausch, Iowa ’11 (chairman, Homecoming) Dan Rieland, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’09 (president, Student Geographers Club) Clay Rusch, Florida ’11 (associate general chairman, Homecoming) Brandon Sheil, John Carroll ’10 (vice president, College Deomocrats) David Steeb, Miami (Fla.) ’09 (president, Chemistry Club) Kyle Volkmann, Furman ’11 (vice president, Student Alumni Council)
Spring 2009
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Sports R [Sports RoundUp] BASKETBALL
Dave Maltz Wesleyan ’11
Guard Chase Haltom ’10 had a standout season for Wabash and led the squad with 878 minutes played. He also was the leader in 3-point goals, ranked second with 30 steals and 51 assists while ranking third in scoring. Forward Ben Burkett ’11 was fourth in scoring and guard Brian Shelbourne ’12 started 15 contests. Forward Jonathan Downie ’09 was a good player for the Utah squad, which was 20-7 as we went to press.
The top rebounder for Wesleyan was forward Dave Maltz ’11, who was also second in blocked shots. He ranked fourth in scoring with 228 points. The 16-13 Washington and Lee squad had five Betas representing the team. Forward Ben Goetsch ’10 was named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference AllTournament team after scoring a seasonhigh 19 points in the ODAC title game. Also seeing action for W&L were forward Andrew Payne ’10, guard Kyle Bond ’12, forward Will Smith ’12 and forward Zac Burke ’12. At the close of the regular season, head coach Mark Edwards, Washington in St. Louis ’69, had led his alma mater to a 23-2 record on the way to another University Athletic Association title and won his 500th game in the regular season finale. Emmett Davis, St. Lawrence ’81, concluded his 11th season as head coach at Colgate. The Fraternity’s greatest coach, the legendary John Wooden, Purdue ’32, was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in Kansas City on March 17.
SWIMMING
Fourteen Betas helped lead DePauw to its fifth consecutive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title. John Cook ’10 was named SCAC Male Swimmer of the Year after winning the
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The Beta Theta Pi
Chase Haltom Wabash ’10
50, 100 and 200 freestyle events. He was also on the winning 200, 400 and 800 freestyle relays, and the second place 400 medley relay. Josh Baugh ’11 won the 200 individual medley and was on the winning 200, 400 and 800 freestyle relays. He also placed second in the 100 breaststroke and 200 medley relay, and third in the 200 breaststroke. Charlie Boehme ’10 won the SCAC 200 backstroke in a school record time of 1:54.94. He also took the 400 IM title, was on the winning 800 freestyle relay and placed sixth in the 500 freestyle. Steve Klabak ’10 was on the first place 200 and 400 freestyle relays, placed second on the 200 and 400 medley relays, placed third in the 50 and 100 freestyle events and was fourth in the 100 backstroke. Another individual event champion for DePauw was Dan DeGeus ’10, who won the SCAC 100 breaststroke. He was also on the second place 400 medley relay, placed fifth in the 200 breaststroke, was eighth in the 200 IM and placed 10th on the 200 medley relay. Alex Troxel ’10 had third place finishes in the 200 backstroke and 400 IM, while ranking seventh in the 200 IM. He also swam on the 10th place 400 medley relay. Andrew Wandel ’11 placed fifth in the mile and
Roundup was on the ninth place 800 freestyle relay. Chris Szynal ’11 finished ninth in the 100 butterfly event and 10th on two relay teams. Kyle Kerrigan ’10 swam on the ninth place 800 freestyle relay and the 10th place 200 medley relay. Other DePauw competitors at the SCAC meet were Tom Lancaster ’10 (10th in the 200 butterfly), Tom Rich (12th in the mile) and Jon Corwin ’10. Wesleyan co-captain Dave Wilkinson ’09 qualified for the Division III championship diving competition after scoring a total of 287.55 on the onemeter board. Swimmer Sree Akkineni ’10 of Cal-Berkeley competed in the 200 and 400 individual medley events.
Dave Wilkinson Wesleyan ’09
John Schmidtbauer ’11 of Willamette competed at the Northwest Conference meet and placed 12th in the 100 freestyle with his first time under 50 seconds. He was also 12th in the 200 freestyle. Steve Weber ’10 of Puget Sound competed in eight different events during the season. Ten Betas dominated the Washington & Jefferson swimming and diving team that placed third at the President’s Athletic Conference meet. Tri-captain Mark Sirkoch ’10 earned All-PAC second team honors by competing on the second place 200 freestyle relay and on the third place 200 freestyle and 400 medley relays. He was also ninth in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. Luke Morgan ’10 gained All-PAC second team selection after third place finishes in onemeter and three-meter diving. Tri-captain Ryan Sayers ’09 was All-PAC second
team with a fourth place finish in threemeter diving and sixth on the one-meter board.
All-PAC second team William Kidston ’10 was on the second place Washington & Jefferson 400 freestyle relay. Gaining All-PAC honorable mention was Dan Martin ’10, who was on the third place 200 medley relay while placing seventh in the 100 breaststroke and eighth in the 200 breaststroke. Max Mock ’12 had an eighth place finish in the 200 backstroke and was 11th in the 100 backstroke. Jay Minster ’10 was 10th in the 100 butterfly and finished 12th in the 100 backstroke and 200 medley. Josh Wilder ’10 had a 12th place finish in the 100 butterfly. The best finish for Jim Falis ’11 was 13th in the 100 backstroke. Daniel Hood ’11 was the final W&J competitor at the PAC meet. Five Lawrence Betas helped lead the squad to a third place finish at the Midwest Conference meet. Tri-captain Kyle Griffin ’09 placed second with the 800 freestyle relay and had fourth place finishes in the 400 IM, 500 freestyle and the mile. Tri-captain Matt Yauch ’09 was on the second place 200 medley relay, was seventh in the 400 IM and finished eighth in the 100 breaststroke. Nate Kontny ’10 swam on the third place 200 freestyle relay, was 13th in the 100 breaststroke and 14th in the 50 freestyle. At the earlier Private College championship, Griffin was on the second place 400 freestyle relay, sixth in the 500 freestyle and eighth in the 400 IM. Kontny swam on the second place 400 medley relay and was fifth in the 50 freestyle. Teammate Chris Sze ’11 competed at both meets for Lawrence.
FOOTBALL
Seven brothers were named to the NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference All-Fraternity All-American first teams. Brian Selman ’09 of Alabama was the deep snapper on the NCAA Division I FBS & FCS first team. The NIC’s Division II-III first team included running back Kyle Toot ’10 of Kenyon, wide receiver Tyler Thiems ’09 of Hanover, offensive lineman Yancy Edwards ’09 of Kenyon, linebacker Aleksey Tigay ’10 of Carnegie Mellon, and defensive linemen Darryl Kennon ’09 of Wabash and Clay Crites ’09 of Carnegie Mellon. Defensive end
John Cook DePauw ’10
Mark Sirkoch
Washington & Jefferson ’10 Tighe Burke ’09 of Knox was named to the AP Little All-American third team after being named as Division III’s sack leader for the 2008 season. One of the top pass receivers in NCAA Division III history, Scott Pingel ’00 of Westminster was inducted into the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on January 31. During his four seasons (1996-99), he established Division III records for career receptions (436), receiving yardage (6,108) and touchdown catches (75).
OTHER SPORTS
Heavyweight wrestler James Roarty ’10 was 23-13 for the Stevens squad and competed at the Centennial Conference meet. Ernie Guaimano ’10 was a regular at 184 pounds, and 149-pounder Geraldo Rodriguez ’11 also saw action for Stevens. Seven Betas on the Knox team were led by Edel Vaca ’11, who excelled at 133 pounds. He placed second at the MSOE meet, third at the North Central Invitational and sixth at the Northern Wrestling Association Conference meet. Teammate Danny Stafford ’11 placed third at the NWAC meet. Also competing at the NWAC were Marty Dertz ’09, Aaron Barnett ’09 and Dugan O’Connor ’11. Grant Guimond ’09 and Luke Karner ’09 were other Knox team members. Other wrestlers included regular Peter Massie ’11 of Toronto, Phil Boyer ’10 of Pennsylvania and the Truman State duo of Brian Hilliard ’09 and Jeff Graber ’12. — Jay Langhammer
Spring 2009
31
[Mystic Shrine]
In Loving Memory Alabama
Schepker, Stephen D. Jr. ’94, Feb.13
Amherst
Alexander, Robert S. ’38, Nov. 11
Arizona
Hancock, Brent H. ’69, Sept. 19
Beloit
Caldwell, Robert H. ’53, July 15
Bethany
Machamer, Edward W. ’41, Nov. 29
Brown
Bueche, Frank W. ’50, Dec. 27, 2007 McMurtrie, Kenneth A. ’44, June 9
California, Berkeley Huff, John E. ’69, Oct. 9
California, Los Angeles
Overpeck, Robert K. ’49, Nov. 26 Walkup, William E. ’40, Dec. 25
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The Beta Theta Pi
Carnegie Mellon
Fleming, James B. ’50, Jan. 3 Poirier, William W. ’49, Dec. 9 Saxton, Richard E. ’47, June 5
Chicago
McLean, John C. ’50, Oct. 2
Colorado College
Dilts, Howard S. Sr. ’39, Feb. 2, 2008
Columbia
Petrulio, Ernest J. ’51, Oct.
Cornell
Stacy, Richard T. ’45, Dec. 25
DePauw
Beall, Charles P. ’48, Sept. 22 Marketto, Dr. Don L. Jr. ’54, Nov. 27, 2007
Dickinson
Goebner, Richard B. ’54, April 26, 2008
Duke
Harkness, Richard R. ’45, Feb. 18, 2008
Eastern Kentucky
Highland, William M. ’07, Feb. 3
Florida
Appleget, Robert L. Jr. ’70, Feb. 1 Brett, Robert D. ’52, Feb. 12
Georgia Tech
Adams, A. Cyrus ’59, Jan. 21 Bohner, Earl A. Jr. ’44, Feb. 6 Phillips, Emory B. Jr. ’47, Jan. 5
Hanover
Dalton, Donald S. ’52, Jan. 14
Idaho
Blomgren, Arthur C. Jr. ’51, Jan. 4 Brown, Boyd B. ’42, Nov. 30 Gigray, William F. Jr. ’38, Oct. 30
Illinois
Wolf, Richard C. ’54, May 18, 2008
Iowa State
Hart, Jack H. ’44, Jan. 4 Park, John A. ’80, Jan. 18
Johns Hopkins
Young, Dr. Kenneth M. Jr. ’56, Oct. 21
Kansas State
Beck, Dr. Steven R. ’69, Oct. 10
Kenyon
Leach, Lewis C. ’55, March 18, 2008
Knox
Oklahoma
Cline, C. Bob ’68, Dec. 14 Coe, Ross W. Jr. ’43, Feb. 17 Kite, Dr. William C. Jr. ’41, July 25
Oregon
Washington and Lee
Penn State
Washington in St. Louis
Daniels, Arnold R. ’42, Feb. 17 Kirk, Jeffrey A. ’83, Dec. 13 May, Richard W. ’41, March 18, 2008
Pepperdine
Lawrence
Purdue
Maine
Bishop, John R. ’64, Jan. 12 Emerson, Walter L. Jr. ’35, Oct. 7 Lincoln, Robert A. ’50, Aug. 26
Miami
Canright, James E. ’42, April 9, 2008 Fryman, Robert E. ’50, Jan. 14 Whitesel, Dr. John A. III ’54, Jan. 27
Minnesota
Hepler, Bowden C. Jr. ’06, Jan. 3
Fletcher, William F. ’47, Aug. 6 Garrison, Gregory M. ’02, Oct. 1 Lynch, Col. Edmund D. ’36, Nov. 13 Meyer, Gene L. ’53, Dec. 27 Petticrew, Charles R. ’37, April 1, 2008 Ruddy, Daniel J. ’49, Aug. Sullivan, Warren T. Jr. ’40, Nov. 27
Baier, Robert W. ’68, Oct. 30
Syracuse
Cerow, Gordon D. Jr. ’44, Jan. 31 Knoll, Gregory R. ’93, Nov. 11
Texas
May, Dr. Charles R. III ’58, Oct. 18
Cullinan, Thomas A. ’55, Dec. 15 Dibrell, Cooper G. ’75, Dec. 31
Ohio
Toronto
Didion, Dr. Paul A. ’48, Dec. 10 Riley, Richard E. ’57, Feb. 1
Durran, Dr. John E. ’53, Oct. 5
Ohio State
Jeansonne, Dr. Louis O. III ’67, Jan. 18 Munson, Edward P. Jr. ’40, Dec. 8
Hoyer, William B. ’37, Dec. 26 Lehmann, Lynn W. ’63, May 17, 2008 Matthews, John D. ’87, Feb. 15 Niermeyer, John L. ’61, Jan. 5 Ramseyer, Dr. John A. ’59, Jan. 27 Rudy, James A. ’53, Feb. 7 Watson, Edward E. ’38, May 9, 2008
Shaw, Harold W. ’50, Feb. 6
West Virginia
Shupper. F. Craig ’74, Nov. 11 Swisher, John W. ’55, Feb. 14 Tabscott, William L. Jr. ’44, Aug. 26
Western Reserve
Jensen, William A. ’48, Nov. 30 Spieth, Thomas A. ’65, Dec. 19
Whitman
Southern Methodist
North Carolina
Washington State
St. Lawrence
Missouri
Stewart, Oswald II ’39, Jan. 7
Duncker, Charles P. ’56, Dec. 28 Schmelig, David A. ’60, Dec. 10
Westminster
Kraus, Robert H. ’61, Feb. 11 Wahl, Harry L. ’49, Jan. 6
Evans, Evan ’46, Sept. 14 Knapp, Dwight H. ’51, Jan. 13
MIT
Pewett, Edwin H. ’34, Oct.13
Rutgers
Appel, Dr. Robert M. ’50, Jan. 17 Burton, Conway C. ’44, Dec. 11
Dormeyer, David F. ’63, Jan. 7 Hurley, Edward J. ’44, Oct. 20 Kinmonth, John R. ’50, Jan. 31
Anderson, Roy A. ’44, Oct. 31 Bassett, Earle J. II ’48, June 26 Fancher, Charles E. Sr. ’42, Feb. 10 Faragher, T. Robert ’34, Dec. 21 Thies, Frederick D. ’48, Oct. 29
Chadburn, Richard L. ’51, Oct. 16 Kennedy, Donald E. ’38, Sept. 27 Wyatt, Wendell W. ’39, Jan. 28
Gossrow, Robert W. ’62, Jan. 1 Petrick, Russell E. ’41, Feb. 1
Draheim, Dr. John H. ’45, Jan. 9
Washington
Hancock, Albert T. Jr. ’47, Nov. 10 Roe, L. Lloyd R. Jr. ’52, Sept. 28 Ross, Walter W. III ’44, Jan.1
Mason, David P. ’63, Dec. 27 Powell, F. Foster ’34, Oct. 16 Riel, Robert H. ’43, Dec. 16
Wichita State
Hurtt, Harold L. Jr. ’37, May 28, 2008 Welshimer, James L. ’67, Feb. 19
Wittenberg
Beck, James H. ’56, Feb. 9 Clingman, David H. ’51, Jan. 1
Tulane
Vanderbilt
Jackson, Hughlette Jr. ’41, May 12, 2008
Spring 2009
33
[A Principled Life] The Revolutionary Man by Jayson J. Gaddis, Utah ’95
unskillful in my attempts to eradicate hazing. For the men who I shamed and blamed, I am sorry for not showing you the respect you deserved in how I communicated. • To anyone I hazed, I am deeply sorry. It was never my intention to hurt you. You know who you are. If you want to have a conversation, in person or over the phone, please know that I am open to it.
I
was far from a principled Beta as an undergraduate. I was a partier, a hazer and do not remember being taught “the principles.”
“What kind of Man will you be?”
Do you know what it means to live a principled life? Send your thoughts to alex.hammel@betathetapi. org. Your essay could be printed in a future issue.
As an undergraduate, I took part in hazing other men with the aim of unifying each pledge class and “making” pledges active members of my fraternity. I had many justifications for my behavior that made sense at the time. Not until I became president of my chapter did I begin to fear the repercussions of my actions. I slowly began to speak out against hazing, but was too scared to really stand up. When I began to work for Beta headquarters as a leadership consultant after graduating, I really changed my tune. This is when I began to upset a lot of folks, because I had been a “hazer” and the new me was “antihazing.” To the members of my chapter I was now a hypocrite. So, to the brothers of my chapter and to the men who had the courage to “drop” before hell week even started: • I apologize for how I tried to stop hazing. I was a complete jerk, as a friend recently pointed out. True, I was. I was young and
34
The Beta Theta Pi
• I apologize for standing by and watching as others were hazed. When someone else is being emotionally or verbally beaten down, I commit to stepping in and doing something to stop it. I don’t apologize for a second about standing up against hazing. I will continue to stand up to other grown men who think that verbally, emotionally and physically cutting someone down is somehow valuable. To me, if you do this, you are not a principled man and you are not a man. “Making” you a Beta does not make you a man. Although this could be argued, it is the Fraternity’s job to initiate young men into the Fraternity, not into manhood. If I want to be a Revolutionary Man (the name of my company) and live by the principles of Beta Theta Pi, I have to be ruthlessly honest with myself. I have to own up to mistakes I’ve made and identify where in my life I stepped out of my own integrity. I’m less of a man if I bury my past and pretend to not acknowledge my wrongs. It is time to step up as men and move beyond boy behavior. So, my question to you is, “What kind of Man will you be?” Jayson Gaddis, LPC is a past leadership consultant for Beta Theta Pi, and founder of the Beta Wilderness Challenge. He is now a psychotherapist and life coach in Boulder Colorado. www.revolutionaryman.com
A Lasting Moment
L T
en years ago, I was serving as the chapter counselor for the Georgia Chapter when we were offered the opportunity to partner as a pilot chapter of the Men of Principle initiative. I had no idea how my life was about to change. I eagerly embraced the opportunity because I saw it as a way to help us address some of the underlying issues keeping us from becoming a great chapter. What I did not see was that it would open a doorway to greater service to the General Fraternity. What started as a desire to improve one chapter quickly expanded to a vision for Beta chapters all across North America. In Beta Theta Pi, we not only have the opportunity to forge life-long friendships, but to lift each other up to greater levels of accomplishment so that we will be better and more productive members of society. It is truly satisfying to see the positive changes that have occurred as more chapters have worked to
bring their actions into closer alignment with our founding principles. It has also been a time of personal growth for me as I have participated in leadership programming for undergraduates and volunteers, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees. Even though we have come far in the last 10 years, we still have much more to go. It is an unending challenge. Therefore, I will continue to give of my time, talent and treasure because I want the stars of our Great and Good Fraternity to continue to be guiding lights for future generations of good men. I hope you feel that way, too. — P. Thomas Purinton, Kansas State ’63 Dr. Purinton was re-elected to a second, three-year term as General Fraternity president at last summer’s 169th General Convention in Dallas. He has served as a facilitator for one session of The Wooden Institute each year since the program’s inception in 1999.
Beta Theta Pi Foundation & Administrative Office Brennan Hall P.O. Box 6277 5134 Bonham Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 www.betathetapi.org
THE ECONONIC LANDSCAPE HAS OBVIOUSLY CHANGED . . .
tn a Pi e h T a o Be t f o u n d a t i
. . . but the leadership development needs of our undergraduates haven’t. Please support the Beta Leadership Fund before May 31st to ensure your listing in the Beta Foundation’s award-winning Annual Report. www.betathetapi.org/gift
Beta Leadership Fund
Developing today’s undergraduates for tomorrow’s possibilities