The Beta Theta Pi - Summer 2016

BETA T H E B E TA T H E TA P I M A G A Z I N E

SUMMER 2016

ENTITLED BRATS IS THERE HOPE FOR MILLENNIALS?

18 CONTENTS 2 THE BETA THETA PI

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FRIENDS OR FOES In 1911, politics brought two Indiana brothers together. In 1940, it almost tore them apart. This is the story of two Hoosiers who went head to head in a cutthroat battle for the presidency.

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

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Have you heard about that Beta who is a CrossFit fanatic? Check out his story and nearly 20 other inspiring alumni updates.

Manbuns? Selfies? Ugh. Are milliennials doomed, or can fraternities help a misunderstood generation?

Check the pulse of the Fraternity in this end-of-academic year update and learn more about the health of Beta Theta Pi.

ALUMNI NEWS

ENTITLED BRATS

STATE OF THE FRATERNITY

DEPARTMENTS Archives ...................................................... 5

Promises to Keep .................................22

Inbox ............................................................. 6

I Am a Fraternity Man ........................24

Newsworthy .............................................. 8

You Asked ...............................................34

Campus Life ............................................ 10

Chapter Eternal .....................................52

Opening of the Door ...........................12

Bridge Builder ........................................55

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

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CONTENTS

Having grown up on a cattle and tobacco farm in the heart of the Bluegrass and horse country, my dad made sure that my older brother and I became experts on the subject of manual labor. And while he was determined that both of his sons would be college graduates, he was vigilant about ensuring we both understood hard work, the value of a dollar and what it takes to make it in the world.

Of course, like most kids, my brother and I were anything but saints. And even though we did what was “asked” (most of the time, at least), it would be rewriting history to suggest we liked it or wanted to do it. Working on the farm after school, on weekends and during summer break was anything but optimal. We yearned to be with other kids at the country club and often felt shortchanged for what should be our time to relax and have fun. After all, “we deserved it.”

Fast forward 25 years and tune in to any form of news reporting, and the ills of today’s youth certainly don’t provide much hope. To many, this generation is simply self-absorbed, techno-freaks who want immediate social, political and commercial influence with little to no understanding of responsibility, sacrifice and respect for others’ viewpoints.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Now at the ripe old age of 43, I’ve started finding humor in my own attitude about today’s young people, as my dad’s stern voice of instruction and correction has somehow hijacked my own observations and thoughts. Could it be he thought the same thing about my brother and me – and our friends? Surely not!

THE BETA THETA PI L. MARTIN COBB EASTERN KENTUCKY ’96 MARTIN.COBB@BETA.ORG

EDITOR’S LETTER

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Taking comfort in not being alone in my assessment of “kids these days,” I was recently struck by a Facebook post of a hometown friend when he teed off proclaiming, “We have lost a whole generation and turned them into selfish, disrespectful brats who have no respect for people and property! What happened to the old days when kids were respectful of their elders? Things need to change!”

Ironically, having grown up with this individual, it’s safe to say he would have been considered one of our small town’s most irresponsible, wandering, self-centered adolescents. Today he is married with two kids.

Thus, it seems some things in life rarely change. Mark Twain summarized it up masterfully in regard to the maturation that typically comes with age…

“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18.”

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”

Today’s generation certainly has its share of shortcomings. But thank goodness there are still family- and team-structured organizations like Beta Theta Pi that serve as great equalizers in recalibrating young men’s minds to understand it’s not all about them, and no, they are not the center of the universe.

If history is any indicator, sons will continue to become fathers, and elders will continue to demand better of the youth who follow. In so doing, a new generation of standard bearers will take their place and challenge young people to grow up and become something in life. Appropriately so.

Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,

ARCHIVES

ARCHIVES 5

THE BETA THETA PI The oldest continuously published college fraternity magazine, The Beta Theta Pi was founded on December 15, 1872, by Charles Duy Walker, VMI 1869.

EDITOR L. Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Issue Deadline Winter October 15 Spring January 15 Summer April 15

SENIOR WRITER Justin P. Warren, SMU ’10

Mail Date December 15 March 15 June 15

SEND PICTURES, STORY CONCEPTS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Beta Theta Pi Foundation & Administrative Office Brennan Hall 5134 Bonham Road PO Box 6277 Oxford, Ohio 45056 800.800.BETA or beta@beta.org

MANAGING EDITOR Michael J. Roupas, Iowa ’10

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sarah Shepherd PUBLICATION PRINTER The Watkins Printing Company Columbus, Ohio

WHO GETS THE MAGAZINE? Upon initiation, each Beta is guaranteed a lifetime subscription to The Beta Theta Pi. That commitment by the Fraternity remains, although for a variety of reasons some no longer wish to receive the hard-copy version. So, who automatically receives the Fraternity’s magazine?

All undergraduates and parents, active Beta volunteers, donors to the Beta Foundation, and any alumnus who documents his preference to receive the hard copy with the Administrative Office in Oxford. One can easily do so at 800.800.BETA, beta@beta.org or my.beta.org.

HOW DOES ONE GET PUBLISHED? Content submissions for the magazine are always encouraged and certainly welcomed. While space constraints naturally make it difficult for the editorial staff to include every idea presented, a fair evaluation process is exercised in order to publish the greatest variety of chapters, age generations, geographical regions, events and unique member achievements and stories. Pictures should be submitted in high resolution at beta@beta.org.

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 and summer for a $30 one-time pre-paid subscription.

Standard non-profit 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, 2016. Produced in the USA. WANT INSTANT ACCESS TO A PAST BETA MAGAZINE? Every issue of The Beta Theta Pi since its founding on December 15, 1872, can be accessed in Beta’s online, keyword-searchable digital archive: magazine.beta.org.

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

“The first mark of a Beta will be his Beta Spirit.” – Willis O. Robb, Ohio Wesleyan 1879 Featured in the winter 1994 issue of The Beta Theta Pi, Sendil Krishnan, Johns Hopkins ’96, is hoisted by (left to right) Rich Kubista ’96, Marc D’Amelio ’96, and John Masotta ’95, after winning an eating contest in the IFC Freshman Orientation games. (Photo by Elliott Chen ’94.)

THE INBOX REACTIONS TO . . .

“It would be very naïve of me to think that all of my fellow Betas will be supportive and/or understanding of those of us who are gay. Yet I hope that the bonds of brotherhood will raise us above such differences and help us see how much more we are all alike than different. I hope honest discussions take place.

“JUST ONE OF THE GUYS” When the last issue of the Beta magazine hit mailboxes featuring the story of Drew Allensworth – a 2015 Beta alumnus from the University of Oklahoma who also happens to be gay – it received an early endorsement from former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar, Denison ’54, who said: “Reading this issue was truly an overwhelming experience. The material on the gay article was especially significant and handled beautifully.”

The article sparked reactions among many readers – gay and straight, alike. Here’s what some of them had to say . . .

THE INBOX 6 THE BETA THETA PI

“I know myself well enough to know that in 1988, I would have been a jackass to a gay brother or pledge. But I have had a crash course in life and what is truly important. I know how irrelevant and petty my old attitude was. Love, friendship, brotherhood, family ... that is all. The rest is nonsense. If we can impress that upon just a few people before they dig our graves, we will make this world a little better off than we found it. Well done and thank you for hitting the subject head on. P.S. It is probably equally important that I’m straight and old and a Christian Republican.”

— Mark Myers, Eastern Kentucky ’90

“Drew Allensworth did what I didn’t have the guts to do in the ’80s.

But my brothers have shown me (and my partner) nothing but love and support since coming out, something in retrospect I wish I had done much earlier.”

— Brad Liebmann, Oklahoma ’85 “This literally is the best of people, friendship, brotherhood and fraternity.

Unconditional love and unwavering friendship.

I hope this inspires everyone to live your truth. Fraternity is a place where you shouldn’t have to be anything other than who you are at your core.” — Megan Vadnais, Friend of Beta

 CORRECTION FROM THE LAST ISSUE

“I am no longer allowing the Beta magazine to come into my house. The current issue is against all religious beliefs that I hold. My uncle in WWII was dropped behind enemy lines and was a Beta – he would be horrified with a homosexual endorsement that Beta put in the magazine and featured as a cover.

By the way, the old Beta magazine format was so much better, the content was so inspiring — it’s gone to a piece of s***. It’s terrible. It’s an insult to all the Betas I’ve known throughout my life.

Awful. Awful. Awful.

What a disgrace. You should be ashamed of yourself.” — Alexander Hay, Colgate ’62

In “Campus Life” (p. 42), Ryan Yu, Purdue ’20, was incorrectly listed as “Ryan Moo.”

drew’s story received 524 likes on Social media & countless praise, yet just nine negative reactions.

The world can be a mean and nasty place to people who are different and don’t fit preconceived ideas of what men should be or how they should act.

Publishing this article and giving it such a great and accurate title will provide what many need to be honest with themselves and others. It will also help dispel the stereotypes and misconceptions.

It is my sincere hope that this article also opens up conversations among brothers and in biological families as well. My faith tells me that God created me as I am. I didn’t choose to be gay any more than my parents chose to be straight.” — Bruce Garner, Emory ’71

continued . . .

“After reading some of the BS stories on politicized subjects you guys have chosen to run in your magazine lately, I no longer want any association with your organization.” — Kyle Lemons, SMU ’14

CLOSURECOMMENTARY “As a father of a TCU Beta ‘Man of Principle,’ I congratulate the Fraternity on the decision to shut down the Beta chapter at Vanderbilt. The noble objectives of Beta must be supported with tough decisions.” — Robbie Smith “There are always lurking threats to even the greatest chapter – arrogance, complacency, entitlement, and the like. I exhort you to heed the example of Oregon’s misfortune as a lesson for the need for constant vigilance against these threats.” — Zach Allen, Oklahoma ’85, in a note to Oklahoma undergraduates

REACTIONS TO “LOWRY INSPIRES” “Bill is the reason I chose to become a Beta at Kenyon. In addition to initiating a man of color, the fraternity stood tall and thought outside of the box and initiated yours truly, a man of a different religion, Judaism. The brothers of Beta Alpha were definitely ahead of their times for the early 1950s.”

— Sheldon Fisher, Kenyon ’58 “Inspiring story ... restores faith in the fraternity system.” — John Rollow, Washington ’49 “I am proud to say that I was a senior and member of the Beta Alpha Chapter at the time that Bill was initiated. It was Bill’s classmates in the class of ’56 who pushed for his initiation. All of us believed that the strength of the chapter was based on the local collective desire of the members to spend their college years together. So, we proceeded with the initiation in spite of a good bit of outside pressure.” — John Seaman, Kenyon ’54 “I’m so happy to be a part of the Beta family because it’s allowed me to know Bill Lowry. Paul and I have sat with Bill and chatted for long lengths of time and become so much the wiser for it. Beta has been blessed by Bill and so has everyone who has ever talked to him. I’m honored to call him ‘friend.’” — Kay Swartz, Beta Sweetheart of Paul Swartz, Kansas State ’64  DID YOU MISS BETA’S VIDEO TRIBUTE TO BILL LOWRY? CATCH UP AT BETA.ORG/THEKENYONAFFAIR, AND THEN HAVE SOME LAUGHS WITH OUTTAKES FROM THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR AT BETA.ORG/THELIGHTERSIDE. Share your thoughts on Beta’s social networks!

7 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

“In my 30 years of fraternal life, including nearly a decade working for a men’s fraternity, I found the stereotype of fraternity homophobia a myth. First and foremost, fraternities are about acceptance and brotherhood.

These men are some of the most tolerant, open-minded men in our society.” — Bethany Deines, Friend of Beta

“I am very heartened to know that the chapter and the General Fraternity have embraced and supported a wonderful brother who happens to be gay. There is no greater testament to leadership than to have an open mind, to change one’s perception based on the information provided and then to act affirmatively to support what is right.

By the way, not that it really matters but I am straight so I don’t have any individualized self-interest ... just an interest in continuing to see the brotherhood grow in the way Gamma Phi and Drew have so wonderfully demonstrated.”

— Christopher Manning, Oklahoma ’94

THE INBOX

“Cultural and societal evolution makes telling a story like this possible in 2016. Twenty years ago, the story might not have been told as boldly, but the storyline was, for the most part, just as strong. Thankful for all the brothers who remember the spirit of ___kai___ is inclusive to men of all backgrounds, beliefs and makeups. When actives and alums alike keep this in mind, the potential to grow and succeed individually and together is limitless.”

— Todd Gladfelter, Oklahoma ’98

“I joined Beta in 2004 as a part of the Gamma Xi Chapter at the University of Florida. I was scared about being in a conservative part of Florida and being out as a gay man. To this day, my brothers have been respectful of my sexuality and lifestyle.

I am proud to be a Beta and thankful to the memories/experiences that Beta Theta Pi has given me!” — Brett Chinick, Florida ’08

NEWSWORTHY

NEWSWORTHY

NEW BETA RECORD

MILESTONE HONOR

PICTURE THIS . . .

CLUB RESULTS

THE BETA BLOCK

A 311% INCREASE

STAFF CHANGES

ON CAPITOL HILL

For the first time in Fraternity history, Beta’s undergraduate membership has exceeded the 10,000-man mark with 10,271 young men of principle across 133 chapters and colonies.

This year, 4,033 Betas who were initiated in ’91, ’66 and ’41 were honored for their milestone 25, 50 and 75 years of membership with a certificate and pledge class contact roster.

With nearly 800 Beta photos already posted on the Fraternity’s official Instagram account, be sure to search for and follow “Beta Theta Pi” to add the Fraternity to your daily feed.

Thanks to 2,507 Beta undergraduates, this year’s Sons of the Dragon Club raised $53,411 to benefit the final phase of the Beta Foundation’s Promises to Keep Campaign.

8 THE BETA THETA PI

The General Fraternity purchased the former Evans Scholars house adjacent to the Alpha Chapter with a vision of leasing to a peer fraternity and housing Wooden participants.

Last year, the Fraternity saw a whopping 311 percent increase in the number of names referred to chapters by alumni. Do your part in building the Beta bridge at beta.org/recommend.

Familiar faces are filling new roles in Oxford: Dir. of Cornerstone John Reineke; Assoc.

Dir. of Business Operations John Underhill; and Dir. of Ch. Operations Austin Marple.

In April, some 165 Greeks, including Betas, lobbied for the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act, a bill advocating for equitable tax treatment of non-profit student housing.

INTERFRATERNALLY SPEAKING Pi Beta Phi was recognized for their philanthropy, “Read > Lead > Achieve,” in a recent edition of a national advocacy campaign called “Literacy in America.”

Alpha Tau Omega’s “ATO Roadshow” raises awareness for positive stories within their fraternity through online articles and video spotlights.

Kappa Alpha Theta kicked off Founders Day by launching “150 Days of Celebrating Service,” a united effort by all members to advocate, volunteer and donate to worthy causes.

UPCOMING EVENTS JULY 23

CENTRAL MICHIGAN GOLF OUTING Plymouth, Mich. golfouting@epsilongamma.org

AUGUST 4-7 177TH GENERAL CONVENTION Renaissance Convention Center Hotel & Spa Oklahoma City, Okla. dan.fogle@beta.org 18

OCTOBER 7-9 MIAMI (FLA.) 10TH ANNIVERSARY Miami, Fla. pndarrow@gmail.com CASE WESTERN RESERVE 175TH ANNIVERSARY Cleveland, Ohio jhg81@case.edu

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EASTERN KENTUCKY 45TH ANNIVERSARY Richmond, Ky. jba323@gmail.com

Back in 2012, the Fraternity colonized at the University of Arkansas with 77 Founding Fathers. Three years later, the brothers traveled from Fayetteville to Orlando and successfully petitioned the 176th convention delegates for their charter. During the Installation Banquet on April 23, General Secretary David Schmidt, South Florida ’92, officially installed the charter of the Etu Mu Chapter.

Having now grown to a 146-man chapter, the men are not resting on their laurels. Announcing at the banquet a total of $13,100 raised in the last year for the Be Positive Foundation in support of families affected by pediatric cancer, the men coordinated a silent auction fundraiser at the event, elected the first president of their Parents Club, and hosted their first-ever golf tournament for parents, alumni and members. Stay in the loop with Beta’s spirited chapter in Fayetteville at facebook.com/ArkansasBetaThetaPi.

NOVEMBER 4-5 IOWA 150TH ANNIVERSARY Iowa City, Iowa jonathan-w-smith@uiowa.edu

JULY 2017 27-30 178TH GENERAL CONVENTION Salt Lake City, Utah dan.fogle@beta.org

177TH GENERAL CONVENTION August 4-7, 2016 ~ Oklahoma City Register by July 1 at beta.org/convention

9 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

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ARKANSAS INSTALLED AS ETA MU CHAPTER NEWSWORTHY

NORTHEAST OHIO ALUMNI ASSOC. 50TH BETA STEAKOUT Canton, Ohio BetaThetaPi.NEOH@gmail.com

CAMPUS LIFE

By L. Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96

CAMPUS LIFE 10 THE BETA THETA PI

THE REMARKABLE STORY OF TOM BABB, KANSAS '19 So, what happens when a freshman pledge like Tom Babb, Kansas '19, suffers a near-fatal bodysurfing accident over Christmas break - one that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down and stripped of basic skills like breathing on his own?

“... WHEN IT BECAME APPARENT HE COULDN'T MAKE IT TO LAWRENCE, HIS BROTHERS TOOK INITIATION TO COLORADO ...”

The Alpha Nu Chapter alumni charter a bus so 50 undergraduate brothers can travel 600 miles (one-way) to initiate Tom in his hometown just outside of Denver. And with his Beta Dad Steve, Illinois '87, on hand to witness the surprise, two things are for sure: Babb's survival is a miracle ... but the loyalty of his Beta brothers most certainly is not.

That deep sense of brotherly love and camaraderie fuels the Beta Spirit in Lawrence, as the chapter immediately responded by organizing the TOMSTRONG 5k Walk/Run/Roll to benefit the new Tom Babb Student Accessibility Scholarship to provide financial assistance for KU students who require professional caregiving while earning their degree. Driven by Tom's Pledge Dad John Killen '17, some $40,000 was raised in the inaugural event on April 24.

Beta's editorial team will continue following Tom's rehabilitation closely, including his hoped-for move back into the chapter house this fall.

TENNESSEE PRIDE

Hello, 2016 Chapter of the Year! Hovering in the low 20s in membership until a major re-invigoration effort 18 months ago, Beta's Delta Kappa (now-50-man) Chapter at the University of Tennessee is ON. THE. MARCH! MORE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENTS

USC UNDERGRADS HONOR ALUMNI

 FLORIDA STATE IFC GOES BIG — BETA GOES EVEN BIGGER On the heels of Florida State's IFC vote in February to waive IFC dues for chapters' military veterans, Beta's 103-man colony at FSU passed legislation to waive the entirety of a veteran brother's dues. President R.J. McGregor '16 shared, "We voted to waive ALL dues (IFC and Beta) for veteran members of our chapter.

We will then take money from internal budgets to cover their General Fraternity dues and chapter fees in hopes of creating a more veteran inclusive environment."

On March 31 in the Founder's Room of the Galen Center, the Gamma Tau Chapter hosted "A Brotherhood of Champions" banquet celebrating their 46 NCAA All-Americans and 15 Olympians. One word: Wow.

11 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

MORE GREEK MEN OF THE YEAR

Leaders certainly go first, and such actions don't go unnoticed, as evidenced by Greek Man of the Year honors being bestowed upon Michael Reyes, Chapman '17 (above), J.D. Sterba, Central Michigan '16, and Tyler Burch, Texas at Arlington '16.

OK STATE SWEEPS VARSITY REVUE

Paired with Kappa Alpha Theta, Beta's OSU Chapter swept virtually every category in Varsity Revue, including Best Theme, Vocals, Choreography, Song Selection, Male Performer, Viewer's Choice and the grand prize, First Place Overall!

CAMPUS LIFE

Congrats to outgoing Student Body President Andrew Naab, Cincinnati '16 (left, presented UC's highest honor, the Alta Petit Medal), and incoming Presidents Cole Staudt, Iowa State '17, Mason Grist, Washington and Lee '18, Jesse Westerhouse, Auburn '17 and Paul Nolan, NC State '17.

 TEXAS A&M BROTHERS TURN GRIEF INTO ACTION Following the January 4 suicide of their biological younger brother David B. Molak (left) due to online bullying by his peers, Cliff '14 (right) and Chris '17 (center), and their Texas A&M Beta brothers changed the chapter's philanthropy to take up the cause against social media harassment. And they're going all the way to the state house to do it.

Coined "Don't Bully Me," representing David's initials, the brothers' legislative progress is being monitored by Beta's communication staff and will be reported on as developments unfold.

Eager to find out how ALL of Beta's 133 chapters and colonies are doing?

Pages 37-50 include reports and stories from across Beta's Broad Domain!

OPENING OF THE DOOR SPRING RE/COLONIZATIONS nn FOUNDING FATHERS

nn GPA

OPENING OF THE DOOR

ELON UNIVERSITY ELON, NORTH CAROLINA NEW COLONY 88

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nn # OF ADVISORS

nn # OF HOUSE CORP VOLUNTEERS

The Founding Fathers raised nearly $6,000 toward ElonThon and Relay for Life. In Greek Week, the men finished second in the dance competition and claimed their first intramural basketball championship. They have partnered with the Allied Churches of Alamance County, Meals on Wheels, and the Burlington Animal Services Shelter, and they are also working with Elon One Love to raise awareness for relationship violence.

12 THE BETA THETA PI

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA OMEGA COLONY

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK NEW COLONY

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI NEW COLONY

The Omega Colony is off to a fast start and the Refounding Fathers have concluded their education process.

Initiated April 21, and with a successful first semester in the rear view mirror, the men are preparing brotherhood, social and fall recruitment plans.

This semester, the men held their first service event for the Ghandi Institute for Nonviolence where they helped landscape the community garden. Having just been initiated at the Cornell chapter house, the men are now gearing up for an energetic first fall recruitment push.

The Founding Fathers at Rockhurst had a productive semester culminating in their initiation at the Missouri chapter house.

The men will carry this momentum into the summer as three prepare to attend the 177th General Convention and four participate in the Wooden Institute.

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UNIVERSITY OF OREGON Beta Rho Chapter Eugene, Oregon

Gamma Chi Chapter Sewanee, Tennessee

Chapter Motto: We guard with the weapon

Chapter Motto: Sons of grace

Founded: Dec. 04, 1909

Founded: Dec. 02, 1949

Lifetime Initiates: 2,097

Lifetime Initiates: 616

I

n early January, numerous hazing allegations were brought forth against the chapter to university officials. Two separate investigations confirmed a number of these allegations.

Such allegations of hazing are not new to Beta Rho. Ongoing support has been provided since 2009 to eradicate these practices – most recently in 2014 when instances of servitude, intimidation, meal restrictions, and the collecting of wallets and cellphones were found to be present. In these seven years, the chapter has undergone two reorganizations (2010 and 2015) designed to remove individuals who contributed to these behaviors. The Fraternity also provided a dedicated staff consultant for an extended period of time after the initial reorganization to show a commitment to revitalizing Beta Rho’s legacy.

ollowing the university’s investigation into the hospitalization of a new member who consumed a large quantity of liquor in a short period of time, the Fraternity confirmed that a chapter-wide communication had been sent requiring new members – all under 21-years of age – to purchase alcohol and compete in a timed drinking competition. As brothers stood and cheered around them, new members drank enough to induce vomiting, and in one member’s case, a loss of consciousness which resulted in an overnight hospitalization. His blood alcohol concentration was 0.68 percent, more than eight times the legal limit.

This investigation also confirmed several other instances of hazing, including events involving the forced consumption of alcohol [of which the Fraternity has a zero tolerance policy] – one that left new members stranded and intoxicated, forced to find their way home – and chapter servitude.

A strong culture of hazing and complicity exists among members, and the chapter’s leadership confirmed these issues are deeply entrenched in the operations of the chapter.

The remote nature of Sewanee demands that all parties make a concerted effort to maintain strong relationships among the chapter, volunteers and General Fraternity. The fact remains, the chapter has operated in a silo for several years despite being provided support.

13 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

Specifically, chapter members admitted to the presence of alcohol and marijuana during the new member education period, the former purchased through the pooling of funds – a practice expressly forbidden by Beta’s risk management policy. The chapter embraced high-risk physical methods for resolving conflicts, resulting in injuries to members and pledges. Additionally, new members endured line-ups and were punished for failing to recall facts about their fellow brothers. These are but a few examples of the confirmed activities.

F

DARKENING OF THE HALL

DARKENING

OF THE HALL

In early 2016, General Secretary David Schmidt, South Florida ’92, announced the closure of two historic Beta chapters for repeated conduct unbecoming.

Portions of those communications to alumni, parents and undergraduates are presented here.

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH

ALUMNI NEWS

BETAS NAMED TO SPORTSBUSINESSDAILY JOURNAL TOP “FORTY UNDER 40” Recently named to SBDJ’s “Forty Under 40,” Brian Kopp, Wabash ’98 (left), and Billy Mulvihill, Cincinnati ’01 (right), certainly epitomize Beta’s enthusiastic and go-getter attitude toward one’s career and professional life. As shared by SBDJ:

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By L. Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96

ALUMNI NEWS

THE BETA THETA PI

“Under Mulvihill’s guidance, U.S. Bank leapt into the ranks of top sports lenders.

He wrote a white paper on sports finance for his employer in 2008 just as the financial crisis swept across America. U.S. Bank was spared, never missing a quarterly profit and, in turn, allowing the bank to ease into the very clubby and small world of sports finance. The bank led the loan to build the Minnesota Vikings’ new stadium, which is called U.S. Bank Stadium. It is a part of the lending syndicate for the financing of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. And, it is in the NBA and NHL league-wide credit facilities, pools of team loans backed by sponsorship and TV money.” mulvihwm@gmail.com “By now, motion tracking in sports has become a dime-a-dozen entity. There is seemingly no end to companies cropping up that are aiming to use the technology to track athletes and improve their performance. But in this highly crowded field, Brian Kopp has quickly helped Australian upstart Catapult gain a lofty position in the space. A key figure in the development of the SportVU motion-tracking system used across the NBA, Kopp joined Catapult in October 2014 to lead the company’s North American operations. In less than 18 months, he has helped expand the company’s client base to more than half of NBA and NFL teams, furthered Catapult’s reach in the hockey and collegiate sports markets, enlarged the company’s tracking capabilities, and brokered a major deal with XOS Digital to marry player-performance data with video-based coaching products in a single product.”

FBI SPECIAL AGENT HONORED Kurt Pipal, Idaho ’95, was honored last fall by U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch with the Distinguished Service Award for his work on the 15-person team of agents and attorneys responsible for the groundbreaking national security cyber case that brought charges against five members of the Chinese military for computer hacking and economic espionage. Noted as an “extremely complex” case that took several years of coordination and analysis, Pipal’s involvement was “a critical step forward in addressing national security cyber threats.” Brother Pipal was awarded with the FBI Director’s Award in 2014, and lives in London with his wife, SoEun, and one-year-old daughter. Thank you for your service, brother!

BETAS NAMED TO FORBES’ TOP VCS ALUMNI NEWS

In one of the most recognized rankings of U.S. venture capitalists, two Betas recently appeared on the Forbes Midas List of “the world’s 100 smartest tech investors.”

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A newcomer to the list, past Chapter President and Beta Foundation Director Jeff Lieberman, Pennsylvania ’96, “has been involved in investments on five different continents.”

He helped take several companies public, including Shutterstock, Cvent and Mimecast.

“Lieberman also scored big with Nordstrom’s acquisition of e-commerce site HauteLook and when Expedia acquired a major stake in travel-comparison site Trivago.”

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

Fred Wilson, MIT ’83, has a cult following given his opinionated and high profile blog, not to mention smashing, ground-level investment successes like Twitter, Tumblr, Foursquare, Zynga, Kickstarter and 10gen. Known for his selective investment approach, Wilson is a big “believer in the transparency and value of going public, even if the results aren’t always pretty.”

BETA DAUGHTER REAGAN PASSES First Lady Nancy Reagan, the daughter of esteemed neurosurgeon and Beta brother Dr. Loyal Davis, Knox 1914, passed on March 6 at the age of 94. Buried next to President Ronald Reagan (member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity) at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, she shared the company of two other Beta daughter first ladies: Helen Herron Taft, daughter of John W. Herron, Miami 1845, and Barbara Pierce Bush, daughter of Marvin “Monk” Pierce, Miami 1916.

May she rest in peace.

ANSWERING THE CALL OF DUTY When a Beta like Matt Pearce, Washington State ’03, is shot seven times while pursuing a fugitive for aggravated assault and family violence, Beta brothers come a running.

Married and the father of two (ages 1 and 3), Matt’s miracle recovery continues. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Periodic updates can be read at gofundme.com/herodown.

ALUMNI NEWS 16

MARYLAND YOUNG ALUMNUS CO-FOUNDS WINNING COFFEE STARTUP: JAVAZEN Javazen, a Beta co-founded company thanks in part to Aaron Wallach, Maryland ’14 (left), is dedicated to improving the nutritional quality of coffee. In early April, the company won the 2016 “Cupid’s Cup,” an entrepreneurial start-up competition sponsored annually by Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank. Including a $75,000 grand prize, the company also receives a pledge of guidance from related business leaders.

THE BETA THETA PI

“When I started Javazen during my senior year at Maryland, I faced a dilemma with my co-founders. How do we organize our company structure and responsibilities? I realized my fraternity was an ideal model to learn from. My experience with Beta gave us the tools to help divide the functions of a business. Such as: Who is the leader? In what way should we allocate marketing responsibilities? How do we manage our budget? These essential skills enabled Javazen to become a national brand and win Under Armors’ $75,000 Cupid Cup Competition. We are now for sale online and in stores around the country. Javazen combines the health of tea with the power of coffee.” awallach5@gmail.com

SHARP DRESSED MAN University of British Columbia Betas have long been known for their charismatic and edgy style. But few have exemplified that better than dentist and restaurateur Dr. Nick Seddon ’02, who was recently detailed in an extensive “Men of Vancouver” photo editorial by VanCityBuzz. nseddon@gmail.com

SOONER STATE BETAS CONTINUE TO LEAD Congratulations are in order for two University of Oklahoma Betas – philanthropist Bill Ross ’52 (left), who was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (william.ross@inasmuchfoundation.org), and State Representative Randy McDaniel ’90 (center), who was selected as the nation’s 2015 Legislator of the Year by the American Legislative Exchange Council, the largest nonpartisan association of state legislators (randy.mcdaniel@okhouse.gov). Oxford Cup recipient Joe Allbaugh, Oklahoma State ’74 (right), was also recently named interim director for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Allbaugh received national praise for his leadership as FEMA director during 9/11.

Longtime benefactors of USC’s Marshall School of Business, Athletic Department, and Art and Design School, “this latest generous gift takes on special meaning because of the couple’s own experiences: Gayle, a plein air watercolorist, received cataract treatment at the USC Roski Eye Institute. The procedure dramatically improved her ability to see color and light values. After the surgery, she realized how her vision, blurred and darkened by cataracts, had affected her paintings and changed how she used color. The Roskis now hope to help others suffering from vision loss or impairment.”

Scott Swindler, Westminster ’07, brand manager at 72andSunny, a worldwide advertising firm, was recognized on April 23 with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. Fellow Beta Rusty Reese ’77, also received the Lifetime Achievement Award. rustyreese@gmail.com

Having retired as a senior executive of Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly, Newt Crenshaw, DePauw ’85, was recently named president of Young Life, a worldwide Christian ministry focused on adolescents.

TAKING NO CHANCES According to Jennifer and Seth Nunan, Wabash ’07, it appears little Michael can join any fraternity he wants... as long as it sports delicate shades of pink and blue. seth.nunan@ gmail.com

17 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

Former USC Chairman of the Board and real estate mogul Ed Roski, Southern California ’62, and his wife Gayle Garner Roski were announced on April 5 as having made a $25 million gift “to endow and name the Gayle and Edward Roski Eye Institute of USC, reflecting the institute’s position as one of the nation’s leading centers for advanced vision care, research and education. The Roskis’ gift will support initiatives to preserve, restore and improve the sight of patients in southern California and worldwide.”

YOUNG LIFE PREZ

ADVISORS OF THE YEAR Louisville’s Stavan Bhatt ’98 (above), was recently named his university’s Chapter Advisor of the Year (srbhatt242@aol. com), as was Jason Carlson, Wichita State ’09 (jason.carlson1@ yahoo.com). Well deserved, brothers!

ALUMNI NEWS

ROSKIS GIFT $25 MILLION FOR EYE INSTITUTE

ALMA MATER HONORS

OHLSEN WINS REEBOK OPEN! The Fraternity has sung his praises before, but he keeps dominating, including the recent 2016 Reebok CrossFit Open win. With the physique and mental discipline of a total phenom, yet the humility of a saint, he embodies the Beta way. Congrats, Noah Ohlsen, Miami (Fla.) ’13! n.ohlsen@umiami.edu

FRIENDS A

FRIENDS OR FOES

mong Beta’s most accomplished members – the astronauts, lawmakers, entertainers and war heroes – none has won the title of president of the United States.

Yet in 1940, the stars seemed aligned for a historic election between two Indiana University alumni – Paul McNutt, 1913, and Wendell Willkie, 1913.

It was Hoosier versus Hoosier. Beta versus Beta for the presidency.

Well, almost.

18 THE BETA THETA PI

McNutt was born in 1891 to a school teacher and lawyer in Franklin, Indiana. Seven months later and a mere 55 miles away, Willkie was born – also a son of lawyers. In many ways, the two were alike: they attended local public schools, were exposed early and often by their parents to Democratic politics and would go on to serve in the military during World War I. On the surface, though, the two seemingly couldn’t be more different.

Life Magazine described McNutt as possessing a “Mister

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In 1911, politics brought two Indiana brothers together.

In 1940, it almost tore them apart.

By Justin Warren, SMU ’10

America façade” and “lifeguard chest,” and noted his ability to own a room with his charming demeanor. The portrait they painted of Willkie, however, was less flattering. “He chewed tobacco, wore a turtlenecked sweater and let his hair fall in his eyes.”

roads. Willkie quickly made a name for himself as a campus radical, and his favorite targets to chide and deride were the faculty, the Bible and the fraternities.

The two eventually crossed paths at Indiana University – at that time a 10-building campus built among forests and dirt

undergraduate career, despite the importance of a Greek affiliation in the realm of student politics. Instead, he

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Interestingly, he held a deep-seeded contempt for fraternities, in particular, throughout most of his

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became the leader of a group of non-fraternity men – the barbarians – who served to influence the outcomes of student body elections otherwise deadlocked between candidates of rival Greek organizations.

It was this role that brought Willkie and McNutt together.

By his sophomore year in 1911, McNutt’s political ambitions were set on the presidency of the IU Student Union, a post traditionally held by a senior who received support from a contingency of the fraternities.

Although McNutt received backing from the Union board and was a member of Beta Theta Pi, two additional candidates contested the election. In search of an ally that could push him over the top, he approached an unlikely bedfellow – Willkie. With his help, McNutt won the presidency by virtue of the non-fraternity vote.

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The campaign sparked a curious relationship between the two men, self-described as “exceedingly friendly,” but questioned by their peers as being almost exclusively motivated by politics. Nevertheless, the pair became a dynamic duo of sorts, with Willkie assisting in McNutt’s other pursuits, such as his successful run for senior class president. During their senior year, in recognition of Willkie’s friendship while at IU, McNutt invited him to join Beta.

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SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

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19

After their time in law school and service in World War I, the men led successful careers – Willkie becoming the president of utilities company Commonwealth & Southern in New York in 1933, and McNutt becoming governor of Indiana in 1932 and high commissioner to the Philippines in 1937. These positions set the stage for the two brothers’ reunion in 1940, with Willkie joining the Republican Party after becoming disenfranchised with the Democrats’ intrusion on the rights of businesses, and McNutt using his positions as a state and national leader as a platform to the presidency. “The class of 1913 at Indiana University is threatening to become like Ohio and

Clockwise from left: Federal Security Administrator Paul V. McNutt greets President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the White House with a set of flags hand made by Philippine citizens. | Wendell Willkie campaign button. | Willkie campaign advertisement as printed in North Carolina’s The Pilot in 1940. | McNutt campaign button prior to President Roosevelt’s decision to seek an additional term.

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FRIENDS OR FOES

Given Willkie’s stubbornness, the Pi Chapter brothers enlisted the help of his girlfriend, Gwenyth Harry, to persuade him to accept the bid. Harry, a student at Butler University and member of Kappa Alpha Theta, was often embarrassed by her boyfriend’s lack of Greek affiliation, and long hoped that he would join a fraternity. She agreed to help and posed Willkie an ultimatum: join Beta or she would leave him. He reportedly was found later by his roommate in utter panic saying, “If I don’t join a fraternity, I’ll lose my girl, and if I do, I’ll lose my soul.” As they often do, the woman won his heart. Willkie joined McNutt as a member of the Pi Chapter, roll numbers 427 and 393, respectively.

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FRIENDS OR FOES 20 THE BETA THETA PI

“When we come together as members of Beta Theta Pi, all political differences are dropped - all of our political feelings are forgotten.

We are no longer politicians, but friends; no longer candidates, but brothers.”

— John Reily Knox, Miami 1839, First Anniversary Address, Beta Theta Pi

Virginia, the mother of presidents,” wrote the San Diego Sun. With both names swirling among the public as potential candidates, the hope of a contest between two Indiana natives and brothers of Beta Theta Pi made national headlines.

Sirs:

Beta Theta Pi’s McNutt learned early that the best way to handle opposition is to get it on your side.

Willkie joined the Betas his senior year and graduated with Brother McNutt in 1913. They are warm friends today.

“During the election, McNutt, with the president’s encouragement, leveled attacks at Willkie that left no clue of their past association,” Ryan Cole wrote in the Indianapolis Star. “He labeled his fraternity bother ‘venal,’ a ‘lone wolf,’ a ‘communist,’ an ‘amateur’ and ‘terrifying.” According to Cole, McNutt even went so far as to compare Willkie to Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini.

S.Y. Caldwell, Vanderbilt ’32 Nashville, Tenn.

LIFE Magazine, Feb. 19, 1940 Letters to the Editor

While Willkie earned the presidential nomination of his party on the sixth ballot at the 1940 Republican National Convention, McNutt’s dreams were shattered when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt opted to run for an unprecedented third term in the run up to World War II. Citing the impending global crisis, Roosevelt did not actively campaign during the election,

And Willkie did not hesitate to fight back against his brother.

On August 25, 1940, after McNutt personally challenged Willkie to a debate in the president’s absence, Willkie told the Associated Press that it “would be a pure loss of time.”

“Paul is a persistent fellow who is trying to keep in the picture after a rather rough and forced exit at the Chicago New Deal convention,” Willkie continued.

Although President Roosevelt ultimately won re-election, both Willkie and McNutt maintained favor in his eyes.

“I’m happy that I’ve won, but I’m sorry Wendell lost,” Roosevelt reportedly told his son. Willkie made a series of foreign visits as an ally of the president and was even rumored as a vice presidential candidate for Roosevelt’s run for a fourth term. McNutt went on to serve as administrator of the Federal Security Agency, chairman of the War Manpower Commission and the first U.S. ambassador to the Philippines.

Willkie and McNutt’s relationship never fully recovered. But soon after Willkie’s death in 1944, McNutt took to heart the words founder John Reily Knox, Miami 1839 spoke in the Fraternity’s first anniversary address: “When we come together as members of Beta Theta Pi, all political differences are dropped – all of our political feelings are forgotten. We are no longer politicians, but friends; no longer candidates, but brothers.”

21 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

Either McNutt or Utilities-Man Willkie for President will suit Betas fine. McNutt vs. Willkie is a rushing chairman’s dream.

“It is a little tough going for him, but he is still a likeable chap.”

FRIENDS OR FOES

At Indiana University Paul V. McNutt’s chief rival in campus politics “was an undergraduate named Wendell Willkie, who was leader of the non-fraternity or barbarian faction” (LIFE, Jan. 29).

instead enlisting surrogates like McNutt (or as the president called him, “that platinum blonde S.O.B. from Indiana”) to disparage Willkie on his behalf. McNutt did not let the president down.

In a final display of fraternal fidelity, McNutt visited Willkie’s widow, Edith, to express regret for his behavior and words toward his political foe, his fellow Hoosier and Beta brother. 

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Clockwise from left: Paul V. McNutt in 1941. | Wendell Willkie receives cheers and chants of “We want Willkie” during a parade in Massachusetts. | Willkie’s widow, Edith, in 1944 around the time of her husband’s passing.

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PROMISES TO KEEP

 CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRMEN

BETA BROTHERS AND FRIENDS, Since introducing The Promises to Keep Campaign, thousands of Betas and friends across North America have come together and pledged more than $18 million to enhance the training, tools and resources today’s Betas need to become our society’s most capable leaders.

Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76

In these final months of The Campaign, we’re asking for your help to reach this $20 million goal, which will allow us to expand leadership opportunities and meet the needs of undergraduates across Beta’s Broad Domain.

As we race towards the finish line, remember that all gifts and pledges will be doubled through a challenge gift offered by Carol and Jim Collins, UCLA ’50.

22 THE BETA THETA PI

Bob Grand, Wabash ’78

Please consider making a three-year pledge today using any of the methods below to advance the Men of Principle initiative and help our young men find their voices and live a life of meaning and integrity.

— Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76 Bob Grand, Wabash ’78

MAKE YOUR CAMPAIGN PLEDGE TODAY! BETA.ORG/PTK | 800.800.BETA | MAIL ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

DEPEND ON THIS CAMPAIGN’S SUCCESS

Reaching Beta’s $20 million goal by August 2016 will . . .

PROMISE II Launch New Online Engagement Platforms for Beta’s 10,000 Undergaduates and 1,800 Chapter Advisors, House Corporation Members and General Fraternity Officers PROMISE III Build a State of the Art Learning Laboratory and Historical Preservation Center within the Administrative Office in Oxford, Ohio, Enjoyed by More than 2,000 Visitors Annually

“The legacy we provide to the next generation of Betas through our wellrefined programs is so important not just for our Fraternity, but for loving families, good businesses, and strong, freedom-loving governments.

Is there anything better than that?”

— Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76; Campaign Co-Chairman

23 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

PROMISE I Expand Student Participation in Award-Winning Men of Principle Programs to 2,200 Undergraduates Annually

PROMISES TO KEEP

WHY BETA UNDERGRADUATES AND VOLUNTEERS

Who are fraternity men?

Men who go out of their way to make others feel comfortable and accepted.

While serving a mother and her 11-year-old son at a restaurant in San Antonio, Ian Pittman, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ’15, noticed the woman’s son spoke with a stutter.

At the end of the meal, Ian left a note for the mother explaining he had developed a stutter when he was her son’s age and remembered having questions he was too afraid to ask. Ian included his number and said he would be “honored to help make this process easier” if her son ever had questions.

According to the mother, “He showed my son that he is not alone. I am forever grateful for his kindness.”

To learn more about the “I Am a Fraternity Man” campaign, visit IAmAFraternityMan.org.

[ 24] THE BETA THETA P I | S UM M ER 2 016

I A MA F R AT E R N I T Y MA N . ORG | PHO T OGRAPH BY N ICK KOCK W E ILE R

Entitled Brats ARE MILLENNIALS DOOMED, OR CAN FRATERNITIES HELP A MISUNDERSTOOD GENERATION?

By Justin Warren, SMU ’10

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ids these days. As the most cliché of sayings go, today’s youth don’t know the value of a dollar, nor did they ever trudge through snow to walk 15 miles to school – uphill – both ways. Thanks to apps like Venmo and Uber, they don’t have to.

With more than 82 million Americans and Canadians ages 18-34, Generation Y – or millennials, as they’re more frequently called – are taking over. In May 2015, they surpassed Generation X as the largest presence in the U.S. and Canadian labor markets, and recently overtook Baby Boomers in America as the largest living generation overall, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet, their parents and

(great) grandparents aren’t keen on the men and women millennials are becoming.

Headlines like “Five Really Good Reasons to Hate Millennials” hardly give 20- and 30-somethings the warm fuzzies. Today’s teens and young adults regularly experience backlash from their elders, falling victim to a barrage of attacks across media outlets and social networks assailing their laziness, narcissism and sense of entitlement. If you believe their bosses and professors, they are utter failures in both work and school.

Is there any hope for Generation Y? Perhaps it can be found in fraternities.

\\\ Entitled Brats | 27 | beta.org

Google: Millennials

B The Generational Divide The Millennial Generation Born after 1980 Age of adults in 2015: 18 to 34*

Generation X 1965 to 1980 Age in 2015: 35 to 50

The Baby Boomer Generation 1946 to 1964 Age in 2015: 51 to 69

The Silent Generation 1928 to 1945 Age in 2015: 70 to 87

The Greatest Generation Born before 1928 Age in 2015: 88 to 100 * No chronological end point has been set for this group. For the purpose of following a cleanly defined group, millennials are defined as those ages 18-35 in 2015.

Source: Pew Research Center

efore assigning labels and nicknames to millennials, it seems important to understand the life events that have shaped their culture and core values. They have witnessed countless terror attacks, including Oklahoma City, Columbine, 9/11 and the San Bernardino shootings.

The internet, which most have never lived without, is home not only to videos of kittens and recipes, but beheadings and on-demand porn. Their parents’ jobs have been outsourced, and they were deeply affected by the Great Recession.

The premiere of Entertainment Tonight in 1981 featured the glamour of celebrity, yet they now broadcast their every move on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat in search of their own 15 minutes of fame.

Their self-worth is measured in likes, followers and steps taken during the day.

They voted for the first black president of the United States, advocated on behalf of gay marriage, embraced technologies like the iPhone and selfie, and admire a new Pope. Adults have treated them like winners and never losers, and assured them that they can be whatever it is they want to be. And online tools have allowed them to stick it to the man from a very young age – today’s 14-year-old hackers may be capable of taking down governments or major corporations.

These circumstances have experts leaving no stone unturned in their quest to define millennials. In 2013, Time magazine ran a cover story, “The Me Me Me Generation,” citing several statistics about Generation Y, including a National Institutes of Health study putting diagnosis rates of narcissistic personality disorder for millennials at almost three times as high as those ages 65 and older. Other data points to today’s youngsters being dependent, self-absorbed, wasteful, coddled and

unattached to traditional values centers like religion, politics and marriage.

Perhaps understandably, adults with greater life experience are scared for a millennial cohort that they can’t quite understand, especially as they continue through college and begin a life on their own.

\\\ Entitled Brats | 29 | beta.org

moment of pledge induction, after all, that Betas hear the words loud and clear:

Finding Fraternity

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he U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes that, while Generation Y scores well on IQ tests, their high self-esteems lead a majority of them to believe they will perform in the top 20 percent of their peers. Mathematically impossible, frustration often ensues and, according to one study, results in increased signs of stress, anxiety and depression, and a lower valuation of self-reliance.

Such findings make a great case for membership in organizations such as fraternities. When people come together, uniting behind a common set of positive goals and beliefs, communities and people improve – oftentimes with individuals learning to focus less on themselves along the way.

In choosing to affiliate with a Greek organization and align with a cause greater than oneself, millennials may shed narcissistic tendencies and relinquish all sense of entitlement. It is at the very

“In our Fraternity, brothers are brothers for life, and all stand on the same fraternal level.

We have no ranks, no degrees, no official privileges.”

— The Ritual of Beta Theta Pi

“No one, regardless of his personal characteristics, previous accomplishments, or family background, brings honor to Beta Theta Pi by his acceptance of a Beta pledge pin. It is by what he does, by what he makes of himself, and by how he helps others, that he will be judged.”

As a Beta, regardless of trophies won as a child, socioeconomic background or past accolades, each member must earn his badge by fulfilling high standards set by his chapter brothers. Yes, these standards dictate a minimum level of performance in areas such as academics, service and leadership, but above all else they mandate an honorable demeanor toward those with whom our paths cross. All told, it’s more than displaying conduct becoming of a Beta. It’s conduct becoming of a mature adult and productive member of society.

As a social fraternity, members build interpersonal and face-to-face conversation skills that employers see lacking in their millennial hires. They learn that their selfworth isn’t as surface level as the number of views on their Snapstory, but rather how they connect with others who are less fortunate than themselves.

In the Spring 2015 issue of The Beta Theta Pi, the Fraternity reported on findings of the Purdue-Gallup Index, which found that members of fraternities and sororities are more likely to be thriving post-graduation in their five areas of well-being – purpose,

Gallup data shows that fraternity and sorority members more highly rate their institutions as better preparing them for life after college. social, financial, community and physical – than their non-Greek counterparts.

For the first time in America, there is more student loan debt than credit card debt – thankfully, members of Greek organizations rank as better able to manage their economic resources. The rapid rise in childhood obesity means millennials may have shorter life expectancies than their parents – yet fraternity men and sorority women more often report being healthy than their peers. Employers today rank soft skills like work ethic and attitude equally as important as technical skills when hiring entry-level employees – Greeks top unaffiliated graduates by five percentage points in a score of employee engagement and career enthusiasm.

\\\ Entitled Brats | 31 | beta.org

This is not to say that Greek life is an absolute solution to any and all perceived shortcomings of the current generation; however, Gallup data shows that fraternity and sorority members more highly rate their institutions as better preparing them for life after college. And that’s likely what will inspire confidence in millennials for older generations – their ability to emerge as well-rounded adults capable of carrying forward the businesses, families and cultures they have worked so hard to create.

Juvenoia

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he fear of generational entitlement is contagious.

In 2010, sociologist David Finkelhor coined the term, “juvenoia,” to describe the hostility expressed toward youth culture by older generations. Although the admonishment is louder and more abundant than ever before thanks to the internet, the source material is remarkably similar.

On January 2, 1950, LIFE magazine printed a piece by Pulitzer Prize winner Bill Mauldin, in which he describes the grievances his elders air about his peers and their looks of apprehension upon realizing that his will be the generation that one day runs the country.

“I guess a lot of us must look pretty awful to those elders who believe in neither the initiative-killing security of big business nor the socialism of big government, but cherish the crapshooting tradition of little individuals with big ambitions,” Mauldin said.

“We must look like scared rabbits diving for holes.

In the subsequent pages, he quotes a stranger at a local bar who claims that Mauldin’s generation has “as much spark as a bowl of Jello [sic];” would prefer a corporate job at Sears, Roebuck to being a door-todoor salesman; and works only enough to meet the payment on a new car.

The senior’s overarching concern was that the G.I. Generation was disregarding the longcherished American entrepreneurial spirit. Fighting back, Mauldin poignantly argues that they are simply securing their futures in an unstable and unpredictable world, and prioritizing life over work after much time away from their loved ones.

“It is a little odd for the young ones to take the role of sitting back in a chair and cautioning their wild-eyed elders, ‘Take it easy; everything will work out all right.’”

“It is a little odd for the young ones to take the role of sitting back in a chair and cautioning their wild-eyed elders, ‘Take it easy; everything will work out all right.’”

No Worries

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verything was all right. Mauldin’s G.I. Generation – enduring the Great Depression, fighting in World War II and paving the way for the prosperity of the 1950s and the freedoms we all enjoy today – was later coined by journalist Tom Brokaw as “The Greatest Generation.”

Presented with data, a spin doctor can often make it say whatever he wants.

Generation Y is either lazy or they are so adept to technology that they are simply efficient. They are entitled or they are confident. Maybe they’re really just misunderstood.

One thing that is almost sure, however, is that the continued guidance of family and chosen associations, fraternity or otherwise, will help millennials fulfill their destinies of running great companies, raising moral families and generally achieving great things. Many of them already are.

\\\ Entitled Brats | 33 | beta.org

“I hope this makes an elder or two happy and relieves some suspense,” Mauldin said in 1950 and still rings true today. “They’re entitled to know about us. They’ve given us, with open hearts, a heritage they’ve developed at great expense and trouble … We might touch things up a bit – add a little here and take off a little there – but we won’t really mess things up.” 

YOU ASKED 34 THE BETA THETA PI

YOU. ASKED. Beta undergraduates recently had a chance to ask General Secretary David Schmidt some hard-hitting questions. Here’s how David replied . . .

How do you justify the existence of the Greek system in general when it has such fundamental problems?

Why do such a high percentage of dues go to the General Fraternity?

— James Gurian, Case Western Reserve ’18

— Kevin Norring, UC Davis ’18

There is no doubt that the Greek system in North America has its set of challenges, especially the NIC groups. However, I believe that young men of college age look for opportunities to connect with other young men of similar values and attitudes.

The beauty of fraternity is that it provides a ritual and structure for those connections to take place. The failures (e.g., “fundamental problems”) occur when the structure breaks down.

Fraternities don’t have the problems of today as part of their intended structure.

“Percentage” of General Fraternity dues is likely vastly different across Beta’s Broad Domain depending on many factors, but the fee per member is the same across all chapters. The fees that the General Fraternity collect mostly go toward the increasing costs of insurance, leadership and training programs and administrative support services provided to each chapter. However, Beta would not be able to provide what it does without the generous support of our alumni donors in both time and treasure. For the exact breakdown of General Fraternity costs, visit beta.org/ membershipcosts.

“

— David Schmidt, South Florida ’92

YOU ASKED

These are some tough but good ones. I love how our undergraduates get me thinking.

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How do you get people to re-buy into and want to follow the dry house aspect?

In your honest opinion, what is the number one problem you see in Beta chapters?

— Spencer Forrest, SMU ’17

— Griffin Hoover, Purdue ’18

— Jacob Villarreal, Texas ’18

1) Interfraternalism: We must get better at helping fellow Greeks on campus. If we can improve performance of IFC, then the operational environment of our chapters improves immensely.

It must be a continual process to maintain our home as a safe place to live and connect with fellow Betas. Much like a physically fit body must be maintained and nurtured all the time, so should the Beta house. As I travel and visit with Betas living in dry facilities, they are successful when each member holds other brothers to the standard of zero tolerance. It generates respect for each other, and of course for the home in which they live.

Not sure I’d call it a “problem” as much as I’d say “opportunity.” Our members are accustomed to performing at a high level, which is great; however, we need to be better at being humble about it. Society and the media calls us “entitled college kids,” but I say different. While some of our members might outwardly show entitlement, I believe the true challenge is changing the demonstrated behavior towards humble confidence in how we conduct ourselves in the midst of success.

2) Communication: GFOs and advisors need to be better at communicating with active members and leaders and vice versa.

3) Personal Accountability: Every member, regardless of age, must work to earn their badge every day.

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

What do you think the General Fraternity needs to do better or improve on?

The STATE of the FRATERNITY BETA THETA PI AT-A-GLA NCE STATE OF THE FRATERNITY 36

Beta Theta Pi is a vast organization, with likely as many measures of success -- and challenge -- as there are members. Recognizing beauty is certainly “in the eye of the beholder,” key performance indicators still provide a good indication of the general health and trajectory of this Great and Good Fraternity.

1. Self-Governance Indicator of Personal Student Discipline

THE BETA THETA PI

2.820

3.199

1997 All-Chapter GPA

2015 All-Chapter GPA

2. Education Saturation Rate of Teaching Undergraduates About Responsibility, Character and Leading with Integrity

7

1,865

0.1% of Undergraduates

18.2% of Undergraduates

1996-97 Leadership Program Graduates

2015-16 Leadership Program Graduates

19,605 Total Leadership Program

Graduates Since 1998 Inception of Men of Principle Initiative

3. Recruitment Beta’s Relevancy in the Campus Marketplace 1997

2016

6,842 Undergraduates Chapters/Colonies 140 48.9 Average Chapter Size 203,145 - Lifetime Initiates 130,070

10,271 133 77.2 - Living Alumni

4. Volunteers Number of Adults Advising Undergraduates 1997 = 2 2016 = 8 Average Number of Advisors Per Chapter 1,034 685 87 1,806

Chapter Advisors* House Corporation Volunteers General Fraternity Officers_ Total Current Beta Volunteers

*95% Core Advisor Positions Filled for All Chapters (5/Chapter)

ALABAMA

∆Θ | Tuscaloosa, Ala. Will Green ’16 wbgreen@crimson.ua.edu

The Delta Theta Chapter has spent the spring semester working on an academic support system for its members. We have utilized the resources provided by University of Alabama faculty to find ways to improve our members' academics and study skills.

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R

44/116 | 45

V

REPORTS

9|7

AMERICAN

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters

Colony | Washington, D.C. Andrew Valcarcel ’18 av5985a@student.american.edu

This year, the American University Colony of Beta Theta Pi initiated our Beta class in the fall and Gamma class in the spring. We welcomed a total of 16 new members. We ended the semester with a colony GPA of 3.38. We hope to receive our charter this summer at the 177th General Convention.

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

3.20

3.02

14

R 15

30/77

V 27

8

7

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

S

3.36 | 3.11

E

11 | NA

R

16/68 | NA

V

CHAPTER REPORTS

Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

E

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 age Gra Camp u de Poi s Allnt A Ma ver le age 2 Pro 015-1 gra 6Le ms ade Att Avg end rship anc Du . Annu e rin a l A gP rev ttend 201 iou s 3 Y ance & T 5-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter P Siz ledg Avg e (5 e .A /1/1 d Du nnua 6) rin g P l Recr rev iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 Act Num ive ber Ad viso of Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A rev iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

S 3.08 | 3.07 E

CHAPTER

11 | NA

37 AUBURN

ARIZONA

The last weekend in April we had our annual spring philanthropy, "Beta Lei" – a highly distinguished volleyball tournament for students across campus where we fundraise for a local Alzheimer's research organization. We also have proudly been promoting Title IX equality throughout the spring semester.

2.83 | 2.83

E

10 | 10

R 55/148 | 55 V

9|9

It's been an amazing year for the Delta Zeta Chapter. We extended the deck in the backyard, repainted all walls in the house, won the 2015 Intramural Sports Championship and one of our brothers was elected SGA president. The future is bright, and we are excited to continue moving forward.

S

This term we are initiating our inaugural "Beta Beach Ball" philanthropy volleyball tournament to raise money for the Be Positive Foundation. We also had an inaugural Mom's Weekend and silent auction that raised $3,000 for the same foundation. Eta Mu was officially installed on April 23 by General Secretary David Schmidt, South Florida '92!

E

27 | 26

R

78/147 | 76

V

E

10 | 10

R

55/153 | 48

V

6|7

S

3.21 | 2.59

11 | 10

3.28 | 3.00

E

17 | 10

R

16/56 | 26

14 | 19

R

19/27 | 13

V

9|7

ΓΟ | Vancouver, B.C. Will Kershaw '17 kersh.will@gmail.com

The Delta Psi Betas spent one-and-a-half months this term participating in All-University Sing, in which we won the Best Sing Chair Award and strengthened our brotherhood bonds. Alongside, we initiated a new closely-knit pledge class and hosted several philanthropic events.

S

E

BRITISH COLUMBIA

∆Ψ | Waco, Texas Reid Wilson '16 reid_wilson1@baylor.edu

ΗΜ | Fayetteville, Ark. Timothy Barnes '17 tdbarnes@email.uark.edu

3.10 | 3.14

2.92 | 2.84

For the first time in Bethany College history, we held our rush week in the fall and saw a record 18 guys signing bids. We have also now won the Woolery Cup (highest GPA out of the fraternities) for three consecutive years.

BAYLOR

ARKANSAS

S

Ψ | Bethany, W. Va. Kevin Bakowski '18 kbakowski@bethanywv.edu

V

7|6

The Gamma Omicron Chapter has been hugely successful, initiating 22 new members and hosting a charity rugby event to raise money and awareness for the SA Foundation. We've also continued our strong athletic tradition, capturing the UBC Sports Trophy while also winning the Greek division of Storm the Wall.

S

NR | NR

E

3|8

R

24/86 | 26

V

6|6

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

∆Ζ | Auburn, Ala. AJ Forchette '18 ajf0016@auburn.edu

∆Β | Tucson, Ariz.

Josh Severson ’18 jseverson@email.arizona.edu

S

BETHANY

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

3.02

14

R 15

30/77

CHAPMAN

V 27

8

NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

ΗΘ | Orange, Calif.

Matt Marlin '17 marli103@mail.chapman.edu

7

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 a ge Gra Camp us A de Poi l l nt A Ma ver le 2 a ge Pro 015-16 gr a ms Leade A r s tte Avg nda hip nce Du . Annu rin g P al Att re v e 20 iou ndan s 3 Y ce & T 15-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter Ple S Avg ize dge (5/1 d .A /16 Du nnua ) rin g P l Recr re v iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 N Act um ive b Ad er of viso Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A re v iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers

3.20

E

During this semester, one of our members, Michael Reyes, was named Chapman's Greek Man of the Year. This is on top of him already being IFC president. In terms of recruitment, we continue to be selective with the men we choose, while still numbering 108 men of principle.

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

S CENTRAL FLORIDA

CAL POLY

Ε∆ | San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Ryan Holland '17 cpbeta.president@gmail.com

CHAPTER REPORTS

We held a large philanthropy dinner at the beginning of winter, and in our first year reached an attendance of nearly 200 people. Toward the end of the quarter, we successfully held an event to help prevent SLO's "St. Fratty's Day," an annual college nuisance to the city.

S

2.68 | 2.92

E

15 | 10

R

35/68 | 28

V

4|2

3.24 | 3.24

E

17 | 19

R

37/109 | 39

V

7|6

CHARLESTON

ΖΨ | Orlando, Fla. Jake Herndon '17 herndon.jake@gmail.com

ΗΛ | Charleston, S.C. Wilson Elliott '18 elliottwm@g.cofc.edu

The chapter will be participating in a 20-hour Dance Marathon to benefit the Children's Miracle Network, and has raised more than $8,000 for a local philanthropic effort called the Ian Supra Foundation. We're also second in the GPA rankings within UCF with our chapter size sitting at 86 active members.

We posted the highest GPA on campus for the third straight term, doing so while maintaining an extremely active social calendar and having the most community service hours out of any of the other fraternities on our campus. (See photo, bottom-right.)

S 2.99 | 2.84 E

S

14 | 17

R

32/96 | 39

V

5|6

3.14 | 2.82

E

14 | 25

R

30/46 | 33

V

9|8

38 CARLETON

CENTRAL MICHIGAN

THE BETA THETA PI

ΕΥ | Ottawa, Ont. Devin Trepanier ’17 deetrep@gmail.com

CINCINNATI

ΕΓ | Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Gregory Pernicano '17 Gpernicano12@aol.com

ΒΝ | Cincinnati, Ohio Justin Walter '16 rwalterju@mail.uc.edu

After having a successful start to the year, we celebrated our 24th anniversary in wonderful fashion. Gearing up for our 25th year, we continue to make strides both on and off campus, dedicated to fostering an era of excellence in the classroom and within the community.

The Epsilon Gamma Chapter has seen unequivocal strides in our philanthropic ventures this past year, culminating with our annual philanthropy event, "Betas 'n' Bowties," raising more than $6,000 for our chapter advisor who was rediagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma this past year.

The Beta Nu Chapter continues to recruit well.

With our recent pledge class getting initiated, we have more than 100 active members for the first time since reorganization in the early 2000s. We are also filling up the house, looking at around 45 brothers in house in the fall.

S 3.06 | NR E

S 3.03 | 2.87 E

S

6|6

R

15/36 | 17

V

7|6

CASE WESTERN RESERVE

13 | 21

R

35/73 | 21

V

9|8

CENTRE

ΛΚ−Β | Cleveland, Ohio James Gurian '18 jhg81@case.edu

S 3.50 | 3.29 E

S

18/54 | 16

V

9 | 12

3.14 | 2.98

E

13 | 19

R

18/55 | 15

22 | 30

R 39/103 | 30 V

7|7

∆Ν | Clemson, S.C. Michael Rerko '17 mrerko@clemson.edu

During formal recruitment, Epsilon took a 19-man pledge class — the largest since our 2011 recolonization. All of these men initiated, bringing Epsilon to its largest size in nearly two decades: 55. Epsilon will be hosting a "Beta Roses Brunch," a meal put on for female students who are related to Epsilon Betas.

R

E

CLEMSON

Ε | Danville, Ky. Jared Thompson '17 jared.thompson@centre.edu

We transitioned to a VP officer system to increase accountability and lessen the burden on the president and vice president. We came in first in GPAs among all fraternities on campus.

We have grown from 40 to 50 members in the year and a half since I joined.

13 | 20

3.21 | NR

V

11 | 10

Clemson's Delta Nu Chapter strives to uphold the standards of excellence set forth by the university and currently holds the second highest Greek men's GPA. Our philanthropy, "Beta Lei," and our alumni golf tournament are underway and looking to be quite successful this year.

S

3.12 | 2.99

E

7 | 11

R 32/105 | 30 V

6|8

COLGATE

CONNECTICUT

BΘ | Hamilton, N.Y. Chris Rothe '17 crothe@colgate.edu

DAYTON

ΖΧ | Storrs, Conn.

Evan Monoxelos ’17 evan.monoxelos@uconn.edu

Η∆ | Dayton, Ohio Tyler Vickery '18 tvickery1@udayton.edu

Although we have not been able to function as a normal chapter this term, we have all become closer through this process and have learned a lot about what it means to be a Beta. I think a major highlight is the overall enthusiasm everyone has for this process.

This year, our chapter won the following awards from our school's Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life: Excellence in Academic Achievement, Excellence in Wellness and Safety, and Excellence in Chapter Operations.

S 3.20 | 3.19 E

S

0|6

R

27/75 | 22

V

8|8

COLORADO MINES

11 | 18

R

31/89 | 31

25/75 | 27

R

V

10 | 7

S

3.33 | 3.11

V

10 | 8

E

15 | 18

R

23/62 | 23

V

8|8

DENISON

ΑΗ | Granville, Ohio Tarakshya Mehrish '17 mehris_t1@denison.edu

This semester, our chapter had one of the biggest recruitment classes of all time. With outstanding new member education, philanthropy and community service programs, and good social relations with other organizations, Beta Delta is truly leading the way at Cornell. We even won the Randy Scott Stevens Award, among three others during this year's Awards Ceremony!

We're overjoyed this semester, pledging 10 great men and awarded the highest fraternity GPA on campus. No surprise we would say, but our philanthropy is a success once again. We're increasing our service hours and helping our community. We hope to make this a good year by improving Denison's campus.

S 3.45 | NR E

S

16 | 18

R

30/70 | 20

V

10 | 9

3.21 | 3.02

E

3|7

R

13/50 | 17

V

CHAPTER REPORTS

E

14 | 16

Β∆ | Ithaca, N.Y. Red Giuliano '18 red.giuliano@betadelta.org

The Beta Phi Chapter has continued growth in every aspect, including recruitment, scholarship and brotherhood. For the first time in years, we even beat the all-sorority GPA. We have high hopes of continuing this trend while pushing ourselves and fellow fraternity men to always be better than the day before.

3.14 | 2.98

E

CORNELL

ΒΦ | Golden, Colo.

Peter Palumbo'17 ppalumbo@mines.edu

S

3.41 | 3.08

During the spring 2016 semester, the Eta Delta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi leads all fraternities on campus in GPA and has recruited 13 men of principle who have excelled in the recruitment process and shown a lot of interest in becoming future leaders in the chapter.

6|7

39 COLUMBIA

CREIGHTON

ΗΙ | Omaha, Neb. Michael Carlson '17 michaelcarlson1@creighton.edu

ΑΖ | Denver, Colo.

Brendan Ingram '17 bpingram1994@gmail.com

Our chapter has organized many philanthropic and community events on a scale which we have not previously seen. These events involve the fraternity and outside (non-Greek life) communities to a greater degree and show more people what our chapter is about. Twelve new members were initiated April 30, pushing our membership to 80!

Eta Iota had a very successful spring recruitment cycle, recruiting the most men in chapter history. We diversified service opportunities, got more of the chapter involved with service, and increased total service hours. An emphasis has also been placed on brothers taking on campus leadership roles. Go Jays!

We have a campus-high GPA and record breaking recruitment by our own standards. We've had some issues with discipline, but alcohol and drug abuse are at all time lows and we maintain a no hazing policy. We are working towards finding a better solution for our fraternity housing needs.

S 3.64 | NR E

S 3.46 | 3.31 E 20 | 24 R

S 3.48 | 3.19 E

16 | 12

R

27/86 | 26

V

9|7

25/72 | 21

V

6|6

R

30/82 | 25

V

7|7

DEPAUW

CLEAN SWEEP Beta's 47 men at the College of Charleston cleaned up at the 2015 Borelli Awards Ceremony: IFC Chapter of Excellence, Chapter of Achievement, Excellence in Academic Programming, Highest GPA, Excellence in Leadership and Member Development, and IFC New Member of the Year Jake Epperson '19.

11 | 15

∆ | Greencastle, Ind. Matt Gullickson '17 mgullickson_2017@depauw.edu

The Delta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi continued its run as the largest fraternity on campus and also maintained the highest GPA. Members of our house are involved across campus in almost all varsity sports, honors programs and clubs.

We look forward to continuing our success into the next year.

S

3.33 | 3.10

E

9 | 13

R

36/111 | 29

V

7|7

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

ΑΑ | New York, N.Y. Michael Carlson '18 mc3987@columbia.edu

DENVER

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

3.20

3.02

14

R 15

30/77

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL

V 27

8

ΗΓ | Miami, Fla. Anthony Yabor '17 fiubeta.president@gmail.com

7

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 a ge Gra Camp us A de Poi l l nt A Ma ver le 2 a ge Pro 015-16 gr a ms Leade A r s tte Avg nda hip nce Du . Annu rin g P al Att re v e 20 iou ndan s 3 Y ce & T 15-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter Ple S Avg ize dge (5/1 d .A /16 Du nnua ) rin g P l Recr re v iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 N Act um ive b Ad er of viso Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A re v iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

E

We have a seven-man pledge class for this spring, putting us at 89 brothers in the coming semester. Brothers are involved throughout campus. We have a great social aspect and our academics have been improving. The brotherhood is at an all time high.

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

S EASTERN WASHINGTON

DREXEL

CHAPTER REPORTS

S

3.29 | 3.22

E

21 | NA

R

10/45 | NA

V

4 | NA

We had almost double the service hours of all other fraternities on campus. We have four of the seven members on IFC board. We won homecoming games between all clubs and orgs.

We also had numerous house renovations to improve chapter facilities and were second in grades on campus.

S

2.93 | 3.02

E

14 | 5

R

32/46 | 22

V

6|7

E

25 | 18

R

37/88 | 30

V

7|7

FLORIDA STATE

ΕΩ | Cheney, Wash.

Jacob Stout '17 jacob_stout@live.com

Colony | Philadelphia, Pa. Brian Smith '18 President.Beta.Drexel@gmail.com

The brothers at Drexel University have been continuously working hard to improve our colony, starting off this term with the initiation of our Delta class. Looking ahead, our colony is planning to make the endeavor to charter this August at the 177th General Convention in Oklahoma City! (See photo, bottom-right.)

2.82 | 2.79

∆Λ | Tallahassee, Fla. Austin Ocariz '18 avo13b@my.fsu.edu

We were collectively able to raise an estimated $14,500 dollars for Dance Marathon. We won "Totum Victorium" (only three fraternities out of 22 received the award). Our new house is in the process of being built!

S

3.07 | 2.95

E

22 | NA

R 49/108 | NA V

6 | NA

40 EMORY

EAST CAROLINA THE BETA THETA PI

ΕΑ | Greenville, N.C. Carson Henry '17 henryc13@students.ecu.edu

Highlights of this semester include getting off of reorganization after a year, and raising from 15th GPA on campus to eighth as of last semester. Also, one of our brothers started a chapter of "Hooked on Riley's Army" philanthropy here at ECU.

S

2.55 | 2.74

E

12 | 17

R

23/32 | 22

V

11 | 11

S

3.24 | 3.32

2.98 | 2.87

E

5 | 11

R

35/56 | 19

V

7|8

E

12 | 10

R

25/68 | 20

V

5|5

This semester we signed a lease on a new chapter house that is both larger and closer to campus. With a spring pledge class of 10 guys, we are growing as a chapter and our influence on campus is spreading.

S

3.23 | 3.07

ΓΞ | Gainesville, Fla. Matthew Zwijacz '18 mattzwijacz@gmail.com

3.29 | 3.24

E

25 | 13

R 49/143 | 43 V

12 | 11

R

15/36 | 9

V

5|4

ΖΝ | Washington, D.C. Sean Raymond '17 sraymond1@gwu.edu

Our chapter raised about $15,000 for the Alzheimer's Association through our annual "Beta Bring it On" philanthropy event, a cheerleading competition between all sororities. We have the sixth highest GPA on campus out of the 25 IFC chapters. We raised $31,000 out of the $2.4 million raised during Dance Marathon.

S

E

GEORGE WASHINGTON

FLORIDA

∆Ξ | Richmond, Ky. Todd Branham '16 mitchell_branham13@mymail.eku.edu

Placing second in grades with a 3.04 last fall, Delta Xi had a very successful spring recruitment with the initiation of five new brothers. Raising $4,000 for Cure Ky Kids during our "Last Rose Standing" competition, Catherine Luvisi (ADPi) became our Beta Rose. Delta Xi pinned DZ's Emily LaRoche as Beta Sweetheart – her second term. Delta Xi's 45th is set: Oct. 21-22!

ΖΛ | Greenville, S. C. William Stewart '17 william.stewart@furman.edu

The Gamma Upsilon Chapter has seen an increase in recruitment efforts and involvement on campus. The brotherhood is set up for great success. Having 90 percent of the chapter live under one roof has made an already tight knit group something special.

EASTERN KENTUCKY

S

FURMAN

ΓΥ | Atlanta, Ga. Julian Adler '17 jkadler@emory.edu

6|6

Zeta Nu earned the highest GPA of any fraternity on campus for the fall 2015 semester.

In December, we were proud to elect Zeta Nu Brother Brandon Capece as president of GW's Interfraternity Council - the third Beta elected IFC president in four years. Finally, Zeta Nu was named IFC Chapter of the Year!

S

3.25 | 3.14

E

11 | 17

R

26/101 | 33

V

8|6

IDAHO

GEORGIA

IOWA

ΓΓ | Moscow, Idaho Clayton Zimmerman '17 zimm8343@vandals.uidaho.edu

ΕΕ | Athens, Ga. Garrett Williamson '17 garrettawilliamson@gmail.com

ΑΒ | Iowa City, Iowa Bobby Bitzer '17 robert-bitzer@uiowa.edu

Our chapter has one of the top GPAs on campus at UGA. We have several members involved in organizations on campus, and almost every senior has landed a job for next year. Several of our juniors have landed some top internships in various fields in business.

The Gamma Gamma Chapter continues to excel in academics, intramural sports, campus activities and social life. We started a new tradition with our Greek Family Feud philanthropy, which turned out to be a big success. Our newly elected cabinet is looking forward to introducing fresh ideas to the chapter.

Alpha Beta had a great Parent's Weekend and visited Kansas City for formal. One third of the chapter participated in Dance Marathon, raising money for pediatric oncology. The chapter has been hard at work planning our 150th Anniversary celebration for November 4-5. Alpha Beta looks forward to another 150 years.

S 3.34 | 3.17 E

S 3.30 | 2.91 E

S 2.84 | 2.87 E

15 | 16

R 30/103 | 33 V

7|9

ΓΗ | Atlanta, Ga. Garrett Wallace '18 garrett.wallace@gtbeta.org

16 | NA

R

23/54 | NA

V

5|5

V

10 | NA

16 | 12

R

24/55 | 23

V

7|8

IOWA STATE

ΤΣ | Ames, Iowa Brad DePrez '17 bwdeprez@iastate.edu

This year has been a great one for Sigma Rho. Our annual bags tournament raised more than $5,000 for the Andrew Weishar Foundation.

We have also worked to form strong partnerships with a local food pantry and the Boys and Girls Club of Champaign.

The Tau Sigma Chapter is proud of where it stands today. In the last year, it has overcome a suspension and reorganization period, and has bounced back successfully. Its 71 members, including recently elected Iowa State Student Body President Cole Staudt '17, are ready to return to full status this coming fall.

S 3.20 | 3.08 E

S 2.99 | 2.94 E

13 | NA

R

40/116 | NA

V

6 | NA

24 | 34

R

8/69 | 37

V

CHAPTER REPORTS

E

27/91 | 25

ΣΡ | Champaign, Ill. Aaron Reinsbach '17 reinsbach26@gmail.com

Brothers Garrett Wallace and Hailey Brown took second in the 2016 InVenture Prize competition. Trenton Kilbey passed all his exams to become a skipper for The Yacht Week located in the British Virgin Islands. Several brothers spent the semester working for Coca-Cola, Toyota and General Electric.

3.21 | 3.14

R

ILLINOIS

GEORGIA TECH

S

14 | 14

10 | 8

41 INDIANA

HIGH POINT

JOHN CARROLL

ΗΕ | University Heights, Ohio Jacob Rayl '18 jrayl18@jcu.edu

The colony has had a great semester. This spring we started a partnership with the MakeA-Wish Foundation through our inaugural Cornhole Tournament. At the tournament, four of our brothers broke the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon of cornhole, playing for 26 hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds!

Beta defeated Sigma Chi 7-2 in Dropping The Puck On Cancer, while expecting to raise more than $100,000 for the American Brain Tumor Association. Face Off for the Forces was April 9 and donations went to the Wounded Warrior Project. Our 3.3114 GPA is the second highest GPA of all housed fraternities at IU.

S 2.96 | 2.84 E

S

15 | 11

R

30/57 | 25

V

7|6

DOMINATING DRAGONS Undefeated for more than a year, the 43-man colony at Drexel University in downtown Philadelphia recently captured the 2016 Greek Week dodgeball championship. That type of determination is bound to play well as the men vie for their charter at this summer's 177th General Convention in Oklahoma City.

3.31 | 3.09

E

7 | 16

R 59/184 | 54 V

7|7

The Eta Epsilon Chapter inducted 13 members in the fall. Along with that, we hold the highest GPA among fraternities again for the fourth semester in a row. We are improving our image on campus by attending philanthropies at near 100-percent attendance.

S

3.22 | 2.97

E

15 | 21

R

17/40 | 16

V

11 | 12

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

Π | Bloomington, Ind. Nick Mpistolarides '18 nickpistol88@aol.com

Colony | High Point, N.C. James Ensor '17 ensorj13@highpoint.edu

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

3.20

3.02

14

R 15

27

30/77

KETTERING B

V 8

∆Η | Flint, Mich.

Michael Graham '16 grah3027@kettering.edu

7

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 a ge Gra Camp us A de Poi l l nt A Ma ver le 2 a ge Pro 015-16 gr a ms Leade A r s tte Avg nda hip nce Du . Annu rin g P al Att re v e 20 iou ndan s 3 Y ce & T 15-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter Ple S Avg ize dge (5/1 d .A /16 Du nnua ) rin g P l Recr re v iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 N Act um ive b Ad er of viso Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A re v iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

E

We have worked together to identify a unified "why" for Delta Eta that focuses our chapter on the things that matter most. With this common vision as our foundation, we have strengthened the core of our organization by innovating new ways to bring brothers closer together and improve buy-in.

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

S 3.45 | 3.08 E KENTUCKY

JOHNS HOPKINS ΑΧ | Baltimore, Md. Frank Waggoner '18 fwaggon1@jhu.edu

17 | 32

R

11/43 | 10

V

9 | 13

KNOX

ΕΟ | Lexington, Ky. Austin Bach '17 akba228@g.uky.edu

Ξ | Galesburg, Ill. Jackson Faulkner '18 jhfaulkner@knox.edu

CHAPTER REPORTS

Highlights from this semester have included: the executive board improving the efficiency of exec and chapter meetings, a new community service event at a nightclub for people with disabilities, and a resume workshop where active brothers and young alumni network.

This semester we initiated 15 new brothers and again achieved the highest fraternity GPA last fall with a 3.48. Additionally, we raised $17,000 for DanceBlue and had brothers chosen as DanceBlue overall chair and elected vice president of Student Government. Finally, we have made great strides in fundraising for the new house. UK's Homecoming is October 8!

The brothers of the Xi Chapter have had a very productive year thus far. Our brothers have just ended a year of leading the Interfraternity Council and the Knox Greek community, and rebooted our alumni relations program and newsletter, "Through the Eyes of Xi."

S 3.34 | 3.31 E

S 3.44 | 3.06 E

S

9 | 17

R

19/77 | 22

V

8 | 10

25 | 33

R

52/151 | 48

V

7|6

2.85 | 2.95

E

11 | 6

R

13/34 | 14

V

13 | 7

42 KANSAS

LAWRENCE

KENYON

THE BETA THETA PI

ΑΝ | Lawrence, Kan. Joe Simmons '17 vpexternal.kansasbeta@gmail.com

ΓΠ | Appleton, Wis. Joe Krivit '17 joseph.s.krivit@lawrence.edu

ΒΑ | Gambier, Ohio Maxwell Baughman '17 baughmanm@kenyon.edu

The spring semester has been a good one for Alpha Nu. The "Hutt" took home six awards in the annual "Rock Chalk Revue" philanthropy musical performance with Chi Omega. We currently have 16 accepted bids for the pledge class of 2020, and are still actively recruiting for the next pledge class.

Beyond the initiation of nine new members into Beta Alpha, we hosted our newest philanthropy event, "Beta Karaoke." Our chapter has also begun the process of raising money to improve the Beta Temple as it begins to show its age.

S 3.45 | 2.99 E

S

7 | 12

R

25/92 | 25

V

9 | 10

ΓΕ | Manhattan, Kan. Luke Hohl '18 ldhohl@ksu.edu

E

13 | 15

R

27/92 | 25

11 | 11

R

10/41 | 20

V

6|6

S 3.20 | 3.17 E

V

7|6

11 | 13

R

16/54 | 18

V

5|5

LOUISVILLE

∆Π | Louisville, Ky. Will Hale 17 whhale01@louisville.edu

∆Η | Flint, Mich.

Kevin Katz ’18 katz0368@kettering.edu

This term, our chapter and leadership team have spent a significant amount of time looking internally at ways in which we can tweak some procedures to make our membership more affordable and finding ways to protect the physical integrity of our house.

3.26 | 2.88

E

KETTERING A

KANSAS STATE

S

3.24 | 3.30

After initiating five members in our fall pledge class, Gamma Pi is preparing to initiate 12 more new members this term. In addition, we finished fall term with a cumulative 3.12 GPA, the highest of all fraternities and higher than the campus all-men's average!

This term we worked on improving our brotherhood events greatly. We held an awesome snowball fight and are planning on beginning brotherhood dinners before chapter next term.

Our chapter has been steadily growing in size after two successful recruitment terms and we're looking forward to another this summer.

The Delta Pi Chapter is going strong with more than 80 brothers. In the past year, the chapter won the Relay for Life Spirit Award and the Kappa Delta Shamrock 'n Run Spirit Award. Also, our chapter advisor, Stavan Bhatt, received Chapter Advisor of the Year at UofL.

S 3.50 | 3.04 E

S

10 | 12

R

11/27 | 7

V

13 | 10

3.17 | 2.90

E

17 | 15

R

43/91 | 32

V

9|9

MARYLAND

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

This academic year, our in-house philanthropic organization, "People Being Just," is doing fantastic and we are hoping to raise between $8,000-$10,000 in the annual on-campus event this April. This year, we have become the second largest fraternity on LMU's campus, which we attribute to our men of principle program.

S

3.32 | 3.10

E

13 | 11

R

36/94 | 30

V

MICHIGAN STATE

∆Ω | College Park, Md. Kevin Adams '18 president@mdbeta.org

ΗΑ | Los Angeles, Calif.

Justin Pasquale '17 jpasqual@lion.lmu.edu

7|8

ΓΨ | East Lansing, Mich.

Quinlan Wetzel '18 wetzelqu@msu.edu

After a very successful rush, Delta Omega is excited to bring in its largest recruitment class since recolonization and boast a 60-plus man chapter. With Greek Week coming up, we are looking forward to yet another strong showing alongside our match-up, Sigma Nu and Sigma Delta Tau. S

3.15 | 3.09

E

10 | 15

R

36/68 | 19

V

9|7

Our chapter once again won the President's Cup for the highest fraternal GPA on campus.

We've excelled in IM sports and took home the championship in IM soccer. Our alumni purchased a new Loving Cup (see photo, below) and the brothers are excited to unveil it at our spring Alumni Weekend in April.

S

3.28 | 3.04

MIAMI (Fla.)

LSU

12 | 18

33/75 | 26

R

V

11 | 11

MINNESOTA

ΗΒ | Coral Gables, Fla. Joseph A Bonner '17 J.bonner1@umiami.edu

Colony | Baton Rouge, La. Reuben Cheng ’16 rcheng1@lsu.edu

E

ΒΠ | Minneapolis, Minn.

Alex Jobin '16 jobin008@umn.edu

Our chapter won the largest campus-wide philanthropy, entitled Greek Week, with our partners Alpha Sigma Phi and Alpha Delta Pi. We also are on track to win "P Cup," a championship for intramural sport competitions among the fraternities on campus. We won the IM football league, too.

The chapter had incredible attendance at its "Light the Row" and "Back to Beta" philanthropy events. The chapter intramural broom ball team took home the championship. The members attended a membership development day that addressed issues of masculinity, sexual assault and sexual health. We also performed more than 2,000 hours of community service.

S 2.99 | 2.79 E

S 3.34 | 3.13 E

S

7 | NA

R

95/68 | NA

V

10 | NA

8|9

R

27/96 | 36

V

5|7

3.35 | 3.13

E

18 | 26

R

29/68 | 25

V

CHAPTER REPORTS

In our first year on campus, we earned the most hours of service for a fraternity during the Greek community's week of Habitat for Humanity work, initiated 14 pledges to bring our numbers up to 68 actives, and also kicked off our philanthropy efforts with a day of coastal restoration in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

7|9

43 MICHIGAN

MAINE

Λ | Ann Arbor, Mich.

Carson Hoke '18 clhoke@umich.edu

ΒΒ | Oxford, Miss.

Brayden Folger '17 bmfolger@go.olemiss.edu

Beta Eta's 23rd Annual Sleepout was a huge success. We raised more than $7,000 for Bangor Rape Response Services, and got the word out about the services they provide through public service announcements, including television commercials and a live radio interview. We are leading our university in philanthropy.

Lambda has made great strides towards improving and growing our chapter, boasting one of the largest winter pledge classes of any fraternity on campus. Our alternative St. Patrick's Day tailgates have been a hit both with university administration and the student body. Go Blue, Go Beta!

S 3.06 | 2.85 E

S

15 | 11

R

14/61 | 22

V

6|7

3.39 | 3.32

E

10 | 15

R

19/47 | 19

V

12 | 11

The Beta Beta Chapter continues to make strides on all fronts, excelling in both the classroom and recruitment. Our strong leadership has allowed the chapter to lay the groundwork for a lasting and respectable philanthropic event, which will take place in the fall.

S

2.88 | 2.58

E

9|9

R

67/147 | 55

V

7|8

SHE'S A BEAUTY Just a tip of the hat to the Michigan State Alumni Corporation for purchasing a new Loving Cup for the undergraduate chapter. And the customized engraving beyond the Beta coat of arms, chapter founding date and chapter motto? “Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

ΒΗ | Orono, Maine Matthew Plourde '17 matthew.plourde@maine.edu

MISSISSIPPI

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

3.20

3.02

14

R 15

30/77

NORTH DAKOTA

V 27

8

ΓΚ | Grand Forks, N. D. William Perkins '17 william.perkins@my.und.edu

7

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 a ge Gra Camp us A de Poi l l nt A Ma ver le 2 a ge Pro 015-16 gr a ms Leade A r s tte Avg nda hip nce Du . Annu rin g P al Att re v e 20 iou ndan s 3 Y ce & T 15-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter Ple S Avg ize dge (5/1 d .A /16 Du nnua ) rin g P l Recr re v iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 N Act um ive b Ad er of viso Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A re v iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

E

We raised more than $1,000 for our philanthropy, the Wounded Warrior Project. We spent a lot of our time getting to know each other better as brothers. We are currently remodeling our house to prepare for our 100th anniversary.

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

S MISSOURI

NC STATE

ΖΦ | Columbia, Mo. Chase Wisniewski ’17 chwfm5@mail.missouri.edu

CHAPTER REPORTS

3.37 | 2.95

9 | 13

E

R 40/146 | 39 V

7|6

E

11 | 8

R

9/37 | 21

V

7|6

NORTHEASTERN

Colony | Raleigh, N.C. Jeremy Lamb '17 jalamb@ncsu.edu

Zeta Phi was recognized for having the highest overall GPA (3.451) in Greek life. We have also been recognized by Mizzou's basketball team for most attendance at the charity event, "Rally for Rhyan." Beta shutout Sigma Chi in the annual "Slapshot on Cancer" hockey game with a score of 6-0.

S

2.74 | 2.96

ΗΖ | Boston, Mass.

Riley Taylor '18 taylor.ri@gmail.com

The colony continues to excel academically with the highest GPA among all fraternities for the past two semesters. With a growing presence on campus, including brother Paul Nolan's recent election as student body president, the colony has applied for Knox Status and hopes to charter at convention this summer.

Eta Zeta renewed focus on brotherhood by starting "Fraternal Fridays," a time for weekly check-ins outside the chapter hall. So far, we've raised more than $1,000 for Camp Sunshine with "Valentine-Grams," serenades to sororities including "Hotline Bling" and "I'm Yours."

Looking forward to our next Philanthropy, "Balloon-a-Beta"!

S 3.34 | 3.02 E

S

17 | NA

R

20/59 | NA

V

13 | NA

3.57 | 3.22

E

11 | 18

R

28/63 | 19

V

8 | 10

44 MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

NORTHWESTERN

NEBRASKA

THE BETA THETA PI

ΕΛ | Kansas City, Mo. Alex Ragland '17 ajrthf@mail.umkc.edu

Ρ | Evanston, Ill. John Wylie '18 johnwylie2018@u.northwestern.edu

ΑΤ | Lincoln, Neb. Stephen Enke '17 stephenenke@gmail.com

Our biggest highlight during this term is our high GPA. The Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi achieved its highest chapter GPA this past semester. We are very proud of this achievement and want to do even better next year.

Our yearly pledge class had all but one initiate for a total of 35. We ranked top in grades among all fraternities with a 3.384. This is compared to a 2.92 all-campus GPA. Alumni involvement is increasing quickly and the Alpha Tau Chapter will be unveiling its new website soon.

S 3.46 | 3.22 E

S

10 | 14

R

30/75 | 22

V

6|6

3.17 | 2.80

E

16 | 21

R

37/114 | 30

V

7|8

NORTH CAROLINA

MIT

ΒΥ | Boston, Mass.

Erik Gest '17 erikgest@mit.edu

S 3.46 | NR E

S

10/26 | 10

V

8|8

3.28 | 3.15

E

10 | 17

R

18/81 | 21

10 | 11

R

26/80 | 26

V

10 | 8

ΖΜ | Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Michael DeSimone '18 md1873@nova.edu

Our chapter has had a fantastic increase in community outreach over the past term. From spearheading fundraisers with other fraternities to working with Habitat for Humanity, our brothers of Wooglin have started to participate more and more outside the limits of our school in Chapel Hill!

R

S 3.40 | 3.45 E

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN

Η | Chapel Hill, N.C. Chris Burrus '18 cburrus96@gmail.com

We have had several exciting events so far this semester, including a "Beta Theta Pizza Pi" party and a beach-themed mixer with Kappa Alpha Theta. We are looking forward to MIT's Campus Preview Weekend where we can meet future freshmen. We also made the IFC Honor Roll.

8|6

This winter quarter started strong with the Rho Chapter bringing in 23 new members.

Stemming from this success, we raised more than $25,000 for the Blessings in a Backpack children's charity as part of Northwestern University's Dance Marathon. Twenty-five brothers danced for 30 hours, helping the event raise $1.2 million overall.

V

6|8

The Zeta Mu Chapter keeps making huge progress as a young chapter with unlimited potential. The brothers managed to raise more than $2,000 at their "Beta Sweetheart" philanthropy event. The brothers have been contributing impactful solutions to IFC — such as a universal Greek billing system.

S 3.00 | 2.95 E

13 | 12

R

17/30 | 11

V

5|6

OKLAHOMA STATE

OHIO

Beta Kappa is celebrating our 175th by continuing our historical excellence with philanthropy, recruitment, grades and alumni relations. Our annual philanthropy raised more than $15,000 for the Wounded Warrior Family Project. Additionally, we have members becoming involved in a plethora of additional organizations to increase Beta's network and reach on campus.

S

3.12 | 2.78

E

26 | 14

R

43/90 | 40

V

8|8

S

3.38 | 2.80

R 50/153 | 53 V

13 | 7

S

NR | NR

E

V

7 | NA

3.11 | 2.90

E

15 | 18

R

18/68 | 23

V

R

16/63 | 16

V

5|3

PITTSBURGH

HN | Pittsburgh, Pa. Joe Roesinger '17 jmr204@pitt.edu

The Eta Kappa Chapter has had a very successful year focusing on community outreach and internal brotherhood. We have co-hosted a variety of highly successful events with other fraternities, sororities and campus organizations. Internally, we have expanded to weekly organized activities and multiple large-scale brotherhood events.

S

9 | 10

5|6

This semester our focus was on establishing our main philanthropy event and connecting with "Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh." Through things like a "Clue"-esque murder mystery event and pancake delivery fundraisers, we have been focused on raising money for this great organization.

S 3.46 | 3.08 E

26 | NA

R

18/69 | NA

V

CHAPTER REPORTS

24/66 | NA

13 | 13

HK | Stockton, Calif.

Asher Bergtraun '18 a_bergtraun@u.pacific.edu

This term, we have completed about 1,000 service hours as a chapter. We have also raised about $5,000 for our chapter's philanthropy.

We have taken several measures to continue to foster our brotherhood and build relations within the Greek community.

E 20 | NA R

E

In early April, our entire chapter will be traveling to New York where we will be holding one of our largest alumni events. We've reached out to alumni brothers who graduated more than 40 years ago, and we're extremely excited to re-establish connections with some of our older alumni.

PACIFIC

ΘΔ | Columbus, Ohio Jeff Ruick '17 ruick.1@osu.edu

3.26 | 3.07

Φ | Philadelphia, Pa. Michael Dudum '18 mdudumsf@gmail.com

Gamma Lambda placed second in grades shattering the IFC GPA. For homecoming, we placed third in Football Frenzy and first in sign competition. Individually, we produced two Top 10 Freshmen, two Seniors of Significance, and one Outstanding Senior. In Varsity Revue, our show swept the awards and captured first place.

OHIO STATE

S

PENNSYLVANIA

ΓΛ | Stillwater, Okla.

Link Strickland '17 link.strickland@okstate.edu

BK | Athens, Ohio Jack Melick '17 jvmelick4@gmail.com

6 | NA

45 OKLAHOMA

"Soonerthon" is a large OU philanthropy that benefits the Children's Miracle Network. It is a campus-wide event that many are extremely passionate about. Beta Theta Pi was privileged to have received the Miracle Cup, which is given to the group with the most involvement.

Gamma Phi also won the President's Trophy for Fraternity of the Year!

3.27 | 3.00

E

17 | 24

R 63/214 | 59 V

ΔΕ | Tacoma, Wash.

Ken Aviananda '17 kaviananda@pugetsound.edu

AU | State College, Pa. Kevin Muck '17 kmuck7711@gmail.com

8 | 12

WE ARE...PENN STATE In addition to raising some $52,000 for "THON" and the fight against pediatric cancer, for the second time in six years Beta's 75-man chapter at Penn State has won "IFC Fraternity of the Year," besting 45 other fraternities for the highest honor on campus.

The men of Alpha Upsilon started off 2016 well, capturing the IFC Chapter of the Year Award (see photos, below). Breaking our all-time record, we raised $52,000 in a yearlong fundraising effort to support the Four Diamonds Fund and families affected by pediatric cancer.

S

3.25 | 3.09

E

15 | 18

R

22/77 | 23

V

11 | 11

Several brothers spearheaded a campus-wide initiative called "Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week." We had different programs and speakers, and held a successful, safe and fun dance party. The chapter holds the highest fraternity GPA, and third highest GPA overall.

S

3.24 | 2.99

E

12 | NA

R

9/35 | NA

V

10 | NA

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

ΓΦ | Norman, Okla.

Reed Prado '17 Rprado20@gmail.com

S

PUGET SOUND

PENN STATE

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

3.20

3.02

14

R 15

30/77

SOUTH CAROLINA

V 27

8

Y | Columbia, S.C. Paul Davidson '17 scbetapresident@gmail.com

7

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 a ge Gra Camp us A de Poi l l nt A Ma ver le 2 a ge Pro 015-16 gr a ms Leade A r s tte Avg nda hip nce Du . Annu rin g P al Att re v e 20 iou ndan s 3 Y ce & T 15-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter Ple S Avg ize dge (5/1 d .A /16 Du nnua ) rin g P l Recr re v iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 N Act um ive b Ad er of viso Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A re v iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

E

At South Carolina, we recently initiated our newest pledge class of 11 on March 25. With this addition, our chapter stands at 152 brothers with 32 graduating this May. Our members continue to do great things, including most recently our brother Jimmy Simms organized the university's Greek Week.

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

S PURDUE

3.29 | 3.04

12 | 22

R 46/169 | 55 V

9|8

SOUTH DAKOTA

SAN DIEGO

ΒΜ | West Lafayette, Ind. Griffin Hoover '18 hoover26@purdue.edu

E

ΓΑ | Vermillion, S.D. Nick Norby '17 nicklos.norby@coyotes.usd.edu

ΖΩ | San Diego, Calif.

Ian Lituchy '17 ilituchy@sandiego.edu

CHAPTER REPORTS

Highlights this semester include recruiting 19 spring pledges, earning a 3.11 term GPA and a 3.22 cumulative GPA, and having an undefeated dodgeball team. We also held a "Wheels for Wishes" philanthropy event with Chi Omega, participated in the Grand Prix race, held a brotherhood retreat and initiation in Oxford, formal in Louisville, and a weekly Beta grill out.

This spring, we added 24 new members to our chapter, bolstering our total membership to 110, the largest on campus. We currently hold the title for highest GPA among fraternities and the Dean's Trophy, the most prestigious award in Greek life, for the sixth year in a row.

(See photo, bottom-right.)

We were number one for grades out of all fraternities on campus for the second semester in a row. We also doubled in size through a great fall recruitment class where we were able to add 24 new members to our active chapter.

S 3.09 | 2.89 E 30 | NA R

S 3.45 | 3.05 E

S

52/94 | NA

V

12 | NA

28 | 27

R

31/106 | 33

V

5|7

3.31 | 2.98

E

15 | 16

R

30/50 | 23

V

9|9

46 QUINNIPIAC

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SAN JOSE STATE

THE BETA THETA PI

Colony | Hamden, Conn.

Andrew Croteau '17 aocroteau@quinnipiac.edu

ΓΤ | Los Angeles, Calif.

Owen Ritter '17 oritter@usc.edu

ΖΗ | San Jose, Calif.

Ben Watson '17 benwatsonben@gmail.com

We raised $3,500 to sponsor a child at Quinnipiac's QTHON Dance Marathon event, which raised money for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. The event overall raised $115,000. Another significant highlight is that the men of Beta kept our tradition alive and introduced our new members by serenading sororities around campus.

Last fall, our chapter doubled in size, bringing our membership to around 50 brothers and making us one of the larger fraternities on campus. Several freshman members have taken executive board positions, so we are looking forward to seeing how they shape our chapter!

The men of Gamma Tau continue to set the standard at the University of Southern California. This year, we raised close to $30,000 for the Movember Foundation, once again increased our chapter GPA and are planning another large fundraising effort for this spring.

(See highlight of "A Brotherhood of Champions" alumni event on page 11.)

S 3.09 | 3.13 E

S 2.84 | 2.86 E

S

15 | NA

R

20/55 | NA

V

5 | NA

SAINT LOUIS

E

9 | 15

R

37/125 | 41

36/53 | 18

V

8|7

3.37 | 3.13

E

V

9|8

3.37 | 3.11

E

23 | 9

R

41/118 | 31

R

49/94 | 31

V

7|7

ΖΟ | Carbondale, Ill. Benjamin A McGuire '16 benjamin.mcguire@siu.edu

Our biggest focus this semester has been the creation of our own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, "The Beta Hero Scholarship."

The organization's mission is to raise money to redistribute as college scholarships to the family members of Betas who have served in the armed forces, as police officers, and as firefighters.

S

11 | 13

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

ΓΩ | Dallas, Texas Spencer Forrest '17 scforrest@smu.edu

This semester, our chapter held our second annual "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" philanthropy event, raising more than $2,500. Brothers wore high heels as we walked through campus to raise awareness of men's violence toward women and all donations benefited the Women's Safe House.

3.38 | 3.07

R

SMU

ΖΤ | Saint Louis, Mo. Bob Garvey '17 garvey@slu.edu

S

13 | 12

V

6|5

We have raised our overall chapter GPA and participated more in community service these last two semesters. We have also won awards for campus involvement both with our university and from the General Fraternity. As a chapter, we have become more effective overall with working as a brotherhood and organization.

S

2.88 | 2.82

E

8 | 10

R

5/18 | 12

V

9|9

ST. LAWRENCE

TENNESSEE

The Beta Zeta Chapter has spent the spring semester building on the momentum we've achieved in the past year, working to rekindle our alumni network that is so vital to our chapter. We have revamped "The Pier" newsletter and individually reached out to more than 800 Beta Zetas throughout the world.

S

3.24 | NR

E

7|8

R

27/79 | 31

V

5|5

S

2.97 | 2.88

E

R

15/50 | 12

25/51 | 21

V

6|6

S 2.50 | 2.70 E

V

7|7

3.35 | 3.16

E

8 | NA

R

85/66 | NA

V

R

18/19 | 17

V

9|9

TEXAS AT ARLINGTON ∆Ρ | Arlington, Texas Ross House '17 ross.house@mavs.uta.edu

This spring was our first semester as a functioning colony, and we hit the ground running.

Through the efforts of our executive team, active members and advisors, we have effectively and decidedly established our presence on campus, and we couldn't be more proud to be Betas.

S

9|9

12 | NA

The Delta Rho Chapter came in first in academics within Texas at Arlington's IFC with a 3.010 semester GPA. The chapter has been committed to strengthening its alumni relations and has hosted several alumni events each month. Delta Rho is committed to the ideal that brothers are brothers for life.

S 3.02 | 2.76 E

19 | 16

R

26/43 | 19

V

CHAPTER REPORTS

18 | 17

R

ΒΟ | Austin, Texas Jacob Villarreal '18 jacobavillarreal@gmail.com

This past semester, the Sigma Chapter won the intramural floor hockey championship. In addition, for the first time in many years we held our annual brother and pledge camping retreat.

We are also all looking forward to initiating our new members.

E

17 | 13

The Zeta Rho Chapter has been working hard this semester. We have had full attendance at the Fraternity's Keystone Conference and have plans to attend convention. The chapter has been working to develop better leadership and help us become true men of principle.

TEXAS

Σ | Hoboken, N.J. Thomas Slook '19 tslook@stevens.edu

3.25 | 3.25

ZP | Corpus Christi, Texas Alex Hotze '16 alexhotze@yahoo.com

Our chapter continues to grow in relevance thanks to the tireless efforts of our men, and our brotherhood continues to strengthen after our brotherhood cabin weekend in the Smokey Mountains. We are looking forward to finishing the semester out with our formal and alumni dinner. During Greek Week, the Chapter was named 2016 Chapter of the Year!

STEVENS

S

TEXAS A&M-CC

∆Κ | Knoxville, Tenn.

David Snapp '16 dsnapp2@vols.utk.edu

ΒΖ | Canton, N.Y. Will Scatchard '17 wbscat13@stlawu.edu

7|7

47 TEXAS A&M

TCU

ΕΗ | College Station, Texas Jerry Shea '17 Jerryshea222@gmail.com

This year, our chapter has tripled the amount raised at our philanthropy benefiting Cook Children's Medical Center, maintained the highest GPA on campus and won the intramural championship for the second year in a row.

We are in the process of fundraising for a new chapter house, which is set to open in 2018.

S

3.55 | 3.04

E

15 | 15

R 30/133 | 41 V

7|7

SIX-PEAT, BABY Having just secured their sixth straight Dean's Trophy recognizing fraternity chapter of the year, Beta's Zeta Omega Chapter at the University of San Diego is also the largest on campus with 110 men, holds the number one GPA with a 3.52, and boasts Greek Man of the Year Garrett Stollar '18.

∆Μ | Lubbock, Texas Cole Olesen '18 cole.g.olesen@ttu.edu

In my eighth semester as a part of this chapter, I saw the chapter come together and unify as we once knew it my freshman year. One could say we've had rocky times — I truly believe the best times are in the near future.

We initiated our first pledge class beyond the Founding Fathers on April 2. We also renewed Delta Mu's traditional formal event, the Golden Dragon, which was held April 8-9. Our first major philanthropy event was held on April 30, and we're looking forward to next fall when we start our second year back on campus.

S 3.04 | 2.92 E

S

15 | 14

R

38/115 | 35

V

7|8

2.82 | 2.68

E

9 | NA

R

113/91 | NA

V

9 | NA

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

ΗΗ | Fort Worth, Texas Justin Pollard '17 justin.pollard@tcu.edu

TEXAS TECH

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

3.20

3.02

14

R 15

30/77

UTAH

V 27

8

ΓΒ | Salt Lake City, Utah Curtis Pierce '17 curtis.alan.pierce@gmail.com

7

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 a ge Gra Camp us A de Poi l l nt A Ma ver le 2 a ge Pro 015-16 gr a ms Leade A r s tte Avg nda hip nce Du . Annu rin g P al Att re v e 20 iou ndan s 3 Y ce & T 15-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter Ple S Avg ize dge (5/1 d .A /16 Du nnua ) rin g P l Recr re v iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 N Act um ive b Ad er of viso Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A re v iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

E

This semester, we have excelled on a university level. Our chapter received the highest award given to Greek organizations for the third time in a row, the Dean of Students' Award of Excellence. In addition, our chapter was crowned Greek Week champions for the third consecutive year.

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

S UC IRVINE

TORONTO

ΘΖ | Toronto, Ont. Royal Bai '16 royalbai@hotmail.com

CHAPTER REPORTS

S 3.03 | NR E

S

14/47 | 16

V

7|7

2.77 | 2.96

E

18 | 8

R

30/53 | 27

26 | 22

R

44/119 | 43

V

9|9

ΖΕ | Villanova, Pa. Sam Beecher '18 sbeecher@villanova.edu

The gentlemen at Delta Sigma had a successful beach clean-up with the Surfrider Foundation.

About 15 to 20 guys dedicated one of their Saturday mornings to cleaning up the beach. We also got first place in Sigma Kappa's ultraviolet philanthropy. Finally, we hosted two alumni events.

R

E

VILLANOVA

∆Σ | Irvine, Calif.

Toluwanimi Salako '17 tsalako@uci.edu

Within our chapter we have witnessed a strong group of brothers form who we very much consider the backbone of what this fraternity should represent. We have recognized their achievements for they have helped us overcome the obstacles we have faced throughout the term. Brotherhood is our strongest asset.

5|5

3.39 | 2.96

V

6|5

This semester, the Zeta Epsilon Chapter added two new philanthropy events to our yearly calendar — one to benefit UCP of Philadelphia and the other to benefit Rett Syndrome research and the daughter of one of our alumni who has the disease.

S

NR | 3.30

E

15 | 11

R

27/79 | 24

V

5|6

48 UC SAN DIEGO

TRUMAN STATE THE BETA THETA PI

ΖΞ | Kirksville, Mo. Zachary Lepperd '17 ztl2526@truman.edu

VIRGINIA

ΖΓ | La Jolla, Calif.

Bashier Kassih '17 rkassih@ucsd.edu

Ο | Charlottesville, Va. Kenyon Knowels '17 kbk5bg@virginia.edu

We are revamping every aspect of our chapter!

We are reaching out to more alumni, promoting stronger brotherhood and continuing our understanding of the Ritual. Next fall we are looking to come back even stronger than we are now, and we are putting in the work to do so!

At Greek awards, we won three awards, tied for the most of any chapter here on campus. Two of the awards, Emerging Greek Leader of the Year and Advisor of the Year, went to individuals. As a chapter, we won the award for highest GPA with a 3.24. (See photo, bottom-right.)

S 3.30 | 3.10 E 20 | 24 R

S

23/91 | 32

V

5|5

UC DAVIS

E

14 | NA

R

4/27 | NA

13 | NA

R

32/78 | NA

V

6 | NA

S 3.50 | 3.19 E

V

8 | NA

6 | 10

R

23/79 | 23

V

7|7

VIRGINIA TECH

ΓΝ | Los Angeles, Calif.

Jacob Rees '17 Jacob444@ucla.edu

This past winter, the colony at UC Davis focused its attention on our first-ever philanthropy event. We put on an acapella concert that showcased multiple singing and dancing groups from campus. It was a huge success that saw more than 300 students, Greek and nonGreek, attend.

2.98 | 2.72

E

UCLA

Colony | Davis, Calif.

Kevin Norring '18 kpnorring@ucdavis.edu

S

3.18 | 3.08

This has been a big semester for the Omicron Chapter. We are happy to see our brother Russell Bogue selected as a 2016 Rhodes Scholar.

Our vice president, Matt West, was just selected as honor chair. We also continue to expand our philanthropic endeavors.

ΑΦ | Blacksburg, Va. Hunter Schappell '17 sshunt6@vt.edu

The Gamma Nu Chapter has solidified its commitment to community by establishing a three-year relationship with Pacific Lodge Youth Services, a local orphanage for boys. As a chapter, we support the young men by playing organized team sports, tutoring and offering our assistance in the upkeep of the orphanage.

We had a very successful philanthropy where we raised about $4,000 in one day for the Craig Rehabilitation Center, a center out in Colorado that helps people who are paralyzed to walk again. This center specifically affected the dad of one of our brothers, Harrison Pearson.

S 3.30 | 3.02 E

S

23 | 20

R

36/112 | 36

V

6|6

3.24 | 3.07

E

14 | 12

R

35/118 | 38

V

7|8

Τ | Crawfordsville, Ind. Kyle Stucker '17 kmstucke17@wabash.edu

3.11 | NR

E

18 | 18

R

22/75 | 23

V

10 | 8

The Alpha Rho Chapter initiated 21 new members during the 2015-16 academic year, bringing our total to 72 members. The varsity soccer team, heavily represented by Beta, won the ODAC title. Senior Ben Bayles was named ODAC player of the year.

S

3.41 | 3.38

E

2|4

R

21/72 | 18

V

9|9

ΒΩ | Seattle, Wash.

Mason Bernard '17 bernard.mason@gmail.com

S 3.54 | 3.23 E

S

V

9|8

3.51 | 3.48

E

9 | 10

R

13/43 | 13

V

7|6

NO BIG DEAL, JUST SAVING A LIFE In February Bruno Perthus, UC San Diego'17, was in the hospital because he had signed up to be a stem cell donor and was identified as "the best match for a leukemia patient who was to have his life-saving transplant within 48 hours." On May 2, Bruno was informed "the cells grafted, the patient is doing well and he has been discharged from the hospital." Way to go, Bruno!

R

29/112 | 32

V

6|7

3.13 | NR

E

16 | 17

R

43/74 | 28

16/45 | 15

V

7|6

ΓΖ | Walla Walla, Wash.

Andrew Davis '18 davisan@whitman.edu

In its 100th year, the Gamma Zeta Chapter continues its legacy at Whitman College.

Brothers have committed to strengthening their available resources. Connecting with alumni, creating a Chapter Advisory Group and hosting both a fall and spring rush are only a few of the many things happening at Gamma Zeta.

S

3.10 | 3.35

E

10 | 5

R

18/44 | 15

V

11 | 9

49 WICHITA STATE

∆Γ | Wichita, Kan. Austin Shelby '17 austindshelby@gmail.com

Gamma Theta has flourished this past year. We have more members than we have had in more than a decade, saw record numbers in recruitment and won a few intramural championships.

Our members are the leaders of our campus and our community. It's a great time to be a Beta at Wazzu!

S

R

V

11 | 10

Our chapter continues to improve steadily in each aspect. The chapter GPA has increased each of the last five semesters, and though we're currently ranked second on campus, we are striving for first in 2016. Also, we recently selected Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as our new philanthropy.

S

3.19 | 2.80

E

26 | 28

R

22/65 | 32

V

7|7

SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

3.07 | 2.83

7 | 16

18 | 26

WHITMAN

ΓΘ | Pullman, Wash.

Ben Varin '17 benjamin.varin@wsu.edu

Γ | Washington, Pa. Evan McDonough '17 mcdonougheh@jay.washjeff.edu

The brothers of the Gamma Chapter worked hard this past semester recruiting to grow the brotherhood and keeping our fraternity thriving on campus. We have also been working with the college on significant house improvements thanks to the generous donations of brother David White ’77.

E

E

WASHINGTON STATE

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON

S

3.14 | 2.93

CHAPTER REPORTS

This semester welcomed the formation and execution of a strategic planning document to help guide our chapter. We also mandated that all neophytes be Active Bystander and GreenDot trained, held a philanthropy with North Side Community School, performed community service with Arc, and had a record attendance at recruitment events.

32/116 | 33

S

ΑΙ | St. Louis, Mo. Andrew Ward '17 ai.wubeta@gmail.com

The Beta Omega Chapter saw significant improvements to internal programming and leadership with the help of our live-in advisor, Jacky Pang, UC San Diego '15. Jacky guided and administered our executive board and provided great insight that helped our recruitment and scholarship programs.

R

We have developed a new risk management policy, which has changed how potential risks are assessed. Our recruitment class was 19 and we pledged 14 and initiated 12. Also, we currently have the second highest grades for fraternity men — well over the all-Greek average.

WASHINGTON IN ST. LOUIS

WASHINGTON

19 | 16

Α∆ | Fulton, Mo. Cody Ford '17 cford.17@westminster-mo.edu

ΑΡ | Lexington, Va. Patrick Quinlan '17 quinlanp17@mail.wlu.edu

The Tau Chapter at Wabash College has focused on revamping several important facets of our chapter standards. The most important of these is philanthropy. We have institutionalized philanthropy by requiring at least 12 volunteer hours a semester and by adopting the Special Olympics' "Polar Plunge" as our personal project.

S

WESTMINSTER

WASHINGTON AND LEE

WABASH

S

LEGEND: State of the Chapters

Self-Governance Education Recruitment Volunteers NA: Data may appear unique or may not apply given this school’s re/colonization during the last three years.

3.20

E 3.02

14

R 15

V 27

30/77

8

7

2 Poi 015 G nt A rad 201 ver e 5 a ge Gra Camp us A de Poi l l nt A Ma ver le 2 a ge Pro 015-16 gr a ms Leade A r s tte Avg nda hip nce Du . Annu rin g P al Att re v e 20 iou ndan s 3 Y ce & T 15-16 ear ota Tot s a lC hap l Men ter Ple S Avg ize dge (5/1 d .A /16 Du nnua ) rin g P l Recr re v iou uitme s 3 Y nt ear 201 s 5-16 N Act um ive b Ad er of viso Du Avg. A rs rin g P ctive A re v iou dviso s 3 Y rs ear s

Performance Average of All Beta Chapters

NR: Data which is not tracked by institutions or was unreported by chapters as of 5/1/16.

WILLAMETTE

ΑΠ | Madison, Wis. Brian Grippando '18 grippando@wisc.edu

CHAPTER REPORTS

This past semester has been very productive for us with community service following our recent recolonization. After taking part in previous builds, we have decided to partner with Habitat for Humanity as our yearly philanthropy. We also successfully completed our second yearly penny-coat drive to support the local Union Gospel Mission.

S

3.17 | 3.07

E

15 | NA

R

14/37 | NA

WITTENBERG

WISCONSIN

ΓΣ | Salem, Ore. Joshua Fuentes '17 jfuentes@willamette.edu

V

12 | NA

ΑΓ | Springfield, Ohio Benjamin Dobrowolski '17 dobrowolskib@wittenberg.edu

Highlights of this semester include formal in Chicago, a 150 percent membership increase in four semesters (see photo, below), more involved new members and an efficient executive board.

We are also more active in the Greek community, and a stronger brotherhood has been created through increased events. We have created ambitious goals for the next three semesters.

We've been focusing on improving our external operations: alumni relations, PR and community service. Our hallmark event this semester was our "Animal House" philanthropy, where the Columbus Zoo brought baby animals to our house. We are also making some improvements to the house over the summer.

S 3.00 | 3.20 E

S

12 | 11

R

26/50 | 13

V

6|4

3.37 | 2.74

E

11 | 13

R

15/49 | 17

V

7|6

50 WILLIAM & MARY

WISCONSIN-OSHKOSH

THE BETA THETA PI

ΖΥ | Williamsburg, Va. Elliott Theuerkauf '17 ejtheuerkauf@email.wm.edu

Things are swell in Williamsburg. We have again recruited a great pledge class and our brothers continue to lead our campus through involvement in countless organizations. We will miss our seniors as they move on to places such as UVA Law, medical schools and great jobs in finance and consulting.

S

3.33 | 3.24

E

5|8

R

20/83 | 25

V

WPI

ΖΖ | Oshkosh, Wis. Ethan Bell '17 belle08@uwosh.edu

4|6

TRAJECTORY: 1...3...10...13 Betas at the University of Wisconsin certainly deserve some solid praise, as they've continued a steady growth the last four years. With a spring 2016 class 13 times the size from 2013, the chapter now numbers 51 strong. Like everything else in life, hard work still pays off in Beta Theta Pi.

Colony | Worcester, Mass.

Drew Wethern '17 dcwethern@wpi.edu

This year, Zeta Zeta saw many successes! We held our second annual Miss UWO Pageant, and partnered with our local philanthropy, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services. We were also academically successful by having the highest fraternity GPA while being higher than the allmens, all-Greek, and all-campus averages.

We are proud to announce that we have secured a house that we will be moving into in June! Our new exec board is going strong and we are making great progress on our way toward next year when we plan to apply for our charter.

S 3.02 | 2.84 E

S 3.50 | NR E

14 | 14

R

14/32 | 16

V

6|5

26 | 13

R

8/35 | 30

V

4|8

A.

B.

SUMMER SALE BETASPIRIT.COM

C.

D.

E.

F.

A. Beta Branded Polo (more colors available, price may vary) starting at $23.74 B. Impulse Royal Backpack $18.96 C. Navy/White Umbrella $35.50 D. Deluxe Royal Captain’s Chair $34.50 E. Nike Hyperflight Black Golf Balls 12/pkg $46.46 F. Heavyweight Twill Pro-Style Hat $14.82

VISIT BETASPIRIT.COM AND BUY YOUR NEW BETA GEAR TODAY!

CHAPTER ETERNAL IN LOVING MEMORY

Flags indicate those who have served in the United States or Canadian armed forces.

CHAPTER ETERNAL 52

Forever remembering these men and the love they had for Beta Theta Pi and their fellow brothers, notices of their passing were reported to the Administrative Office between February 2 and April 17, 2016. For assistance locating an obituary, or to report a brother’s death, please contact Phyllis Bowie at 800.800.BETA or phyllis.bowie@beta.org.

Asking loved ones to donate your Beta badge and important Beta artifacts to the Fraternity’s archives and museum in Oxford is always welcomed and appreciated.

Amherst Prescott W. Gould ’45, Nov. 19, 2015 P. A. Tague ’63, April 2 Arizona Leon P. Lancaster ’63, Oct. 28, 2015 Ball State Richard A. Meyer ’66, Feb. 20 Bowdoin John A. Curtis ’45, Feb. 15, 2015 British Columbia Denis W. Creighton ’56, Dec. 28, 2015

THE BETA THETA PI

Brown Gordon E. Allen ’50, Jan. 1

Cornell Samuel A. Cooke ’59, Dec. 2, 2015 Richard C. Smith ’52, Feb. 9 C John F. Tewey ’49, Jan. 30 C Dartmouth Hardwick Caldwell Jr. ’44, Oct. 25, 2015 Davidson George H. Adams Jr. ’50, March 28 C Samuel M. Gibbs II ’66, Feb. 1 C Denison Ben A. Callaway ’50, Nov. 15, 2015 Austin C. Cogswell ’65, Nov. 30, 2015 Miner Raymond ’44, May 26, 2015

Centre Donald E. Hagan ’60, March 12 J. P. Smith ’60, May 30, 2015

Denver Gerald L. Allen ’55, March 13 C John H. Jonas ’54, July 9, 2015 W. P. Sullivan ’56, July 31, 2015

Chicago Lucien W. Fitzgerald ’44, May 5, 2015

DePauw Thomas G. Grossman MD ’71, March 15

Cincinnati Donald R. Knab ’45, Sept. 5, 2014 George E. Mitchell Jr. ’50, June 13, 2014 Herbert R. Todd ’50, Feb. 21 C

Dickinson George W. Heffner ’49, Jan. 24 C

Colorado College Robert W. Howe ’44, Oct. 9, 2015 James W. Lowry ’44, Dec. 27, 2015

Duke Joseph C. Duys ’54, Feb. 16 Paul R. Eastman ’48, Sept. 17, 2015 Charles L. Flynn ’44, Feb. 28 C John D. Kistler ’54, March 21 Myron T. Potter II ’56, April 2 C William H. Robinson ’44, Jan. 15 Kenneth L. Whitehead ’58, Feb. 24

Colorado Mines Mark E. Hays ’71, Feb. 24

Eastern Kentucky Douglas M. Devlin ’79, Feb. 27

Columbia Ward J. Armstrong ’57, Feb. 22

Florida Christian S. Bauer ’66, April 6 Robert N. Hendry ’50, March 5 C

Colorado Peter R. Gwwreen ’83, Feb. 21

Georgia Tech Linton I. Harris ’56, Sept. 26, 2015 John D. Weaver Jr. ’47, June 1, 2014 Idaho Armour A. Anderson ’42, Feb. 19 C John H. Bengtson ’53, April 12 C Charles H. Carman ’54, March 5 C Jack D. Gooding ’48, May 21, 2015 Dennis B. Hague ’58, March 31 Robert C. Murphy MD ’41, March 2 C Robert F. Snyder ’40, Feb. 6 C William W. Taylor ’53, Feb. 16 C Illinois Edward E. Barthell ’55, March 19 C Daniel J. Burdzinski ’03, April 6 Allen R. Cassens ’58, June 13, 2014 George H. Paris ’40, June 24, 2014 Steven B. Sample ’62, March 29 Indiana Theodore C. Despos ’62, Jan. 27 Charles E. Oswald Jr. ’43, Sept. 30, 2014 Mark A. Woodward ’44, Sept. 7, 2015 Iowa Richard V. Corton MD ’42, Sept. 8, 2014 Iowa State Steven C. Carberry ’71, Sept. 10, 2014 Frederick J. Weinrich ’58, March 24 C Johns Hopkins John B. Irwin MD ’45, Nov. 3, 2015 Kansas Arthur H. Nelson ’44, Nov. 28, 2015 Kansas State Elmer L. Kistler Jr. ’44, Jan. 10 C

The Foundation is often asked how one can memorialize a dearly departed Beta, while also supporting the goals of the Fraternity. In lieu of flowers, consider naming the Beta Leadership Fund in your own obituary. Memorial gifts can be made online at beta.org/gift or by phone at 800.800.BETA.

Kenyon Richard S. Milligan MD ’56, Feb. 18 Frank J. Winter Jr. ’42, Jan. 11, 2015 Lawrence Thomas C. Burkhart ’54, Sept. 6, 2015 Lehigh John A. Davis Jr. ’45, March 7 Paul L. Reiber Jr. ’44, April 7 Maine Frederick W. McFarland ’70, March 4 Michigan David G. Manning ’44, July 5, 2014 Michigan State Michael E. Bower ’15, March 28 Charles R. Walter Jr. ’59, March 26 C

Nebraska Robert D. Coonley ’46, Aug. 21, 2014 William S. Peterson ’65, March 6 C North Dakota Richard G. Bjorklund ’43, March 14, 2015 Northwestern James D. Richards ’46, Feb. 20 C

Ohio State Albert K. Germanson ’55, Feb. 23 C Robert L. Lawrence ’65, March 10 C Dalton H. Lowe ’73, Feb. 27, 2014 Ohio Wesleyan Robert M. Canright ’52, March 4 C Oklahoma Lindbergh Rahhal MD ’53, March 31 C Oklahoma State Gregory O. Clift ’87, Nov. 27, 2015 James P. Riemer ’73, April 2 Robert E. Van Landingham ’59, Feb. 7 C

Union Jack L. Eger ’50, March 27 C Chester H. Robinson ’40, Feb. 11

Purdue George D. Malsbary ’63, Oct. 15, 2014 Richard L. Thompson ’64, March 13

Utah Victor R. Ayers ’56, Dec. 28, 2015 John A. Dahlstrom ’56, Feb. 11 C Douglas R. Johnson ’53, Feb. 10 C Thomas C. Nicholas ’01, May 18, 2015

SMU Brian R. Davis ’70, March 3

Vanderbilt C. P. Owen Jr. ’57, March 8

South Dakota Warren C. Anderson ’43, July 19, 2015 William M. Barton Jr. ’44, April 14, 2015 Dennis W. Ronning ’65, March 2 C

Virginia Raymond F. Wingo III ’67, July 11, 2014

St. Lawrence David C. Karlen ’54, Jan. 15 C Garth E. Kauffman ’43, May 27, 2014 Tennessee Thomas A. Mitchell ’76, March 6

Wabash Donald Kirchhoffer ’44, Jan. 10 John K. Riley ’55, Dec. 12, 2014 Washington in St. Louis Robert G. Burridge ’52, March 26 C Donald M. O’Neill ’43, March 20 C Washington State William E. Berry ’61, Feb. 28

Texas Byron L. LeFlore ’58, March 8 Joe T. Romine ’63, March 14 Joe C. Rust ’61, March 10

Wesleyan Stephen Clarke ’44, Jan. 29, 2015 John W. Smallwood Jr. ’44, Oct. 2, 2015

Texas at Arlington Carl P. Favre ’73, May 11, 2015

West Virginia James W. Banks MD ’43, Jan. 8, 2015

Texas Tech Jeffrey B. Gilbreath ’98, Feb. 13 Toronto John T. Fasken ’70, Aug. 1, 2015

Whitman Henry R. Aydelott ’55, Jan. 19 C William C. Lawrence ’44, July 25, 2014 David A. Storm ’50, March 11

Tulane Lawrence C. French ’46, March 27 C John E. Herman ’55, Feb. 3 C

Wichita State Christopher P. Christian ’71, Feb. 11 Lyle A. Tracy ’66, July 8, 2015

UC Berkeley David A. Babros ’59, Jan. 31 C Paul W. deFremery ’44, July 12, 2014 John W. Higson Jr. ’47, March 12, 2015 Gary D. Wheatcroft ’55, March 8

Wisconsin Frank J. Winter Jr. ’43, Jan. 11, 2015

CHRISTIAN S. BAUER Florida ’66

Dr. Christian S. Bauer passed away on April 6 at age 71. A dedicated Beta alumnus, Bauer volunteered in numerous roles throughout two decades, namely as founding chapter counselor at Central Florida, as well as serving 13 years as an assistant district chief.

Yale Willard H. Cobb Jr. ’44, Jan. 9, 2015 George Rowe Jr. ’43, Aug. 14, 2014 C

STEVEN B. SAMPLE Illinois ’62

Oxford Cup recipient Dr. Steven B. Sample, former president of the University of Southern California, died on March 29 at age 75. Sample served as president of the State University of New York at Buffalo for nine years before his 19-year presidency at USC.

53 SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG

Ohio William B. Gore ’60, Feb. 1

Pennsylvania Ray J. Billingham ’42, April 26, 2014

UCLA Malcolm W. Brown ’44, Dec. 28, 2015 Max E. Willardson ’44, April 28, 2014

CHAPTER ETERNAL

Missouri Charles O. Davis ’44, May 11, 2014 Robert K. Halliday ’39, Feb. 8, 2015 John C. Montgomery ’52, March 6 James B. Owen ’55, Feb. 1 Robert S. Stephens ’77, March 30

Oregon State Albert T. Barnhold ’42, Sept. 25, 2015 David P. Burrough ’64, Aug. 4, 2015 Everett E. Cobb Jr. ’48, Feb. 13, 2014 C Nicholas B. Welsh Jr. ’55, March 28, 2015 Edgar W. Whitlock ’44, March 14, 2014

F.

(Set of three blazer buttons and six sleeve buttons.)

G.

A.

B.

E.

H.

(Chain and charm sold separately.)

I.

C.

K.

L. D. Officer Dangles

2.

J.

1.

M.

A. Kirby Badge with Cubic Zirconia, #2280CZ 10K...$340 GP...$58

H. Official Ring, #7844 10K...$699

B. Plain Badge with Cubic Zirconia, #0100 10K...$145 GP ...$21

I.

C. Plain Letter Guard (Single Letter shown), #J0100 10K...$50 GP...$20

J. Alligator Tie Bar with Coat of Arms, #ATB1008F GP...$42

D. Officer Recognition Dangles, #JDNGL 10K...$32 GP...$11 Shown: 1. President 2. Scholarship Pearl

K. Snake Chain, 18” , #SNAKE18 GF...$30 SS...$18

E. Black Leather Money Clip with Coat of Arms, #MC9 SS..$36

M. Official Cufflinks, #4000 GP...$80 SS...$85

L

Shield Button, #2465 GP...$17 SS...$24

Traditional Vertical Letters Charm, #L2647 10K, 10KW...$56 SS...$26

F. Crest (Dragon) Blazer Button Set, #1420018 GP or SP...$97 (Set includes three blazer buttons and six sleeve buttons.)

G. Brotherhood Ring with Dragon, #0287 SS...$76 K – karat gold, KW – karat white gold, SS – sterling silver, GF – gold-filled, GP – gold-plated, SP – silver-plated. Not all items shown actual size.

Prices subject to change.

BThPi 2016May ad R2.indd 1

5/2/16 3:48 PM

MIKE DOWNER, UCLA ’77 In 1976, I was welcomed into the Gamma Nu Chapter at UCLA. The feelings of family and friendship have endured throughout this time, showing that my decision to become a Beta was not simply a defining moment of my undergraduate career, but a decision that continues to influence me personally and professionally to this day.

Beta’s focus on integrity and leadership have been integral in my career; the emphasis on philanthropy has influenced my service to the community; and the mutual assistance and trust I received from my brothers is now instilled in my own family. Countless members of my chapter have been shaped by the values of the Fraternity. And in recent years, I am proud to have been able to step back and witness these effects among all undergraduates across Beta’s 133 chapters and colonies.

That is why I give to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation – so all Betas have access to leadership opportunities presented by the Fraternity and supported by The Promises to Keep Campaign.

Today’s undergraduate Betas are tomorrow’s leaders of society – our investment managers, our health care professionals, our teachers and professors. My decision to include The Campaign in my estate plans hopes to ensure that these men carry the principles and brotherhood of Beta Theta Pi with them well into the future – much like my 40-year Beta journey remains strong today.

“

My decision to include The Campaign in my estate plans hopes to ensure that these men carry the principles and brotherhood of Beta Theta Pi with them well into the future.

”

Mike Downer, UCLA ’77, received bachelor’s degrees from UCLA and a Doctor of Law degree at Southwestern Law School. He has spent 36 years as a senior executive and attorney with the Capital Group organization – investment adviser to the American Funds, one of the nation’s largest mutual fund groups. He is also chairman of the board of trustees of Southwestern Law School. Mike and his wife, Jessica, live in Los Angeles.

THE BETA THETA PI | SUMMER 2016 | BETA.ORG/BBS

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

Beta Theta Pi Foundation & Administrative Office

PAID

Permit No. 1534 Oxford, Ohio

Brennan Hall PO Box 6277 5134 Bonham Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 www.beta.org

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TODAY! SEE PAGES 22-23 “This Campaign will help maintain Beta’s strong commitment to leadership training and development, creating greater access for undergraduates from ALL chapters to benefit from a rich Beta experience – one that is rooted deeply in brotherhood and Beta, Theta, Pi.” — Bob Grand, Wabash ’78, Campaign Co-Chairman

T H E

PROMISES TO KEEP C A M P A I G N

A dvanci ng the M en of Principle Initiative