BROTHERHOOD WELCOMES THREE NEW CHAPTERS Among the business in front of the delegates at the 179th General Convention was the granting of charters to three petitioning colonies. After committee presentations and a floor vote, three groups of young men who walked into Convention belonging to a colony, walked out belonging to a chapter. Congratulations and welcome to the recolonized Delta Lambda at Florida State, and two new chapters: Eta Tau at WPI and Eta Upsilon at Elon (pictured). See back for additional legislation outcomes.
FORMER GENERAL FRATERNITY PRESIDENT HOUSER ACCEPTS SHEPARDSON AWARD The twenty-fifth Francis W. Shepardson Award was presented at last night’s Celebration Banquet to former General Fraternity President Doug Houser, Willamette ’57.
179TH BRINGS NEW GENERAL FRATERNITY HOUSE CORP. Yesterday, building off of the successful Cornerstone Housing Program, the Fraternity announced the establishment of the General Fraternity House Corporation, managed in good hands by (left to right) John Stebbins, Emory ’92, as house corporation president, Steve Becker, Florida ’68, as secretary and Adam Collins, Wabash ’02, as treasurer.
Houser was initiated in 1954 to the Gamma Sigma Chapter Roll at Willamette University, then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Stanford University. He has served as his firm’s senior counsel for more than 50 years. Considered one of the Fraternity’s most prestigious
awards, the Board of Trustees developed the Shepardson award in 2001 to recognize brothers who embody the spirit and dedication of Brother Shepardson and epitomize the concept of lifelong service to the Fraternity.
a shoe company – you may have heard of it – called Nike. And second, registering the company’s logo, The Swoosh!
Brother Houser more than meets the criteria required for recognition.
But it is his contributions to Beta Theta Pi as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors, Foundation Board Chairman, and General Fraternity President that won him last night’s honor.
His successes and great stories count in the thousands, but arguably two notable ones were his filing of key paperwork on behalf of his first cousin, Phil Knight, that launched
Houser’s long-time Beta Sweetheart, Lucy, was in attendance to witness her husband accept the handsome full-lead crystal cup from General Fraternity President Bob Schnese ’83.
CLOSING STATEMENT | GEN. SEC. WAYNE KAY
“We’ve talked extensively this weekend about critical matters being debated in the legislation hall. Regardless of the outcome, one truth is certain: Great challenges face Beta Theta Pi in the near future. We have stared down such threats before, and through courageous leadership, have overcome. I have every faith and confidence that this fraternity is going to do so yet again. Together and united. I want to continue to encourage respectful interactions amongst brothers. While we don’t always agree, it must be acknowledged that we approach these dialogues from a common place – and that is a love for this fraternity that we all call home.” – General Secretary S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73
FROM THE FLOOR
LEGISLATION RESULTS PROPOSAL TO ADD A GOOD SAMARITAN POLICY TO THE RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY PRESENTED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Passed (with edits) PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE THE WORDS “COLONY” AND “COLONIZE” FROM THE CODE Failed
Clockwise: (1) Northeastern’s Sean Hickey ’19, and William Cisneros ’19, proudly display the newly redesigned John Reily Knox Award. (2) Beta Foundation Director Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, enjoys the company of Jerry Blesch, Centre ’60, aboard the USS Wisconsin during Saturday’s dessert reception. (3) Texas Tech Student Body President Sean Lewis ’19, delivers keynote remarks at the John Reily Knox Club Recognition Dinner.
PROPOSAL TO ADD THE SUBSTANCE-FREE HOUSING POLICY TO THE RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY Passed (91 yes, 49 no)
THIRTEEN CHAPTERS WIN REDESIGNED KNOX AWARD
OVERHEARD ONLINE AT #BETA179
Approved in 1997 at the 158th General Convention, only 65 unique chapters have ever received the prestigious John Reily Knox Award, including last night’s honorees.
“All of my Uber drivers pronounced Norfolk as Nor-fuk #Beta179 @ Norfolk, Virginia” – Matt Ternus, North Dakota ’21 (@MatthewTernus)
Beta’s top chapter honor requires the utmost involvement, leadership and success. The Knox Award raises the bar in such areas as ritual, leadership, community service and campus involvement. Those that achieved this status are shining examples of chapters living out this year’s theme, “The Courage to Lead.”
“What a privilege to be @BetaThetaPi 179th Convention this week. The theme “The Courage to Lead” is as fitting as ever. I’m excited to continue to support this Fraternity as important decisions and conversations take place around membership and student health and safety. #Beta179” – Erin McHale, Friend of Beta (@emmchale)
PROPOSAL FOR A STATEMENT OF POSITION ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND ASSAULT Passed (with edits) BETA THETA PI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REGARDING THE CANADIAN EXCHANGE RATE Failed PROPOSAL TO CHANGE RITUAL PRACTICES (REMOVAL OF HOODS DURING INITIATION) Failed PROPOSED CHANGE FOR MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY (TRANSGENDER MEMBERSHIP) Tabled to the 180th General Convention PROPOSED SELF-GOVERNANCE RIGHTS AMENDMENT Withdrawn CHARTERS GRANTED Florida State (Delta Lambda) WPI (Eta Tau) Elon (Eta Upsilon) CHAPTER STATUSES Auburn – Upgrade to probation Colgate – Return to good standing Central Florida – Appeal denied ELECTION OF TRUSTEES Ben Swartz, Treasurer Ken Grispin, Vice President Mike Wortman, Vice President
Winning a Knox Award is a point of pride for those that meet its guidelines. To that end, the Fraternity redesigned the Knox for 2018, leaving behind the paper awards of old and rolling out a handsome bronze-coated, marble statue bearing John Reily Knox’s likeness and the Great Seal of Beta Theta Pi. A trophy fitting for the Fraternity’s most accomplished chapters. This year, 13 chapters received the award: Centre (5), Denver (2), Georgia Tech (6), Kansas State, (10), Kentucky (4), Minnesota (6), Nebraska (15), Northeastern (3), San Diego (9), SMU (6), TCU (5), Truman State (13), Washington (6)
“Eta Mu had a busy weekend in Norfolk! Our convention attendees collected three awards: The Sons of the Dragon Award, The Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Award, and The Excellence in Risk Management Award. #Beta179” – Eta Mu Chapter of Beta Theta Pi (@beta_arkansas) “Congratulations to our new Eta Tau Chapter of Beta Theta Pi! ... We all have a great future to look forward to as Beta Theta Pi’s newest Chapter!” – Eta Tau Chapter of Beta Theta Pi (@Beta_WPI)
ONWARD TO OXFORD | PHOENIX
180TH GENERAL CONVENTION August 1 – 4, 2019 Oxford, Ohio
181ST GENERAL CONVENTION August 6 – 9, 2020 Phoenix, Arizona