SEVEN CHARTERS GRANTED; CHRONOLOGY REACHES THETA
Among the business in front of chapter and alumni delegates at the 180th General Convention was the granting of charters to petitioning colonies. After committee presentations and a floor vote, seven groups of young men who walked in to Convention belonging to a colony, walked out belonging to a chapter. Congratulations and welcome to the recolonized Alpha at Miami, Beta Upsilon at MIT, and new chapters Eta Phi at Rockhurst, Eta Chi at Rochester, Eta Psi at New Jersey, Eta Omega at Loyola Chicago and Theta Alpha at Delaware. See reverse side for additional legislative outcomes.
OVERHEARD AT #BETA180
@tommy38 “One of the best parts of Convention is the singing.” @pauldersgate “The brothers always appreciate the effort Brother Lipton puts into keeping up with the chapter and coming to Convention year after year.” @C_J_Mueller “Not just a house, but a home. Not full of friends, but of family.” @refuge_a “Honored to attend #Beta180 & discuss #MentalHealth & the future with forward-thinking people. Our college age adults need our help!”
FORMER FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIRMAN GRAND ACCEPTS SHEPARDSON AT RECOGNITION CEREMONY The 26th Francis W. Shepardson Award was presented at last night’s Recognition Ceremony to former Fraternity Trustee and Foundation Board Chairman Robert T. (Bob) Grand, Wabash ’78. Considered among the Fraternity’s top honors, 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 our Great and Good Fraternity. Grand was initiated in 1975 to the Tau Chapter at Wabash College, then went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University in 1982. He is currently managing partner at the business law firm Barnes & Thornburg.
Brother Grand more than meets the criteria required for recognition. Named one of the best lawyers in America for nearly 15-years straight, Bob’s four continuous decades of practice in government relations have made him a leader in his industry. It is his contributions to Beta Theta Pi as a former member of the Fraternity Board of Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors and co-chairman of the $20 million Promises to Keep Capital Campaign that won him last night’s honor. Grand’s long-time Beta Sweetheart, Melody, was in attendance to witness her husband accept the handsome full-lead crystal cup from General Fraternity President Bob Schnese, Wisconsin ’83.
FINAL FAREWELL | GENERAL SECRETARY 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: Beta Theta Pi and the Greek world will continue to face challenges. We have overcome such obstacles before, and by continuing to make decisions that honor our Founders’ visions for our Fraternity, we will overcome 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 the Beta Theta Pi that we all call home.” – General Secretary S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73
FAREWELL FROM OXFORD SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
PROPOSAL TO CHANGE RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY OF BETA THETA PI: BYOB Passed PROPOSAL TO RESTORE VOTING RIGHTS OF KAI COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN A TRIAL BY CHAPTER PROCEEDING Passed PROPOSAL TO EXTEND VOTING RIGHTS TO COLONIES Failed PROPOSAL TO RAISE INSURANCE RATES FOR CHAPTERS THAT VIOLATE RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY Withdrawn PROPOSAL TO HOST LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING REMOTELY/ONLINE Failed PROPOSAL TO REMOVE LEGISLATIVE VOTING RIGHTS OF ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS Failed PROPOSAL FOR ALL CHAPTERS TO HOST ALUMNI EVENTS WITH ALCOHOL Failed PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ALUMNI-HOSTED EVENTS WITH ALCOHOL FROM SIX TO SEVEN PER YEAR Passed BETA THETA PI CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REGARDING THE CANADIAN EXCHANGE RATE Passed RESOLUTION FOR THE FRATERNITY TO BEGIN STUDYING MENTAL HEALTH Passed RESOLUTION FOR THE FRATERNITY TO BEGIN STUDYING SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION Passed ELECTION OF TRUSTEES Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73; General Secretary Justin Foster, West Chester ’11; Vice President Robert Beall, Oklahoma ’80; Vice President Steven Cruz, FIU ’12; Vice President Bill Haywood, Miami ’74; Vice President Social icon
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Clockwise: Zeta Nu badge of Richard Lugar, Denison ’54, donated to the Administrative Office; brothers sing the “Parting Song” at Friday’s JRK Dinner; Knox Award recipients take stage.
TEN CHAPTERS HONORED WITH KNOX AWARD Approved in 1997 at the 158th General Convention, only 67 unique chapters have ever received the prestigious John Reily Knox Award, including last night’s honorees.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
JERRY M. BLESCH GEN. SEC. LEADERSHIP Colin Dunning, Texas ’20 EDWARD B. TAYLOR ADVISOR OF THE YEAR Emily Cunningham, Friend of Beta (MIT) Jason Blake, Georgia Tech ’92 (Georgia Tech)
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 bringing honor to our Great and Good Fraternity.
HOUSE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Gail Behrens, Friend of Beta (Miami)
Winning a Knox Award is a point of pride for those that meet its guidelines. To that end, the Knox award, a handsome, bronze-coated marble statue bearing John Reily Knox’s likeness and the Great Seal of Beta Theta Pi, is a trophy fitting for the Fraternity’s most accomplished chapters.
INTERFRATERNALISM RECOGNITION Fraternal Law Partners
This year, ten chapters received the award:
SHELBY L. MOLTER SONG COMPETITION Kettering B
Centre (6), Creighton (2), Delaware (1), Denver (3), Kansas State (11), Kettering B (8), Nebraska (16), New Jersey (1), San Diego (10), Washington (7)
HOUSE CORPORATION VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96 (Kentucky) GREEK ADVISOR OF THE YEAR Susan West, University of Kentucky
SINGING AWARDS WHITMAN CHORAL CUP Colorado Mines
NEW SONG COMPETITION Missouri
ONWARD TO PHOENIX 181ST GENERAL CONVENTION /// AUGUST 6 – 9, 2020 /// PHOENIX, ARIZONA