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