The Beta Theta Pi - Spring 2017

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

SPRING 2017

ABOVE THE FOLD

A DIG THROUGH BETA PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE PULITZER’S 100TH YEAR

48 CONTENTS 2 THE BETA THETA PI

THE FERD EFFECT With an attendance record of 45 consecutive Conventions, Ferd Del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis ’58, is a Beta unlike any other.

CONTENTS CONTENTS

FEATURES

3

18

26

Beta published more than 700 stories on Facebook in 2016. Check out which headlines ranked in the top 10.

Spanning 44 years of volunteer service to the Fraternity, Wayne Kay was recently elected General Secretary.

In the Pulitzer Award’s 100th anniversary, the Fraternity recognizes 11 Beta honorees and a collection of powerful photography.

TOP 10 STORIES OF 2016

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

ABOVE THE FOLD

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

The Beta House......................................16

Newsworthy .............................................. 6

Alumni News ......................................... 20

Inbox ............................................................. 8

Campus Life ............................................42

Darkening of the Hall............................ 9

Beta Classics.......................................... 46

You Asked ................................................ 10

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

Parent Spotlight ...................................15

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

SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

12

Last May, Beta’s communication staff was in Washington, D.C., participating in the annual conference of the Fraternity Communications Association. A three-day affair, it brings together the professional staffs of all fraternities and sororities in order to build relationships, exchange ideas and learn from communication experts outside the industry on all things related to print, writing, graphic design, photography, social media and the list goes on.

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

EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITOR’S LETTER 4

On the second day of the conference each year, an offsite excursion is taken to visit a company or organization in the host city that executes some aspect of communication in an extraordinarily profound manner.

Being in D.C. last year, it was natural that we headed over to the Newseum, a facility that features the origination and evolution of journalism, and how it has impacted western culture.

Upon walking into the facility, one can’t help but be struck by the jaw-dropping gallery of photos. Featuring dozens upon dozens of Pulitzer Prize-winning photos of the year, it captures a spectrum of human experiences and conditions that are as encouraging as they are disturbing, enlightening as they are unnerving.

As our team of five meandered through the exhibit – sometimes wanting to turn away, yet also feeling guilty at just the thought knowing we were simply observers of others’ reality – it occurred to us that 2017 would become the 100th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize. Thus, another thought quickly followed suit: “How many Betas have won Pulitzers through the years? And are any of them photographers?”

The Fraternity often touts its politicians, businessmen and philanthropists, and rightly so, but in a nod to Beta’s own publishing record in literature, music and photography, this issue highlights 11 Betas who have brought credit to the Fraternity through their documenting professions. And recognizing some of Beta’s own jaw-dropping photography, a capstone of Beta imagery is included that offers a narrow window into the spectrum of Beta life – beautiful and imperfect as it may be.

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 Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96

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

SENIOR WRITER Justin 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 Roupas, Iowa ’10

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sarah Shepherd DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Michael Rodmaker, Cincinnati ’13 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, current and former 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, 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, 2017. 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.

SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

In a nod to this issue’s feature recognizing Beta’s 11 Pulitzer Prize-winning alumni, along with some of Beta’s most memorable “Pulitzer Prize-like” photographs, it’s only fitting this one be included. As described by Mr. Beta Theta Pi, Francis W. Shepardson, Denison 1882/Brown 1883, “The social event of the year was the Justices’ Dinner in New York City on February 9, 1911 [at the Waldorf Astoria]. More than 400 members of the Fraternity joined in paying honor to the four Betas out of the nine members of the Supreme Court of the United States, Justices Harlan, Lamar, Lurton and Van Devanter.”

Beta holds the record for the greatest number of Supreme Court justices of any fraternity – a very fitting eight.

NEWSWORTHY

NEWSWORTHY

ELECTED TO SERVE

A STRATEGIC PLAN

CLUB EXCLUSIVES

OFFICER SCOOP

Five Betas were elected to Congress in the 2016 U.S. elections, bringing Beta’s current total to two U.S. senators and four congressmen. Read more about these men on page 22.

Looking beyond the results of Beta’s 2011 strategic plan, the Fraternity’s Board of Trustees has been engaged in a new planning cycle. Stay tuned for forthcoming details.

$100K+ FOR YOU

HISTORIC GIFT

ON THE BOARD

EVENTS NEARBY

This year, the Beta Foundation will offer $101,350 in 83 tuitionbased Merit Scholarships to Betas and children of Betas.

Learn more and apply by April 15 at beta.org/scholarships.

Beta pledged $60,000 more to the Association of Fraternity/ Sorority Advisors Foundation to support on-campus professionals who mentor and coach our young Betas daily.

6 THE BETA THETA PI

Join the Sons of the Dragon Club — the annual giving program for Beta undergraduates — by donating $18.39 by April 1 at beta.org/sotdc and receive this year’s member incentives.

The Fraternity recently introduced “The Beta Brief,” a monthly operational e-newsletter for chapter officers and volunteers.

Learn more about this new resource at beta.org/betabrief.

Congratulations to Creative Director Sarah Shepherd who was recently elected to represent Beta Theta Pi as a board member of the Fraternity Communications Association.

Beta alumni and undergrads may soon be gathering in a city near you. Discover upcoming activities in your city by visiting Beta’s new official event list at beta.org/calendar.

INTERFRATERNALLY SPEAKING Phi Gamma Delta claimed its fourth U.S. vice president in November with the election of Mike Pence, a 1981 graduate and alumnus of its chapter at Hanover College.

Sigma Phi Epsilon’s 1989 Purdue alumnus and NASA veteran astronaut, Drew Feustel, will launch to space in 2018 as a flight engineer on Expedition 55, and later as a commander of Expedition 56.

Chi Omega alumnae Kelli Masters appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Motrin’s “Woman In Progress” campaign as the first female sports agent to represent a first-round pick in the NFL draft.

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 2017 31

HIGH POINT INSTALLATION High Point, N.C. mcinta14@highpoint.edu

APRIL 2017 01

NC STATE INSTALLATION Raleigh, N.C. gsflinch@ncsu.edu

08 AMERICAN INSTALLATION

Washington, D.C.

dm1703a@student.american.edu 15

BETA UNDERGRAD DEADLINE UIFI, Wooden Institute, Merit Scholarships, Men of Principle Scholarship Grant | beta.org

28-30 TRUSTEES SPRING MEETING

Champaign, Ill.

dan.fogle@beta.org 29 ILLINOIS INSTALLATION

Champaign, Ill.

kyletebelman@gmail.com

4 PORTLAND ALUMNI LUNCHEON

Portland, Ore. portlandbeta@gmail.com

SCHOOLS CONFIRMED FOR 2017-18 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Delta Tau Colony | Tempe, Arizona UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE New Colony | Newark, Delaware UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON Delta Upsilon Colony | Houston, Texas

5 BRITISH COLUMBIA

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Vancouver, B.C. michaelbarker@gmail.com 20-24 WOODEN INSTITUTE #1

Oxford, Ohio beta.org/wooden 27-31 WOODEN INSTITUTE #2

Oxford, Ohio beta.org/wooden

JUNE 2017 17-21 WOODEN INSTITUTE #3

Oxford, Ohio beta.org/wooden 24-28 WOODEN INSTITUTE #4

Oxford, Ohio beta.org/wooden

JULY 2017 27-30 178TH CONVENTION

Snowbird Resort

Salt Lake City, Utah beta.org/convention

DISCOVER YOUR FAMOUS BETA BROTHERS

With more than 200,000 initiated brothers since 1839, many influential men have worn the Beta badge and gone on to have a large impact on society. The Fraternity is proud to claim among its members the 17th vice president of the United States, the 17th prime minister of Canada, six Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, seven Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees, 34 Olympic gold medalists, three Nobel Prize winners, 85 Rhodes Scholars, and many more. Visit beta.org/famousbetas to learn more about some of Beta’s most famous brothers of achievement.

7 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

MAY 2017

The Beta Spirit continues to expand on North American campuses and, so far, three schools are officially confirmed for 2017-18! Beginning this summer, recruitment of Re/ Founding Fathers, volunteer advisory teams and house corporation boards will begin at the universities below. Contact john.hubbard@beta.org or david.greis@beta.org to see how you can support these efforts, and stay tuned for announcements about additional expansions.

NEWSWORTHY

22 UC SAN DIEGO INSTALLATION

San Diego, Calif.

jasonpatrickgrimm@gmail.com

BETA EXPANDING TO THREE CAMPUSES (AND COUNTING)

THE INBOX PICTURETHIS

MAGAZINEFEEDBACK

Beta’s across North America are using the hashtag #betathetapi to share their Beta memories on Instagram. Take a look below at some of the Fraternity’s favorites, and be sure to follow Beta’s official Instagram account, @betathetapi.

THE INBOX 8 THE BETA THETA PI

@beta_ucf: Hope everyone is enjoying this terrific weather today as much as our favorite hound Milo is! Thanks to our Beta Sweethearts for the backyard bench.

@beta_chapman: What could be better than Beta brothers and man’s best friend? #rushbeta [Follow Nori on Instagram, @snorinator.]

 “Thoroughly enjoyed the Wendell Willkie ‘Friends or Foes’ article in the summer 2016 magazine. I’ve used the quotation ‘…I’ll lose my soul’ many, many times over the years with my Beta brothers because the roommate who found Wendell in a state of utter panic was my grandfather – Maurice L. Bluhm, Indiana 1913. Even though my grandfather was a ‘barbarian’ his picture hangs in the Distinguished Alumni room in the student union – along with Wendell.”

— Timothy Boese, Miami ’77  “I was so struck by the last issue that I had to contact you. It was fantastic and contained high-quality information. We all enjoy hearing about what the chapters are doing, but I think it’s great that you’re addressing important issues, too.

It’s excellent for the members and very thought provoking. It gives meaning to the phrase, ‘Proud to be a Beta.’” — Dennis Cloud, Indiana ’71  “May I commend our Fraternity for the outstanding internet communications and articles. I particularly note the upbeat and positive nature of all the news items and articles. It is gratifying to read of the various positive achievements of our chapters and brothers.” — Bert Byrne, Washington ’57, son of Editor Emeritus Thad Byrne, Washington State ’25  “Well done. Really enjoyed reading the magazine. You may remember I was a Sigma Nu at Murray State. I made my play to become a Beta but it didn’t work out. Could you send me a PDF of the Colson article?”

— Ron Beshear, Father of Ben Beshear, Miami ’01.

PASS THE LOVING CUP

@betathetapi: What more could you ask for Memorial Day weekend than a Loving Cup, man’s best friend, and the American flag? [Credit: Greg Summers, Texas A&M-CC ’15]

betathetapi.org/linkedin

@carloschoo32: What a day to be a Beta. I’d like to wish our graduating seniors good luck in their future endeavors as we celebrate Senior Sendoff.

facebook.com/betathetapi

During the northeast Keystone Leadership Conference, the men of Eta Nu at the University of Pittsburgh were presented with a new Loving Cup thanks to Martin Lewison, Columbia ’88, and his Beta Sweetheart, Cheryl.

twitter.com/betathetapi

instagram.com/betathetapi

DARKENING

OF THE HALL

Brothers, I am writing to you as chapter leaders regarding news out of State College, Pennsylvania, and our Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Penn State University.

While investigations into the events leading up to Piazza’s death are ongoing, the General Fraternity and Penn State University leaders have learned enough from the findings to reach a decision to close the Alpha Upsilon Chapter. These findings are not in keeping with Beta Theta Pi’s longstanding values of responsible conduct, mutual assistance and integrity. Upon those founding principles, the Fraternity is unequivocal.

In bringing you this news, I have two requests.

First and foremost, that you keep Tim’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Their loss is unimaginable, and for that they will always have the Fraternity’s deepest condolences.

Perhaps you stepped into your position believing that an incident of such gravity could never happen in your chapter or the one you support. However, the Alpha Upsilon Chapter was consistently ranked as a Chapter of Excellence at Penn State, and won Chapter of the Year on campus twice in the last six years – as recently as 2015. All chapters, regardless of their past successes, must prioritize risk management and safety within the brotherhood.

As your General Secretary, I am committed above all else to promoting your safety.

You can help me do so by fostering a chapter environment that is centered on love, family and personal integrity.

Tonight, there is a family missing a son and a campus missing a Beta chapter. The greatest tribute we could make in Tim Piazza’s memory is to ensure no such situation is ever experienced again in the halls of Beta Theta Pi. Yours in ___kai___, S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73 General Secretary

On February 17, General Secretary Wayne Kay announced the closure of the Penn State chapter following the death of new member Tim Piazza.

His letter to all chapter officers and volunteers is reprinted here.

Alpha Upsilon Chapter State College, Pennsylvania Chapter Motto: The summit of the arch Founded: October 4, 1888 Lifetime Initiates: 1,906 For Updates: beta.org/ pennstateclosure

9 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

Second, that you take time today to reflect on your own chapter’s culture. Take time to consider your new members and how you as a leader are performing to promote the well-being of all who wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi.

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

DARKENING OF THE HALL

As you may already know, the Fraternity recently lost a new member, Timothy Piazza, who sustained serious injuries after a tragic incident in the chapter house.

YOU ASKED 10 THE BETA THETA PI

YOU. ASKED. Beta undergrads recently had a chance to ask Beta’s Executive Director, Jeff Rundle, some hard-hitting questions. Here’s how Jeff replied . . .

When investigating hazing practices, what measures does the General Fraternity take to both fairly protect accused chapters and potential victims of hazing?

What are indicators 5+ years after a re/colonization that they are doing well and showing sustainability?

— Jared Thompson, Centre ’17

— Griffin Hoover, Purdue ’18

The General Fraternity’s follow-up to risk management concerns varies depending on the circumstances. However, every process is built upon honest conversations with key stakeholders, including brothers, volunteers, campus partners and staff. The General Fraternity seeks understanding and collaboration as we identify the appropriate support and accountability steps. We also work to preserve and protect the rights of the accused and the safety of our members and pledges.

Sustainable success is usually a product of chapters that demonstrate humble confidence and commit themselves to bringing the best men in to the Beta experience and building them up instead of tearing them down. When brothers take advantage of Beta’s leadership programs, engage transparently with committed advisors, develop deep and meaningful relationships, and make the tough decisions to hold each other accountable, we have sustainable success. Beta’s chartering and Knox requirements provide a good road map and measurable benchmarks, but the true test is meeting those measures consistently over time because it is the right thing to do.

“

YOU ASKED

Our Fraternity can be a positive and defining experience that reinforces our values in the lives of our members and supports them to be better sons, fathers, husbands, professionals and community leaders.

”

11

—Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03 Executive Director

Do you ever see Beta’s rituals becoming more modernized?

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently as a Beta undergrad?

— Alex Wu, Washington ’18

— Kevin Bakowski, Bethany ’18

— Brhian Smith, Drexel ’18

To clarify, the Men of Principle initiative doesn’t require dry housing; the Board of Trustees has adopted a substance-free housing policy as it relates to how new or returning chapters are established. Experience and data have shown that a better sense of “home” and true brotherhood is created when chapter houses are safer, cleaner and fostering academic success. Creating a home away from home happens more readily without the legal, risk management and property damage concerns that accompany wet housing.

Beta’s ritual is the tie that at once binds us together today and connects us with our past. There have been a number of updates and modifications over the years – even as recently as 2009 – but I believe the Fraternity should treasure the timehonored and positive practices that have allowed generations of Betas to translate our values to future generations of Betas.

We should always seek improvement while trying to preserve Beta’s origins.

I had a truly amazing college experience that was filled with great friendships, true brotherhood and plenty of personal growth. I don’t know that I would do anything differently, but I would certainly focus on being truly present in every moment with such good people. The intramurals, social events and chapter activities were fun, but the deep relationships I developed were what has lasted beyond my college years.

SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

Why does the Men of Principle initiative require chapter houses to be dry?

10

TOP TEN STORIES OF 2016 6.

JUST SAVING A LIFE . . .

NO BIGGIE

A LOOK BACK:

TOP TEN 12

Based upon analysis of Beta’s Facebook data related to engagement and reach – and following the coverage of more than 700 stories featured throughout the year – here’s a summary of the top 10 Beta headlines of 2016.*

8.

SPEECHLESS

9.

BREAKING NEWS: JANUARY 13, 2016

Back Tattoo of Link Barr, Oklahoma ’85, Solidifies Beta Spirit is More Than Skin Deep

Bruno Perthus, UC San Diego ’17, Undergoes Stem Cell Donor Transplant to Save Unknown Leukemia Patient

Rundle Named Beta’s 12th Administrative Secretary; Horras Named NIC CEO

THE BETA THETA PI

10.

STAY ALERT: BE A MAN OF HONOR

Beta Provides Public Service Announcement Recognizing First Six Weeks of Fall Term As “The Red Zone”: Greatest Risk Period on Campus for Sexual Assault

7.

HUNTER. BETA. ATHLETE. AND GAY.

Story of Gay Beta Drew Allensworth, Oklahoma ’15, and His Chapter Brothers’ Loyalty Draws Acclaim via Spring Beta Magazine and Documentary Video

5.

ANOTHER TYPICAL “FRAT BOY”

Story of Restaurant Server Ian Pitman, Texas A&MCC ’11, Catches National Attention After He Slips Mother of Stuttering Child a Note Expressing Support and Sharing His Own Similar Life Experience

4.

2.

THOSE DANG FRATERNITIES

TAKING A STAND

Beta Pushes Back Against Harvard’s Move to Discriminate Against Students Choosing to Join Fraternities and Sororities

Penn State Greeks Raise $9.7

Million in 46-Hour Dance Marathon (“THON”) Aimed at Conquering Childhood Cancer; Alpha Upsilon Chapter Raises $50,000+, Respectively

1.

GRAB A KLEENEX Alpha Nu Alumni at

TOP TEN

Kansas Charter Bus for Chapter to Travel 1,200 Miles Roundtrip to Initiate Quadriplegic Tom Babb ’19 in Colorado Following Near-Fatal BodySurfing Accident

13 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

3.

PHOTO OF THE YEAR

Photo of Missouri Betas Grieving Hit-and-Run Death of Paul Miltenberger ’17 Selected as Critics’ Choice Award During 2016 Fraternity Communications Association Annual Meeting (Photo Credit: Shane Epping)

WHAT WILL BE THE TOP STORIES OF 2017?

Be sure and follow Beta’s growing Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. *Stories related to the passing of Betas, Sweethearts and friends are not included in the “Top 10” due to their similar nature: First Lady and Beta Daughter Nancy Reagan; Nate Skokan, Nebraska ’17; Brian Gurney, Washington State ’17; and the 49 Orlando shooting victims of Pulse Nightclub. They are certainly not forgotten.

May they all continue to rest in peace.

Beta Gifts for Your

2017

BETA GRADUATE

2017 Graduation Stole $47.82

Stainless Steel Watch $94.30

Graduation Honor Cords $4.49

Jewelry and accessories designed exclusively for Betas.

HJGREEK.COM

Official Beta Badge starting at $340

Silver Cuff Links $85

The official online store of Beta Theta Pi BETASPIRIT.COM

Leather Money Clip $36

FIND THESE ITEMS AND MORE AT BETASPIRIT.COM AND HJGREEK.COM

Official Beta Ring $699

A PLACE WHERE THEY BELONG

by Ma lcolm Andre w s, Virginia ’ 89 Fa ther of Connor ’ 16 a nd Pa tric k ’ 19

Beta Theta Pi has been following a course of continuous introspection and improvement to identify what makes us stronger and what makes us weaker. Our Fraternity experience should elevate every man, from the most needy to the most self-assured among us. It doesn’t matter whether we are newly initiated undergraduates or graying alumni, our involvement with one another can be one of the most meaningful aspects of our lives and provides endless opportunities to make friends, teach and learn.

Membership in our Fraternity is not an entitlement and not every chapter is right for every young man.

When it came to fraternity rush, I tried my best to be a neutral sounding board for both of my sons.

As they went through the recruitment process, I encouraged them to look around at all the chapters and make their own decisions based on what they felt was the right fit.

I am always impressed by the caliber of men that join Beta’s ranks each year. Having observed the Fraternity for more than 30 years, I recognize that the company we keep not only reflects on our character, it makes us who we are. As a parent, I know that my sons are in good company and that their relationships will have an enduring impact on their personal and professional lives.

15 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

It seems that “belonging” is the easy part. The hard part is challenging each other to constantly strive to be better men. While these challenges can inspire us and lead the Fraternity to well-deserved laurels, they also allow us to strengthen our brotherhood and create enduring bonds.

I am proud of our Fraternity for taking a path that recognizes our great aspirations and seeks to create opportunities for good men to become better. For that reason, not for nostalgia, I am immensely proud that my sons found Beta and that Beta found them.

PARENT SPOTLIGHT

As a Beta alumnus and volunteer advisor with two Beta sons of my own, I recently attended our chapter’s pledging ceremony at the University of Virginia.

It’s always a joyous time for the chapter that fills the men with optimism, enthusiasm and an overwhelming sense of belonging. While reflecting on the ceremony, it occurred to me that the essence of the Beta experience is what we, as parents, wish for our sons — to find a place where they belong.

THE BETA HOUSE 16 THE BETA THETA PI

THE

BETA HOUSE INSIDE MINNESOTA

by Justin Warren, SMU ’10

RENOVATED HOME, REINVIGORATED CHAPTER At one time, it was possible for the Beta Pi Chapter to chalk up decades of wear and tear in their chapter facility to the 90-year-old home’s charm. Today’s college students, however, are arriving on Minnesota’s campus with heightened expectations for the quality of their on-campus housing. Chapter alumni knew that, in order to remain competitive, a major renovation was needed.

Last fall, the 70-man chapter was welcomed back to a modernized home that quickly became the envy of University Avenue.

ACKNOWLEDGING REALITY The summer’s renovations were the most extensive in chapter history – coming in at a cost of close to $1 million. For Branden Peterson ’05, the project wasn’t a want, but a need. “Our house corporation acknowledged a few realities,” Peterson said. “We were a stable chapter, but with an ever-growing ‘fix’ list for our aging house – including several safety concerns. We had an

SAFETY FIRST While custom rugs and flashy furniture receive all the attention, many of the most important updates relate to the home’s safety.

A new sprinkler system was added to improve safety and mitigate insurance costs, for example. To increase security, all members and volunteers now enter the building using a key fob – a system that has become commonplace across Minnesota’s campus.

The sweeping changes continue into the study and educational spaces, which now feature upgraded desks, chairs, lighting and doors. “These upgrades encourage members to study at the house, which builds brotherhood and makes promoting our culture of academic excellence easier,” Chapter President Evan Jobin ’18, said.

Additional changes were made to the facility’s exterior, bathrooms and a select few bedrooms.

— Evan Jobin ’18 Chapter President

LOOKING AHEAD The Beta Pi house renovations were made possible by a capital campaign that raised more than $750,000 in alumni donations.

Despite their success, chapter alumni aren’t resting on their laurels. They are continuing their fundraising efforts with a focus on continuing renovations in the home’s bedrooms, chapter room and kitchen, and enhancing the building’s facade and landscaping in the near future. 

17 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

SWEEPING CHANGES Improvements are evident from the moment a visitor walks in the door. The entry space and living room received new lighting, fresh paint, restored paneling, commercial-grade leather furniture and custom rugs in the shape of the Fraternity’s badge.

Jobin says the renovations have given the men a leg up in recruitment and positively influenced the chapter’s reputation for having a clean, modern living space. “The updated facility has renewed our pride as members of Beta Pi,” he said. “We are lucky to have a supportive and generous alumni network capable of making these changes possible.”

THE BETA HOUSE

opportunity in front of us, and it was time to take action for the long-term sustainability and benefit of the Beta Pi Chapter.”

“The renovations have allowed us more time to focus on bettering ourselves as men of principle, creating positive change on campus and building lasting bonds of friendship.”

IMMEDIATE IMPACT According to Peterson, the renovations aren’t merely improvements to the functionality and comforts of the building. He says they are also aimed at enhancing Beta Pi’s efforts in academics, brotherhood, recruitment and community engagement. So far, the efforts are paying off.

A GOOD AND FAITHFUL

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 18

SERVANT

by Justin Warren, SMU ’10

I

t’s 5:00 p.m. on a Wednesday, and General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73, is leading an emergency call with the Fraternity Board of Trustees. Everyone’s engaged, but ready to close out the day and go home to their families. Still, Kay is undeterred. He resists the urge to quickly wrap up, and takes two minutes to recognize Beta’s staff, who is managing the issue at hand.

THE BETA THETA PI

His Beta Sweetheart and wife of almost 40 years, Susan, is hardly surprised.

“Wayne knows that loyalty and respect are earned, and he’s willing to do what it takes to earn them,” she says. “Between Christmas and New Year, Wayne calls every one of his employees to wish them and their family well and thank them for all that they have done to make the company a success. He’s done it every year, even when he had 350 employees.”

A SKILLED CONDUCTOR Kay was sworn in as the Fraternity’s 31st General Secretary less than a year ago, at the 177th General Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. When he was first asked to fill the position, Wayne was initially awestruck. “Former General Secretary David Schmidt, South Florida ’92, was an amazing leader who left giant shoes to fill,” Kay said.

The General Secretary is the Fraternity’s highest and most demanding volunteer position. Schmidt likens the role to being the conductor of a symphony. “He must be present, he works his tail off, he is critical to the success of the performance — yet he never

makes a sound,” Schmidt says. “In just a short few months, Wayne has demonstrated his ability to conduct as if he has been in the role for years. He is highly skilled at leading organizational strategy and governance, and is the right man at the right time.”

A LEADER OF MEN

Leadership is nothing new for Wayne — the titles of president and CEO are riddled throughout his professional résumé. Dating back to 1989, Kay has been a leader in the health care industry, overseeing revolutionary companies in the medical testing and device sectors.

But Brant stresses Kay’s importance as a campaign leader. “Wayne’s demonstrated leadership of the annual Beta Leadership Fund and most recent $20 million Promises to Keep Campaign proves there is no better spokesman for Beta’s mission to develop men of principle for a principled life.”

With Wayne at the helm, the five-year Campaign concluded surpassing its $20 million goal by almost $500,000 — a feat that Kay says will ensure that young Betas are exposed to the Men of Principle initiative well into the future.

LOOKING AHEAD

Kay says that he will focus his efforts as General Secretary on striving for an undergraduate brotherhood that embraces the Fraternity’s vision. “At such an important time in a young man’s life, we as Betas share a unique bond that requires us to raise all brothers up and help them to reach their full potential,” Kay says.

“He is a passionate, motivated and engaged Beta – a stellar ambassador for the Fraternity’s education mission.”

Although he has no children of his own, Wayne has spent his life aiding and mentoring today’s young people from childhood to adulthood.

“Wayne’s experiences with the Boys & Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters illustrate his commitment to youth and student leadership everywhere,” says Director of the Beta Foundation Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75. “He is a passionate, motivated and engaged Beta — a stellar ambassador for the Fraternity’s education mission.”

FULFILLING A PROMISE Wayne sees his service to the Beta Foundation as his most meaningful Beta experience to date, particularly his time working on the successful Prom-

While Wayne’s most ardent supporters are confident that his passion and friendly demeanor will help him succeed in his new role, they also say that his greatest contribution may simply be modeling the way and acting as a mentor to today’s undergraduates.

“Being a Beta has had a big influence on who Wayne is and how he approaches his personal and professional life,” Wayne’s wife, Susan, says. “If undergraduates are able to see in Wayne how building one’s life on a foundation of principle, integrity and compassion can take you to where you want to go, then maybe God will say to him one day, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’” 

 Refounding Father of Alpha Phi Chapter at Virginia Tech  Was initiated into two chapters on the same day – Virginia Tech Roll No. 49 and North Carolina Roll No. 1118  First attended the 133rd General Convention in 1972, and has attended every Convention since 2005  His Beta hero is Bill Lowry, Kenyon ’56 “Bill has so many enviable qualities which I admire: a caring, loving, genuine brother who exudes measured confidence and competence in all he does.” – Wayne Kay

19 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

— Director of the Beta Foundation Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75

WHAT’S THE WORD ON WAYNE KAY?

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

He also demonstrates a passion for youth development, as seen in his work as a lifetime national trustee for the Boys & Girls Club of America and the current president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. His volunteer service with the Fraternity spans 44 years, from serving as his Alpha Phi Chapter's house corporation director to most recently concluding his position as fiveyear chairman of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation.

ises to Keep Campaign. Always humble, he says that he is grateful to have served “a role” in the campaign.

ALUMNI NEWS 20

By Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96

ALUMNI NEWS

THE BETA THETA PI

A GRAND, BABY

Described by House Corporation President Zach Allen, Oklahoma ’85, as “arguably Gamma Phi Chapter’s most important historical relic, rivaled only perhaps by the Loving Cup,” the chapter’s Steinway piano that was manufactured in 1918 and purchased in 1919 was delivered to Steinway’s factory in Long Island, New York, for a full restoration last fall. Returned as good as new, the story of how it came to be such a prized possession is documented in quite the interesting fashion thanks to a 1973 letter by Carl Ford, Oklahoma 1920: “I was fortunate enough to be president of the chapter in the fall of 1918, and the spring of 1919.

At that time, we had about 30 or 35 members in the chapter. At the same time, I was steward, and we had a great deal of financial difficulty in meeting expenses. Our dues were very small.

We had one man in the chapter who was an unusually good piano player, and he wanted us to buy a Steinway. I made a deal to buy our groceries wholesale, and put the whole chapter on a diet, and we ended up with a nice baby grand Steinway. I wonder if it is still in service.”

As shared by brother Allen, “Yes, brother Ford, your piano is alive and well.” Because in the Singing Fraternity, tradition still matters.

SMALL WORLD “I have the honor of serving as one of many Honorary Commanders for Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Every year, the Commanders participate in a special mission to another base. So, I’m making some small talk with Col. Ethan C. Griffin, and discover that not only did he attend The University of Virginia, but he’s also an Omicron Chapter Beta! How cool is THAT?!?” —John Paradee, Virginia ’85

21

KAISKY, LITERALLY As reported by the UVA Beta alumni, “The world gets a little smaller when, at 38,000 feet, you find the pilot in the other seat is also a Beta.” Left to right, American Airlines pilots David Groover, Georgia Tech ’82, and Malcolm Andrews, Virginia ’89. redhead88@gmail.com / mca3df@gmail.com

IN DEFENSE OF LIBERTY Vice president and director of operations for Strategic Engineering Solutions, a defense consulting firm in Arlington, Virginia, Sean O’Brien, Virginia ’98, received the 2016 DARPA SETA of the Year Award in December for leading the execution of the DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge – the world’s first machineonly cyber hacking tournament. The event accommodated 6,000 attendees and 30,000 online viewers. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) “is responsible for creating breakthrough technologies for national security.” s_ob@hotmail.com

WHATEVER IT TAKES Flying more than 16 hours and 8,400 miles is a non-issue when it comes to supporting a Beta brother on his big day. And no one knows that better than Deep Choudhari, San Jose State ’13, who welcomed 10 brothers to his home country of India in December to celebrate the marrying of his bride. deep.choudhari@gmail.com

SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

A Beta who volunteered with Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery in December prioritized laying his wreath at the grave of beloved Beta Brother Andy Stern, Tennessee ’01, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2004 while shielding a fellow comrade from an improvised explosive device (IED). Learning wreaths aren’t to be placed at those with the Star of David, the action was corrected, but his gesture of respect for the loss of one of our own surely can’t be discounted. (For those who knew Andy, a former recruitment chairman and Wooden Institute intern, he surely would’ve offered his trademark bellowing laugh and backbreaking bear hug.) Snaps to a mindful Beta, as well as to the memory of one of the most spirited Betas there ever was.

ALUMNI NEWS

ANONYMOUS ALUMNUS HONORS FALLEN BETA

ALUMNI NEWS

1

2 22

3

4

BRANDSTETTER APPOINTED BY KENTUCKY GOVERNOR

OBST SERVES PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

In addition to being appointed

by Governor Matt Blevin to the Council on Postsecondary Education that oversees the Commonwealth’s public universities and adult education system, Ben Brandstetter, Georgia Tech ’00, was also elected as its vice chair. ben@bciaep.com

Marty Obst, Southern Illinois ’03, gubernatorial finance director and campaign manager for Mike Pence, Phi Gamma Delta, was named manager of vicepresidential operations for the Trump-Pence ticket during the 2016 election. Obst is a former president and assistant district chief. mobst45@hotmail.com

5

BETAS ELECTED TO CONGRESS

THE BETA THETA PI

Best wishes to five Betas of all political stripes who were elected to the 115th Congress in the 2016 United States elections: SENATOR  (2) Michael Bennet, Wesleyan ’87 (D – Colo.)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES  (1) Ami Bera, UC Irvine ’87 (D – Calif.)  (3) Dr. Roger Marshall, Kansas State ’84 (R – Kan.)  (4) David McKinley, Purdue ’69 (R – W. Va.)  (5) Patrick Meehan, Bowdoin ’78 (R – Pa.) Three-term Nevada Congressman Joe Heck, Penn State ’84 (R), narrowly lost his election for the Senate, as did two-term Illinois Congressman Robert Dold, Denison ’91 (R), who lost re-election for his current seat. Both served their districts with distinction and are congratulated for their service.

In addition to current Florida Senator Bill Nelson, Florida/ Yale ’65 (D), Beta’s congressional count – including three Democrats and three Republicans – now stands at two senators and four representatives. “Once a Beta, Always a Beta, Everywhere a Beta!”

BETA STATESMEN Last fall, a delegation of George Washington University undergraduates attended a private reception at the National Press Club with two accomplished Betas: then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Mississippi ’69 (top), who also served as ambassador to Saudi Arabia and governor of Mississippi, and former Secretary of the Navy and retired Virginia Senator John Warner, Washington and Lee ’49. Following the reception, the men attended a luncheon where Mabus delivered remarks summarizing his eight years as the 75th U.S. secretary of the Navy.

A LIFE OF COMPASSION AND SERVICE

KANSAS-BASED BETAS ANSWER THE CALL Board of Trustees Vice President Ed O’Malley, Kansas State ’97 (left), announced his exploratory campaign for the governorship of Kansas on January 12. Founding CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center, O’Malley is a former chapter president (1996) and leadership consultant for the Administrative Office (1997-99.) eomalley@kansasleadershipcenter.org

Bruce Garner, Emory ’71, was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University for his service in the ministry to people living with HIV/ AIDS and LGBT causes of inclusion. An Atlanta native, Bruce retired from the Social Security Administration in 2008 after a 35-year career. bruce.garner@att.net

ALUMNI NEWS

George Bruce, Kansas ’77 (center), and Pete Meitzner, Wichita State ’84 (right), announced their runs for Kansas’ 4th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, which was recently vacated by newly appointed CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Nothing like some healthy competition between brothers, right?!

23

WHAT’S UP, DOC?

29 YEARS OF SCOUTING

Congratulations to Villanova Founding Fathers and attorneys Mike Greco ’93 (above), who was recently named managing partner of Fisher Phillips’ Denver law office, and Peter Wimmer ’93, who was recognized last fall as one of St. Louis’ top corporate attorneys by the St. Louis Business Journal. mgreco@ laborlawyers.com / peter.wimmer@fbol.com

William S. Pease MD, Vanderbilt ’77, was recently elected president of the Board of Directors for the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine. A former chapter president who earned his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati, Pease practices medicine and teaches at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. wpease7@gmail.com

On February 4, Bob Geiser, Cal State Chico ’89, was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America. It is the highest honor a local council can bestow upon an adult leader for noteworthy service of exceptional character.

Bob has also served the Fraternity as a former chapter counselor, assistant district chief and district chief. geisers@pacbell.net

MIZZOU HONORS BATES One of the most recognized citizens in the state of Missouri, Beta’s own Bert Bates, Missouri ’49, was honored by the University of Missouri with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws during its December commencement. “Known for his longstanding and tireless record of civic, philanthropic and legal service… [Bert] was named one of 24 ‘Living Legends’ of Kansas City in 1999.” Recognized in 1996 with the Oxford Cup, Beta’s highest honor for professional achievement, Bates served two terms on the Beta Foundation Board of Directors, including chairman of the historic 2001-06 Upon These Principles campaign that raised $20.1 million to scale the Men of Principle initiative across North America. Known within Beta circles as one of the most humorous and entertaining banquet emcees in modern memory, Bert continues to serve as Lathrop & Gage’s senior counsel at its Kansas City office. bbates@lathropgage.com

SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

LEGALLY SPEAKING

TOP 30 UNDER 30 Dan Drullinger, Oregon ’12, has been named by Business Insider as one of the most talented creatives under 30, given his Dodge tagline, ‘Domestic. Not Domesticated.’ It helped his Austin firm become Dodge’s agency of record.

ALUMNI NEWS 24

Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

GEORGIA BETA MAKES WAVES IN SILICON VALLEY

TOP 40 UNDER 40

THE BETA THETA PI

Andy Scarpitti, Miami ’02, and Zac Haines, Miami ’05, were both honored last fall by Cincinnati Business Courier as two of the city’s top 40 business leaders under 40. ajscarpitti@hotmail. com / BetaHaines@gmail.com

Spotlighted in December by the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business, Beta Brother Ryan Gembala ’03, is making quite a name for himself in the venture capital world.

Following his 2014 work for Facebook that resulted in a $2 billion acquisition of Oculus VR, including work on other startups like TripIt (acquired by Concur for $120 million) and Cooking.com (acquired by Target), Ryan now manages his own VC fund and invests in five to eight deals a year following excruciating vetting and analysis. Specifically, he “targets technologies like robotics that just might change the world. He’s invested in virtual reality; automated robotic greenhouses that grow sustainable produce; artificial intelligence; video infrastructure to serve a television industry rapidly moving online; people-routing technology to choreograph mobile workforces and self-driving fleets; and languageprocessing technology that may reinvent email.” Read more about Ryan’s intriguing path from Athens to San Francisco at terry.uga.edu/news/spotlights.

BOURGRAF RECOGNIZED BY UC

MR. CHAIRMAN Fred Pierce, San Diego State ’84, was recently named chairman of the university’s Fowler College of Business. In 2016, he was also named one of the “100 Influential Leaders in San Diego” by the Daily Transcript. fpierce@ pierceeducationproperties.com

Having co-founded the firm that “has essentially created the modern era of product evolution within the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) industry,” El Bourgraf, Cincinnati ’53, was recently honored by his alma mater’s alumni association with the William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement – its highest recognition. Having “paved the way for the EMS sector, funeral industry and the military to provide comfortable, safe and reliable care for the injured, sick and deceased,” the company Bourgraf has led for 60 years is described as having “been built from a culture that values integrity, professionalism and loyalty in all of its business relationships.” Congrats, El! e.bourgraf@ferno.com

TWO MORE FULBRIGHTS

HALL OF FAMERS Longtime Friend of Beta turned Chapter Counselor Mary Peterson, and alumnus Nick Tasler, Iowa ’00, were named last fall to the University of Iowa’s inaugural class of Greek Hall of Fame inductees. mp1111.peterson@gmail.com / alisonlieske@hotmail.com

Recognized last year as a part of the team at Ole Miss that first proved Einstein’s theory of relativity, Hunter Gabbard, Mississippi ’16, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship this past year and elected to work with some of the world’s top physicists at the Albert Einstein Institute in Germany. Likewise, Tej Reddy, Willamette ’12 (above), was also awarded a Fulbright and chose to study in Greece before accepting a fellowship in the Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies. Just two more Betas exemplifying devotion to the cultivation of the intellect! hagabbar@go.olemiss.edu / tej.vreddy@gmail.com ALUMNI NEWS 25

The 1967 NCAA-champion Cornell hockey team recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and team captain and Beta Brother Murray Death ’67, was on hand for the reunion. Pictured left to right, Chapter Counselor/House Corporation Board Member Jeff Frey, Cornell ’89, Death ’67 and Rich Forest ’87.

WABASH COLLEGE HONORS BETA ALUMNI Wabash College honored former rush chairmen and chapter presidents J.B. Bachman ’61, and Cal Black ’66, at homecoming on October 7, 2016. Bachman was granted the Alumni Award of Merit, the highest honor that may be bestowed upon a Wabash alumnus, while Black received the Warren Shearer Award (Wabash ’36) and was inducted into the Wabash College Class Agents Hall of Fame. jb61@bellsouth.net / candmblack@aol.com

UCLA

JIM AND CAROL COLLINS RECEIVE UCLA’S HIGHEST HONOR For their six decades of support of UCLA and a litany of community organizations throughout Los Angeles, both Carol and Jim Collins, UCLA ’50, have been awarded the UCLA Medal, the university’s highest honor for “academic and professional acclaim, including those whose work demonstrates the highest ideals of UCLA.” Close friend and coaching legend John Wooden, Purdue ’32, received the medal in 1985, as did UCLA Chancellor Emeritus Franklin Murphy, Kansas ’36 in 1984, and UCLA Anderson School of Management namesake John Anderson, UCLA ’40, in 1995.

SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN

“Put it before them briefly so they will read it, Clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.”

— Joseph Pulitzer

THE BETA TH E TA P I | 2 6 | SP R ING 2 0 1 7

Above the fold

by Mike Roupas, Iowa ’10

Since the early days of the print industry, newspapers have typically been folded in half when distributed to readers. The upper surface area “above the fold” includes the day’s top stories, news headlines and photographs. For any budding journalist hoping to have his work seen by the masses, this is the place he aspires to land. And for every modern day journalist’s daily hustle, he has Hungarian-born Joseph Pulitzer to thank.

Best known today as the visionary behind the Pulitzer Prize – the annual award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism, literature, and musical composition – Pulitzer was forward-thinking in his expectations of strong, reputable and often controversial content. To reward continued excellence in the industry, Pulitzer outlined in his will the establishment of the Pulitzer Prize with money he left to Columbia University upon his death in 1911.

Established in 1917, the Pulitzer Prize celebrates its centennial anniversary this year. Within these pages, the Fraternity recognizes the 11 brothers who have been honored with the award since its inception.

And, in a nod to the Pulitzer Prize for Photography, the Fraternity also shares images of five powerful Beta stories that were recently rediscovered in Beta Theta Pi’s archives in Oxford, Ohio.

A B OV E THE F OL D | 2 7 | BETA.OR G

Eleven Betas have won the Pulitzer prize.

Jay Norwood (Ding) Darling, Beloit 1899

Two-time Winner in Editorial Cartooning for his works in the Des Moines Register & Tribune: “In Good Old USA” in 1924, and “What a Place For a Waste Paper Salvage Campaign” in 1943. (Pictured right.)

Sidney Howard, UC Berkeley 1912

1925 Winner in Drama for the play, “They Knew What They Wanted”

James Mulroy, Chicago 1906

1925 Co-winner in Reporting along with Alvin Goldstein of the Chicago Daily News for their service toward the solution of the murder of Robert Franks Jr. and bringing the murderers to justice

Sam Shelton, Colorado College 1912

1941 Winner in Public Service to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for its campaign against the city smoke nuisance

Lauren Soth, Iowa State 1932

1956 Winner in Editorial Writing for the editorial inviting a farm delegation for the Soviet Union to visit Iowa, which directly led to Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev’s visit to farms in Iowa

Bert Andrews, Stanford 1925

1948 Winner in National Reporting for his New York Herald Tribune articles on “A State Department Security Case”

William Fitzpatrick, Tulane 1932

1951 Winner in Editorial Writing for his editorial series, “Government

by Treaty,” that analyzed and clarified a constitutional issue

Arthur Deck, Utah 1928

1957 Winner in Local Reporting to the staff of the Salt Lake Tribune for their coverage of the deadly crash of two airliners over the Grand Canyon

Reuben Maury, Virginia 1924

1941 Winner in Editorial Writing for his distinguished writing over the year in the New York Daily News

Charles Stafford, West Virginia 1945

1980 Co-winner in National Reporting with Bette Orsini for their

investigation of the Church of Scientology in the St. Petersburg Times

Stephen Sondheim, Williams 1950

1985 Co-winner in Drama along with James Lapin for the Broadway musical, “Sunday in the Park with George”

powerful Moments from Beta’s archives The Fraternity’s editorial team searched Beta’s archives for its top journalistic photography. Like the Pulitzer Prize, a judging committee voted on all entries. The highest ranked pieces are published on the pages ahead . . .

A B OV E THE F OL D | 2 9 | BETA.OR G

“Finding her amidst the madness has become my happy place.

So in love and deeply appreciative of her selfless support.”

— noah ohlsen, Miami (Fla.) ’13

A three-time individual CrossFit Games veteran, Noah Ohlsen, Miami (Fla.) ’13, found his Beta Sweetheart, Joann Leigh, cheering him on in the crowd as he placed first in the 2015 Atlantic Regional.

THE BETA TH E TA P I | 3 0 | SP R IN G 2 0 1 7

Crossfit, Inc.

A B OV E THE F OL D | 31 | BETA.OR G

With an aim to desegregate public transportation, Freedom Rider Jim Zwerg, Beloit ’62, traveled with a group to Montgomery, Alabama, on a Greyhound bus. A violent mob awaited their arrival at the station, and after Zwerg volunteered to step off the bus first, he was dragged away and aggressively beaten until police arrived.

With three cracked vertebrae, a broken nose, a concussion and all of his teeth fractured, Zwerg declared from his hospital bed that violence wouldn’t stop him. The Freedom Rides would go on.

The Montgomery Advertiser

THE BETA TH E TA P I | 3 2 | SP R ING 2 0 1 7

“These beatings cannot deter us from our purpose. We are not martyrs or publicity-seekers.

We want only equality and justice, and we will get it. We will continue our journey one way or another.

We are prepared to die.”

— Jim Zwerg, Beloit ’62 A B OV E THE F OL D | 33 | BETA.OR G

“I would have Loved being your roommate next year, but I guess the good Lord needed you more than I did.”

— Nick Swoboda, Missouri ’18

In the immediate hours following a fatal hit and run on Easter morning 2015, the chapter brothers of Paul Miltenberger, Missouri ’17, mourned his death and comforted each other during a campus-wide candlelight vigil on the front steps of the Beta house.

THE BETA TH E TA P I | 3 4 | SP R IN G 2 0 1 7

Shane Epping

A B OV E THE F OL D | 35 | BETA.OR G

Veruschka Matchett

THE BETA TH E TA P I | 3 6 | SP R IN G 2 0 1 7

“but then finally, you see the thing you were taught your whole life to fear. and your whole world changes.”

— Rob Stewart, Western Ontario ’01

Fueled by his lifelong fascination with sharks, conservationalist and filmmaker Rob Stewart, Western Ontario ’01, captures footage in the shark-rich waters of Costa Rica and Ecuador for his 2007 documentary, “Sharkwater.” Following its international success with more than 40 international awards, Rob went missing during a diving trip in January 2017, while filming a sequel to his documentary. His body was recovered in the ocean four days later.

A B OV E THE F OL D | 37 | BETA.OR G

“We’re so close, what if he Doesn’t make it?

Every time the phone rang, I got nervous.”

— Jarrod siket, carnegie mellon ’94

During his sophomore year in college, Jarrod Siket, Carnegie Mellon’94, learned that his father, Joe, was diagnosed with a terminal kidney disease.

Determined to watch his son play in his final college football game, Joe endured daily pain for two-and-ahalf years until game day finally arrived and he was watching from the stands. Jarrod ensured the wait was worth it, breaking a touchdown pass record, securing a 48-0 win, and presenting his father with the game ball.

Joe passed some 12 hours later.

THE BETA TH E TA P I | 3 8 | SP R IN G 2 0 1 7

Bob Donaldson

A B OV E THE F OL D | 39 | BETA.OR G

“If it makes you laugh, IF it Makes you cry, If it rips out your heart, THat’s a good picture.”

— eddie adams, pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist

3 1

2

5

THE BETA TH E TA P I | 4 0 | SP R IN G 2 0 1 7

8 7 8

contenders from THE ARCHIVES 1 The men at Columbia bring recruitment to new heights on the roof of their five-story New York City brownstone. 2 This shot from Kelton Ekblad, Utah ’16, symbolizes the hard work put into the chapter’s refounding. 3 Nick Esposito, High Point ’19, adds his Beta mark to a graffitied wall in New Jersey. 4 The Texas Tech chapter stands in front of the remains of their chapter house after it was engulfed in flames in April 1970.

5 In 2009, North Carolina initiates longtime house caretaker, Ish Barbee, who has served the chapter since the 1970s, as did his father since the 1940s. 6 Mike Rodmaker, Cincinnati ’13, brings the Beta Spirit to Wanaka, New Zealand.

7 Attendees of the Centennial Convention in Oxford, Ohio, pose for the historic group photo.

8 Tyler Spaulding, Elon ’18, interacts with local villagers while on a service trip in Costa Rica. 9 Wendell Willkie, Indiana 1913, greets supporters while on the presidential campaign trail.

4

9

6

A B OV E THE F OL D | 41 | BETA.OR G

CAMPUS LIFE Whether on the field, in the classroom or out of the goodness of their hearts, the accomplishments of today’s Beta undergraduates are at the same time compelling and encouraging. Whether fun or inspirational, these stories exemplify the true meaning of Beta Theta Pi.

By Justin Warren, SMU ’10, justin.warren@beta.org

 TOSS UP

CAMPUS LIFE

The Omicron family grew to 82 this spring after taking a new 24man pledge class. As is tradition, the brothers called up to each prospective member and hoisted him in the air upon acceptance of his bid. In this case, the yells were for Henry Akers, Virginia ’19. As Malcolm Andrews ’89 put it: "When you look out your window and see this crew calling your name, you know it is the beginning of something great."

42 THE BETA THETA PI Major League Hacking

 “ALEXA, DRESS ME TO THE NINES”

One of the hottest gifts of the 2016 holiday season was the Amazon Echo, a speaker that features a digital assistant more commonly known as "Alexa." The device has a host of skills, like reading you the news or ordering a pizza; but Kellen Randall, WPI ’19 (center), has higher ambitions for the technology. As a part of WPI’s hackathon, Randall worked with friends on a “smart hanger” project – a system that uses radiofrequency identification sensors to allow hangers to recognize the clothes hanging on them. Thanks to Randall, one day soon you could say, "Hey Alexa, pick out my clothes." Then, after an analysis of the day’s weather and your calendar of events, she would light up the perfect outfit. The group was a finalist in the hackathon and is looking to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the system.

 HAIL TO THE CHIEF

Leadership is the name of the game for Jack Kellerman, Wabash ’18. Since his induction, Kellerman has led his chapter as pledge class vice president, chapter recruitment chairman and now ritual chairman – but his service to the Fraternity extends beyond the chapter house. In January, Jack was sworn in as the new Wabash student body president, extending the long line of Tau Chapter student leaders before him.

CAMPUS LIFE 43 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

 REDTALKS

Members of Cornell’s Greek community came together to share their stories as a part of the school’s REDTalks series. The program, similar to the national TED Talks program, highlighted fraternity and sorority members whose experiences were unique based on their physical abilities, sexual orientation, race or financial stability. Beta’s Haris Hassan ’18, an international student from Pakistan, talked about his brothers’ ability to see past his skin color and play a key support role throughout his adjustment to the university.

“They listened to me, supported me, and tried to help me figure out my problems,” Hassan said. “It didn’t matter where I came from … it mattered who I was. It was the best decision I made to join a fraternity.”

 CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

The Epsilon Upsilon Chapter at Carleton may be young, but they sure know how to throw a party! More than 130 loyal Betas traveled from around the world to Ottawa for a weekend of events celebrating the chapter’s silver anniversary. Highlights included a welcome dinner, bigscreen virtual golf tournament and a celebration banquet. The event concluded with chapter alumni relaunching the Epsilon Upsilon house corporation with a five-figure challenge gift and a goal of raising enough funds to purchase a chapter house in the next seven years.

 PLAYOFF BOUND

Beta brother and University of Washington tight end Jeff Lindquist '16, helped to lead his fellow Huskies to the NCAA College Football Playoff Semifinal after finishing the regular season 12-1. Described by his coaches and Beta Omega brothers as “a five-star person,” many say that his favorite Bible verse, Matthew 5:16, perfectly suits him. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Lindquist has twice been named to the Academic All-PAC-12 First Team. Additionally, he was a semifinalist for the Wuerffel Trophy his senior year, an award given annually to the college football player “who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.”

CAMPUS LIFE 44 The Seattle Times

THE BETA THETA PI

 ALL-AMERICAN

In November, the College Sports Information Directors of America named Kyle Stucker, Wabash ’17, to their Academic All-America Team. Stucker, who is also a twotime All-North Coast Athletic Conference First Team honoree, started all 10 games last season while continuing his service as the Tau Chapter president. A rhetoric major with a 3.82 GPA, he is the fourth member of the football program to earn Academic All-America honors since 2011.

Wabash College

 IN WITH THE NEW

It's out with the old and in with the new for the Theta Delta Colony at Ohio State University. Last spring, chapter alumni announced A Return to Principles: The Campaign for Theta Delta, a $5 million campaign focused on the construction of a new chapter house that will exceed the university's on-campus living requirements.

Today, the chapter's 1960's-era facility has been razed and walls are up on the new construction. To date, the campaign has raised more than $2.3 million for the state-of-the-art project, which will emphasize safety and education and team-building spaces. The house is scheduled to open in time for the fall 2017 academic term.

THE FEED  #betathetapi @beta_pugetsound

“Brother Jack Brown and Will Danton on the slopes this weekend.”

@jrmiles19

 THE BEARS ARE BACK

Court Street, Athens, OH

“Never had to be an active to know you’re my brother!”

@beta_elon

“Seems like Brother Ryan is

getting lost in the beauty of Ireland. Stick to the path, man!”

45

Washington & Jefferson

“We are giving thanks to our brother, Alexander Tolbert, for his service to this house, community and country ...”

@beta_drexel

“We're pumped for spring In the winter issue of The Beta Theta Pi, the Fraternity reported on Quin Wetzel, Michigan State ’18, who had been elected to serve as his campus’s IFC president.

Since then, the Fraternity has learned that six additional brothers have answered the call of leadership within their own Greek communities. Congratulations are certainly in order to James Morrell, Utah ’18 (pictured); James Burnham, Quinnipiac ’19; Corey Chan, Nova Southeastern ’18; Nick Perri, Eastern Kentucky ’18; Grant Johnson, High Point ’18; and Tommy Rubino, William & Mary ’19.

recruitment ... our new VP of Recruitment Nick has been creating some graphics to get everyone in the mood.”

@beta_highpoint U.S. Capitol Building

“Brother @zac.gaetano

showing off his Beta letters at the 58th Presidential Inauguration.”

SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

@beta_washjeff

 INTERFRATERNAL SERVICE

CAMPUS LIFE

In 1980, Beta officially arrived in the sleepy town of Waco, Texas, and the Delta Psi Chapter was born. Plenty has changed in 27 years – the city is home to a nationally acclaimed television series, Fixer Upper; the university has emerged as an athletics powerhouse; and the Beta chapter is back and stronger than ever. On December 3, brothers and guests joined past General Secretary and current Vice President David Schmidt, South Florida ’92, at the chapter’s Installation Banquet. Among a litany of gifts from the General Fraternity, the men received their official charter and three framed prints, including the chapter's coat of arms, "Old Main" and Founder Knox.

THE

BetaClassics [ GO DIGITAL ]

BETA CLASSICS 46

In 1879, William Raimond Baird, Stevens 1878/Columbia 1881, published “American College Fraternities” – the first comprehensive compendium of North American college fraternities and sororities. Five years later in a series of articles entitled “Fraternity Studies,” Baird would narrow his focus to the history of Beta Theta Pi, and in the process become the first of many prolific Beta writers to document the evolution of this Great and Good Fraternity.

Today, the Fraternity announces the digital release of 21 of Beta’s most celebrated books, including titles from Baird; Francis W. Shepardson, Denison 1882/ Brown 1883; Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence ’22; L.E. (Erv) Johnson, Idaho ’53; and others.

THE BETA THETA PI

The three-part series presents almost 7,500 pages documenting the Fraternity’s cherished history, her most influential members, and their inspirational words, stories and songs.

[ HISTORY ]

[ PEOPLE ] Betas of Achievement

Beta Statesmen

Beta Heroes

L.E. (Erv) Johnson | 2011 “Beta Heroes” chronicles the accomplishments of Betas who have demonstrated true acts of heroism on and off the battlefield.

Betas in the Arts

William Raimond Baird | 1916 For the legislatively inclined, this title includes the minutes from all General Conventions taking place in the Fraternity’s first 40 years.

Beta Book

Francis W. Shepardson | 1927 Born from “The Handbook of Beta Theta Pi,” Shepardson recounts the Fraternity’s history from the first decade through World War I.

Beta Lore

Francis W. Shepardson | 1928 Where Beta Book examined the Fraternity’s history, Beta Lore magnifies the Fraternity’s story through sentiment and song from illustrious brothers such as Knox, Baird, Lozier, Robb and Chandler.

Beta Life

L.E. (Erv) Johnson | 2012 With intellect follows an appreciation for the arts. This title profiles those Betas who have devoted their lives to the arts: visual, musical, performing and writing.

Francis W. Shepardson | 1929 A follow up to the previous year’s “Beta Lore,” Shepardson combines new stories of individuals, incidents and inspiration connected with the unfolding story of 90 years of Beta Theta Pi.

Betas of Achievement II

The Mystics and Beta Theta Pi

L.E. (Erv) Johnson | 2015 A century after Betas of Achievement, this sequel includes the achievements of more than 5,000 Betas from some 160 chapters.

Karl W. Fischer | 1940 One of the most celebrated unions in Beta history, this volume recounts the history of the societies which made up the Mystic Seven Fraternity, and their ultimate merger with Beta Theta Pi in 1890.

Marching Along

K. Warren Fawcett | 1961 Commissioned in 1958, Fawcett provides a history of Beta for the 25-year period from 1935-1960.

The Faithful Home of the Three Stars

Peter J. Floriani | 1989 Can a computer programmer tell a compelling story of the Fraternity’s first 150 years? Indeed, this sesquicentennial title is every bit as compelling at “The Beta Book” published some 60 years earlier.

Sons of the Northern Stars

Ken Stephens | 2013 What was planned as a tribute to the Toronto chapter becomes an anthology of anecdotes and stories of Beta Theta Pi across Canada.

Beta Brotherhood

L. Martin Cobb | 2014 This coffee-table-book collection of Beta lore, imagery and quotes seeks to capture for a new generation the “best of the best” and reinforce the significance of what Beta Theta Pi can mean in a man’s life.

Son of the Stars

L.E. (Erv) Johnson | 2016 The modern pledge manual, Johnson’s 2002 “Son of the Stars” builds on the work of W. Raimond Baird and G. Herbert Smith before him.

Betas looking for a refresher on Fraternity lore need look no further than this recently revised staple.

Beta Letters

William Raimond Baird | 1918 This collection of letters sent between chapters shines a light on the conditions of the Fraternity in its earliest years.

Beta Bards

Francis W. Shepardson | 1936 A collection of poems and sentiments dating back to 1839, authored by 175 Betas whose lives are woven into the Fraternity’s fabric.

The Great Ones

A. J. G. Priest | 1956 The transcription of 10 iconic Convention addresses delivered by the principal wearers of our badge.

In Beta’s Broad Domain

Seth R. Brooks | 1967 This collection of Brooks’ memoirs and written and spoken words allows readers to catch a picture of the principles and ideas that have given the Fraternity enduring life.

Inter Fratres

Seth R. Brooks | 1986 A collection of the outstanding messages from Dr. Brooks’ “Inter Fratres” column, which appeared in The Beta Theta Pi magazine from 1951 to 1986.

The Songs of Beta Theta Pi

Shelby L. Molter | 1993 This 26th edition preserves the beloved songs of Beta’s past while introducing contemporary tunes – all in four-part harmony.

Thanks to a donor in 2014, all 80,000-plus pages of The Beta Theta Pi since its founding in 1872 were also digitized and made searchable at magazine.beta.org.

47 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

L.E. (Erv) Johnson | 2010 Which Beta served as a U.S. vice president? A Canadian prime minister? This title celebrates these men and hundreds more who placed public service over personal gain.

40 Years of Fraternity Legislation

BETA CLASSICS

William Raimond Baird | 1914 A Who’s Who in Beta Theta Pi. Within its pages, readers will find brief biographies of some of the Fraternity’s most achieved members, from government officials to university presidents and beyond.

[ INSPIRATIONS ]

THE FERD EFFECT 48 THE BETA THETA PI

THE

FERD EFFECT

by Mike Roupas, Iowa ’10

O

n the evening of August 1, 2013, more than 700 Beta undergraduates, alumni and friends traveled far and wide to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Fraternity’s 174th General Convention. Perhaps most excited of all attendees was longtime Beta volunteer and Convention veteran, Ferd Del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis ’58.

Accompanied by his loyal Beta Sweetheart, Linda, Ferd’s presence at the evening's Welcoming Banquet was magnetic. The program’s emcee, former North Carolina Governor and past General Fraternity President Dr. Jim Martin, Davidson ’57, asked all Betas who had attended 25 or more Conventions to come to the stage. One by one, the Fraternity’s most seasoned alumni walked across the stage, announcing their name and how many Conventions they had attended, before returning to their seats. Walking shoulder to shoulder at the very end of the line was Ferd and Tom Lipton, Western Reserve ’63. Upon reaching the stage, Ferd triumphantly stood up and took hold of the microphone.

“I don’t come to Convention every year to win some attendance prize,” proclaimed Ferd. “I come because that’s what Betas are supposed to do.” And in that exact moment, that’s what Ferd and Tom had done for 44 consecutive years.

FINAL COUNTDOWN

BACK ON CAMPUS

General Convention with the Francis W. Shepardson Award, Beta's highest volunteer honor. “I’ve served in nearly every volunteer role you can think of,” Ferd says, reflecting on his contributions to the Fraternity. With a grin, he adds, “I’m a guy who can churn out some advice … and lots of it!”

A BETA FILLED LIFE

Pouring his soul into the Fraternity during his free time, Ferd’s professional life was spent bringing new life into the world. Receiving his doctor of medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1962, Ferd practiced

played in their family life, it’s no wonder that it had an influence on their children, too.

“I remember when our son had his fifth birthday party,” says Ferd. “They were going to sing 'Happy Birthday,' but he asked us to sing ‘Marching Along' instead.” Linda adds, “We used to sing it when he was in the bathtub!” Ferd’s son, Matt, was later initiated into the Zeta Phi Chapter at Missouri in 1990, signing the same roll book as Ferd’s brothers – former General Secretary Vince Del Pizzo ’62, and Wilson Del Pizzo ’65.

Truly a lifelong family affair, Ferd says Beta has been a

Even in his early Beta days, Ferd was involved. Initiated in 1955, Ferd served as recruitment chairman, pledge educator, secretary, vice president, chapter president and IFC president. His dedication to Beta continued as an alumnus where he later went on to serve in a litany of chapter volunteer roles, including 25 years with the St. Louis Beta Alumni Club, house corporation president, chapter counselor and pledge education advisor. At the General Fraternity level, Ferd served several roles, including district chief, vice president on the Board of Trustees and today, as a member of the Advisory Council. For his lifelong Beta service, Ferd was honored at the 168th

TELLS IT LIKE IT IS . . .

On WashU Betas Who Aren't From St. Louis: “Every year, you have an obligation to find boys who are coming through rush from St. Louis and take as many of them as you can. If you don’t have any of them, close it down! There’s no reason even being here!”

On Chapter Advisors: “I always say, 'Don’t be an advisor, do the job!' Don’t just be a social advisor.

Help plan the party, go to the party!”

Ferd reminisces about his Beta experience with Justin Camp, Saint Louis '18

obstetrics and gynecology. In his 40-year career, he delivered more than 5,000 babies.

With a plate full of responsibilities, Ferd credits Linda for her support raising their family and embracing Beta. “She's meant everything to my Beta experience,” says Ferd. “I couldn’t have done it without her. She even knows our songs.”

With both Ferd and Linda welcoming the role Beta

huge part of his life. “When I say, ‘Come to Convention, that’s what Betas do,’ well, my life has been Beta, my family and my profession.

They say ‘the first mark of a Beta will be his Beta Spirit.’

I think that’s true. Most men who are Betas really are men of principle and always make me proud to say ‘I am a Beta.’ We are a special, wonderful group.” 

On the Beta Magazine: “The magazine is wonderful, but I’m not sure we should try to solve all the world’s problems as much as we have been. A write up on [me] in the magazine – all my old friends would love seeing it!”

On Beta Recruitment: “Back in the old days they’d ask, ‘Can a Catholic pledge a fraternity?’ And I said, ‘Well of course a Catholic can pledge a fraternity … you idiot!’”

On Relationships: “I couldn’t have had a wife who didn’t appreciate Beta. I couldn’t have done anything. So get yourself a Beta wife!”

Ferd always has plenty to say. Hear more of his stories at beta.org/ferd.

49 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

With a genuine interest in today’s youth, Ferd visits his alma mater to meet with young men in his chapter. He shares that 20 of his brothers still meet regularly for lunch. “Any of you who want to meet old Betas, they’d love to meet you.”

FERD

THE FERD EFFECT

A year later, the duo took their last walk across the stage at Beta’s historic 175th General Convention in Oxford. “I’m sure glad I got to see everything one more time," said Ferd. Given the physical demand on him and Linda to care for him on-site at a hotel property, the barriers prove too large a challenge for the couple to reunite with Betas and friends at the annual reunion. An end of an era in one regard, it doesn’t stop Ferd from living up to the meaning of lifelong fraternal brotherhood still today.

| july 2 7-3 , utah

0,

20

17

h 17 8 t

general co nve n

tio

n

|

la lt a s

city ke

beta theta pi

178th ge ne ral co nvention

S A LT L A K E C I T Y, U TA H s n o w b i r d

r e s o r t

This summer, Betas will gather within the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. There, they’ll summit 11,000 feet to Hidden Peak. They’ll twist and turn down 3,100 feet of the resort’s mountain coaster. They’ll hike. They’ll climb. And they’ll take in the beauty of Salt Lake City with hundreds of other brothers and guests. The only question is: Will you be along for the ride?

REGISTER AT BETA.ORG/CONVENTION

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 November 10, 2016 and February 17. 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 Hugh H. Arnold ’46, Nov. 15, 2016 C Beloit Donald M. Patterson Jr. ’48, Sept. 16, 2015 British Columbia Donald E. King ’58, Nov. 10, 2016 Brown John R. Hess III ’43, Jan. 13, 2015

THE BETA THETA PI

Carnegie Mellon Jerome Moss Jr. ’45, Jan. 7, 2016 Marshall D. Smith ’47, Feb. 25, 2016 Case Richard T. Betton ’46, July 19, 2015 Robert A. Mattoon ’42, Dec. 18, 2016 C David A. McBride ’62, June 14, 2016 Edward L. Raymond ’59, Feb. 4 Chicago Melvin J. Evans Jr. ’45, Aug. 10, 2015 Cincinnati Myron E. Gire Jr. ’60, Jan. 4 John W. Lamprecht ’46, April 3, 2016

Cornell John J. Cunat ’49, July 30, 2016 Eugene J. Ford ’63, Feb. 7, 2016 Cartan B. Kraft ’59, Sept. 2, 2016 John R. Laux ’77, Aug. 2, 2016 Gerald E. McLoughlin ’63, March 22, 2016 Robert P. Sengelmann ’57, Oct. 1, 2015 Dartmouth Herbert A. Brandt ’44, Nov. 14, 2015 Thomas H. Gillaugh ’46, Feb. 1 George H. Selden Jr. ’69, Dec. 23, 2016 C William C. Welch ’44, Dec. 26, 2016 C Davidson Rush S. Smith ’45, Oct. 26, 2016 Dayton Fr. Joseph P. Tedesco ’08, Dec. 2, 2016 Denison Matthew Davison III ’56, Jan. 7 C John A. Dunkel ’50, March 5, 2016 A. L. Johnson ’51, Jan. 5, 2016 Richard H. Ward ’48, Jan. 25 C

Florida Philip W. Tomczyk ’74, Nov. 15, 2016 GMI-EMI Bruce A. Tesmer ’68, Nov. 29, 2016 C Louis A. Corsiglia ’55, Feb. 6, 2017 Idaho Robert H. Blandford ’45, Nov. 7, 2016 Illinois James R. Leach MD ’59, April 9, 2016 Ramon E. Dale ’50, Jan. 21 C William L. Loving ’53, Nov. 7, 2016 Indiana David W. Gaunt ’48, Jan. 5 C John P. Meek ’52, Dec. 5, 2016 William H. Ball Jr. ’50, Jan. 27 C Iowa John J. Ficeli ’67, March 28, 2016 Iowa State Herman T. Bailey ’44, Dec. 31, 2016 David E. Clizbe ’47, March 16, 2016 Dale C. DeButts ’48, Nov. 15, 2016 C George W. Thompson ’48, Jan. 30 C

Clemson Glenn S. Thomason ’84, Jan. 5

Denver Robert E. Howell ’54, Dec. 31, 2016 John B. Jackson ’46, Oct. 15, 2015 Edwin W. Perrott III ’51, Nov. 28, 2016 Leslie A. Whitaker ’49, Oct. 23, 2016

Colgate J. R. McLaughlin ’52, Jan. 6

DePauw Jack D. Rowe J.D. ’52, Aug. 1, 2016 C

Kansas John D. Stewart ’40, July 21, 2016

Colorado Jack P. Witter ’67, Feb. 1

Duke Ben V. Branscomb MD ’45, July 4, 2016 Stuart C. Smith MD ’45, Nov. 23, 2016

Kansas State Charles A. Amstein ’55, April 7, 2016 C Charles H. Bascom ’52, Sept. 17, 2015 Allen G. Bigsby ’68, Jan. 14, 2015 Leslie P. Brown ’58, March 28, 2016 Harris K. Clark ’50, Dec. 19, 2015 George W. Hinds ’54, Feb. 11, 2015 David A. Lupfer ’43, Jan. 30 C

Colorado Mines Kenneth T. Seibert ’52, Jan. 25 John B. Servatius ’52, Nov. 19, 2016

Emory William R. Mitchell Jr. ’60, Dec. 6, 2016

Johns Hopkins John C. Pohlhaus ’52, Nov. 24, 2016 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.

Larry M. Nicholson ’63, Feb. 11 Leonard E. Pacha ’54, April 26, 2015 John M. Parr Jr. ’58, Jan. 4, 2015 Robert D. Sandell ’66, Dec. 13, 2016 John C. Stewart ’63, Sept. 1, 2015 John H. White ’67, Dec. 25, 2016 C Kenyon Clyde K. Rhein ’45, Jan. 6, 2016 Louis S. Whitaker ’50, Nov. 18, 2016 C Lawrence Richard P. Galloway ’46, Oct. 16, 2016 C Robert J. Hlavacek ’44, June 10, 2016 Roger E. Stiles ’55, May 1, 2016 Robert H. Stuckert ’47, Jan. 9, 2016 Lehigh William D. Rezak ’63, Jan. 14

Miami Bruce H. Baker ’57, Dec. 1, 2016 Minnesota William K. Foulke ’44, Dec. 18, 2015 Stanley C. Goodsill ’40, Feb. 6 C Robert C. McKinlay ’52, July 10, 2016 Mississippi Samuel G. Shute ’85, Nov. 27, 2016

MIT Albert H. Chestnut ’39, April 16, 2016 Albert O. Wilson Jr. ’38, Dec. 25, 2016 Nebraska Samuel P. Baird ’66, Feb. 1 Gary R. Duven ’73, May 24, 2015 Thomas B. Murray Jr. ’45, April 23, 2015 Edward G. Schaumberg ’49, Jan. 25 Nathaniel P. Skokan ’17, Dec. 25, 2016 Ernest B. Smethers Jr. ’44, Dec. 15, 2016 North Carolina Joseph W. Hart ’85, Dec. 22, 2016 W. P. Monroe ’56, Nov. 16, 2016 C Robert F. Patterson ’73, Jan. 24, 2016 Northwestern Richard C. Bennett ’46, April 22, 2016 Ohio David E. Blalack ’45, Aug. 15, 2016 Roger C. Doerr ’60, Jan. 15 Marvin E. White ’45, Sept. 10, 2016

Oklahoma Jack C. Felber ’45, April 30, 2015 John P. Harlan ’50, Nov. 23, 2016 C John J. Herlihy ’73, Dec. 10, 2016 William F. Howard ’52, Nov. 21, 2016 C William H. Lalla ’70, March 14, 2016 Robert R. Lam ’56, Jan. 3 C Paul G. Pugh III ’61, Jan. 8 C Malcolm G. Schaller ’48, Dec. 26, 2016 Nathaniel B. Smith ’40, Dec. 14, 2016 C Oklahoma State William D. Galt ’45, April 4, 2016 Oregon Richard D. Barber ’52, Dec. 5, 2016 C Paul W. Messer ’59, Dec. 3, 2016 C Oregon State Jack R. Borsting ’51, Aug. 19, 2016 Robert S. Evans ’73, Jan. 16 Kenneth E. Marshall ’60, Jan. 4 C Gil D. Tolan ’64, Dec. 17, 2016 C Penn State Donald M. Cook Jr. ’52, Nov. 30, 2016 C Ross H. Goodman ’73, Dec. 31, 2016 C Stephen A. Herbert Jr. ’45, March 5, 2015 Timothy Piazza ’19, February 4 Puget Sound Charles B. Lenfesty ’69, Nov. 9, 2014 Purdue Edwin B. Cole ’45, Dec. 29, 2016 C Alfred A. Mulliken Jr. ’63, Dec. 13, 2015 Charles A. Purseglove ’50, Jan. 8 C James E. Righter ’58, Nov. 6, 2016 David M. Schmieman ’84, Nov. 22, 2016 Frederick H. Schwarz ’60, Sept. 19, 2016 Jackson H. Teetor ’48, Nov. 11, 2016 Rutgers James R. Cerone ’53, Nov. 18, 2016 C John R. Lewis ’42, Dec. 27, 2016 C Richard B. Messer ’66, Jan. 13 William I. Thompson ’52, Nov. 3, 2016 C George M. Williams ’45, Nov. 8, 2014 SMU We apologize for the error in the winter issue, but we are pleased to report that Lawrence J. Del Papa Jr. ’77, is still alive and well.

JAN MOLTER Beta Sweetheart

Beloved Beta Sweetheart of the late General Fraternity Chorister Shelby L. Molter, Miami ’54, Jan and Shelby “built a work life at IBM highlighted by more than 10 moves and decades of international travel.” Jan succumbed to complications of stomach cancer at age 80.

FR. JOE TEDESCO Dayton ’08

The founding chapter counselor of Eta Delta Chapter at Dayton, Fr. Tedesco volunteered with the colony for five years and was honorarily initiated as Roll No. 39. Just 64 years of age, he was a valued friend and mentor to many and served his faith professionally for 44 years.

NATE SKOKAN Nebraska ’17

Aboard a cruise ship with family during winter break, Skokan fell overboard and Coast Guard officials were unable to rescue or recover. Described by his family as “a beloved member of Beta Theta Pi,” he was “a vivacious character from the beginning until the end of his much too short life.”

JACK BORSTING Oregon State/Oregon ’51

Dean Emeritus of the USC Marshall School of Business since 2006, Borsting was appointed assistant secretary of defense by Presidents Carter and Reagan. A dedicated Beta, Borsting spoke at the inaugural Symposium at Beta’s 172nd General Convention in Seattle.

TIM PIAZZA Penn State ’19

A sophomore who had recently accepted an invitation to join the Fraternity, Piazza passed due to injuries sustained from a tragic fall in the chapter house. His older brother, Mike, called him “the most vibrant person [he] knew, and his sole mission in life was to make other people smile.”

53 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG

Missouri Michael P. Fagan ’75, Jan. 21 Jerome F. Kircher Jr. ’49, Sept. 8, 2015 John A. Morris ’50, Feb. 8 C C. S. Scheneman Ph.D. ’70, Jan. 29

Ohio Wesleyan Telford R. Fuge ’56, Jan. 18 C Gordon H. Greek ’59, Dec. 5, 2016 Urlin G. Harris Jr. ’58, Dec. 8, 2016

CHAPTER ETERNAL

Maine Alan A. Wilson ’73, Dec. 24, 2016

Ohio State Robert W. Butler ’62, Nov. 7, 2016 C

South Dakota Ernest T. Edwards ’57, Dec. 31, 2016 C Richard P. Lynch ’55, June 1, 2016 Theodore W. Rabey ’43, Nov. 15, 2016 C Southern California Marc L. Hines ’81, Nov. 2, 2016 St. Lawrence Andrew M. Cook ’00, Feb. Lawrence E. Eschen ’43, June 9, 2015 John D. Mason ’48, Dec. 17, 2016 Charles F. Sandora ’58, Jan. 5 C Carroll M. Worthington Jr. ’54, July 10, 2016 C Stevens John R. Bridgeman ’49, Feb. 13, 2016 Albert E. Krug ’48, Oct. 22, 2016 Bruce E. Slaski ’65, Dec. 8, 2016 CHAPTER ETERNAL 54

Syracuse George D. Finkbeiner Jr. ’54, Feb. 2 George C. Heitzman ’45, Dec. 29, 2016 Tennessee Jeffrey E. Wallace ’85, Jan. 25 Texas Gerald H. Simpson ’62, Dec. 21, 2016 William T. Speller ’63, Jan. 7 Tulane Alymer E. Montgomery Jr. ’50, Feb. 4 C John W. Winter ’61, Jan. 11

THE BETA THETA PI

UCLA Phillip L. Hoffman Jr. ’45, May 11, 2015 Union Robert J. Disney ’46, Nov. 28, 2015 Utah Paul F. Naisbitt MD ’50, Dec. 1, 2016 C Vanderbilt Allen D. Berry Jr. ’45, July 19, 2015 Jesse R. Foster ’66, Oct. 13, 2016 Thomas B. Walker III ’45, Oct. 11, 2016 Virginia Leonard Leonardi Jr. ’93, Nov. 14, 2016 Virginia Tech Steven J. VonFange ’81, Jan. 23 Wabash Spero Gregory ’46, Dec. 12, 2016 John H. Moynahan ’43, May 11, 2016 Washington Donald L. Anderson ’53, Jan. 6 Stanley E. Boreson ’50, Jan. 27 Anthony Dellovade ’18, Feb. 4 Richard B. Grass ’45, Nov. 30, 2015 Donald G. Russell ’54, Jan. 15

Washington & Jefferson Joshua M. Stape ’01, Dec. 24, 2016 Washington and Lee Chadbourne B. Smith ’47, Feb. 10, 2015 Henry E. Young ’45, Dec. 4, 2015 Washington in St. Louis Lewis B. Ambler ’56, Nov. 5, 2016 Stuart N. Cholfin ’72, Dec. 2, 2016 Thomas F. Harmon Jr. ’61, Nov. 14, 2016 Charles Y. Pfoutz ’45, Feb. 14, 2015 Edwin S. Taylor ’50, Dec. 8, 2016 C Washington State Brian W. Gurney ’17, Dec. 21, 2016 Robert D. Hackney DDS ’58, June 20, 2015 Dashiell M. Mortell ’19, Jan. 7 William C. Pritchard MD ’45, Jan. 3 Robert T. Smith ’50, Jan. 1 Weber State James C. Hoellein ’74, Nov. 25, 2016 Erik T. Schuft ’81, Jan. 22 Harmon S. Williams ’73, Jan. 19 Wesleyan Mark P. Anderson ’81, Dec. 20, 2016 William W. Whitten ’45, Feb. 20, 2016 Western Ontario Graham W. McConnell ’83, Nov. 29, 2016 Robert B. Stewart ’01, Feb. 1 Westminster Gerald M. Donna ’61, Dec. 11, 2016 C William N. Gillmor ’62, Jan. 31 Charles W. Gusewelle ’55, Nov. 15, 2016 Charles A. Looney ’40, Dec. 4, 2016 C Whitman Christopher M. Alexander ’43, July 16, 2015 Wichita State William F. Smith ’62, Jan. 4 C Willamette Michael W. Foster ’62, Dec. 1, 2016 Gary T. Mansavage ’63, Nov. 19, 2016 C Michael K. Myers ’61, Oct. 29, 2016 Williams Carlton R. Appleby ’45, Dec. 14, 2015 Willard B. Arnold III ’51, Feb. 8 David B. Barker ’50, Dec. 6, 2016 Wisconsin Edward H. Manley ’53, Dec. 28, 2016 Yale Herbert S. Frisbie ’50, Dec. 22, 2016

BILL SPELLER Texas ’63

A dedicated Beta volunteer, Speller’s family says “he was proud of being a member of Beta Theta Pi, and served as the district chief for many years, influencing the lives of so many young men who were about to begin their journey in life.” Speller passed away peacefully among family in January.

TONY DELLOVADE Washington ’18

Described by his family as a Beta who enjoyed serving as social chairman and “loved not only his Fraternity brothers, but everything that had to do with the university,” Dellovade passed away due to complications from injuries he suffered from a fall on New Year’s Eve.

BRIAN GURNEY Washington State ’17

Following a tragic hiking accident in August 2014 that left him with an irreversible head injury, Gurney succumbed to pneumonia with his family by his side. “[He] LOVED being a Beta,” said Gurney’s uncle. “You have been so true blue to all of us. We are forever grateful.”

DASH MORTELL Washington State ’19

Described as “a pillar in the house,” Mortell passed away in a fatal car accident in January while returning from Gurney’s memorial service.

Elected pledge educator in November, his brothers say he “always made dark days a little bit brighter and made sure all of his brothers were doing well.”

ROB STEWART Western Ontario ’01

A photographer, filmmaker and environmental activist, Stewart passed after a deep dive accident in the Florida Keys while filming his new movie, “Sharkwater: Extinction.” His first film, “Sharkwater,” was seen by 125 million people, won more than 50 awards, and changed laws and public opinion about sharks and shark finning.

TED HAILE, GEORGIA TECH ’75

What do Beta’s values look like in practice? As an undergraduate at Georgia Tech, it was a chapter house filled with brothers seeking good friends and a momentary retreat from rigorous schoolwork. Away from family, Beta Theta Pi wasn’t only a house – it was a home.

Even after graduation, my Gamma Eta brothers stuck with me. Many became colleagues, showing me the value of a group of like-minded men that I could turn to for support and balance as I tried to stay competitive in the business world. The phrase had never rang so true: “Brothers are brothers for life.”

Betas before me shaped my experience through their investments of time and treasure.

Today, I believe we have the same responsibility to the coming generations of men.

As a Fraternity Trustee, I’ve seen the benefits that Beta’s leadership programs bring to our chapters. As a businessman, I also know that these opportunities prepare our men for success outside of the Fraternity. That’s why I’ve chosen to include the Beta Foundation in my estate plans – to ensure that our focus on leadership development continues into the future.

“

To me, Beta Theta Pi wasn’t simply a house — it was a home.

”

Ted Haile, Georgia Tech ’75, received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Retiring after a successful career in consulting, most recently as a vice president for IPS Corporation, Ted currently sits on the General Fraternity’s 12-man Board of Trustees. He lives in Manhattan Beach, California, with his wife, Ruth, and has two children, Brandon and Elizabeth.

I truly believe that such gifts are not one-sided. The Fraternity’s programs create a camaraderie amongst the brotherhood that stirs a feeling of nostalgia within me. A camaraderie that takes me back to the memories of my own Beta experience, and a desire to help today’s undergraduates make their own chapter house a home.

THE BETA THETA PI | SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG/BBS

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

Beta Theta Pi Foundation & Administrative Office

PAID

Permit No. 1534 Bolingbrook, IL

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

“Chris is a remarkable young man who combines a high level of intellectual achievement with outstanding leadership potential in chemical engineering and solar cell research.”

In January, Founding Father Chris Cooper, NC State ’17, was named one of 15 recipients of the Churchill Scholarship, granting him the unique opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at Cambridge.

A scholar, researcher and leader many times over, Chris’s talents have been shaped in part by his graduation from two of the Fraternity’s award-winning leadership programs, the Wooden Institute and Keystone Leadership Conference for chapter officers.

Like Churchill led his country to greatness, Chris is an accomplished Beta who stands to build the bridge for countless young men in the future.

Indeed, Beta’s tomorrow is shaped by Chris’s today. And Betas like him are shaped by the Beta Leadership Fund.

NC State University

{

“We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us.”

– Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

BETA LEADERSHIP FUND DEVELOPING MEN OF PRINCIPLE FOR A PRINCIPLED LIFE B E TA .O R G /G I F T