BETA T H E B E TA T H E TA P I M A G A Z I N E
WINTER 2018
THE BRIGHT KNIGHT REMEMBERING BETA’S ADAM WEST
16 CONTENTS 2 THE BETA THETA PI
THE CHOSEN SEVEN
Established 55 years ago by U.S. President John F. Kennedy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is America’s highest civilian honor. To date, six U.S. presidents have honored seven Betas.
Inside Cover: Army Football Coach Earl “Red” Blaik, Miami 1918, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1986. Front Cover: Beta Brother Adam West dons his signature cape and cowl for the 1960s live-action television series, “Batman.”
CONTENTS CONTENTS
FEATURES
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14
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When a NY Times opinion piece came across Senator Lugar’s desk, he felt compelled to share it with the Fraternity.
The General Fraternity’s new strategic plan was approved January 31. Four days later, Tim Piazza lay dying on the chapter house floor.
Actor Adam West is best known for his iconic portrayal of Batman, but there was so much more to the man behind the mask.
OP ED: “GET THE KEG OUT”
WE OWE IT TO HIM
THE BRIGHT KNIGHT
DEPARTMENTS Archives ...................................................... 5
Opening of the Doors ........................35
Newsworthy .............................................. 6
Chapter Reports ...................................36
The Inbox ................................................... 8
Convention Recap .............................. 50
Alumni News ......................................... 20
Chapter Eternal .....................................56
Campus Life ............................................32
Bridge Builder ........................................59
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In the 1994 bestseller, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies,” authors Jim Collins and Jerry Porras present a science-based analysis aimed at identifying the distinguishing factors between companies that stand the test of time – and those that don’t. Destroying the myths that it’s all about a charismatic leader, a grand idea or hiring from the outside, they demonstrate that all too often human behavior regresses to the cultural mean, thereby breeding a lack of critical thinking that pursues the mission with intelligence, discipline and conviction.
4 THE BETA THETA PI MARTIN COBB, EASTERN KENTUCKY ’96 MARTIN.COBB@BETA.ORG
EDITOR’S LETTER
EDITOR’S LETTER
One such finding that relates to the Fraternity – during what can only be described as one of its most difficult times in modern memory – is their articulation of “The Genius of the AND” and “The Tyranny of the OR.” As Collins and Porras put it, “If there’s one lesson from our findings to keep in mind above all others, it is this: build your company so that it preserves a passionately held core ideology and simultaneously stimulates progress in everything but that ideology. Preserve the core and stimulate progress. A truly visionary company embraces both ends of a continuum: continuity and change, conservatism and progressiveness, stability and revolution, predictability and chaos, heritage and renewal, fundamentals and craziness. And, and, and.” The “Tyranny of the OR,” however, asserts a “rational view that cannot easily accept paradox, that cannot live with two seemingly contradictory forces or ideas at the same time. The ‘Tyranny of the OR’ pushes people to believe that things must be either A OR B, but not both.” While the Fraternity continues to work through all that plagues it and Greek life in its current form, including our own tragic loss in the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State, we are reminded there is much work to do to again prove the relevance of Beta Theta Pi’s role in young men’s lives. And, we recognize that there are a multitude of inspiring examples of young and old men alike who continue to walk in the path of integrity and bring credit to a Great and Good Fraternity. To that end, we feature such content in this issue of The Beta Theta Pi. May “The Genius of the AND” encourage and strengthen us in the days to come. 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
DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS 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 Mike Roupas, Iowa ’10
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sarah Shepherd DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Mike Rodmaker, Cincinnati ’13 PUBLICATION PRINTER The Watkins Printing Company Columbus, Ohio PHOTOGRAPHY Greek Yearbook Nic Nelson, Elon ’17
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.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
At the 110th General Convention in 1949, a national song competition was announced for Betas to submit recordings of their chapter singing their favorite Beta songs. By June 1950, Beta’s five-man National Song Committee received all the entries and selected songs by Case, Colgate, Kansas, Miami, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Southern California, Washington in St. Louis, Willamette and Whitman to be included in the album. Today, Beta continues the tradition at each Convention by awarding the Whitman Choral Cup for best recording, the Shelby L. Molter Song Competition Award for best live performance and the Best New Song Award for composing.
NEWSWORTHY
NEWSWORTHY
TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED
AWARD WINNING
INVITATION HALTED
BUCKS AND HORNS
COLONY CLOSED
41 #1 GPAS
ROAD WARRIORS
TRAGEDY AT LSU
ANNUAL REPORT
EXPANSION DENIED
Past District Chief and current San Diego Chapter Counselor Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00 (left), was elected to the Board of Trustees at this summer’s General Convention. Baker McKenzie Partner Amar Budarapu, Lawrence ’87, and past General Fraternity President and North Carolina Governor Dr. Jim Martin, Davidson ’57, were also appointed to Beta’s Foundation Board. justinmrutherford@gmail.com; amar.budarapu@bakermckenzie.com; martinjg1@roadrunner.com
Beta’s communication team received four top honors at the 2017 annual meeting of the Fraternity Communications Association: 1) Top Fraternity Video: “Bill Lowry – The Kenyon Affair” 2) Top Fraternity E-News: “Are Millenials Doomed” 3) Top Fraternity Story Packaging: “Just One of the Guys,” the story of gay Beta Drew Allensworth and his Oklahoma brothers 4) Top Fraternity Persuasive/Opinion Article: “Summer 2016 Editorial”
6 THE BETA THETA PI
With an invitation to expand spring 2018, Seton Hall’s Board of Trustees postponed indefinitely Beta’s colonization in the wake of the death of Penn State new member Tim Piazza.
Seven new leadership consultants and colony coordinators joined the Oxford staff this summer and are now on the road working hard with Beta volunteers and undergraduates!
With 52 of 62 alumni-owned facilities enrolled (84%), welcome to Beta’s newest Cornerstone Housing Program members: house corporations at Ohio State (pictured) and Texas!
Ten Phi Delta Theta members at LSU have been charged with criminal behavior for hazing that led to the death of new member Max Gruver due to alcohol poisoning and vomit asphyxiation.
Citing an inability to sustain operations due to low membership, General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73, announced closure of Beta’s colony at UC Davis in November.
Visit beta.org/annualreport to read this year’s 64-page Foundation Annual Report recognizing more than 5,000 loyal donors who supported the Beta Foundation in FY17.
Up from 40 last year, 41 chapters and colonies posted first in grades at least one term last calendar year, pushing Beta to a record 3.226 GPA. Check the list at beta.org/gpa.
Competing as a finalist to expand to the University of Nebraska Omaha next year, Beta was cut in favor of Delta Chi Fraternity. The Penn State tragedy was cited as the deciding factor.
UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 2018 4-7
WOODEN INSTITUTE Oxford, Ohio beta.org/wooden 11 NAPLES ALUMNI LUNCHEON Naples, Fla. davidcnordhoff@gmail.com 12-14 PRESIDENTS ACADEMY & LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Cincinnati, Ohio beta.org 19-21 JOINT BOARD OF TRUSTEES & FOUNDATION BOARD MTG. Los Angeles, Calif. jeff.rundle@beta.org
FEBRUARY 2018
MARCH 2018
APRIL 2018 7 OHIO STATE INSTALLATION Columbus, Ohio kennedy.919@osu.edu 14 TEXAS INSTALLATION Austin, Texas jacobavillarreal@gmail.com 21 WESTMINSTER 150TH ANNIV. Fulton, Mo. jmiddlet@charter.net 26-29 MIT 105TH ANNIVERSARY Cambridge, Mass. mike_feinstein@yahoo.com 27-29 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING Washington, D.C. jeff.rundle@beta.org
AUGUST 2018 2-5 179TH GENERAL CONVENTION Norfolk, Va. beta.org/convention
On September 1, following preliminary hearings throughout the summer, the magesterial judge dismissed the most severe charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault, while others related to hazing and providing alcohol to minors were sustained and are being advanced through the judicial process. District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller vowed to refile the manslaughter and aggravated assault charges as allowed by law, and did so October 27. On November 13, following the FBI’s recovery of alleged deleted footage in the basement surveillance system, a spectrum of similar charges were filed against 12 additional former undergraduate members. Results are pending. On the heels of the judge’s decision and filing of new charges, Executive Director Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03, shared, “In the weeks following the tragic death of Tim Piazza, it became clear that the behavior of several of our former members was in direct contradiction to the expectations of friendship and brotherhood that are central to the teachings of Beta Theta Pi. The Fraternity’s feelings were so strong on this matter that it moved to close the chapter in February and expel men charged in the case. These young men are entitled to the presumption of innocence as they continue to face these charges, however, the Fraternity has made its stance clear – regardless of legal outcome, their actions were far from what is expected of any man who wears our badge and bears our name.” Additional alumni sentiments are shared on page 12 in “The Inbox.” – L. Martin Cobb, Editor
HAZING LEGISLATION BETA CONGRESSMAN PROPOSES FEDERAL HAZING STATUTE Endorsed by Men of Principle Spokesman and Retired Senator Dick Lugar Co-sponsored by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH), the Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act was introduced on June 15 in Washington thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Beta alumnus and Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Meehan, Bowdoin ’78. Focused on exposure, education and accountability, the Act seeks to require universities to include incidents of hazing in their annual crime reports. Along with Jim and Evelyn Piazza, parents of Beta new member Tim Piazza, Fudge and Meehan were featured on the TODAY Show in September during the kickoff to National Hazing Prevention Week.
7 WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
3 PUGET SOUND INSTALLATION Tacoma, Wash. iyu@pugetsound.edu 24 PURDUE INSTALLATION West Lafayette, Ind. kfoelli@purdue.edu 24 QUINNIPIAC INSTALLATION Hamden, Conn. matthew.coughlin@quinnipiac.edu
Since the February 4 death of Penn State new member Tim Piazza, the editorial staff of The Beta Theta Pi magazine issued a public commitment to ongoing coverage of the tragedy no matter what the facts may prove. Leading up to the May 5 grand jury presentment that indicted 18 former Beta Theta Pi undergraduate members on 1,098 charges related to hazing and furnishing alcohol to minors, the Fraternity willingly cooperated with local authorities and university officials to learn how such circumstances could have occurred in the name of Beta Theta Pi.
NEWSWORTHY
KEYSTONE CONFERENCES 9-11 Southeast – Jacksonville, Fla. Northwest – Seattle, Wash. 16-18 North Central – Itasca, Ill. South Central – Tulsa, Okla. 23-25 Northeast – Cherry Hill, N.J. Southwest – Irvine, Calif. beta.org/keystone
PENN STATE UPDATE
THE INBOX The summer 2017 Beta magazine featured “Sticks and Stones – When Names and Words Can Hurt You,” the story of David Molak and his Beta brothers’ painful journey in the wake of his suicide due to relentless social media bullying. Harkening upon lyrics from one of Beta’s initiation songs, “each other’s joy and grief to share,” an email received in the days that followed detailed the profound loss of another grieving Beta mom.
EACH OTHER’S JOY AND GRIEF TO SHARE THE INBOX 8
“Our family has shared the same ultimate tragedy as the Molak family. We are suffering the loss of our 15-yearold daughter to suicide. In addition, I have a 25-year-old son who is a Beta from the University of Arizona (’14). So, I read every single painful word of your article.
THE BETA THETA PI
It was written perfectly. You wrote the most horrific story with precision and journalistic skill, and you treated the most sensitive details with sensitivity and compassion. As a mother just like Maurine, I am forever grateful to you for writing this ‘impossible for other people to understand’ story that remarkably made the front page of this Beta publication. Please pass on my appreciation to the editors that made the decision to put it front and center. I know it is one of those stories that (fortunately) the vast majority of readers cannot fathom. I am certain you joined with the Molak family, and especially Cliff, to bring their story to light. The way Maurine and Cliff Molak described their son and brother’s torturous pain is so profound that I brought the article to my therapist, who will share it with her husband, the lead researcher in suicide prevention at Nationwide Children’s Hospital here in Columbus, Ohio. From the research I
have done on my own, the catastrophic feelings of self-loathing, loneliness and depression are common themes revealed only too late. This article shines a glaring spotlight on the signs, and I hope you will share it with as many mental-health care professionals that you can. It is THAT important. I cannot stress how impressed I am with what you wrote. On a personal note, if Maurine Molak would ever like to connect with another Beta mom who is also grieving the loss of her precious child, please pass on my email. You can also share this with Cliff, and tell him he deserves a medal of bravery for sharing his brother’s story, and a medal of honor for what he is doing in his brother’s memory.” — Karen Poll, Columbus, Ohio ebelle2010@hotmail.com “Dear Justin, The secret to a great story lies in the telling: thank you for the great telling of the Molak story and how it impacted the Epsilon Eta Chapter. Everyone who met with you and your video team at Texas A&M this spring was very impressed with the professionalism and sensitivity with which you dealt with this tragedy and the response to it. I had no doubt
that you would do a ‘nice job,’ but I am so deeply impressed with the journalistic and artistic excellence of your article. On a general note, I want to echo what I told you in person--the Beta magazine has been transformed to a relevant, readable magazine and I commend you, Martin and all the contributing writers. Thank you again for an outstanding piece of writing.” — Mary Elizabeth Herring, J.D. Chapter Counselor, Epsilon Eta Chapter Texas A&M University “Just got the latest issue and read it cover to cover. So relatable and welldone. Can I once again add that I am impressed in the comments section that you list dissenters. It shows such character. Of course, the ‘Sticks and Stones’ article hit me hard. Any chance you can give me an email address for Chris and Cliff? I would like to reach out and offer condolences and affirm what they are doing in David’s memory. Thank you.” — Mark Myers, Eastern Kentucky ’90 BETA DOCUMENTARY Visit beta.org/davidmolak to watch the recent Beta-produced documentary, “Sticks and Stones – When Names and Words Can Hurt You.”
MAGAZINEFEEDBACK “Dear Beta Staff: I’m a parent who received her copy of the Beta magazine today. As usual, it is well done. Thank you for your articles about the Piazza case and the Molak family.
This isn’t the first time I have looked at the cover photo and had questions. Thank you for your time.” — Lynn Stuckey, (Mother of Kyle Stuckey, Lawrence ’16)
P.S. – The cover image of the last issue depicted David Molak, the central subject of the feature article, “Sticks and Stones – When Names and Words Can Hurt You.”
betathetapi.org/linkedin
T H E B E TA T H E TA P I M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER 2017
“I just wanted to take a quick minute and say thanks for your response in ‘Saddened by Social Media Strategy’: THANK YOU!
I too have begun to feel the Fraternity is so “out of touch that it has become unapproachable and seemingly holier than thou,” however, it’s the real-world portrayals that have renewed my faith that brothers still have fun and live their lives. Too much of today’s world focuses on the negative whether it’s political soap box ranting on Facebook ‘status’ updates or individuals with a quick trigger to point out what offends them without understanding the full breadth of a situation. STICKS AND STONES
WHEN NAMES AND WORDS CAN HURT YOU
The beauty of the Fraternity I joined is that despite having left campus nearly ten years ago, it continues to remind me and also teach me. Through the tragedies that have been documented recently, it reminds me to be cognizant of how my actions can unknowingly affect others. With the social media response article, I’ve realized that not every individual will have similar opinions to a seemingly harmless, beautiful display of affection, however, your response demonstrated how an individual should properly handle a difference of opinions. I’ve been a member of DeMolay, a Mason, as well as a Shriner, and, while all have VERY similar teachings, the membership I hold most dear is that of being a brother of Beta Theta Pi. I commend everything Beta stands for as well as the Greek system as a whole. Please keep up the amazing effort with the Beta publication as it has truly become something I enjoy reading lately whereas it used to be something I plodded through simply to get national updates.
“I’m a retired journalist and have a suggestion for the magazine. Several years ago, I called in and recommended you add the city and state (or province) to the Chapter Reports so those of us who read the entire magazine know where each chapter is located. And you did it – and it’s been a great help! Now, I have another suggestion: I wonder if you would consider including the year of each chapter’s founding so it will give us a sense of history and indication of each chapter’s age?” — Bob McClelland, Western Ontario ’55 You got it, Bob. Great suggestion. You’ll see the original founding years of each chapter now included within each “Chapter Report” (pages 36-49.) Likewise, as recommended in your voicemail, we’ll indicate Beta’s newest colonies as such until they are chartered. Certainly appreciate your loyalty and help in making The Beta Theta Pi all that it can be, brother. – Martin Cobb, Editor “Just when I think the Beta magazine can’t get any better, it does. My goodness. Another exceptional issue.” — Julianne Butler, Director of Marketing, Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful stories, as well as your thoughts, with us.” Yours in ~kai~ — William Gove Jr., Maine ’06
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9 WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
Thank you, Lynn. Sometimes we get so close to the work and human-interest features that we overlook the obvious and probably assume too much on behalf of the readership. Your nudge has helped us realize an inconsistent approach from quarter to quarter – something you’ll see addressed in this issue and all issues going forward. Thanks for the constructive criticism and, most importantly, for caring enough to take the initiative and make The Beta Theta Pi even better. – Martin Cobb, Editor
page 8
THE INBOX
A minor quibble, however: it would be nice if the source and subject of the cover photo were noted inside the magazine. I’m looking at this month’s magazine and questioning if the picture is a family photo of a young David Molak or Tim Piazza. Or is it the child of another member, or a stock photo?
BETA
IMPORTANT PENN STATE UPDATE
REACTIONS TO
COVERAGE OF THE PENN STATE TRAGEDY IMPORTANT PENN STATE UPDATE
THE BETA THETA
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Make no mistake about it, Beta Theta Pi is committed to transparent communication and the consistent support of our members and volunteers during this difficult time. We ask for your prayers for the Piazza family. We ask for your continued patience as the legal process unfolds and as the Fraternity reflects on appropriate next steps. Perhaps most importantly, we ask for your recommitm ent to living principled lives. Tim Piazza deserved more from the men he sought in the name of brotherhood to join . His spirit cannot be forgotten and must forever guide our way. Sincerely and yours
in ___kai___,
S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73 General Secretary Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03 Executive Director
Jim and Evelyn Piazza stand alongside Centre County District Attorney conference where she announced results of Stacy Parks Miller at the investigation into the May 5 news the death of their son, Timothy Piazza.
FEEDBACK “Horrific tragedy “State of the art and as with many destroyed “That a kid had to beautiful as a house die — might lives. Both my and that Betas sat be, a house is not sons there and a home. watched him and are Beta brothers Slick, cool, snappy were more appearanc- worried at about ‘getting in troues are not indicative Virginia Tech. I of moral was ble’ than a human fibre, character and life — always impressed is perhaps the greatest with High scores and quality. tragedy 4.0’s indicate how Beta emphasize here and against every d potential but not intellectual principle leadership and Beta is supposed to integri- attainment nor maturity. stand for.” —Clay Hartmann, ty. I’m heartsick We have a long and Vanderbilt ’91 over glorious history of wonderful this.” — Caryn Ruggieri, individu- “You als, gallant chapters, should be Beta Parent amazing contributions to mankind, embarrassed for our nations and the world... “I’m sure I speak allowing such but as for all Beta Bill Berry so tersely, parents when I say eloquentdisgusting antics.” we feel
ly stated, ‘We must extremely disappointed earn our — Ryan Nakashima that badge every day.’ We this incident occurred. have We been proud, perhaps have very high expectations far too “I know Beta doesn’t of proud, and sweep Beta Theta Pi, both pride comes before stuff on a local under the rug, but a fall. Humility and I’d and national level, rededicasure feel better about and we hold tion the Genare the order of the Beta to the highest day. eral Fraternity if it of stanThis is not a PR campaign. devoted dards ... That said, substantial time to we firmly This is what we are writing believe our son made researching that situation, and the right all about.” choice when he chose and —Tom Lipton, proactive ways to Beta prevent it Western Reserve ’63 Theta Pi. Your email from helps to EVER happening again.” confirm that belief. —Frank Tobolsky, Rutgers You have “The members ’84 obviously taken many of steps to prevent such incidents, Beta Theta Pi who “I would like to see which fraternities makes this incident and sororities strictly that much I know are good regulatmore perplexing. ed, if not outright I am confipeople. They take banned, on dent you will do all college campuses you can where they being men of princiensure no other families to primarily serve to have encourage ple to go through what seriously.But this alcoholism and promiscuity. the Piazza family is going through is a wakeup call If your organization now.” for survives —Mike Littau, Beta into the future, I hope hazers.” — Amelious Parent you’ll establish adequate Whyte, FIJI oversight with meaningful consequences for those who violate your policies.” —Neil Frey
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Indeed, we are at a crucible moment. Our Beta experience extends to 134 campuses, more than 10,000 undergraduate members and more than 130,000 living alumni. Being a Beta must be synonymous with relationships that are rooted in integrity and care for one another, personal growth that instills awareness of one’s actions and how they affect others, and fostering a sense of home at every level of the organization. It is our call to answer and we must do so shoulder to shoulder with our brothers, parents, advisors, supporters and university partners.
SUMMER 2017
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State – and were in line to be named one of PSU’s three “chapters of excellence” again this spring. Despite these resources designed to promote a true and healthy brotherhood , a young man lost his life. Certainly, in Tim’s memory, and in the wake of such devastating circumstanc es for his family and so many others, the Fraternity must harness the valuable lessons learned from this experience toward the betterment of our brotherhood.
PENN STATE UPDATE
PENN STATE UPDATE
’s plan team n r to our more tha for st just prio April, monitored lak, younge d in late ing Mo on the finalize May. Hav of David to focus and ide was ter” was week of inward s. ’s Let the suic lak ’17, it look the first lted in Mo “Editor uglines uld all printer y that resu and Chris issue’s we sho the world’s to the This za d files bullying stor as Cliff ’14, s – and how uting to Piaz sen to trib er Tim M Bet er platform is con a cyb State’s a year of Texas A& ial media mentary the form Penn r Tragedy struck th of com in soc against ne dea m State College, brothe rges s. onli Pennsylvania, in decoru into the inal cha member own a new member early February loss of how our ation ate of the Alpha Upsilon es of in crim after the untimely e investig lting ergradu Chapter at Penn death of Tim Piazza, revealed enough ing seri pevaluat d jury State. Prelimina er und y 5, resu information to sum rtbreak ry investigations justify the chapter’s the gran ion on Ma of its form re hea ing the con in the County District into the events then closure on February a mo Attorney’s Offi clus And and 18 but, y forc ce levied 1,098 recall od 17. On May 5, the onl ’t to a con Chapter former undergra rho e not total charges against Centre I can the cam duate members staff, ng men the former chapter ir bro Upsilon need. in relation to Tim’s manslaughter, Beta and 18 Alpha d of you to join the for one in to death — including aggravated assault, on the surface port rs ted , among others, pur care hazing and furnishing released the following y invi involuntary 20 yea details call to would as I know. alcohol to minors. message on May In my gruesome n those the moral who Bet General Fraternity men 8, just prior to continue to appropria as g the that leaders not the this y days, alcohol upo egardin magazine tely ing ind cover the Penn going to print. riat disr of t beh certainl State tragedy as Beta Theta Pi will ress, tion inand infu . They are t’s righ the story and due of dist usting ng wha It’s called h process unfold. g but midst doi disg t g. thin wit tha ng nching, did any watchin . Alo , and believe Dear Brothers, Parents gut-wre a Theta Pi ple are we all love they 1839 It is and Friends of And n peo ity ng in nt Bet ers. Beta whe Theta ndi tern n rese oth Pi: fou Fra rep w help n more tha t in the ired our I kno eve clearly show that, concep We are writing to Betas t, it insp in the end, the Beta lak and matters e new llec express The 8 Mo rs again our experience we strive som ’s inte doo the tremendous grief se infor principally hinges closed and it’s not regarding the death of loss to call the n to one day. on individual members of Timothy Piazza and to this depths devotio er it was urge holding themselves tegrity, our deep disappointng the st the hip and north star and their chapters -inWheth ment with the conduct a’s accountable to these imagini hard to resi cowards. ir own self friends that led to this expectations. grief, ains Bet it the tragedy. At this diffi print: ility and it rem cult time, the Fraterniextreme ing, I find riate for , or putting invincib two of es of ty’s thoughts and be feel d approp lak’s case these dset prayers remain foremost h tim As such, we must must lly, in wor a min In suc with the Piazza family. id Mo all pause same: ers. Tragica families suitable rd in Dav We share in their to reflect on how is the Piazza ls the only heartbreak and are boa we are for oth ce reality committed to better the key za’s, the egard promoting the influen gdividua understanding how expectation of le disr behind Piaz would al. this incident could win ing edib Tim leth ons kno safety and well-bein hid have occurred. acti who ics first in eds an incr es proved g of our their those t their ant bre tud terests brothers and new ught ment ckless atti members at I’m sure though er tho For nearly 178 years, entitle every chapter, lies nev y did. And College es, wre our Fraternity has and at all times. e s bul instanc served to advance il the hMolak’ the ideals of mutual s in Stat . Unt ity’s teac David own life assistance, intellectual At the Alpha Upsilon and law e. Fratern Chapter, that ingrowth, trust, rules wer I’m sure take his n the ity’s responsible conduct cluded the expectation they to her tha and integrity in the of a substance-free Fratern l. Until David no furt lives of our members chapter house, a residential a dea ke the ent, look and supporters. The ly bro that big of advisor proy: need deportm Fraternity’s strong, vided by the house as, we ane in humanit corporation, a stateheralded and consisweren’t thy Bet vows to be urb hip.” tent of-the position art wor facility will against our equipped with internal ,I hazing and alcohol and nds ed of abuse are cornerstone and external video mankind dfast in frie For true remind surveillance, consistent s of our membership with r God. be stea ions expectations and education and mentoring od. Fea ings to our annual educational ion and interact from a local therho outreach to every advising team, regular “In my us in express the bro chapter. The Fraternieducation from a Love er 2:17 ty has remained steadfast leadership consultant, courteo men. and participation in upholding — I Pet bly all those standards when by chapter members honora authority.” d, in high-quality leadthey have been in “Treat ally to han challenged, and we ership programs and those hand continu o have remained willing training Honor rt and share.” to suspend chapters These resources produced experiences. may we ing unt to hea and disband memberto a chapter culPiazza, tainly, “do grief heart ship wherever it has ture that appeared and Tim life. Cer ortant. healthy, as the chapter “Thus r’s joy and been necessary. Still, lak othe in spite of clear policies membership had id Mo matter in re imp grown to nearly 100, Each and educational ___, of Dav ons felt mo they programs in place achieved more than ___kai the loss and acti has never in at a every 3.2 ply collective rs level ds of the orGPA dee you wor ganization, the tragic you” and the brothers had grieve that unto been recognized as events at Penn State B, ely and As we ourselves m do COB chapter of the year Sincer TIN e the multiple times by MAR KY ’96 remind you’d hav Penn TUC as N KEN A.ORG others
THE BETA THETA PI
“Thank you for your exceptionally well written Editor’s Letter and the full and complete treatment given to the tragic events at Penn State. This has been utterly heartbreaking for the brotherhood around the world and your editor’s letter literally brought me to tears as you beautifully recited how much a commitment to integrity is such a part of what makes Beta so special. This aberrant behavior on the part of those who claimed to be part of our great tradition was roundly and properly condemned not only in your letter but in the magazine’s article on the topic. Frankly, I found this edition a much-needed tonic to help treat the revulsion and disgust so many of us felt when reading grand jury reports. Thank you again for your heart-felt and head-on treatment of this incredibly upsetting and traumatic turn of events. I’m putting a check in the mail in recognition of how much your editor’s letter meant to me.” — Shaw Friedman, Colgate ’81
“I would have expected more of Beta, and am frustrated and less proud to be a Beta. . . . Beta has fallen to an all-time low.” “If brothers do not act in times of crisis, what use is an empty solution? I believe all fraternity chapters must bear the consequences of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter’s failings. For starters, alcohol and drugs should be banned in all of our chapter houses. There should be no hazing… And a residential advisor should live in each chapter. I do not make the mistake of thinking these comments are original, but I do urge that immediate action be taken to correct the problems exposed by the death of Tim Piazza.” — Benjamin F. Card, Berkeley ’62
“Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that that may have been the most thoughtful and well produced edition of the Beta magazine I have ever seen. Thank you for focusing on real issues in a respectful manner, even with respect to some of the comments surrounding the young lady in the dress. As someone who teaches ethics and compliance, it has not escaped my notice that y’all are owning [the Penn State tragedy], setting a solid tone at the top, and getting in front of the issues. Good on all of you for doing so.” — Micah Schwalb, Northwestern ’00
“Your comments in the Editor’s Letter of the current issue of The Beta Theta Pi were very well done and, I trust, speak for all in our brotherhood! Thank you and keep up the good work.” — Dewey Wayne Waddell, Georgia Tech ’56 “Jeff: Our office received the summer issue of your magazine today. I was impressed with the way in which you addressed the Penn State issue. Your piece was forthright, compassionate, and issued a challenge all of us need to tackle. Well done!” — Donald Beeson, Executive Director, Delta Phi Fraternity “Just read your editorial. Well done. Best, most honest, contrite response I’ve seen so far. Thanks.” — Tom Michael, Maryland ’99 “GREAT editorial and message!” — Lloyd Kirk, Kansas ’55, General Secretary Emeritus
“I am distraught and greatly disappointed as a Beta regarding the tragedy and closing of the Penn State Chapter. There is no purpose, reason or need for any level of hazing by any chapter. It is degrading, does not build character, and is against the Fraternity’s principles. I would have expected more of Beta, and am frustrated and less proud to be a Beta. It goes without saying all chapters should be dry houses, PERIOD. What happened to ‘men of principle?’ What incoming freshman would want to pledge Beta and be subjected to such low level ‘pledge acceptance’ rituals? Beta has fallen to an all-time low. I would appreciate a reply as to what actions have been taken to eliminate all future hazing by all chapters and to see that all Beta houses are all dry houses.” — Albert Albrecht, Ohio Wesleyan ’48
PARENTPERSPECTIVES “Loved receiving [the Fraternity’s welcome email]! So excited for our son and his future with Beta Theta Pi.”— Matt Fera, Father of Gavin Fera, Iowa State ’21 “What a thoughtful and exciting message! We could not be more proud to have raised a Beta man! Thank you for the work you do behind the scenes to make the new membership process smooth and enjoyable for our son.” — Tera and Jason Nutter, Parents of Jake E. Nutter, Utah ’21 “Our son is a new pledge in the Eta Mu Chapter at the University of Arkansas. Since he accepted the bid we have received your welcome email as well as one from the parent’s club for the Eta Mu Chapter, both of which are appreciated.
That being said, I had no small amount of trepidation when I heard that he was joining Beta Theta Pi, given the events of Penn State. I am sure that tragedy is of great concern to the national leadership at Beta Theta Pi. Can you please describe to me what steps Beta Theta Pi is taking to ensure that this sort of event won’t ever happen again?” — Philip Baltz, Father of Thomas Baltz, Arkansas ’21 “Thank you for introduction! I’m very glad that Ivan is part of your fraternity!” — Olena Ahlefeld, Mother of Ivan Shikhelman, Chapman ’21
I was completely caught off guard, having long since given up on trying to sell her on the concept of the fraternity experience and its value, and simply accepting that she tolerated it because she knew it meant so much to me. She was able to get a perspective from so many of my brothers from outside of Utah, many from the General Fraternity staff, on the importance of the work that each one of us put into growing and improving our organization. For her to see, feel and experience first hand the camaraderie, friendship and true brotherhood we all shared at Convention was the turning point and piece that she needed to understand why Beta is such an important part of my life. Convention has so many benefits for all of us in the Beta community. For me, having it here in Utah has truly been a life change in understanding between my wife and I that I will never forget.” — Nick Gilson, Utah ’03
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After researching the different chapters on campus and meeting several during rush he was able to winnow his preference down to two fraternities, of which Beta Theta Pi was one. I know that Thomas’s choice to accept Beta Theta Pi’s bid was made after a thoughtful and diligent investigation so I am confident that he has made a good choice. I am also heartened to see Beta Theta Pi’s core values of Mutual Assistance, Intellectual Growth, Trust, Responsible Conduct and Integrity, which are all admirable qualities that I hope Thomas will continue to develop while a member of Beta Theta Pi.
“Being a part of the General Convention host chapter was a lot of work for many of us here in Utah, myself included, so after the final preparations were made I was thrilled to be able to enjoy the Gamma Beta Chapter reception and closing Celebration Banquet on Saturday night. My wife attended both, and was able to meet more people from both the local Beta community, but also the General Fraternity. Everything seemed to be going so well, but it still surprised me when towards the end of the night, while we were eating some dessert, she turned to me with tears in her eyes and said simply, “I get it now.”
THE INBOX
I believe that college is a better experience, and more productive, for someone who has a support network including a group of other students who share common experiences and the bond of friendship. To that end I encouraged Thomas to experience rush and look for a group of guys who he felt could provide that sort of bond.
"I GET IT NOW."
We owe it to him. BETA’S NEW STRATEGIC PLAN
O
BY L. MARTIN COBB, EASTERN KENTUCKY ’96
“While it is well documented that Beta’s new strategic plan was developed in the 24 months prior to Tim’s tragic death . . . his passing only
n Saturday, January 31, 2017, twelve memunderscores the bers of the Board of Trustees and eighteen critical need for it.” members of the Foundation Board of Directors sat in a hotel conference room in Austin, Texas, and ratified a new strategic plan for the Fraternity. Recommitting to the Men of Principle initiative, with special emphasis on Brotherhood, Personal Growth and a sense of Home at all levels of the organization, the unity and enthusiasm among members of the General Fraternity’s leadership was unlike anything in modern memory. Four days later, Penn State new member Timothy Piazza lay dying on the chapter house floor just hours after his bid acceptance and induction into the Fraternity.
“Only through To be sure, the contrast of the Fraternity’s proposed direction and the reality in State College could not have been starker.
The juxtaposition between hopes and reality often creates a frustrating set of circumstances to accept in life. Coupled with Phi Delta Theta’s September death of a student at LSU due to forced consumption, and the recent new member alcohol-poisoning deaths of Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Psi at Florida State and Texas State, respectively, the call for reforms in the Greek community may be at an all-time high – at least since similar deaths at MIT (FIJI) and LSU (SAE) in 1997. And rightly so.
BROTHERHOOD
PERSONAL GROWTH
HOME
FIVE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Expert Cultural Assessment Authentic Volunteer Engagement Professional Education and Training Elevated Housing Standards Interfraternal Partnerships most, they’re just window dressing designed to get through a rough patch and return to business as usual once the dust settles and a new story line captures the public’s attention. Defenders will contend of course that, while it is well documented that Beta’s new strategic plan was developed in the
Hard as it is to accept this new scarlet letter emblazoned in the minds of most Betas these days, there are simple, unavoidable truths on today’s college campuses and within Greek life that must be addressed. And Beta Theta Pi must help lead that charge. Recently described by one alumnus as “Beta’s darkest hour” — alongside that of the Civil War where brother fought brother, we are called to learn from the gut-wrenching nature of Tim’s death and internalize the pain of his family. Only through sincere soul-searching, objectivity and sacrifice can the Fraternity possibly redeem itself and inculcate the very things Tim wanted from Beta into future generations’ reality. Yes, it was the brotherhood, personal growth and a sense of home that Tim was deprived of that we must unite like never before and rally behind our brothers on the Board of Trustees to fulfill the very plan they are developing. We owe it to him.
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On the other, young men at Penn State concocted a formula of new member activities that was such an abomination of our Fraternity’s practices and principles that the only recognizable aspects of the experience were the letters on the house. Even that seemed like a foggy nightmare as it played out on the nightly news.
Critics and cynics will argue that anything Beta Theta Pi chooses to do in the future must be a response to the tragedy at Penn State. It’s not hard to understand their perspective. People despise reactionary measures because all too often they lack authenticity and genuineness. To
sincere soul24 months prior to searching, Tim’s tragic death objectivity and and, as such, is anything but a knee-jerk sacrifice can the reaction, his passing Fraternity possibly only underscores the redeem itself.” critical need for it. Brotherhood, Personal Growth and a sense of Home are needed by young men now more than ever. And, if Beta Theta Pi is to become worthy of its name once again, they should (and must) become the mantra of the day. Certainly, no student death is needed to justify such priorities that are focused on taking care of one another, evolving as a man and responsible conduct.
STRATEGIC PLAN
On one hand, Beta’s leadership had spent nearly two years canvassing the membership, studying the Fraternity’s successes and challenges, and structuring a roadmap that would guide the organization following 20 years of unprecedented success under the Men of Principle initiative. It was to speak to the best of Beta Theta Pi’s leadership tradition, while pushing hard to restore the importance of brotherhood and relationships in the Fraternity that create a sense of belonging, trust and care for one another no matter the circumstance.
Of course, one can’t help but wonder if there’s anything left to save among our bands of brothers. Or, hard as it may be to admit, is there anything worth saving to begin with?
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GET THE KEG OUT OF THE FRAT HOUSE NYTIMES OPINION John Hechinger
Alcohol is the wellspring of most fraternity vice, and evidence shows that reducing drinking at chapters makes them safer — and not just for fraternity brothers. According to the National Institute of Justice, women who frequent frat parties are more likely to become victims of “incapacitated sexual assault.” Many fraternity brothers and alumni maintain that fraternities shouldn’t be blamed
Study after study has shown that fraternity men are the heaviest drinkers on campus. According to Harvard public-health research, considered the most definitive, 86 percent of men living in chapter houses binge on alcohol, twice the level of those who live elsewhere. A University of Maine survey found that three-quarters of fraternity members report they’ve been hazed, including being forced to drink into unconsciousness. In the 1990s and 2000, Phi Delta Theta — the same fraternity as in the L.S.U. case — lost three members to alcohol. One died in an initiation ritual, another while driving drunk on a motorcycle. A third died during a house fire; he was so drunk that he didn’t flee. The fraternity banned alcohol at its chapter houses, and since 2000, injuries and sexual assaults have become much less common. Insurance claims plunged 90 percent. Phi Delta Theta has mostly stayed out of the headlines until now, but as the death at L.S.U. shows,
Measures that cut down on hazing and drinking don’t just protect students from danger, they can also shield their finances. When lawsuits proliferated and insurance premiums soared in the 1980s and 1990s, fraternities risked losing coverage for their considerable wealth, which includes more than $3 billion in real estate. They, with their insurers, created plans that excluded claims related to underage drinking, hazing and sexual assault. It makes sense that fraternities didn’t want to provide insurance that, in effect, subsidized bad behavior. But few undergraduates seem to know that their chapters’ insurance policies won’t protect them when the worst happens. Chapter presidents and other officers — even if they didn’t participate in hazing — can become defendants in hazing claims. Plaintiffs will go after their families and seek to collect on their homeowners’ policies. Even with all their bad behavior, fraternities are more popular than ever. Undergraduate membership in the North-American Interfraternity Conference, which
Reforming, not abolishing, these powerful organizations represents the best hope for confronting their dangerous legacy of drinking, hazing and sexual assault. Fraternities celebrate their values of friendship, honor and leadership; alumni must force young members to live up to those principles. Colleges can also do more to hold fraternities accountable, starting with collecting and making public any information about alcohol-related hospitalizations associated with local chapters. From the outset, fraternities have struggled with a kind of split personality. In 1776, the first Greek-letter group, the Phi Beta Kappa Society, was born in a tavern. It has since transformed itself into the pre-eminent organization for college scholars. Fraternities have a choice: They can do nothing about their original sins, or they can honor the nobler side of their traditions and work toward reform. With privilege comes responsibility. Reprinted with permission. Adapted excerpt from “True Gentlemen: The Broken Pledge of America’s Fraternities” by John Hechinger, a senior editor at Bloomberg News. Copyright © 2017. Available from PublicAffairs, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
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The Louisiana case is only the latest example in a horrifying but persistent trend. At Penn State, 14 Beta Theta Pi members will soon face a criminal trial because a pledge, or new member, died of traumatic brain injuries in February. They are accused of ordering him to drink until he could barely stand.
for excessive drinking — that it is just a part of college life — but the numbers tell a different story.
Banning pledging, the dangerous monthslong initiation period, also helps. For about a decade, Sigma Alpha Epsilon had more hazing and alcohol-related deaths than any other fraternity; it banned pledging altogether in 2014, and since then insurance claims have dropped from an average of 13 a year to two, and no one has died from hazing or drinking. Enforcement has been key: More than 30 chapters have been closed for alcohol violations.
represents most of the oldest and largest fraternities, has soared by 50 percent over the last decade. As many as one in six men who attends a four-year college full time belongs to a fraternity. This year, more than 100,000 young men will pledge. Compared with their peers, members of Greek organizations report greater well-being, a stronger sense of community and better preparation for post-college life. Fraternities’ vast alumni networks help catapult them into successful careers.
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raternity initiation season has just begun and already an 18-yearold freshman is dead. An investigation into the death of the student, who had been drinking at Louisiana State University’s Phi Delta Theta house, will most likely point to a familiar culprit: the toxic brew of alcohol and hazing.
efforts to cut down drinking require constant vigilance. The success of public health campaigns provides an apt comparison: They haven’t eliminated smoking or drunken driving, but they have saved millions of lives.
THE chosen SEVEN
Wear the Badge. Earn the Medal. By Mike Roupas, iowa ’10 t was the first half of the twentieth century. There he was, a young college student fresh on campus and ready to explore his new world. It was the furthest he’d ever been from his family, and so far, it was the longest he’d go without seeing them. But somewhere along the way, he met the Betas on campus. Men who became his second family. Men he experienced the good and bad with. Men who he learned and grew with. Those Betas changed his life forever.
THE Chosen SEVEN. That’s how the story goes for most collegeaged Betas – including an elite group of seven ordinary, teenaged-men who each pledged Beta Theta Pi on seven different campuses. They each attended weekly chapter meetings, studied for class and took finals. And they each enjoyed the social benefits of fraternity life, while still living as men of principle. Though their seven fraternity paths had not formally crossed each other, each of the men experienced – at separate times – the same proud moment where they accepted the Beta badge from their chapter president, signifying their lifelong commitment to the principles of Beta Theta Pi. And one day, those same seven Betas each put on their caps and gowns and walked across the stage to pick up their college diplomas. They each said goodbye to the Beta houses they proudly called “home,” and to the brothers they saw daily and called family – at least for now. With their young roots planted strongly within Beta, “the chosen seven” were ready to thrive. And thrive they all did.
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thriving Beta ROOTS. Decades passed since their college graduation, and the seven men were each well into their professional careers. One became his state’s longest serving senator. Another served as his country’s secretary of defense. Two of them were athletes – one led his teams to win 10 NCAA national championships, and the other led his Army football teams to three consecutive championships. One founded a multi-billion-dollar company, and another became a world-renowned musician. The last of this band of brothers became an advisor to the U.S. president. Five of them. And though their professional paths had still not formally crossed, each of the men experienced – at separate times – the proud moment of standing in front of his country’s president, ready to accept his nation’s top civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Established 55 years ago by President John F. Kennedy, the prestigious award is bestowed by the president of the United States to citizens who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Since its inception in 1963, 11 United States presidents have awarded the medal; six of whom had selected Beta’s “chosen seven” for the honor.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists, philanthropists and public servants to activists, athletes and artists, these individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.” — United States President barack obama
six u.s. presidents who hand-selected “the chosen seven”
l.b. johnson
r. reagan
g.h.w. bush
b. clinton
g.w. Bush
b. Obama
1963: John McCloy
The first Beta to earn his place among Medal of Freedom honorees was Lieutenant Commander John McCloy, Amherst 1916. In 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented him the award with distinction, saying, “Diplomat and public servant, banker to the world and godfather to German freedom, [McCloy] has brought cheerful wisdom and steady effectiveness to the tasks of war and peace.” McCloy served as Assistant Secretary of War during World War II, and after the war, served as president of the World Bank, U.S. High Commissioner for Germany, chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank, and chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations. He later became a U.S. presidential advisor to five presidents, served on the seven-man Warren Commission (along with two other Betas) investigating the assassination of President Kennedy, and was a member of the “The Wise Men.”
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1986: Earl Blaik
It was 23 years until Beta appeared among the list of Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees for a second time. In 1986, Army Football Coach Earl “Red” Blaik, Miami 1918, was bestowed the honor by President Ronald Reagan, who described Blaik as, “A soldier of gridiron, Colonel Earl ‘Red’ Blaik led the West Point team he coached into the pages of the history books. He rallied the Black Knights from a record of devastating defeats and spurred them on to some of their greatest victories, winning the esteem of his cadet players and the admiration of his vanquished rivals. One of America’s great coaches, he brought a winning spirit to his team, honor to his branch of service, and pride to his Nation.” Blaik served as the head football coach for nearly 25 years at Dartmouth College and the United States Military Academy, with his Army football teams winning three national championships in a row.
1992: Sam Walton
In 1992, President George H.W. Bush presented Wal-Mart Founder Sam Walton, Missouri ’40, with the medal, making Walton the third Beta to receive the award. As said during the ceremony, “An American original, Sam Walton embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and epitomizes the American dream. Concern for his employees, a commitment to his community and a desire to make a difference have been the hallmarks of his career … America honors this captain of commerce, as successful in life as in business.”
1997: William Perry
President Bill Clinton announced U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry, Carnegie Mellon ’49, as a Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient in 1997. The fourth Beta to receive the award, Perry was described as having “distinguished himself as Secretary of Defense by his inspired leadership, extraordinary vision and impressive record of accomplishment. With a heartfelt commitment to our men and women in uniform, he guided our Armed Forces
through the challenges of post-Cold War reductions while ensuring that they remain the best-equipped, best-trained, and best-prepared military force in the world. An internationally recognized statesman, he contributed significantly to reducing the nuclear threat, strengthening our alliances, and building new security relationships worldwide. With these achievements, William Perry has earned a lasting place in history and the gratitude of his country.”
2003: John Wooden
Following in his father’s footsteps, President George W. Bush, bestowed the honor on the fifth Beta: John Wooden, Purdue ’32. Awarded in 2003, Bush called Wooden “A Hall of Famer, one of the only two enshrined both as basketball player and basketball coach. In a legendary career, Coach Wooden led his teams to 885 victories, with only 203 losses … But all his players will tell you, the most important man on their team was not on the court. He was the man who taught generations of basketball players the fundamentals of hard work and discipline, patience and teamwork.”
2013: Richard Lugar
President Barack Obama presented the award to the final two Betas to receive it to date. In 2013, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was given to Senator Richard Lugar, Denison ’54. Obama said at the ceremony, “Richard Lugar represented Indiana in the United States Senate for more than 30 years. An internationally respected statesman, he is best known for his bipartisan leadership and decadeslong commitment to reducing the threat of nuclear weapons.”
2015: Stephen Sondheim
Two years later, President Obama handselected the seventh Beta brother to receive the award. The prestigious medal was placed around the neck of acclaimed Lyricist and Composer Stephen Sondheim, Williams ’50, with Obama saying, “Stephen Sondheim is master of the American musical … His astonishing body of work includes many of our nation’s best-loved, most frequently staged musicals, and people around the world know and love his songs. Stephen Sondheim has forever left his mark on the American stage.”
hile these seven men joined the Fraternity on seven different campuses, they each lived their life committed to the same Beta principles, excelled personally and professionally, and made a difference in the world. With a diverse group of six United States presidents hand-selecting these honorees across six decades, the principles fostered within Beta Theta Pi prove to be timeless and transferable from generation to generation. Reagan wasn’t the only U.S. president who saw something remarkable within a Beta, and Obama won’t be the last. Somewhere in Beta’s Broad Domain, a young Beta has already accepted his Beta badge and, guided by the principles of the Fraternity, is taking aim to change the world and join “the chosen seven” who wear the badge and the medal. ■
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ALUMNI NEWS
TROJAN HERO A founding member of the Gamma Tau Chapter at the University of Southern California, Bill Birnie ’49, was initiated as Roll No. 42 on October 26, 1947. But it was his service in the Army that led USC to recently honor him as “Hero of the Game” in front of 90,000 spectators.
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By Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96
ALUMNI NEWS
THE BETA THETA PI
As shared by Bill’s daughter, Diane Birnie Bock, “Dad enlisted in the US Army as a teenager during WWII – 70th Division Infantry, 276th Regiment. He and his platoonmates were captured by the Germans in Wingen, France, during the battle of Wingen-sur-Moder in January 1945, and were held in a church for four days before being liberated by Americans as they re-took the town. He received a bronze star, a presidential unit citation and a purple heart.” Bill attended USC as an undergraduate and law student, and played briefly on the football team under Jeff Cravath until he decided his studies were more important. He met his true love on campus – Barbara Potter. She was president of the Pi Phis, vice president of the student body and Helen of Troy. They have been happily married for 67 years. Pro Football and College Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, USC’s athletic director, presented Bill with the “Hero of the Game” medal at the Coliseum during half-time of the September 2 season opener – the same Coliseum Bill visited as a child for the 1932 Olympics. dianebirniebock@icloud.com Inset photo was taken October 2014. Standing on the steps of the church in France where he was held captive for four days in January 1945, Bill is wearing the same jacket – complete with a stitched-up bullet hole in the left forearm.
VIETNAM VET MEMORIALIZED During their 50th anniversary in April, the Westminster class of ’67 dedicated a plaque to pledge brother, 1LT Ross W. Livermore, who was killed in Vietnam, January 4, 1969. He was “an outgoing individual who always promoted the camaraderie of his Beta brothers.” jmiddlet@charter.net
Initiated in 1942 – 75 years ago – Robert Sweeney, Missouri ’45, recently donned his badge and returned to campus to reconnect with the Betas at Mizzou. There, he surprisingly found his name in a display case honoring Zeta Phi brothers who served in WWII. Daughter Sheryl could only say, “It made his day.”
PENN STATE’S MOHN HONORED
In October, Matt Mohn, Penn State ’99, was recognized with the Pittsburgh Times’ Corporate Citizenship Award for providing $1 million of pro bono legal work to businesses in under-served areas. mattmohn@yahoo.com
Thank you for your service, brother Nichols. “Once A Beta. Always a Beta. Everywhere a Beta.”
LOUISVILLE BETA RECOGNIZED FOR CIVIL RIGHTS EFFORTS Civil Rights attorney and CNN Legal Analyst Avery Friedman, Louisville ’68, was recently honored with the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s 2017 William K. Thomas Award for his professional contributions to the legal community. Friedman was nominated by the dean of Cleveland State University’s Marshall College of Law, as well as a U.S. District Judge. avery@lawfriedman.com
CALLED TO LEAD While the Fraternity has a long history of remaining apolitical, that doesn’t mean Betas everywhere shouldn’t take pride in the fact that two brothers from both sides of the aisle recently stepped forward to serve for the good of the order – Kansas Gubernatorial Candidate Ed O’Malley, Kansas State ’97, and U.S. Senate Candidate from Alabama, Doug Jones, Alabama ’76.
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MIZZOU WWII PILOT RETURNS HOME
Held each year on July 14, the Bastille Day Military Parade in Paris dates back to 1880. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of U.S. Forces entering World War I, American troops led the parade for the first time ever in 2017. And wouldn’t you know it, Army Executive Officer Jared Nichols, West Virginia ’03, led the American contingent’s march down the Champs-Elysées. As he shared, “I had the honor to lead the American contingent for the 14 Juillet Parade. In the United States we often refer to it as Bastille Day. This is the first time in the history of the parade that an American unit was invited to march as the honor troop for the parade. This was a significant event as it commemorated the 100th Anniversary of U.S. Forces entering World War I. Our battalion was selected to lead the American contingent since we were the first American unit in 1917 to enter Paris. The American contingent has Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. I am the guy with the sword in front of the other Americans. ___kai___” jnic2107@gmail.com
ALUMNI NEWS
WVU BETA LEADS BASTILLE DAY PARADE
KHAN DONATES $1 MILLION TO HURRICANE RELIEF Immigrant-turned-billionaire, NFL owner and passionate Beta alumnus Shad Khan, Illinois ’70, recently donated $1 million to the Florida First Coast Relief Fund to support those devastated in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Including 5,000 free tickets for first responders to enjoy the Jaguars’ home opener, Shad remarked, “Jacksonville has a heart bigger than any community I’ve been associated with in my life. [It] will recover and come back stronger than ever, but who couldn’t use a little help from our friends?” (See page 52 to learn more about the inspiring story of businessman and philanthropist Shad Khad, Beta’s 82nd Oxford Cup recipient.) ALUMNI NEWS 22 THE BETA THETA PI
PAWSITIVELY PURRR-FECT
BROTHERS’ KEEPER
While most hurricane relief efforts were focused on helping individuals in need, Scott Person, Centre ’93, and his wife were on the ground in Texas aiding the pets left most vulnerable postHarvey. Co-founder of The Cattery Cat Shelter, Scott’s team made news from Los Angeles to New York for their efforts to rescue cats in the area. Through their free transport, medical and boarding services, they traveled thousands of miles and helped save more than 200 animals. thecatterycc.org
Upon hearing the news that a few of their own had been severely impacted by the hurricanes, Texas Tech alumni Ryan Todd ’98, and Jared Hohertz ’05, sprang into action to ease their brothers’ circumstances. Focusing on relief for the wives and young families of Carey Watson ’06 (above), Tyler Rasmussen ’07, and Clayton Ellis ’08 – including six kids between them – they raised $13,500 within 24 hours and capped the fund out at $16,000 from 90 donors. Brotherhood in Beta Theta Pi really is for life. trtodd@gmail.com
VEGAS TRAUMA UNIT CHAIR LEADS SHOOTING CRISIS While the Las Vegas shooting – the largest in U.S. history – still grips the country, it’s worth noting that the University Medical Center that managed the overwhelming crisis was led by Chairman and Beta alumnus Dr. John Fildes, Union ’77. Featuring his recounting of the minutes and hours following the tragedy that left 58 victims dead and more than 500 injured, his emotional PBS interview picks up at the 4:15 mark: beta.org/vegasshooting.
“CANES AND KAI”
ALUMNI NEWS
UCLA BETA GIFTS $10 MILLION TO ROSE BOWL FIELD NAMED IN HIS HONOR
2ND FITTEST AMERICAN ON EARTH He may have come up a little short in his quest to win the Reebok CrossFit Games, but Beta brother Noah Ohlsen, Miami (Fla.) ’13, is determined as ever: “Finishing fifth in the world, as the second fittest American, is bittersweet. Therefore . . . I’ll be back.” n.ohlsen@umiami.edu
All-American swimmer and owner of Spieker Companies, Inc., a Palo Alto-based property management firm, Tod Spieker, UCLA ’71, recently made a $10 million gift for renovations and upgrades to the Rose Bowl stadium that was built in Pasadena in 1922. Similar to UCLA naming the new Spieker Aquatic Center in his and wife Catherine’s honor following their lead gift in 2008, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation will also dedicate the football field in their honor: “Spieker Field at the Rose Bowl.” A longtime university benefactor of both athletic and academic programs, Spieker has two biological Beta brothers: Ned Spieker, Berkeley ’66, and Tom Spieker, Berkeley ’75.
23
WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS!
Athletic dominance has long been a trademark of the Tau Chapter at Wabash College. That may be why it was no surprise at the chapter’s recent homecoming weekend in September that 11 Betas on the college’s football team took time to pose with alumni and Beta Sweethearts in attendance. As they like to say in Crawfordsville, Indiana, “Wabash Always Fights!”
INTERNSHIP OF A LIFETIME Head manager for the Hurricanes’ Men’s Basketball team, Travis Dunnette, Miami (Fla.) ’17, was recently named one of just 31 graduates admitted into the prestigious postgraduate NCAA internship program. travis.dunnette@gmail.com
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
THE SECRET IS OUT In addition to winning the Sports Trophy, the most significant recent achievement by Eta Beta Chapter at the University of Miami may have been the revealing on stage during graduation that brother Kavan Kirk ’17, is indeed The U’s mascot: Sebastian the Ibis. kavan.kirk11@gmail.com
MOUNTAIN MAN ALUMNI NEWS 24
“HOW’D YA LIKE TO BE A BETA WIFE?”
THE BETA THETA PI
On July 29, John Pontius, St. Lawrence ’10, married the love of his life, Angela Cho. As shared by John, there was a particularly “special moment on our wedding day with Beta Zeta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Each brother in attendance, including my Beta dad, John Pontius, St. Lawrence ’74, presented Angela with a blue and pink ‘Beta Rose,’ as well as a gift on behalf of the chapter organized by Sam Ramus ’10. It touched our hearts. Proud to be a Beta.” pontiusja@gmail.com
This summer, Naveed Tagari, Toronto ’17, trekked the Himalaya’s majestic Annapurna Range, which features some of the world’s highest peaks and deepest valleys. A major milestone through Nepal was crossing the Thorang La Pass at 17,769 feet. naveedtagari@gmail.com
THE THRILL OF THE IMPOSSIBLE
CANADIAN KAI This year’s 33rd anniversary Canadian canoe trip organized by Scott Falconer, Western Ontario ’82, didn’t disappoint. Set in Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario, it included (left to right), Steve Deller Western Ontario ’81; Paul Edwards, Carleton ’96; Falconer; Tony Miller, Toronto ’88 and Carlyle D’Souza, Western Ontario ’80. g.scott.falconer@gmail.com
If being part of the 1987 refounding of Beta at South Carolina following a 125-year absence wasn’t cool enough – or his son recently joining the very chapter he helped re-establish – Allan McLeland ’88, loves a good challenge. He swam the English Channel in 2008, and in May became just the seventh person in the world to have also climbed Mount Everest. allan.mcleland@gmail.com
HALL OF FAMER On Saturday, April 29, Dr. Steven B. Sample, Illinois ’62, was inducted posthumously into the university’s Fraternity & Sorority Alumni Hall of Fame. Sample earned three degrees in electrical engineering from Illinois, and his patents for digital appliance controls, particularly touch pads on microwave ovens, have been licensed to practically every major appliance manufacturer. Dr. Sample served as president of the State University of New York at Buffalo from 1982 to 1991 and president of the University of Southern California from 1991 to 2010.
AARON KOZUKI, Washington in St. Louis ’05, was recently named to MassTransit Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40.”
JORDAN MCGAUGHEY, Truman State ’07, has been bestowed with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for his high school impact.
ANDREW NAAB, Cincinnati ’15, has been appointed retail recruiter for Downtown Cincinnati, Inc.
WALKER OGDEN, Texas ’63, was honored by Houston’s nationally recognized Menninger Clinic in Houston.
JIM STRAWBRIDGE, Virginia Tech ’83, has been inducted into Virginia Tech’s prestigious Academy of Engineering Excellence.
JAMES THOMPSON, DePauw ’66, has received the 2017 Distinguished Service Award from the Federation of State Medical Boards.
MATT WOLFERT, Indiana ’89, has been named president of the Indiana High School Athletic Association Foundation.
Happy anniversary to the chapters below with milestone anniversaries in 2018, and congratulations to 1968 and 1993 Beta initiates who will celebrate their Fraternal 50s and Fraternal 25s in 2018!
CHAPTER
YEARS FOUNDING
Amherst 135 10/12/1883 Binghamton 25 4/17/1993 Brown 170 5/08/1848 Butler 140 3/28/1878 Centre 170 5/27/1848 Chicago 150 9/01/1868 Colorado Mines 110 9/17/1908 Colorado State 30 12/10/1988 Davidson 160 1/08/1858 Denison 150 12/23/1868 East Carolina 35 1/22/1983 Eastern Washington 25 10/30/1993 Emory 70 11/23/1948 Furman 20 4/04/1998 Hanover 165 5/19/1853 Kansas 145 1/08/1873 Middle Tenn. State 30 1/30/1988 MIT 105 9/27/1913 Nebraska 130 9/13/1888 Northeastern 5 4/13/2013 Northwestern 145 7/03/1873 Ohio Wesleyan 165 4/17/1853 Oklahoma State 95 1/06/1923 Oregon State 95 12/08/1923 Penn State 130 10/04/1888 Princeton 175 11/07/1843 Purdue 115 9/26/1903 Rhode Island 25 4/03/1993 Saint Louis 15 3/01/2003 South Carolina 160 1/31/1858 Stanford 125 10/14/1893 Tulane 110 11/27/1908 UNLV 20 4/18/1998 Utah 105 10/25/1913 Western Michigan 40 11/05/1978 Westminster 150 3/05/1868 Wisconsin 145 6/06/1873
MEMORABLE EVENT OR ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENT? Email specifics and high-resolution photos to beta@beta.org and it may be featured in an upcoming issue of The Beta Theta Pi!
25 WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
CHRIS GORMAN, Miami ’83, was recently named vice chairman of KeyCorp and will remain president of Key Bank.
MILESTONES
ALUMNI NEWS
MATTHEW GANN, Tennessee Tech ’06, has been named the College System of Tennessee’s assistant vice chancellor for marketing.
BETA
CAMPUS LIFE 32
CAMPUS LIFE BEST OF THE BEST
THE BETA THETA PI
This summer, the Fraternity celebrated the announcement that Beta would be the recipient of three prestigious NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference Awards of Distinction: A Chapter Award of Distinction to Centre, also winner of four-straight Knox Awards; a second Chapter Award of Distinction to Nebraska, holder of the all-Beta record of 14 Knox Awards; and one Advisor Award of Distinction to long-time Friend of Beta, Phi Gamma Delta member and Truman State Chapter Counselor Dr. Robert Tigner. How special are these awards? In total, only seven chapters and three advisors from all 66 NIC fraternities received these honors this year. A NEW PERSPECTIVE
OUT OF HAND
Beta has followed the story of Tom Babb, Kansas ’19, since a 2015 accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Babb has now founded Out of Hand Art, featuring works painted using only his mouth. The title of his latest creation? "Joy."
“From the moment I had heard about the existence of fraternities, I never wanted to join.” Those are the first words of a July opinion editorial authored by Cody Denton, Purdue ’18, in the campus newspaper, The Exponent. In the piece, Denton reflects on the tragedy at Penn State and explores his changed perspective on fraternities after ultimately connecting with the goals of the Men of Principle initiative and choosing to join the newly chartered Beta Mu Chapter. “My values aligned with theirs,” Denton said. “I wasn’t joining the organization to make friends, to find a girl, or to party. No, I was joining because I knew who I was and what the fraternity strived to be.”
BRINGING HOME THE LINCOLN
CAMPUS LIFE
Several brothers from the Knox Chapter were integral in the football program’s 28-21 victory over the Eureka College Red Devils in “The Lincoln Bowl,” a rivalry game played each year for possession of the Lincoln Trophy. A total of 10 Betas have earned a spot on the Prairie Fire football team, four of whom are pictured here: Tyler Paul ’19 (far left), Brady Raab ’18 (holding trophy), Mario Whitley ’19 (bottom left) and Griffin Gibson ’18 (far right).
ALL. THE. WAY.
ICEMAN Kevin Shum, MIT ’19, belongs to a number of exclusive clubs: a member (and chapter president) of Beta Theta Pi, a soon-to-be MIT-educated computer scientist and engineer, and a Team USA figure skater. This summer, Shum added another to that list by becoming one of the rare few to ever win a U.S. Figure Skating Collegiate Championship!
RIGHTFUL KING
As a Beta Mu Refounding Father, “All-American” Marching Band drum major and campus resident assistant, Bobby Steele, Purdue ’18, has been considered campus royalty for quite some time. It was only when he was named Homecoming King, however, that he finally received the crown he so rightfully deserved.
ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
The Guinness World Records database is packed with more than 40,000 zany stunts and impressive feats, including one recently performed by the Beta Delta Chapter at Cornell. Following strict guidelines set forth by the Guinness organization, a team of men jumped in an inflatable bouncy castle for 50 hours straight – beating the previous record by six hours! The event, “Betas Bounce Against Sexual Violence,” was about more than the record; the chapter raised more than $5,000 to combat sexual abuse and violence.
33 WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
It was Dalton Schoen, Kansas State ’19, who stole the show in the Wildcats’ season opener against Central Arkansas. Schoen grabbed his first-ever college reception just before halftime, but that wasn’t enough. He then proceeded to run that same catch down the field for his first-ever college touchdown. Schoen’s performance was the cherry on top of an already impressive performance for the Cats, who won the game 55-19.
THE FEED: #BETATHETAPI Each issue, The Beta Theta Pi features some of the most stunning images as captured by brothers and friends. Want to see your Beta images highlighted here? Tag them on Instagram using #betathetapi.
@cfehren Chris Ehren, High Point ’18 CAMPUS LIFE
BREAKING GROUND Come fall 2018, Betas at the University of Kentucky will call 440 Pennsylvania Avenue in Lexington home. Chapter leaders and volunteers broke ground on the chapter’s new house on October 7 after more than five years of hard work. Located in the heart of campus thanks to a longterm ground lease with the university, the UK Beta house is 22,000 square feet and expected to come in at $4.48 million. It will sleep 40 brothers, sponsor a full meal plan and host a traditional house mother.
34 THE BETA THETA PI
@_chrischilds Chris Childs, Wichita State ’18
THREE STAR HOME
@bpow24 Chayden Bohm, Minnesota ’18
The Fraternity first reported on the construction of a new chapter house for Ohio State in the spring 2017 issue of The Beta Theta Pi. This fall, the men of Theta Delta returned to school to see this 3-story, 50-bed, Georgian-style Beta home in all her glory. Check back for the spring issue of The Beta Theta Pi, where the Fraternity will take a closer look at this breathtaking facility.
OPENING OF THE DOOR FALL RE/COLONIZATIONS nn RE/FOUNDING FATHERS
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA ALPHA PSI COLONY 47
3.38
10
N/A
nn # OF ADVISORS
nn # OF HOUSE CORP VOLUNTEERS
With 47 true and worthy members, Alpha Psi is up-and-running at Butler! In the heart of Indianapolis, the colony has found immense support from local alumni and Friends of Beta, and is developing a strong cultural identity. After a successful semester of firsts, the men are have identified more than 50 potential new members for spring recruitment. Finally, the Refounding Fathers initiated in Oxford in November, and five Refounding Fathers will be returning there in January to attend Winter Wooden!
HOUSTON
SACRED HEART
NEWARK, DELAWARE NEW COLONY
HOUSTON, TEXAS DELTA UPSILON COLONY
FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT NEW COLONY
A brand new colony for the Fraternity, Delaware is hard at work creating a strong brotherhood through member education, brotherhood events and the cultivation of positive relationships with other campus organizations. This term, they have built camaraderie by working together in an escape room puzzle maze, held a date function and even supported the Hens Harvest campus food drive.
After setbacks due to Hurricane Harvey, the colony is now home to a strong group of undergraduates, alumni and friends. The men have held a brotherhood retreat, built relationships with advisors and volunteers, and created a list of community organizations to support through philanthropy. Delta Upsilon’s Refounding Fathers are diverse and engaged, which will help cultivate a staunch brotherhood.
The Sacred Heart colony is home to 42 quality men excited to learn about their heritage as Founding Fathers and how to developing men of principle at the university. Brothers recently invited potential new members on a brotherhood hike, are regularly attending IFC meetings, have elected executive officers and even approved their colony constitution and bylaws.
3.46
8
N/A
23
3.4
11
3
42
3.46
11
35 WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
DELAWARE
35
OPENING OF THE DOOR
BUTLER
nn GPA
N/A
CHAPTER REPORTS
BAYLOR
ΔΨ | Waco, Texas | Est. 1980 Mehir Srinivasan ’19 Mehir_Srinivasan@baylor.edu
From GPAs and recruitment stats to intramural wins and service events, all 138 chapter and colony presidents weigh in with Beta highlights from the fall term. ALABAMA
ΔΘ | Tuscaloosa, Ala. | Est. 1965 Thomas Wiygul ’18 tjwiygul@crimson.ua.edu
CHAPTER REPORTS
The Delta Theta Chapter is set to initiate 49 new members this semester, which will bring our chapter to 149 strong. We have overhauled our new member education program to include diversity and inclusion programs, more comprehensive risk management and Title IX training, as well as a new initiative called "Believe UA Resiliency," which focuses on mental and emotional health.
ARIZONA STATE
ΔT | Tempe, Ariz. | Est. 1977 Read more about the new colony in the next issue's "Opening of the Door."
After nearly 20 years, Beta returned to Arizona State this fall with the recolonization of Delta Tau. After meeting hundreds of men on campus, a strong and diverse class of 35 Refounding Fathers was hand-selected to lead the recolonization process. The colony is supported by an expansive network of alumni and Friends of Beta, including a 10-person advisory team and four-person house corporation.
This semester, our chapter built a float for the annual Baylor homecoming parade. The theme of this year's float was "Bruiser's Kingdom," which featured a life-size dragon and other Baylor and Beta symbols. The float commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Taurus Society. We've had a great semester and are looking forward to another successful year.
BETHANY
Ψ | Bethany, W. Va. | Est. 1860 Evan Byrne ’19 EByrne@bethanywv.edu
This year has consisted of building our alumni engagement even further, restructuring our finances, recruiting quality men and having multiple improvements to our house. Other highlights include holding the 40th anniversary for the class of 1977, raising more than $800 through philanthropic work and serving our philanthropy, the Augusta Levy Learning Center.
36 AMERICAN
THE BETA THETA PI
HΠ | Washington, D.C. | Est. 2017 Charlie Veraza ’19 cv4257a@student.american.edu
This semester, we have taken a long-term approach for our goals and objectives. The two priorities include solidifying and codifying the role and responsibilities of the diversity and inclusion chair. The second priority is having a comprehensive constitution and bylaws review. Both goals are well along their progress and we are all excited for the future of Eta Pi!
ARIZONA
ΔΒ | Tucson, Ariz. | Est. 1959 Zach Johnson ’19 zjohnson18@email.arizona.edu
The Delta Beta Chapter has been hitting on all cylinders with 121 active members and a new 28-man pledge class that is excited to be future men of principle. Our chapter GPA sits at a 3.0, and as a chapter we raised more than $3,000 to help with Houston hurricane relief efforts. We are currently working on our lawn to improve security for the members who live in and utilize the property.
ARKANSAS
HM | Fayetteville, Ark. | Est. 2016 Zachary Spero ’19 zvspero@email.uark.edu
Eta Mu started fall 2017 by taking home three awards at the 178th General Convention, including awards for chapter publications, undergraduate giving and most improved chapter. We extended 50 bids during fall recruitment to men with outstanding character. We look forward to several programs this fall, including a women's self-defense program.
AUBURN
ΔΖ | Auburn, Ala. | Est. 1964 Paul Berthon ’20 pdb0013@auburn.edu
The Delta Zeta Chapter has just recently gotten off a year of social probation and has enjoyed a prosperous start to the new school year. The chapter received the highest GPA in recent history and also looks forward to continue contributing to on and off campus organizations. We have also just recently enjoyed welcoming in 24 new members and look to add more in the spring rush cycle.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
ΓΟ | Vancouver, B.C. | Est. 1936 Levi de la Giroday ’18 levigiroday@gmail.com
Gamma Omicron had a successful recruitment period this year and continues to improve on its privately-owned chapter house. Gamma Omicron has also recently received very helpful influence from its numerous, esteemed and well-established alumni who are helping to advance the chapter in terms of academics, leadership and brotherhood.
BUTLER
AΨ | Indianapolis, Ind. | Est. 1878 Zach Lepperd, zach.lepperd@beta.org Colony Development Coordinator
Read more about the new colony in "Opening of the Door" on page 35, and contact Colony Development Coordinator Zach Lepperd to learn more about the current recolonization efforts or to get more involved.
CAL POLY
ΕΔ | San Luis Obispo, Calif. | Est. 1986 Oleg Frandle ’18 cfrandle@calpoly.edu
The Epsilon Delta Chapter continues to grow with a chapter size of 83, following two successful new member classes! In addition, the brothers held a successful 31st annual alumni weekend this fall and are working toward acquiring letters on our main house. On Veterans Day, we hosted our third-annual "Beta Bow Tie" philanthropy, a fine Italian evening served by our brothers in classy pink bow ties.
CARLETON
ΕΥ | Ottawa, Ont. | Est. 1991 Keaton Cribbey ’18 kcribbey.bcss@gmail.com
ΕΓ | Mount Pleasant, Mich. | Est. 1985 Thomas Wagner ’18 wagne1tf@cmich.edu
The chapter house we live in was built in 1918, so we're excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary the next calendar year. We are currently the largest we've ever been with 87 total members (73 actives and 14 pledges). We also had the highest GPA among all fraternities, ending spring 2017 with a 3.08.
CENTRE
Ε | Danville, Ky. | Est. 1848 Michael Greathouse ’18 mgreat123@gmail.com
Our brothers were excited to once again report the highest GPA on campus last academic year. When we aren’t hitting the books, brothers can be found raising more than $3,000 for our local childhood development center or volunteering our time at a local wildlife refuge. We recently completed a brotherhood retreat, and are looking forward to welcoming a new pledge class in February.
CINCINNATI
ΒΝ | Cincinnati, Ohio | Est. 1840 Dean Hayes ’18 hayesdp@mail.uc.edu
The Beta Nu Chapter had another successful recruitment season. The chapter was highly selective and brought in 25 new members who represent the best the University of Cincinnati has to offer. We also successfully completed our second annual Clifton Cup philanthropic soccer tournament that partnered with professional soccer team FC Cincinnati.
CLEMSON
ΔΝ | Clemson, S.C. | Est. 1970 Jordan Byrne ’18 jabyrne@clemson.edu
The state of Delta Nu is strong. This semester, we recruited a 26-man pledge class, brought two new advisors on board, maintained the second-highest GPA in the IFC, raised more than $10,000 for the B+ Foundation through "Beta Lei," participated in two community service projects and finished second in the university's homecoming float competition. We look forward to the future and what's in store.
CHAPTER REPORTS
The men of the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter are excited for the future after pinning 11 new pledges this semester and celebrating 26 years at Carleton University. Additionally, we are honoured to host the annual “Hot Chocolate For Heroes” fundraiser to support wounded Canadian military veterans and their families. The future is bright for EY!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN
37 CASE WESTERN RESERVE
A smaller spring 2017 pledge class made us look deep into our recruitment process, and we're proud to have doubled our numbers this fall by inducting eight new members to our band. After many changes in both our advisory team and our executive committee, our chapter is proud that we continue to develop stronger men of principle each and every day.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
ΖΨ | Orlando, Fla. | Est. 2004 Justin Fucci ’18 justinfucci@knights.ucf.edu
During fall 2017, our chapter has grown exponentially through a great season of recruiting. We have inducted 23 bright minds into pledgeship and can see an exciting future for all of them in the chapter. This recruitment season has been our largest since our fall 2014 class. We look forward to the continued growth of our chapter.
HΘ | Orange, Calif. | Est. 2015 Wyatt Giampa ’18 giamp101@mail.chapman.edu
After a great recruitment season, we're flying through school and having a blast with our brothers. Hopefully this fall can be the semester we push our GPA to the top spot on campus! Eta Theta is excited for the new initiates, and we're pumped for year two of our philanthropy event, “Beta Theta Paws,” in the spring!
COLGATE
BΘ | Hamilton, N.Y. | Est. 1880 Matthew Cutcliffe ’18 mcutcliffe@colgate.edu
It has been a great year for the Beta Theta Chapter! In the spring 2017 semester, we recorded our highest GPA on recent record: 3.36. This fall, we have initiated 17 new Betas with a 100 percent pledge retention rate. Each and every one of them is an outstanding young man of principle and I personally am excited to see where they take this chapter in the years to come.
PUMPING IRON Refounding Father Ben Poore, Butler ’20, spent his fall break in the gym. Performing the squat, bench press and deadlift, the 19-year-old, 180-pound sophomore lifted a total of 1,484 pounds in the USA Powerlifting National Championships – enough to place first in his division.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
ΛΚ-Β | Cleveland, Ohio | Est. 1979 Abhenav Murthy ’19 axm919@case.edu
CHAPMAN
DELAWARE
THE NEW ETA OMICRON
Colony | Newark, Del. Jordan Lemoine, jordan.lemoine@beta.org Colony Development Coordinator
Held in the company of more than 30 Betas and presided over by Fraternity Vice President Justin Foster, West Chester ’11, a May 27 Installation Banquet marked the end of the Drexel Colony and the beginning of the Eta Omicron Chapter.
COLORADO MINES
ΒΦ | Golden, Colo. | Est. 1908 Aditya Malkan ’18 amalkan@mymail.mines.edu
CHAPTER REPORTS
The Beta Phi Chapter is thriving! We kicked off the semester with a strong fall recruitment, drawing in 37 new pledges. In addition, the chapter held its most successful alumni event in 10 years with more than 40 alumni coming back for a barbeque. Furthermore, the chapter continues to support our new suicide prevention philanthropy, raising more than $800 so far.
Read more about the new colony in "Opening of the Door" on page 35, and contact Colony Development Coordinator Jordan Lemoine to learn more about the current colonization efforts or to get more involved.
CORNELL
ΒΔ | Ithaca, N.Y. | Est. 1879 George Ayob ’18 gka22@cornell.edu
In early September, a team of eight brothers from our chapter broke the Guinness World Record for longest marathon in a bouncy castle by bouncing for 50 hours, shattering the previous record of 43 hours. We recently celebrated our Castle's centennial. The Castle on the Rock was filled with generations of brothers who were happy to be back.
DENISON
AH | Granville, Ohio | Est. 1868 Sam Demaree ’18 demare_s1@denison.edu
The Alpha Eta Chapter of Denison University will be holding its 150th anniversary this spring. Betas from across the country and different generations will come back to Denison to meet and reunite with their fellow brothers. Secondly, we are also hosting Beta Bash this fall to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
38 COLUMBIA THE BETA THETA PI
ΑΑ | New York, N.Y. | Est. 1881 Justin Borczuk ’18 jnb2135@columbia.edu
This semester, we had the pleasure of sharing a successful homecoming with our wonderful alumni. Our brotherhood is as close as ever after enjoying a brotherhood retreat in November.
CONNECTICUT
ΖΧ | Storrs, Conn. | Est. 2004 Patrick Coley ’18 patrick.coley@uconn.edu
The Zeta Chi Chapter is proud to announce that we produced the highest GPA of all IFC chapters last semester. We also welcomed 20 new pledges this fall. We camped out on campus to raise money for the USO on November 9, and held our second annual initiation in mid-November at the University of Maine.
CREIGHTON
HI | Omaha, Neb. | Est. 2015 Christian Hannah ’19 cmhannah34@gmail.com
Our chapter has continued to make strides within the community and is making our presence known. Our 0.1k philanthropy event brought the Creighton community together in an effort to raise awareness for colorectal cancer. We also have continued to thrive in academics, with a chapter GPA of 3.55.
DAYTON
HΔ | Dayton, Ohio | Est. 2009 Spencer Weller ’18 wellers2@udayton.edu
Eta Delta had another successful recruiting season, inducting seven new pledges. The chapter held its second annual Mom's Weekend. The chapter revamped its service efforts this semester, sponsoring a blood drive and volunteering in Dayton. The chapter has also started a speaker series with special guests like the chief of police, to talk about various topics and personal development.
DENVER
AZ | Denver, Colo. | Est. 1889 Thomas Enck ’18 president.alphazeta.btp@gmail.com
The Betas in the Mile High City continue to excel! We're excited to bring 35 pledges into the fold, and look forward to helping them through the process of becoming Beta brothers! Seventeen of our members are currently studying abroad, everywhere from Argentina to Australia. Most importantly, we are proud that our chapter has continued to put brotherhood first – forever seeking the height!
DEPAUW
Δ | Greencastle, Ind. | Est. 1845 Mike Littau ’18 michaellittau_’18@depauw.edu
The Delta Chapter continues its history of excellence. We remain one of the largest chapters on campus and rank #1 overall in GPA after falling to #2 last semester, after eight consecutive semesters on top. This summer, we renovated our kitchen and added an outdoor basketball half-court. We also launched an official Instagram – follow @beta_depauw if you'd like to keep up-to-date with our chapter!
DREXEL
HO | Philadelphia, Pa. | Est. 2017 Jake McNamara ’20 president.beta.drexel@gmail.com
Eta Omicron worked hard recruiting our new class and distributed a record number of bids. After graduating 16 Founding Fathers, the remaining underclassmen managed to boost our GPA into the top three at Drexel once again over our summer term. Finally, our annual brotherhood retreat, Camp Kai, just came to a close this past month in the Pocono Mountains.
EAST CAROLINA
ΕΑ | Greenville, N.C. | Est. 1983 John Winstead ’18 winsteadj13@students.ecu.edu
ΕΩ | Cheney, Wash. | Est. 1993 Hunter Lovely ’19 Hunterlovely@eagles.ewu.edu
Epsilon Omega is proud to announce that our $10,000 Leadership Endowment for Brother Richard Phenneger was fully funded this fall. Brother Phenneger was instrumental in the installation of Epsilon Omega. A Washington Beta, Brother Phenneger's influence shaped the lives of many young men and this endowment will live on forever to send Betas to leadership programs that he cared for so much.
ELON
Colony | Elon, N.C. Dan Ford ’18 dford9@elon.edu
The Elon Colony finished the 2017 spring semester strong, coming in at #1 for academics among IFC fraternities with a 3.38 cumulative GPA. We sent 10 brothers to the 178th General Convention in Salt Lake City, and we look forward to sending even more to Norfolk, Virginia, for the 179th! The Elon Colony also picked up 10 outstanding new sophomores this fall, bringing our chapter size to 74 total members.
FLORIDA
ΓΞ | Gainesville, Fla. | Est. 1930 Sean Murtha ’19 smurtha@ufl.edu
The chapter initiated a 37-man spring class and a 52-man fall class, bringing membership up to 158! We are currently represented across various leadership organizations on campus, including the Interfraternity Council and Florida Blue Key. The chapter is on pace to win a president's cup for athletics, and is gearing up for its annual philanthropy, "Beta Bring it On," benefiting the Alzheimer's Association of America.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL ΗΓ | Miami, Fla. | Est. 2010 Alexander Castillo ’18 acast394@fiu.edu
With our current fall pledge class, Eta Gamma has more than 100 chapter members. We also raised more than $6,000 this semester for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We were excited to host our annual alumni dinner in November, and are looking forward to our brotherhood retreat/leadership program in the spring semester.
CHAPTER REPORTS
This fall semester, we have taken a great new member class of 15 young men who are all exceeding expectations. We recently held our annual alumni event, which was a huge success. Our chapter members had the opportunity to meet some of the original Betas from the first pledge class of our chapter.
EASTERN WASHINGTON
39 EASTERN KENTUCKY
Brother Yoshua Reed capped off his track season by claiming the gold medal and setting the new Ohio Valley Conference track and field record in the decathlon. Being a student athlete already comes with extra obligations, so being able to balance life on the track and being a man of principle is impressive in itself. Delta Xi couldn't be more proud of Yoshua.
ΓΥ | Atlanta, Ga. | Est. 1948 Oliver Hart ’20 oliver.hart@emory.edu
This semester has seen the Gamma Upsilon Chapter become more independent, with brotherhood and recruitment being major goals so far. We have gained six pledges, and have become much stronger in terms of our organization and camaraderie between brothers. We are excited to continue to grow and become a leader in Greek life at Emory.
WINNERS SIX TIMES OVER Zeta Lambda at Furman has become a force to be reckoned with during the school's annual homecoming competition — and 2017 was no exception. With their sorority partners, Kappa Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma, the men brought home the trophy for the sixth time since 2008.
FLORIDA STATE
ΔΛ | Tallahassee, Fla. | Est. 1969 Grayson Levitt ’18 gsl13b@my.fsu.edu
The Delta Lambda Colony is continuing to do great things at Florida State as we prepare to charter in Norfolk, Virginia, next summer. We just initiated a 21-man pledge class to bring our total numbers to more than 100 guys, and despite recent troubles at Florida State, Beta Theta Pi continues to be a model for other Greek organizations on campus.
FURMAN
ΖΛ | Greenville, S. C. | Est. 1998 William Stewart ’16 william.stewart@furman.edu
After a long week of float construction, skit rehearsal and banner drawing, Zeta Lambda is proud to report that the Furman chapter was awarded the Spirit Cup for winning homecoming! This makes us the chapter with the most homecoming victories at Furman. Thank you to all alumni who came to visit.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
ΔΞ | Richmond, Ky. | Est. 1971 Dakota Lakes ’18 dakota_lakes6@mymail.eku.edu
EMORY
GEORGE MASON
EM | Fairfax, Va. | Est. 1989 Elvis Montoya ’19 emontoy3@gmu.edu
In the fall semester, we recruited 13 new members to add to our colony of 42 brothers. We are also working toward pulling off our first philanthropy event as a colony and are hopeful that it will be very successful! We are also working hard to make sure we get the highest GPA on campus of all Greek organizations.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
ΖΝ | Washington, D.C. | Est. 1997 Ali Akbar ’19 amakbar19@gwu.edu
CHAPTER REPORTS
Zeta Nu celebrated its 20th anniversary since chartering with our biggest alumni weekend yet. Our chapter showcased its brand new townhouse, which houses 24 brothers. Senator Richard Lugar, Denison ’54, was featured as our keynote speaker for our banquet at the National Press Club. The following day, our brothers and alumni participated in a golf tournament at Potomac Park.
HIGH POINT
HΞ | High Point, N.C. | Est. 2017 Drew McInturff ’18 mcinta14@highpoint.edu
The Eta Xi Chapter completed fall recruitment for freshman for the first time and gave out bids to 17 young men. Beta Theta Pi remained the only fraternity at High Point to not be sanctioned by the school or their fraternity headquarters for the semester. Beta had the highest GPA for fraternities at a 3.23.
HOUSTON
ΔU | Houston, Texas | Est. 1977 Bryant Fiesta, bryant.fiesta@beta.org Colony Development Coordinator
Read more about the new colony in "Opening of the Door" on page 35, and contact Colony Development Coordinator Bryant Fiesta to learn more about the current recolonization efforts or to get more involved.
ILLINOIS
ΣΡ | Champaign, Ill. | Est. 1902
Chapter operations at Illinois have been suspended until fall 2018 due to concerns about risk management and safety in its pledge program. A group of students are committed to a values-based future for the chapter, and advisors and General Fraternity Officers will be collaborating with them and university officials through the spring to prepare for a strong return.
INDIANA
Π | Bloomington, Ind. | Est. 1845 Nick Isaacs ’19 naisaacs22@gmail.com
The Pi Chapter continues to build upon the great legacy its founders laid back in 1845. We recently invited 32 freshmen to join our ranks, increasing our chapter size to 171. Our chapter GPA is 3.29, placing us third among 28 fraternities. This past semester, we raised $21,500 as well as $60,000 for our St. Baldrick's and broomball philanthropies, respectively, with both sums being raised in just one day each!
40 GEORGIA THE BETA THETA PI
ΕΕ | Athens, Ga. | Est. 1987 Matt Karcher ’18 mjk29940@uga.edu
One of the biggest initiatives for Epsilon Epsilon has been to increase alumni engagement after being on campus at UGA for more than 30 years. With the help of our new chapter counselor and EE alumnus, Greg Lewallen '91, the chapter hosted a large and hugely successful alumni tailgate for the Georgia-Missouri game in October with all brothers and more than 70 alumni in attendance. Go Dawgs!
GEORGIA TECH
ΓΗ | Atlanta, Ga. | Est. 1917 Jack Gorman ’19 jack.gorman@gtbeta.org
The Gamma Eta Chapter is in the midst of celebrating its 100th year on campus. We celebrated this achievement at a dinner event the night before the Georgia Tech homecoming game with alumni of all generations. Also during this semester, the Gamma Eta Chapter adopted a part of the Atlanta Beltline as its philanthropy project, which the chapter helps restore and maintain.
IDAHO
ΓΓ | Moscow, Idaho | Est. 1914 Charles Dolar ’18 dola2836@vandals.uidaho.edu
In fall 2017, Gamma Gamma welcomed a new pledge class of 25 men. We also welcomed to campus John Reineke, Beta's director of the Cornerstone Housing Program, and Michael Schultz, our new leadership consultant. It was an honor to accept the Knox, the Sisson and the John Holt Duncan Awards at Convention. After recently electing the next leaders, we're excited to see what the year has in store for us!
GAMMA ETA AT 100 In 1917, the Gamma Eta Chapter was founded at Georgia Tech. One hundred years later, more than 2,000 Betas call the chapter home. A lot has changed in that time, but as a group of young brothers showed at the chapter's centennial celebration, some traditions are timeless ... Beta is still the Singing Fraternity!
IOWA
ΑΒ | Iowa City, Iowa | Est. 1866 Jonathan Smith ’18 jsmith.soccer.16@gmail.com
Alpha Beta had a great fall semester, recruiting 19 quality men with plans to initiate 17 of them in the spring. The chapter enjoyed another successful “Dan Holmstrom Memorial Tailgate” hosted by Alpha Beta alumni, and we hosted our first-ever RVAP philanthropy to support rape victims. The chapter is proud to announce that Brother Pierce-Vazquez ’19, was elected IFC President for the 2018 term.
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y
KENYON
ΒΑ | Gambier, Ohio | Est. 1879 Lewis Smoot III ’18 smootl@kenyon.edu
It's been a banner year for Beta Theta Pi on the intramual fields, including an impressive win by Idaho in the competitive soccer league. Team USA may have lost their spot in the 2018 World Cup, but the Fraternity has some prospects that could better ----=their chances for 2022.
IOWA STATE
ΤΣ | Ames, Iowa | Est. 1905 Carter Mehls ’18 cpmehls@iastate.edu
KANSAS
ΑΝ | Lawrence, Kan. | Est. 1873 Kevin Stump ’19 kevin.stump@ku.edu
Alpha Nu started the year off very well. We welcomed a pledge class of 25 men this fall. In spring 2017, we achieved a house GPA of 3.49, which is the highest among all fraternities at KU. The second annual TomStrong 5K raised more than $30,000 for disabled students at the university. We are excited for another great year of involvement on the Hill, and another successful recruitment period!
KETTERING A
ΔΗ | Flint, Mich. | Est. 1964 Trevor Montour ’19 mont0309@kettering.edu
Our chapter's GPA continues to be higher than all of the other Greek chapters on campus. Our recruitment is continuing to improve as well, and we are gaining more new brothers than ever before. We have been making efforts to tackle some of the more challenging problems in our chapter so that we can all prosper as a brotherhood.
CHAPTER REPORTS
With 25 new members, our chapter size is currently more than 80 men. We achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.19, among the top chapters. We have members in many campus organizations, including Homecoming Central Committee, Fraternal Values Society and Emerging Greek Leadership Council. Lastly, we donated $4,280 to Special Olympics Iowa from our annual "Sunrise with Special Olympics" philanthropy.
The brothers of the Beta Alpha Chapter are happy to report our annual philanthropy event was a resounding success, raising money for a local high school we partner with. Our fellow brothers are experiencing a great fall semester, as football season is in full swing, and more than 25 of our members suit up for the Lords every Saturday.
41 JOHN CARROLL
Eta Epsilon continues to excel academically and maintain a strong campus presence. After a successful recruitment season, our efforts have been focused on our "Dream Days" philanthropy. In October, we hosted a dunk tank fundraiser for "Dream Days" with participation from prominent faculty and campus organizations. We're looking forward to becoming more service-oriented next semester.
JOHNS HOPKINS
ΑΧ | Baltimore, Md. | Est. 1877 Vishaan Nursey ’18 vnicks07@gmail.com
Our chapter is currently thriving! Some of the highlights of the semester included an awesome young alumni weekend where we served our signature recipe pulled pork sandwiches, an unforgettable brotherhood retreat and our first-ever, campus-wide clothing drive. We currently stand at 50 active members who are involved in all facets of campus life.
ΓΕ | Manhattan, Kan. | Est. 1914 Jack Copher ’19 jcopher@ksu.edu
Gamma Epsilon started off the year strong. We are pledging 27 young men, bringing our total to 93 active members. As tradition has it, we continued our haunted house philanthropy "Beta Boo" this fall, which has brought about continued success within our community. Gamma Epsilon is also seeing strengthened success in its alumni outreach initiative with the second annual alumni homecoming event.
KENTUCKY
EO | Lexington, Ky. | Est. 1990 Riley Grant ’19 andrewrileygrant@yahoo.com
It has been an exciting semester for Epsilon Omicron! With a 29-man pledge class, we are the largest chapter on campus with exactly 150 members. The most exciting event this fall was our house groundbreaking ceremony on October 7, followed by an alumni and parent homecoming tailgate. We held our seventh annual “Bring It On” philanthropy event in Memorial Coliseum. More than 2,000 tickets were sold and over $20,000 raised!
KETTERING B
ΔΗ | Flint, Mich. | Est. 1964 Christian McAllister ’19 mcal0973@kettering.edu
This term, we have worked to continue improving our image on campus and in the Greek community, along with encouraging alumni to come to select undergraduate events. We have been very excited with how our recruitment events have gone this semester, having one of our biggest kickoffs in recent memory. We also hosted our bi-annual philanthropy at Adopt-APet, the original Beta house on campus.
KNOX
Ξ | Galesburg, Ill. | Est. 1855 Malik Hamilton ’19 mahamilton@knox.edu
The Xi Chapter is proud to be wrapping up the capital campaign to renovate our historic chapter house. We are making great strides in leading the Knox College campus in philanthropy, academics and athletics. We are one of the most influential faces on campus and lead by example. We have teamed up with UNICEF to spread awareness and donate for a great cause.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
ΗΕ | University Heights, Ohio | Est. 2010 Matthew Bocketti ’19 mbocketti19@jcu.edu
KANSAS STATE
PRESIDENTIAL VISIT General Fraternity President Bob Schnese, Wisconsin ’83, received a warm welcome and a hot meal from brothers at Beta Beta on a recent visit. With more than 215 members, Mississippi is continuing its growth as the second-largest chapter across Beta's Broad Domain.
LAWRENCE
ΓΠ | Appleton, Wis. | Est. 1936 Elias Hubbard ’19 ebhubba@gmail.com
CHAPTER REPORTS
Gamma Pi is planning its annual retreat to Björklunden, and our men have been hard at work volunteering in two local community gardens. Our chapter room is in the process of being renovated into our new brotherhood room, a place for brothers to connect and relax. Improved alumni relations has been a big goal for us, so we've reintroduced our alumni newsletter.
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
ΗΑ | Los Angeles, Calif. | Est. 2007 Charles Lawver ’19 charlie.lawver@gmail.com
Eta Alpha has emerged from an impressive and rewarding spring semester as a leading presence on campus. Our members received the second-highest GPA for spring 2017 among all fraternities on campus with a 3.38, and the second-highest cumulative GPA of all fraternities with a 3.36. We also had the largest spring pledge class of all fraternities with 25 new members.
MARYLAND
ΔΩ | College Park, Md. | Est. 1982 Yonathan Daniel ’18 ydaniel@umd.edu
We hosted our third annual "Homeruns for Lowell" philanthropy event in honor of our late brother, Lowell Ensel ’17, who tragically passed away in 2015 due to undiagnosed testicular cancer. Additionally, our chapter was selected to be a participant in UMD's "Green Chapter" pilot leadership program, which aims to improve sustainability efforts within Greek life.
MIAMI
A | Oxford, Ohio | Est. 1839 Chad Lance ’18 lancecg@miamioh.edu
The semester started by inducting eight men through the informal recruitment process, and we continue to recruit throughout the fall with plans to bring on 25-30 new members in the spring. The advising team has worked hard to train three new advisors, bringing our total to eight! This fall brought many firsts for the colony, including Dad’s Weekend, “Beta Burgers and Alpha Sigma Fries,” and Greek Week.
42 LOUISVILLE THE BETA THETA PI
ΔΠ | Louisville, Ky. | Est. 1971 Kyle Bilyeu ’19 kyle.bilyeu@louisville.edu
After a successful fall recruitment, our chapter grew to more than 100 members for the first time in its history. Alongside this, we are looking forward to a successful end to the fall semester with a number of planned alumni events and strong efforts to continually increase our presence on campus and further our success in the areas of academics, involvement and overall engagement.
LOYOLA CHICAGO Colony | Chicago, Ill. Adam Roberts ’18 aroberts9@luc.edu
We're excited to welcome six men as our fall pledge class here at Loyola Chicago. Our colony is growing and making a positive name for itself here in the heart of Chicago. This year we introduced a new fall philanthropy event, "Nightmare on Loyola Ave.” Brothers transformed a building on campus into a haunted house and raised money through admission donations for our philanthropy, Misericordia.
LSU
Colony | Baton Rouge, La. Zachary Berryman ’20 zberry2@lsu.edu
This semester, our colony has been making bounds on building our brotherhood to truly develop men of principle. This semester faced many challenges for Greek life at LSU, but our brothers have used this time to reflect on what joining a fraternity really means; what our Founding Fathers intended for all of us. Proud to be a Beta, hope to be a better one.
MAINE
BH | Orono, Maine | Est. 1879 Caleb Berry ’17 caleb.a.berry@maine.edu
Beta Eta is happy to boast an 18-man fall pledge class this semester, our largest in six years! This will bring active membership to about 60 men. We are also diligently working on several house projects – within the last two years we have replaced all windows, installed a new roof, repaired the basement staircase, remodeled the first-floor bathroom and incorporated a new vinyl living room floor.
MIAMI (Fla.)
HB | Coral Gables, Fla. | Est. 2009 Neal Guaglianone '17 nealguag@gmail.com
We began this semester with a three-week hiatus due to Hurricane Irma. We bounced back strong and finished the semester with nine new brothers and a Movember campaign in which we grew mustaches and raised money for men's health. The Eta Beta Chapter also won its second consecutive intramural flag football championship this fall.
MICHIGAN
Λ | Ann Arbor, Mich. | Est. 1845 Sebastian Capp ’19 sebcapp@umich.edu
The Lambda Chapter has become a thriving fraternity on campus and a home for its members. The house is full of brothers enjoying their college years while inspiring respect and responsibility. The hard work of the alumni, brothers and General Fraternity has paid off. With more than 15 pledges, increased involvement on campus, and new philanthropic and social events, Lambda serves as an example for other fraternities to strive toward.
MICHIGAN STATE
ΓΨ | East Lansing, Mich. | Est. 1950 Daniel Moltz ’18 moltzdan@msu.edu
With 18 new pledges added to our brotherhood, our membership numbers continue to exceed the campus average. We also maintain one of the highest GPAs on campus. Additionally, we raised more than $5,000 for veterans with PTSD and put the money toward helping them find animal companions. We look forward to another great year!
MINNESOTA
ΒΠ | Minneapolis, Minn. | Est. 1889 Evan Jobin ’18 Betapi1880@gmail.com
ZΦ | Columbia, Mo. | Est. 1890 Jack Schimpf ’18 jack.schimpf@missouribeta.com
Our chapter is off to another great fall semester! We finished the spring well above the all-Greek and all-university average. We are sitting strong at first place in the intramurals standing once again. A 40-man pledge class comprised of men from all over the midwest was signed this summer and is off to a great start to their college careers!
MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY
ΕΛ | Kansas City, Mo. | Est. 1989 Grant Oehler ’18 go972@mail.umkc.edu
We continue to be the largest and best fraternity on campus. This fall, we welcomed our Alpha Xi pledge class of 28 young men. Last semester, we kept the tradition alive of having the highest GPA for all Greek organizations, also beating the campus average. We are looking forward to another great semester.
NC STATE
HP | Raleigh, N.C. | Est. 2017 Jason McCormick ’19 jdmccorm@ncsu.edu
We have continued our great academic record, regaining the highest Greek GPA on campus. In May, we graduated a large portion of our Founding Fathers, many of whom watched us grow from a colony to a chapter. They are now in law school, graduate programs and positions with industry-leading engineering firms. We are delighted for our largest pledge class yet, who are ready to strengthen our chapter even more.
NEBRASKA
AT | Lincoln, Neb. | Est. 1888 Sam Brower ’18 samjbrower@gmail.com
On October 2, the Alpha Tau Chapter held a formal dinner to celebrate its second time winning the NIC Award of Distinction. This event shared the award with the campus community and the chapter as we look toward years of future success. In attendance were NIC CEO Jud Horras, General Fraternity Executive Director Jeff Rundle, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, alumni and parents.
CHAPTER REPORTS
This fall, Beta Pi added 20 high-quality new members, bringing the total chapter size to 72 men. On October 21, we hosted a successful alumni homecoming tailgate and are working to strengthen ties between the active chapter and our proud alumni. Beta Pi had a great experience at our brotherhood weekend, and enjoyed volunteering at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's annual “Breath of Life” gala.
MISSOURI
43 MISSISSIPPI
We recently recruited 71 new members and are now above 200 members in total. We also recently made improvements to the chapter house. Our monthly electronic alumni/parent newsletter is still in production, and we are working on a mass paper newsletter that will be mailed to all of our alumni. In late October, we welcomed General Fraternity President Bob Schnese, Wisconsin '83, to Beta Beta! (See pic top left.)
BY | Boston, Mass. | Est. 1913 Kevin Shum ’19 kshum@mit.edu
Beta Upsilon broke many records this year: raising more than $1,500 for our first “Greater Boston Food Bank” philanthropy, sending record numbers to the Wooden Institute, earning FSILG Honor Roll with our highest GPA, and inducting a record 15-member pledge class. We welcomed back a stolen Beta flag from the 1950s, 65 years later, and look forward to our 105th in spring 2018!
NEW JERSEY
Colony | Ewing, N.J. Andrew Trippiedi ’18 trippia1@tcnj.edu
With our colony turning one year old this semester, we recruited a strong Alpha class of seven outstanding men. We have begun to work with our new philanthropy, a local Makea-Wish Castle. Our dedication to chartering has manifested with the formation of a chartering committee led by our secretary, Dylon Patel '18. We look forward to spring recruitment and growing our brotherhood.
FOREVER ALPHA Alpha has publicly announced the $4 million Forever Alpha Campaign to renovate Beta's historic home in Oxford with modern amenities while maintaining its historic charm. The Campaign is more than 75 percent funded, and the house will open to colony members in fall 2018.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
BB | Oxford, Miss. | Est. 1879 Nicholas Jacobson ’18 najacob1@go.olemiss.edu
MIT
NORTH CAROLINA
H | Chapel Hill, N.C. | Est. 1852 Reece Williams ’18 reece24@live.unc.edu
The Eta Chapter partnered with The Helping Hands Project, a nonprofit focused on 3D printing prosthetic hands for children, to put on the 'Bands for Hands' event. The event included a performance by Left on Franklin, a band comprised of seniors in the chapter. With more than 400 tickets sold, we helped provide the opportunity for more children to benefit from the work of Helping Hands.
NORTH DAKOTA
ΓΚ | Grand Forks, N. D. | Est. 1922 Kane Perrin '19 kane.perrin@und.edu
CHAPTER REPORTS
During recruitment this semester, we handed out 23 bids and got 22 signed bids back, which was very impressive to see. With the newly signed bids, we have grown to 60 total members. The chapter house also had recent renovations to create a new study space for active members to do homework in a quiet area.
NORTHWESTERN
P | Evanston, Ill. | Est. 1873 Beresford Clarke '19 bereclarke@gmail.com
In addition to holding open houses and disseminating the Men of Principle Scholarship for our winter recruitment cycle, we are also leading internal discussions about chapter identity, diversity and inclusion. It is our goal that Rho represent the full spectrum of identities, beliefs and values held by the Northwestern community, and that barriers to entry are actively removed for students of low socioeconomic background.
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN ZM | Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. | Est. 1997
Brandon Chan ’18 chanbrandon6@gmail.com
The Zeta Mu Chapter of Beta Theta Pi has put on another successful philanthropy event with the pre-vet society in helping raise money for abused dogs, especially boxers, through the Boxer Friends Foundation. This philanthropy is continuing to grow and we cannot wait to see how we top it off next year.
OHIO STATE
ΘΔ | Columbus, Ohio | Est. 1885 Michael Mosholder ’18 mosholder.11@osu.edu
After having our charter reinstated over the summer, Theta Delta had the privilege of moving into a brand new chapter house this fall. We then proceeded to recruit 17 new members, putting us at a total chapter size of 101 members. We also continue to make service a priority in our chapter by partnering with a homeless youth shelter in Columbus where brothers volunteer every week.
OKLAHOMA
ΓΦ | Norman, Okla. | Est. 1907 Will Wade ’18 wbwade28@gmail.com
Our chapter is proud to have signed 62 new members this fall, all of whom show great promise based on their past successes. We are also building on our academic advisor program to provide even more opportunities for success among our new members as they take on their first semesters, in the hopes of getting them all started on the right track.
44 NORTHEASTERN THE BETA THETA PI
ΗΖ | Boston, Mass. | Est. 2013 Scott Louis ’19 louis.s@husky.neu.edu
Our chapter had record-breaking attendance at recruitment events, and added 18 new members. As of spring 2017, we had the top IFC GPA for the sixth-straight semester. Our big project for the semester is finding a sustainable community service partner and continuing to impact our philanthropic partner, Camp Sunshine, in Casco, Maine, with both fundraising and volunteering efforts.
A DEAL'S A DEAL University of the Pacific Regent Dianne Philibosian made Eta Kappa a deal: If all brothers joined the Sons of the Dragon Club, she would make a donation to the chapter. When the chapter held up its end of the bargain, so did she – delivering an $1,839 check to chapter leaders.
OHIO
BK | Athens, Ohio | Est. 1841 Nick Snook ’18 ns894213@ohio.edu
Beta Kappa has started off firing on all cylinders this fall. We recently inducted 32 pledges, are currently number one in community service hours on campus among all fraternities, and recently had a homecoming dinner that more than 70 Beta Kappa alumni attended. We're looking forward to finishing the semester on a high note.
OKLAHOMA STATE
ΓΛ | Stillwater, Okla. | Est. 1923 Kevin Quinn ’18 kevinjq@okstate.edu
The chapter is third in grades with a cumulative GPA of 3.4098, and first in intramurals. We have the highest number of active members and pledges with a total of 169 men. We initiated 13 members of the Alpha Zeta pledge class, honorarily initiated Chad Colvin ’18, and pledged 43 new men this fall. The Varsity Revue show, "Stuck in Metropolis," took second place, along with three other awards.
OREGON STATE
HONORING THE FALLEN
ΓM | Corvallis, Ore. | Est. 1923 Josh Fuentes, josh.fuentes@beta.org Colony Development Coordinator
Ohio brothers paid respect to fallen veterans through their service with "The Wall That Heals" – a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. For three days, brothers stood guard over the memorial, before helping prepare the wall for transport to its next location.
After more than 15 years, Beta returns to Oregon State in Spring 2018 with the recolonization of Gamma Mu. Beta's recruitment team looks forward to meeting many of the high-caliber men on campus to recruit a strong and diverse class of Refounding Fathers. If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved as an advisor or Refounding Father, please refer them to josh.fuentes@beta.org.
PACIFIC
HK | Stockton, Calif. | Est. 2015 Jeremy Parlin ’18 j_parlin2@u.pacific.edu
ΔΕ | Tacoma, Wash. | Est. 1962 Ivin Yu ’19 iyu@pugetsound.edu
After chartering at Convention, our chapter is thriving and continues to have positive relationships within Greek life and on campus. This semester, we continued our philanthropy with the Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County by selling Krispy Kreme donuts, and had an amazing brotherhood retreat to Mount St. Helens. Our brotherhood is stronger than ever and we can't wait for formal recruitment.
ROCHESTER
Colony | Rochester, N.Y. Zachary Marshall-Carter ’18 zmarsha3@u.rochester.edu
The colony started off the fall semester with our annual homecoming boat cruise down the Genesee River, where brothers enjoyed music and danced the night away. The colony participated in team bonding activities at our annual retreat, including an intense round of Beta trivia. The colony has a record new member GPA of 3.44, the highest of all chapters on campus, and is standing 48 men strong.
CHAPTER REPORTS
This past semester has been a busy one for our chapter! We initiated six young men and put on three philanthropy events, all while seeing a rise in our academics and community involvement outside of Beta. Our chapter has teamed up with sororities to participate in events on campus, as well as conducted our own. We are so grateful for the support of Pacific Trustee and Beta Sweetheart Dianne Philibosian (see pic bottom left).
PUGET SOUND
45 PENNSYLVANIA
In November, we had a tremendous showing of alumni from the Phi Chapter, from brothers who had graduated last year to brothers who were Phi Betas in the 1960s. We were able to enjoy each other's company and share stories about our time in Beta and about life over the past half century. We continue to grieve the passing of our dear brother, Henry Rogers '18. Always in our hearts, he will never be forgotten.
PITTSBURGH
HN | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Est. 2016 Joe Roesinger ’17 Joe.Roesinger@pitt.edu
The Eta Nu Chapter has recruited 13 young men of principle this semester, and we are very excited to watch them progress and grow over the next eight weeks of education. This November, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi and Phi Delta Theta are joining together as the Miami Triad to host a philanthropy event to raise money for our local charity, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh.
BM | West Lafayette, Ind. | Est. 1903 Cameron Murray ’19 murra125@purdue.edu
Coming off a successful Convention with our new charter, Sisson Award and first Knox Award, all of the brothers are motivated to make a true impact on campus. We have been blown away by the success and determination in our 38-man pledge class, and we are thrilled to initiate them in January. Our brothers are constantly leading the way to a sustainable Greek culture with IFC's help.
QUINNIPIAC
HΣ | Hamden, Conn. Matthew Coughlin ’18 Matthew.Coughlin@quinnipiac.edu
The Eta Sigma Chapter was recently awarded its charter during the General Convention. We hit the ground running this semester by recruiting the largest new member class on campus with 22 men, and we are striving to be among the top three highest GPAs on campus. We are excited to hopefully send all 22 new members to Wooden, and look forward to the leadership they offer our chapter.
ROCKHURST
Colony | Kansas City, Mo. Carter Halil ’19 halilc@hawks.rockhurst.edu
This semester, our colony added six new pledges using a new recruitment strategy, ultimately landing us at 29 overall members. Academically, our colony boasted a 3.37 cumulative GPA – third out of all fraternities on campus. Our colony also held a successful philanthropy week for Franciscan Mission Warehouse, raising more money than we have in the past year.
SACRED HEART
Colony | Fairfield, Conn. Sam Pavel, sam.pavel@beta.org Colony Development Coordinator
Read more about the new colony in "Opening of the Door" on page 35, and contact Colony Development Coordinator Sam Pavel to learn more about the current colonization efforts or to get more involved.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
Φ | Philadelphia, Pa. | Est. 1880 George Avdellas ’19 gavd@sas.upenn.edu
PURDUE
THE HAT TRICK It's been quite the term for Texas, first receiving its charter at the 178th General Convention; then securing this beauty of a chapter house, once the personal residence of former Texas Governor Ann Richards; and, finally, the recruitment of an impressive 30-man fall pledge class.
SAINT LOUIS
ZT | Saint Louis, Mo. | Est. 2003 Niall O'Brien ’18 niall.obrien@slu.edu
CHAPTER REPORTS
The Zeta Tau Chapter has maintained the top overall fraternity GPA on campus, with a 3.49. In addition, Zeta Tau swept the fall intramural season and was named champions in football, softball, soccer and volleyball. We hosted our annual “Beta 500” philanthropy event to benefit the Women's Safehouse of STL. Finally, we are looking forward to the 15th anniversary of receiving our charter in March.
SMU
ΓΩ | Dallas, Texas | Est. 1951 William Durr ’18 wdurr@smu.edu
Our chapter currently sits at 104 men, making us the third-largest fraternity on campus. Exciting events this fall include Parents’ Weekend, homecoming with Delta Gamma, our alumni banquet and our pig roast philanthropy to benefit the Beta Hero Scholarship. We look to maintain our position on top of all fraternities academically and continue to lead on campus as men of principle.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ΓΤ | Los Angeles, Calif. | Est. 1947 Cameron Flagel ’19 cflagel@usc.edu
Gamma Tau currently holds the highest GPA at the university, with a 3.41! The chapter had a successful Movember philanthropy, ranking as one of the nation's top contributors. This fall, Gamma Tau recruited a record pledge class of more than 30 men – the largest since its refounding. Also, with more than 100 active members, USC Beta is celebrating its largest membership in more than 20 years. Fight On!
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
ZO | Carbondale, Ill. | Est. 1999 Jacob Schafer ’19 jjschafer’@siu.edu
The Zeta Omicron Chapter is going under a restructure phase. During this phase, the chapter received a brand new advisory team to help support the chapter’s future endeavors. Also, the chapter is making a big push to get better grades this semester by having weekly study groups, due to its poor performance last semester.
46 SAN DIEGO THE BETA THETA PI
ΖΩ | San Diego, Calif. | Est. 2007 Benjamin White ’18 benjaminwhite@sandiego.edu
This semester, we welcomed 11 young men and are now guiding them down the path of learning our core values and principles. Over the summer, we sent five members to Convention and five new members to the Wooden Institute, and their experiences have benefited our chapter. We are honored and motivated to hold the highest fraternity GPA on campus.
SAN JOSE STATE
ΖΗ | San Jose, Calif. | Est. 1995 Michael Jaradah '17 michaeljaradah@gmail.com
This fall semester has been great for the Zeta Eta Chapter. We recruited an outstanding group of men, strengthened our relationship with our advisors, and raised more than one thousand dollars for the Las Vegas Victims Fund. In addition, we occupy 40 percent of the current IFC board and continue to maintain a strong presence on our campus.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Y | Columbia, S.C. | Est. 1858 Andrew Bosley '18 scbetapresident@gmail.com
This semester, we initiated 23 new members, making the chapter one of the largest on campus with 125 active brothers. We look forward to continuing to grow and connect with our community through our new philanthropy, "The Miracle League." We also have two brothers seated on the interfraternity council. We look forward to having a great spring semester.
SOUTH DAKOTA
ΓΑ | Vermillion, S.D. | Est. 1912 Matthew Preszler ’18 Matthew.S.Preszler@coyotes.usd.edu
Despite 70 MPH winds and torrential rain during recruitment week, we welcomed a 27-member pledge class this fall, putting us over 65 members! In October, alumni and Beta Sweethearts joined us at homecoming with great food and friendship. We also welcomed members' families to the house during Parents' Weekend. Overall, Gamma Alpha is doing well and we hope to continue our success!
ST. LAWRENCE ΒZ | Canton, N.Y. | Est. 1879 Ben Wheeler ’18 bwwhee15@stlawu.edu
This fall is off to a great start with 19 new pledges who are excited to join the chapter. We've continued community service efforts with Bittersweet Farms and recently raised $700 from our annual golf tournament to support the farm. We're looking forward to more charity events and group outings over the next few weeks.
STEVENS
Σ | Hoboken, N.J. | Est. 1879 Tristan Hollenbaugh ’18 thollenb@stevens.edu
This past year has been a remarkably philanthropic year for the Sigma Chapter and Stevens campus. The Stevens Betas won Delta Phi Epsilon's annual “Castle Point King,” a dance competition that raised more than $12,500 for two philanthropies, Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The men of Sigma are excited to keep the ball rolling into 2018!
TCU
HH | Fort Worth, Texas | Est. 2014 Michael Drake ’18 michael.j.drake@tcu.edu
We have 48 pledging members, all on track to initiate (one of our largest classes yet)! After again winning intramurals and taking home the highest GPA on campus this past spring, Eta Eta is pushing forward to continue raising the bar with a goal of winning the Chancellor's Chapter of the Year Award. With a newly formed alumni relations team, we are excited to reconnect with our founding classes!
TENNESSEE
ΔΚ | Knoxville, Tenn. | Est. 1967 Heath Shelton ’19 bshelt10@vols.utk.edu
Our chapter continues to excel in our academic achievements and our commitment to becoming better men. We have expanded our on-campus advisory board, taken a 14-man pledge class, and set personal and group goals. The current executive board is also working to improve our officer transitions to aid in the upcoming executive board's operations. Venu Gopal '19 was also elected IFC president!
TEXAS TECH
ΔM | Lubbock, Texas | Est. 1970 Jake Sellers ’18 jake.sellers@ttu.edu
Delta Mu had a very successful year. With our highest GPA so far, we placed third in all fraternities on campus. We had two members join Mortar Board's Top 50 Seniors, and one was elected president. We also had two members serve on the executive board of IFC. Delta Mu also worked closely with alumni to begin major renovations on the Beta house this past summer.
TRUMAN STATE
ZΞ | Kirksville, Mo. | Est. 1997 Giuseppe Cedillo ’18 gpc5446@truman.edu
The Zeta Xi Chapter experienced another great recruitment in fall 2017 by securing 23 new pledges for the Alpha Upsilon pledge class. The chapter is currently the largest on campus with 92 members. Furthermore, Zeta Xi went on to achieve a 3.4 cumulative GPA in spring 2017, the highest GPA among all fraternities on campus for the 18th straight semester.
UC IRVINE
ΔΣ | Irvine, Calif. | Est. 1975 Bernard Bagorio ’18 bbagorio@uci.edu
After fall recruitment, the Delta Sigma Chapter is proud to present its Alpha Lambda pledge class, consisting of 13 stellar individuals who seek to become part of our great brotherhood. Also, the Delta Sigma Chapter has consistently been in the top 10 quarterly fraternity GPAs here on campus and strives to continue to cultivate the intellect.
CHAPTER REPORTS
The Delta Kappa Chapter took a fall pledge class of 14 men, bringing the chapter size to a total of 58. Delta Kappa also celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding on November 3. Hosting a gathering of the largest number of Delta Kappa Betas in one room, the chapter has set a goal of another 50 consecutive years of operation at the University of Tennessee.
TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
ΔP | Arlington, Texas | Est. 1971 Tristan Grecu ’19 tristan.grecu@mavs.uta.edu
47 TEXAS
Having acquired a house with the help of our alumni (pictured top left), gaining our charter at Convention, and recruiting our largest pledge class since refounding, Beta Omicron came into this fall with fiery momentum. The semester has been full of careful, long-term planning for our new home and pursuing excellence in everything for the sake of those who follow.
TEXAS A&M
EH | College Station, Texas | Est. 1987 Blake Wampler ’19 blakedwampler@gmail.com
We completed our fall recruitment with 45 new members and are in the process of completely overhauling our pledge education program. Our membership has also spent a significant amount of time, collectively and individually, raising money and volunteering time in Houston for Hurricane Harvey relief. We are proud of our boys and proud to be Betas. Gig Em!
ΘΖ | Toronto, Ont. | Est. 1906 Francesco Bertucca ’20 bbertucca@gmail.com
After a dip in interest in Greek life in Toronto for the last few years, the Theta Zeta Chapter is happy to have a pledge class of nine members for fall 2017! We hope to continue leading fraternities on our campus and remain a strong Beta chapter for another 111 years.
CAPTAIN BETA When the General Fraternity lends you a Great Seal to adorn the front of the podium at your chapter Installation banquet, you do what UC San Diego did: hang on to it for a few extra days because it works equally as well as an accessory to your costume for Delta Gamma's Anchor Splash. (Obviously.)
UC SAN DIEGO
ΖΓ | La Jolla, Calif. | Est. 1995 Jason Patrick Grimm ’18 jasonpatrickgrimm@gmail.com
Last spring, the remaining members of our Refounding Father class graduated, and we are excited for a year of growth, starting with a strong fall pledge class. This year, we are looking to send five members to the Wooden Institute, and to host character, career and leadership development workshops locally with our alumni.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
BO | Austin, Texas | Est. 1886 Jacob Villarreal ’18 jacobavillarreal@gmail.com
TORONTO
UCLA
ΓΝ | Los Angeles, Calif. | Est. 1926 Matthew Bywater ’19 matt.bywater96@gmail.com
This fall, we had more than 300 young men show interest in the chapter during our recruitment period. We are excited to have more than 25 new members and are looking forward to having them join the brotherhood. Our chapter received our third Knox Award at this year's General Convention. We are looking forward to another great year.
UTAH
ΓB | Salt Lake City, Utah | Est. 1913 Will Jacobsen ’19 willjacobsen21@gmail.com
CHAPTER REPORTS
The Gamma Beta Chapter was fortunate enough to host Convention this summer in Salt Lake City. Not only was it a great opportunity for the 40 active members that signed up, but the chapter was also able to initiate six pledges at Convention, and well over 100 alumni attended a special Gamma Beta reception. It was a great opportunity to witness that "Once a Beta, Always a Beta."
VIRGINIA TECH
AΦ | Blacksburg, Va. | Est. 1877 John Mark Mastakas ’18 jmm12@vt.edu
Alpha Phi has been excelling in all fields at Virginia Tech this past year. The chapter of 116 from the 2016-17 school year finished third in GPA among its IFC peers, first in flag football and has been a committed member in the community by serving the New River Valley through “Micah's Backpack” every Thursday evening.
WABASH
T | Crawfordsville, Ind. | Est. 1846 Zachary Patton ’18 zrpatton18@wabash.edu
Tau had a successful fall recruitment with 22 young men, increasing membership to 67. We continue to lead in many areas on campus, boasting the student body president, Sphinx Club president, and IFC vice president, in addition to a varsity football team captain and athletes in eight of 11 varsity sports. Additionally, the chapter continues to excel academically, earning over a 3.30 GPA in the spring.
WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON Γ | Washington, Pa. | Est. 1842 Colton Blair '19 blairct@jay.washjeff.edu
The Gamma Chapter just celebrated its 175th continuous year during this year's homecoming. This event brought brothers back dating from the '60s. It was an amazing experience witnessing the ever-lasting love for Beta! The Gamma Chapter is prepared for its fall philanthropy, "Christmas for Children." This event focuses on a toy drive for families that have fallen on hard times.
WASHINGTON AND LEE AP | Lexington, Va. | Est. 1856 Peter Feldstein ’18 feldsteinp18@mail.wlu.edu
Our chapter is doing very well, with our membership boasting the student body president, the captains of multiple sports teams and members involved across multiple aspects of campus life. Our chef, John Stallard, continues to be the lifeblood of the chapter.
48 VILLANOVA THE BETA THETA PI
ΖΕ | Villanova, Pa. | Est. 1995 Samuel Beecher ’18 sbeecher@villanova.edu
This semester, our chapter is proud to announce that we will be partnering with “Miracle 4 Molly,” a charity formed by a chapter alumnus for all future philanthropy events. With this change comes a more personal connection to our events and a plan to raise $20,000 by the time of the “Miracle 4 Molly” event in the spring.
VIRGINIA
O | Charlottesville, Va. | Est. 1855 Chase Ciotti ’18 cjc5kt@virginia.edu
We held our “Bridgefest” philanthropy this fall with Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, with all proceeds benefiting Charlottesville's Shelter for Help in Emergency. We also look forward to holding our annual Men of Principle Scholarship Banquet to award scholarships to impressive students in the UVA community. Our chapter is excited for what the new year has in store!
WASHINGTON
BΩ | Seattle, Wash. | Est. 1901 Nolan Bernard ’19 nolan.bernard12@gmail.com
Over the course of the last nine months, our chapter has collectively signed 30 incoming freshmen from Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Newport Beach and Iowa. Additionally, PC 13 Beta alumni are currently working full time at EY, Amazon, Merrill Lynch, Space X and many other prestigious companies in Seattle and California.
PASS THE LOVING CUP The Loving Cup Ceremony is one of Beta's most celebrated public rituals, so why hide it? During WPI's campus-wide Ritual Week, Beta brothers opted instead to hold the ceremony on the university quad and give the student body a small glimpse into the traditions of our Great and Good Fraternity.
WASHINGTON IN ST. LOUIS AI | St. Louis, Mo. | Est. 1869 Maxwell Thompson ’18 maxwellthompson13@gmail.com
The Alpha Iota Chapter has continued to thrive, achieving the highest fraternity GPA at WashU, recruiting a substantial fall pledge class to keep our position as largest chapter on campus and hosting an alumni event in which Alpha Iota brothers from the 1980s visited our house and shared their college experiences.
WASHINGTON STATE
ΓΘ | Pullman, Wash. | Est. 1920 Parker Ruehl ’18 parker.ruehl@wsu.edu
The Gamma Theta Chapter has been electric so far this semester. The chapter has mirrored the hot start of the football team with a great new pledge class, a completely rejuvenated alumni presence and membership that is in the triple digits for the first time. There has never been a better time to be a Beta and a Coug!
WESTMINSTER
ΑΔ | Fulton, Mo. | Est. 1868 Ben Davis ’18 bdavis.18@westminster-mo.edu
This fall, the Zeta Zeta Chapter at Wisconsin-Oshkosh awarded its Sweetheart Badge to their faculty advisor, Debbie Gray Patton. This isn't Patton's first Beta recognition, either. She was also a recipient of the Edward B. Taylor Advisor of the Year Award at the 178th General Convention in Utah this summer.
WILLAMETTE
ΓΣ | Salem, Ore. | Est. 1947 Miles Smith ’18 smithmj@willamette.edu
Coming back from Convention this summer, we entered the school year with our charter. A lot of work and time has been put into earning our charter and bringing Beta back to Willamette. Our chartering excitement carried over into the school year as we celebrated winning Delta Gamma's “Anchor Splash” for the second year in a row.
WISCONSIN-OSHKOSH
ZZ | Oshkosh, Wis. | Est. 1995 Kyle Lange ’17 langek74@uwosh.edu
This term, we've been focusing on the direction of our chapter. We are in the middle of a pretty huge culture shift, so we're trying to hone in on what our "brand" as a chapter on campus should be. We're having frequent conversations about how to carry out our plans and goals, and so far we've been met with success! We are excited to see how all these changes evolve in the future.
CHAPTER REPORTS
This fall semester has been very good to us. Upon move-in in August, we witnessed the total solar eclipse. It was such a unique moment and a great brotherhood experience for us to share. Soon after that, we added 15 new men of principle to our brotherhood. As a chapter, we are currently working toward our second consecutive intramural championship title.
AN ADMIRED ADVISOR
49 WHITMAN
We have been making efforts to further engage our alumni. We held an alumni open house for the school class reunions, and plan on keeping them up-to-date on chapter activities and news in the future. We are so grateful to have such helpful and dedicated alumni who are always there for us.
WICHITA STATE
ΔΓ | Wichita, Kan. | Est. 1959 Patrick Osner ’19 Patrickosner@gmail.com
The Delta Gamma Chapter has had a great fall 2017 semester. As a chapter, we recruited 21 new members and aim to get top grades for two consecutive semesters. This fall, we won the intramural football championship, participated in a camping brotherhood event and went to a Chiefs game.
ZY | Williamsburg, Va. | Est. 1876 Thomas Foreman ’19 teforeman@email.wm.edu
We're excited to welcome 12 new brothers to our chapter! Our homecoming reception was a success and we are looking forward to a great spring recruitment. This semester, our brotherhood has become a tightly knit unit and we will continue to build upon this semester's success.
WISCONSIN
AΠ | Madison, Wis. | Est. 1873 Derek Campbell ’19 dcampbell5@wisc.edu
This fall, we continued to grow at an amazing rate. We recruited a pledge class of 25 young men, making our pledge class one of the largest in more than half a century. We are looking forward to initiating them into our brotherhood this winter. Continuing our growth, we held our first large-scale philanthropy this fall, as well as hosted our largest homecoming reunion in years.
WITTENBERG
ΑΓ | Springfield, Ohio | Est. 1867 Justin Unternaher ’19 unternaherj@wittenberg.edu
The Alpha Gamma Chapter held its 150th anniversary celebration during homecoming in commemoration of the consecutive years we have been on Wittenberg's campus. In addition, we were able to honor three Fraternal Fifties. There were 180 Beta alumni, actives, Sweethearts and guests in attendance at the dinner, including the university president.
WPI
Colony | Worcester, Mass. Ethan Gouveia ’18 egouveia@wpi.edu
Our colony of 25 brothers has been working on building up relations with our still young alumni base through our housing corporation. We've also been working to improve our presence on campus by holding events open to everyone. Lastly, we've made the decision to open our brotherhood up to those who identify as male and meet the other requirements for membership.
WINTER 2018 | BETA.ORG
ΓΖ | Walla Walla, Wash. | Est. 1916 Jules Choquart ’19 choquaja@whitman.edu
WILLIAM & MARY
FOR 178 YEARS, the Fraternity’s annual General Convention trekked across North America, yet never stopped in the Beehive State of Utah – until 2017. In July, more than 800 brothers and guests met at the Snowbird Resort, situated amidst the peaks of the Wasatch Range. There, they enjoyed a weekend of reflection and celebration filled with electric speakers, breathtaking views and a realization of the Convention theme, A Shared Commitment, by all those who wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi.
beta hikes west TREKKING TO UTAH FOR THE 178TH GENERAL CONVENTION
BY JUSTIN WARREN, SMU ’10
50 | CONVENTION RECAP | BETA.ORG
COULDN’T MAKE IT TO UTAH FOR THE 178TH? NO PROBLEM. In addition to time-honored traditions like the Marching Line, Convention Chorus and Model Initiation, here’s a bit of what you missed.
Mike Rodmaker
down to business
a time for reflection
awarding top honor s
a legend’s challenge
ser vices rendered
The Convention graduated the latest cohort of Lugar Fellows who, in the course of the three days, granted or reinstated six new charters: Beta Mu at Purdue, Beta Omicron at Texas, Gamma Sigma at Willamette, Delta Epsilon at Puget Sound, Theta Delta at Ohio State, and the newest designation in Beta chronology, Eta Sigma at Quinnipiac. Among other duties, the delegates also elected new officers to the Board of Trustees and completed a full review and revision of The Code of Beta Theta Pi.
After a tumultuous year for the brotherhood, the Convention held a series of allattendee sessions featuring stories and keynotes from undergraduates and alumni alike, such as Executive Director Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03, and retired U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, Denison ’54, aimed at addressing the hard facts and reigniting the love and care Betas must show for one another to preserve the future of our Great and Good Fraternity.
The prestigious Knox Award became even more selective in 2017, with just 11 chapters taking home the Fraternity’s highest honor. In addition, the North-American Interfraternity Conference presented its Award of Distinction to two Beta chapters – Epsilon at Centre College and Alpha Tau at the University of Nebraska – and one long-time Friend of Beta, Truman State Chapter Counselor Dr. Robert Tigner, FIJI.
Thursday evening’s Recognition Ceremony was anchored by the presentation of the 82nd Oxford Cup to NFL Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Shad Khan, Illinois ’70. In accepting the award, Khan recalled the Fraternity’s affect on him personally and professionally as a Pakistani immigrant in the 1970s, discussed his changed perspective after his son depledged a Beta chapter in the early 2000s, and issued a challenge to today’s undergraduate and alumni leaders. Read the full transcript of Khan’s inspiring acceptance remarks on page 52.
At Saturday’s Celebration Banquet, more than 30 years of fraternal service were recognized when the Francis W. Shepardson Award was presented to former General Secretary David Wright, Ohio State ’67. Wright then closed out the Convention with a rousing speech focused on core values of hard work and dedication, and the Fraternity’s ability to lead brothers down a path of integrity. The Fraternity has reprinted Wright’s historic speech in its entirety on page 53.
THE BETA THETA PI | WINTER 2018 | 51
YOU CARE, I CARE.” After being awarded the 82nd Oxford Cup, NFL Owner Shad Khan, Illinois ’70, shared: “I know the Loving Cup very well. As a matter of fact, we have one at home, and whenever my wife’s friends come over, it’s a special night. We visit the Loving Cup. I’ve lived the American dream, and Beta has been a big, big part of that. You know, I knew this was really a special event. This is the time of the night you probably don’t want to get bored, but there were three things I really wanted to touch on. I think 60 Minutes was hoping to come up with some dirt, and they were really disappointed. It was wonderful that they featured the Beta House, and I don’t know if anybody else in this room’s been on a 60 Minutes story, but you have no idea what they’re going to say, how they’re going to do it. They just come, become a part of your life, then you see the product along with everybody else. So, people had been avoiding me for a long time once they knew the story was coming out. If you’re not indicted or arrested after a 60 Minutes episode, it was a good episode.
to experiment. And I was still brown in ‘68, so I don’t think there was another person in the system who was non-white, so a little bit like joining the NFL a number of years later, where you were the only non-white in the room. But for me, that night I’m never going to forget because I’d been invited to a number of houses for rush. Beta was the first house I went to, and amazingly enough I never left it, and singularly the greatest experience of my life was the Sigma Rho house. It was really the men of Sigma Rho who touched me in many, many different ways – most importantly, helped me develop self-confidence and really give me, very simply, respect. They treated me with respect, they expected respect, and most importantly, fellowship. So it was a combination that shaped me. They never humiliated me, never endangered me, and I’ve looked back fondly over that for the last ... Really, you sit here, you feel pretty old, for the last 47 years.
“GREAT INSTITUTIONS DON’T SUDDENLY DIE, THEY FADE AWAY.”
You know, I’ve got to share with you what Beta – especially Sigma Rho Chapter – means to me, what’s concerned me over time and then why I’m here.
But, you know, there’s more … There’s a key lesson. Great institutions don’t suddenly die, they fade away. The Roman Empire really took well over 100 years to die.
Imagine 1968: 17 years old, turbulent times, Vietnam War, civil rights, snow – a new experience for me, raging hormones and a desire
I spent a lifetime, obviously, in auto parts. I saw General Motors – one-twentieth of the US
economy – file for bankruptcy. When you were part of it, you saw that, you felt that. There were a lot of things said, but they were not spoken, and this was really, regrettably, the Sigma Rho house I found in 2001 when my son, Tony, pledged. He really, really wanted to be part of it, and when I went over there, I mean I was just shocked that it was a horror show with the humiliation and the endangerment of the pledges. I tried to get advisors, the university administration, a number of people involved, and obviously failed. And the easiest thing for us to do was just for him to de-pledge, and we got on with our lives. I think the tragedy at Penn State and some of the other campuses, it’s not something we can ignore. We have to understand that. My explanation when people ask me about that is: I went back, 30-something years later, and found out that the place had been hijacked, basically, by hoodlums. And if I had been there, as a 17 year old from Pakistan, I would have never stayed there after the first couple of days. It was that bad. So, really, it was terrible what happened over there, but you know, over time, I’d been asked to kind of reconnect. And for me, it was like, you know, this is not the Beta I knew, so it’s like things move on, times move on, and this is really not my experience. So, when I got this opportunity [to accept the Oxford Cup], I really wanted to come here because all of you as the leadership of Beta Theta Pi are here. I said, “If you make a commitment, I really want to come here.” You care, I care. Why? Because I want every young man to have the experience I had at the Sigma Rho house. It was fabulous, and I hope we can practice that throughout the organization, and certainly be the Beta Theta Pi and Sigma Rho I experienced. John Wooden said it best, “Ability takes you to the top. Character keeps you there.” We’re at the top. Let’s find the character to stay there. Thank you.” ■
178TH CONVENTION VIDEOS Khan’s Acceptance Speech: beta.org/khan178 Wright’s Acceptance Speech: beta.org/wright178 Convention Highlights: beta.org/highlights178 Future Conventions Reveal: beta.org/sitereveal178 Chapter Eternal: beta.org/chaptereternal178 52 | CONVENTION RECAP | BETA.ORG
“DARE TO BE YOURSELF. Upon acceptance of the 24th Shepardson Award, David Wright, Ohio State ’67, remarked: “Wow. It’s been a while since I’ve been up here, and so I might be a little rusty, but I’ll make the best of this. I’d like to thank Bob and all of you for this honor. Brother Betas, Beta Sweethearts, Friends of Betas and guests, my name is David W. Wright, and I graduated from THE Ohio State University in 1967, where I AM – where I AM – a member of the Theta Delta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Over those years, what a lifetime of Beta memories I have. You know, when you think about it, life is not a work of art, and the moments we experience do not last, except in our memories and our hearts. Sometimes, those memories come to you gently when you least expect them. There are three activities for which I have a passion: One is fly fishing, the other one is golf on a good day, and Beta. And not necessarily in that order. Anyhow, on a flats boat, you get up early in the morning, you go out on the flats boat with a guide, and he will take you to a place where he believes will be good fishing for the species you wish to catch. He shuts off the motor, extracts a long pole, gets up on a platform and he starts to push the boat around. You get out your fly rod, set it up the way you think it should be, climb up on the front deck and wait. Sometimes you wait for a long time, and while you’re waiting for the action to begin, you have a wonderful time to think, and so often, my thoughts turn to Beta. There have been so many wonderful experiences at all levels. There are so many mental images and thoughts focusing on the many friendships formed over the years as a result of my roles in Beta. I can recall the first time I ever walked up the steps of the front porch of the Beta house at The Ohio State University on a September evening in 1963. The guys I met that evening were bigger than life. They were all very engaging, and very welcoming. When I finally accepted the invitation to become a pledge in Beta Theta Pi, I had no idea how this Fraternity would affect my life in such a profound way. As an undergraduate, I learned what it meant to live a life of integrity, to live the values I profess to be a part of me. One evening, an upper classman, gently and in a brotherly way, held me accountable to those values.
I will never forget that experience, and for me, it was a benchmark in personal growth. Holding someone accountable is a very difficult thing to do, but that is what a fraternity is all about – helping us all grow and become better people. Being able to extend my college Beta experience into my adult life was very special. When Tom Cassady invited me to become the chief of District IX, little did I know, nor did I appreciate, how special the experience was to be. You see, the chiefs have a special bond with each other, and in many ways we formed an alumni chapter of Beta. By giving of time and resources, I was able to join a second chapter of Beta Theta Pi, called the GFOs, that was the General Fraternity Officers.
And boy, what great times we had, helping to guide and lead this great institution. Don’t get me wrong, we struggled with many issues, but as a band of brothers, we solved those issues. And the friendships, what an unexpected gift. Having served with so many great Betas, and worked with so many wonderful Friends of Beta and our outstanding staff members, we did what seemed to be the impossible. We had a lot of room to grow, and many challenges ahead of us. We are not finished, we are evolving. As a freshman, of course we were called freshmen but you guys are called first-year students, we had great role models through our upper classmates and the guys in my pledge class. To this day, I still admire them and remain in touch with many of them. The friendships of my youth have become the invaluable friendships of my lifetime. What a gift. There are so many wonderful memories of hardworking, dedicated Betas, which come quietly and gently to my mind. Remembering the Board meetings upstairs in the Knox Library, in the AO, meetings in the lower levels, the Wooden Institutes, the breakfasts at Becker’s house – Steve Becker was the former Administrative Secretary – Conventions, conclaves, regionals, Men of Principle implementation meetings, all the Men of Principle kick off weekends. And of
course there’s my buddy, Cougar – a chocolate lab presented to me 10 years ago at the 160th Convention when I stepped down as General Secretary. So many unbelievable memories. Over the past 54 years, it has been a privilege and an honor to be a part of, and to serve, this great institution. Over those 54 years, I have come to realize that the principles and the values of our Great and Good Fraternity are timeless, and I have learned that this whole organization, from the top down, ultimately depends on personal friendships and relationships. These friendships and relationships begin the first time a prospective new member is extended a hand of friendship by any current member. Friendships carry with them a code, a standard of trust, honesty and integrity, if you will, which guide us as to how we treat each other, not only members of Beta, but non-members. And if we all take ownership and abide by those standards, the principles and values of this Fraternity will not be violated. Those standards are clearly defined in the seven obligations we all freely agreed to uphold. Let me tell you, this has been fun, it’s been an unbelievable experience. In the end, I believe in the enduring friendships, which become the most meaningful and make our experiences so rich, and my life would not be the same without them. So, let me end this quickly. I have three thoughts that I’d like to share with you. One, it takes hard work, relentless dedication to your core principles and values, and above all else, patience. Nothing comes easy, nothing worthwhile happens fast. Secondly, and I think this is so important, the highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over popularity. These are the choices that measure your life. Travel the path of integrity, without looking back, for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing. And last, and this is a favorite saying of mine, the victories in life are won, not in the fields or in the marts, where the ultimate struggle takes place, but in the obscure and forgotten hours of preparation. Victory lies within our grasp long before the hour of the final test. I just can’t thank you enough for this honor. I’m humbled by it. All I can say is I thank God I’m a Beta, and God bless you all.” ■ THE BETA THETA PI | WINTER 2018 | 53
178th convention recognition INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS Edward B. Taylor Advisor of the Year
Jim Pappas, Washington State ’85 (Chapter Counselor, Washington State) Debbie Gray Patton, Friend of Beta (Faculty Advisor, Wisconsin-Oshkosh) Steve Sherman, Oklahoma State ’65 (Chapter Counselor, Pacific)
House Corporation Volunteer of the Year Drew Stange, Nebraska ’83 (House Corp. Treasurer, Nebraska) Robert Starr III, South Dakota ’92 (House Corp. President, South Dakota)
House Director of the Year
Sean Eddington, Purdue ’08 (Purdue)
Fraternity and Sorority Advisor of the Year Thea Zunick, Friend of Beta (Stevens)
Interfraternalism Recognition Award Mary Peterson, Friend of Beta (Iowa)
Rookie District Chief of the Year Tommy Raimondi, Ohio ’16 (District IX)
District Chief of the Year
Joe Chinnici, Ohio State ’64 (District IIX)
Regional Chief of the Year
Jason Melton, Ball State ’99 (East Great Lakes)
Jerry M. Blesch General Secretary Leadership Award Zach Lepperd, Truman State ’16
John Holt Duncan Service Awards Best Annual Project: Idaho, Southern California Best Ongoing Project: Elon, Southern California
Virginia Tech Award for Scholastic Achievement Highest GPA: Columbia (3.64) Most Improved GPA: Cal Poly, Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, Nebraska Regional Winners: Pittsburgh (East Great Lakes), Kettering B (West Great Lakes), Northeastern (Northeast), Georgia Tech (Southeast), Kentucky (Tie-South), Louisville (Tie-South), TCU (South Central), UC Davis (Southwest), NC State (MidAtlantic), British Columbia (Northwest), Nebraska (North Central)
Georgia Tech, SMU, TCU
North Dakota Award for Chapter Publications Arkansas, High Point, Mississippi
H.H. Stephenson Jr. Award for Historical Preservation and Research
Purdue, Southern California
54 | CONVENTION RECAP | BETA.ORG
The Francis W. Shepardson Award recognizes brothers who epitomize the concept of lifelong service to the General Fraternity:
OXFORD CUP RECIPIENT
Iowa, Georgia Tech
Campus Involvement Award
Columbia, George Washington, Georgia Tech, SMU
Outstanding Alumni Relations Award Southern California, Indiana, Wittenberg
Most Improved Chapter Award Arkansas
New Song Competition Award George Washington
Shelby L. Molter Song Competition Award Cincinnati, Case Western Reserve
Sons of the Dragon Club Award
Excellence in Risk Management Award
SHEPARSON AWARD RECIPIENT
Outstanding New Member Education Award
George Washington, Ohio State, TCU
Texas
Highest Members (Total): Utah (42) Highest Members (%): Texas at Arlington (53%) Minimum 15/20%: Case Western Reserve, Colorado Mines, George Mason, Iowa State, Kettering A, Kettering B, Loyola Chicago, MIT, Ohio State, Puget Sound, Quinnipiac, Stevens, Tennessee, Texas at Arlington, Utah, Wichita State, Willamette, Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Purdue (1), Northeastern (2), Centre (4), TCU (4), UCLA (4), SMU (5), Kettering B (7), Case Western Reserve (8), Idaho (8), San Diego (8), Truman State (12)
David Wright, Ohio State ’67, Former Beta Theta Pi General Secretary
Whitman Choral Cup
Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Awards
The Knox Award is the highest honor a chapter can earn, raising the bar in ritual, leadership, community service, campus involvement and singing:
Outstanding Recruitment Award
CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS Advisory Team of the Year Award
KNOX AWARD WINNERS
Kansas Arkansas, Central Florida, Colorado Mines, Cornell, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, Pacific, Rochester, Southern Illinois, Texas, Texas at Arlington, Westminster, Wisconsin-Oshkosh
SISSON AWARD WINNERS
The Francis H. Sisson Award recognizes those who maintain high standards and inspire total chapter participation and involvement: High Point (1), Northeastern (3), UC San Diego (3), Kettering A (4), TCU (4), South Carolina (5), Kentucky (6), George Washington (7), UCLA (7), Michigan State (8), Purdue (8), SMU (8), Kettering B (9), Centre (10), Westminster (10), San Diego (11), Utah (11), Case Western Reserve (13), Texas A&M (13), Idaho (18), Truman State (18), Nebraska (20), Georgia (23), Georgia Tech (31)
The Board of Trustees awards the Oxford Cup to recognize Betas of achievement: Shad Khan, Illinois ’70, Owner, Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
BOARD TRANSITIONS
Outgoing Fraternity Board of Trustees: Ed O’Malley, Kansas State ’97
Incoming Fraternity Board of Trustees: Ted Haile, Georgia Tech ’75 (re-election) Brad Kiesling, Westminster ’01 (re-election) Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00 Bob Schnese, Wisconsin ’83 (re-election) Cary Wood, Purdue ’89 (re-election)
Outgoing Foundation Board of Directors:
Tom Seifert, Cincinnati ’64
Incoming Foundation Board of Directors: Amar Budarapu, Lawrence ’87 Jim Martin, Davidson ’57
BANQUET EMCEES
Convention Kickoff; Celebration Banquet Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73
Recognition Ceremony
Brad Kiesling, Westminster ’01
Awards Luncheon
Justin Foster, West Chester ’11
CONVENTION SPONSORS Gold Level
Campus Cooks, CSL Management, GEICO, Holmes Murphy
Silver Level
Greek House Chefs, Herff Jones, TLC Impressions
Bronze Level
Clayton and Crume, GreekYearbook
the 179TH
GENERAL CONVENTION SAV E T HE DAT E ! AU GU ST 2 - 5 , 2 01 8
In 2018, Betas, Sweethearts and guests will join together in Norfolk, Virginia, to celebrate 179 years of Beta Theta Pi. While in the heart of the world’s largest naval base, Convention attendees can tour the WWII, Korean and Persian Gulf Wars battleship, the USS Wisconsin, explore the Chrysler Museum of Art, enjoy miles of waterfront views and relax at nearby Virginia Beach.
B E TA . O R G / C O N V E N T I O N
CHAPTER ETERNAL IN LOVING MEMORY 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 April 17 and November 1, 2017. 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.
Flags indicate those who have served in the United States or Canadian armed forces.
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.
CHAPTER ETERNAL
56 THE BETA THETA PI
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.
BRIAN WOEBER C Alabama ’98 Serving his country as an instructor pilot at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii, Woeber was one of five on board a helicopter that tragically crashed off the coast of Hawaii. He was married and the father of three young boys.
DAVID BROWN C Illinois ’49 Known for his strong leadership, great athleticism and deep devotion to his family, Brown was a longtime supporter of the Fraternity and Beta Foundation. He is survived by his loving family, including his Beta son and grandson.
COL. CHARLES R. STRIBLING III C Missouri ’50 Former director of the Missouri chapter’s Zeta Phi Foundation, Stribling was a graduate of Missouri Military Academy where he later served for 16 years in many roles, including executive officer. JAMES ELDER C Oklahoma ’69 After serving as Oklahoma’s house corporation president from 1995-2002, Elder served on its board again from 2012 until his passing. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and their four Beta sons, Brad, Jeff, Mike and Sam.
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WILL BAGBEY JR. C Mississippi ’75 A nuclear engineer in the United States Navy and longtime volunteer of the Fraternity, Bagbey passed away in July 2017. He served as a district chief and chapter counselor from 1991-2001.
CHAPTER ETERNAL
DYLAN HARE British Columbia ’20 A new member of the chapter and computer science major, Hare passed away in October after a tragic fall from an on-campus structure. He is remembered for his charm, athleticism, adventurous spirit and sharp mind.
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PAUL WEITZ Penn State ’54 C An astronaut that went in to space twice aboard Skylab 2 and the Space Shuttle Challenger, Weitz later served as a NASA official. HENRY ROGERS Pennsylvania ’18 According to chapter brothers, Rogers “was and always will be the prime example of what a Beta should be.” He is survived by his two brothers, mother and Beta father, M.W. Rogers IV, Duke ’84. RICHARD PHENNEGER Washington ’58 C A dedicated volunteer of the Fraternity and Eastern Washington’s house corp president and board member for 25 years, Phenneger had also served as a chapter counselor, and district and regional chiefs.
CARY WOOD, PURDUE ’89 Like many Betas today, I was a first-generation college student from a working-class family. My time at Purdue was initially daunting and intimidating – that is, until I was introduced to Beta. The Fraternity challenged me to become a leader, to hold offices in and out of the chapter house, and to be a part of a team. It wasn’t college that turned this awkward, 18-year-old boy into a man … it was Beta Theta Pi. After graduation, my connection to the Fraternity waned for 10 years before I joined the Beta Mu House Corporation. There, I faced another daunting and intimidating reality: the need to close and recolonize my beloved chapter. Two of the greatest men I’ve ever known, Jud Horras, Iowa State ’97, and Executive Director Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03, proved invaluable in helping us marry the rich history of Beta Mu with the General Fraternity’s long-term vision for developing men of principle. Today, the reimagined Beta Mu is a 134-man, Knox Award-winning chapter, and I’ve joined the Fraternity’s Board of Trustees. What a journey it’s been. Even my wife, Irene, sees Beta’s impact on my friendships and in my business, and that’s why we’ve chosen to include the Fraternity in our estate planning. The programs and scholarships offered through the Beta Foundation help promote a sense of brotherhood, personal growth and home within our chapters. By giving back and supporting these initiatives, I hope to guarantee that the Beta experience lives on with today’s young men for the rest of their lives, just as it has with me.
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I hope to guarantee that the Beta experience lives on with today’s young men for the rest of their lives, just as it has with me.
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Cary Wood, Purdue ’89, received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue and two master’s degrees from Lawrence Tech and Loyola Chicago. He currently serves as president and CEO of Angelica Corporation, sits on the board of directors for companies throughout the Northeast and Midwest United States, and is a vice president on Beta Theta Pi’s Fraternity Board of Trustees. Cary and his wife, Irene, live in Hinsdale, Illinois.
THE BETA THETA PI | WINTER 2018 | 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
In 2014, Venu Gopal, Texas at Arlington ’18, packed his bags and left India to embark on a journey halfway across the globe. Far from family and friends, he found a new home in Beta Theta Pi. Venu has served the Delta Rho Chapter as recruitment chairman, and he’s one of a growing list of brothers elected to serve as president of his campus’ interfraternity council in 2018. Venu dreamed of one day leading his Greek community, and that dream is a reality today in part because of the training he received at Beta’s Keystone Regional Leadership Conference, Peter F. Greiner Leadership College, John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle, and the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute. And those opportunities are only made possible through the Beta Leadership Fund.
In a November 15 social media post announcing his election as IFC president, Venu recalled the words of another influential Beta leader . . .
“Don’t give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you.” — John Wooden, Purdue ’32
BETA LEADERSHIP FUND DEVELOPING MEN OF PRINCIPLE FOR A PRINCIPLED LIFE B E TA .O R G /G I F T