chapter delegates to vote on six charters
jaguars’ shad khan to accept oxford cup
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wide-eyed Pakistani stepped off a Greyhound bus into a brutal snowstorm in 1967. The 16-year-old immigrant had never seen snow. It doesn’t exist in Lahore, Pakistan. The next day, Shahid Khan, Illinois ’71, started his first job: washing dishes for $1.20 per hour. Years later, Khan would become the first minority to own a team in the NFL. When school started in the fall of 1967, Khan did not seek a Pakistani student group. Instead, he joined Beta’s Sigma Rho Chapter, becoming a social butterfly, observing and adopt-
ing the skills needed to succeed in his new environment. While still in school, he began working at a small manufacturing company called Flex-N-Gate. Through hard work, he landed a full-time job there upon graduation. Then he decided to take over the business. On his way to building Flex-NGate into a $3 billion company with 12,000 employees, Shad forged relationships at Southeast Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida. He made monthly trips for over a year, unaware of the city’s future significance.
In late 2011, Khan was announced as the new owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since then, the business tycoon has added English Football League Championship team Fulham F.C. to his sports portfolio. Receiving the Oxford Cup tonight, Khan is Beta’s hero for good reason: he arrived with nothing, learned persistence and forged authentic relationships. His billion-dollar empire is the simple byproduct of a wisely spent Beta Spirit.
KICKOFF AND RECOGNITION kickoff emcee General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73, serves as master of ceremonies for today’s Kickoff event. He is president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego.
Delegates from 128 chapters and colonies will meet in the legislation hall throughout the weekend to vote on various items of Fraternity business. One of their most important functions will be to vote on the re/establishment of charters for six of Beta’s colonies: Ohio State, Puget Sound, Purdue, Quinnipiac, Texas and Willamette. While the legislation schedule is subject to change, voting is slated to begin during Friday’s legislation session. Good luck to all in their chartering presentations!
recognition emcee Fraternity Vice President Brad Kiesling, Westminster ’01, will lead tonight’s Recognition Ceremony. He is the Senior Manager of Public Affairs at Republic Services in Phoenix, Arizona.
leadership college kicks off for 365+ More than 365 undergraduates and facilitators begin the Peter F. Greiner Leadership College experience this afternoon. Named in memory of former General Fraternity President Peter F. Greiner, Minnesota ’51, participants will customize their Leadership College experience by choosing to pursue one of four tracks that connect modern leadership topics with traditional fraternal values.
awards preview Along with the Oxford Cup, the Fraternity will recognize 10 individuals tonight, including: – District Chief of the Year – Edward B. Taylor Advisor of the Year – Blesch General Secretary Leadership Award ... and many more