MAJOR BUSINESS AHEAD FOR CONVENTION DELEGATES
RENOWNED BARIATRIC SURGEON WALTER PORIES SET TO RECEIVE THE OXFORD CUP Oxford Cup Roll No. 083 will be awarded tonight when Walter Pories, Wesleyan ’52, accepts the honor as part of the 179th General Convention’s Recognition Ceremony. Bestowed upon Betas of achievement in their chosen profession, the Oxford Cup was established by the Board of Trustees in 1983. Such Betas as Nike Co-Founder Bill Bowerman, Walmart Founder Sam Walton, NFL Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Shad Khan, Senator Richard
Lugar and UCLA Coach John Wooden are among its esteemed recipients. Pories, an immigrant from Germany and Brazil who fled home during the Holocaust, is credited with two major discoveries in medicine. First, that zinc is an essential metal for animals and humans, which proved a major force in the ‘Green Revolution’ of developing countries. Second, his team developed the current design of the
Undergraduate and alumni delegates voting in this year’s legislative sessions will address several key matters throughout the weekend, including items related to: the recently announced strategic plan, Board of Trustees nominations, transgender membership, the establishment of a Good Samaritan Policy, the granting of charters to three Beta colonies, the status of the Zeta Psi Chapter at Central Florida, and more. Stay connected to the Wooglin Daily News for updates from the legislation floor.
gastric bypass procedure, which has rendered adult onset diabetes curable and many cancers preventable. In addition to his 24 years of service in the military, his record of achievement is nothing short of spectacular. Dr. Pories describes himself as “a cartoonist who loves his family, a fabulous wife and six great kids, very much.” The Fraternity is humbled and honored to award him the Oxford Cup tonight.
RET. NAVY CAPTAIN BLESCH ON BOARD FOR THE 179TH Notable among Norfolk’s many sites is the USS Wisconsin, previously captained by former General Secretary and Shepardson Award recipient Jerry Blesch, Centre ’60. Joined by his Beta Sweetheart, Karen, “The Captain” will be among the Convention’s attendees and featured speakers throughout the weekend.
EMCEES AND SPECIAL GUESTS | THURSDAY Former Administrative Office staff member and General Fraternity Officer Casey Gomes, Maryland ’02, serves as master of ceremonies for the 179th General Convention Kickoff.
Fraternity Trustee Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00, hosts tonight’s Recognition Ceremony, featuring Convention Countdowns, presentation of the prestigious Oxford Cup and more.
Fraternity Trustee Ben Swartz, Connecticut ’05, leads the State of the Fraternity presentation examining the most recent year in Beta and the North American Greek community.