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.
NOW ON DECK IN NORFOLK
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 Convention Registration & Information 7:30 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. Presidential Foyer Hospitality Sweet: Alumni & Guests 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Parlor Suite, Room 416 Board of Trustees Meeting 9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Hampton I Fraternity/Foundation/GFHC Board Mtg 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Hampton II-III Convention Kickoff 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Norfolk Ballrooms Legislation Orientation 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Marriott IV Leadership College Orientation 4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Various (See Convention Guide) Welcoming Dinner (Buffet) 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Norfolk Ballrooms
BETA WELCOMES YOU TO NORFOLK AND THE 179TH
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE VIRGINIA WATERSIDE
While Beta’s General Convention first came to Virginia in 1858 at the 19th General Convention in Berkeley Springs, your attendance this weekend makes you a part of history – the first Convention held in Norfolk!
Have an itch to explore town? Need to satisfy a sweet tooth? Yearning for the coastal views and smell of ocean air? Here’s your head start to exploring Norfolk, Virginia.
Over the coming days, some 640 Betas and guests are gathering in this waterside city situated along the Chesapeake Bay. Here, you can visit the North American headquarters of NATO, take a dip in Virginia Beach or tour the USS Wisconsin – a vessel with a special connection to the Fraternity. And you can do it all in the company of your closest Beta brothers and friends.
1 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA
This year’s Convention theme, “The Courage to Lead,” is rooted in the city’s deep naval connection to courage and leadership.
Recognition Ceremony & State of the Fraternity 6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Norfolk Ballrooms
Those qualities will certainly be on display this weekend as important decisions are made by Beta’s undergraduate and alumni leaders at this critical period in Beta Theta Pi’s storied history.
Alumni & Guest Reception 9:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Piano Lounge
The Fraternity has thrived in such periods before, and it will do so once again. We’re glad you’re aboard and along for the ride!
Housing Summit Welcome 9:15 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Franklin/Shangri La Convention Chorus Practice 10:45 p.m. – 11:15 p.m. James I-III Social icon
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USS WISCONSIN/NAUTICUS Explore the nautical, naval and natural wonders of of our world, including the famed USS Wisconsin battleship. CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART 1 Memorial Pl., Norfolk, VA
Founded by Beta brother Walter P. Chrysler Jr., Dartmouth ’33, son of the car company founder and CEO of the Chrysler Building himself, this museum features a collection of ornamental blown glass alongside art from contemporary times to ancient Egypt. TOWN POINT PARK 113 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA
Get a glimpse of the picturesque Chesapeake Bay while viewing moving tributes like the Armed Forces Memorial and “The Homecoming” and “Lone Sailor” statues. WATERSIDE 333 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA
Catch a game on the big screen, grab a cold brew coffee or satisfy a craving at this waterfront eatery and entertainment district.
REMINDERS • Convention attire is resort-casual (i.e. collared shirts, shorts, jeans or khakis. Flip flops are allowed but T-shirts are not.) • Attire must be in good taste and represent Beta Theta Pi appropriately (i.e. no alcohol, sexual innuendos, etc.)
• Dress for Saturday’s Celebration Banquet is coat and tie for men and comparable attire for women. • See Director of Advancement David Greis to join the more than 90 Betas and guests at tomorrow evening’s John Reily Knox Club Recognition Dinner.