“Our fraternity has been conservative. She has also been progressive. Most of the great reforms and improvements in fraternity matters have originated in Beta Theta Pi. Therefore, we must realize the difficulties and rivalries which surround us, and determine to face them with loyalty worthy of the Beta of old days.”
“This collection of Beta lore, imagery and quotes — imperfect as it is — seeks to capture for a new generation the “best of the best” and, maybe even more importantly, reinforce the significance of what Beta Theta Pi can mean in a man’s life — and the world he cares for, gives to and leaves behind.”
— John Calvin Hanna, Wooster 1881
To purchase a copy of Beta Brotherhood, contact the Administrative Office at 800.800.BETA or www.beta.org.
Printed in 2014. All rights reserved.
— John Reily Knox, Miami 1839 (Above, front row, center; 1895 Pilgrimage to Oxford — one of his last.) Beta Brotherhood is a tribute to the Fraternity’s remarkable history, both written and visual, and “the long illustrious line” of Betas who lead by example, put others before self and, above all else, know that, “to whom much is given, of him much is expected.” Accordingly, the Beta Theta Pi Foundation is grateful to Editor Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96, and Creative
Director Sarah Shepherd for authoring another treasure in the library of Beta books. The Beta Foundation plays an instrumental role in “developing men of principle for a principled life.” Primary funder of the Men of Principle initiative since its inception in 1998, the Foundation plays a key role in the success of the Fraternity by securing,
investing and allocating generous donor gifts to leadership and educational programs that serve Beta’s members and constituents. For information on how one can personally advance efforts of the Beta Foundation, contact an Administrative Office staff member in Oxford at 800.800. BETA or www.beta.org.
COBB | SHEPHERD
Jacket art and design by Sarah Shepherd, creative director, Oxford, Ohio.
“There is nothing small about Beta Theta Pi.”
BETA BROTHERHOOD
L. Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96, a native of Nicholasville, Ky., has served the Fraternity’s Administrative Office staff in a variety of roles since 1997. Former director of expansion, director of the Men of Principle initiative, and current Foundation director of advancement and Editor/director of communication, Cobb lives in Oxford and enjoys staying fit, red wine, real estate and embellishing tall tales.
— L. Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96
A concept that was years in the making, Beta Brotherhood is meant to be a book of entertainment, inspiration and reinforcement.
BETA BROTHERHOOD a 175th anniversary tribute
In its 175th year, a respectful and humble nod to history is all that can be asked of this new addition to the library of Beta books. Certainly the great writers of yesteryear are the authorities on all things Beta history. And thank goodness for the diligent and thoughtful photographers through the years who have captured the sentiments and special moments that would take dissertations to explain — yet still fall short.