184TH GENERAL CONVENTION PROGRAM GUIDE
RENAISSANCE DALLAS ADDISON HOTEL HEARTS AGLOW DALLAS, TEXAS ~ AUGUST 3-6, 2023
beta Theta Pi
HEARTS AGLOW
“It is one thing to see an old seasoned Beta still aglow with his love and devotion — it is another to see a young lad with the lighted fires in his heart.”
– Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence 1922
beta Theta Pi
CONVENTION PURPOSE
Relationship Cultivation
The General Convention will engender bonds of friendship among all Betas, Friends of Beta and guests, and inspire their passion and commitment to Beta Theta Pi and her family.
Business of the Fraternity
The General Convention will promote an efficient model of governance that engages chapter, alumni and General Fraternity leadership in establishing common organizational direction.
Education
The General Convention will provide a high-quality educational experience focused on developing participants personally and enabling them to own and carry out with clarity the mission and specific goals of Beta Theta Pi and her leadership.
Inspiration
The General Convention will build pride in the organization’s achievements and empower all participants to take ownership of the Fraternity’s future.
Recognition and Celebration
The General Convention will honor Beta Theta Pi’s organizational, individual and chapter achievements in an aligned, engaging and celebratory fashion.
4 General Secretary Welcome 6 Convention History 8 Featured Speakers 10 Event Sponsors 11 Convention Highlights 12 Convention Agenda 14 General Fraternity Leadership 17 Legislation 18 General Information 22 Hotel Map TABLE OF CONTENTS
As the old saying goes, “THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE A BETA CONVENTION.”
PHOTO: SAN DIEGO BETAS ENJOY THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME WHILE IN ATLANTA FOR LAST YEAR’S 183RD GENERAL CONVENTION.
GENERAL SECRETARY
John Stebbins, Emory ’92 General Secretary
WELCOME TO BETA THETA PI’S 184TH GENERAL CONVENTION IN DALLAS, TEXAS!
Every General Convention leaves its mark on Beta history. From landmark legislation to speeches now forever enshrined in our texts, some of the Fraternity’s most cherished moments occur around this great Beta tradition. When brothers across chapters and generations come together to rekindle their Beta Spirit, we chart the path forward for our Great and Good Fraternity. Perhaps not surprisingly as we host the 184th in the heart of a city as dynamic as Dallas, new inspirations and important decisions become opportunities to reaffirm Beta’s Three Great Principles and core values.
As a fitting reminder, John Reily Knox, Miami 1839, gave a rousing address on the Fraternity’s first anniversary in 1840. Nearly two centuries later, we gather with a renewed commitment to ensuring this Fraternity remains a beacon of brotherhood and personal growth for all who call it home.
I hope the 184th General Convention sets your heart aglow with the passion, dedication and pride which unites brothers and Friends of Beta alike. May the Beta stars shine big and bright deep in the heart of Texas as we reunite this weekend to celebrate our eight founders and this special Fraternity we all know and love.
Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,
Join us on Instagram: @betathetapi
PG. 4
HEARTS AGLOW
THE FOUNDERS’ PARAGRAPH
At nine o’clock on the evening of the eighth day of the eighth month of the year 1839, eight earnest young men, all students at Miami University, held the first meeting of Beta Theta Pi in the Hall of the Union Literary Society, an upper room in the old college building known as “Old Main.”
The eight founders in the order in which their names appear in the minutes were:
John Reily Knox, 1839
Samuel Taylor Marshall, 1840
David Linton, 1839
James George Smith, 1840
Charles Henry Hardin, 1841
John Holt Duncan, 1840
Michael Clarkson Ryan, 1839
Thomas Boston Gordon, 1840
PG. 6 CONVENTION HISTORY
YEAR NO. LOCATION 1842 3rd Cincinnati, Ohio 1847 8th Cincinnati, Ohio 1848 9th Hudson, Ohio 1851 12th Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1854 15th Cincinnati, Ohio 1856 17th Louisville, Kentucky 1858 19th Berkeley Springs, Virginia 1860 21st Columbus, Ohio 1862 23rd (Skipped due to Civil War) 1864 25th Indianapolis, Indiana 1865 26th Detroit, Michigan 1866 27th Cincinnati, Ohio 1867 28th Indianapolis, Indiana 1868 29th Nashville, Tennessee 1869 30th Columbus, Ohio 1870 31st Chicago, Illinois 1871 32nd Indianapolis, Indiana 1872 33rd Richmond, Virginia 1873 34th Cincinnati, Ohio 1874 35th (Skipped due to late timing of 34th) 1875 36th Evansville, Indiana 1876 37th Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1877 38th Detroit, Michigan 1878 39th Indianapolis, Indiana 1879 40th Cincinnati, Ohio 1880 41st Baltimore, Maryland 1881 42nd Chicago, Illinois 1882 43rd Cincinnati, Ohio 1883 44th Saratoga Springs, New York 1884 45th Wooglin-on-Chautauqua, N.Y. 1885 46th St. Louis, Missouri 1886 47th Cincinnati, Ohio 1887-93 48-54th Wooglin-on-Chautauqua, N.Y. 1894 55tth Niagara Falls, New York 1895 56th Chicago, Illinois 1896 57th White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. 1897 58th Niagara Falls, New York 1898 59th Cincinnati, Ohio 1899 60th Niagara Falls, New York 1900 61st Put-in-Bay, Ohio 1901 62nd Lakewood, New York 1902 63rd Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota 1903 64th Put-in-Bay, Ohio 1904 65th St. Louis, Missouri 1905 66th New York, New York 1906 67th Denver, Colorado 1907-08 68-69th Niagara Falls, N.Y. 1909 70th Put-in-Bay, Ohio 1910 71st Saratoga Springs, New York 1911 72nd Niagara Falls, Ontario 1912 73rd Detroit, Michigan 1913 74th Nantasket Beach, Mass. 1914 75th St. Louis, Missouri REILY TAYLOR DAVE LEB
“of ever honored memory”
1969 130th Bretton Woods, N.H.
1970 131st Mackinac Island, Michigan
YEAR NO. LOCATION
1971 132nd Sun Valley, Idaho
1972 133rd Asheville, North Carolina
1973 134th Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
1974 135th Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania
1975 136th Mackinac Island, Michigan
1976 137th French Lick, Indiana
1977 138th Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
1978 139th Mackinac Island, Michigan
1979 140th Oxford, Ohio
1980 141st Hot Springs, Virginia
1981 142nd Scottsdale, Arizona
1982 143rd French Lick, Indiana
1983 144th Mackinac Island, Michigan
1984 145th Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
1985 146th Boca Raton, Florida
1986 147th Scottsdale, Arizona
1987 148th Asheville, North Carolina
1988 149th Toronto, Ontario
1990 151st Palm Desert, California
1991 152nd Tarpon Springs, Florida
1992
1993 154th
1994
1995
1996
1998
2000
2001
2002
PG. 7
NO. LOCATION 1915 76th Oakland, California 1916 77th Saratoga Springs, New York 1917 78th Niagara Falls, New York 1918 79th White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. 1919 80th Swampscott, Massachusetts 1920 81st Williams Bay, Wisconsin 1921 82nd Estes Park, Colorado 1922 83rd West Baden, Indiana 1923 84th White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. 1924 85th Mackinac Island, Michigan 1925 86th Lake of Bays, Ontario 1926 87th White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. 1927 88th Lake of Bays, Ontario 1928 89th Colorado Springs, Colorado 1929 90th Lake of Bays, Ontario 1930 91st Old Point Comfort, Virginia 1931 92nd Lake Rosseau, Ontario 1932 93rd Hot Springs, Virginia 1933-34 94-95th Mackinac Island, Michigan 1935 96th Seigniory Club, Quebec 1936 97th Biloxi, Mississippi 1937 98th Mackinac Island, Michigan 1938 99th Poland Spring, Maine 1939 100th Oxford, Ohio 1940 101st Del Monte, California 1941 102nd Mackinac Island, Michigan 1942 103rd Mackinac Island, Michigan
104-106th (Skipped
War II) 1946 107th Mackinac Island, Michigan 1947 108th Poland Spring, Maine 1948 109th Mackinac Island, Michigan 1949 110th Glenwood Springs, Colorado 1950 111th Lake of Bays, Ontario 1951 112th Old Point Comfort, Virginia 1952 113th Lake of Bays, Ontario 1953 114th Pasadena, California 1954 115th Oxford, Ohio 1955 116th Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania 1956 117th Mackinac Island, Michigan 1957 118th Poland Spring, Maine 1958 119th Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania 1959 120th French Lick, Indiana 1960 121st Mackinac Island, Michigan 1961 122nd Pasadena, California 1962 123rd Asheville, North Carolina 1963 124th Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania 1964 125th Oxford, Ohio 1965 126th Mackinac Island, Michigan
127th Lake of Bays, Ontario
128th Asheville, North Carolina
129th Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania
CONVENTION HISTORY YEAR
1943-45
due to World
1966
1967
1968
1989 150th Oxford, Ohio
153rd Washington, D.C.
Denver,
Colorado
155th Marco Island, Florida
Cincinnati,
156th
Ohio
157th Palm Desert, California
Washington,
1997 158th
D.C.
Miami,
159th
Florida
1999 160th Oxford, Ohio
161st Schaumburg, Ill. (Chicago)
Oxford,
162nd
Ohio
163rd Kansas
164th Oxford,
165th Atlanta,
166th Scottsdale,
167th Toronto,
168th Orlando, Florida
169th Dallas, Texas 2009 170th Phoenix, Arizona
171st Washington, D.C. 2011 172nd Seattle, Washington
173rd Chicago, Illinois
174th Charlotte, North Carolina
175th Oxford, Ohio
176th Orlando, Florida
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Salt Lake City,
Norfolk,
City, Missouri 2003
Ohio 2004
Georgia 2005
Arizona 2006
Ontario 2007
2008
2010
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 177th
2017 178th
Utah 2018 179th
Virigina
Oxford,
2019 180th
Ohio
Oxford,
2020 181st (Virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic) 2021 182nd
Ohio
Atlanta,
Dallas,
CHARLEY
MIKE TOM
2022 183rd
Georgia 2023 184th
Texas
JOHN
FEATURED SPEAKERS
CONVENTION KICKOFF EMCEE
Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76
NIC AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
Jud Horras, Iowa State ’97
THE GREAT CONVERSATION III: A RADICAL BROTHERHOOD Dr. Don “Dipper” DiPaolo, Michigan ’78
CONVENTION KICKOFF THURS. | AUGUST 3
Join some 800 Betas, Sweethearts and friends during this year’s Convention Kickoff, as the official theme is dedicated and the course is charted for the Fraternity’s largest gathering of the year. Welcomed by General Fraternity President Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76, witness the Convention Countdown and the awarding of two NIC Awards of Distinction by Jud Horras, Iowa State ’97.
MODEL INITIATION THURS. | AUGUST 3
Following the Convention Kickoff, all Betas will gather to conduct the sacred Model Initiation Ceremony. Practiced to perfection by an enthusiastic cast of brothers, come prepared to learn the details that take this beautiful tradition to another level. During this event, Friends of Beta and guests are invited to a special reception.
The Great Conversation III: A Radical Brotherhood
AWARDS LUNCHEON EMCEE
Daen Ekpa, Loyola Marymount ’10
UNDERGRADUATE KEYNOTE
Adam Jolles, Kansas ’24
All attendees are encouraged to attend this interactive discussion led by Dr. Don “Dipper” DiPaolo, Michigan ’78. Prepare to be both challenged and inspired as brothers and friend consider their roles and relationships with the Fraternity ... and beyond.
AWARDS LUNCHEON FRI. | AUGUST 4
During this all-Convention luncheon, witness the recognition of individuals and chapters as the Fraternity celebrates their extraordinary volunteerism and campus achievements. Daen Ekpa, Loyola Marymount ’10, will emcee, as a lineup of student leaders join him to announce this year’s award winners, including 32 recipients of the Francis H. Sisson Award. Plus, be inspired by a keynote from former Alpha Nu Chapter President Adam Jolles, Kansas ’24.
PG. 8
FEATURED SPEAKERS
CELEBRATION BANQUET SAT. | AUGUST 5
CELEBRATION BANQUET EMCEE
Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00
STATE OF THE FRATERNITY
John Stebbins, Emory ’92
OXFORD CUP
Bill Koch, MIT ’62
SHEPARDSON AWARD
Bob Schnese, Wisconsin ’83
Unite with outgoing Board Trustee Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00, in the final celebratory dinner of the General Convention. In addition to honoring Fraternal Fifties in the cherished Beta Countdown and enjoying Beta’s singing tradition, cheer on Beta’s 13 Knox Award-winning chapters and reflect on the State of the Fraternity address delivered by General Secretary John Stebbins, Emory ’92.
Oxford Cup Presentation
Be on hand when Oxbow Carbon LLC Founder and Chief Executive Officer Bill Koch, MIT ’62, accepts Beta’s highest honor for professional achievement, the Oxford Cup. The businessman, entrepreneur, champion sailor, art collector and philanthropist is one of three Koch brothers to join the Beta Upsilon Chapter, and Bill will also accept the Oxford Cup posthumously on behalf of his twin brother and former executive vice president of Koch Industries, David ’62.
Shepardson Award Presentation
A 30-year Beta Theta Pi volunteer, former General Fraternity President Bob Schnese, Wisconsin ’83, will receive the Fraternity’s highest honor for General Fraternity service, the Francis W. Shepardson Award. Afterwards, the Convention will close out with a dessert, wine and beer reception in the Crystal Foyer sponsored by the Beta Foundation.
GROUP PICTURES
Say GO BETA! Beta’s official Convention photographers will be available to take group photos on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the Beta backdrop after each all-Convention program. Images will be available online at beta.org/convention. For more information see page 23.
PG. 9
CONVENTION SPONSORS
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
The Fraternity thanks its 2023 Convention sponsors who not only help lower the Convention’s costs, but also enrich members and chapters with potential opportunities for future collaboration and services. Please thank them by learning more about their services and considering them for upcoming partnerships.
DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
PG. 10
HEARTS AGLOW
“You’ll feel the bond that makes us kin, that sets our hearts aglow.”
RELATIONSHIP CULTIVATION
BETA TIME/WELCOME RECEPTION
Mingle with brothers and guests to rekindle old friendships and make new ones! Light refreshments provided. (Cash/credit accepted at the bar.)
FRIEND OF BETA AND SWEETHEARTS RECEPTION
While brothers experience the Model Initiation Ceremony, Friends of Beta, Sweethearts and guests can gather in the hotel lobby for an informal reception. Light refreshments provided.
CLOSING DESSERT RECEPTION
Immediately following Saturday’s Celebration Banquet, all attendees are invited to the closing Dessert Reception sponsored by the Beta Foundation. (Cash/ credit accepted at the bar.)
BUSINESS
CONVENTION LEGISLATION
Delegates will conduct the business of the Fraternity on Friday and Saturday, including voting on charter petitions, chapter reviews, Trustee elections and amendments to The Code. One must be a registered Convention attendee to gain admittance into the legislation hall.
GENERAL FRATERNITY OFFICER MEETINGS
At various points throughout Convention, the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, General Fraternity House Corporation, regional chiefs and district chiefs will meet to advance Beta’s system of chapter and volunteer support.
EDUCATION
LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION SESSIONS
These sessions serve as the educational focus for this year’s Convention. An allstar lineup of speakers and topics have been selected to ensure chapters and volunteers hit the ground running this coming academic year.
INSPIRATION
THE SINGING FRATERNITY
Beta’s singing tradition lives on! Throughout Convention, brothers will join in song to celebrate the Fraternity’s sentimental side as Beta is still “The Singing Fraternity!”
MARCHING LINE
A cherished Convention tradition led by the Board of Trustees, Betas will unite at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and proceed into the Celebration Banquet while singing “Marching Along.”
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION CHARTERINGS, AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
From new chapters bestowed charters in the legislation hall, to Foundation donors and individual and chapter awards recognized during banquets, the 184th will do its part to honor those who labor out of love for Beta Theta Pi.
PG. 11
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
–
“To The Pledge”
CONVENTION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY
// AUGUST 4, 2023
Breakfast Starting at 7:30 a.m.)
PG. 12
2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Convention Registration West Registration Exhibits, Vendors and Sponsors West Registration 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Convention Chorus Practice Mayfair 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception (Cash/Credit Bar) Crystal Foyer 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Loving Cup Ceremony Garden Court
// AUGUST 2, 2023
2023 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast On Your Own 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting Bacarrat 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Service Opportunity: Be The Match Bel-Air I-II 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Convention Registration West Registration Exhibits, Vendors and Sponsors West Registration 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch: Board Members and Staff Lalique Ballroom Lunch On Your Own (All Other Guests) 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Convention Chorus Practice Mayfair 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Joint Board Meeting of Trustees, Foundation Directors, Lalique Ballroom General Fraternity House Corporation and Advisory Council 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting Bacarrat Foundation Development Committee Meeting Bel-Air IV Foundation Finance Committee Meeting Bel-Air V Foundation Governance / Nominating Committee Meeting Bel-Air VI General Fraternity House Corporation Meeting Bel-Air III 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Welcome Reception (Cash/Credit Bar) Crystal Foyer 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Convention Kickoff Crystal Ballroom 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Model Initiation Ceremony Malachite Reception
Hotel Lobby Bar 7:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m. The
Malachite 9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Alumni
Hotel Lobby Bar
Garden Court
Mayfair Legislation
Waterford
FRIDAY
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Crystal Ballroom 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Convention Registration West Registration 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Leadership Summit
breakfast
7:30 am) Spectrum 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Exhibits, Vendors and Sponsors West Registration Foundation
Colonnade
(Includes
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. Keystone:
Crystal VIII 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Keystone:
Crystal VII 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Alumni Association Track Bel-Air I-II
Garden Court III Leadership
Crystal VI
Waterford
9:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. Keystone:
Crystal VIII Keystone:
Lalique
10:00 a.m.
10:45 a.m. Coffee Break 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Board of
Meeting Bacarrat Foundation
Colonnade A&B
THURSDAY // AUGUST 3,
for Friends of Beta and Guests
–
Great Conversation III: A Radical Brotherhood
Association Delegate Meet-n-Greet
Beta Time (Cash/Credit Bar)
Convention Chorus Practice
Committee: Credentials & Registration
A
(includes
starting at
Campaign Cabinet Meeting
A&B
–
VP of Recruitment
VP of Education and Advisor Academy
Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy
College
Legislation Committee: Credentials & Registration
A
–
VP of Recruitment (Breakout A)
VP of Recruitment (Breakout B)
II
–
Trustees
Directors Meeting
CONVENTION AGENDA
SATURDAY // AUGUST 5, 2023
PG. 13 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. General Fraternity House Corporation Meeting Bel-Air III 10:30 a.m. –11:45 a.m. Keystone: VP of Education and Advisor Academy (Breakout A) Crystal VII Keystone: VP of Education and Advisor Academy (Breakout B) Bel-Air IV - VI 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Awards Luncheon Crystal Ballroom 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Advisor Academy Spectrum Board of Trustees Meeting Bacarrat Foundation Directors Meeting Colonnade A&B Keystone: VP of Education Crystal VII Keystone: VP of Recruitment (Breakout A) Crystal VIII Keystone: VP of Recruitment (Breakout B) Lalique I Leadership College Crystal VI Legislation Malachite 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. General Fraternity House Corporation Meeting Bel-Air III 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Snack Break 5:30 p.m. Buses Depart for Texas Rangers Game Garden Court 5:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m Texas Rangers Game (Includes Dinner) Garden Court 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. John Reily Knox Club Reception (Invitation Only) Crystal Foyer 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. John Reily Knox Club Dinner (Invitation Only) Garden Court III
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Crystal Ballroom Advisory Council Meeting (Includes Breakfast Starting at 7:00 a.m.) Colonnade B 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Convention Registration West Registration 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Legislation Committee: Credentials & Registration Waterford A 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Exhibits, Vendors and Sponsors West Registration 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Keystone: VP of Education
of Recruitment Crystal VII - VIII Leadership College Crystal VI Legislation Malachite 9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Advisor Academy Spectrum 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch Garden Court 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Installation Ceremony Training Hamilton 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Keystone, Leadership College and Advisor Academy Crystal VII - VIII Featured Speaker Zac Clark: Student Mental Health 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Keystone: VP of Education Crystal VII Keystone:
of Recruitment Crystal VIII Leadership College Crystal VI 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Advisor Academy Spectrum Legislation Malachite 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Convention Chorus Practice Mayfair 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Reception:
Bel-Air II-III Reception:
Bel-Air VI
Bel-Air
Reception:
Bel-Air V 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Marching Line Lalique 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Celebration Banquet Crystal Ballroom 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Foundation Dessert Reception (Cash/Credit Bar) Crystal Foyer
// AUGUST
2023 Times TBD Shuttle Buses to DFW and DAL Airports Garden Court 6:30 a.m. Bus Departs for Dragon Classic Golf Tournament Garden Court 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Dragon Classic Golf Tournament Bear Creek Golf Club
& VP
VP
House Corporation Volunteers (Invitation Only)
SMU Alumni (Invitation Only)
Reception: University of Texas Alumni (Invitation Only)
IV
UT Arlington Alumni (Invitation Only)
SUNDAY
6,
FRATERNITY LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John Stebbins, Emory ’92, General Secretary
Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76, General Fraternity President
Ken Bryan, MIT ’88, General Treasurer
Robert Beall, Oklahoma ’80
Amar Budarapu, Lawrence ’87
Bill Haywood, Miami ’74
Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05
Willie Romero, UNLV ’95
Justin Rutherford, Northwestern ’00
HEARTS AGLOW
“Cheer! Cheer! Cheer! with hearts rejoicing, brightly sparkles ev’ry eye, and our bosoms feel the glow none but brothers’ hearts may know, while we sing the songs of Beta Theta Pi.”
– “There’s A Scene”
Nick Sexton, Eastern Kentucky ’11
Joel Stern, UC Riverside ’94
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rick Banks, Cornell ’72, Chairman
Fred Pierce, San Diego State ’84, Vice Chairman
Randy Groves, Kansas State ’78, Treasurer
Tom Reeves, Eastern Kentucky ’99, Secretary
Stavan Bhatt, Louisville ’98
Mike Bickford, Oklahoma ’80
Art Carmichael, Oregon ’62
Karl Chiao, Texas A&M ’90
Peter Darrow, Miami (Fla.) ’09
Jeff Flanagan, Rhode Island ’93
Scott Grotjan, South Dakota ’92
Zac Haines, Miami ’05
Kent R. Mire, TCU ’07
Marty Obst, Southern Illinois ’03
Tom Olver, Central Michigan ’98
Rick Sabol, Ohio ’77
John Torget, Cornell ’93
Bruce Wenger, Lawrence ’89
GENERAL FRATERNITY HOUSE CORPORATION
Adam Collins, Wabash ’02, President
Steve Becker, Florida ’69, Secretary
Andrew Zurborg, Arkansas ’15, Treasurer
Daen Ekpa, Loyola Marymount ’10
Dan Farmer, Cincinnati ’75
Vince Mikolay, Bethany ’00
BAIRD FUND CORPORATION
Kris Swanson, Lawrence ’87
Robert Umstadter, San Jose State ’05
David Wright, Ohio State ’67
PG. 14
FRATERNITY LEADERSHIP
UNDERGRADUATE COMMISSIONERS
Nazar Abbas, Miami ’24
Jack Corby, Elon ’22
C.J. Fovozzo, John Carroll ’23
Max Gauger, Texas ’23
Collin George, Embry-Riddle ’23
Alex Houlton, George Mason ’23
Nathan Satterfield, Michigan ’23
Liam Traynor, Lawrence ’23
GENERAL FRATERNITY OFFICERS
Mike Okenquist, Villanova ’94 Alumni Commissioner
Zac Haines, Miami ’05 Archivist and Historian
Ryan Westberry, Clemson ’98 Assistant Historian
Brock Johnson, Oklahoma State ’09 Chorister
Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96 Editor
David Schawe, Louisville ’06 Insurance Commissioner
Jim Strilesky, British Columbia ’72
Commissioner
Southern Illinois ’01
Commissioner
PG. 15
Ryan King,
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
REGIONAL CHIEFS REGION Austin Marple, TCU ’14 SC Tommy Raimondi, Ohio ’16 EG Bryant Fiesta, UC Irvine ’16 MA Ethan Turner, Wisconsin-Oshkosh ’12 WG Chuck Graves, Middle Tennessee State ’94 SO Terry Weber, Truman State ’01 NC Adam Schultz, Virginia Tech ’98 SW John Smid, Toronto ’99 NE Roger Roa, Nova Southeastern ’02 SE Nick Gilson, Utah ’03 NW DISTRICT CHIEFS DISTRICT Gene Wasserman, Maryland ’92 01 Faraz Malek, Toronto ’12 03 Bruce Fein, Colgate ’84 04 James Ebert, Stevens ’19 05 Kal Pipo, Case Western Reserve ’86 06 Alex Henry, Bethany ’14 07 Matt DelBrocco, Case Western Reserve ’12 08 Michael Lavina, Hanover ’11 10 Karl Edelmann, Michigan ’86 11 Charles Hutchinson, Kentucky ’91 12 Marty Obst, Southern Illinois ’03 13 Nick Dunn, Connecticut ’13 14 Brandon Lamp, Wisconsin ’14 15 Ted Haile, Georgia Tech ’75 16 Dave Thompson, Purdue ’64 17 Woody Ratterman, Middle Tennessee State ’95 18 Carlos Gonzalez, Central Florida ’07 19 Nathan Balkenbusch, Kansas State ’14 22 Michael Breske, South Dakota ’73 24 Joe Jongewaard, Iowa State ’70 25 Michael Schultz, Wichita State ’17 31 Andrew Upton, TCU ’15 32 Jake McKinney, Louisville ’01 36 Coby Crosby, Southern California ’16 37 Ian Ross, Michigan ’21 40 Raj Maharaj, Florida International ’07 42 Colin Dunning, Texas ’20 45 Nick Hatton, San Diego ’18 48
Scholarship
2024 LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
MILLER NICHOLS CHAPTER PRESIDENTS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Who: All Chapter Presidents
When: January 5-7, 2024
Where: Chicago, Ill.
Registration Opens: October 15, 2024
HUGH E. STEPHENSON JR. LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Who: Regional and District Chiefs
When: January 5-7, 2024
Where: Chicago, Ill
Registration Opens: October 15, 2024
KEYSTONE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES
Who: Executive Chapter Officers and Chapter Advisory Teams
When: January 19-21 and January 26-28
Registration Opens: October 15, 2024
WOODEN INSTITUTE
Who: Initiated Collegians
When: June 1-4, June 8-11 and June 22-25
Where: Oxford, Ohio
Summer Registration Opens: Feb. 1, 2024
PETER F. GREINER LEADERSHIP COLLEGE
Who: Any Collegiate Beta Attending the General Convention Who Is Not Serving as a Chapter Delegate
When: July 25-27, 2024
Where: 185th General Convention
Registration Opens: February 1, 2024
UNDERGRADUATE INTERFRATERNITY INSTITUTE
Who: Collegiate Betas
When: Summer 2024
Where: Bloomington, Ind.
Registration Opens: February 1, 2024
Beta Scholarship Deadline: April 13 For More Info: nicfraternity.org
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership program graduates can apply to serve as an intern for Presidents Academy, Keystone, the Wooden Institute and Leadership College. Applications will be available at beta.org and are due October 1.
For information, contact Assistant Director of Leadership and Education Cody Golden at cody.golden@beta.org.
Register for all of Beta’s leadership programs at
Stay tuned for program updates and registration reminders in the Beta Brief, the Fraternity’s monthly e-newsletter for chapter officers, advisors and house corporation members. Ensure your email is current at My.Beta.org. Distribution is on the eighth of each month.
PG. 16
BETA.ORG
CONVENTION OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Austin Marple, TCU ’14
SECRETARY
Ryan Reichenbach, Kettering B ’18
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Alex Snowden, Texas A&M-CC ’06
MARSHAL
Keith Davis, Iowa State ’70
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CHAIRMAN
Jeff Stephenson, South Carolina ’ 80
VICE PRESIDENTS
Tom McCasland, Oklahoma ’56
Paxson Glenn, North Carolina ’58
Mac Churchill, Texas ’72
Mike Casson, SMU ’67
Zach Allen, Oklahoma ’85
Wade McMullen, Texas ’79
David Schmidt, South Florida ’92
TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023
CHARTER/CHAPTER REVIEWS (VIRTUAL)
Charters Panel 1
Embry-Riddle
Charters Panel 2
Appalachian State, Kennesaw State, LSU
Charters Panel 3
Illinois State and UNC Wilmington
Chapters Panel 1
South Florida
Chapters Panel 2
Florida Atlantic and Samford
Chapters Panel 3
Illinois and Vanderbilt
Chapters Panel 4
Colorado State and San Diego State
Chapters Panel 5
Boise State and West Chester
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023
CHARTER VOTES
CHARTER TIME LOCATION
South Florida 2:30 p.m. Malachite
Embry-Riddle 2:35 p.m. Malachite
NOTE: Times subject to change due to normal legislative processes.
PG. 17
LEGISLATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION
Beginning Wednesday morning, the Convention registration area will be located outside the Crystal Ballroom. Please see the master agenda for detailed registration hours.
NAME TAGS
Name tags should be worn at all times during the General Convention since they serve as one’s admission into all educational sessions, the legislation hall, special events, etc. If you lose your name tag, please visit the Convention registration area to obtain a replacement.
SUNDAY TRANSPORTATION
Beta is providing transportation to DFW and DAL airports on Sunday morning for guests who signed up during online registration. Buses will depart from the bus loading area on the first floor. Please visit the Registration area if you have questions about shuttle times.
CONVENTION ATTIRE
Thursday is “School Spirit Day,” so feel free to sport pride for your alma mater! Attire for all other events is resort casual (polo/collared shirts, shorts or khaki pants for men and comparable attire for women). Please refrain from wearing T-shirts, jeans or ball caps during official Convention activities and, when worn, please ensure T-shirts reflect positively upon the Fraternity (i.e. no alcohol, void of sexual innuendo, etc.). Coat, tie and Beta badge are required for Saturday night’s Celebration Banquet.
MEALS
Beta is providing all meals for full-time registrants.
Attendees who indicated an allergy or dietary restriction during registration have been provided special meal tickets. They should be presented to a hotel server at the start of the meal.
Name tags serve as admission tickets into Beta banquets. If you lose your name tag, visit the Convention registration desk to obtain a replacement. Based on availability, additional banquet meals may be purchased at the Convention registration desk.
PG. 18
GENERAL INFORMATION
AWARDS
Awards will be presented to individuals and chapters during Friday’s Awards Luncheon and Saturday’s Celebration Banquet. Awards can be picked up in the registration area outside of the Crystal Ballroom. Please congratulate Beta’s deserving individuals and chapters!
CONDUCT
To ensure the General Convention and Beta Theta Pi continue to maintain a reputation of excellence and high standards, the Fraternity expects all Convention attendees to govern themselves accordingly, respecting the property and rights of the hotel as well as other guests. Please be advised that alcohol is not permitted to be consumed in public areas outside and the laws of the host state apply to all participants. Conduct will be monitored and enforced by hotel security. If a disturbance or issue is reported, it will be addressed in accordance with Beta’s Convention Standards Procedures:
• First Offense: Individuals will receive a warning and be asked to discontinue the actions of disturbance. Individuals will be given notice of the consequences of a second offense.
• Second Offense: Individuals will be asked to return to their assigned room and, if present, all alcohol will be confiscated and discarded. Individuals will be given notice of the consequences of a third offense. Individuals will be asked to meet with the Convention marshal, regional chief, district chief and chapter delegate the next morning.
• Third Offense: Individuals will be asked to leave the General Convention and will no longer be allowed to participate in related activities or events. No travel fees or registration fees will be refunded. The General Fraternity will follow up on the incident post-Convention.
• Depending on the severity of one’s action(s), the Fraternity reserves the right to utilize good judgment in addressing each situation. Actions of the individual may result in immediate removal from the Convention and the hotel.
SMOKING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The entire hotel is 100% smoke- and tobacco-free. This includes all off-site Beta events.
PG. 19
GENERAL INFORMATION
EVALUATIONS
An electronic evaluation will be sent to you following the Convention. Your feedback is important. Please take time to complete the evaluation and help the Fraternity improve future Conventions.
WIRELESS INTERNET
Computer access is available throughout the hotel. Every guest room also offers Wi-Fi, which allows for fast connection time and access.
TWITTER, INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK
The official hashtag for the 184th General Convention is #Beta184. Please use this hashtag to share your thoughts, reflections and significant moments regarding your Convention experience. When posting, remember you are representing Beta to thousands of constituents via social media. In addition, should you have feedback or suggestions for improvement, please share those in the evaluation or directly with a Convention staff member.
LOST & FOUND
Please check for and turn in lost items to the Convention registration area. All items not claimed by Sunday at 12:00 p.m. will be held at the Administrative Office for 14 days at which time all unclaimed items will be discarded or become property of the Fraternity.
SECURITY
It is important for you to know that during these times of heightened security, the hotel is doing everything it can to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay. Please do not hesitate to contact the hotel staff if you need assistance.
ALL-GENDER RESTROOM
An all-gender restroom is located on the second floor near the Hamilton room.
EMERGENCIES AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you experience an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Report all injuries or illnesses to the Beta Convention staff at convention@beta.org
PG. 20
GENERAL INFORMATION
PARKING
Parking at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel is $7.50 per vehicle, per day.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
Hotel check-in is 4:00 p.m. Check-out is 11:00 a.m. If you would like a late check-out from the hotel, please make arrangements directly with the front desk.
LOST HOTEL KEY
If you lose your hotel key, contact the hotel’s registration desk directly.
HOTEL BILLS
Delegates, Leadership College and Keystone participants, and chapter advisors: Your hotel bill (minus incidentals) is paid in conjunction with your registration fee and will therefore be charged to the Fraternity’s master bill. General Fraternity Officers: You are responsible for paying your hotel bill upon checkout and submitting charges for reimbursement in alignment with Beta’s official expense reimbursement policy. All other attendees are responsible for room, tax and incidentals.
Questions can be directed to the Convention staff at the registration area.
HOTEL FEEDBACK/ISSUES
Should you encounter any issues or have feedback for the hotel, or if there is anything that can be done to make your stay more comfortable, please contact the Convention staff at convention@beta.org or visit the registration desk in the Crystal Foyer.
QUESTIONS
Questions regarding the Convention and host facilities should be directed to any Convention staff member, the registration desk in the Crystal Foyer or convention@beta.org
PG. 21
PG. 22
BALLROOM LEVEL HOTEL MAP
Download moments from the 184th Convention as they happen! In partnership with PhotoNodes, attendees have full access to all photos from this weekend in real time and you can even upload your own memories. Get started on any mobile device using the PhotoNodes app, just scan the QR code to log in. Galleries are also available at beta.org/convention.
PG. 23
HOTEL MAP LOBBY LEVEL
BETA LEADERSHIP FUND developing men of principle for a principled life GIFT.BETA.ORG
men can lead, direct, encourage, correct and inspire younger men. Likewise, young men can give older men strength, courage, faith and add ‘future to their minds.’ This is what happens when the hand of age grips the hand of youth.” — Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence 1922 General Secretary and General Fraternity President EST. 1971 Beta Theta Pi Foundation and Administrative Office Brennan Hall 5134 Bonham Road PO Box 6277 Oxford, OH 45056 800.800.BETA @betathetapi beta.org GoBeta.com
“Older
