186th General Convention sponsors help lower the event’s costs while enriching 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
Campus Ink
CSL Management Flare
Greek House Chefs GreekYearbook NMDP
Residential
Corp.
Herff Jones Inn at Grand Glaize LMNT
re:Members
Roark Custom Golf Works
GENERAL SECRETARY
John Stebbins, Emory ’92 General Secretary
WELCOME TO BETA THETA PI’S 186TH GENERAL CONVENTION IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI!
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it’s my honor to have you in the Gateway City for one of our Fraternity’s greatest and longest-standing traditions. For 186 years, Beta men have gathered in brotherhood to reflect, to celebrate and to chart a path for our beloved Fraternity. This Convention is not just a meeting; it is a living tradition, one that has shaped Beta’s story across generations.
Here in St. Louis — a city long known as the place where journeys west began and bold ideas took flight — we find the perfect setting for our work together. Like those who trekked across this land centuries ago in search of new opportunities, we gather with a unified purpose: to honor the past, strengthen the present and dream boldly about Beta’s future.
I’m reminded of words once spoken by the late Dr. Ferd Del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis ’58, a modern Beta Great who attended the General Convention for 45 consecutive years:
“I don’t come to the Convention every year to win some attendance prize. I come because that’s what Betas are supposed to do.”
This weekend, embrace the friendships new and rekindled, the lessons learned and the decisions made on behalf of our brotherhood. Whether a first-time attendee or Convention veteran, your voice and presence matter.
Thank you for making the journey.
Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,
FRATERNITY LEADERSHIP
COLLEGIATE COMMISSIONERS
Christopher Cardenas, Texas ’24
Tyler “T.J.” Hockett, Florida State ’25
Henry Jonas, Appalachian State ’25
Joseph Kosak, Furman ’26
Phillip Miavelstück, George Mason ’25
Jake Polzin, Minnesota ’25
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
Ryan King, Southern Illinois ’01
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commissioner
David Schawe, Louisville ’06
Insurance Commissioner
Mike Wortman, Nebraska ’70
Scholarship Commissioner
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, General Fraternity President
John Stebbins, Emory ’92, General Secretary
Ken Bryan, MIT ’88, General Treasurer
Robert Beall, Oklahoma ’80
William Fox, St. Lawrence ’75
Scott Fussell, Middle Tennessee State ’95
Bill Haywood, Miami ’74
Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05
Willie Romero, UNLV ’95
Robert Selsor, Missouri ’82
Nick Sexton, Eastern Kentucky ’11
Joel Stern, UC Riverside ’94
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rick Banks, Cornell ’72, Chairman
Randy Groves, Kansas State ’78, Treasurer
Tom Reeves, Eastern Kentucky ’99, Secretary
Stavan Bhatt, Louisville ’98
Mike Bickford, Oklahoma ’80
Art Carmichael Jr., Oregon ’62
Karl Chiao, Texas A&M ’90
John Chisholm, MIT ’84
Jeff Flanagan, Rhode Island ’93
Michael Gibbons, Kenyon ’74
Scott Grotjan, South Dakota ’92
Zac Haines, Miami ’05
Kent 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
BAIRD FUND CORPORATION
Ben Swartz, Connecticut ’05, President
Kris Swanson, Lawrence ’87, Treasurer
Robert Umstadter, San Jose State ’05, Secretary
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
BUSINESS
CONVENTION LEGISLATION
Delegates will conduct the business of the Fraternity on Saturday, including voting on charter petitions, chapter reviews, Trustee elections and amendments to The Code. One must be an initiated member to gain admittance into the legislation hall unless otherwise authorized.
GENERAL FRATERNITY OFFICER MEETINGS
At various points throughout Convention, the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, General Fraternity House Corporation, Baird Fund Corporation, regional chiefs and district chiefs will meet to advance Beta’s mission, vision and strategic plan.
EDUCATION
LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION SESSIONS
These sessions serve as the educational focus for this year’s Convention. An allstar line-up 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!”
FRIDAY BROTHERHOOD EXCURSION
There’s an exciting excursion planned for Friday evening! All guests will enjoy a trip to the St. Louis Zoo, one of the top-rated zoos in North America. The excursion includes dinner and “Romeo and Zooliet,” a live production of the Shakespeare classic. Buses start loading at 5:00 p.m. and will return to campus by 10:00 p.m.
MARCHING LINE
Join brothers in this cherished tradition as we march from Saturday’s BBQ dinner into the closing Celebration Ceremony in Graham Chapel.
MODEL INITIATION
All Betas will attend the Friday morning general session focused on the Fraternity’s ritual, including a flawless performance of the Initiation Ceremony. Not to be missed!
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
From new chapters bestowed charters in the legislation hall, to the recognition of Foundation donors and individual and chapter award winners, the 186th will do its part to honor those who labor out of love for Beta Theta Pi.
SATURDAY EVENING CELEBRATION
After the closing general session and awards ceremony, join brothers, guests and award winners for a closing dessert reception at the Knight Center.
LEGISLATION
LEGISLATION OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
John Smid, Toronto ’99
SECRETARY
Jason Steckel, Case Western Reserve ’92
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Kevin Levy, American ’16
MARSHAL
Don “Juice” Juszczyk, Cincinnati ‘91
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CHAIRMAN
Steven Gardner, Missouri ‘79
VICE PRESIDENTS
John Hillhouse, Missouri ’69
Alfred Simmons, Kansas ’82
Edward O’Malley, Jr., Kansas State ‘97
Paul Swartz, Kansas State ’64
David Spence, Missouri ’80
Douglas Houser, Willamette ’57*
Lloyd Kirk, Kansas ’55*
*Deceased
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2025
CHARTER/CHAPTER REVIEWS (VIRTUAL)
CHARTERS PANEL 1
LSU
CHARTERS PANEL 2
Boise State
CHARTERS PANEL 3
Kennesaw State, Nebraska at Omaha and Temple
CHAPTERS PANEL 1
Florida International
CHAPTERS PANEL 2
Illinois and Samford
CHAPTERS PANEL 3
Auburn, Colorado State and West Chester
CHAPTERS PANEL 4
Hanover, Tulane and West Virginia
CHAPTERS PANEL 65
Arizona, Central Florida and Vanderbilt
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2025
CHARTER VOTES
Charter voting will take place in Emerson Auditorium. Times may vary depending on how quickly/slowly delegates complete other agenda items.
CHARTER TIME Samford 10:30 a.m.
Illinois 10:45 a.m.
LSU 11:00 a.m.
Boise State 11:15 a.m.
BROTHERHOOD
“Indeed, let us take from the fact that friendship and brotherhood flourish fully only where men in common union work together toward the accomplishment of aims and goals of high purpose.”
– General Secretary Dr. Paul P. Van Riper, DePauw ’37
FEATURED SPEAKERS
CONVENTION KICKOFF EMCEE
Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05
WELCOME TO ST. LOUIS
Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75
CELEBRATION CEREMONY EMCEE
Scott Fussell, Middle Tennessee State ’95
SHEPARDSON AWARD
Paul Swartz, Kansas State ’64
CONVENTION KICKOFF THU. | JULY 31
Join nearly 450 Betas and friends during this year’s Convention Kickoff. Led by Trustee Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St. Louis ’05, with a welcome from General Fraternity President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, witness the Convention Countdown and the awarding of several individual and chapter awards.
MODEL INITIATION FRI. | AUGUST 1
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 have a free morning to relax and explore WashU’s campus.
CELEBRATION CEREMONY SAT. | AUGUST 2
Unite with Trustee Scott Fussell, Middle Tennessee State ’95, in the final celebratory event of the General Convention. Here, brothers and guests will hear the annual State of the Fraternity address, honor Fraternal Fifties in the cherished Beta Countdown, cheer on Beta’s Knox and Sisson Award-winning chapters, and celebrate the recipients of two prestigious Awards of Distinction presented by the North American Interfraternity Conference
SHEPARDSON AWARD PRESENTATION
A more than 25-year Beta Theta Pi volunteer, former Trustee Paul Swartz, Kansas State ’64, will receive the Fraternity’s highest honor for General Fraternity service, the Francis W. Shepardson Award.
CONVENTION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY /// JULY 30, 2025
6:30 a.m. - 7:15 a.m.
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Morning Wellness & Movement
Breakfast: Dining Hall
Breakfast: Knight Center
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch available for early arrivals
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 pm. Golf shuttle to Forest Park course
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Beta Registration and Guest Check-In
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. General Fraternity House Corporation Board Meeting
9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Keystone: VP of Finance Track
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Leadership College
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Legislation
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Advisory Council Lunch Meet-up
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Keystone: VP of Finance Track (Main Room)
Keystone: VP of Finance Track (Breakout Room)
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Leadership College
1:3 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Legislation
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Alumni Reception (Hosted by St. Louis Alumni Club)
5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Beta BBQ Dinner
6:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Beta Marching Line
DUC: Dining Hall
KC: The Bear
KC: Room 340
DUC: Dining Hall Orchid Lounge
DUC: Dining Hall Ibby’s Bistro
DUC: Goldberg Formal Lounge
KC: Lobby
KC: Room 340
KC: Room 230 Boardroom
Simon Hall May Auditorium
DUC: Room 239
Knight Hall Emerson Auditorium
DUC: Dining Hall
DUC: Dining Hall Ibby’s Bistro
Simon Hall May Auditorium
Simon Hall Room 018
DUC: Room 239
Knight Hall Emerson Auditorium
KC: The Bear Pub
McMillan Courtyard
McMillan Courtyard to Graham Chapel
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. General Session: Celebration Ceremony Graham Chapel
9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Awards Pickup and Shipping
9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Celebration Reception
SUNDAY /// AUGUST 3, 2025
5:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Shuttles to the Airport (Outside Knight Center Lobby)
5:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Guest Assistance
KC: Room 201 O’Donnell Lounge
KC: Courtyard/Anheuser-Busch Dining Rm
Shepley Drive and Throop Drive
KC: Lobby/Zetcher House Lobby
6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Coffee Service Zetcher House Lobby
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
KC: The Bear/DUC: Dining Hall
Awards: Please pick up after the Legislation session on Saturday outside of Emerson Auditorium. Questions? Contact awards@beta.org.
GENERAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION AND HELP DESK
Convention registration and help desks are located in Knight Center and Zetcher House beginning Wednesday. See the daily agendas for detailed registration hours.
NAME TAGS
Name tags must be worn at all times during the General Convention since they serve as one’s admission into all educational sessions, the legislation hall and special events etc. If you lose your name tag, please visit the Convention help desk to obtain a replacement.
CONVENTION ATTIRE
Attire for all events is resort casual (polo/ collared shirts, shorts or khaki pants for men and comparable 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.).
Friday is “Delicate Shades” day; wear your favorite pink and blue! Saturday is “Beta Spirit” day; wear your favorite Beta or chapter gear. The Brotherhood Excursion on Friday evening will be outdoors; dress for heat and wear comfy shoes.
MEALS
Beta provides all your meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast. Most meals will be eaten in the dining hall in the Danforth University Center (DUC). Your BearBucks card is loaded with enough money each day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, your BearBucks card can be used to purchase food, drinks or snacks at other venues on campus. See the flyer in your registration packet for locations and hours. If you run into problems with your BearBucks card, see any Convention staff member.
AWARDS
Awards will be presented to individuals and chapters during the general sessions
on Thursday and Saturday. Awards can be picked up on Saturday night after the closing general session in the staff office in the Knight Center room 201; shipping is available and can be arranged at that time. Questions? Contact awards@beta.org
WIFI
Wifi access is available across WashU’s campus via the wustl-guest network.
INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN
The official hashtag for the 186th General Convention is #Beta186. 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.
BRING YOUR PLASTIC
Washington University is a cashless campus. You will need to use your BearBucks card or a personal debit or credit card for all purchases.
PARKING
Guests staying in the Knight Center and “Saturday only” guests should park in the Millbrook Garage. Parking is $15 a day and will be added to your hotel bill. Daily guests can pay for parking at the kiosks in the garage.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
All guests staying in WashU dorms must check out by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Guests who do not check out on time will be charged a $40 fee (for students, your chapter will be charged on the August statement).
Check-out for the Knight Center is 11:00 a.m. If you need a late check-out please arrange that via the front desk.
WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
We have planned several activities to support the mental health and wellness of our
GENERAL INFORMATION
Convention guests, including:
• Morning wellness workouts
• A Quiet Room for guests who need a sensory break
• Refillable water bottles
• Fidget toys
• Nutritious meal and snack options
• Brotherhood and relaxation time
SUNDAY AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Shuttles to the airport will run on Sunday from 5:00 am until 11:00 am, departing from Shepley Drive and the KC: every 30 minutes. Plan on a 30-minute ride to the airport. No need to sign up, just show up! Guests also are welcome to arrange their own transportation to the airport.
CONDUCT
While attending the General Convention, all participants are expected to respect the property and rights of the hotel and other guests. Please note that alcohol consumption is not allowed in public areas outside, and all attendees must adhere to the laws of the host state. Campus security will enforce these expectations, and any reported issues will be addressed according to 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, Administrative Office staff, 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 dorm/hotel.
SMOKING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The entire campus of WashU, as well as
offsite event locations, are 100% smokeand tobacco-free. This includes all buildings and grounds.
ALCOHOL-FREE DORMS
The dorms at WashU are alcohol-free. Beta guests found with alcohol will be subject to the conduct policy (including alcohol found after checkout).
FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
Firearms, ammunition and explosives are not allowed on WashU’s campus, including in the parking garages. Guests may not carry concealed weapons on campus. If found, firearms, ammunition and explosives will be confiscated by university police.
LOST KEY
If you lose your WashU electronic key card (which grants you access to your residence hall and pays for your dining hall meals), you will be assessed a $40 fee. Lost key cards should be reported to the front desk of your residence hall where a replacement card can be issued. If someone is not at the front desk, you can call 513.330.1717 for 24-hour assistance.
LOST AND FOUND
If you find something, please turn it in to the nearest Convention staff member. If you lost something, please email convention@beta.org and include a complete description and your full contact information. Lost and found items will be stored at the Help Desk at the Knight Center and kept at the Administrative Office for 14 days after Convention.
QUESTIONS
Questions regarding the Convention and host facilities should be directed to any Convention staff member.
FEEDBACK/ISSUES
Should you encounter any issues or have feedback for the university, or if there is anything that can be done to make your stay more comfortable, please contact the Convention staff at convention@beta.org.
“THERE’S
NOTHING QUITE LIKE A BETA CONVENTION.”
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
Scan for more information about the 186th General Convention, a map of the Washington University campus and event photo gallery.
GreekYearbook is the official event photographer. Scan the QR code above to real time event images today!
The General Convention will provide a highquality 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.
