The Beta Theta Pi - Fall 2024

BETA

THANKS.

WHY AREN’T YOUNG MEN GOING TO COLLEGE?

AND WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR BETA THETA PI?

A New Day at 500 Sunset

Seen here in May 1933, the Beta house at Kansas State University sits alone on Sunset Avenue just three years after its construction. The property has become a cornerstone of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter experience in the ensuing years and, while the stately Bedford stone still reminds passersby of the chapter’s proud history, new renovations and an important addition usher this Beta classic into its next century.

24 Behind the Headlines

Story

Beta CEO Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03, addresses the court as Beta’s former chapter president and new member educator are sentenced following the tragic hazing death of Tim Piazza, Penn State ’19.

After 40 years covering defense, national security and the Pentagon –including the Gulf War and 9/11 –veteran CBS News reporter David Martin, Yale ’65, is stepping back from the beat to focus on long form journalism.

Publication

No Thanks.

With 1.1 million fewer men pursuing college degrees than the 2010 peak, university and college presidents are left scratching their heads wondering what lies ahead. So, too, is Beta Theta Pi.

Truth Teller

Beta remembers one of America’s most recognizable political journalists, Oxford Cup honoree Howard Fineman, Colgate ’70, following his fierce twoyear battle against pancreatic cancer.

How Does One Get Published?

| Proud to Be a Beta

The Beta Theta Pi

fraternal pride On the Cover A young man represents a growing trend of college-age men saying “no thanks” to the opportunity.

The first college fraternity magazine, founded December 15, 1872, by Charles Duy Walker, VMI 1869, and published continuously since.

Winter Jan. 15 Feb. 15 Spring April 15 May 15 Fall Oct. 15 Nov. 15

Who Receives the Beta Magazine?

All Beta undergraduates and parents, current and former volunteers, Foundation donors, and anyone who requests to receive it in print. Update your subscription and contact info at my.beta.org, 800.800.BETA or officemanager@beta.org

Content submissions and photos can be sent to beta@beta.org or:

Beta Theta Pi Administrative Office 5134 Bonham Road Oxford, OH 45056

While space constraints make it difficult to include all submissions, a fair evaluation process is exercised to publish a variety of unique content.

Want Instant Access to a Past Issue?

All issues since 1872 can be accessed in Beta’s digital archive: magazine.beta.org

The Beta Theta Pi, (USPS 052-000), official magazine of Beta Theta Pi, is owned by the Fraternity, edited and published under the direction and control of its Board of Trustees, and published fall, winter and spring for a $30 one-time, pre-paid subscription. Standard non-profit class postage paid at Oxford, Ohio, and additional points of entry. Canada Post International Publications Mail (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 0397474. Copyright Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Produced in the USA.

1949: Fraternity Reflects on 75-Year Anniversary of Administrative Office

Most Betas today only know the Fraternity with an Administrative Office staff. It's hard to imagine an organization of Beta's prestige, tradition and scale without them. Until 1949, however, that was a foreign concept. Beta was solely run by volunteers – both locally and at the General Fraternity level.

Many of Beta's interfraternal peers started establishing support staffs 20-30 years prior, which is why, in a special report to the 1948 Convention, Trustee Ed Brown, Miami '31, remarked, "It now has become evident that a full-time assistant must be employed to handle matters of an administrative nature for the general officers. They must be given the services of a capable young Beta who can devote his full time to carrying out administrative matters ... so their time and energies will be free for duties and responsibilities on an executive and policy-making level."

At the 110th General Convention in 1949, Ralph Fey, Miami '40, was introduced as Beta's first Administrative Secretary. That same year the Fraternity purchased its first Administrative Office at 208 East High Street in Oxford, the prior general headquarters of Phi Delta Theta (above, 1948).

Beta's inaugural Administrative Secretary Ralph Fey, Miami '40, evaluates proposed renovations for Beta's first central office.

historical throwback

foreword

editor’s note

Editor Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96 martin.cobb@beta.org

Chief Communication Officer Justin Warren, SMU ’10 justin.warren@beta.org

Creative Director Sarah Shepherd sarah.shepherd@beta.org

Director of Brand Marketing Mike Roupas, Iowa ’10 mike.roupas@beta.org

Director of Digital Media Sutton Jacobs, Wittenberg ’18 sutton.jacobs@beta.org

Publication Printer Royle Printing Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

In the 2022 book "Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling and What to Do About It," Brookings Institute Senior Fellow Richard Reeves tees up his concerns for the male population, issues likely unfamiliar to most generations.

While unequivocally praising women's advances the last 100 years, he suggests "women's rights and the changing job market, which now values cognitive skills over physical strength, have left some men feeling insecure and uncertain about their place in the world."

His findings, when coupled with education data that verifies boys continue to perform more poorly than their girl counterparts, "contribute to their overall sense of frustration. Struggling also to fulfill their roles as providers and fathers, men in the U.S. are now more likely to feel socially excluded."

Reeves' perspective is timely for Beta Theta Pi, as universities and colleges across North America continue to hemorrhage male enrollment – now down 1.1 million young men compared to the 2010 peak of 9 million despite population growth. As our Fraternity's lifeblood is directly tied to the health and well-being of our alma maters, this fall the magazine's editorial team explores why fewer young men are going to college, and what it may mean for Beta's future.

In a compelling 2023 TED Talks, Reeves notes that "aspects of hypermasculinity promoted by popular culture is off-putting to many modern men and efforts toward achieving gender equality should also prioritize addressing the needs and concerns of boys and men rather than exclusively focusing on girls and women."

What better place to reflect on the evolution and needs of men than in Beta Theta Pi.

Sincerely and yours in ___kai___,

"Women's rights and the changing job market have left some men feeling insecure about their place in the world. Struggling to fulfill their roles as providers and fathers, men are now more likely to feel socially excluded."

the inbox

unfiltered feedback

“Another great edition! Never knew Steinbrenner’s connection to Beta, nor the history of ‘delicate shades of pink and blue’ and all those versions of badges. Very interesting history.

I had a Kappa Kappa Gamma friend who thought our choice of colors showed ‘rare masculine sensitivity.’

Keep up the great work.

Yours in ___kai___,”

— Charles Williams, Duke ’69

“Just read the latest magazine and wanted to say great work. Thought all of it was fantastic. Phenomenal content!” — Will Younger, Miami ’05

“Thanks for helping us re-learn so much about the great heraldic symbols of our fraternity in the spring 2024 issue of the Beta magazine. I took much interest in [the editor’s] article, “Untangling -kai-.” Although I use this form of signature often in correspondence with my Delta Eta brothers, the true meaning has become a little “murky” in the 50+ years since it was explained to me.

Also, thanks for covering all the symbols that Pledge Educator Davy Martin, GMI-EMI ’69, explained so carefully to us all those years ago. I can still see his smiling face and hear his kindly Georgia accent even now! -kai -,” — Chuck Plachetzki, GMI-EMI ’72

“Nice to see the advance copy of the magazine, which includes a very short chapter report from Florida State. Regretfully, the chapter does not have active outreach to its older alumni, so it’s

magazinefeedback

nice to hear what’s going on in Tallahassee, even if the report is succinct! ;-) __kai__,” — Tom Sechrest, Florida State ’71

“Your article in the most recent Beta Theta Pi magazine about our fraternity colors mentioned three ‘challenges’ to them, including in 1982. I confess (sheepishly) to being the brother who raised the issue at General Convention that year, suggesting that we should think of it not as changing the colors, but regarding them as having ‘matured’ from pink and blue to maroon and silver gray.

The issue was, as you noted, ‘hotly contested,’ and the Convention leadership wisely decided to table the issue until the following year’s Convention. Seeing our brotherhood so very

fractured, I let the issue drop in favor of the status quo.

About the time you were going to print with the story, my wife and I were in Greece where, after an unusual and significant rain storm, we watched the entire sky over the Epidaurus Gulf turn endless ‘delicate shades of pink and blue.’ I thought immediately of Beta Theta Pi, very glad that my foolish idea had come to naught almost four decades earlier.”— Arthur Scinta, Syracuse ’83

“Congratulations on the award-winning magazine. Very well done – again!” — Charlie Isaly, Miami ’66

“Our girls really love the magazine!”

— Erin McHale, Gamma Phi Beta; Chief Fraternity Services Officer

nic influence

“Afternoon, Bill! I hope you are doing well, brother. Something wonderful has happened, and you played an important role when encouraging an interfraternity brother to pursue a top leadership role in his fraternity. He told me so last weekend as I attended his fraternity’s Grand Chapter in Minneapolis. Marc Dumas (above), was elected president of Phi Kappa Psi!

A few years ago you met with him and outgoing Phi Psi President Bob Marchesani in Chicago. Marc became more engaged, served on the board and now is the first Black member to serve as president. It was special for me to be present for his historic induction. I thought you would want to know your time and good influence is always well spent, Bill! ___kai___,”— Fraternity President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, in a note to Beta’s first Black member, Bill Lowry, Kenyon ’56

humbled alum

“It was such a small chapter update that it could have easily been missed. On page 32 in the spring 2024 Beta magazine is the Central Michigan chapter report. The chapter writes about their philanthropy event with all the proceeds going to an alumnus who is fighting cancer.

I am that alumnus. My name is David Fouchea, Central Michigan ’00, Epsilon Gamma Roll No. 227. I have been fighting stage four colon cancer that spread to my liver for over three years. During this battle, I have had two major surgeries, including a liver transplant. My fight against cancer continues. I am optimistic that I will win.

I was shocked when the current chapter asked if they could modify their philanthropy week and give the proceeds to my family.

The chapter raised almost $4,000 during various events. Other alumni donations pushed the total to almost $10,000. Words cannot express our gratitude to the current chapter and alumni. These funds helped with medical bills and expenses as we travel to different hospitals.

I was invited to one of the events and enjoyed spending time with the chapter. I am very proud of the chapter and the men they are becoming.

Thank you to all.” — David Fouchea, Central Michigan ’00 (Clockwise from left: Fouchea gifts 1980s-1990s Beta gear to Tim Fortier ’25, Joe Bula ’25, and Joey Scoggins ’26.)

“ Thank you for yet another successful and wonderful Convention! The warm hospitality from all of the staff was greatly noticed and appreciated.

Just a few short years ago, Tom Lipton, Western Reserve ’63, revealed to me that the most depressing day of the year is the Monday after Convention.

That man is rarely wrong!

Truly in __kai__,”

— William Wu, Guelph ’92

(Above: At Beta’s brick walkway in Oxford during the 185th, Wu paid homage to his beloved Alpha Phi daughter, Megan, who was tragically killed in a boating accident shortly after attending the 180th General Convention with her dad in 2019.)

newsworthy

fraternity updates

Beta Foundation Announces $25 Million Capital Campaign

Attendees of the 185th General Convention witnessed the public launch of the Build the Bridge Campaign – the Beta Foundation’s ambitious new effort focused on improving the affordability of the Beta experience, promoting alumni engagement and strengthening the underpinning of Beta’s leadership programs. During the closing recognition ceremony on July 27, Campaign Co-chairman Mike Feinstein, MIT ’82 (above), revealed $12.5 million has already been raised toward the campaign’s $25 million goal.

Trustee Tightrope: Balancing Fees and Student Affordability

With student affordability concerns top of mind for the Board of Trustees, on June 6 General Treasurer Ken Bryan, MIT ’88, shared with collegians, parents and volunteers the General Fraternity’s dues schedule for the 2024-25 academic year. Watch his insightful 5-minute overview video at beta.org/2024-25dues, where he drills down on the purpose of the four per-student fees, what each help fund and which ones will remain flat or be increased due to inflation.

Florida Atlantic Closed for Hazing

On September 4, General Secretary John Stebbins, Emory ’92, announced closure of Beta’s reestablished, 54-man chapter at Florida Atlantic.

“Following a dangerous incident last March whereby a small number of brothers forced new members to consume alcohol, one young man experienced a sudden allergic reaction and another became visibly sick, requiring medical evaluation,” he shared.

The chapter accepted responsibility, held those involved accountable and proposed an action plan for avoiding such incidents in the future. However, university officials insisted on a period of suspension through summer 2028.

beta spirit beta events

Ritual Revised for First Time Since 2009

Due to action taken by delegates of the 183rd and 184th General Conventions, and for the first time since 2009, new Ritual books were published and distributed at the 185th to all chapters, chapter counselors, ritual advisors and General Fraternity Officers. Building on the 1973 Convention’s effort to ensure no one’s religious affinity – or lack thereof – would be compromised by joining Beta Theta Pi, edits also added inclusive language for non-housed chapters and modified “wife” to “spouse.”

NIC Recognizes Buller and Longhorn Betas

The 2024 awards of distinction by the North American Interfraternity Conference included Alpha Chapter Counselor Dr. Eric Buller, Miami ’19, and Beta Omicron Chapter at The University of Texas at Austin. Recognized on stage at this year’s Convention, Buller was one of seven fraternity advisors recognized internationally, and Beta Omicron was one of just seven chapters honored among 6,000 of the NIC’s 58 member fraternities.

Convention Grants Two Charters

The 185th General Convention returned San Diego State’s charter to good standing following the chapter’s fall 2022 reestablishment. Appalachian State founders were also introduced as Theta Iota Chapter. Read Convention highlights on pages 12-17.

greek headlines

Update: Chapter Leaders Plead Guilty to Hazing, Abbey Sues Penn State and Stop Campus Hazing Act Advances

Former Penn State Chapter President Brendan Young and Vice President Daniel Casey pleaded guilty in early August to reckless endangerment and 14 counts of hazing – one for each new member – stemming from the 2017 new member event at the Beta house that led to the death of Tim Piazza ’19. Young and Casey were sentenced to 2-4 months in prison and three years of probation. Read the Fraternity’s impact statement on pages 10-11, which was read in person to the court at their sentencing hearing on October 1 by Beta CEO Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03.

Related, Don Abbey ’70, has sued Penn State claiming the university fraudulently misrepresented its intentions for the alumni-owned chapter house that sits on university land. Abbey loaned $7.7 million to renovate it between 2005-10.

On September 24, Congress passed by a unanimous voice vote the Stop Campus Hazing Act, a proposed federal law inspired by advocacy from the Piazza family. A companion bill is before the Senate which, if adopted, will require greater hazing transparency, public reporting and programming at the campus level.

December 2024

31 Deadline for 2024 Tax-Deductible Gifts to Beta Leadership Fund beta.org/gift

January 2025

10-12 Hugh E. Stephenson Jr. Leadership Summit for GFOs 10-12 Miller Nichols Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy 10-12 Keystone Regional Leadership Conference for Chapter Officers Chicago, Illinois beta.org

February 2025

7-9 Winter Joint Board Meetings Houston, Texas jeff.rundle@beta.org

July/August 2025

31-3 186th General Convention St. Louis, Missouri beta.org/convention

National Fraternity Wins Trademark Case

As reported by Fraternal Law, a legal professional association, Sigma Phi Society recently won its trademark infringement case following the suing of its closed chapter at the University of Michigan, which refused to cease use of the fraternity’s name, symbols and intellectual property.

Major Gift to Whitman Houses

Longtime Beta volunteer George Osborne, Whitman ’66, and son Mike, Phi Delta Theta, made a $600,000 gift this summer to support renovations in all four fraternity houses. Whitman matched the gift with another $300,000. (Above: Phi Delta Theta house.)

OUR STORY Timothy Piazza FOREVER a Part of

In the hours following the tragic 2017 hazing death of Beta new member Tim Piazza, Penn State ’19, the Fraternity committed to absolute truth and transparency no matter where the facts may lead. On October 1, 2024, CEO Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03, had an opportunity to address the court in person as the final measure of accountability was levied against the former chapter president and new member educator.

October 1, 2024

The Honorable Brian Marshall Centre County Court of Common Pleas Bellefonte, PA 16823

RE: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Brendan Young Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Daniel Casey

Your Honor:

On behalf of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, I come before the court today to express the profound sorrow, regret and anguish our brotherhood continues to feel seven years after the tragic death of Tim Piazza. Tim was a young man full of promise, energy and potential, and his life was senselessly cut short because of egregious acts of hazing that took place within the walls of the chapter house at Penn State University. These events were reprehensible, and Tim deserved so much more from the young men he sought to join in the name of friendship and brotherhood.

Beta Theta Pi was founded on principles of mutual aid, integrity and trust. Yet, what occurred that fateful evening was a betrayal of those very values. Decisions made by trusted chapter leaders, along with the reckless actions of others that night, resulted in an avoidable death. It was not just an individual failure but an institutional failure, and one that has shaken our Fraternity to its core.

The aftermath of Tim’s death has reverberated beyond just those directly involved. It has destroyed the lives of the Piazza family, who will forever endure the pain of losing their son. It has damaged the standing of Penn State University and its Greek community, casting a dark shadow over organizations that should be fostering leadership and camaraderie. And it has stained Beta Theta Pi and its more than 150,000 living members, bringing shame and scrutiny upon so many who had nothing to do with the disgraceful behaviors.

Though no punishment could ever compare to the loss of a life, as a result of this tragedy our brotherhood has faced severe legal, financial and reputational consequences. On several occasions since Tim’s passing, Beta Theta Pi has seen invitations to establish chapters on new campuses delayed, rescinded or outright denied. Brothers have resigned their memberships and parents of potential new members have counseled their sons to seek a fraternity experience elsewhere. We have lost alumni donors critical to funding the leadership programming necessary to combat negative culture creep within our chapters.

More importantly, though, Tim’s death has left an indelible scar on our history. We will forever carry the burden of knowing he suffered at the hands of those who bore the name of Beta Theta Pi. These men were once brothers who took an oath to protect each other and act in the best interests of their peers. Their failure is a reminder to us all of the deadly consequences of hazing, carelessness and indifference.

This tragedy has been a shock to not just our Fraternity but to institutions across the country, and while we cannot speak to the appropriate punishment for Brendan Young and Daniel Casey, the Fraternity has consistently advocated for those involved to be held fully accountable. Hazing has no place in our society, and the consequences of this case should serve as a stark warning to others who may one day be in a position of influence over young lives.

In closing, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Piazza family. To Jim, Evelyn and Michael: We are so sorry for your loss, as well as the lasting grief you now experience because of the criminal actions of these men. It is our solemn hope that Tim’s death will not be in vain and that his legacy will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, within Beta Theta Pi and beyond.

Sincerely,

Jeff Rundle

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Chief Executive Officer

“Hazing has no place in our society, and the consequences of this case should serve as a stark warning to others who may one day be in a position of influence over young lives.”

Left: The Piazzas grieve at the May 5, 2017, press conference announcing grand jury findings. Middle: Campus memorial after Tim’s passing. Bottom: Student defendants in Centre County courtroom.

OUR PILGRIMAGE HOME

Beta Returns to Miami for the 185th General Convention

By Sutton Jacobs, Wittenberg ’18

BETA THETAPI General Convention is the place to be if one hopes to realize that Beta Theta Pi is bigger than just a group of college-aged men. There, brothers—and Friends of Beta—across generations come together, united in spirit and song, to conduct the business of the Fraternity, celebrate achievements and cultivate the bonds of brotherhood.

Conventions held in “Old Oxford Town” go even further. They emphasize the true intersection of Beta’s past, present and future. For the 12th time in history, the Fraternity’s annual reunion took over the campus of Miami University July 25-28, as nearly 450 brothers, Sweethearts and guests made the pilgrimage to Beta Theta Pi’s birthplace.

’Neath the Elms of Old Miami Convention attendees partook in one of the event’s greatest traditions on Friday: Model Initiation. Led by inspiring facilitators Ben Swartz, Connecticut ’05, and Bryant Fiesta, UC Irvine ’16, and a spectacular cast, brothers witnessed a “by the book” performance of the Initiation Ceremony, where Jack Dawson, General Fraternity ’24, was initiated into the society. Following the ceremony, participants bonded over deep discussions surrounding the meaning and value found within the principles of Beta Theta Pi.

One of the most unique experiences of a Convention in Oxford is the Heritage Tours, which took place Friday night. All told, there are more than 15 structures on campus that are named for Betas and attendees took a step back in time to find inspiration in Beta’s storied history. Stops along the way included visits to Harrison Hall (“Old Main”), the Beta Campanile, Alpha chapter house and the Administrative Office. To follow along, the official Heritage Audio Tour was launched; take the tour virtually or the next time you are in Oxford by visiting beta.org/heritage-tour

The biggest announcement of the weekend came at the final night’s Celebration Ceremony when Mike Feinstein, MIT ’82, and the Beta Foundation announced the launch of the $25 million Build the Bridge Campaign. (Learn more on page 73.) As the sun set over campus

that night, the Beta family reunion kept alive in uptown Oxford. The Beta Bash was a night of friendship and outdoor fellowship featuring a band, food trucks, bumper cars, yard games and more.

Taking Care of Business

Delegates from chapters and alumni associations considered seven proposals to The Code of Beta Theta Pi, approving three. In response to Proposals 3 and 4 regarding the standardization of officer structures and election cycles—two polarizing matters with fierce advocates and stiff opposition alike—several chapter delegates called for a resolution to “end the trend of centralization that has occurred in recent years” from the Board of Trustees and Administrative Office staff. The resolution ultimately failed after alumni stepped forward noting the unique balance of self-regulation by chapters and General Fraternity governance.

The Convention addressed the Appalachian State charter petition and the status of the San Diego State chapter. Appalachian State, having grown to 57 men strong and provided unmatched service and philanthropy to the Boone, North Carolina, community over the last two years, was unanimously approved to charter as the Theta Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

The Committee on Chapters responsible for making a recommendation on the

Opposite: General Fraternity President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, led the Marching Line from the Beta Campanile to the Celebration Ceremony in Hall Auditorium.

Above: Johns Hopkins Brothers Ethan Walter ’27, and Arman Kian ’26, at Saturday night’s Beta Bash in uptown Oxford.

recently reestablished San Diego State chapter surfaced operational concerns discovered during its review, leading to a subsequent discussion before the entire legislative body where the chapter delegate provided additional insight and commentary to the group’s planned path for success. In turn, a final vote favored an upgrade in status with Epsilon Beta officially returning to Good Standing.

The last of the delegates’ responsibilities was the election of candidates to the Board of Trustees. All four re/elections were approved without objection.

In addition to deciding the future of the Fraternity in the legislation hall, vice presidents of recruitment and member education were afforded the chance to return to campus with the skills needed to recruit and educate the next generation of Beta leaders. They enjoyed presentations from a variety of industry experts.

Recognizing the Best Within

Best put by Dr. Eric Buller, Miami ’19, in his acceptance remarks for the NIC Advisor Award of Distinction: “Award ceremonies aren’t really about the individual. We appreciate the work that they do, but award ceremonies are more about the organization because the organization has to stand up and recognize its own excellence within itself.”

Beta did just that during the weekend and recognized successes from day one. At Thursday’s Convention Kickoff, more than 125 awards were handed out to 75 chapters and individuals. Another 14

chapters received the prestigious Knox Award on Saturday night for outstanding chapter operations, including Nebraska receiving its Fraternity-leading 18th.

Of course, the time-old traditions of the Beta and Convention Countdowns are a favorite every year. Brother Tom Lipton, Western Reserve ’63, once again traveled in from Germany to attend his 52nd General Convention, while this year’s honor for most years a Beta went to 1956-initiate Gant Redmon, Illinois ’59.

A Challenge of Integrity

Betas and guests departed Oxford with a challenge, one heard in various forms throughout the entire weekend: Continually strive to be your better self and lift those around you.

This sentiment was felt by chapter and alumni delegates in the Committee of the Whole, the cherished annual legislation hall closing ceremony. Later Saturday evening, General Secretary Leadership Award-recipient Ben Hamik, Cal Poly ’24, offered similar advice on stage to his collegiate peers: “Use the resources around you. No matter how strong you might think your chapter is, when that day comes you want to have a support system that can lift you up and have your best interest in mind.”

Top: Gant Redmon, Illinois ’59, was honored as this Convention’s “senior” Beta.

Middle: Brother Aaron Selby, Wabash ’06, (right) enjoyed a round of golf with brothers at Sunday’s Dragon Classic Golf Tournament.

Bottom: Attendees like Collegiate Commissioner Nick Zingales, Sacred Heart ’24, could feel the Beta history that Miami’s campus has witnessed since 1839.

An inspirational close to the 185th, Tom “Dr. P” Purinton, Kansas State ’63, accepted the Francis W. Shepardson Award. On the heels of the 25th anniversary of the John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle—where Dr. P has been a facilitator every year since its inception in 1999—it was fitting for him to receive Beta’s highest honor for Fraternity service in Oxford. As those before him, he challenged brothers and guests alike to embrace Beta’s true purpose in his remarks. “Because we are a brotherhood, we are not alone in that journey,” Purinton said. By helping and lifting one another, we all rise to a higher level than we would individually.”

BUSINESS OF THE FRATERNITY

LEGISLATIVE OUTCOMES

Proposal 1 Transportation Reimbursement for Voting Delegates to Convention — Approved

Proposal 2 Eliminating Conflicts of Interest Within the Administrative Office Staff — Failed

Proposal 3 Standardize Chapter Officer Structure and Duties — Failed

Proposal 4 Standardize Chapter Officer Elections — Failed with an amendment

Proposal 5 Member Recusal Clause — Passed

Proposal 6 Chapter Reorganizations — Passed with one approved and one failed amendment

Proposal 7 Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees and Key Employees — Failed

Resolution End the Trend of Centralization by the Board of Trustees, General Fraternity Officers and Administrative Office — Failed

CHAPTER STATUS CHANGES

Epsilon Beta Chapter San Diego State chapter returned to good standing

Theta Iota Chapter Appalachian State charter petition approved

BOARD ELECTIONS

General Treasurer Ken Bryan, MIT ’88

Trustees Bill Fox, St. Lawrence ’75; Bob Selsor, Missouri ’82; Aaron Kozuki, Washington in St.Louis ’05

For a complete legislation summary, visit beta.org/legislation

San Diego State’s delegate, Tanner Dozier ’26, is congratulated following the vote to return the chapter to good standing.

Top:

Right: Convention offered intense training for vice presidents of recruitment and member education ahead of the fall term.

CELEBRATION AND RECOGNITION

CHAPTER AWARDS

John Reily Knox Award Cal Poly (1), Case Western Reserve (8), Creighton (7), Idaho (10), Iowa (1), Kettering A (2), Kettering B (13), Miami (12), Missouri (7), Nebraska (18), New Jersey (6), San Diego (15), Texas (4), Virginia Tech (5)

Francis H. Sisson Award Appalachian State (1), Cal Poly (6), Case Western Reserve (16), Centre (17), Colorado Mines (19), Creighton (8), Delaware (6), DePauw (12), East Carolina (3), Eastern Kentucky (8), Elon (4), Florida State (1), Furman (3), George Mason (2), Georgia Tech (37), High Point (5), Idaho (21), Iowa (11), John Carroll (7), Kansas (21), Kansas State (32), Kettering A (5), Kettering B (15), Miami (18), Missouri (28), MIT (12), Nebraska (25), New Jersey (6), Oregon (7), Pittsburgh (7), San Diego (17), San Diego State (1), Texas (9), Toronto (16), Villanova (7), Virginia Tech (9), Washington State (5), West Chester (4)

Advisory Team of the Year Washington State

Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Award

Iowa (19 Total Attendees), Texas at Arlington (100% Chapter Participation)

Excellence in Risk Management Denison

H.H. Stephenson Jr. Award for Excellence in Historical Preservation and Research Wabash

John Holt Duncan Community Service Award Utah

Most Improved Chapter of the Year Miami (Fla.)

North Dakota Award, Excellence in Chapter Publications Centre

Outstanding Campus Involvement Pittsburgh

Outstanding Recruitment Program Washington State

Outstanding New Member Education WPI

Outstanding Alumni Relations Oklahoma State

Outstanding Alumni Association Oklahoma State

VIRGINIA TECH AWARDS - ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Highest GPA Vanderbilt

Most Improved GPA Denison

Region GPA Leaders Colorado Mines (NW), Delaware (MA), Kennesaw State (S), Loyola Chicago (WGL), Maine (NE), Miami (EGL), Miami (Fla.) (SE), Nebraska (NC), Oklahoma State (SC), Pacific (SW)

Top Fraternity GPA on Campus Cal Poly, Centre, Cornell, Creighton, Delaware, Denison, Denver, Eastern Kentucky, Elon, Furman, George Mason, George Washington, High Point, Illinois, James Madison, John Carroll, Kansas, Kentucky, Kettering B, Loyola Chicago, Miami, Missouri, North Carolina, Northeastern, Oklahoma, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Saint Louis, San Diego, TCU, Texas at Arlington, Utah, West Chester

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Francis W. Shepardson Award

Dr. P. Thomas Purinton, Kansas State ’63

Jonathan J. Brant Interfraternalism Award

Christian Wiggins, Pi Kappa Phi

Jerry M. Blesch General Secretary Leadership Award

Ben Hamik, Cal Poly ’24

Dr. Edward B. Taylor Chapter Counselor of the Year

Mike Wortman, Nebraska ’70

Charles W. Warner Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year

Madison Simmons, Chi Omega (High Point)

Regional Chief of the Year

Bryant Fiesta, UC Irvine ’16

District Chief of the Year

Mick Breske, South Dakota ’73

Rookie District Chief of the Year

Nick Dunn, Connecticut ’13

Outstanding Advisor of the Year

J.B. Anderson, Utah ’84

House Corporation Excellence Award

John Hillhouse, Missouri ’69

House Director of the Year

Sally Mayer-Swift (Miami)

Outstanding Chapter President

Chase Adams, Miami ’24

Outstanding Chapter Executive

Daniel Fagan, Louisville ’25

Exemplary Campus Leadership

Cesar Esmeraldi, South Florida ’24

NIC AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

Advisor of Distinction Eric Buller, Miami ’19

Chapter of Distinction Texas

SINGING AWARDS

Best New Song Competition Utah

Whitman Choral Cup Oklahoma State

Scan the QR code to listen to the winners of both singing competitions or visit beta.org/185-awards.

“My Beta journey has been one serendipitous event after another. When Beta calls, just say yes. I can guarantee you will be rewarded far beyond your imagination.”

P. Thomas Purinton, Kansas State ’63 Shepardson Award Roll No. 31

Scan the QR code to watch Dr. P’s acceptance of the Shepardson Award or visit beta.org/Shepardson31

Dr.

news lifelong brotherhood

Appointed by the governor, Michael Williams, Missouri ’95, recently served as president of the University of Missouri Board of Curators.

Beta Attorney Serves as Co-Lead Counsel in $1.8 Billion Real Estate Judgment

He joined a slew of other Kansas City Beta attorneys upon being hired by the esteemed Lathrop & Gage law office following law school. But, what Michael Williams, Missouri ’95, couldn’t have predicted in those formative years of his career was the impact those relationships and experiences would have on him when he ventured out to start his own firm in 2010.

Founder of Williams Dirks Dameron, Brother Williams’ firm has enjoyed considerable success in complex civic and corporate litigation. Recently, Williams was named co-lead counsel representing Missouri home sellers in the national class action lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors for anti-trust violations related to the setting of realtor commissions. Following a two-week trial and three-hour jury deliberations, defendants were ordered to pay plaintiffs $1.8 billion in damages.

Civicly, Williams is devoted to causes throughout the Show-Me State, including serving as the first Black member of the Kansas Bar and appointment by the governor as chairman of the University of Missouri Board of Curators that oversees all of the state’s public universities. He served on the General Fraternity’s Foundation Board of Directors from 2016-18.

alumni news

A | Auburn Alum of the Year

As part of its 2024 alumni awards program, Auburn recently honored Parker Duffey ’06, with its Young Alumni Achievement Award. In 2009, Duffey founded Tailgate Guys, which has grown to 800 employees operating 3,000 game-day events at more than 60 universities. Followed by the founding of a sister largescale event company, PRE Event Resources, Duffey has since sold both firms and started One Eleven Investments, an industrial and commercial real estate and private equity investment company. In 2023, he also launched Chptr, an operations platform that streamlines functions for Greek life through web and mobile applications.

B | Georgia Social Media Influencers Hit it Big

Attorney and businessman Jett Puckett, Georgia ’13, and his Beta Sweetheart Campbell have gained quite the reputation as social media influencers given their adoring approach to fashion commentary. With more than 2.2 million Instagram and TikTok followers, the duo is acclaimed for their positivity and wholesome relationship. At Georgia, Jett graduated first in his class and earned his law degree and MBA from Penn. The couple was recently featured in People magazine given their rise on the celebrity scene.

C | Iowa State’s Flavor King

After four years at The Popcorn Factory, Kevin Friedman, Iowa State ’10, is returning to the number one sugar confections company in America, Ferrara Candy, as one of its product development scientists. Joining the global brands team, he’ll be responsible for making new flavors of Nerds, Black Forest Gummies, Brach’s candy and Wonka confections.

Move Over, Chip and Joanna Gaines

Former Chapter President Will Hardy, Eastern Kentucky ’00, got his lucky break after graduation by landing acting gigs on “Days of Our Lives” and “Sabrina,” but it’s America’s renovation darlings Chip, Kappa Sigma, and Joanna Gaines who recently picked up on Brother Hardy’s renovation talents. The Gaines’ Magnolia Network recently featured “The Old Deatsville Inn,” an episode of “In with the Old” that details Will’s and wife Alicia’s renovations of a historic 1890 inn in Bardstown, Kentucky. Next up for the Hardys? Finish construction of their new Trail Hotel, a 95-room luxury resort uniquely positioned on Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Trail.

D | Iowa State Celebrates 25 Years of Johnson’s Leadership

In honor of his 25 years of service as president and CEO of Iowa State’s alumni association, Jeff Johnson ’18, was featured this fall in a multimedia campaign recognizing his selfless dedication in Ames. Credited with originating the “Cyclone-Power” game day chant, Johnson volunteered as Tau Sigma Chapter’s faculty advisor in 2005. Because of his positive impact, the chapter initiated him in 2018.

E | MIT Beta Runs for Mayor

Fifth generation Californian Dylan Hirsch-Shell, MIT ’03, made a hard run for the mayor’s office of San Francisco. An engineering graduate, HirschShell earned his PhD from UCLA and spent the last 12 years with Tesla.

F | Nebraska Doc Pursues Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Neurologist Dr. Dan Murman, Nebraska ’84, is leading a $1,000,000 fundraising and research effort through the University of Nebraska Medical Center to study two new medicines, lecanemab and donamenab, and how they slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Including a database and registry, the project will combine data from clinical care, cognitive testing, brain imaging and biomarkers. Learn more at nufoundation.org.

G | Lawrence Beta in Hawai’i Race

Winning 44% of the votes cast in the early August primary, James Hustace, Lawrence ’08, will take on the incumbent in Hawai’i’s County Council District 9 race representing north and south Kohala.

alumni news

H | 2024 Teaching Award

Kynan Smith, Eastern Kentucky ’20, was recognized last spring with the 2024 Leona Difference Teaching Award at Discover U Elementary in Youngtown, Arizona. Brother Smith teaches the sixth grade.

I | Yeomans to CBS Chicago

Emmy Award-winning Meteorologist David Yeomans, Miami (Fla.) ’09, left his 12-year gig with NBC in Austin, Texas, last spring after being recruited to take over the weatherman reigns at CBS Chicago.

J | Governor Stitt Visits OSU

Two-term Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma State ’95, returned to Stillwater this fall to speak to the President’s Leadership Council, a scholarship and leadership program for 125 top freshmen each year.

K | Biddix’s Research Honored

Dr. Patrick Biddix, Tennessee ’01, received big accolades this year, including NPC’s Interfraternal Partner of the Year and Alpha Chi Omega’s Vision Award, primarily for his contribution to the Greek movement via research.

L | Athletic Trainer Hall of Fame

David Grossman, Indiana ’72, a board certified athletic trainer who served athletes for more than 50 years at the college and professional levels, was inducted into the Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame last summer.

alumni news

M | Smith Gifts Miami Sculpture

On May 2, Tom Smith, Miami ’50, dedicated his fourth outdoor sculpture to Miami University. A hedge fund manager and former member of Miami’s Foundation Board, Smith hired renowned artist Leonardo Drew to create the piece. Known for contemplative abstract sculptures that play upon a tension between chaos and order, Drew’s works are featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

N | Marathon-ing Fr. Mike

While he studied mechanical engineering as an undergraduate, Fr. Michael Sliney, Michigan State ’87, ended up pursuing the ministry after graduation. His priestly focus concentrates on spiritual coaching of business leaders in the D.C. area, but he’s also one for staying physically fit. Sliney recently completed both the Boston and Chicago Marathons.

O | Columbia ‘90s Crew Unites

Loyal to their annual reunion, Columbia brothers from 1992-94 gathered again this summer to enjoy their Beta bond. Traveling in from multiple states, the brothers spent July 25-28 at Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania. Several of the men continue to serve Beta via the Alpha Alpha Chapter Alumni Foundation that oversees the chapter house.

P | Dickinson Celebrates 150th

Alpha Sigma Chapter Betas had a lot to celebrate this spring as the chapter turned 150-years-old. Including an official chapter meeting, robust singing and a tailgate in front of the house they called home for years, the alumni dedicated a plaque honoring Beta’s history at Dickinson College since 1874.

From Ole Miss Chapter President to Children’s Hospital CEO

Dr. Trey Eubanks, Mississippi ’88, developed his leadership style thanks to being elected chapter president by his Beta brothers. That experience served him well, as Ole Miss’s alumni magazine recently featured him on the cover recognizing his appointment as president, CEO and surgeon-in-chief of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

Photo: Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

Behind the Headlines

Veteran CBS Reporter David Martin Steps Back From the Frontlines After 40 Years

By Justin Warren, SMU ’10

Designed by Mike Roupas, Iowa ’10

Left to right: Martin outside the Pentagon after the September 11 attacks; Martin's career was recognized at a special ceremony last summer; Martin on "60 Minutes."

or over four decades, David Martin, Yale ’65, has been a mainstay of CBS News, delivering detailed reporting on some of the most important events in U.S. military and intelligence history. As a journalist specializing in defense, national security and the Pentagon, Martin’s insightful and calm demeanor has made him a trusted figure in the realm of broadcast journalism renowned for his accuracy and a commitment to uncovering truths behind some of the nation's most critical moments.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

David Martin was born in Washington, D.C., in 1943. He attended Yale University, where he majored in English, and became a member of the Phi Chi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. After college, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as an officer in the Vietnam War and gaining invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the inner workings of defense and security matters that would set the stage for his future career.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Martin began his career in journalism. He worked briefly at Newsweek and the Associated Press before joining CBS News in 1983, rising through the ranks to become the network's principal national security correspondent and appearing on programs like the "CBS Evening News," "60 Minutes," and "Face the Nation." His military background has allowed

him to bring a unique perspective to his reporting, giving audiences unparalleled insights into the complexities of U.S. defense policy and military operations.

Major Stories Covered

Martin has reported on some of the most significant events in the U.S. and around the world in the last half century. His first major coverage for CBS came during the Gulf War in 1991, where he provided clear and concise reports from the Pentagon as the U.S. military engaged in Operation Desert Storm. He was lauded for his ability to break down the complexities of military strategy into language that viewers could understand.

One of his most notable stories came during the events of 9/11, when he was the first to report live from the Pentagon after it was attacked. His calm and measured reporting amidst the chaos of that day helped inform and soothe a shocked nation. Since then, he has continued to cover the ongoing ramifications of the subsequent campaigns in the Middle East, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Martin has also covered sensitive national security stories, including investigations into intelligence failures, nuclear security and military readiness. His work has frequently brought him into direct contact with top military and government officials, including U.S. presidents, defense secretaries and generals, and his ability

to secure interviews with key figures has given CBS News an edge in reporting on military affairs, so much so that, when he announced plans to step away from the post last summer, his reporting was recognized by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at a special Pentagon ceremony.

Martin has been at the helm so long that none of the generals or admirals currently on the Joint Chiefs of Staff were commissioned officers when he took up the beat that he is now leaving.

Awards and Recognition

David Martin’s journalistic accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He has won numerous awards for his work, including several Emmy Awards and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for excellence in broadcast journalism. His contributions to CBS News have earned him respect not just from his colleagues at the network, but also from competitors.

In 2012, he was awarded the Excellence in Journalism Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association, and he has also been honored by military organizations for his fair and balanced reporting on defense issues.

Peer Recognition and Impact

Throughout his career, Martin has earned the respect and admiration of his peers. His CBS colleagues describe him as a “relentless fact-finder” with “unshakable integrity.” Bob Schieffer, a former CBS

News anchor and one of Martin's longtime colleagues, once remarked: "David has a way of making the most complex issues comprehensible without sacrificing any of the nuance or importance. That’s what sets him apart from other reporters."

In a similar vein, former CBS News Correspondent Lara Logan praised Martin, saying, “David is one of the few reporters who can walk into any situation – no matter how volatile – and immediately get to the heart of the matter. His experience and depth of knowledge are unmatched.”

Martin’s influence extends beyond the newsroom, his work helping shape public discourse on national security matters and prompting discussions in Congress among policymakers. He has a reputation for being meticulous in his reporting and ensuring the stories he tells are accurate and reliable. In an era where media scrutiny is at an all-time high, Martin’s commitment to truth and transparency remains steadfast.

Legacy

As he continues his career at CBS News as a long form journalist, David Martin's legacy is already firmly established. His ability to deliver impactful reporting on military and defense issues without making himself a part of the story has earned him a place among the most respected journalists in the industry. He has not only covered history but, in many ways, helped shape how the public understands it. 

cut and polishedrefining

men of principle

Crank Up Your Confidence

Looking to develop your self-esteem and confidence? Heed this advice to dial social anxiety down to zero and bid adieu to intrusive thoughts.

Hit the Gym (or Road)

Sure, the gym might not initially feel like a safe space for the socially anxious, but part of building self-confidence is forcing oneself into uncomfortable situations. The benefits are worth it, not only in the physical changes to your body but also the mood boost, better sleep, reduced stress and endorphin rush you’ll experience along the way. Need help getting started? Check out last issue’s “Cut and Polished.”

Go It Alone

Not to wax philosophical or anything, but before others can appreciate you, you must first appreciate yourself. So, spend a little quality time with you! Go to the movies solo, or dine at a restaurant as a “party of one.” You’ll practice taking charge and making decisions while also learning to be in public without friends there to absorb the focus of others around you.

Take a Risk

You know the unsettled feeling you get in situations where the outcome is uncertain? This is your permission to chase that healthy level of fear and exhilaration that comes from a (reasonably) risky experience. Bonus points if you pursue an opportunity where you risk being rejected. You’ll learn to better face your fears, build a thicker skin and learn you can handle a lot more than you thought.

Be Constructive

Literally. Make a hobby out of learning a new skill. If – no, when you become decently good at it, you’ll become the go-to for people who need help. Whether it’s learning about lawn care or gardening, photography, cooking or home repairs, feeling useful to someone else will make you feel great about yourself.

worldwide tributes

Story Update: Indianapolis Expands Memorial of Beloved U.S. Senator

Alpha Chi

and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dedicated Senator Lugar’s new statue in Lugar Plaza.

As covered in the spring 2018 issue of The Beta Theta Pi, Indianapolis renamed its downtown City-County Building campus as Richard G. Lugar Plaza on November 14, 2017, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the mayoral election of Brother Richard G. Lugar, Denison ’54.

On September 3, 2024, the city expanded the memorial to its hometown hero by adding a lifesize bronze statue of the statesman. Surrounded at its base by five bronze tablets summarizing his public service, it includes his roles as Denison student body president, Rhodes Scholar, naval officer, board of education member, U.S. senator and chairman of its powerful foreign relations committee. Underscoring Lugar’s record of bipartisanship, innovation and civility was former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Alpha Chi Omega, who keynoted the dedication.

On hand to represent the Fraternity were former Trustee Bob Grand, Wabash ’78, President Jonathan Brant, Miami ’75, Trustee Scott Fussell, MTSU ’95, CEO Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03, and Wabash Chapter Counselor Kyle Grand, Wabash ’11.

Omega alumna

Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

NO THANKS.

WHY AREN’T YOUNG MEN GOING TO COLLEGE?

AND WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR BETA THETA PI?

By Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ’96 | Designed by Sarah Shepherd

According to the U.S. Department of Education, college enrollment has – with few exceptions – increased nearly every year since 1951. Widely viewed as an imperative for those seeking a higher quality of life than their parents, earning a college degree has long been seen as one of the ultimate brass rings in life.

In the wake of the Great Recession of 2008, however, that trajectory has changed, and in rapid order. With 1.1 million fewer men pursuing college degrees than the 2010 peak – despite population growth –university and college presidents are left scratching their heads wondering what lies ahead.

So, too, is Beta Theta Pi.

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT BY GENDER

12,000,000

11,500,000

11,000,000

10,500,000 10,000,000 9,500,000 9,000,000 8,500,000 8,000,000 7,500,000

7,000,000

THE DATA

Well before most all living Betas walked the grounds of their alma mater, college enrollment could be counted on to increase year-over-year. With approximately 2.1 million students attending college in 1951, by 2010 that number swelled 10 times to 21 million.

The gender make up of college enrollment over much of that same time period has also been particularly encouraging. While college campuses in total consisted of just 33% women in 1951, by 1979, thanks in part to the 1972 passage of Title IX, the playing field was leveled with women reaching 50% of all enrollees.

Since then, however, the percent of males attending college has continued to decline. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, in the 30-year stretch

THE GAP

The sustained gender gap of college enrollees since 2010, as tracked by the National Center for Education Statistics, is apparent. Below, 2024 enrollment data is presented by percentage.

from 1979 to 2009 male representation on campuses declined further from 50% to 43%. Reaching the all-time peak of a little more than 9 million males in 2010, in the 14 years that have followed more than 1.1 million fewer young men are attending college but only 0.6 million fewer young women. The reasons are varied but interrelated.

THE GREAT RECESSION

One of the most clear explanations for the steep decline in young men attending college correlates with the Great Recession of 2008. Typical of economic downturns, that stock market crash, which was tied to the subprime mortgage lending crisis, caused a tightening of belts in households across the continent. That included decisions to postpone or halt altogether plans to have children.

Female  Male 

According to a 2022 report by the American Economic Association: “In the decades leading up to the Great Recession, U.S. birth rates hovered between 65 and 70 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. But in 2007, that number started to plummet, and by 2020 hit a record low of 55.8 per 1,000 women.”

Simply put, there are fewer college-aged men as we approach 18 years since the financial pullback.

MALE ISOLATION

The health and well-being of young men has also been a primary factor. And the COVID-19 pandemic that took root in March 2020 certainly played its part.

After most campuses closed and sent students home for the rest of the spring 2020 term, many also altered teaching methods throughout the 2020-21 academic year, preventing in-person learning and restricting extracurricular activities and socialization.

High schools mirrored the approach, heaving a heavy mental toll on young men and women alike in what would normally have been an exciting period of selfdevelopment and preparation for the next chapter of life.

Unfortunately, as young men tend to perform significantly worse academically than their female counterparts, especially in reading and writing, they fell ever further behind emotionally, becoming even more discouraged

and intimidated at the thought of leaving home or needing to muster up the courage to take the steps required of going to college.

Add in widely accepted research that social media and today’s digital obsession is undermining the still-developing under-25-yearold brain, and it has become clear that the impact of forced and selfinduced male isolation matters.

AFFORDABILITY

As the old saying goes, “Money can’t buy happiness, but being broke can’t buy anything.” So, too, is much of the view of the college experience as costs have skyrocketed in the wake of tight state and federal education budgets requiring both public and private schools to bear greater responsibility for financing their campus models via fundraising and tuition increases.

Of course, the sticker shock parents and students experience when considering college is no different than feelings at the grocery store checkout line, when buying a car or looking for a new house for a growing family. Oftentimes, it just seems there’s too much month left at the end of the money.

So, it can be daunting when an 18-year-old young man must come to grips with the fact that the average college graduate walks off the stage owing $25,000 in student loans, not to mention it also requires four or five years of studying with little-to-no income.

FACTORS AFFECTING MALE ENROLLMENT DECLINE

Quora.com

1. Economic Landscape Changes

The shift toward a service-oriented economy has reduced the number of well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree, leading young men to prioritize immediate employment over higher education.

2. Educational Performance

Studies show girls tend to outperform boys academically in high school. This advantage can lead to higher college enrollment rates among women.

3. Cultural Shifts

Growing societal questioning of higher education as a pathway to success resonates differently with young men. Some feel pressured to enter the workforce sooner or pursue vocational training instead.

4. Mental Health & Social Issues

Young men face increasing challenges related to mental health, social pressures and a sense of purpose, affecting motivation to pursue higher education.

5. College Environment

Some men report feeling alienated from the college environment, thereby discouraging enrollment. Concerns about campus culture, safety and inclusivity play a role.

Coupled with growing sentiment that student debt just isn’t worth the return on investment, as well as a tight labor market, one’s financial bottom line appears to be the true bottom line.

REASON FOR CONCERN

Richard Reeves, a former senior fellow of the prestigious Brookings Institute and founding president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, offers real concern for the long-term impact on society with so many young men not pursuing education after high school.

“It’s now clear there are many boys and men who have fallen behind,” he shared during an acclaimed 2023 TED Talks. “We have to be able to think about gender inequality in both directions.”

As the National Bureau of Economic Research has found, community colleges have also seen enrollment dips parallel to those of four-year institutions. “It’s not the fact that the skilled trades are luring many of these men away from the college pathway,”

FRATERNITY MEMBERSHIP

Total number of fraternity men and chapters since 2010, as tracked by the North American Interfraternity Conference.

(Academic years represented by spring term year.)

said Zack Mabel, a research professor at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “Many of these young men are also not going into the skilled trades.”

THE IMPACT

Such disengagement from the notion of male productivity has potential for significant social impact, including disruption of family and health outcomes.

As investigative and Emmy-winning financial reporter Andrew Dorn suggests, there are at least four primary implications of a population starved of male post-secondary education:

• labor shortages in fields requiring training and education;

• health declines since research shows education extends life expectancy by approximately 8.5 years;

• dating inequality and decline in marriages resulting from campus gender imbalance;

• racial inequalities widening, particularly among Black and Latino men since their high school graduates’ enrollment in college has shrunk from 42% in 2011 to 37% and 33%, respectively.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

Be it the Great Recession of 2008, alarming male isolation or the unaffordability of college for many, there are bright spots for the Greek community.

Fortunately, a birth rate decline and 18-year college enrollment downtick in the wake of a severe recession is not new. Birth rates are likely to rebound.

Second, the NIC’s recent membership report (above) confirms fraternities are faring better than campus enrollment trends, suggesting the relevancy of the fraternity experience – which directly targets male isolation – is holding strong. Beta’s own data tracks accordingly, with the last four years ranking in the Fraternity’s top six years of recruiting since 1839, including this fall’s projected all-time high.

While it’s early in this enrollment cliff reality, and affordability remains stubborn, Betas and interfraternity friends should remind themselves that life is built on supportive relationships. As long as friendship and brotherhood remain central to our being, the college experience for most can very much be worth it.

campus

life student highlights

Chapter President Walks-on to One of Kentucky's Biggest Stages

Just about every kid growing up in Kentucky has the dream of playing basketball for the Wildcats, the NCAA's winningest program. Taking center court in Rupp Arena being cheered on as a hometown player and surrounded by the camaraderie of Big Blue Nation can only be described as epic. When Madisonville native and Chapter President Zach Tow, Kentucky ’26, learned the team was holding open tryouts for one final spot, he didn't hesitate.

Fortunately, new head coach and UK's 1996 championship team captain Mark Pope saw something in Tow. The 6-foot-5 forward played in high school, winning the district title and being named First Team All-Region his senior year. After tryouts that included more than 40 young men vying for the opportunity, no news broke if Pope opted to extend the walk-on spot until footage of Zach running drills with the team at Pro Day surfaced in early October. Revealing the news first with his Beta brothers during chapter – to raucous cheers – Tow made his debut on October 11, introduced to 25,000 fans during Big Blue Madness, the team's annual Hollywood-level produced first practice.

Photo: Grace Smith/UK Athletics

Zach Tow, Kentucky ’26, lands the final walk-on spot offered by new head coach Mark Pope.

campus life

A | Ole Miss Sets Record

It's the largest recruitment class in the Fraternity's history! Mississippi welcomed 126 new members this fall, the largest class among all fraternities at Ole Miss. The chapter has recruited at least 80 members for the last four fall terms, growing the total membership to nearly 350 strong.

B | Published at Pacific

Simon Hinmon, Pacific ’25, (pictured) and Ben Aghazarian ’25, have become well versed in their university’s history. The two contributed to the book, "A Century in Stockton: Celebrating University of the Pacific’s Central Valley Campus," offering historical insights on the Native American village that once stood where Pacific’s campus is today.

C | Another Marrow Match

Countless chapters have partnered with NMDP to hold nasal swabbing events to find marrow donors on their campuses since Beta shared the story of Luke Karel, Kansas ’26, in 2022.

Among the 1,850 registrants added to the marrow registry during 202324 chapter events, Jacob McGeary, Connecticut ’26, (pictured) was matched as a donor and gave selflessly.

D | Brothers Band Together for Hurricane Relief

Hurricane Helene devastated areas of western North Carolina in September and the East Carolina chapter did its part to support its neighbors. Bringing the community together for a barbecue, it raised $1,300 for hurricane relief. Meanwhile, the Appalachian State brothers—impacted by weather and flooding themselves— partnered with Betas at Tennessee to raise more than $5,000 for the local community, including students displaced by flooded apartments.

campus life

E | Victory Tour

A national champion in the U.S. capital. Luke Swan, TCU ’25, and the NCAA men's tennis championship team spent College Athlete Day in Washington. There, he got to tour the White House, meet with Congressman Roger Williams, Sigma Chi, and hear an address from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

F | He's a Keeper

Jadon Bowton, Washington ’25, has proven why he is a go-to teammate for the Huskies. He picked up Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors this season after blanking then-#20 Northwestern. Through the game, he made four saves, including a penalty kick in the 89th minute, helping the team to its first conference win.

G | "They're Some Dogs"

It all started with a sprint triathlon that Luke Clayton, Oklahoma State ’25, (left) Will Mulready ’25, (right) and several chapter brothers did on a whim. The duo caught the bug for competition and, between working as a physical therapist, logging flight hours for OSU's aviation program and fueling chapter recruitment this summer, they somehow found time to train heavily for a half Ironman in May and later a full in September.

H | Dreams Do Come True

Colton Skuster, Utah ’27, has devoted the last six years of his athletic life to one goal: achieving his full potential on American Ninja Warrior. In July, he completed the course and hit the buzzer for the first time ever. He completed Stage 2 slower than his competitor, but he will be back on the course in Season 17.

F

G

H

E

Photo: Red Box Photos

Built to Win

The only bronze for this Beta is his tan. Matt Dexter, Central Michigan ’27, gained interest in bodybuilding after his stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, and a coach quickly saw promise. He claimed two medals in his first competition, placing first in Men’s Physique Class C and second in Classic Physique Class C at the Kalamazoo Bodybuilding Championships in August.

Photo: Jeff Robinson/Stage Time Photography

Exploring the Lost City

Louisville’s Lawson Strenecky ’26, (left) and Evan Barsch ’26, (right) show their Beta Spirit at none other than Machu Picchu in Peru. The two brothers traveled to South America on a study abroad trip, focusing on environmental engineering while immersing themselves in the local culture.

campus life

I | Refounding Auburn

Some 40 young men have been recruited as refounding fathers of the Delta Zeta Chapter at Auburn, and dedicated alumni and advisors were recently at the ready to induct them as new members of Beta Theta Pi. Reestablishment efforts are also ongoing at Arizona and West Virginia; more coverage on these chapters will be detailed in the winter issue.

J | Idaho Brothers Fight the Summer Heat

Not one but four Idaho brothers came face-to-face with fires this summer. Liam Gigray ’25, Payton Albertson ’26, Caden Kelley ’26, (pictured) and Austin Agidius ’26, were on the front lines protecting forests in Alaska, Oregon and California during the height of the fire season.

K | Kicking off the New Year

As a tour guide, Sam Iannone, Northeastern '27, usually welcomes new students to campus one small group at a time. But, he pursued his passion for public speaking and was offered the opportunity to host Northeastern's Convocation. Donning his school spirit, Brother Iannone brought the energy to the crowd and hyped up student organizations, all with 4,000 students in attendance and thousands more tuning in virtually.

L | Direct Flights Only

What better way to pull up to formal than in a private plane? Collegiate Commissioner Jake Polzin, Minnesota ’25, received his pilot's license a year ago and took advantage of the chapter's formal trip from the Twin Cities to the Wisconsin Dells. He even brought along two Beta brothers for the ride.

A NEW DAY AT

500 SUNSET

Kansas State brings its nearly 100-year-old home into the 21st century

BY JUSTIN WARREN, SMU ’10 DESIGNED BY MIKE ROUPAS, IOWA ’10

“Our chapter house at 500 Sunset Avenue is clearly the focus of Beta undergraduate life in Manhattan. It has been a home away from home for hundreds of young men and a classroom where our brothers have developed into men of principle for a principled life.”

— Beta Theta Pi Holding Company

Dating back to 1914, the story of Beta Theta Pi at Kansas State University is replete with examples of academic success and leadership one would expect from a chapter widely considered among the best in Beta’s Broad Domain. At the General Fraternity level, the more than 2,000 lifetime members of Gamma Epsilon Chapter have secured at least 58 chapter awards, 31 Sisson Awards and 13 Knox Awards through the years. The chapter’s commitment to the Fraternity’s principles and values are no doubt the foundation to this history of excellence and strength, but another driving factor is the property where the men have found that community – a 94-year-old home in Manhattan, Kansas, at 500 Sunset Avenue.

The house has been central to the experiences of countless Kansas State Betas since its construction in 1930; however, behind the ever-striking Bedford stone exterior lied a dwelling that, having received its last proper renovation in 1998, grew cold and undesirable. The space lacked adequate study spaces, sufficient internet access, outdated bedrooms and bathrooms, and life-saving features like

“The renovations at 500 Sunset have transformed our brotherhood in ways we couldn’t have imagined. New heating, air conditioning and internet, combined with additional study and meeting spaces, have allowed members to focus more on the chapter and their academics, strengthening our brotherhood and pursuit for intellectual growth.”

— Chapter President Cooper Hillman ’26

sprinklers and fire-rated doors. And, with both the university and up to 11 peer fraternities making multi-million dollar investments to build or refresh their own facilities with modern amenities, making updates to the Beta house wasn’t just a matter of comfort but of competition.

Addressing the long-term viability of the Beta house at Kansas State would require significant capital. After careful study, assessment and planning, the aptly named Building on the Legacy Campaign debuted in 2022 and sought $3 million to bring extensive renovations to fruition over a tight timeline. The now completed design – which received an award in 2023 from The Associated General Contractors of Kansas – revitalized the home’s systems and restored the prestige befitting of such a classic Beta home.

OUT WITH THE OLD

The project’s renovation phase first involved replacing the mechanical and electrical systems. The (very old) boiler and chiller were replaced with electric heaters and a variable refrigerant flow system that allows for greater energy efficiency and more precise temperature controls. Additionally, new lighting, flooring, outlets, internet, fire alarm and security access systems were incorporated throughout the property, where needed.

Kansas State Betas in front of the original chapter house at 500 Sunset. Several additions and renovations over the years have greatly expanded the home’s footprint.

More than that, though, it brought to light the famous sentiment from Founder John Reily Knox: What a few men who are united in common purpose and effort are determined to do, can be done.

While the home’s sleeping dorm remains the primary bed space for first- and second-year students, every live-in member now has access to his own custom wardrobe. And in an effort to persuade more upperclassmen to remain in the house throughout their time on campus, single and double rooms on the third floor were reimagined with more living space and custom, red oak loft beds built in place. The lower portion of these beds consists of wardrobes and either built-in couches or desks, and each room is now individually climate controlled. Finally,

| The Beta Theta Pi | A New Day at 500 Sunset

HOUSE TOUR

• Chapter size: 88 members

• House capacity: 65 residents

• First-year live-in requirement

• Housemother: Beth Kershner

A | The ornate fireplace is the pièce de résistance in the living room at 500 Sunset, its stateliness elevated even more by custom lighting featuring dragons in the hardware and across various Medieval scenes.

B | A large portion of the plumbing system was replaced and new fixtures like epoxy showers, partitions, toilets, countertops and flooring were installed to give all bathrooms in the home a major face-lift.

C | While the sleeping dorm remains the primary living quarters for firstand second-year live-in members, now each man also has access to his own custom wardrobe for clothes and other personal affects.

D | A major goal for the renovation is to increase the retention of juniors and seniors as chapter house residents. The house corporation hopes to achieve this by increasing the number of single and double rooms, each individually climate controlled with built-in wardrobes and either a desk or couch.

newly renovated restrooms include epoxy showers, new partitions, toilet accessories, countertops and flooring.

IN WITH THE NEW

The most transformational change came in the form of a 1,225 square foot addition to the rear of the property. The lower level of this new structure consists of a showpiece dining room, IT closet and storage area with finishes and

HOUSE TOUR

E | The contractor renovated over 5,000 square feet inside the original home and added another 1,225 square feet to the property’s total footprint with a two-story addition framed in structural steel with a stone and stucco exterior. To accommodate this, the chapter’s basketball court also had to be shifted and rebuilt.

F | The new dining room, complete with flooring featuring a Beta dragon inlay, serves multiple purposes, from breaking bread with brothers to hosting chapter programs and events. In all, the addition nearly doubled the home’s available meeting space.

G | The dining room features a grand entranceway, with a decorative door header and window jambs/trim made from red oak – a material seamlessly incorporated throughout the home. Custom cornices with the Fraternity’s coat of arms add a fitting final touch in this classic Beta home.

H/I | The new study hall, designed to be quiet, well-lit and comfortable, accommodates different learning styles through the incorporation of large continuous countertop desks located around the room’s exterior, small group work tables and private rooms for individual or small group use. The space is a fitting place to showcase Gamma Epsilon’s 13 John Reily Knox Awards. Installing whole-home Wi-Fi was also a high priority to eliminate dead spots that had previously caused residents and visitors to drop offline during lectures, testing and while downloading materials.

amenities including a decorative red oak door header, red oak window jambs and trim, a tiled floor with the Fraternity’s logo and a fireplace. These improvements allow more brothers than ever to come together and build brotherhood over a meal, while essentially doubling the available event and programming space for the chapter’s use.

The structure’s second floor is utilized as an enhanced, quiet, well-lit and comfortable study area, incorporating large

continuous countertop desks around the room’s exterior, individual study rooms and a state-of-the-art computer room. It’s an area truly designed to accommodate all learning styles. Combined with extended Wi-Fi capabilities, the chapter stands ready to remain academic leaders across campus and within the Greek community.

BUILDING ON THE LEGACY

The Beta experience at Kansas State is no doubt more than the stone, mortar

H

and ivy of 500 Sunset Avenue. However, the social connections and community offered within the four walls of the Beta house are critical to those brothers seeking to find their place on the large campus. The historic chapter considers the property a crucible for brotherhood development, and the alumni’s commitment to building on that legacy for generations of Betas to come is strong and true.

More than 160 contributors – including two, $250,000+ gifts from Warren

Staley ’65, and another anonymous donor – committed over $2 million to these efforts. This show of strength, in addition to Designated Educational Area Grants obtained through the Beta Foundation to cover the costs of purchasing, constructing and renovating academic areas within the chapter house, has ensured the 88-man chapter is not saddled with these debts going forward.

In all, nearly 6,400 square feet of space was added or renovated during this

ambitious venture and, as a result, today’s young Betas are better able to keep one another safe, compete with other stateof-the-art campus living quarters and pursue excellence at a critical juncture in the chapter’s history. In short, it’s a new day at 500 Sunset Avenue; one with the sun shining bright on Beta Theta Pi at Kansas State and a storied brotherhood more confident than ever in its cherished home, chapter and future. 

Truth Teller

1948-2024

Photo: David Hume Kennerly/Center for Creative Photography/University of Arizona

Remembering Howard Fineman

Howard D. Fineman, Colgate ’70, one of Beta’s most recognizable political journalists, died peacefully at his home in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2024. Waging a fierce two-year battle against pancreatic cancer, he was 75.

A child of Pittsburgh and a proud Jewish family with Ukrainian roots, Fineman matriculated to Colgate in the late 1960s and joined the Beta Theta Chapter, eventually graduating Phi Beta Kappa. Pursuing a master’s in journalism from Columbia and a law degree from Louisville, his career was launched at The Louisville Courier-Journal where he covered the environment, coal industry and state politics before joining its Washington bureau in 1978.

That move to D.C. led to Fineman joining Newsweek magazine in 1980, which put in motion a high-profile career of unwavering truth-telling. Named chief political correspondent in 1984 and deputy Washington bureau chief in 1993, in 1995 he would become the title’s senior editor. Over a 45-year career, he became one of the most respected journalists in America, namely for his dogged determination and the speed at which he could organize his thoughts and report to the masses.

“He believed in the story, always attuned to where the political conversation was headed,” esteemed historian Jon Meacham, who worked with Fineman at Newsweek, eulogized. “Howard was known as a master ‘violinist,’ the lead voice of the magazine responsible for writing the piece that served as the overture to everything that followed.”

But Fineman was not a one-trick pony. His pointed observations and keen insight were so valued, so respected, that he also became a key NBC News analyst, contributing reports to the network and its cable affiliates. He was so connected within the beltway beat “that he achieved that

most elusive of Washington accolades, as the butt of a well-worn joke: ‘If Howard Fineman’s here, who’s on TV?,’” shared Clay Risen of The New York Times.

His work also appeared in The Washington Post, The New Republic and The New York Times. His final senior leadership role was global editorial director for AOL Huffington Post Media Group.

Throughout a lifetime of work, Fineman interviewed every major presidential candidate since 1984, including a focus on the rise and times of President George W. Bush. His cover story in November of Hollywood on politics. In 2008, he authored “The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country.”

"IN ORDER TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WE HAVE TO DO, WE HAVE TO DISCUSS IT, WE HAVE TO ARGUE IT. THE COUNTRY WAS BORN IN A DEBATE ABOUT OUR SOCIETY."

— HOWARD FINEMAN

2001 featured the president’s first extensive post-9/11 interview. Another, “Bush and God,” was the top-selling Newsweek issue of 2003 that won the National Magazine Award for General Excellence. His reporting helped win a litany of honors throughout the journalism industry.

As a reporter and writer, Fineman’s range was broad. Besides campaign-year cover stories, other projects included the rise of the religious right, the power of talk radio, race and politics, the Pledge of Allegiance controversy, the impact of digital technology on society and the influence

Although Fineman reported on TV for NBC and MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, he appeared on most major public affairs shows, including Fox News Sunday, Nightline, Face the Nation, Larry King Live, Charlie Rose and The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. He was a regular panelist on PBS’s Washington Week in Review and CNN’s Capital Gang Sunday.

As it relates to the Fraternity, Beta was near and dear to Fineman. He enthusiastically accepted the Oxford Cup in 2007 in what the editor believes was one of the most moving, heartfelt acceptance remarks in memory. Tears throughout the audience certainly made the point. That’s probably why he relished the chance to return to the 2010 General Convention when Senator Bill Nelson, Florida/Yale ’65, was added to the Oxford Cup Roll.

In 2012, Fineman authored the foreword for “Betas in the Arts,” the final book in a three-part series by former Editor Erv Johnson, Idaho ’53, which also included “Beta Statesmen” and “Beta Heroes.” Marrying his lifetime pursuit of truth and the value he felt Beta Theta Pi added to western civilization, he concluded: “Each of these three books is, in its own way, about freedom, responsibility and brotherhood. As are we: a fraternity runs through it.” 

2010 Convention: (L to R) Sen. Richard Lugar, Denison '54; Sen. Bill Nelson, Florida/Yale '65; Fineman; Astronaut Joe Allen, DePauw '59

by Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky '96 designed by Mike Roupas, Iowa '10

chapter eternal in

loving memory

Forever Remembered

Notices of Betas, Sweethearts and Friends of Beta who passed within the last two years and were reported to the Administrative Office between May 19 and October 1 are included in this listing.

Report a Beta’s Death

Please contact the Beta receptionist at 800.800.BETA or officemanager@beta.org to report a Beta’s passing.

Donate to the Archives

Ask loved ones to donate your Beta badge and important Beta artifacts to the Fraternity’s Archives and Museum in Oxford.

Memorial Gifts

The Fraternity is often asked how to memorialize a dearly departed Beta. Memorial gifts can be made at beta.org/gift or with Director of Development

Laura Lednik at 800.800.BETA. In lieu of flowers, consider naming the Beta Leadership Fund in your own obituary.

Friends of Beta

William D. Jenkins, Sept. 24 c

Marilyn S. Klingaman, May 24

Mike McCarthy, May 10

Lady Smith, July 18

Alabama

James H. Landis Jr. ’69, June 10 c

Arizona

Robert E. Mulford ’66, May 2 c

Auburn

David J. Stankard ’78, July 9

Beloit

Richard B. West ’67, Dec. 10, 2023

Bethany

James F. Companion ’63, Sept. 18

Bruce W. Kelley ’82, May 25

Bowling Green

Daniel Loyd Green ’90, March 25

British Columbia

David C. Cook ’70, Aug. 7

Carnegie Mellon

John W. Sofis ’70, July 16

Bill Jenkins

Phi Kappa Tau September 24, 2024

Case

Jay R. Wolf ’59, Sept. 11, 2023

Case Western Reserve

Thomas M. Rosegger ’82, Aug. 5, 2022

Cincinnati

William A. Hill ’65, Aug. 10

Norris D. Ledyard ’76, Aug. 16, 2022

David W. Wickham ’53, Aug. 9 c

Colgate

Richard J. Alderman ’60, May 26, 2022

Howard D. Fineman ’70, June 11

Colorado College

Arthur W. Robinson Jr. ’71, July 25

Coleman R. Robinson ’65, June 17 c

Columbia

Robert B. Dillingham ’55, May 22 c

Cornell

Philip M. Poulson ’67, July 21

Dartmouth

John E. Baldwin ’59, May 26

Michael T. D’Elia ’59, July 5

Davidson

Edward D. Robertson ’49, June 29, 2023

Dayton

Connor D. DiNapoli ’26, June 27

Denison

Robert A. Hagler ’62, Aug. 3

Denver

Walter L. Keith ’95, June 16

Thomas L. LeCain Jr. ’51, July 9

DePauw

John W. Lauter ’54, Sept. 10

Henry P. Najdeski ’93, April 22, 2023

Robert H. Rector ’55, May 18 c

Duke

Arthur L. Harris ’70, Sept. 6 c

Eastern Kentucky

Kevin E. Kleis ’04, July 19

Florida

Edward L. Johnson ’57, April 2 c

George A. Poulos ’54, Nov. 13, 2023 c

Flags indicate Betas who served in the United States or Canadian armed forces.

Longtime Friend of Beta before such a title was common in Beta nomenclature, “Mr. Bill” Jenkins served as CEO of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and executive director of its Foundation, as well as president of the NIC.

Howard Fineman Colgate ’70

June 11, 2024

Recognized as one of America’s most respected political journalists, Howard received Beta’s highest honor for professional achievement, the Oxford Cup, in 2007. Passing from pancreatic cancer, read more about his life’s work on pages 46-47.

Connor DiNapoli

Dayton ’26

June 27, 2024

Described as kind, selfless, compassionate and quick-witted, Connor died by suicide while studying overseas this summer. He is survived by his loving parents, two siblings and four grandparents.

Georgia Tech

Wilson T. Dreger III ’54, Aug. 25 c

David D. Harvey ’58, Feb. 3 c

Louis T. Sovey Jr. ’52, Sept. 3 c

Illinois

Ronald L. McPheron ’87, Aug. 24

Douglas C. Mills ’62, May 14

Robert T. Ruff ’49, July 13, 2022

Indiana

Frank A. Cunningham ’62, Jan. 1

James K. Gordon ’61, Aug. 4 c

Don J. Hindman ’49, July 6 c

Stephen P. Hokanson ’69, May 3

Michael G. Hostetter ’65, Aug. 8 c

John F. Kelley Jr. ’67, Jan. 1

Iowa

James E. Sabin ’59, June 25

Johns Hopkins

Charles W. Sample ’58, July 3

Kansas

B.A. Lay ’56, Sept. 7 c

Laurance W. Price Jr. ’55, May 28 c

Richard L. Sengpiehl ’59, Nov. 1, 2023 c

Kansas State

Brad Case ’75, July 2

Knox

Ronald L. Streibich ’58, Dec. 23, 2023 c

Lawrence

Joseph V. Ceske ’58, April 27

Lehigh

Scott E. Wollaston ’58, Jan. 16, 2023

Maine

Arthur Withington ’54, Feb. 19, 2023 c

Miami

J.M. Dolibois, MD ’66, Sept. 11

Ronald W. Kurz ’62, Aug. 20

Ralph J. Sogard ’56, July 18

W.B. Trucksis ’75, Sept. 9 c

Art Harris

Duke ’70

September 6, 2024

A former U.S. Navy officer, Art began his journalism career with the Atlanta Journal Constitution and San Francisco Chronicle. Joining The Washington Post under Editor Bob Woodward, in 1986 he was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Michigan

Benjamin J. Kleinstiver ’57, Feb. 17 c

Frank H. Taylor III ’56, July 14

Michigan State

Leslie A. Brown ’62, Jan. 1

Jon M. Fitzgerald ’63, Nov. 17, 2022

Minnesota

Floyd W. Hagen ’60, July 18

Steven J. Jackman ’63, June 14

James C. Thorp ’57, June 6 c

Mississippi

Robert L. Andreae, MD ’51, June 17

Hubert P. Prewett Jr. ’66, Aug. 10

Missouri

Robert H. Marty ’55, Sept. 2 c

MIT

J.S. Graves ’58, March 16

Nebraska

Gerald H. Brownfield ’58, July 10

Robert J. Suhr ’49, April 15, 2023

Stephen P. Visek ’55, April 8, 2023

North Carolina

Milton C. Campbell Jr. ’60, Aug. 16 c

Lewis S. Griffith Jr. ’62, May 9 c

Ohio

Brinton T. Darlington ’43, Dec. 19, 2023 c

Thomas L. Fries ’86, June 12

David S. Kellermyer ’65, April 20

Richard M. Keys ’50, July 31 c

Robert L. Keys ’50, May 26 c

Ohio State

John A. Burkhart ’63, July 9 c

C. Nelson French ’49, Sept. 30 c

Lawrence E. Hughes Jr. ’75, Sept. 7

Frederick W. Labavitch ’66, Nov. 11, 2023

Daniel J. Orto ’02, July 13

Ohio Wesleyan

Marius S. Christensen Jr. ’54, Aug. 21

Richard L. Davenport ’53, July 3 c

Michael I. Glasscock ’64, June 3

Don Hindman

Indiana ’49

July 6, 2024

A talented musician who had aspirations of a jazz career in New York City, Don was ordered to Indiana University by his mother after his military service. A consummate, wildly successful entrepreneur, he loved music, golf and Beta Theta Pi.

Oklahoma

Sam J. Johns ’21, July 14

Everett C. Lees ’99, Sept. 11

John M. Yeager ’62, Aug. 18 c

Oklahoma State

J.R. Allspaugh ’53, July 13 c

Bartow B. Bradley II ’68, March 20 c

Leo W. Meade ’79, July 18

Jason M. Parson ’99, May 31

William B. Weaver ’52, Aug. 5

Oregon

John H. Herman ’60, Sept. 28

Oregon State

Franklin J. Halvorsen ’64, Oct. 8, 2023 c

Peter E. Jensen ’67, Jan. 20 c

Douglas C. John ’67, Feb. 26

Penn State

Rex L. Bradley ’55, Sept. 29 c

Robert W. Hellmuth ’62, March 18, 2023 c

Richard L. Uppstrom ’53, April 19, 2023

Pennsylvania

John T. Murphy ’59, March 28 c

Purdue

Brendan J. O’Brien ’63, Sept. 3 c

Rutgers

Robert D. Hubbard ’50, Oct. 7, 2022 c

San Diego State

Frederick W. Pierce IV ’84, June 11

SMU

Ira G. Pool ’61, June 13

South Dakota

Clifford D. Lund ’72, July 2

James C. Sheppard ’58, July 4 c

James R. Smeed ’52, Oct. 13, 2023

William R. Wilkins ’59, Dec. 19, 2023

Syracuse

Michael J. Falcone ’57, April 10 c

Tennessee Tech

Clinton W. Slaven ’92, April 10

Steve Jackman

Minnesota ’63

June 14, 2024

Once dubbed the “fastest man in the world,” Steve was an NCAA Champion and All-American swimmer. Known by his Beta brothers as “Spider” and for playing jazz music loudly at night, he led a distinguished career as a radiologist.

Nelson French Ohio State ’49

September 30, 2024

A successful businessman, family man and devoted civic volunteer, Brother Nelson gifted nearly $150,000 to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation throughout his lifetime.

Rev. Everett Lees

Oklahoma ’99

September 11, 2024

Elected chorister by his chapter, Everett served as district chief and became an enthusiastic supporter of Beta’s Men of Principle initiative. He passed 16 days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

John Herman

Oregon ’60

September 28, 2024

A respected investor and venture capitalist, including co-founding three sports apparel companies, one of which made the first piece of apparel for Blue Ribbon Sports (later renamed Nike), John recently served on Beta’s Foundation Board.

Fred Pierce

San Diego State ’84

June 11, 2024 President and CEO of Pierce Education Properties, a top 25 national owner and operator of student housing, Fred was a major benefactor and sitting member of Beta’s Foundation Board.

Mike Falcone

Syracuse ’57

April 10, 2024

A life trustee of the university he so loved, Mike was a passionate entrepreneur and real estate guru, having developed millions of square feet of office buildings, shopping centers, assisted living centers, hotels and mixed used projects across America.

Texas

Jack L. Brandon ’54, July 20 c

James V. Grevelle ’61, May 10 c

Dan B. Priest ’51, Nov. 18, 2022

Stewart O. Robinson ’69, Sept. 1

Tulane

Conrad Meyer IV ’66, May 20

UCLA

Robert M. Perry ’55, Oct. 23, 2023

Union

Philip M. Barrett ’49, June 28

Utah

Stephen G. Denkers ’56, July 16 c

Peter H. Dowse ’59, Jan. 2, 2023

Vanderbilt

John G. Carroll ’61, Aug. 27 c

Wabash

George D. Swartout II ’59, March 16, 2022 c

Washington

John V. Geraghty ’56, Jan. 7, 2023

Robert L. Griffiths ’67, Aug. 22 c

Larry L. Martens ’54, July 18, 2022 c

R.B. McAuley ’50, Feb. 11

Washington in St. Louis

Jesse R. Bodine ’49, Aug. 26 c

Dennis W. Gorman Jr. ’64, June 25

Casper P. Pfaff ’65, Dec. 22, 2023

Theodore Popowchak ’63, Aug. 12

Weber State

Steven D. Geary ’71, March 8

West Virginia

Richard T. Wigal Sr. ’56, Aug. 3 c

Western Reserve

Nick J. Angelo ’58, May 26

Neal P. Lavelle ’57, May 29

Williams

Thomas G. Bruner ’40, July 5, 2022

John M. Pratt ’55, Feb. 16

Wisconsin

Geoffrey E. Blume ’57, Aug. 22 c

William A. Taylor Jr. ’39, April 13 c

Wittenberg

John S. Collier ’75, March 16

Yale

Henry Blodget ’53, Jan. 4, 2023 c

Michael A. Schumann ’59, June 15

Doug Houser, Willamette ’57

September 30, 2024

Former General Fraternity President and Chairman of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation Douglas G. Houser, Willamette ’57, is remembered for his leadership, wit, spirit of service and dedication to his family, country and Fraternity. He passed September 30 after a brief illness.

Doug’s initiation on February 14, 1954, marked the beginning of 70 years of love and loyalty to Beta Theta Pi, especially in his home region of the Pacific Northwest. He began volunteering in 2007 as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors, ascending to chairmanship just two years later. During his tenure, the Foundation navigated through formulation of the $20 million Promises to Keep Campaign. He was elected to a three‐year term as General Fraternity President in 2011, then continued to serve on the Advisory Council.

After graduating from Stanford Law School in 1960, Doug began a legal career that spanned nearly six decades with the firm that would become Bullivant Houser Bailey PC. Renowned for his expertise in insurance law, he tried 140 cases in 21 states, building a national reputation for handling complex litigation. Among his most notable professional achievements was his role with Nike, Inc., which, as first cousin of company Co-founder Phil Knight, FIJI, he incorporated and served on the Board of Directors for 50 years.

As a show of its appreciation for his years of service, in 2018 the Nike Foundation offered to make a $500,000 gift to Doug’s charity of choice. In a true show of his Beta Spirit, Doug and his longtime Sweetheart, Lucy, Delta Gamma, generously committed that gift to the Beta Foundation – providing merit scholarships and leadership opportunities for young Betas in perpetuity. Two of Doug’s favorite quotes became mainstays any time he assumed the podium in front of his Beta brothers: “Don’t just wear a catcher’s mitt throughout life; be sure and throw something back.” And, “Don’t give ‘til it hurts; give ‘til it feels good.”

Lucy preceded Doug in death in 2022. A memorial service to remember Brother Houser will be held on January 18, 2025, at Waverley Country Club in Portland.

Bob Griffiths Washington ’67

August 22, 2024

A Vietnam War veteran, where he was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Bob enjoyed barbershop music quartets and a long career in aerospace. Supporting multiple chapters throughout Southern California, he was named Beta’s regional chief of the year in 2018.

Neal Lavelle Western Reserve ’57 May 29, 2024

Practicing family law in Cleveland for 54 years, frequently alongside his father, Neal served for decades as president of Beta’s Cleveland Area Alumni Association.

The Fraternity’s Chapter Eternal video tribute is featured annually at the Convention to honor the lives of interfraternity friends, Sweethearts and Beta brothers who passed in the prior year.

Set to Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” soundtrack, watch this year’s tribute at beta.org/ chaptereternal185th or scan the QR code below.

to hear from the Beta Foundation’s chief officer, Phil Fernandez, Miami ’06.

FOUNDATION PURPOSE

To advance the educational mission and goals of Beta Theta Pi toward the vision of the Fraternity.

FOUNDATION RESPONSIBILITIES

Cultivate lifelong friendships; solicit Betas and friends; provide gift stewardship; fund leadership and educational grants; empower Foundation volunteers; oversee investment strategies; recognize Betas, parents and Friends of Beta.

Dear Brothers and Friends,

Reflecting on my own Beta journey, I fondly remember 1969, when I accepted my bid. We dined at the Beta house every night except Sundays, and at least once a week we learned and sang Beta songs. It wasn’t always easy to perfect the harmonies, but through the process we learned more than just the music — we built bonds that have lasted a lifetime.

When the evening would end, our new member class would walk back to the dorms, often singing “Marching Along” at the top of our lungs, full of pride and unity. It’s the same pride I feel 55 years later as I think about our work as a Foundation and its impact on Beta’s future. Those evenings are a reminder of the power of brotherhood, and they still inspire me today as we march into the future, united in our commitment to Beta Theta Pi.

As we reflect on this past year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the generous and steadfast support of our Beta family. Your philanthropy has led us to new heights, including achieving one of our largest grants in history — an accomplishment that will have a lasting impact on the future of our beloved Fraternity. These milestones, as detailed within this report, are not only shaping the lives of our brothers today but are also paving the way for the future.

Speaking of our future, at the recent 185th General Convention we took an even greater step forward with the launch of the Build the Bridge Campaign.

As you’ll read on page 23, this is more than just a campaign. It’s a call for all of us to unite in building a stronger and more affordable Beta experience for generations to come.

On behalf of the entire Foundation Board, thank you again for your incredible support! As you turn the pages, I encourage you to take a moment for your own reflection and appreciate the profound impact you’ve made as a donor. Together, we are advancing the mission, developing young men and ultimately changing the world. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.

Yours in kai ,

Rick Banks, Cornell ’72 Foundation Chairman

Cover Photo: Betas marching along at the 185th General Convention in Oxford, Ohio.

BY THE NUMBERS

FOUNDATION STAFF

Phil Fernandez, Miami ’06; Chief Foundation Officer

Travis Robinson; Dir. of Annual Giving

Laura Lednik; Dir. of Development

Aaron Selby, Wabash ’06; Dir. of Advancement

Jeff Newton, Miami ’77; Dir. of Advancement

Zane Brown-Carlson, Knox ’16; Dir. of Advancement

Jackson Chambers, Utah ’12; Dir. of Advancement

$5,018,577

Total Contributions to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation in FY24

$ 4,941,205 Total Dollars Granted SUPPORTING FRATERNITY INITIATIVES INCLUDING . . . FY24 FY23

Leadership Programs

Student Scholarships

$1,141,355 $939,234

$258,017 $371,107

DEA Grants (Chapter Housing Grants) $3,232,403 $2,272,104

Beta Brotherhood Assessment

Son of the Stars Member Orientation

Online Officer and Volunteer Training

Membership Growth

Health & Safety/Inclusive Brotherhood

$211,229 $178,646

$4,097 $27,270

$59,636 $55,269

$31,797 $26,315

$2,671 $24,385

$4,941,205 $3,894,330

4,259 Beta Leadership Fund donors in FY24

$306 average BLF gift

FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP

FOUNDATION BOARD

Foundation Chairman Rick Banks, Cornell ’72

Vice Chairman

Stavan Bhatt, Louisville ’98

Treasurer

Randy Groves, Kansas State ’78

Secretary Tom Reeves, Eastern Kentucky ’99

$1,302,732 RAISED

$1.25 million goal in FY24

89 ¢* of every dollar spent goes directly to Beta programs and services**

*10–year average **Nonprofit benchmark is 65¢

Mike Bickford, Oklahoma ’80

Art Carmichael, Oregon ’62

Karl Chiao, Texas A&M ’90

Peter Darrow, Miami (Fla.) ’09

Jeff Flanagan, Rhode Island ’93

Mike Gibbons, Kenyon ’74

Scott Grotjan, South Dakota ’92

Zac Haines, Miami ’05

Kent Mire, TCU ’07

Marty Obst, Southern Illinois ’03

Fred Pierce IV, San Diego State ’84

Tom Olver, Central Michigan ’98

Rick Sabol, Ohio ’77

John Torget, Cornell ’93

Bruce Wenger, Lawrence ’89

COLLEGIATE COMMISSIONERS

C.J. Fovozzo, John Carroll ’23

Phillip Miavelstück, George Mason ’25

Virgina Tech Betas gather in front the Beta Campanile in Oxford, Ohio.

HAPPIER HE WHO JOINS HIS BROTHERS’

SINGING A BETA LAY!

1 DAY. 8 HOURS. 39 MINUTES.

The Giving Day Challenge (GDC), now in its fifth year, is a friendly fundraising competition between chapters. It is an opportunity for brothers and friends to celebrate Beta Theta Pi’s impact on its members and bolster pride in our Great and Good Fraternity through an unrestricted gift to the Beta Leadership Fund.

KEN BRYAN MIT ’88 GDC Ambassador

“Being a Giving Day Challenge Ambassador, this is a chance for me to help give back to Beta for all the friendships, growth and support I have received these last 40 years. With a little preparation, it doesn’t take much time and can make a big difference on Giving Day. I encourage Betas to step up and rally their chapters in the spirit of friendly competition!”

AMBASSADOR LEADERS | DONORS

Ken Bryan, MIT ’88 61 Bob Mackenzie, Bethany ’77 52

Robert Beall, Oklahoma ’80 32

AMBASSADOR LEADERS | DOLLARS

Ken Bryan, MIT ’88 $14,481

Bob Mackenzie, Bethany ’77 $7,726

Rick Sabol, Ohio ’77 $6,225

For information on becoming an ambassador, please visit beta.org/ambassadors.

GIVING DAY CHALLENGE

raised

$518,950 for the BLF in 2024

$136,720 raised by 110 ambassadors

2,789 GDC donors

BETA THETA PI(E) DAY Social media followers voted to decide which Administrative Office staffers would receive a pie to the face.

Top: Anne Emmerth, Chi Omega Chief Strategy Officer

Left: Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ’03 Chief Executive Officer

WITH FEWER

THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

For more information and a complete list of donors, visit beta.org/givingdaychallenge.

PI(E) DAY

Scan the QR code or visit beta.org/ pie-day to view the video.

BETA THETA PI GIVING DAY CHALLENGE

ALONG MARCHING

ANNUAL SUPPORTERS

The following list contains all alumni, parent and Friend of Beta donors (grouped alphabetically by school) who made gifts to the Beta Foundation between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024.

Lifetime giving societies, total years giving and Auto-Kai Club members are highlighted using various symbols and colors defined in the legend.

All collegiate donors can be found at beta.org/dragons.

Tom Lipton, Western Reserve ’63, and Kole Karwoski, San Diego ’25, at the 185th General Convention.

DONOR LEGEND

JUNE 1, 2023– MAY 31, 2024

Auto-Kai donors shown in BLUE

LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETIES

 Shrine On High............ $5 Million+

G Old Main .............................$1 Million

% Campanile .........................$500,000

O Chautauqua ...................... $250,000

t Diamond..............................$100,000

Z Rose ....................................... $50,000 & Founders’ $25,000 & President’s $10,000

Y Loving Cup $5,000 % Beta $1,000

TOTAL YEARS GIVING 5+ 10+ 15+ 20+

Allen Kaufman ’77 % 

Pat Murphy ’82 

KANSAS STATE

$25,000 - $49,999

Bill Manning ’80 & 

$10,000 - $24,999

Matt Dassow ’89 & 

John Dunlap ’73 & 

Thomas Machin ’55 & 

Warren Staley ’65 % 

James Weaver ’69 & $5,000 - $9,999

Larry Gibson ’67 & Jeffery Jones ’78 & 

Roger Marshall ’84 Y

Jeff Rundle ’03 & 

Dean Skaer ’60 & 

Doug Smith ’71 & 

Woody Swain ’71 & 

Dan Weaver ’63 & 

Patrick Woolley ’89 Y

$2,500 - $4,999

Paul Attwater ’83 Y 

Randy Groves ’78 Z

Mike Sanders ’80 %

$1,839 - $2,499

Chris Althoff ’00 t 

Todd Bleakley ’77 Z

John Campbell ’77 & 

Don Ficken ’66 % 

Bill Nicholson ’61 t 

Tom Purinton ’63 & 

Brad Scheu ’07 % 

David Schlaegel ’79 % 

Raymond Shideler ’80 %

$1,000 - $1,838

William Barker ’71 %

Mike Bennett ’69 %

Peter Carter ’04 % 

Ron Green ’73 %

Drake Knapp ’66 % 

Kenneth Peirce ’61 %

$500 - $999

Jack Erkmann ’02

Ron Holm ’66 % 

Ralph McFillen ’64 % 

Ken Nesmith ’57 % 

$250 - $499

Nathan Balkenbusch ’14 % 

Grant Glasco ’03 % 

JD Keith ’86 & 

Andy Kinzer ’65 

George Pearson ’78

Thomas Tatman ’75 % 

Phil Wright ’58 % 

$100 - $249

Chuck Balkenbusch ’17

Bradley Barth ’90 % 

Tom Clark ’71 

Larry Cohan ’65

Loren Conrad ’61 % 

Bill Copher ’81 % 

Mike Elwell ’70 % 

Buddy Frye ’58 % 

Jan Jorgensen ’64 % 

Kenyon Kugler ’63 Y 

James Mertz ’62 % 

Doug Rivers ’73

Roger Shenkel ’64 % 

Tracy Skipton ’90

Alec Williams ’10 

Kerry Williams ’65 

Others

Stephen Cotner ’81

John Irvine ’64 

Fred Isernhagen ’66 % 

Christian Kehr ’14

Steve Lafferty ’84

Ryan Newton ’08 % 

Stephen Peirce ’66 % 

Roger Reitz ’55 

Brett Rundle ’06 

Gary Sieverin ’72 

Conner Swanson ’19

KENNESAW STATE

Others

Christian Downer ’23

KENTUCKY

$5,000 - $9,999

Austin Bach ’17 Y 

Brendan Lucas ’16 Y 

$2,500 - $4,999

Dallas Cain ’93 &

Dave Solomon ’93 &

$1,839 - $2,499

Mike Rowland ’91 %

$500 - $999

Danny Board ’94 & 

Chris Cooley ’15 

Mike Phelan ’96 Y 

Darrin Travillian ’96 % 

$100 - $249

Chris Gladwell ’94 Y 

Jared Gray ’15 

David Greis ’14 % 

Blade Rouse ’16 

Others

Harrison Keith ’21

Hayden McNeil ’13 

KENYON

$5,000 - $9,999

David Lingafelter ’86 & 

$2,500 - $4,999

Bill Lowry ’56 & 

$100 - $249

KETTERING A

$250 - $499

Isaac Meadows ’11 % 

Matt Setliff ’10 % 

$100 - $249

Miles Brillinger ’18

Trent Sutherland ’10 % 

Others

Ray Hyder ’15 

Jerico Markel ’19 

KETTERING B

$500 - $999

Alex Irwin ’20 % 

$250 - $499

Andy Breed ’12 % 

Brandon Dombrowski ’16 % 

Jordan Fundaro ’18 % 

$100 - $249

Jorge Horcasitas ’13 % 

Kurt Morse ’16 % 

Kevin Sims ’16 

Others

Caleb Burgess ’22 

Mark Foster ’22 

Jon Harris ’23

Nick Misiolek ’15 % 

KNOX

$1,000 - $1,838

Zane Carlson ’16 % 

Robert Ripley ’05 %

$250 - $499

George Diepenbrock ’04 % 

$100 - $249

Theodore Compton ’15

Alex Contreras ’18 

Pete Holstrom ’66 % 

Gurdon Hornor ’81 

Gary Jantho ’89 

Trey Morrison ’96

Nick Panos ’57 

Others

Jack Cutright ’63

Adam Davis ’18

Bill Dean ’66

Wayne Parks ’64 

Matthew Surprenant ’17 

LAWRENCE

$10,000 - $24,999

Amar Budarapu ’87 Z

$5,000 - $9,999

Kris Swanson ’87 & 

$1,839 - $2,499

Bruce Wenger ’89 & 

$500 - $999

Peter McGaffigan ’87 % 

$250 - $499

Bergy Berganini ’59 Y 

Daniel Martin ’07 % 

Dave Schnackenberg ’90 % 

$100 - $249

Eric Armour ’07 

Benjamin Glover ’08 

Martin Gradman ’62 % 

Daniel Hertel ’09 % 

Jeffrey Jones ’68 

Ted Katzoff ’65 % 

Adam Locke ’03 % 

Todd Mitchell ’65 % 

Jelani Jones ’22

Dick Lang ’61 % 

Gus Olson ’57 

Darren Opel ’95 

Chris Porter ’74 

Liam Traynor ’23

Phil Weisskopf ’92 

Vern Wilmot ’69 

LEHIGH

$500 - $999

David Bramble ’68 % 

$250 - $499

Jim Huston ’69 % 

$100 - $249

Don Blaszka ’96 % 

Eric Hamilton ’67

Bob Kirchberger ’69 % 

Roger Landis ’86 % 

Les Minnich ’89 % 

Others

Herbert Campbell ’72 

LOUISVILLE

$1,839 - $2,499

Mike Adams ’77 Y 

Stavan Bhatt ’98 & 

Jim Howard ’93 Y 

Dave Schawe ’06 %

$1,000 - $1,838

Robert Butler ’71 % 

$100 - $249

Kyle Bilyeu ’19

Robb Hagan ’94

Todd Schmiedeler ’96 % 

Scott Sheffield ’71 % 

Scott Wantland ’98

Others

Bobby Bailey ’01

Cedric Fenn ’20

Glen Gnadinger ’18 

Travis Kerns ’12

Jake McKinney ’01 

Dennis Miller ’72 % 

LOYOLA CHICAGO

Others

Israel Garcia ’17 

Adam Gentry ’21 

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT

$500 - $999

Daen Ekpa ’10 % 

Brian Webber ’09 & 

Others

Tom Martin ’08 Y 

LYNCHBURG

$2,500 - $4,999

Charlie Warner ’87 & 

MAINE

$500 - $999

George Pullen ’03 % 

$250 - $499

Curtis Burrill ’04 % 

$100 - $249

Rob Brewer ’98 % 

Nick Gauvin ’06 % 

David Pfaefflin ’01 % 

Others

Richard Hogan ’60 % 

Calvin Talmage ’82 % 

$500 - $999

Casey Gomes ’02 & 

$250 - $499

Alex Lee ’92 % 

$100 - $249

Sung Lee ’86 % 

Alan Wagman ’91 % 

Others

Kenny Hunsley ’15 % 

Noah Miller ’19 

Alex Villareal ’93

MIAMI

$50,000+

Tom Smith ’50 t 

$10,000 - $24,999

Jack Deyo ’69 Z

Bill Haywood ’74 Z

$5,000 - $9,999

Tom Hook ’81 G 

Bob Schneebeck ’55 Z

$2,500 - $4,999

Zac Haines ’05 Z

$1,839 - $2,499

Bill Alderman ’67 & 

Pete Barnhart ’66 & 

Jonathan Brant ’75 Z

Jim Colley ’79 & 

Scott Fessenden ’74 & 

Brian Fey ’00 Y 

Wick Hartung ’75 & 

Jeff Newton ’77 O 

Glenn Pryor ’78 % 

Mitch Rales ’78 Z

Calloway Robertson ’81 Y 

Andy Snyder ’05 Y 

Brad Trucksis ’75 & 

Doug Wagner ’78 & 

$1,000 - $1,838

Terry Baehr ’72 % 

Phil Conover ’68 Y 

Phil Fernandez ’06 & 

Tom Fey ’68 & 

David Gilreath ’78 % 

Peter Gilreath ’82 % 

Luke Kenley ’67 Y 

Bill Kimbrough ’74 % 

Steve Martineau ’66 & 

Wayne Nelson ’67 % 

Art Reimers ’77 t 

Scott Sondles ’78 Y 

Mike Yukevich ’92 % 

$500 - $999

Mark Alder ’76 & 

Dick Christie ’69 Y 

Steve Covault ’76 % 

Bill Elliott ’73 %

Kyle Fischer ’20 

Tom Fox ’85 % 

Bob Gillespie ’81 & 

Paul Kinney ’80 

Skip McCallum ’59 & 

Jim McClanahan ’60 & 

Tim Pistell ’69 Y 

Bill Rutledge ’05 Y 

Jeff Smith ’73 Y 

Steve Stocker ’81 & 

Don Taylor ’60 & 

Charley Teckman ’51 & 

Bob Wertz ’61 & 

Tom Converse ’72 & 

Mike Curran ’80 % 

Joe Jackson ’82 % 

David Kenley ’68 % 

Tom Loeb ’68 & 

Bill Moore ’76 

Jim Neef ’53 Y 

Robert Pickton ’69

Jay Rock ’92 % 

Gary Shipley ’73 %

Brent Soller ’03 % 

Jim Sommer ’57 Y 

Mark Stephan ’80 % 

Denny Tamcsin ’60 % 

James Whaley ’77 %  $100 - $249

Andy Bell ’67 % 

Chip Clark ’81 % 

Phil Cottrell ’77 % 

John Czyzycki ’87 % 

Jim Deuser ’69 

Marc Fey ’77 % 

Dean Fisher ’62

Woody Fitton ’82 

Jay Foran ’76 

Jim Glasgow ’55 % 

Gus Goshorn ’73 % 

Terry Gould ’65 & 

John Grant ’70 % 

Rick Graves ’71 % 

Bill Gregory ’62 

John Hocking ’48 % 

Scott Hoyer ’91 % 

Jim Kestner ’71 % 

Phil Knox ’68 & 

Jack Marple ’72 % 

Jim Mynhier ’82 % 

Bob Olson ’54 % 

Steve Otey ’79 % 

Donald Paynter ’68 % 

J. Michael Perez ’69

Joe Petras ’72 % 

Tom Pierce ’77 % 

Ben Pierson ’05

Steve Retzsch ’76 % 

Gary Riddle ’77 & 

Bill Ross ’68 % 

Ben Suffron ’74 Y 

Hew Wells ’64 Y 

Ben Willingham ’84 % 

Others

Evan Beyke ’22

Henry Carnes ’18 

Vincent Cobb ’88

Philip Cook ’67

Paul Dahnke ’57 

Quinn Dunivan ’24

Jay Ellis ’77 Y 

Mark Flanigan ’81 

Duncan Fox ’23 

Jay Geiser ’76 

Jeremiah Grimm ’22

Cole Griswold ’06

Dick Heimsch ’65

Wayne Helfrich ’57 % 

Randy Kirschner ’74 % 

Isaiah Kohl ’23

Marc MacKeigan ’75

Andrew McLeese ’21 

Ron Nolder ’84 Y 

Leland Reitz ’59 

Pat Robinson ’78 & 

Patrick Sargent ’79 Y 

William Lippert ’07

Allen McCormick ’55 % 

Others

Samuel Todd ’76 % 

Ryan Randall ’93 % 

John Thorse ’55 

Others

Tim Dieter ’23

Alex Hadlich ’20

MARYLAND

$2,500 - $4,999

Mark Slaney ’92 & 

$1,000 - $1,838

Tom Labanowski ’90 & 

Jake Whelan ’07 Y  $250 - $499

Jack Alderman ’70 % 

Justin Beck ’02 % 

Eric Buller ’19 

Tom Moorhead ’69 

David Myers ’82 

Massillon Myers ’20 

Armando Ocando ’11

Alex Orr ’21 

DONOR LEGEND

JUNE 1, 2023– MAY 31, 2024

Auto-Kai donors shown in BLUE

LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETIES

 Shrine On High............ $5 Million+

G Old Main .............................$1 Million

% Campanile .........................$500,000

O Chautauqua ...................... $250,000

t Diamond..............................$100,000

Z Rose ....................................... $50,000 & Founders’ $25,000 & President’s $10,000

Y Loving Cup $5,000

% Beta $1,000

TOTAL YEARS GIVING

5+ 10+ 15+ 20+

30+ 40+ 50+

UNION

$500 - $999

Harry Benedict ’57 % 

$250 - $499

Theodore Berger ’72

Others

James Benfield ’75 % 

John Komoroske ’71 

UNLV

$10,000 - $24,999

Willie Romero ’95 Z

$1,000 - $1,838

Mike Kawazoe ’01 % 

$250 - $499

Mike Jorgensen ’99 

$100 - $249

Scott Pajak ’02

Joaquin Trujillo ’99

UTAH

$5,000 - $9,999

John Raybould ’97 & 

$1,000 - $1,838

Spence Eccles ’56 O 

Dan Thomas ’54 %

$500 - $999

JB Anderson ’84 %

Tom Anderson ’91 % 

Chad Farr ’04 %

Nick Gilson ’03 % 

Marc Mariani ’77 & 

Brent Maxfield ’65 Y 

$250 - $499

Sean Brophy ’90 & 

Jackson Chambers ’12 % 

Derek Deitsch ’15 % 

Chas Foote ’15 Y 

Bill Gaskill ’92

Brock Griffin ’14 % 

Gardner Jolley ’66 Y 

John Maynes ’68 % 

John Okland ’70 % 

Thomas Wallace ’16

$100 - $249

Dillon Bradford ’14 

Ken Castleton ’61 % 

John Dinwoodey ’62 % 

Cary Dunn ’77

Chris Kennedy ’02

Bruce Miya ’71 % 

Mark Overfelt ’80

Joseph Paul ’16 

Kevin Shields ’15 

Bob Stagg ’67 % 

Arthur Swindle ’65 % 

Others

Tanner Aste ’15

Paul Barker ’68 

Mark Foote ’84 % 

Ridley Heyrend ’16 

Connor Howard ’15 

Chris Samuels ’16

Mike Warren ’05

Ben Wilson ’87 Y 

Roger Wood ’62 % 

VANDERBILT

$500 - $999

Tom Levensailor ’76 & 

$250 - $499

John Adams ’97 % 

Bruce Fredericks ’89 

$100 - $249

Dan Connally ’97 % 

Chip Conway ’75 % 

Bob Gillespy ’75 % 

Roger Nelson ’50 % 

Bill Pease ’77 % 

David Towles ’78 % 

George Wilson ’70 % 

Others

Steve Eson ’77

Wally Evans ’74 

Mike Moore ’66 

Thomas Thompson ’59 

VILLANOVA

$2,500 - $4,999

Mike Okenquist ’94 & 

$1,839 - $2,499

Steve Ferri ’94 & 

$100 - $249

Jason Williams ’06 % 

VIRGINIA

$250 - $499

Malcolm Andrews ’89 % 

$100 - $249

Guy Fritts ’64 Y 

Anthony Salgado ’84 % 

Others

Chuck Spence ’64 

VIRGINIA TECH

$2,500 - $4,999

Doug Stewart ’83 Y 

$1,839 - $2,499

Brian DeWyer ’82 Y 

Wayne Kay ’73 Z

$1,000 - $1,838

Puraj Patel ’05 % 

Dan Westra ’76 t 

$500 - $999

Charlie Comer ’75 & 

Warren Hall ’75 Y 

John Hook ’01 %

Jim Hudson ’78 Y 

Bryan Laske ’89 %

Jeff Moore ’13 % 

Adam Schultz ’98 % 

$250 - $499

David Campbell ’07 % 

Brad England ’85 % 

Ed Miller ’86 

Timothy Shaffrey ’87

Bob Steele ’82 % 

Jeff Swafford ’88

Andy Wise ’10 %

$100 - $249

Steve Brylski ’06 % 

James Drew ’75

Bruce Heterick ’85

Jeffrey Kellam ’85 % 

Brian Keller ’12 % 

Joe Murphy ’77 %

Marc Nester ’97

Doug O’Leary ’77 

Bill Pollard ’86 

Darrell Rivera ’06

Joey Smiley ’00

Michael Vinter ’88

T. O. Williams ’81 

Others

Bradley de Wet ’10 % 

Edward Dofflemyer ’75

Mark Edwards ’78

Joe Schechtel ’87

Don Swain ’76

WABASH

$50,000+

Bob Grand ’78 t 

$10,000 - $24,999

Adam Collins ’02 Z

$5,000 - $9,999

Jim Snyder ’82 Z

$2,500 - $4,999

George Seidensticker ’57 & 

$1,839 - $2,499

Jim Carroll ’65 & 

$1,000 - $1,838

Bob Brandt ’77 & 

Aaron Selby ’06 % 

Bill Thompson ’62 & 

$500 - $999

Cal Black ’66 & 

Jeff Davidson ’70 % 

Ryan Grand ’08 % 

John Roberts ’83 & 

John South ’95 % 

David Tate ’78 %

$250 - $499

Derick Busenbark ’03

John Flanagan ’66 % 

Kyle Grand ’11 % 

Sam Hildebrand ’61 Y 

Michael Huber ’82 % 

Jim John ’86 % 

Chris Keele ’81

Eric Rowland ’86 % 

Donavan White ’12 % 

Andy Wilkinson ’83 % 

$100 - $249

Austin Althoff ’14 % 

J.B. Bachman ’61 % 

Jeff Birk ’74

Doug Burns ’61 % 

Jeremy Coons ’12

Phil Coons ’67

Jack Engledow ’53 % 

Jake German ’11 

Jeff Harkness ’78 

John Herrin ’66 % 

Gordie Huncilman ’78 % 

Thomas Joyner ’58

Mike Keele ’78 % 

G.B. Landrigan ’85

Cody Leatherman ’11

Bob MacCallum ’65 % 

Ron Nichols ’64 % 

Brian Shelbourne ’12

Clarke Smith ’57 

Mark Winter ’75 % 

Jacob Woodward ’18

Riley Woodward ’22

Others

Rolf Amsler ’63 

Tom Billings ’63 

Greg Birk ’77 

Jackson Blevins ’20

Brent Bridwell ’03

Kevin Casey ’05

Alex Clauser ’15 

Clark Dickerson ’67 % 

Ross Dillard ’07 

Stephen Fenton ’15

J. D. Flynn ’00 % 

Ben Froedge ’07

Mack Guffin ’75 

Lee Jones ’60 % 

Jim Joven ’89

Kenneth Koepke ’68 

Michael Lewinski ’82 % 

Davey Neal ’01

Kasey Oetting ’15 

Nick Ohmer ’01

Rex Ryker ’97

Eric Schoettle ’93

Caleb Selby ’04

Nick Sommer ’15 

Mike Teders ’91

Jay Teeters ’03

Jack Wyatt ’58 % 

WASHINGTON

$25,000 - $49,999

Don Rhodes ’58 Z

$10,000 - $24,999

Tom Herche ’70 & 

$2,500 - $4,999

Chris Sievers ’58 & 

$500 - $999

Mike Delay ’85 Y 

$250 - $499

Ward Bushnell ’68 % 

Walter Robinson ’63 % 

Mike Sheridan ’57 % 

$100 - $249

Donald Andrews ’73 % 

Bob Armstrong ’59 

Bert Byrne ’57 % 

John Clees ’70 % 

Bill Cone ’62 % 

Reilly Hall ’77 % 

Thomas Hansen ’59 % 

Ray Lee ’52 % 

Bob Norman ’62 % 

Glenn Paulson ’66 Y 

Doug Smith ’75 % 

Others

Dave Leuckel ’83 

Michael Riley ’76

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON

$1,000 - $1,838

Brian Knapp ’69 Y 

$100 - $249

Charlie Foss ’64 % 

George Knight ’61 % 

Chris Musuneggi ’98 % 

Paul Yates ’66 % 

Others

Ed Fox ’67 % 

Keith Pisarcik ’07

Jordan Sokoloski ’10

John Succop ’69

WASHINGTON AND LEE

$100 - $249

Dick Kuersteiner ’61 % 

Others

Dave Noble ’58 % 

WASHINGTON IN ST. LOUIS

$2,500 - $4,999

Aaron Kozuki ’05 & 

$500 - $999

Dave Compton ’80 %

Bill Rayburn ’62 % 

$250 - $499

Jim Bierman ’67 % 

Don Schmuck ’58 Y 

Robert Young ’62 % 

$100 - $249

Curt Beck ’75 % 

John Cole ’79 % 

Rob Fox ’14 

John Gianoulakis ’60 % 

John Miefert ’69 % 

Bob Schirmer ’57 % 

Butch Welsch ’63 % 

David Yarian ’69 % 

Others

Chris Gianoulakis ’66 

Gerald Sauer ’72 W. Fred Thal ’70 

WASHINGTON STATE

$50,000+

Jeff Fisher ’80 t 

$10,000 - $24,999

Rick Parker ’70 & $1,839 - $2,499

Bob Hall ’67 & 

Jack Simpson ’60 & 

$500 - $999

Jim Pappas ’85 & 

$250 - $499

Tyler Hayes ’15 % 

Wes Taylor ’03

Dan Young ’83 Y 

$100 - $249

Roger Aldrich ’70 % 

Riley Kelly ’77 

Bradyn Leyde ’02 % 

Brad Liebrecht ’07

Gary Marks ’73 Z

Mark Martel ’82 % 

Jack Pappas ’16 % 

Donald Schacht ’69 % 

Don Semrau ’58 % 

Duke Simpson ’70 & 

WEBER STATE

$500 - $999

Stephen Anvar ’89

$250 - $499

Chris Stout ’92 

$100 - $249

Brian Motes ’89 % 

Others

Maury Wheatley ’87 

WESLEYAN

$100 - $249

Dick Cavanagh ’68 Y 

Joel Johnson ’64 % 

Others

Douglas Blazey ’65 

Warren White ’71 

WEST CHESTER

Others

Justin Foster ’11 & 

WEST VIRGINIA

$100 - $249

Bill George ’94 % 

Jack Heyl ’75 % 

Others

Dan Davisson ’70 % 

WESTERN ONTARIO

$250 - $499

Kelly Dudgeon ’91 % 

Roy Steel ’56 % 

$100 - $249

Michael Aniballi ’87 % 

Others

James Morgan ’95

WESTERN RESERVE

$500 - $999

Tom Lipton ’63 Z

$100 - $249

Jack Haplea ’63 

Others

Rod Kirkendall ’72

WESTMINSTER

$2,500 - $4,999

Ned Williams ’82 Z

$1,839 - $2,499

Kirk Carpenter ’65 & 

$500 - $999

Larry Potts ’74

Hank Schuppert ’79 % 

Rich Walton ’70 Y 

$250 - $499

Chris Ahrens ’72 % 

Mike Esser ’70 % 

John Williams ’90 % 

David Woosley ’81 % 

$100 - $249

Russ Bennett ’67 % 

Larry Condie ’65 Y 

Richard Deming ’75

Bill Gilbert ’78 % 

Tom Kokjer ’78 % 

Bill Lange ’68 % 

Harry Ruth ’75

Jeffrey Sanders ’79 % 

CT Sharp ’60 % 

Jake Van Dyke ’70

James Williams ’86 % 

Others

Jack Ketcher ’15 

Elliott Moore ’03

Hunter Mulholland ’23 

WHITMAN

$2,500 - $4,999

Larry Stone ’77 & 

$250 - $499

Lewis Hale ’70 % 

David Kennedy ’61 % 

Dave Morris ’67 % 

$100 - $249

Peter Newland ’67 

Rod Orth ’51 % 

Bruce Woods ’79 % 

Others

John Hale ’66

Douglas Lyons ’59

Stephen McDuffie ’87 % 

Chris Phillippi ’95

WICHITA STATE

$2,500 - $4,999

Steven Sutherland ’74 & $1,839 - $2,499

Tyson Bean ’02 Y

James McBride ’83 & 

$500 - $999

Lane Smith ’19 % 

Bob Smith ’67 & 

DONOR LEGEND

JUNE 1, 2023– MAY 31, 2024

Auto-Kai donors shown in BLUE

LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETIES



Alyson Gilson

Isla Gilson

Judd Gilson

Beatrice Graham

David Graham

Doig Grant

Emily Gray

April Greer

Donald Greer

Patricia Greer

Tina Greer

Dominic Greene% 

Jen Grossman Leopard

Devin Hall

Paige Harles

Taylor Harris

Paige Hatton

Logan Hayes

Linda Hawley

Tavianna Hickman

Steve Hilbert

Claire Holba

Greg Hollen

Shane Holley

Jeff Holzbeierlein

Drew Hopson

Pete Hoof

Amy Huggins

Lynn Huynh% 

Timon Jandora

Dave and Mary Jo Daniels

Alex Johnston

Nicki Joiner

Jaylyn Jones

Seth Jones

Cindy Kane

John Keely

Kristen Kardas 

Ben Kevin

Allison Kilfoy

Dana King

David Konicov

Janice Kovac

Mary Kuckelman

Michael Kutchey

Barrett Lane 

Nathan Laudan 

Anton Ledesma

Kara Ledesma

Lulu Lednik% 

Ann Leech-Bates 

Nicole Lepperd 

Tom Lepperd 

Billy Lesnak

Elana Levy

Katie Lockhart

Laurie Lockhart

Mark Lockhart

BETA CHAIR

Rebecca Lockhart

Sarah Lockhart

William Losiewicz

Morgan MacDonald

Anna Madding

Sam Madding

Kim Madrid

Amara Maier

Brenda Maier

Amy Malek

Maria Mandel

William Magnus

Larissa Marple

Gerald Marple

Danielle Mason

Sally Mayer-Swift

Warren Mattox 

Kaylee McAllister-Knutson

Bruce McClain

Abby McCollom

Lisa McCullough

Dan McGurn

Cecilia McHale

Penelope McHale

Susan McHale

Denise McNaughton 

Sue McPhee

Ena Meyers

Matt Mims

Javon Miller

Lorie Miller 

Tim Moffitt

Daniel Moore

Kate Morales

Marc Mores

Kristin Morgan

Roger Moses

Alison Myers

Megan Nachtwey

Lara Nester

Karl Neuman

Abigail Norman

Karlee Nuttleman

James O’Connell

Stuti Obryan

Emily Olson

Glenn O’Nan

Kristie O’Nan

Nick O’Neal

Ben Ostroff

Jane Pallokat 

Akul Pappajohn

Christina Parle

Desiree Paulhamus Jackson

Lindsay Pavel

McKenzie Pendry

Jane Pfaff

Les Pierce

Candice Powell

Mikah Pransky

Ronda Purdin

Maggie Rauschuber

Darius Redmond

Dakota Reece

Samantha Reineke

Michael and Elaine Reolfi

Shannon Rickett

James Roach

Melissa Rocco 

Kristen Robinson

Stephanie Rodriguez

Todd Rotgers

Caitlin Rulli

Erica Rundle 

Gabriel Rundle

Carrie Rush

Garrett Salger

Jackson Salger

Katie Sampalis

Michael Sampson

Jess Schauble 

Kelly Schiess

Diane Schindler

Steve Schmitt

Marlene Schneider

Abigail Seeber

Lisa Segura

Jamie Selby

Karen Selby

Stephen Selby

Beau Seuntjens

Katie Seuntjens

Mae Seuntjens

Morgan Sexton

Veronica Seymour 

Lily Shepherd

Kathryn Shipp

Stu and Linda Shoaff

Salky Simpkins

Nywana Sizemore

CJ Smith

Tom and Kim Snider

Jill Socorro

Christy Spaulding

Elizabeth Spears

Kathryn Spears

Mindy Spears

Stu Spears

Ash Spoto

Derek Standarowski

Jessica Stevens

Sharon Stills

Pamela Strang

Lisa Sunderhaus

Sondra Swartz

Reymundo Tavares

Andrew Thatcher

Evan Thompson

Keri Thurner

Kristin Torrey

Paige Townley

Tom Townley

Roni Townley

Cassidy Troup

Deborah Vance

Lisa Vance

Cristina Vega

Tracy Vela

Sean Wagner

Tyler Wash

Cannen Warren

Taylor Warren

Nickala Wasson

Connie Wavrunek

Julie Wavrunek

Erin Wendover

Rachel Westra% 

Ava White

Gail Whitelaw

Christian Wiggins

Tim Wilkinson

Rorik Williams

Ayana Wilson

Mike and Rohini Winters

Phil Wisseman

Suzy Wittlich

Elizabeth Wojcik

Emily Wolfzorn

Salamilid Wontfit

Kyle Yarawsky

Erin Young

Reagan Zimmerman

Valerie Zhuravel

Thea Zunick 

Nan Zupancic

Elizabeth Zuppann

HONORARY PARENT CHAIRS

Bill Gaskill, Utah ’92, son Sam Gaskill, Utah ’24, Savannah Gaskill (daughter) and Jennifer Gaskill (mom).

Lauren Stills, Alpha Phi

STRONG in THE MIGHT of OUR BOND FRATERNAL, FRIEND of THE RIGHT and THE FOE of THE WRONG!

25TH ANNIVERSARY

The John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle allows Betas to interact with brothers from across North America. There, participants explore the Ritual, engage in leadership activities, learn about Beta’s history and reflect on its heritage. Most importantly, they build connections with fellow brothers in the Fraternity’s birthplace of Oxford, Ohio. 2024 is a special milestone year for the Wooden Institute as we celebrate 25 years of the program!

25TH ANNIVERSARY

JUSTIN FOSTER

West Chester ’11

“The experience at the Wooden Institute came to me at an interesting time in my Beta Journey. It reinvigorated me and re-lit my purpose toward the organization.

The magic of ‘Wooden’ lies in its uniqueness, fueled by selfless facilitators and engaged students. It fosters an environment of trust, rooted in shared experiences. The time and money invested in this program yield profound returns, shaping men into better leaders, fathers, professionals and citizens.

‘Wooden’ addresses an aspect that other Beta programs on officer training and chapter operations do not. This experience tangibly brings our mission to life and fosters the development of principles for a principled life.”

5,832 WOODEN GRADUATES over 25 years

Scan the QR code or visit beta.org/wooden25 to celebrate 25 years of the awardwinning Wooden Institute.

BETA BROTHERHOOD ASSESSMENT

In 2023’s assessment, Beta saw a significant increase in member satisfaction compared to the year prior. Looking specifically at the net promoter score, Beta is one of only four fraternities to achieve a score above 50. This is the largest yearto-year increase and the highest net promoter scores Beta Theta Pi has seen since the assessment began in 2018.

This means our members are satisfied with their membership experience more than ever. Beta is in the top quartile for member satisfaction, outpacing 8 of 11 peer fraternities measured.

Average grant per chapter of $35,548 up from $28,016 in 2023 – a 27% increase.

JOHN REILY KNOX MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Arman Kian, Johns Hopkins ’26

SAMUEL TAYLOR MARSHALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Zane David Brown-Carlson, Knox ’16

DAVID LINTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Yashas Mallikarjun, Johns Hopkins ’26

JAMES GEORGE SMITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

David C. Buskirk, Oklahoma State ’24

Men of Principle Scholarships totaled $71,154 to 118 collegians

BETA VOLUNTEER ASSESSMENT

The Beta Volunteer Assessment (BVA) aims to enhance the Beta advising experience and establish benchmarks for volunteer engagement . Its findings offer valuable insights into advisor training, relationships with chapter officers and staff, and overall satisfaction and growth.

These results inform the development of educational programs and resources, fostering knowledge, skills and coaching that promote a safe and caring brotherhood rooted in Beta’s core values and strategic priorities.

SON OF THE STARS

The Son of the Stars (SOTS) New Member Orientation Program has significantly expanded since its launch in 2018, successfully welcoming new members into Beta Theta Pi. Recent data shows that over 96% of participants formed meaningful relationships within their new member classes. For fall 2024, 87 chapters will implement SOTS — a 23-chapter increase from last year and the highest participation since its inception.

2023-24 POST INITIATION SURVEY RESULTS

RELATIONSHIPS: 96.8% felt they built meaningful connections with brothers.

APPRECIATION: 97.8% felt valued for who they are.

FUN: 96.2% described their experience as enjoyable.

FULFILLMENT: 96.2% found their experience fulfilling.

PERSONAL GROWTH: 92.5% felt they grew personally.

SAFETY: 97.3% felt safe and comfortable in all activities.

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: 96.8% were encouraged to participate in other campus activities.

FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIPS

Each of the Founders Memorial Scholarship recipients received $2,500, endowed by an estate gift from Robert C. Lafferty, Ohio Wesleyan 1928. The full list of Beta scholarship winners is available at beta.org/scholarships .

ARMAN KIAN, JOHNS HOPKINS ’26:

CHARLES HENRY HARDIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Brody W. Elliott, Baylor ’23

JOHN HOLT DUNCAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Berk C. Balkir, Cornell ’25

MICHAEL CLARKSON RYAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Keith V. Allen, Nebraska at Omaha ’25

THOMAS BOSTON GORDON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Ali Motamedi, George Mason ’26

“When I went to my first Convention as my chapter’s VP of Recruitment, it was incredible to witness nearly a thousand Betas in unison singing “Marching Along.” It was an eye-opening moment for me to see brothers from various chapters connected by one song. This experience served as a reminder that, regardless of challenges or disagreements, we are all Betas bonded by a lifelong commitment.”

FOLLOWING PATHS OLD WOOGLIN BLAZED FOR US

JOHN REILY KNOX CLUB

The John Reily Knox Club represents the pinnacle of philanthropic leadership and a special group of donors within Beta Theta Pi. The Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the 352 donors who joined the JRK Club in 2023-2024, with 196 of them securing their membership through gifts to the Beta Leadership Fund. By contributing $1,839 or more annually — or $500 or more for Betas within 10 years of graduation — these leaders account for over half of the total raised for the BLF, fueling the growth and success of the Fraternity’s leadership programs and other strategic initiatives like the Beta Brotherhood Assessment. Their collective generosity strengthens Beta’s mission, empowering young men to lead with integrity and ensuring a lasting legacy of brotherhood and principled living.

$735,234

Raised for the BLF by JRK members

14.6% GROWTH in JRK Club membership via the BLF compared to the previous year

Beta brothers marching the path from the Beta Campanile toward Harrison Hall in Oxford, Ohio.

Total JRK Club membership includes gifts to all funds.

JRK Club gifts benefiting the BLF is now at an all-time high.

JRK Club Membership Breakdown

SONS of the DRAGON CLUB

LANDON ROBINSON, Arkansas ’25

Why are you and your chapter brothers inspired to support the Beta Leadership Fund?

One of Beta Theta Pi’s core values is mutual assistance. There’s no better way to provide that assistance than by supporting an organization that has poured so much time and devotion into its members to further their leadership talents.

PHILLIP MIAVELSTÜCK, George Mason ’25

How has the Beta Leadership Fund impacted your members this last year? How do you and your chapter talk about giving with your members?

The Beta Leadership Fund has supported our chapter by assisting members with trips to Wooden, Keystone and Convention. One member, Jacob Reed ’27, attended the Wooden Institute in summer 2024 and formed lasting friendships across Beta, providing mutual support in cultivating their chapters. Additionally, training and brotherhood at events like Keystone have been invaluable for our planning and development. We often discuss how contributions to the BLF keep these events affordable for collegiate members, demonstrating the significant impact donations have across the General Fraternity. The brothers of Epsilon Mu also enjoyed the cornhole set we received for achieving 100% participation in the Sons of the Dragon Club program!

In 2023-24, 1,335 collegians gave $28,494

18 CHAPTERS WITH 100% PARTICIPATION

ARKANSAS

BAYLOR

BETHANY

EASTERN KENTUCKY

EMBRY-RIDDLE

GEORGE MASON IOWA

JOHN CARROLL

JOHNS HOPKINS KANSAS

KETTERING A KETTERING B MICHIGAN MIAMI

OKLAHOMA

TEXAS AT ARLINGTON WESTMINSTER

Since its creation, the Auto-Kai Club has experienced remarkable growth, increasing from $9,337 in FY15 from 135 members to $142,990 raised from 355 Club members in FY24.

11% of the total funds raised by BLF can be attributed to the Auto-Kai Club.

14.5% year-over-year increase in funds raisedin FY24.

‘ TIL WE ARRIVE AT THY SHRINE ON HIGH …

Bridge Builder Society (BBS) members are those brothers and Friends of Beta who have chosen to include the Foundation in their will or estate plans. Estate gifts from BBS members continue to be a vital source of support for both the Beta Leadership Fund and the Founders Fund Endowment.

In 2023–2024, $27,883 allocated from undesignated estate gifts strengthened the BLF, while $51,014 was directed to the Founders Fund, a quasi-endowment providing unrestricted annual support. This approach addresses the Fraternity’s immediate educational needs and ensures long-term financial sustainability.

Thanks to generous donors, along with an unwavering commitment to disciplined policies and consistently robust investment returns, the Founders Fund Endowment has enjoyed remarkable growth over the past 19 years.

DISTINGUISHED LEADER

William H. (Bert) Bates, Missouri’49, was a distinguished leader within Beta Theta Pi, having earned both the prestigious Francis W. Shepardson Award and the Oxford Cup. A former member of the Foundation Board of Directors and co-chairman of the Upon These Principles Campaign, Bert’s commitment to the Fraternity was unwavering.

In 1996, following his receipt of the Oxford Cup, the William H. (Bert) Bates Oxford Cup Scholarship Fund was established, supported by gifts from Bert and many of his chapter brothers. His generosity extended further during the Upon These Principles Campaign in 2002, when Bert became a member of the Bridge Builder Society with a provision in his estate.

Brother Bates was known for his leadership, wit and charm. He left a legacy defined by his dedication to both his profession and Beta Theta Pi. His life of service and generosity continues to impact future generations, truly reflecting a life well lived with a lasting legacy.

$51,014 Gifts received in 2023-24

$3,290,425 VALUE AS OF MAY 31, 2024 13.86% YOY GROWTH

After Brother Bates’ passing in 2022, a generous $150,000 gift was received, split evenly between his scholarship fund and the Founders Fund Endowment.

In 2003, Upon These Principles Campaign Chairman Bert Bates, Missouri ’49 (second from left) was joined by General Treasurer John Stebbins, Emory ’92, (left) and Trustee Dipper DiPaolo, Michigan ’78, to thank Tom Brennan, Ohio State ’51, (right) for the $1.5 million lead gift made by him and his brother, David Brennan, Ohio State ’53.

Bridge Builder Society

2024 member List

For more information, please visit beta.org/BBS.

AUBURN

Rod Hastie ’82

BALL STATE

Randy Phillips ’79

BETHANY

Dick Boyd ’61

Dave Butz ’60

Alex Delgiorno ’14

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Jim Strilesky ’72

Alan Young ’71

BROWN

Bruce Lloyd ’69

CAL STATE, CHICO

Bob Dean ’89

CASE

Jim Kewley ’66

Hank Vernon ’68

CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Terry Massie ’12

Tom Olver ’98

CHARLESTON

Zach Sierputowski ’16

CINCINNATI

El Bourgraf ’54

Tom Cassady ’76

Doug Eustice ’71

Dave Kerka ’88

Tom Seifert ’64

Mark Simon ’12

CLEMSON

Bryant Blakeslee ’06

COLGATE

Bruce Fein ’84

COLORADO MINES

Philip Moldenhauer ’75

Newell Orr ’48

COLORADO STATE

Tim Allen ’88

CONNECTICUT

Adam Porter-Price ’06

CORNELL

Rick Banks ’72

Phil Spiller ’95

DAYTON

Tom Farnsworth ’09

Fr. Simon Herrmann ’10

DENISON

George Brown ’60

DEPAUW

Jeff Cable ’82

Doug Vines ’68

EAST CAROLINA

Kirk Little ’82

Dave Pyle ’06

Adam Scarboro ’06

Jacob Tidwell ’04

EASTERN KENTUCKY

Martin Cobb ’96

Mike McFerren ’77

Nick Sexton ’11

EMORY

Bill Korth ’76

Biull Manning ’80

Jim Porter ’64

Tom Purinton ’63

Jeff Rundle ’03

KETTERING A

Matt Lepkowski ’98

LAWRENCE

John Stebbins ’92

Alan Teplis ’78

FLORIDA

Steve Becker ’69

Mike Gable ’67

Gary Leech ’70

Dave Leppert ’77

Matt Paynter ’00

FLORIDA ATLANTIC

Robert Billoni ’95

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL

Mike Angelica ’10

Steven Cruz ’12

FLORIDA STATE

Jeff McLain ’76

Curtiss Potter ’92

GENERAL FRATERNITY ROLLS

Joel Huxley ’06

GEORGIA TECH

Ted Haile ’75

Lynn Maddox ’64

Arthur Smith ’75

GMI-EMI

Dave Hogan ’74

Ron Meegan ’69

HANOVER

Sang Han ’60

Ross King ’62

HIGH POINT

Michael Dreher ’19

IDAHO

Bill Jordan ’69

ILLINOIS

John Manczak ’71

Gant Redmon ’59

INDIANA

Tad Drew ’72

Phil Goddard ’67

Jack Harris ’51

Charlie McCormick ’72

Jim Roudebush ’71

IOWA

Steve Bensema ’06

Neal Brower ’90

IOWA STATE

Mike Dubes ’66

Khayree Duckett ’17

Jud Horras ’97

Bill McCulloch ’56

Cork Peterson ’66

Ron Sande ’64

Bob Wiley ’87

JOHNS HOPKINS

Jim McMenamin ’71

KANSAS

Lloyd Kirk ’55

John Stewart ’60

KANSAS STATE

Chris Althoff ’00

Paul Attwater ’83

Loren Conrad ’61

Randy Groves ’78

Scott Hoisington ’79

JD Keith ’86

OHIO STATE

John Hopkins ’57

Dan Westerbeck ’67

David Wright ’67

OHIO WESLEYAN

Eric Eickhoff ’00

OKLAHOMA

Daniel Hertel ’09

Dave Schnackenberg ’90

LOUISVILLE

Tom Chapman ’71

Josh Latzko ’16

Matt Tsien ’80

LYNCHBURG

Charlie Warner ’87

MAINE

George Pullen ’03

MARYLAND

Vincent Chu ’87

MIAMI

Pete Barnhart ’66

Ben Beshear ’01

Jonathan Brant ’75

Phil Fernandez ’06

Tom Fey ’68

Jim Neef ’53

Jeff Newton ’77

John Slavens ’67

Bob Wertz ’61

MIAMI (FLA.)

Peter Darrow ’09

MICHIGAN

Jim Denbo ’63

Dipper DiPaolo ’78

Roger Helman ’89

Bill Johnson ’57

Ian Ross ’21

MICHIGAN STATE

Russ Palmer ’56

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE

Michael Filyaw ’14

MINNESOTA

Brent Anderson ’85

Ryan Marek ’12

Justin Miller ’00

MISSISSIPPI

Bill Lipscomb ’65

MISSOURI

Robert Healy ’64

Rick Kammerer ’80

Bob McKinley ’66

MIT

Ken Bryan ’88

Mike Feinstein ’82

NEBRASKA

R.C. Mead ’65

Preston Mesick ’06

Matt Roby ’07

Bud Walling ’61

NORTHWESTERN

Paul Gudonis ’76

John Mutz ’57

Justin Rutherford ’00

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN

Roger Roa ’02

OHIO

Rick Brown ’65

Brian Cain ’91

Dick Griffin ’65

Jeff Radomski ’81

Anonymous

ST. LAWRENCE

Kevin McGrath ’77

SYRACUSE

Marc Benshetler ’82

Bob Hanley ’83

Clif Heidel ’56

TCU

John Coker ’72

Chip Craft ’86

Koby Harrington ’09

Mike Ritz ’66

Lance Tolson ’82

OKLAHOMA STATE

Josh Fairchild ’05

Lou Linxwiler ’53

OREGON

Morry Arntson ’59

Art Carmichael ’62

Bill Crist ’68

John Herman ’60

PACIFIC

Julio Hernandez ’16

PURDUE

Dave Cox ’63

Terri Earnest ’66

Cary Wood ’89

John Young ’56

RHODE ISLAND

Jeff Flanagan ’93

RUTGERS

Ken Grispin ’70

SAINT LOUIS

Nick Block ’03

SAN DIEGO STATE

Patrick Hidalgo ’91

SAN JOSE STATE

Aaron Vogt ’17

SMU

John Hagerman ’63

David Light ’64

Don Pearce ’65

SOUTH DAKOTA

John Thietje ’61

Steve Wethor ’88

SOUTH FLORIDA

David Schmidt ’92

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Ryan King ’01

Kent Mire ’07

TEXAS

Hardie Bowman ’72

Michael Eubank ’83

Wade McMullen ’79

TEXAS AT ARLINGTON

Pat Connelly ’74

TEXAS TECH

Christian Ritchie ’17

Dean Stalcup ’71

TORONTO

Ross Marsh ’90

Rob McConnell ’79

TRUMAN STATE

Zach Lepperd ’16

UC IRVINE

Bryant Fiesta ’16

Christopher Ogilvie ’80

UCLA

Wally Chenoweth ’52

Mike Downer ’77

UNLV

Mike Kawazoe ’01

Willie Romero ’95

UTAH

Bob Stagg ’67

VIRGINIA TECH

Charlie Comer ’75

Wayne Kay ’73

Dan Westra ’76

Andy Wise ’10

WABASH

Jim Carroll ’65

Bob Grand ’78

Sam Hildebrand ’61

Ron Nichols ’64

John Roberts ’83

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON

Victor Lazzaro ’67

WASHINGTON IN ST. LOUIS

Aaron Kozuki ’05

Tristan Sopp ’11

20 MEMBERS JOINED the Bridge Builder Society in 2023-2024.

In 2023-2024, individual ESTATE GIFTS totaled $99,712

These generous gifts help advance Beta’s mission today and for years to come.

WEST VIRGINIA

Tom Gulliford ’68

WESTERN ONTARIO

John Birkett ’71

Scott Falconer ’82

Doug Reid ’58

WESTERN RESERVE

Tom Lipton ’63

WESTMINSTER

Mike Esser ’70

Ted Planje ’68

James Williams ’86

WICHITA STATE

Bob Smith ’67

Tim Watt ’80

Brian Wells ’87

WILLAMETTE

David Ashby ’68

Ethan Braden ’02

Doug Houser ’57

WILLIAM & MARY

Patrick Everett ’07

WISCONSIN

Perry Atterholt ’83

Jim Curtis ’86

Bob Schnese ’83

Lou Wagner ’64

FRIENDS OF BETA AND PARENTS

Ron Beshear

Brian Breittholz

Carol Briggs

Sally Church

June Cole

Arlene Corsiglia

Anne Emmerth

Susan Fosdick

Carolyn Harmon

Betsy Humphreys

Chris McGill

Lindsey Mercer

Sandy Northrop

Jane Patrick

Dorotha Pitcher

Mona Skager

Susanne Sommer

Gwen Stoecklein

Diane Todd

Kathy Tolan

Kay Wiley

Ben Williams

TOP THREE WAYS TO GIVE

GIVE a charitable bequest in your will or living trust to the Beta Foundation.

NAME the Beta Foundation as a beneficiary in your 401(k) or other retirement plans.

OPEN a life insurance policy with the Beta Foundation as either the policy owner or beneficiary.

DESIGNATED EDUCATIONAL AREA (DEA) GRANT

The Designated Educational Area (DEA) Grant Program allows alumni to make charitable gifts earmarked for educational projects for chapter houses, such as libraries, study rooms, internet access and general learning space. The goal of the program is to promote positive cultures and shared social experiences through best-in-class homes.

23 chapters used the DEA program in 2023-2024.

$10,806,171 raised in DEA funds over the last five years.

35 CHAPTERS

benefited from DEA funds and grants over the past 15 years.

$1,000,000 $1,500,000

$0 $500,000

SINGING AGAIN MOTHER of MEN,

HAIL TO THEE

, BETA THETA PI!

Oregon recently raised $465,329 for housing renovations.

As the fall 2023 semester wrapped up, the Alpha Beta Chapter at Iowa boasted over $100,000 in their Billhighway account, thanks to former Chapter President Lucas Pieper ’24. The chapter had eliminated debt while enhancing the member experience and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Current Chapter President Ryan Bybee ’24, and his executive board are focused on making the Beta experience more affordable. Also concerned about the surplus funds, Chapter Counselor Robert Alberts, General Fraternity ’20, explored impactful investments and ultimately proposed establishing a scholarship to support upperclassmen who were disengaged due to financial pressures.

In a pivotal meeting, Bybee and Alberts aligned on a $25,000 donation to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation to launch the scholarship via an

endowment fund. Recognizing the need for engaged upperclassmen, they aimed to make membership more accessible. Support for this initiative grew among alumni, with Scott Hall ’98, and Robert Bitzer ’17, contributing an initial matching gift of $17,500 for the scholarship as part of the Build the Bridge Campaign.

Beyond financial initiatives, the chapter has excelled academically, ranking #1 among IFC chapters in fall 2023 and spring 2024.

Notable accolades include Bybee winning the Andrew Mogni Legacy Award and the chapter receiving the Sisson Award for the 11th time. The Alpha Beta Scholarship Fund aims to award its first $1,000 scholarship this fiscal year, reinforcing the chapter’s commitment to leadership and affordability.

ALPHA BETA CHAPTER: BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP

WE SHALL INVOKE

A BRIGHTER MORROW, SINGING A BETA LAY!

BUILD THE BRIDGE CAMPAIGN

At the 185th General Convention, Beta Theta Pi proudly launched the Build the Bridge Campaign, a transformative $25 million initiative aimed at expanding access to our Fraternity for deserving young men. With over $12.7 million committed, the Foundation is poised to enhance its reach and impact.

As Campaign Co-chairman Mike Feinstein, MIT ’82 stated, the fraternity experience is more vital than ever for today’s college students facing challenges like declining enrollment and rising mental health concerns. Beta Theta Pi offers essential support, fostering lifelong bonds and personal growth.

THE CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON TWO KEY INITIATIVES:

AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY: Establishing new scholarships and expanding need-based support to ensure financial barriers don’t hinder young men from experiencing Beta.

LIFELONG BROTHERHOOD: Investing in mentoring, professional development and a digital networking platform to strengthen connections among alumni and current members.

The Foundation will also fortify the Beta Leadership Fund, crucial for nurturing principled leaders across chapters.

Scan the QR code or visit beta.org/btb-campaign to learn more about how Beta plans to build a brighter future for the Fraternity and the young men it serves.

MIKE FEINSTEIN

MIT ’82

Campaign Co-chairman

“Brothers and friends, today’s men need fraternities. And specifically, they need Beta Theta Pi. We know the Beta experience provides connection and community, propelling members to succeed in college and beyond. Through friendships, mentorship and development, it bonds them to one another and those around them –creating a network of support and fostering an array of unique opportunities that transform their lives.”

All Betas, friends and supporters are invited to join in building a bridge that ensures Beta Theta Pi continues to shape the lives of young men for generations to come.

$25.2

MILLION INITIATIVE

More than $12.7 million has already been raised through the generosity of lead donors.

WAYNE KAY

Virginia Tech ’73 Campaign Co-chairman

“The real impact is witnessed when you talk to our young men who have benefited from leadership programming and scholarships. Seeing firsthand how these programs and gifts have transformed lives reinforces why we must support the Build the Bridge Campaign. [My Beta Sweetheart] Susan and I, along with many others, are investing in this campaign to ensure that the Beta experience remains strong and accessible.”

THANK YOU

Thank you to all Betas, Friends of Beta and family members who support our Great and Good Fraternity!

THE BETA WALKWAY

More than 8,000 Betas and friends have a personalized brick in the Beta Walkway at the Administrative Office. You can also secure a place in this historic spot with a gift of $500 or more!

Establish a special Named Endowment Fund to make an impact in perpetuity. A minimum investment is required, and the Beta Foundation will work with you to ensure your named gift meets your intentions.

Make a charitable gift of stock, bonds or mutual funds. And, if you were born before 1954, you may also realize a significant tax savings by making a qualified charitable distribution directly from your individual retirement account.

MAKE YOUR 2024-2025 GIFT

Scan the QR code today or visit gift.beta.org/AR.

Many employers offer gift matching programs to encourage charitable giving. Your contribution to the Beta Foundation may be doubled or tripled. Check with your employer or visit beta.org/match to see if they participate.

Many Betas and friends make their gifts through the Auto-Kai Club by setting up a recurring gift online, the esteemed John Reily Knox Club with a gift of $1,839 or more, or the Sons of the Dragon Club (collegians) with a gift of $10 or more.

Unwrap the best gifts for Betas at TheBetaShop.com! Explore premium apparel from Brooks Brothers, Johnnie-O and Peter Millar, plus cozy sweatshirts, warm beanies, stylish luggage and more for a festive winter!

Beta Brother and Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Brant Masek, Westminster ’12, was recently honored by the Fulton Rotary Club with the prestigious G.W. Law Officer of the Year Award. But it’s the reason for the recognition that has reminded so many why they’re yet again proud to be a Beta.

Masek was hailed as a local hero after using his patrol car during a high-speed chase that exceeded 100 miles per hour to deliberately intercept a vehicle with two known felons careening toward children at a lemonade stand in Fulton. When asked about the incident, Masek simply replied, “I’ll always put myself in harm’s way to protect others.”