newsworthy fraternity updates Fraternity Announces Initial 2021-22 Expansion Plans
Due to COVID-19, not a single chapter was re/established this academic year. Thankfully, staff has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the Beta Spirit is established on high-quality campuses across the land. Schools may be added, but the Fraternity is pleased to announce expansion plans for 2021-22: • Boise State – New Chapter • Florida Atlantic – Zeta Delta Chapter; founded April 1, 1995 • Illinois – Sigma Rho Chapter; founded February 28, 1902 • Kennesaw State – New Chapter • San Diego State – Epsilon Beta Chapter; founded February 5, 1984 • Southern California – Gamma Tau Chapter; founded October 26, 1947 • Vanderbilt – Beta Lambda Chapter; founded February 23, 1884
Low Membership Closes Chapters at SIU and Willamette
Despite dedicated efforts, Beta’s Zeta Omicron Chapter at Southern Illinois University was disbanded March 11 due to low membership. Gamma Sigma Chapter at Willamette University in Oregon suffered similar circumstances and was closed in early May. Both charters remain in care of the Board of Trustees.
New Jersey and Rockhurst Installed Virtually
Due to COVID-19, virtual installations were held for Eta Psi Chapter at The College of New Jersey on April 18, and Eta Phi Chapter at Rockhurst University on April 25. General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73, and Vice President Mike Wortman, Nebraska ’70, served as installing officers, respectively.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission Advances New Recs Drilling down on its “Language, Voices and Education” framework that was unanimously adopted by the Board of Trustees last August, membership of Beta’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was expanded and organized into three distinct committees. Phase II tactical recommendations were submitted to the Board in late April.
2020-21 Recruitment Recap
Beta fared slightly better on the recruitment front this spring percentage-wise compared to last fall. Of the Fraternity’s 135 chapters, 106 of them recruited 1,018 new members compared to 1,222 on average in spring 2018, 2019 and 2020, a 17% drop. In total, 2,635 men were recruited into the Fraternity this year as opposed to 3,650 on average the prior three years – a decline of 28%.
4/29/21 1:04 PM