182ND BETA THETA PI GENERAL CONVENTION
THE WOOGLIN DAILY NEWS OXFORD, OHIO // THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021
WEREAFFIRM
“FAILING TO PREPARE IS PREPARING TO FAIL.” - JOHN WOODEN, PURDUE ’32
WELCOME TO THE 182ND GENERAL CONVENTION! It has been an unprecedented year for the Fraternity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Beta is proud to hold its 182nd General Convention. Since the centennial in 1939, this marks the 11th time a Convention has returned to Oxford, the cherished birthplace of our Great and Good Fraternity. While it may be smaller than past Conventions due to lingering pandemic issues, some 300 Betas and friends from across North America have gathered at
the home of Alpha Chapter and Miami University to continue our spirited and unique annual tradition. Unlike hotel-based Conventions, attendees have the opportunity to explore the Fraternity’s historic sites that most only get to read about in “Son of the Stars.” Enjoying one another’s company, conducting the business of the Fraternity, focusing on education to strengthen Beta in the coming critical year and recognizing individual and chapter achievements are what will make
the 182nd a Convention to remember. In the words of Beta Great and former General Fraternity President Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence 1922, “We reaffirm that, as we are grateful for our past, we will ever keep our eyes to the future and strive for progress.” With the Oxford backdrop and birthplace of Beta Theta Pi top of mind, we rededicate ourselves to one of North America’s greatest college fraternities.
EMCEES AND SPECIAL GUESTS | THURSDAY General Fraternity President Tom Cassady, Cincinnati ’76, serves as master of ceremonies for the 182nd General Convention Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. in the Armstrong Pavilion. Don’t be late!
Chapter Presidents Kaden Hendrickson, Utah ’22, and Krupal Sharma, George Washington ’22, (left) will join Cassady and present tonight’s awards, recognizing Beta’s loyal volunteers and supporters.
The Peter F. Greiner Leadership College was unfortunately cancelled this year due to pandemic implications, but education remains a top priority of the Fraternity and Convention experience. High-caliber sessions on Friday and Saturday for chapter delegates and volunteers alike will ensure chapters hit the ground running this upcoming academic year.
LEGISLATION SLATED FOR SATURDAY Collegiate and alumni delegates voting in this year’s legislative sessions will address several key matters on Saturday, including Board of Trustees nominations, the granting of charters to three new Beta chapters and a multitude of legislative proposals brought forth by collegiate members and alumni. General Secretary Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73, is one of several all-star brothers to speak in tonight’s “State of the Fraternity” address, including an update on Beta’s strategic plan.
GUIDING YOUR WAY
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 CONVENTION REGISTRATION & INFORMATION 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Volunteers: Marcum Conf. Center Lobby Students: Dennison Hall Lobby
BOARD OF TRUSTEES LUNCH Marcum 180 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Clockwise: The bells of the Beta Campanile; coat of arms over the Hall of Chapters; bronze plaque affixed to the Beta Campanile commemorating the 125th anniversary in 1964
GEN. FRATERNITY HOUSE CORP. BOARD MTG.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BETA AND MIAMI UNIVERSITY
EXPLORE OXFORD AND HISTORIC BETA SITES
Here are some fun Beta facts about Miami University to help you connect with the birthplace of our Great and Good Fraternity.
Have an itch to get out and explore? Here’s your head start in soaking up all that the home of Beta Theta Pi has to offer.
THERE ARE OVER 15 BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES NAMED FOR BETAS ON MIAMI’S CAMPUS
FOUNDATION & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Marcum 112 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Marcum 124
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FOUNDATION, AND GEN. FRATERNITY HOUSE CORP. DINNER 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Marcum 180
DINNER FOR CONVENTION REGISTRANTS 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Garden Commons Dining Hall
From Cook Field to Simpson-Shade Guest House, Betas have left their mark on Miami University.
MIAMI UNIVERSITY ARCHITECTURE
5134 Bonham Road
Visit the operational and service hub of our Fraternity, and grab a glimpse into the life of our acclaimed Beta staff.
BETA CAMPANILE 1 East High Street
Bask in the sounds of the Beta Bell Tower, the Fraternity’s centennial gift with four bells inscribed “Beta,” “Theta,” “Pi,” and “18391939.”
OUTDOOR WELCOME RECEPTION
Charles F. Cellarius, Yale 1913, designed more than 40 buildings on campus between 1938 and 1980, emphasizing the red brick that has become a hallmark of Miami University.
THE JOHN E. DOLIBOIS AWARD
Miami University
UPCOMING FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
The Convention Legislation Hall and Miami University’s alumnus of the year award are both named after Amb. John E. Dolibois, Miami ’42.
GENERAL CONVENTION KICKOFF 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Armstrong Pavilion
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. East Quad Lawn
• General Fraternity Officer Meetings • Regional Breakouts: Prepping for the Fall • Education: Safety, Creating Change, Recruitment in a Changing World and Case Studies • Recognition Ceremony: Chapter Awards • Beta Heritage Tours
BETA ROSE
in 1889, Leila McKee, a Beta daughter, sister and Sweetheart, plucked a June rose from campus and presented it to Founders John Reily Knox, Miami 1839, and Samuel Taylor Marshall, Miami 1840, at the Alpha Chapter’s 50th anniversary. Later that summer, the Convention approved it as Beta’s official flower — a first for any fraternity.
HARRISON HALL (“OLD MAIN”) Stand in the very spot where the Founders stood exactly 182 years ago during the first meeting of Beta Theta Pi. (Room 304 is the exact location.)
ALPHA CHAPTER HOUSE 200 and 208 E. High Street
Site of the original Administrative Office, tour Alpha Chapter’s home that received a $6 million renovation in 2018. Housing Beta’s award-winning 115-man chapter, the complex exudes so much Beta history. You just can’t leave the 182nd without touring the jaw-dropping Alpha Museum!
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SHARE YOUR CONVENTION EXPERIENCE
#Beta182
• Convention attire is resort-casual (i.e. collared shirts, shorts, jeans or khakis. Flip flops are allowed but T-shirts are not.) • Attire must be in good taste and represent Beta Theta Pi appropriately (i.e. no alcohol, sexual innuendos, etc.)
• Name tags should be worn at all times during the General Convention. • Friday’s breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m. • Convention staff are in red and blue polos, and they are eager to help with any questions you may have.