A LASTING MOMENT Charlie and Regional Chief Matthew Walczewski, Truman State ’03, at the 173rd General Convention in Chicago.
Ever since I heard the “Bridge Builder” poem as a pledge in the 1970s, I have been inspired to continuously “build the bridge” for Beta brothers who have been initiated after me. It is important for me to know that they too may benefit from the opportunities I experienced in my college years. Good friend, I am building this bridge for him . . . Upon graduating from Virginia Tech in 1975, I have lived within five minutes of my alma mater and the Alpha Phi Chapter for all but two years. Throughout the last 30 years, Beta Theta Pi has remained the one constant in my ever-changing life. As a local neighbor of the chapter house, I have had the opportunity to remain involved with the brothers on a weekly basis, which has allowed me to personally know almost all of the 700 men who initiated after me. In my interactions with these younger chapter brothers, I have witnessed firsthand how they live Beta’s values daily. Watching them live as men of principle is a constant reminder of why I do the same. I believe Beta Theta Pi is the leader in the fraternity world. The support and leadership opportunities available to our undergraduates are second to none. I continue to volunteer my time and donate money to the Beta Foundation, so I can ensure current and future brothers have an even more rewarding Beta experience than the one I cherish. These young men will become our future leaders on college campuses and in the business world, and it is important to invest in their continued development. Through my annual contributions and long-term estate planning, I am “building this bridge” for my undergraduate brothers, and I hope you will join me in helping pave the way as we continue Beta’s mission of developing men of principle for a principled life. — Charlie Comer, Virginia Tech ’75, ccomer@sasbuilders.com
Comer was born and raised in Newport News, Va. Upon graduating with a B.S. in accounting from Virginia Tech in 1975, Comer returned home to work for a steamship agency. After two and a half years, Comer returned to Blacksburg and established Comer Construction, where he built residential and light commercial buildings. Comer currently serves as the vice president of construction and multi-family development for SAS Builders, Inc. and CMG Leasing, Inc. When Comer isn’t cheering on his beloved Hokies in football and basketball, he enjoys working on cars/jeeps, motorcycle riding and golfing.