Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

Fall 2020 Newsletter

Beta Pi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Minnesota

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the betA Piper PAge 2 A Note from Jeffrey P. Greiner, SMU '80 Jeff is the son of one of Beta Pi's most distinguished alumni, Peter F. Greiner '51, who served as former General Fraternity President of Beta Theta Pi. Charlie Cunningham was truly one-of-a- kind. A successful businessman who was an integral part of the leadership team that took West Publishing from its humble roots to its ultimate sale to Thomson Reuters. Charlie was also incredibly dedicated civically, and always in the most modest way—never wanting to be recognized. Among his significant charitable beneficiaries are the Minnesota Orchestra, Gustavus Adolphus College, and, significantly, the University of Minnesota. Charlie was also an incredibly loyal and generous donor to Beta Theta Pi, including his unheralded lead gift to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation (with requested anonymity), which two decades ago established the Peter F. Greiner Leadership College that supports all undergraduates attending the annual Beta Convention—a gift that truly keeps on giving! Charlie was forever loyal to the Beta Pi Chapter at the University of Minnesota. I think it is fair to say that the recent chapter house renovation would never have happened, or, certainly not at the scale which we proceeded with and completed, had Charlie not committed to an early six-figure lead cash gift, also anonymous. Charlie's gift was instrumental in enabling the Housing Corporation to proceed with and complete this most ambitious million- dollar project, which has maintained what is probably the preeminent fraternity house on campus. Charlie's legacy will live on in Beta Theta Pi as he truly paid it forward in spades! Yours in _kai_, Jeffrey P. Greiner, SMU, Roll #783 Minnesota, Roll #1933 Remembering Charlie Cunningham '49 (Continued from page 1) T o improve our society's financial position in the lower-than-normal interest rate environment, the housing corporation is working to consolidate multiple debts into a new mortgage, while also continuing to pay down our 15-year U of M Foundation Greek Housing loan. This will reduce our monthly debt obligations, and give our society more financial flexibility to address house repairs. As of September, the society holds assets of around $10,000. Our total debt amount is $458,000. We intend to further reduce these obligations, and you can help! Gifts of all types and sizes are welcome, and we encourage you to give what you can. To make a gift online, please visit BetaThetaPiSocietyMN.org. Whether supporting the Housing Corporation as we seek to eliminate this debt or supporting new improvements to the house, please consider making a gift before the end of the year. Thank you for your support. FINANCIAL UPDATE O n Sunday, September 13, a strong crew of Beta Pi alumni gathered to play golf and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Beta Golf Sponsor event. As a fundraiser for the chapter house, brothers' contributions raised $2,100 this year. Started in 1995, Brent Anderson '85 organized brothers to raise funds for urgent kitchen and boiler repairs. In the years that have followed, new alumni have joined the original set of players to golf, socialize, and give back to Beta Pi on an annual basis. Funds raised in the annual event have primarily been used to fund a wide variety of needed house or equipment improvements. In total since that first year, we estimate that the event has raised at least $35,000 to support Beta Pi. The players and their gifts have made a meaningful impact to the house and the alumni society, in addition to giving them a chance to gather and reconnect. This year, we moved the event back to Les Bolstad Golf Course at the U of M. Twenty-four brothers played at the recently renovated course and enjoyed a near perfect late summer afternoon. The winning team consisted of Lech Literski '06, Bryan Patrick '06, Scott Heineman '03, and Aaron Docken '06. We'll be out again in 2021, and we look forward to seeing returning players as well as some newcomers! The event is casual in nature, and all are welcome. Thank you to all alumni brothers who participated, and we look forward to seeing you again next summer! BETA PI SPONSOR GOLF OUTING HITS 25 YEARS Thank You to All Alumni Who have Participated The winning golf team: Lech Literski '06, Bryan Patrick '06, Scott Heineman '03, and Aaron Docken '06.

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