ALPHA PILOT
Alpha Pi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Wisconsin
SPRING 2021
THE
A HOME
FOR MEN
OF PRINCIPLE
W
hat started as a desperately needed maintenance project
two years ago has turned into a renaissance at our historic
Madison chapter house. I am excited to think about
upcoming special dates and everyone enjoying the renovated house:
annual Homecoming and Jubilee celebrations, the 150th anniversary of
Alpha Pi in 2023, and the 100th anniversary of our house in 2026.
anks to the time of dedicated volunteers and the generosity of over 220
alumni, we recently exceeded our two-year goal of raising $1.2 million.
Despite the extra COVID-related challenges, we also renovated the entire
first floor and addressed badly needed HVAC improvements. Finishing
touches included two chandeliers found on eBay and historic Badger
pennants donated by Rod Taylor '72.
e first-floor renovations included the addition of a restroom for guests
and a renovated kitchen and dining room. Currently, hot meals are being
brought in for most of the live-in brothers. e others are learning to
cook and occasionally clean in "e Beta Bodega."
e original elegance of the chapter house is showcased in these
pictures. e gas fireplace is finally working. e new mantle, paneling,
and tile work are spectacular. e foyer, lobby, billiards room, study
hall, and stairs have all been renovated or rebuilt. Visit our website at
betawisconsin.org to see additional pictures of the completed projects.
And while the BBA has been busy restoring the house to its original glory,
the active chapter has been making history of its own. ey proactively
seek out IFC leadership positions, run a very successful philanthropy, a
golf tournament benefitting the Robert Michael Wood Foundation, and
maintain one of the better Greek GPAs on campus. With 160 members,
they are now the sixth-largest Beta chapter in the country. e house is
full this year, and despite COVID challenges, they have done an excellent
job with recruitment, bringing in a strong class of 32 this past fall.
First Look at
Beta Renovations
One of the chandeliers installed in the renovated chapter house.
A peek at the billiards and chapter rooms.
(Continued on page 6)