Beta Theta Pi - University of Wisconsin

ALPHA PILOT Alpha Pi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Wisconsin SPRING 2022 THE T hree years ago, Rod Taylor '72 and Al Kaniss '72 kicked off an ambitious campaign at our 2019 Spring Jubilee. With dorm rooms full for the first time in over 20 years and growing pledge classes, we were cautiously optimistic about the direction of Alpha Pi when we announced our goal to raise $1.5 million from a minimum of 200 alumni. To win over skeptics, we took numerous steps. First, we embraced the need for stronger governance: refinancing twice, setting clear expectations for actives, and adding parlor fees and security deposits. We then replaced service providers (moving to Kane Property Management) and found new subs and a new food-service provider. We improved service levels, including increasing house-cleaning services (from one to three times per week) and added new services, including snow removal and landscaping. We also provided transparency through periodic updates and the return of The Alpha Pilot, and we benefited from the actives bringing in stellar pledge classes we can all be proud of. Once our house operations were in order, we developed a clear facility improvement strategy with Potter Lawson Inc., and contracted fundraising support from Pennington & Company. With the efforts of 15 dedicated Alpha Pi solicitors, we soldiered through COVID and raised over $1.75 million from 275 generous alumni. Combined with tax incentives secured through the State Historic Preservation Office, our total funds raised now exceeds $2 million. You did it! Thank you to everyone that contributed to the success of The Preservation of Alpha Pi House campaign. And now … the fun part. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS With an eye toward major milestones, including our 150th anniversary in 2023, many capital improvements needed to be made during the campaign with confidence that our early fundraising success would be sustained. Our entire first floor, basement, bathrooms, and attic apartment renovations have already been completed. Infrastructure projects totaling over $500K will be completed by June. This summer, the renovation of the lakeside, including new terrace doors, a portico, and landscaping, will be completed. Next winter, our transformation of the Alpha Pi house will be complete with the renovation of the penthouse, pictured above. ALUMNI CONNECTIONS I never expected the Beta house to be significant to me at this point in my life, but involvement in the BBA provided so many connections to Beta brothers. Embracing the opportunity to help finish the transformation that leaders like Rick Abegglen '82 and Mike Imse '77 set up has been unbelievably rewarding. Reconnecting with brothers from my time in the house, meeting Betas from other years, and working with the young men of today's Beta house has been a blast. I hope you will consider reaching out to a member of the BBA about how you can participate. There are so many ways to get involved—both large and small projects need alumni support. ALUMNI GATHERINGS The BBA will keep you connected through newsletters, eblasts, and a reasonably current website; hopefully, you will find your way back to the house. Here are a few planned events to consider coming home for: 2022 Home Football Games: October 1 vs. Illinois October 22 (Homecoming) vs. Purdue November 5 vs. Maryland November 26 vs. Minnesota 2023 April 21-23 150th Anniversary of Alpha Pi Chapter 2026 100th Anniversary of the Alpha Pi House If you would like to put something together for a smaller group at any time, contact Max Lord '07 at mslord1991@gmail.com or at (414) 732-9359. Yours in _kai_, Bart J. Kocha, #1613, UW 1980 Campaign Chairman (262) 210-7035 bkocha@wi.rr.com THE CAMPAIGN HAS ENDED, BUT THE FUN IS JUST BEGINNING

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