Beta Theta Pi - Kansas State University

BUILDING ON THE LEGACY T he fall of 1974 brought a group of young men together who were looking for the best balance of leadership, academics, athletics, and brotherhood on K-State's campus. Within the walls of 500 Sunset Avenue, they found role models and mentors with a legacy of successful alumni who paved the way—older members who taught them to be their brothers' keeper and how to lead. ese mentors gave them confidence in their choice of major and pushed them to get involved on campus. Dan Otto '78 noted, "I have always considered our class very fortunate to have had such great leaders as actives in the house. ey led by example, and they expected nothing but your best." The pledge class of 1974 entered Beta with different knowledge of Gamma Epsilon, but they all left with the same brotherhood; memories of initiations, trips, parties, study breaks at the Rathskeller or Merry Go Round, Low Card Quaff games at Mel's Tavern, and alumni events stay present as the years pass. Although they don't see each other nearly enough, their bonds remain unbreakable. "Weddings and funerals, along with the reunions … sounds like family, doesn't it?" Pat Robinson '78 remarked. Since graduation, Dan, Pat, and Randy Groves '78 all equate Beta as playing a key role in their lives— directly and indirectly. Randy explained, "I came to K-State wanting to be an electrical engineer in the computer business, and other EEs in the house reinforced that decision. e biggest impact Beta had on my career, however, was through my wife. When she got a job aer graduation, I went to work for IBM instead of AT&T Bell Labs. I would have missed the opportunity to be on the POWER microprocessor team and the rest of my 21 years at IBM if not for that." Dan added, "The lessons of perseverance and drive to achieve any goal I set my mind to is what I learned at 500 Sunset and propelled me in life and business." Remembering the Unity Projects when they were pledges, Dan, Pat, Randy, and Jeff Jones '78 are approaching the 500 Sunset Avenue: Building on the Legacy campaign in the same way. ey have set a goal of raising $150,000 from their class and hope for 100% participation. With unity to make sure the campaign is successful, the four of them have committed over $92,000 collectively and will be listed as a pledge class. For Pat, the Beta song, "ere's a Scene," immediately came to mind when thinking of this campaign. Their appreciation for those bonds formed at 500 Sunset and the realization that 500 Sunset Avenue is a special place started this effort, but the importance of the project must be noted. "500 Sunset is a special place, but it desperately needs to be updated to attract and retain the best and brightest for our brotherhood. We want to keep Gamma Epsilon amongst the top chapters in the country and continue building future leaders," Randy said. Doing Our Part for 500 Sunset Avenue Brothers from PC '74 Join for Class Gift There's a Scene There's a scene where brothers greet, Where true kindred hearts do meet At an altar sending love's sweet incense high, Where is found without alloy, Purest store of earthly joy; 'Tis within the halls of Beta Theta Pi. Cheer! Cheer! Cheer! With hearts rejoicing! Brightly sparkles ev'ry eye; And our bosoms feel the glow None but brothers' hearts may know, While we sing the songs of Beta Theta Pi. Friendship gave our order birth, Pure and lasting as the earth; Strong devotion to our motto gave us life; With the help of brothers dear, And of God, we've naught to fear, As we mingle in the din of earthly strife. Cheer! Cheer! Cheer! With hearts rejoicing! Brightly sparkles ev'ry eye; And our bosoms feel the glow None but brothers' hearts may know, While we sing the songs of Beta Theta Pi. "Gamma Epsilon has been the forefront of building the man I am today. I am excited to see our chapter return to excellence and accomplish goals that have been a part of our identity for decades, such as winning intramurals, leading in grades, having strong philanthropy, and boasting a strong brotherhood." –Andrew Barenberg '23 "I am very excited to recommit to all of Beta's great values! I joined Beta to elevate myself to the best version that I can be— and to be a part of the best chapter on campus. This higher standard that we live by is what makes all of us Gamma Epsilon Betas our best selves and what carries on our long-lasting legacy here in Manhattan." –Hayden Hohl '24 "I am thrilled for the opportunity to go back to our roots and strengthen our chapter in the values of Beta Theta Pi. We have many strong leaders and good men in our chapter at Gamma Epsilon, and I am very optimistic for the future." –Dakota Burritt '25 "Gamma Epsilon is a great chapter of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Even great chapter's sometimes have issues that need to be addressed. This happened in the fall semester of 2021. I helped conduct interviews of both active chapter members and non-initiated freshman. It became clear that over the previous few years the pledge program had lost its way and needed to be reset with the traditional Gamma Epsilon high standards that all members and alumni have come to expect. At the end of this process I think this has been accomplished." –Christopher Miller '86 Former General Fraternity Treasurer In Their Own WordS Alumni from the 1974 pledge class. Your Pledge Class Unity Project starts today. Make a pledge at https://tinyurl.com/500sunsetcampaign.

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