Beta Theta Pi - University of Kansas

2 J ustin Anderson is a Sigma Chi; his wife, Jean, was the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, and she had several family members who were also a part of the brotherhood. Although he had hoped that Sigma Chi would also be the right fit for their son, Jack '23, Justin knew many Betas and had good feelings about the fraternity. When Jack was sure he wanted to be a Beta, Justin couldn't have been happier or more excited. One of the first moments that Jean knew Jack was going to have an incredible experience at Beta Theta Pi was during his spring orientation. She recalls the chapter officers walking into the room in their navy blazers and red ties and addressing the crowd of new pledges and their parents. "These young men had such confidence in the way they spoke to us with ease, introducing themselves and discussing their duties and offices. I was so impressed," she shared. "I thought I would love it if my son could turn out like one of these guys." Jean and Justin were in store for much more excitement about Jack being a Beta. "They helped him mature, focus, and compete academically, socially, and emotionally at the highest level," Justin said. They were so fond of Beta by this point that they basically told their younger son, Josh '26, that if he was going to the same university, he was going to be a Beta. "Josh had seen his brother have success and be the happiest college student we know, so he wasn't even interested in looking at any other house," Jean said. Giving Back to Beta When their friends, Christa and Steve Babb '87, asked them to join the Parents Club, Jean and Justin were excited about the opportunity to engage with their sons more and meet them where they were. Over the last four years, they've seen Jack and his pledge brothers become impressive young men. "Witnessing that transformation and what Beta has created in their programming, environment, and community at the house has been one of the most rewarding parts of being involved," Jean shared. One of Justin's favorite Parents Club memories was this year's Turkey Pull. He loved watching alumni come back and seeing their love for the building, the institution, and the brotherhood, and he and Jean were honored to be a part of such a historic event. This year, the couple signed up for their second round in the club as Josh begins his Beta journey. They also joined the new advisory council this year. Although they were hesitant because they didn't want to be infringing too much on their sons' college lives, they understand their job is to provide a parental perspective and are happy to support the house in any way they can. "What Beta has done for our sons and their friends has been nothing short of transformational. The way the fraternity has sharpened them as men, students, and brothers deserves some recognition, and we wanted to give back to an institution that helps its members become the best versions of themselves," Justin said. Expecting Nothing Less from Betas Jean and Justin were impressed with how the Alpha Nu brothers responded to Luke Karel '26's cancer relapse last fall. After he moved home to Colorado, the chapter immediately started working on a Be the Match event, which inspired other Beta chapters to have their own Be the Match events. The couple is thrilled that this brother has the support of his house and was even more amazed when a group of around 60 Betas organized a bus trip to visit their brother in February before he began intensive chemo and a bone marrow transplant. "It seems like every time we think that house is amazing, they do something even more amazing," Justin said. You can connect with Jean at jeaneanderson@gmail.com and Justin at justinroyanderson@gmail.com. "Our admiration for the young men and the Beta house has continued to grow. It has exceeded our expectations, and we're super excited to have Josh begin his journey there." –Jean Parents Jean and Justin Anderson on Growth Witnessed at Beta Happy to Support A l pha N u

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