Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

A P u b l i c A t i o n o f t h e b e t A t h e t A P i S o c i e t y o f M i n n e S o t A the betA Piper CELEBRATING 134 YEARS OF BETA PI FALL 2023 A s a new academic year arrived, Beta Theta Pi Society of MN Housing Corporation prioritized keeping tabs on the chapter house and connecting regularly with chapter leaders. Repairs and Refurbishments While some general maintenance and simple repairs continue to be needed, the board is most concerned about some interior low-volume water leaks that have surfaced in the basement. We are considering bringing in a general contractor in the months ahead. We've also recently received the results of an annual audit from the city of Minneapolis and plan to address any findings. Money Matters The society has about $18,800 in cash savings on hand. We also have $490,610 in long-term debt as we continue to service our mortgages. Rent paid by the undergraduate members and alumni donations are our two main revenue sources. Your support is needed and appreciated! If you have the ability to donate, please consider making a gift before the end of the year. Volunteer Opportunities There have been some personnel changes on the board. This past spring, Society Co-Treasurer Jack Liang '13 needed to step away for personal matters, so recent graduate Trevor Frane '23 has recently joined to help with financial matters. He is also working with the Fraternity Purchasing Association on campus, all while managing his own full-time career. Are you willing and able to get involved? We continue to seek new volunteers to help with the House Corporation, chapter advising, alumni engagement, and more. You could be a perfect fit for our team! We remain thankful for all your support and look forward to seeing you on campus again soon. Yours in __kai__, Scott Heineman '03 President of the Beta Theta Pi Society of Minnesota hein0219@umn.edu Can You Lend a Hand? We're seeking a few dedicated individuals to help with event support, marketing, and execution for our Minnesota Beta Convention in April 2024. If you can assist, contact one of our organizers listed on the back page. Thank you, Paul Goff '26 and family, for hosting fall 2023's Brotherhood Weekend! ONCE A BETA, ALWAYS A BETA O ne of Beta Pi's most dedicated, well-known, and longest-serving brothers, Bert Leach '52, passed away on July 11, 2023. He was 93 years old. Bert joined Beta as a sophomore in the fall of 1949. After graduation in 1952, Bert married Norma Neprud, his loving wife of over 50 years, then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served valiantly for the next 20 years as a helicopter pilot. During his military career, Bert flew helicopters for one tour in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. As a test pilot, he set six world speed records and represented the U.S. Army while flying in the Paris Air Show. After retiring from the military in 1972 as a Lt. Colonel, he became a financial advisor for the next 26 years. During that time, Bert and Norma regularly participated in a Beta bridge club with a collection of other Beta alumni and spouses. STATE OF THE CHAPTER Beta Theta Pi Society Updates (Continued on page 3) Remembering Bert Leach '52

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