Beta Sigma Psi - Purdue University

Page 2 Beta Tidings Rudy Ristich '01 Follows Alumni Example in Giving Back I n preparing for life at Purdue, Rudy Ristich '01 knew that he wanted to join a fraternity, but he didn't know it was going to be Beta Sigma Psi. The men who recruited him took the time to establish a friendship outside of formal recruitment events and allowed for a friendly and spiritually oriented environment. As a member, Rudy held several offices, including president for two semesters, recruitment chairman, and treasurer. The roles he held were partially out of his own interest and partly out of necessity. With only 12-14 members in the Fraternity when he started, it was an all-hands-ondeck approach to keep the Chapter running. It was during his time as an active member that the Chapter began to transform, reaching nearly 37 members by the time Rudy graduated. "What refreshed the Chapter at that time was alumni who really cared about Beta Sig and wanted to help reinvent the recruitment process. We found new ways to reach out to guys and new avenues to find them. The involvement from alumni like Brent Seifert '88 showed me that people cared so much about the success of the Fraternity that they were willing to invest time away from their families and careers. That had a big impact on what Beta Sig meant to me." The example set for Rudy as an undergraduate has translated to his involvement as an alumnus in several ways. His participation has continued at the national level for Beta Sigma Psi, serving as vice president for the National Fraternity. In this capacity he works on alumni communication to find better ways to connect with alumni so that they know the needs of the chapters and are better able to connect with one another. Locally, Rudy has stayed involved by contributing to Beta Chapter's One Brick at a Time campaign. Having been back on campus recently, he has a unique perspective of what the campaign means to Beta Sig. "I stopped by the house this summer and they are really making progress on the renovations. It's cool to see the changes that the actives have made on their own. A lot of houses in our area are being replaced by new campus buildings and the neighbors are doing renovations as well. It's important for Beta Sig to keep up with the competition and ensure that the undergraduates have a safe place to live. "We have a great spot on campus and we need to make sure that we can stay in a house that has a great tradition at Purdue. I value the time I had at Beta Sig, and every time I go down there it's a chance to relive good memories." Rudy's connection with Beta Sig has extended into his professional life as well. After graduating from Purdue with a degree in electrical engineering, he connected with Beta Sigs from other chapters to join a startup in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their business grew and was bought by Dell in 2011. He now works for Dell out of Wheaton, Illinois, and travels internationally several times a year. His volunteer work also extends to technology through the DuPage Innovation Center in Illinois and his own non-profit, Workshop 88. Rudy can be reached at rudy.ristich@gmail.com. Fresh Enthusiasm for Fall Semester Philanthropy and Athletics High Priorities T he first month of the school year has been packed with activities and improvements at the Beta Sigma Psi house. The younger members moved in and have brought energy and excitement into everything we do. New Recruitment Process Results The recruitment program established a year ago has brought eight new associate members into Beta Chapter. We will guide these new associates through the traditions and responsibilities of the Chapter as they continue through the semester in their journey to active membership in Beta Sigma Psi. House Improvements Appreciated There have been numerous improvements in the house since the spring, such as the renovation of the bathroom, the remodeling of Omicron, and adding a television above the fireplace in the living room. These additions have improved the appearance of the house, as well as its functionality, whether for educational purposes or leisure. Community Participation We have socially revitalized ourselves on campus by participating in multiple philanthropy events this semester, such as Purdue University Dance Members celebrated Pledge Sunday and joined together for lunch afterward. Marathon, Habitat for Humanity, and Dodge Ball Paint Wars. We look forward to continued participation in philanthropic events like these, which give back to our community. We are also participating in many intramural sports this semester, including soccer, flag football, and volleyball. We look to compete with the top fraternities on campus and make a run to the finals. Thank You, Pastor Barton Finally, this semester will be our last semester having Pastor Barton as our pastoral advisor, as he will be retiring. Pastor Barton has been the pastoral advisor for Beta Sigma Psi since 1989 and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for our Fraternity and the wisdom and support he has passed on to countless Lutheran men. Fraternally, Charlie Walz '11 President walz@purdue.edu

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