Beta Theta Pi - University of Oklahoma

Why did you decide to join Beta Theta Pi? I'm from Bartlesville, which is a college-bound town, so by the time we were sophomores and juniors in high school we were already looking at colleges. I knew I wanted to join a fraternity and Beta had a great reputation at OU and KU. The thing that sealed it was three guys two years older than me who I really looked up to (Charles Bethea '67, Bill Conger '67, and Johnny Lynn '67) all pledged Beta. What does your Gamma Phi undergraduate experience mean to you? First off, my very closest friends today are pledge brothers. The juniors and seniors in the house really influenced my collegiate experience on when to have fun and when to hit the books. More importantly, it was a very humbling experience. It wasn't until I was out of school that I realized how impressive my fraternity brothers really were. What are some of your favorite memories? The whole pledgeship program is something that I'll never forget. You learn to put others first and that is something that can apply to every aspect of life. How did the fraternity prepare you for life after college? I learned how to prioritize, manage time, and move into a situation where you manage and work with other people that aren't like you. You have to learn how to lead and fit in. What advice would you give to undergraduates or younger alumni who are early in their careers? Spend the first 7-10 years really learning your profession. Don't try to move too fast. Focus on building a really strong foundation so you can excel in the future. What was your first job out of college? Where do you work now? My first job was as a bank trainee for a bank that is now associated with the Bank of Oklahoma. I was put in the credit department and learned how to calculate interest and put together analysis. I now work for Council Oaks, a private equity firm that invests in Oklahoma companies. We are tied to BancFirst. Why did you support the Honoring Our Traditions, Providing for the Future campaign? It's very clear that facilities make a difference when young men try to decide where they pledge. If I was sitting in that bid circle 50 years ago and they said, "We're going to offer you a bid to be a Beta, and being a Beta will change your life, and 50 years from now all we ask it that you give back so others can have a similar experience." That commitment would have been easy to make. You served in a leadership role with the last two Gamma Phi campaigns—two questions: a. What have been your most enjoyable/ memorable moments from each campaign? The most enjoyable has been reconnecting with people I lost touch with throughout the years and how open everyone is when you haven't seen them. It's as though you pick up where you left off. b. What are the similarities of the two campaigns? Have there been any significant differences? Similarities: the lead patrons between the two campaigns are the same guys—Tom McCasland '55, Bill Reed '55, and Fallis Beall '55. Their service and support of Gamma Phi is incredible. Differences: the scopes are dramatically different. Last time we were focused on interior and cosmetic touches. Additionally, the organization is different. Bill Reed was focused on the renovations and I was focused on raising the funds. This time, Robert Beall '80 is handling both. Spouse's name and names of your children: My wife is Ann and we have three children: Clint Pitzer '92, Megan, and Paul. Page 4 T he four short years of college don't often allow for the benefit of perspective. When Mike Krampf '88 saw the friendships and tradition his brother, Trey '86, had found in Beta Theta Pi, he was interested as well. But it was in the years after college that Mike really began to see the impact Beta had on his life. "I think college is where you mature the most in a short period of time. Surrounding myself with a group of exceptional young men made me a better person and created a bond that has lasted a lifetime." "What Beta did for me that I didn't appreciate at the time was it prepared me for challenges in the real world. It gave real-life experiences and reinforced how much better you are as part of a team." Mike put those lessons to work in his first job with Conoco on through to his current position as manager of branded sales for the West Coast for Phillips 66. His family has also grown during this time and his son, Eric, became a Beta. "It meant the world to me when Eric joined Beta. I didn't push him—it was always his decision, but I wanted him to have an experience that was as great as what I had. It was important that there was a balance between the social and academic lives, and Beta provided the balance to be successful." Though separated by 25 years, there is a familiarity in Mike's and Eric's experiences. "The rules have changed from my time in the house, but watching how Eric interacts with the guys in the fraternity reminds me of how I acted. It's all about brotherhood and camaraderie." The consistency of what Beta delivers to generation after generation of young men struck a chord with Mike, particularly when it came to the campaign for Gamma Phi. To ensure that Beta is around for the men at Oklahoma in the future, Mike chose to contribute to the renovation of the chapter house. "We must recognize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure Beta maintains its position as the top fraternity at OU." "Without the dedication and leadership of Robert Beall '80, this renovation would not happen. But we need everyone to support this campaign to make sure it is done right. Now is our time to step up." Generations of Brotherhood Inspire Mike Krampf '88 to Give Bill Johnstone '69 Gave Back to Gamma Phi to Make a Difference for Future Generations

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