Beta Theta Pi - Indiana University

Fall 2014 Newsletter

Pi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Indiana University

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G reetings from our Pi Chapter central support! Recruitment affairs continue to present challenges in greeting, meeting, developing the contact, and embracing the young pledge. Five hundred freshmen and sophomores present for fall 2014, a process with which all are familiar, but full-time employment among our members on committee would not be enough time to completely assess potential members. Well- vetted candidates may still abruptly withdraw on occasion; but legacy candidates are given priority inspection. Competition among the Greek chapters at IU is intense! LITTLE 500 WINS REMEMBERED In April on the eve of the Little 500, a celebration reception for the 1964 winning team was held. Baker Place home at 150 South College hosted 70 members, alumni, and winning bike team members from the 1964 and 2013 races. The ambience of our silver grey alumni in the company of young members was something to behold. This joyful reunion crossed generations in such a unique way. A late dinner for 40 in the City Café lingered into late hours, with all energized by the warmth, conversation, and storytelling. Both teams had great athleticism, a keen focus for victory, intense team unity, and exceptional individualism. All of us and anyone would want that slice of life in our experience! BETA CELEBRATES 175TH ANNIVERSARY The convention in Oxford was well attended by 1,800+ students, alumni, and friends of Beta as we commemorated 175 years of Beta history. Growth in Beta Theta Pi and in Greek life across America is evident in several Beta chapter statistics: • Membership grew from 7,861 in 1998 to 8,091 in 2013 • Beta's average chapter size of 48.9 in 1998 continues growing to 67.1 • In the same period, Beta has colonized on 21 new campuses and has seen 43 chapters close • Advisors per chapter have also grown to an average of 7 • Beta chapter GPA is its highest ever—3.15; the all-fraternity average is 2.936 • Beta leadership training events are at all-time high with 1,636 student graduates • Beta ranks 25% less expensive in fraternity liability costs, reflecting a culture dividend from our Men of Principle development BROTHERS REMEMBER FALLEN BETA A substantial gift was received from brothers commemorating Mark Stanley '81. Pi Chapter and our general fraternity strive to achieve many honorable intents and your philanthropy and generosity help these endeavors. We understand the lifelong friendships our college years have born in Beta and I am humbled by recognition donations made in memory of a departed brother. We hope to see you this fall as you return to campus for the autumn's events. Yours in -kai-, Charles McCormick III '72 Marching Along Educational Foundation INSIDE: 2 High Goals Set • 3 You Keep Our House Alive • 4 Little 500 Celebration FALL 2014 Growing Character in the Men of Pi Chapter Members gathered at convention to commemorate the night of the founding of Beta Theta Pi by our eight founding fathers. Donors to the Hall of Chapters Walkway are recorded with imprinted bricks at Beta headquarters. The walkway now extends far down the hill and across Chautauqua bridge. Pi Chapter's donor bricks start 40 feet from the entry. Hall of Fame Inductees Celebrated O n May 3, Pi Chapter conducted an alumnus recognition luncheon at which Brandt Downey '67 was inducted into the Pi Chapter Hall of Fame. Brandt has distinguished his volunteer service to our membership in overseeing house contracts, assisting Colleen Bell with member affairs, and coaching the executive team with various functions. As one of the last chapter functions before finals week, this event was a good moment to pause, recollect the year's activity, and enjoy the brotherhood. George Bledsoe '62 was posthumously recognized for his contributions to chapter development. George organized the 125th celebration in 1986; he developed the real estate committee that oversaw the sale of the 919 E. 10th St. house; and directed the purchase of the 1100 N. Jordan property through sheriff's auction and the bank Pi Chapter Presidents Frank Zirille '15, Corben Sherlock '14, and Ben Akinbola '14 with Hall of Famer Brandt Downey '67. kai FROM PI B e t a T h e t a P i • I n d i a n a U n i v e r s i t y

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