Beta Theta Pi - Miami University

Alpha Slants of BETA THETA PI A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R F A L L 2 0 1 4 S All-convention photo taken on Beta's birthday. Alumni Commitment RemAins stRong DuRing AlphA ChApteR ClosuRe Recolonization Plans Underway ix months have now passed since the tough decision to close the chapter, and many brothers, alumni, and volunteers continue to grieve the tragic loss of Alpha. All of us are at different stages in the process, but what I've seen recently is when brothers have reached out to ask questions, most are able to recall all that is great about Beta at Miami. They remember the bonds of brotherhood forged at 200 E. High St. and begin to discuss ways to rebuild and sustain the Alpha culture many of us experienced. Following alumni weekend in June and an Alpha reunion dinner at the 175th General Convention, I am extremely encouraged by our alumni's desire to step forward and help restore Beta Theta Pi to Miami University. It is clear to me that the Beta Spirit is still alive and well in the hearts of many of our brothers. RECOLONIZATION EXPECTED 2016-17 As you well know, the motto for the Alpha Chapter is Lasting for an Age. And last it shall! Despite the recent closure, plans are already underway for our return. Our tentative timeline is to recolonize during the 2016-17 school year. During the interim, we will continue with our alumni communications program; however, much of our outreach will be done electronically, so make sure your email address is updated at http://my.beta.org. We may also have a few events in select cities, so please update your address. As far as the house is concerned, we will be renting at least part of the Beta House in 2015-16 to a young fraternity at Miami–Alpha Sigma Phi–to help offset cash flow issues and ultimately maintain our fraternity zoning with the city of Oxford. While this wasn't the first choice of the house company, the city shut down our attempt to rent to individual students and Miami University saw too many obstacles to overcome to use as one of their living learning communities. STEERING COMMITTEE FORMING Although fall 2016 may seem distant, much work is needed to prepare for a successful return of our beloved Alpha Chapter. Following the events of alumni weekend and Beta's historic 175th General Convention, more than 30 alumni from all decades have stepped forward to participate in a recolonization steering committee. This committee will meet regularly over the next two years and will advance our plans to restore the chapter and our facility to the greatness we all expect. A few questions this steering committee is already beginning to address are: What were the failure mechanisms that ultimately led to the chapter's closure? Should we explore having both a chapter meal program and a housemother once again? How can our facility compete with the new Oxford/Miami student housing and foster a culture of high standards, personal responsibility, and ultimate respect? Specifically, the steering committee will have five sub-committees (facility improvements, recolonization structure, fundraising, communications, and day-to-day facility upkeep) and have about 5-10 alumni on each sub- committee. If you'd like more information, please contact Phil Fernandez '06, at phil.fernandez@beta.org. As always, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions, even if you can't commit to a formal role on the steering committee. We have many talented men who have stepped forward to help lead this charge, and I know Wooglin's spirit will be with them! Pete Barnhart '66 House Company President pwcbbanana@gmail.com Commit to Being a Part of the Recolonization

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