Beta Theta Pi - University of Texas

Fall 2014 Newsletter

Beta Omicron Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at the University of Texas

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Spring 2014 Fall 2014 INSIDE: Men of Principle Initiative • page 2 Reconnect with Beta Omicron Today • page 3 Alumni News • page 3 BETA CHRONICLE Beta Omicron Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Texas Beta OmicrOn tO recOlOnize at Ut-aUstin Alumni Support Crucial for Beta's Success F or more than 100 years, Beta Theta Pi had a presence on the University of Texas campus. Despite our time off campus, Beta Omicron is preparing to make a strong return to UT and is ready to share our Fraternity ideals with the best men at Texas. Alumni have been working diligently on a comprehensive plan for recolonization. A successful recolonization requires an engaged and supportive alumni base, so we'll be communicating regularly about our progress and asking for your help. Without you, we can't realize our dream of returning Beta to the University of Texas. The expansion model—a model that has been incredibly effective at chapters like Michigan, Illinois, Purdue, and TCU recently—provides a full-time staff member from the General Fraternity on campus for one academic year to recruit advisors and the initial recolonization class. The colony development coordinator (CDC) focuses on undergraduate leadership development and alumni advisor training to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Chapter. He will use the Men of Principle program, which is specifically designed to apply the Beta traditions and values to the modern student, to brand and guide the process. Some of the tactical measures of the program include "dry rush" (no alcohol as part of recruitment); pledging men who already exhibit the Beta values of trust, mutual assistance, intellectual growth, responsible conduct, and integrity; and engaging an active alumni advisory board to guide the new Chapter. We have developed the following timeline to guide us in our return to campus: 2014 • With the help of the General Fraternity, create alumni committees (steering, housing, finance, and alumni relations). • Hire a firm to conduct a study, starting in October and concluding in early 2015, to determine feasibility of funding a Chapter House. • Create and sustain an alumni communication program to increase alumni interaction and participation. 2015 • By January 31: feasibility decision finalized. If a decision to proceed is made: • Complete a short-term and long-term Chapter housing plan. • May: full-time Chapter advisor is on the ground in Austin. • September: first class will be pledged. Brothers, we remember when Beta was our home in Austin and believe we can return Beta Omicron to its rightful place. The solution lies within each of us. We have to engage and revive our involvement with the Chapter. This is not a one-man show; this has to be a collective effort of Beta alumni. We already have a committed, core group of brothers working toward our return but need more people on our team. If you'd like to help with the plan, reconnect with brothers, be a speaker at a meeting, or help with other duties as assigned, please give us a call. We can find a role to fit around your work and family commitments. Our efforts to bring Beta back will only be successful if every alumnus participates, whether it be with time, talent, or treasure. We welcome your questions, input, and involvement as we begin this new era of Beta Omicron Chapter. Jim Dyer '66 Looks Forward to Beta Omicron's Bright Future W e all have different experiences in college, but the continuity of four or more years with a group of young men provides strong memories and shared values that last for a lifetime. Jim Dyer '66 thinks it's important to retain those ties to old friends and good times. "Beta Omicron really rounded out my college years by providing opportunities to enjoy social activities and learning some of the pleasures and pains of being a member of an organization with financial and personal responsibilities," Jim shared. Jim was elected Chapter president his senior year, which gave him the opportunity to interact with some of the alumni in various cities around Texas. He appreciated the experience of planning and presiding over Chapter meetings and working with the other officers and the staff of the Chapter House during that time. "Beta made me realize that life is a series of rush parties. That seems trite, but we go through the process of meeting new friends when we move, change jobs, and have children in school and on sports teams; we are always encountering new social groups with their own membership rules and expectations. The social interactions at the Fraternity were important to me in recognizing that this process continues through life." After graduation, Jim stayed in Austin until 1969 to earn his Ph.D. in business. "My first job was as a professor at UCLA where I stayed for eight years, a university that I really enjoyed, admired, and respected. But, I was sitting in my office one afternoon and Reconnect with Beta Omicron today by visiting www.texasbeta.org. (Continued on page 2)

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