Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

the betA Piper PAge 2 B eta in Minnesota has reached a new milestone—125 consecutive years of operations! To mark the occasion, more than 250 Betas, spouses, friends, and special guests gathered on the weekend of October 3. The huge turnout— likely one of the largest in Beta Pi history — came together for several anniversary events on campus and in downtown Minneapolis. Beta Pi brothers of the past seven decades (from the 1950s to recent graduates) enjoyed a weekend of catching up, visiting the house, touring campus, and singing Beta songs. The activities were capped off by a 125th anniversary celebration in downtown Minneapolis at the Millennium Hotel. After a year of extensive planning, Paul Villella '04 and Jake Helms '07 served as emcees for the dinner. Dave Engler The Beta Pi Chapter Marks 125 Years of Brotherhood MARCHING ALONG IN BETA THETA PI '85 gave a toast by leading attendees in a round of the famous Beta song, "Marching Along." Former Beta Pi President Jim Reese '60 spoke of how joining Beta Theta Pi was one of the most significant decisions of his life. As an undergraduate, Brother Reese met his wife (and Gamma Phi Beta alumna), Joanne, and became the first president of the Minnesota Student Association, the undergraduate student government at the University. After an exceptional career, Jim and Joanne now live on a ranch in Albany, Missouri. General Fraternity President Bob Schnese, Wisconsin '83, spoke of his pride for the Minnesota chapter and shared how the chapter and alumni have consistently served as leaders across all of Beta Theta Pi's 131 chapters. Brother Schnese is a former district chief, lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and also has a Minnesota roll number. Beta Pi Chapter President Nathan Wong '15 thanked all who attended, invited them back to visit the chapter sometime, and shared updates on recent success of the chapter, most notably in academics and recruitment. Beta alumni from across the U.S. (some traveling as far as Alabama, New Jersey, and California) traveled to Minneapolis. Mike Southwell '05 even made the trip from Sydney, Australia. This was a momentous occasion for the Beta Pi Chapter and the Beta Theta Pi Society of Minnesota we couldn't be happier that so many chose to celebrate with us. Here's to another successful 125 years! 2 1 3

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