Beta Theta Pi - University of Texas

Page 2 Q: Where did you go to school and why did you begin work with Beta Theta Pi? A: I graduated from TCU in May 2014 and went to work with Beta right away. I was a founding father for my chapter at TCU and served as president for two years, so I had the opportunity to work with the colony development coordinator there. I experienced the recolonization process firsthand, and really saw how much good it does. Through the whole process, Beta made a huge impact on my life. Today I feel an obligation to pay that forward. I love everything that Beta gave me and continues to give me, and I want to give that experience to more men. Q: Can you briefly explain the recolonization process? A: Our process is really built around creating a different type of Fraternity experience, one that maybe Texas hasn't seen before. We'll focus on teaching the men about what it really means to be a Fraternity man. There is an eight-week education process that includes both the history of the local and General Fraternity, how to run the fraternity moving forward, and how to be a leader at Texas today. Q: Can you describe your role in Beta's refounding at Texas? A: I serve as the main point of contact for Beta at Texas. I oversee recruitment in all aspects, including the management of our four- man recruitment team. I work to market the Fraternity on campus, creating excitement for Beta's return, as well as reestablish Beta's brand. In addition to recruiting the refounding fathers, I will be in charge of educating, supporting, and mentoring the new members. I'll also help the new members set up the Chapter operationally and, in order to do all of this, I will be in Austin until May of 2016. Q: What steps will you take to ensure a successful future for the Chapter? A: Most importantly, I will recruit the right type of guys. We want men who are involved and committed, have above a 3.0 GPA, and are active in their communities. I will then work to educate them about what it means to be a Beta. They will learn a lot about Beta processes and history, and how the Fraternity will support them. Finally, I'm building a fantastic advisory team that can support the Chapter after my departure. They will advise and work with the Chapter every week to ensure they continue on to be a successful Chapter. the rugby team, and attended to most of my responsibilities. Nevertheless, I recognized there were quite a few wasted days and weekends that flew by without much to say for them. I felt unsatisfied knowing there was more I could have done. While these things were on my mind, my grandfather, Covey Nash '62, came to me with news of the recolonization of Beta just before the end of my freshman year. As I began to learn more about Beta and what they stood for, I very quickly realized the potential that fraternities have. I didn't see just a drinking club or a line on the resume; I saw an avenue for deep connections and a way to truly have an impact on a college campus. I saw a brotherhood and an opportunity to be a part of something much greater than myself, and within that, a challenge to action. I met with Austin Marple, our colony development coordinator, and even as excited as I already was, I was still blown away. I caught myself recruiting and spreading the word before I had even been offered a bid. Usually, a decision as polarizing as joining Beta Theta Pi would cause me to hesitate, but in this case I felt encouraged by the fact that Beta isn't perfectly received by all. I think what we aim to do is inherently polarizing and will be threatening to some, so a little resistance is a good sign. With all these things pushing me, I wound up surprising myself and accepting a bid as the second refounding father of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. I find it hard to express my excitement toward the challenge set before me, but I feel incredibly lucky to have a chance to shape something so great. It is my hope that my contributions will serve to create a Chapter that Beta will be proud to have. Refounding Father (Continued from page 1) Q: How many brothers do you plan to recruit this year? A: I plan to recruit 50 new members this fall. Q: How will the Men of Principle initiative change Beta Omicron? A: We want to keep traditions from the past that added value, but take away the things that kept the Chapter from being its best. We'll keep the social side of the brotherhood and also focus on making an impact in the community. Ultimately we want to make sure we are a Fraternity, not a frat. With an emphasis on academics, leadership development, and involvement, the Chapter will offer an experience no other fraternity at Texas offers. Q: What can alumni do to assist in this process? A: There are three main things alumni can do: first, spend time to get to know what the Men of Principle Initiative is and why it's important for the success of our Chapter. The Chapter may look a little different, but it is going to be incredibly successful. Second, submit information for anyone who has an interest or would like to get involved in the process. Lastly, and most importantly, let us know of any great young men at Texas who should learn about Beta. Q: What do you foresee for Beta Omicron's future? A: I believe Beta Omicron will be an organization that is committed to improving the lives of young men for decades to come. I believe the men who join Beta will be the future leaders of the university, the state, and more. Ultimately the University of Texas will be a better place because Beta is there. Colony Development Coordinator Oversees Successful Recolonization of Beta Omicron Q&A with Austin Marple, TCU '14 Cade Leavitt • Austin, Texas John Paul Sargent • San Antonio, Texas Jarod Chaney • Southlake, Texas Jacob Villarreal • San Antonio, Texas Matthew Rosenbaum • Houston, Texas John Thomas • Ormond Beach, Fla. Cohen Crenwegle • Fredericksburg, Texas Welcome, Refounding Fathers As of October 1, 2015

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