Beta Theta Pi - University of Kansas

A L P H A N U C H A P T E R O F B E T A T H E T A P I A T T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F K A N S A S • S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 Alpha Nu's Letter U pon graduating from the University of Kansas, we all leave Usher Mansion with high hopes of keeping our fraternal bonds intact. Alumni quickly find that careers, families, and civic activities can create valid diversions. It is our goal to help you stay connected to Alpha Nu and share our many accomplishments with you. We have renewed our commitment to the alumni communications program because we believe an informed alumni base is a vital component in maintaining our momentum, and we welcome your involvement. Stay Connected with Alpha Nu Enclosed is a biographical update that requests your current information and any news you would like to share with the chapter. ese updates allow us to stay in touch and also provide an avenue for you to share your story. Please take a few moments to complete this form as your response is vital to maintaining a connection with Alpha Nu. Our Commitment to Beta's Future In the past few years, the Greek community has undergone significant growth. Beta is constantly exploring new options to ensure the growth and future of our chapter. ere are significant challenges for our chapter house, and improvements are necessary to provide modern and competitive housing. Our last significant update was 25 years ago, and time has certainly taken its toll. In recent years, many fraternities on campus have made significant improvements to their facilities, and to remain a leader on the Hill, Beta eta Pi must do the same. Alpha Nu alumni are also dedicated to the scholastic development of our undergraduates. In 29 of the last 30 semesters, Beta has placed first among all fraternities in academics. is incredible accomplishment warrants our support and recognition. e Alpha Nu Educational Foundation has supported academic achievement since its establishment in 1962; however, alumni support is needed to ensure the Foundation is fully funded for the next generation of scholars. e alumni leadership is in the process of developing a long-range plan for Usher Mansion and Alpha Nu Chapter. We look forward to sharing this plan with you in the near future. If you'd like to be involved with this process, please contact anyone of us. Undergraduates Are Leaders on Campus e undergraduate chapter continues to grow and our members are highly The Changing Times Looking into the History of Beta Theta Pi during the 1960s-70s T he 1960s were an exciting and unique time in American history. Events like the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, the Kennedy assassinations, and the Vietnam War all had a significant influence on the culture of KU's campus. But with all this excitement and tragedy, Alpha Nu focused on life in Lawrence. Brothers were involved in numerous activities around the community and represented almost every facet of life on the Hill. Brothers were Summerfield Scholars, Civil Rights Council participants, athletes, members of Pi Beta Kappa, student council members, and ROTC participants; just to name a few. But with all the excitement came a bit of tension. Toward the latter half of the '60s, Lawrence saw an increase in apartment complexes. With brothers wanting to move out of the Hutt, the chapter was le with a financial problem. Rival fraternities were increasingly recruiting on the basis of new chapter houses, and Betas were rapidly moving off campus. However, by the end of the decade, brothers were moving back into the chapter house. (Continued on page 6) (Continued on page 6) Alpha Nu Alumni Making Strides to Ensure Our Future Revive Your Bonds Today to Maintain Beta's Momentum

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