Beta Theta Pi - Miami University

F or each of us, Beta Theta Pi played a role in our time in Oxford, and for many, that continues to this day. Friendships and memories endure because we are a part of a special brotherhood started by eight earnest young men and shared by over 2,700 Alpha brothers. Alpha Chapter is forever a part of us and it is forever a part of Miami University. We believe Alpha's home lies in the undergraduates themselves and in the physical residence of 200 East High Street. The past year has been an exciting one on both fronts, considering the framework established for the chapter's return and preparing for the 100- year anniversary of Beta at 200 E. High St. Our efforts to recruit men committed to the values of Beta who can enjoy a similar experience to ours have been fruitful. You will read on page 4 about the 29 upperclassman who pledged in the fall and 16 others who recently accepted their bid as men of Beta Theta Pi. This is a group of leaders (resident advisors, ROTC, campus tour guides, etc.), athletes (track/cross country, club baseball, club soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, waterskiing), and scholars (3.44 GPA). We even have members of the a cappella and Glee Club to help bring everyone in tune for "Marching Along!" But recruiting strong men is not where our work stops. We have worked the last 18 months developing a strategy for our return that offers young men an opportunity for leadership and brotherhood, while putting in place a better coaching and support structure so our men can truly own their experience and practice effective self-governance. A steering committee of over 40 alumni worked diligently toward its implementation and is now working with the chapter to ensure it takes hold. Our home at 200 East High Street has housed thousands of young men since Beta's first ownership of the building in 1918. Our excellent location is coveted by the other fraternities and we all connect to the Beta Bells and the Slant Walk. Its look should forever be in our minds and represent the physical state of Beta Theta Pi. It is our house. If you walked through the house today, I'm sure memories would flood back just opening the front door and seeing the grand staircase; taking a closer look, however, you would see that the bathrooms, radiators, plumbing and wiring are all decades old and are in desperate need of an upgrade. Not to mention the fire- safety and ADA accessibility issues that need addressed. We are also falling short on study and educational space, as much of the work at Miami now centers around group projects and working together. Forever Alpha $4 Million Campaign Announced, $2.2 Million Already Committed "What can I do to help?" This was the first question Mitch Rales '78 asked when he was approached about the return of Alpha Chapter and the Forever Alpha campaign. His immediate desire to further this historic initiative comes as a result of his powerful Beta experience, his friendships that remain strong today, and the ability for others to benefit as he did. However, Mitch knows it's going to take more than just one person to make an impact. His hope is that every Beta brother will ask themselves the same question: "How can I help?" Much like Beta taught us—give back and pay it forward. That's why after carefully watching the progress of Alpha's return and the campaign, he is offering a challenge to help Alpha reach its $4 million goal. In addition to his $100,000 outright gift, Mitch has agreed to match 20 percent of every new gift (after March 1) up to a $200,000 match! Put simply, if all of our alumni come together to pledge another $1 million, Brother Rales will give an additional $200,000 to help us get even closer to our goal. Donate to Forever Alpha Today and See Your Gift Grow Mitch Rales '78 to Match 20% of Every New Dollar Donated (Continued on page 3) (Continued on page 3) For ever AlphA

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