Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

Spring 2017 Newsletter

Beta Pi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Minnesota

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A P u b l i c A t i o n o f t h e b e t A t h e t A P i S o c i e t y o f M i n n e S o t A the betA Piper SPRING 2017 Alumni Society Enjoys Chapter Successes, Continues Facility Work (Continued on page 4) W e are thrilled to see the chapter enjoying and taking good care of the rejuvenated Beta Pi Chapter house, which reopened in September 2016. The alumni leaders and volunteers of the Beta Theta Pi Society of Minnesota have continued with smaller interior improvements to the house as of late. Now wrapping up their first academic year with the renovated chapter house, the Beta Pi Chapter is riding high and having strong results in membership, academics, brotherhood, and more. This spring and summer, some additional projects are in the works. Outside the house, steel grates are planned for basement window spaces to improve safety, reduce risk of injuries, and increase building security. Landscaping improvements are also planned. Inside the building, a number of ideas are still being evaluated to provide educational spaces, additional comforts, and smaller-scale improvements. In the years to come, additional large renovations are needed for most bedrooms, shared rooms, and the kitchen. However, coming out of the $1 million in renovation costs incurred in 2016, the Housing Corporation is focused primarily at this time on monitoring cash flow and reducing debt during this phase. The current debt owed by our society is $662,970. Between September 2016 and March 17, 2017, we have paid down $148,146 thanks to donations. THANK YOU, brothers! Our society's revenues stem almost exclusively from rent to the undergraduate chapter and donor contributions. With continued strong performance of the Beta Pi Chapter and the steady and generous support of Beta Pi alumni and friends, we will be in a stronger financial position in the years ahead of us. In _kai_, Branden Peterson '05 (612) 963-2989 bp1681@gmail.com The Power of Building Relationships Ricardo Cazarin '86 Attributes Successful Career to Connections in Beta Pi L ike many college students, Ricardo Cazarin '86 desired to form meaningful, lasting connections with like-minded individuals when he attended the University of Minnesota as a freshman. "I wanted to be involved at the University and once I saw the movie Animal House, I was inspired to join a fraternity," Ricardo jokes. "However, what really made Beta Theta Pi stand out from the rest were the members themselves. These brothers made me feel at home and with them, I forged bonds that truly mattered. The University became smaller because I had my Beta brothers." A zealous member, Ricardo wasted no time pursuing leadership opportunities in Beta Pi and was elected as sergeant-at-arms for the chapter. It wasn't just the leadership, however, that helped pave the way for Ricardo in Beta Theta Pi. Ricardo's big brother, Steve Kanner '83, who he describes as "a great person and fun to be around," made a significant impact on Ricardo's Beta Theta Pi experience. Ricardo also cherishes the connection he formed with Tom, who served as the chapter's cook for 16 years. "I loved going back to the house to talk with Tom," he says. Being surrounded by brothers who provided unwavering support and encouragement also inspired Ricardo's professional success. "In the fraternity, I built a set of friends who helped me network and when I started my own company in 1998, my first two or three customers were Beta brothers," Ricardo says. More than 30 years later, Ricardo still makes it a priority to stay connected to Beta Pi as an alumnus and served on the chapter's advising board from 2000 to 2003. He has also maintained close bonds with brothers. "Rollin Thorton '83 is in the process of refinancing my home, since he is a mortgage broker; Pete Thorsen '87 provides employee benefits to my company; and William Madden '86 and I see each other socially," he says. "Learn to be a good friend and keep those relationships forever if you can. They will make your life easier and more colorful." Ricardo also enjoys attending the University's Homecoming game and celebration each year with his daughters.

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