Beta Theta Pi - Miami University

Alpha Slants of BETA THETA PI PAGE 4 W hen Michael Macechko '05 joined Beta, Alpha Chapter was in the early stage of recolonization and the Men of Principle initiative was recently implemented. "I felt like I had a chance to be part of a group that was moving things in a positive direction for Greek life," he said. "It was easy to take pride in each of my brothers, as they are all incredible individuals. I am still filled with pride and honored to be associated with them." Though he only lived in the house for a year, he says it's nearly impossible for him to narrow down a favorite memory, but he can say he's taken the lessons he learned during his collegiate experience into his professional life. "I always felt at home when I got to the chapter house and felt that I was surrounded by family, which was an important thing for someone who had gone to school over 800 miles from home," he said. Being on the executive committee for two years, Mike developed his leadership skills and was well-prepared for his role as chief resident during his family medicine residency. "Beta has served me very well in all aspects of my career," he said. "The lessons continue to influence my leadership style as a faculty member educating the next generation of family physicians." Reflecting on his own fraternity experience motivated Mike to support Alpha Chapter's capital campaign and he assures alumni that any donation, no matter the size, does make a difference on the chapter. "If I can, by giving, provide even a fraction of the experience that I had during my time to the next generation of brothers, I would consider it money very well spent. I think we all could say something similar in regard to our experience with Beta." Mike sees alumni donations as a way to provide the tools and environment necessary to foster a community of friendship and brotherhood. Not to mention, it will pave the way for memories that will last a lifetime for active brothers. "Those that came before helped me create that experience at Miami with Beta," he said. "If I can do something similar for even one brother in this next generation, I will know my contribution has real value." Mike has remained in touch with many of his fraternity brothers and they will forever be a part of his life, including the three brothers he had standing beside him at his wedding. Mike and Merin have two children, Henry and Anna Kate, and live in Fayetteville, Ark. Mike can be reached at macechmd@gmail.com. Dale R. Hines '54 entered Chapter Eternal on September 19, 2017. He and his wife of 54 years, Nancy, had four children, Allen, Kristen, Daniel, and Benjamin, and seven grandchildren. He was a gifted athlete and graduated with his doctor of medicine degree from Northwestern University Medi- cal School. Dale was one of the founding physicians of Hospice of Dayton and will be remembered for his kind and compassionate care. Brothers Tee It Up in Palm Springs F or the second year in a row Rick "Ozzie" Nelson '79 has organized a February golf outing of brothers from 1979 through the early '80s. This year the group played three days of golf in Palm Springs that included 18 holes a day. The primarily Chicago-based brothers get togeth- er on a regular basis throughout the year. The bonds that were forged years ago at 200 East High Street are still as strong as they've always been, if not stronger. Whether it's the August Cubs game, the Bob Gillespie Annual Christmas Lunch, the October golf outing in Chicago, or the newer February outing, the group of Alpha Betas participating in one or more these events continues to grow. Roy C. Ostberg '62 entered Chapter Eternal on March 8 in Ken- ya, following a sudden illness while traveling. Roy and his college sweet- heart, Barbara, had three grown children and five grandchildren. He was a fiercely loyal alumnus and lifelong supporter of Miami University and be- came a partner ophthalmologist in Bloomington, Ill., for nearly 25 years. Even at the age of 77, Roy was an adventurer and traveler. PRIDE IN THE FRATERNITY Michael Macechko '05 Reflects on His Beta Experience CHAPTER ETERNAL Brad McMurchie, a Beta from Whitman College, Bill Frain '82, Mike Pfeiffer '80, Tony Clement '82, Bob Rowan '82, Tom Merrell '82, Jim Mynhier '82, Ozzie Nelson '79, Pete Gilreath '82, John Bailey '80 and Bo Jones '05.

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