Beta Theta Pi - Purdue University

3 BETA THETA PI AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY Back row: Jerry Johnson, Chuck Bavis, and Frank Kaufman. Front row: Billy Keller and Steve Longfellow. Dick Buell '72 was honored by President Mitch Daniels (standing next to him) at a Purdue basketball game this spring for his generous donation to the program. S teve Longfellow '71, Chuck Bavis '70, Jerry Johnson '70, Frank Kaufman '71, and Billy Keller '72 share a special bond that no other Beta Mu brother has. In the 1968-1969 basketball sea- son, these five men were members of Purdue's NCAA championship runner's up team, a feat no Purdue team since then has accomplished. ey are celebrating the 50th anniversary of that historic achievement. "Being a part of that team means more and more to me every day," Steve said. "It was so cool to go against the greatest basketball coach ever, Purdue alumnus John Wooden '32. And the support we all received from our fellow Betas was amazing. You always knew where they were sitting in Mackey Arena." Aer all the basketball opportunities Billy had been fortunate to experience—including running basket- ball camps for 37 years in Indiana during and aer his seven years of playing professional basketball with the ABA Indiana Pacers—one of his most cherished mem- ories is being part of the 1969 championship team. "e fun we had, the success we experienced, and the lifetime relationships we developed have made for won- derful memories," Billy said. "Sharing this experience with my Beta basketball brothers is a memory that will be with me forever." Making it to the championship game was a challenge on its own, but winning was a whole separate monster. "We made it to that final game," Chuck said, "but didn't quite have enough for UCLA that day. It was the great- est achievement of my basketball career to be on the 1969 team. Never have experienced such a close-knit family feeling among teammates like that team. We are identified as the greatest team in Purdue history, which is quite a legacy. In my business travel over the years throughout Big 10 country, not a week has gone by where someone hasn't recognized me being from the '69 team." For Frank, being part of that landmark team was an opportunity only few have, but many dream of expe- riencing. And it's no surprise that "these other four characters" are the ones who led him to Beta eta Pi. Coincidentally, these five all had a hand, one way or another, in someone else's membership. Jerry, Steve, and Frank all joined in the fall of 1967, whereas Chuck and Billy were already members. Steve and Jerry consulted each other on the decision to join, but Billy also played a role in recruiting them. Chuck was even influenced by Billy to become a Beta. "Most all the guys on the team who were in the class of '69 or '70 and eligible for recruitment really looked up to Billy and wanted to be around him," Chuck said. "He was involved in my recruitment to come to Purdue and play basketball, so he was a very positive influence on me. As it turned out many other teammates felt the same way." e friendships that were formed through teamwork both on the court and in the house still play an important role in all of their lives. "e great suc- cess we had as a championship team led to many fond memories," Jerry said. "We've had many great reunions over the years both on and off the court, the latest being December 2017." "If I've had any success, it would be attributed to the support of the Purdue coaches and athletic advisors," Frank said. "As for Beta Mu, take pride in the house and Beta's traditions. anks to Brother Bob Hall '72 for his support of the Chapter and our pledge class for the last 50 years, and to Brother Dick Buell '72 for his generous gi to Purdue basketball." Looking ahead, everyone has high hopes for the future of Beta Mu and what's to come from the next genera- tion of Betas. "It was a very rewarding experience for me," Steve said, "and I see it as an amazing opportunity for future Betas attending Purdue." "e experience I gained by being a Beta and a Boiler- maker has helped me to develop the life skills needed to live a productive and competitive life," Billy said. "Fra- ternity life is about living and getting along with others; respecting yourself, those around you, and the house we live in; and being responsible for your own actions. Trying to be a good person is the way I live my life and both Beta and the Boilermakers have been beneficial in helping me follow that path." Billy and his wife live in Noblesville, Indiana, and have two daughters and four grandchildren. Connect with him at bkeller1124@gmail.com. Frank Lives in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and has one daughter and one granddaughter. You can reach him at aufman@ccac.edu. Steve and his wife, Janeen, live in Carlsbad, California, and have two children who are Purdue graduates, and four grandchildren. Connect with Steve at stevelongfel- low@gmail.com. Jerry lives in Knox, Indiana, and can be contacted at jbs2726@gmail.com. Chuck and his wife, Carol, live in Auburn, Indiana, and have two sons and one grandchild. You can reach Chuck at clbavis@gmail.com. Brotherhood On and Off the Court

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