Beta Pi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Minnesota
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1302820
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 FALL 2020 CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF BETA PI MAINTAINING A SAFE HOME FOR BETA PI Brothers Navigate the Pandemic Together I n these unusual times, the Housing Corporation's work to support the chapter and house continues unchanged. New challenges have arisen, and efforts are underway to improve our financial position. FALL HOUSING PROCEDURES Starting last spring and continuing into this fall, alumni have been maintaining close contact with chapter leaders to ensure we are supporting the health and well-being of the brothers living in or visiting the chapter house. The house has remained open throughout this period, and while some live-in members have moved home or to other locations, many have remained there while taking online classes and completing internships virtually. In summer, the lack of air conditioning across the building was a larger issue than normal, as the men remained in the house more hours of the day. The active chapter has followed guidelines from the General Fraternity, the U of M, and the CDC to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep members safe. Procedures at the house include regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, increasing awareness around social distancing and hygiene, and quarantine protocols in the event a live-in member has a confirmed case of COVID-19. Additionally, this August a commercial cleaning team was contracted to perform a deep clean of the common areas, bathrooms, and kitchen. CHAPTER HOUSE ROOF ASSESSMENT Over the past year, the Beta Pi chapter house has experienced infrequent water seepage that is originating from the roof. Since the leaks were originally discovered, several repairs have been performed to address various individual areas of concern. To get an overall assessment of the state of the roof, the Housing Corporation recently brought in a commercial roofing contractor. We also gained an estimate for the measures needed to solve these issues on a long-term basis. Our group will be reviewing this proposal and making a decision about how to proceed and ensure that the house is protected from future leaks and other water-related damages. UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, NO ALUMNI EVENTS Out of concern for our brothers, the society will not host any indoor alumni events until further notice as we collectively live through the COVID-19 pandemic. In the spring, we canceled plans for the spring banquet. We certainly will not host a holiday dinner in December. We hope you and your loved ones stay in good health during these challenging times. Yours in _kai_, Branden Peterson '05 Beta Theta Pi Society of Minnesota branden@betathetapisocietymn.org Remembering Charlie Cunningham '49 T he Beta Theta Pi Society of Minnesota is saddened to share the news that Beta Pi alumnus and Beta Theta Pi supporter Charlie Cunningham '49 passed on to Our Mystic Shrine on July 6, 2020. As we remember Mr. Cunningham, our organization will forever be thankful for the contributions and enduring impacts made to our Beta Pi Chapter and Beta Theta Pi. Charlie was also a generous supporter of the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Orchestra, and other civic organizations. In 2014, he made the largest gift ever to the Beta Pi Chapter. After his years at the University of Minnesota, Charlie had a long and successful career spanning more than 40 years at West Publishing in St. Paul. In 1959, Charlie married Kathy Nelson of Minneapolis, and they enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. Charlie had a lifelong interest in Gophers athletics. He and Kathy were passionate fans of Gopher basketball, hockey, and football. Following the musical interests of his wife, Charlie and Kathy enjoyed attending Minnesota Orchestra concerts, holding season passes for many decades; they even traveled with them on a few overseas tours. Charlie and Kathy were active members of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Minneapolis. (Continued on page 2)