Beta Theta Pi - University of Oklahoma

G a m m a P h i C h a P t e r o f B e t a t h e t a P i , N o r m a N , o k l a h o m a In ThIs Issue: Alumni Support Makes a Difference - 2 • Alumnus Spotlight - 2 • Chapter Officers - 4 BQP WooGliN oN Chautauqua Summer 2021 A s with the rest of the world, 2020-21 will go down as one of the more unusual years at 800 Chautauqua. COVID-19 changed many things. Extensive virtual classes, masks, safe-distancing protocols on campus, etc. Traditional campus events like Homecoming and University Sing were cancelled, as were many fraternity and sorority social events. Even though OU football and other sports events did occur, they certainly weren't the same. On the bright side, while many things changed, other things remained much the same. Despite the challenges, the house still maintained reasonable occupancy in the low 70s. The chapter initiated 54 new members in February. Barn Dance and the traditional barn and festivities happened. Not least of all, Beta routed its rivals with dominating wins in grades in both the spring and fall 2020 semesters, with cumulative GPAs of 3.79 and 3.56, respectively. (Yes, that spring figure is correct. Everyone's grades that semester were inflated due to students being offered the option to accept pass-fail grades in each class.) It seems the one thing we can count on each year is the unexpected. This year, we had a couple of those. In February, a leak developed in the buried gas line serving the house, where it entered at the rear. After several days' service interruption, extensive excavation, and about $30,000 in unanticipated costs, we finally got that fixed. Last fall, we had another challenge, when the October ice storm knocked out power to the house for seven straight days. That experience underscored the house's vulnerability to extended outages, since it's not equipped with a backup generator. Subject to finding the funds, we're hoping to remedy that by installing a generator. Estimated cost is $25,000 to $30,000. Looking forward, we're excited about resuming relatively normal life at the Beta house and on campus this fall. Among other things, we plan to resume our usual football game day tailgate events on a "full normal" basis. Mark your calendars, and we hope to see there! Thanks for your support of Gamma Phi. It truly does make a difference. Yours in -kai-, Zach Allen '85 House Corporation President zach.allen@crowedunlevy.com Expect the Unexpected Gamma Phi House Corporation Helps Chapter Weather the Storms Left: In May, Carol Naifeh, wife of Bob Naifeh '79, presented an American flag to Gamma Phi in Bob's memory. Bob passed away last year due to COVID-19 complications. The flag now flies from the flagpole in front of the Beta house. Right: Graduates from PC 17—congratulations to our newest alumni! Gas line leak excavation behind chapter house.

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