Beta Theta Pi - Michigan State University

2 THE DRAGON'S WAGON A Chat with Alumni Board Member Frank J. Mercadante '15 Why did you decide to join Beta Theta Pi? Beta was a different idea; it wasn't the run of the mill, stereotypical fraternity. It was elevated above what everyone else was doing. What did your undergraduate experience in Gamma Psi Chapter mean to you? My undergraduate experience in Gamma Psi defined my college experience. The friends and brothers I made as a part of this organization are still my closest friends and family now. When I think back on my time at MSU, all my memories revolve around my Beta family. What is a favorite memory of time spent with your fraternity brothers? That's hard—the list is too long. What I can say is that some of my favorite moments were the hard moments, when we all came together to lift each other up. Was there a specific brother or alumnus who you felt made an impact on your collegiate experience or the chapter as a whole? That's easy: Bob Cantrell '62. Bob was such an integrated part of our chapter and I miss him all the time. He was such a cheerleader for us young guys and believed in us more than anyone. How did the fraternity prepare you for life after college? It taught me how to act, how to be a man, and how to be a good person. It gave me a toolbox of skills that I use every single day. Why did you decide to serve as an alumni volunteer? What goals do you have for the chapter? I wanted to make sure that the young men joining Beta had the same amazing experience I did. Helping guide them has taught me so much about myself and about leading, and it's been a pleasure to see them succeed and grow. Do you keep in touch with any of your fraternity brothers? If so, who and how? Oh yes—I'm getting ready for a weekend away with about 10 of them next week. I talk to many of them on a regular basis. And of course, the Beta group chat is the best place to be during an MSU game. Why do you feel it is important for all alumni to reconnect or stay in touch with the chapter? We have a responsibility to pass on everything we've learned to the next generation so they can do even better than we did—so that they can achieve more. Without that, our legacy and our future could be at risk. I only want the young men of Gamma Psi to have the same amazing experience that we did. What are some highlights from your professional career? I've been lucky enough to be part of some exciting advertising campaigns; one was even the cornerstone of Bud Light's 2020 Super Bowl campaign. Stressful? Oh, yes. But what a feeling to see it on TV that night! To you, what is the secret to success? Keep calm and carry on. Don't get bent out of shape over things—and sometimes, yes, the only answer is getting on with the mundane work. Be the one to get things done and you'll be set. What are some of your hobbies, and what do you do in your free time? I'm a bookworm, an avid cyclist, and I love working out. I'm also usually chasing around my dog, who keeps me on my toes. Frank lives in Macomb, Michigan, and can be reached at mercadante.frank@gmail.com. Thank You, Clint! I want to take this opportunity to thank Clint Rosenberg '98 for his service to Beta Theta Pi over the last 11 years. Clint's drive and determination kept the Beta Tau Alumni Corporation moving forward throughout the process of recolonizing Gamma Psi Chapter. The partnership forged between Clint and Bob Cantrell '62 is one of the biggest reasons our fraternity has prospered. During my time as chapter president, Clint's support was essential to a successful year. Clint cared about the brotherhood and about creating an experience that we could all be proud of. His commitment is a model for leadership, and his efforts have shaped the next generation of Beta brothers. I am grateful for everything that BTAC has done under Clint's leadership, and I am excited to see continued success as Frank Mercadante '15 takes the reins. Please join me in thanking Brother Rosenberg for his enduring service to Gamma Psi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Yours in -kai-, Quin Wetzel '18 Former Chapter President

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