Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

Beta Theta Pi Society of Minnesota Dinkytown Station-P.O. Box 13225 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Address Service Requested the betA Piper I t's fall again, and a new academic year is upon us. In recent months, we have continued taking action to improve our alumni organization's financial position by consolidating our debts. Back in the spring semester, we completed the refinancing of our first mortgage. We then took full advantage of our relationship with the University of Minnesota Foundation's Greek Loan Program and refinanced our existing loan. With the proceeds—combined with the generous gifts of alumni—we paid for our roof replacement project. At this point, we paid off our short-term loans from various lenders, and we consolidated our debt into two long-term obligations. Although our long-term debt still stands at over $500K, we are in a much better financial situation than we were a year ago. The newfound stability in our finances has allowed us to build a better cash cushion. This allows us to better manage some of the unexpectedly high-cost repairs that come from managing our historic chapter house. As you can read elsewhere in this newsletter, the repairs to the building continue to surface, and they need to be addressed in an urgent manner. We are also preparing to take on additional short-term projects, including some fixes and upgrades to the electrical system in the third- floor bedrooms. Just like last year, the volatile nature of operating a fraternity house during a pandemic looms over us. These repairs and contingency plans are what we are focused on going into the winter months. As a reminder, our organization depends on revenue from two sources: rent from Beta Pi chapter members and alumni donations. We wouldn't be able succeed as a chapter without your help. Gifts of all sizes help us continue our work, so thank you for your support! Yours in __kai__, Jack Liang '13 Treasurer, Beta Theta Pi Society of MN jliang42@gmail.com The socieTy's FiNaNcial PicTure is sTabiliziNg Ongoing Support Is Critical Mystic Shrine O ur summer golf tradition continues! On June 25, we welcomed a band of local Betas to gather again at Keller Golf Course in Maplewood, Minnesota, for a beautiful summer day on the links. Congrats to our winning team, Team Martin, and a big thank-you to all who attended and took the time to donate to our roof project! Another Hole-in-One Event! Team Martin came in first place and took home our new Beta Pi Cup trophy. From left: Peter Hyberger '20, Brad Martin '95, Scott Martin '89, and Bob Martin. Alumni Events Update At the time of publication, it is uncertain when the Beta Theta Pi Society of Minnestoa will host the next alumni event in the Twin Cities because of the ongoing pandemic. We greatly miss gathering together as a broth- erhood and are hopeful to do so by the spring of 2022. Look for further communication from us on when the next event can occur! Happy holidays! Robert P. Johnson '49 passed away on April 28, 2021, at the age of 96. He worked in sales in the printing industry for over 40 years and was very active in his church and Boy Scouts. Bob and his wife, Jean, who preceded him in death, enjoyed spending summers with family at their cabin in Lutsen, Minn., and winters in Dunedin, Fla. Bob is survived by his daughter, Becky (Steve); sons Randy (Supatra), Brad (Peggy), and Charlie (Lisa); and many grandchil- dren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Wallace S. Rogers '51, of St. Anthony Village, Minn., passed away on April 20, 2021, at the age of 92. Wallace was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting and golf, but his happiest days were spent on his boat. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Billie; daughters Leslie (Dave) and Judy (Tom); brothers Lloyd (Pat) and Doug (Jane); grandchildren Jake, Sydney, Jordan, and Samantha; and many nieces and nephews. Robert "Bob" A. Oswald '88, of Saint Paul, Minn., passed away on January 16, 2021, at the age of 55. He was an avid outdoorsman and was happiest when doing what he loved most: hik- ing, backpacking, climbing, and snowboarding. He is survived by his mother, Lucy Oswald; his brother, Tom; sisters Nancy (Lon) and Susan (Larry); and his nieces and nephews.

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