Beta Sigma Psi - Purdue University

BETA RAYS A PUBLICATION OF BETA SIGMA PSI AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY WINTER 2022 T he Vision Ad Astra fundraising campaign for our beloved Beta Chapter is still ongoing, and we are in need of additional gifts. Current giving stands at over $65,000, meaning we are approximately two-thirds of the way to our giving goal. As you hopefully know by now, these funds will be used to undertake some long- overdue maintenance to the Chapter House and make other improvements. Early projects to be completed include the installation of much-needed central air conditioning. Many have already expressed their willingness to be part of this effort to ensure the future of Beta Chapter of Beta Sigma Psi. We want to remain a place at Purdue where young, Christian men can grow spiritually, scholastically, and socially to become servant leaders in our families, communities, and society. Many have already come forward and delivered their contributions, and we are so grateful for that. If you haven't already made a gift, please step up and accept the challenge. We ask that you prayerfully consider this opportunity to pay it forward and do the same as so many of those who have sacrificed for us in the past. Please reach out to others from your era to join us in this critical mission. While we are continuing our Vision Ad Astra fundraising efforts, please be aware that the annual Phonation will be happening around the time you receive this newsletter. Donations via the Phonation are unrelated to the campaign and go directly to fund the Educational Foundation. Either way, any donations you make will help your brothers in Beta Sigma Psi. Contributions to the Vision Ad Astra campaign can be made via mail by send a check to: Lafayette Alumni Chapter of Beta Sigma Psi P.O. Box 2081 West Lafayette, IN 47966-2081 Donations can also be made via the giving link at http://www.beta.betasigmapsi.org or by scanning the QR code to the right: Fraternally, The Lafayette Alumni Board T wo years ago, David Shaw '83 received a phone call from Beta Sig's facilities director, Mark Kramer '80. Knowing David's educational background in landscape management and design, Mark reached out to see if he would be interested in giving the Chapter House an upgrade. "I was very interested in the prospect," David said. "I ran up to the house one afternoon to assess the condition and come up with a plan. Mark and I hashed out ideas, made tweaks, then gave the proposal to the board for their seal of approval for the project." Once they were granted permission from the board, Mark began to work his "fundraising magic," as David called it. With high optimism to begin the project, they gathered volunteers and scheduled the event. Unfortunately, COVID-19 had other plans. With the pandemic creating uncertainties and safety concerns, they postponed the project for over a year. "This past spring, the stars finally aligned! We completed the project with the help of some awesome alumni volunteers and a great group of active members," David said with joy. As David reflects, he realizes how transformative this experience was for him. Reconnecting with alumni, taking a trip down memory lane, catching up with brothers he hadn't seen since graduation, and witnessing the current state of the Chapter reminded him of how rewarding the fraternal experience is. "When I had my two sons, Conner and Collin, I focused my energy on my family and my business, which resulted in a loss of focus on the importance of staying involved as an alumnus. Receiving that call from Mark to get involved in the landscape project was kind of a wake-up call that peaked my inner Beta Sig." 100 Days for the Next 100 Years Vision Ad Astra The More He Gives, the More He Gains Landscape Manager David Shaw '83 Reflects on the Power of Brotherhood David Shaw '83 enjoying an evening in Bradenton, Florida, this past spring with his wife, Tracy, and sons, Collin and Conner. (Continued on page 3)

• Cover