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 Donors - 2 • A Force to Be Reckoned With - 3 • Memorials and Bequeaths - 4 • BΘΠ Foundation of Oklahoma Awards Scholarships - 4 BΘΠ WooGliN oN Chautauqua Summer 2022 S upport from others can drastically change the trajectory of our lives. Whether we receive support from an educator, community members, or a brother, we are given an opportunity to pursue our dreams, pave a path for our personal endeavors, and make an impact on those around us. Thomas H. McCasland Jr. '55 has always recognized the influence that a support system can have, so he sought out the ultimate support system—a brotherhood. "Gamma Phi Chapter has a good history and reputation. As I look back, the fraternity and its men are everything they stand for, and that's what made it right for me," Tom explained. Since joining Beta Theta Pi, Tom has made lifelong friendships that he wouldn't trade for anything. "If you are having a discussion with a fellow brother and telling them how important the role of Beta has been in your life, more often than not they agree. There are a few exceptions, but it's widely known that this organization creates driven and generous men." In addition to the fraternity having a respectable community, Tom shared, "There is a large number of men in the fraternity who ended up on top of the heap, professionally and so on. So, that has been a source of pride; and from time to time, this has also been a source of professional assistance from a business standpoint." Being surrounded by professionalism from both the fraternity and his father, from whom he inherited his family's oil business, Tom has found himself on a virtuous path in the business world: "I consider myself to have been pretty successful in my career. From a business enterprise perspective, I am proud to have tried to assist and provide tools for underrepresented groups." As part of his career, Tom is determined to pursue good for mankind. "Adding to the space that I inherited has been especially gratifying," Tom began. "I created the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, which has grown to be a prominent element in the world of nonprofit organizations." The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma assists smaller cities and their nonprofit organizations that may be too small to create a support system amongst themselves. Because of his involvement and unwavering dedication to the fraternity and Oklahoma, Tom was awarded the Alumnus of the Year Award from the chapter. "I guess everyone appreciates recognition," Tom acknowledged. "I have always tried to help make the leading Beta projects be successful. In turn, this helps the entirety of the fraternity remain successful." In earlier days, Tom enjoyed staying active in sports, flying, and fishing. "On the other hand, my wife of 65 years enjoys the more sedentary activities, so we now enjoy playing bridge and going to performing arts productions. I always love spending time with my wife," he shared. "I also like to play the stock market. Who doesn't like making money?" The Joy of Doing Good for Others Thomas H. McCasland Jr. '55 on Why He Gives Back CHAPTER OFFICERS Chapter President Ethan Foley '24 Vice President of Risk Management Luke Wilson '24 Vice President of Brotherhood Zach Tovy '24 Vice President of Education Hayden Hodo '24 Vice President of Recruitment Justin Carmichael '24 (832) 808-1886 justin.k.carmichael-1@ou.edu Vice President of Adminstration Caleb Olson '24 Vice President of Finance Cade Russell '24 House Manager Brett Akin '24 Social Chairman Jackson Beall '24 Scholarship Chairman Kyle Renton '24 Ritual Chairman Drew Peregrin '24 Alumni Relations Chairman Patrick Smith '25 Service and Philanthropy Chairman Stephen Collins '24 Tom receiving the Alumnus of the Year award, presented by Robert Beall '80.

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