Gamma Psi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Michigan State University
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1507531
T H E I M P A C T O F B E T A F R I E N D S H I P A N D T E A M W O R K John Dobben '58 Reflects on His Beta Days D I D Y O U K N O W J O H N C A N F L Y ? During his senior year at MSU, John joined the Winged Spartans and started flying. He began with a Piper J-3 Cub, later bought a Piper Tri-Pacer, and then moved up to a Beechcraft Bonanza. He has continued flying ever since. John Dobben '58 joined Beta Theta Pi because of the membership and stayed for the friendship. "The impact on my life from the friendships I made at MSU has lasted about 65 years now and, hopefully, will continue for many more," he shared. Of those friendships is one with Doug Coulter '56, with whom John has continued to talk on the phone for many years. A R E W A R D I N G C A R E E R Through Beta, John learned to get along with others, which is a skill he has taken with him throughout his life and career. He is the owner of Dobben Agency LLC, which his father started in 1924. The company sells, services, and covers life insurance needs and does employee benefits planning for businesses. "Being able to keep agents happy and take care of the needs of clients has been a worthwhile experience." In his career, John has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for over 50 years. He also started Central Michigan Insurance Agency LLC, a property and casualty agency. In 2002, Dobben Agency joined with a partner and developed the River Glen Condo Residential Subdivision on a lake on the Southside of Jackson, Michigan. Since then, more than 20 custom- designed homes have been built on the property. John's son, Todd, now runs Dobben Agency and has continued to make it grow in today's very competitive business world. L O O K I N G B A C K John has lasting memories from the time spent with his Beta brothers. One of his fondest was taking a train trip with a bunch of other Betas to the 1956 Rose Bowl—an event that was extraordinarily special to all involved. He also recalls living with his brothers in the Delta Street Beta house and the teamwork it took to obtain a new house. At the time, Betas did not realize just how bad the Delta Street house was. With no funds available, Chapter President Russ Palmer '56 secured a loan from the Beta National Organization and later arranged to sell the Delta house to a firm who wanted to build a gas station on the property. The Betas then moved to Bogue Street on the other end of campus. "This was a major step in the right direction, and everyone benefited from the efforts that Russ (and others) put into moving Beta Theta Pi up in the Greek world," John shared. "The Bogue Street Beta house was a gem! It was right on the Red Cedar River and such a step up from Delta Street. Everyone loved it!" A few years later, the city, university, and road commission decided to build the Bogue Street bridge through the Beta property. With the efforts of the Beta Tau Organization and the then-current members, including Rick Stegmeyer '59 and Bob Cantrell '62, the Betas ended up with a new Chapter House on Grand River Avenue. John shares that over the years, members like Bob, Rick, Keith Loch '86, and Clint Rosenberg '98 have contributed significant time, energy, money, and effort toward the success of Gamma Psi. "We all owe them a huge thank you for all they have done!" You can connect with John at john@dobbenagency.com. THE THE DRAGON'S WAGON DRAGON'S WAGON G A M M A P S I C H A P T E R O F B E T A T H E T A P I Fall 2023 It's hard to believe that another school year is upon us. Despite a difficult year for Michigan State, Gamma Psi has made major strides across the board. Going into the fall, demand to live in Beta's new chapter house is at an all-time high. As we make this new house a home, any donation (financial or physical) is appreciated. Online financial gifts can be made at betamsu.wixsite.com/msubeta; please contact me to inquire about physical donations. With a new year comes new challenges: as we grow and expand as a brotherhood, we need more help than ever to ensure we stay connected on campus and off. We are always looking for brothers who can work with our Alumni Housing Board and Alumni Advisor team. Working with both groups is a deeply gratifying experience, working to develop new brotherhood events, fundraising efforts, and student outreach activities. Thank you to all who joined us at our annual Homecoming tailgate. There is no connection like the one we have as brothers, and I cherish our time together. In -kai-, Frank Mercadante '15 Beta Tau Alumni Corporation President mercadante.frank@gmail.com Supporting Our New Home John Dobben '58 flying his Beechcraft Bonanza plane into the Toronto City Airport. How to Stay Connected to Gamma Psi