Beta Theta Pi - University of Wisconsin

W hen Bob Schnese '83 learned he would receive the Francis W. Shepardson Award—the General Fraternity's highest honor—he was truly humbled to be included among Beta men he sees as visionaries. "When I gave my remarks in Dallas, I wanted to emphasize to undergraduates and alumni alike that it took me 13 years to really figure out what Beta Theta Pi meant to me," Bob explained. "I realized how fortunate I was and that I still had time to accept a prominent role." That epiphany led Bob all they way to a General Fraternity presidency, despite never being a chapter president—he wants fellow brothers to understand that regardless of background, there is always time to serve. NEW BEGINNINGS That's not to say, however, that Bob didn't appreciate what Beta had already given him. He joined Alpha Pi not only for the "awe factor" of the chapter house by Lake Mendota, but for the friends and the serious students he met there as well. Bob would serve as a chorister and pledge educator as an undergraduate, followed by corresponding secretary—this opened his eyes to the size of the Beta brotherhood. Though he appreciated being part of Beta through these roles, he still saw himself as a follower, not a leader. That begin to change when Beta explored building a chapter at UW-Oshkosh, where Bob lived with his family in 1991. Bob, then 31, was their best hope of finding an alumni advisor, which they needed to start the process; he hesitated until Bob Grand, Wabash '78 told him a fraternity saying: "The man doesn't seek the job, the job seeks the man." Bob agreed after discussing the opportunity with his wife, which led him to decades of volunteering with Beta Theta Pi. "Seeing that chapter start was a rebirth for me, watching the brothers wrestle with the issues of the founding process," he said. "Seeing those nine men taught me what being a Beta was about, and I needed to do everything I could to give back." GETTING IT DONE TOGETHER In 2001, Bob joined the Fraternity Board of Trustees, learning from an "all-star team" of alumni over three years. This term as Vice President coincided with Beta's first major capital campaign. He found his way back to the board in 2014, where he was soon nominated for General President. He then had to meet with chapter presidents from across the nation, who ultimately elected him to the office. "They asked some very tough questions, but I enjoyed the process." During his presidency, Bob was proud to help grow the Friends of Beta, a non-affiliated co-ed group that helps the fraternity with mentorship and accountability. He's also proud of helping pass substance-free housing, which the fraternity implemented to prevent tragedies like the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State. To Bob, his service is about working together as brothers of Beta Theta Pi. "We need to aspire to be leaders and to break the barriers we still deal with, whether it's color, religion, or gender." After two consecutive terms as president, Bob stepped down in 2020 and joined the advisory council, where he enjoys working with the board and seeing the fraternity continue to evolve. "Right now, the board already looks so different than when stepped off a few years ago. I'm not looking for a new job for now, but it's nice to be included and still have a voice." WHY GET INVOLVED? Though fraternities face challenges in an ever-changing world, Bob believes that the fraternity experience, particularly Beta, is a wonderful networking experience. Not just professionally, but also to find lifelong friendships and relationships. Beta also instills the value of service, particularly "giving of self," through programs like the Wooden Institute; working with groups like the Boys and Girls Club inspires brothers to volunteer their time, talent, and treasure. Beta also provides people who will support one another through hard times and pivotal moments. It was the aid of caring brothers, for example, that helped Bob decide to stop drinking in 1994. "I would not be accepting the Shepardson Award this year if that hadn't happened." Bob knows Beta has plenty of growth left and hopes he can inspire fellow "late bloomer" alumni to get involved in their own ways. "I'm a blessed man, and Beta has a big part in that," he said. "My luck and gratitude isn't about an award so much as people giving me the opportunity to serve. I hope I'll have those opportunities in the future. THE FUTURE For now, Bob intends to do whatever the General Fraternity and Alpha Pi feels he can help with. He also enjoyed seeing brothers at the chapter house for the celebration in April and looks forward to helping the chapter house grow even better over time. "Beta creates great leaders who can lead far beyond Beta Theta Pi. I'm so proud that Alpha Pi is one of those places, and I hope this great trend continues." To connect with Bob or learn more about his volunteer work, you can reach him at bobschnese@gmail.com. 5 ALPHA PI CHAPTER Never Too Late to Make a Difference Bob Schnese '83 Shares Unique Path to Leadership "Seeing those nine men taught me what being a Beta was about, and I needed to do everything I could to give back."

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