Beta Theta Pi - Michigan State University

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 Summer 2025 J oin us this fall for the 75th founding anniversary of Beta Theta Pi at Michigan State University! The celebration takes place Homecoming Weekend, October 9-11, as the Spartans take on UCLA. Festivities begin Thursday, October 9, with an evening alumni reunion. Friday, October 10, includes a golf outing at Royal Scot Golf and Bowl in Lansing, daytime tours of the new chapter house on Harrison Road, and time to engage with fellow alumni and undergraduates. That evening, we'll host the 75th anniversary reception and dinner with buffet and program at the Lansing Center, including a silent auction. Saturday, October 11, is all about game day! Enjoy pregame tailgating behind Jenison Field House (look for the Beta flag!), cheer on MSU against UCLA (kickoff at noon), and stick around afterward for a lively postgame tailgate and Pig Roast at the Beta house. A great time will be had by all. Block tickets for the football game are available, and discounted rooms have been reserved at the Courtyard Downtown Lansing. Come for some or all of the celebratory weekend! F or Matt Kistler '88, Beta Theta Pi wasn't just a fraternity; it was a foundation. "My connection to Beta began with family," Matt recalls. "Several of my uncles were Betas at different universities, and they strongly encouraged me to rush Beta at Michigan State. They were absolutely right. From the beginning, I felt the strength of the brotherhood and knew I had found the right place." Matt's memories of Gamma Psi are filled with energy and tradition, from recruitment week rituals and EKU weekends to intramurals and social events. "The shared experiences created a bond that's lasted decades," he says. "Gamma Psi shaped me in ways I'm still grateful for today." Beyond the fun, Beta gave Matt real-world tools, leadership, communication, organization, and the value of mentorship and networking. These lessons served him well as he built a remarkable career in brand marketing and business leadership. After beginning in CPG with General Foods, Oscar Mayer, and Kraft, Matt went on to senior executive roles at Sam's Club and Walmart. Today, he lends his experience to a range of companies through advisory and consulting work with firms like SymphonyAI, Bain & Company, and McDonough Innovation. "It's been a rewarding journey leading iconic brands, collaborating with visionary leaders, and helping grow businesses from Fortune 1 giants to startups," he reflects. Matt and his wife, Courtney, a University of Georgia Kappa Alpha Theta, have been married for over 30 years. They have two sons: John (University of Michigan '21) and Will (Washington & Lee University '25). Avid travelers, the Kistlers have explored over 40 countries together. Matt has enjoyed watching his sons compete in fencing and tennis, is "learning" golf, and loves a good meal and great wine with friends. And of course, his Beta friendships remain strong. "Every reunion, every phone call, every toast reminds me that Beta truly is for a lifetime." This fall, Matt returns to East Lansing as the keynote speaker for Gamma Psi's 75th anniversary celebration. "It's a full-circle moment. I'm honored and excited to reconnect with brothers from across generations and make new Gamma Psi memories." Reach out to Matt at matt.kistler@me.com. TO 75 YEARS Gamma Psi to Celebrate Anniversary at Homecoming Gamma Psi 75th Anniversary October 9-11, 2025 To RSVP, contact: Kent Dow '86 kentdow1972@gmail.com | (248) 561-8969 John Scavone '87 (golf only) scavone.joe@gmail.com | (586) 536-8245 (text only) Nicholas Romley '07 romleyni@gmail.com | (248) 505-3700 "Beta Theta Pi continues to be one of the best decisions of my life. I'm proud to be part of Gamma Psi's legacy and even prouder to see how it continues to thrive. Here's to 75 years and many more to come!" SHAPED BY BETA 75th Anniversary Keynote Speaker Matt Kistler '88 Reflects on Brotherhood and Legacy

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