Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

the betA Piper PAge 2 M ark Schneider '64 was first introduced to Beta Theta Pi by a Beta friend. When he went through formal recruitment, he felt comfortable with the men of Beta Pi and appreciated the strong sense of brotherhood he observed there. To Mark, it was a clear choice to join Beta. During his time at Beta, Mark learned about the enduring value of brotherhood and dedication to a common cause. He was involved as an undergraduate and served as pledge master. He has carried that dedication throughout many activities, finding a brotherhood in each, which has further motivated his involvement. Mark graduated with a bachelor's in biology. He then continued his studies in graduate school at the University of Oregon, majoring in fish physiology and biochemistry. Five years later, with a master's degree and a Ph.D., he began his 40-year career. His first employer was Battelle Northwest Labs at the Hanford project in eastern Washington, where he managed a group of research biologists. In 1978, Mark took a position with the Lockheed Marine laboratory addressing Pyramid Lake fisheries near Reno, Nevada. As that contract neared completion, Mark moved his family back to the Pacific NW and took a position with the congressionally mandated Power Planning Council, writing a plan to restore salmon runs in the Columbia River. The implementer of the plan was Bonneville Power Administration. A final job change took Mark to a position with the National Marine Fisheries Service and water quality issues associated with the hydroelectric system on the Columbia and Snake Rivers of the Pacific NW. Mark began scuba diving at age 15 and was an avid diver most of his life, completing over 2,000 dives until he stopped in 2008. He enjoyed diving recreationally, spending weekends in Puget Sound with his friends. "There is a very special kind of Brotherhood that forms between serious divers. Because of my profession in fisheries biology, it became a very useful tool in some of the studies I was involved with." One activity where Mark has found a "second" brotherhood is the unlimited hydroplane races, where he began as a rescue diver. As the years passed, Mark became more involved with the management of the Columbia Cup boat race. Throughout 55 years, he only missed one race on the Columbia River. From 2003-08, he served as the director of safety and rescue on the American Boat Racing Association and had the opportunity to travel to all the unlimited hydro races around the country. While he is no longer a diver, two years ago the current rescue team invited him to the races as an honored Key Personnel member of the team he helped form in 1973. Mark had an awesome time and was thrilled to be invited again this year. Now retired, Mark remains busy with his passions. The centerpiece of one passion is a 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8, purchased from the original owner in 1970. He drives his car often and is a part of local clubs, as well as serving as treasurer on the board of directors of the Austin-Healey Club USA. Mark is a serious student of the guitar. He started playing as a teenager and now plays every day and takes lessons from a Grammy- winning instructor. As a photographer, he likes photographing local sports car racetracks and boat races. "It's a real challenge of being in the right spot at the right time to catch images of fast cars, racing airplanes, or hydroplanes." Mark and his Alpha Gamma Delta wife, Marilynne, have been in love for many years. They have a daughter, son (a Sigma Chi), and four grandkids. His twin granddaughters are sophomores at the University of Oregon and are both involved in Greek life. One of his grandsons is a Sigma Chi and works as a headhunter. His other grandson is a firefighter, EMT, and paramedic. You can connect with Mark at marksbj8@gmail.com PURSUING PASSIONS Alumni Spotlight: Mark Schneider '64 on His Many Hobbies William "Bill" Madden '47 passed away on February 25, 2025, just shy of his 100th birthday. A lifelong St. Paul resident, Bill graduated from Cretin High School, served as a Navy officer in WWII, and enjoyed a 42-year career at 3M. He married Beverly in 1951 and shared 40 wonderful years before her passing. Bill was an avid golfer, bridge player, and letter writer known for his gentlemanly charm. He was a dedicated member of chapter and will be dearly missed. Harold "Hal "Wylie Jr. '51 passed away on April 7, 2025, at age 95. Hal graduated from The Blake School and the University of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Air Force before a 32-year career at Timex, retiring in 1992. A passionate singer, Hal helped found the Connecticut Choral Society and performed locally and internationally. He was devoted to community service, earning the James J. Clark Memorial Award and the Bernard Rosenberg Award. Hal was a deacon and active member of North Congregational Church. Floyd Wendell Hagen '60 passed away on July 18, 2024, at age 87. Floyd earned his aerospace engineering degree from the University of Minnesota, where he met his beloved wife, Jacquie. He worked at Rosemount Engineering/BFGoodrich for 39 years, holding 30 U.S. patents. A proud member of the Eden Prairie Lions Club since 1976, Floyd also volunteered with VOSH, distributing eyeglasses internationally. He began running marathons in his mid-30s, completing at least 25. Floyd was active in The Friendship Force, Immanuel Church, and more. He welcomed all his visitors with an enthusiastic "Welcome to my humble abode." Our Mystic Shrine

• Cover