Beta Theta Pi - Michigan State University

2 The Dragon's Wagon A Word from the Beta Tau Alumni Corporation W e have had the pleasure of serving our Gamma Psi alumni for the past five years. Throughout the years, we have faced many difficult challenges and great successes. I am pleased to say that we are exceeding our goals as a board and have a fantastic group of young men back on campus at MSU! As always, we encourage all alumni to get involved and spread the good word of Gamma Psi. Without the countless hours and financial support of our alumni, we couldn't have arrived at where we are today. With even greater support, we can reach our goal of purchasing a chapter house at MSU and reestablishing a prominent fraternity on campus. Now is the chance to give back to the fraternity that has given your life so much. It was great seeing so many of you at Homecoming. If you're ever in East Lansing, feel free to visit the house and meet the active chapter. And, as always, thank you for your continued support of Gamma Psi. Russ Palmer '56, John Burchfield '57, John Dobben '58, and Doug Coulter '56 traveled to East Lansing for Michigan State's Homecoming in October. B Burton Gerber '55 Makes Gift to Preserve Fraternal Experience urton Gerber '55 says that being a member of the Gamma Psi Chapter meant more than just being in a fraternity. It meant joining a group of men who valued education and camaraderie, supporting each other through the ups and downs of college life, letting the good times roll, and sharing the experience of brotherhood. "In those days, Gamma Psi was a brand new chapter, but the fraternity had great spirit and I was really impressed with the men there. It was a true brotherhood." After initiation, Burton served as Recorder for the active chapter his senior year, but had his sights on a career in foreign affairs for the U.S. government. "I knew from a young age that I wanted join the State Department, and therefore majored in international relations. In my senior year, a recruiter for the Central Intelligence Agency got in touch with me. I put in an application, and they hired me a few months later. During my 39-year career with the organization, I was a case officer, recruiting and running agents, and served as chief of station in three communist countries," he said. "To our alumni who have lost touch with the chapter, get back and make contact. You will enjoy the opportunity to learn what Beta is again. It was important to us then and is still important to us now. I look forward to meeting you." When asked about the campaign, Burton said he was inspired to give in recognition of the many contributions the chapter and its members made to his personal development. "My time in Gamma Psi helped me gain confidence, problem-solving abilities, and dealing with people in general. From this, I was able to put myself outside my comfort zone in taking risks, something I encourage our undergraduates to embrace. Take full advantage of this time and use it to learn about yourself. The fraternity gave me the platform to do that and that is why I gave to Gamma Psi." He also was inspired by alumni like Louis Legg Jr. '50, whose commitment to Beta Theta Pi at Michigan State was a true testament to the strength of the brotherhood. "Louis was really devoted to helping the chapter. He became a role model for me and was a great example of what a person should aspire to be as an adult." Some of Burton's favorite memories in the house are working on projects with his Gamma Psi brothers. Events such as Spartacade and Water Carnival, which are no longer on the campus, but were staples of the school during the '50s, hold a special place for him. "There was just a lot of brotherhood formed through that kind of cooperation," he said. "To our alumni who have lost touch with the chapter, get back and make contact. You will enjoy the opportunity to learn what Beta is again. It was important to us then and is still important to us now. I look forward to meeting you." Burton is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University in the security studies graduate program. Along with his late wife, Rosalie, he endowed scholarships at Michigan State, Beta Theta Pi, and Assumption College. Burton is a longtime season ticket holder for both the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Ravens, catching games when he can. He also enjoys watching events at the local theatres and teaching at Georgetown University. You can contact Burton at burton33@msn.com. Visit Us Online Gamma Psi Website msubetathetapi.org Facebook facebook.com./ MSUBetaThetaPi Twitter @Beta_MSU

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