Beta Theta Pi - University of Oklahoma

G a m m a P h i C h a P t e r o f B e t a t h e t a P i , N o r m a N , o k l a h o m a In ThIs Issue: Alumni Stand as Stewards - 2 • Alumni Update - 3 • Chapter Keeps Brotherhood a Priority - 3 BQP WooGliN oN Chautauqua fall 2014 Campaign Status At-a-Glance As of November 20, 2014 $9 Million Fundraising Goal $8,532,639 in Total Contributions 468 Loyal Donors 1,849 Mailable Alumni A s the fall semester and football season wind down, we are now in the middle of the renovation and construction of our historic Beta house project. The basement concrete is complete, the steel structure for the new addition is going up, and renovations inside the original house are ongoing. While we have not raised all of the funds to fully pay for this project and the related furnishings, we had to get construction underway so the chapter can move back into the house next fall. As with any construction project, especially one involving an 85-year-old building, there are always challenges that have to be addressed Make Your Own Gift at http://oklahomabeta.kintera. org/donatenow HISTORIC CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY more DoNor PartiCiPatioN NeeDeD and overcome. Fortunately, with help from our architect and contractor, we have been able to find solutions to keep the project on track and moving forward. Decisions have been made to complete additional improvements to the building while the contractor is engaged. As an example, our initial plan did not call for a complete replacement of the roof and all of the windows in the original house; however, while these items will result in additional costs, it seems that now is the best and least expensive time to do these replacements. The features in this project will bring our house closer in line with other facilities that are being built today on the University of Oklahoma campus. PartiCiPatioN NeeDeD In our summer newsletter, we stressed the importance of all Gamma Phis getting involved in this campaign. Since that newsletter hit mailboxes, 51 new donors and $173,580 in gifts have been received. Of our 1,849 alumni, currently 25% have given to the campaign. The average alumni participation rate among Greek chapter campaigns is 25%, but Gamma Phi has never been average. For more than 105 years we have set our sights on excellence whether it be academics, athletics, campus leadership, or housing. However, we are now at the point where we have to make some important decisions about items that will have to be cut from the project if we don't reach our funding goal. More than 460 alumni have made a contribution to this project, and our goal is that we see 400 more rise to the occasion and prove, once again, Gamma Phi is a fraternity that is far above average. We still need at least $1 million in additional giving to complete the project. loyalty aND CommitmeNt Once again we are asking the brothers that have not given to this campaign to make a commitment. Being a Beta takes a certain level of loyalty and commitment. It is great to see young men that are college students at OU taking advantage of being part of Beta. It is also great to return as an alumnus to the house and (Continued on page 3) The basement foundation has been poured for the new addition that will house the study hall and new study rooms. Stud framing is in progress on the second floor of the main house.

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