Beta Theta Pi - Purdue University

4 RETURN TO DOMINANCE B eta Theta Pi has held a strong place in the heart of Senator Richard G. Lugar, Denison '54, ever since his father, Marvin L. Lugar '26, filled his boyhood with wonderful stories of Beta. When it became his turn to join, Senator Lugar was thrilled at the opportunity. His brother, Thomas '55, followed the family trend when he joined Beta Mu. Over the years Beta has stayed an integral part of Senator Lugar's life as he exemplifies the importance of Beta and Greek life. Beta offered Senator Lugar a tremendous opportunity to exercise leadership as an undergraduate at Dennison. Living in the Chapter House where brothers had to respect each other's rights taught Senator Lugar important political skills. "I learned how to become persuasive, how to make the best case I could for change. It brought me into contact with men who were very frank in terms of their appraisal and criticisms," he said. The Beta Chapter House was just the beginning of Senator Lugar's leadership journey. In his political career, he served as a United States senator, representing Indiana from 1977 to 2013. After leaving office, Senator Lugar created The Lugar Center, a nonprofit organization focusing on nuclear non-proliferation, food security, and other critical issues. His public image has enabled him to be a voice for Beta as a national fraternity. "Greek life offers the opportunity for true brotherhood, and I take great pride in trying to advance their aspirations and listening and learning from them." About 15 years ago, Senator Lugar was the keynote speaker at the Beta National Convention. In his speech he discussed what he had learned from Beta Theta Pi and tried to evaluate why Beta chapters were disappearing from college campuses. Soon after, Beta Theta Pi began the Men of Principle initiative, and as a result of his speech, Senator Lugar was asked to be the spokesperson. He has been happy with the changes Men of Principle has brought to Beta as the organization has regained substantial strength with a greater number of members than any other fraternity. Senator Lugar has a great love of the fraternity and offers his words of support and encouragement to the men of Beta Mu Chapter. "Where there is an outstanding house with a great history, we need to be sure it is prepared for revival and new Betas who will take brotherhood and school more seriously. Raising funds will help create leadership and pride." Senator Lugar hopes that undergraduates make the most of their Beta experience by taking scholarship seriously. "It is very important to learn how to have respect and deep friendship with other men. It is not pleasant being a lonely scholar. Give support to those with strong aspirations. Learn to be persuasive, have ideas, and be able to follow through on them." While splitting his time between Washington, D.C., and Indiana, Senator Lugar finds time to stay close with Beta brothers. He also runs the Lugar farm in Marion County with his son, Bob, where they plant hardwood trees and 600 acres of corn and soy. Other favorite pastimes include music and reading. SENATOR RICHARD G. LUGAR, DENISON '54, REMAINS DEDICATED TO BETA Scholarship Program Established A comprehensive scholarship program has been established for the new members. The purpose of the program is to help recruit the best talent on campus and reward them for performance that Beta Mu holds in high regard. With assistance from a major endowment funded by John Merrell '51, the program will be a major step forward in the recolonization process. All undergraduate brothers will be eligible on a yearly basis for this scholarship with the following guidelines: • $300 for GPA 3.0 or greater • Additional $300 for GPA 3.25 or greater • Additional $300 for GPA 3.50 or greater • Additional $300 for GPA 3.75 or greater • $150 for participation in philanthropy projects 15 hours or greater • $150 for participation in any Beta Theta Pi leadership training course above those required. Total possible scholarship: $1,500 In the future, active participation in the recruitment process will also be incorporated into the equation." The scholarship program will be an effective tool in our "Return to Dominance." For more information contact Tom Hoover '82 at Thomas.C.Hoover@delphi.com. ConneCt with Beta mu online : http://purduebeta.com F Facebook: Beta Theta Pi - Purdue University L Twitter: @Purdue_Beta

• Cover