Beta Theta Pi - Oklahoma State University

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Gamma Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Oklahoma State University

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Michael P. Wright '71 is Proud of the rePutation and tradition of Beta theta Pi NEWS Big Red Island Beta Theta Pi at Oklahoma State University / Spring 2015 COMPETITION ON THE RISE AT OSU A s students become ever-more reliant on technology and the next best thing, it's easy to see who's keeping up with their pace and who is being left behind. Within the past few years, Stillwater has seen an upswing in luxury student housing, both on campus and off. These new buildings are a far cry from the bare-bones brick walls and metal bunk beds many of us were accustomed to. Before the Internet, cell phones, hundreds of cable channels, and video games, students would spend very little time in their rooms, and socializing took place outside of the dorm. Times have changed. Socializing can take place anywhere, and students want to be comfortable doing so. If you were to do a Google search of "Stillwater student housing," the first three results reveal the most popular links. The top result: a luxury apartment complex boasting indoor recreation facilities, a pool, individual bathrooms and wireless Internet. Couple this with the number of new fraternity and sorority houses being built on campus (Alpha Gamma Rho, FarmHouse, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and Sigma Phi Epsilon have all completed or are in the process of completing major renovations), it's easy to see that competition for the student dollar is on the rise. Within the last 10-15 years, the campus climate has changed in regard to freshman housing. Before, it was mandatory for freshmen to live on campus, but now more students are looking at their off-campus options, and they recognize the benefits of both. We also acknowledge that students understand the value of a positive fraternity experience in a top chapter. However, students and parents are demanding more for their housing dollars. As we see the changes made around campus and Stillwater, we are stepping back to evaluate how Gamma Lambda will meet these changes head on. In the meantime, our undergraduates maintain their tradition of excellence on campus regardless of where they live, ensuring the student population knows Betas are men of principle. In _kai_, Beta Theta Pi Building Corporation "Again, the Beta is distinguishable and distinguished from all other kinds of fraternity men whatsoever by just a little warmer and stronger, just a little tenderer and more enduring fraternity feeling than any of them can attain to. For it was always so. I do not in the least know how it happened, nor why it persisted after it happened, but a long time ago there came into Beta Theta Pi a fraternity spirit that was, and is, and apparently will continue to be, unique."—Willis O. Robb A favorite quote of Mike's that he discovered as an active member and still resonates with him today. T he prestige of Beta Theta Pi has been apparent to Mike from the time he went through rush week. He knew he chose the number one fraternity on campus and is proud to say that the chapter today maintains that rank. Mike was thrilled to welcome his brother, Tim '73, into the bond two years later, and years later, Tim's son, Jason '02, began a new generation of Beta pride. He has enjoyed the opportunity to stay connected with the chapter through Jason's involvement and his own volunteer roles. He is proud that the chapter is maintaining top grades, campus involvement, and performing well athletically. Mike challenges the men of the chapter to value one another and the principles of Beta Theta Pi. "Try to live up to the values we talk about during pledgeship and initiation. Aspire to be a Man of Principle. Additionally, spend as much time with your pledge brothers as you possibly can because there will come a time when you can't." While earning a B.S. in accounting, Mike became a leader in the chapter as treasurer and president. He was very involved with intramurals and was a five-time all-university player in football and basketball. After graduation, Mike owned a CPA firm for 26 years, working as a practicing Certified Public Accountant. He ended his career as a partner with a regional firm that had 23 offices in the southwest. After retiring from the firm, Mike joined Edward Jones, where he has worked for the last 17 years. He is a Certified Financial Planner and has assets under care in excess of $250 million. Mike has been very active in his community. He served as chairman of the board of the Denny Price Family YMCA during a $4 million pledge drive to build a new YMCA. He was co-chairman of the Save Vance committee during the 1995 base realignment and closure process where he created the Vance Development Authority, which has been used to complete projects at Vance Air Force Base in excess of $100 million. Mike served as president of Oakwood Country Club, and later was instrumental in convincing the shareholders to demolish the old clubhouse and build a $4 million new facility. He also was the chairman of the board of the Joint Industrial Foundation. Beta Theta Pi has provided Mike with enduring friendships that are just as strong today as they were in college. "I know that I can pick up the phone and call a number of guys and they would be there for me," he said. He believes that the quality of Gamma Lambda today would not be possible without alumni involvement and support. "It's important [for alumni to stay connected] so that the Beta spirit and all that goes with it continues to thrive at Oklahoma State University," he said. "I want to ensure the reputation, tradition, and all the things I was able to take part of as a Beta are there for other men to obtain the same type of experiences." Mike and his wife, Kelley, live in Enid, Oklahoma and have two daughters. You can contact Mike at michael.wright@ edwardjones.com.

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