Beta Theta Pi - Oklahoma State University

Big Red Island NEWS 4 putting lipstick on that pig for years now. And regardless of the housing provided for our brothers, the young men that have been in the house since 2001 have done remarkably well as a chapter and I couldn't be more proud to call myself a Beta. For the chapter to continue to be the top fraternity on campus, we will need better housing to compete with the University housing and other fraternities on campus. If not, then Gamma Lambda will be at a disadvantage in recruiting the top young men coming to OSU. That is how we were able to be so successful since 2001, by only recruiting the top young men that make us all proud to be a Beta." Former President Chris Roy '07 conveys his appreciation to alumni and the Building Corporation for looking at our housing needs. He is "as excited as ever to see what the future holds for Gamma Lambda." Chris also tells us about being "rushed" by the Betas and his experience as an active brother. He says, "I knew several active members and alumni of each of the fraternities that heavily rushed me after graduating from high school during the summer of 2003, except for Beta—I only knew one member. Nonetheless, Beta and I pursued each other. I honestly didn't foresee Beta ending up among my top choices and I didn't expect to be among their top recruits either since I had stronger ties to other houses. It didn't take meeting more than a handful of active Betas for me to fall in love with what Beta represented, recognize the fellowship the guys shared, and realize that I wanted to be a part of it all. I had a unique opportunity to personally influence what the Beta experience would mean to me as chapter president, what MoP would mean to Gamma Lambda, and what Beta Theta Pi would mean to Oklahoma State University. We were like greenhorns on a virgin ship in uncharted waters, but the prospect of being directly involved in such an integral part of Gamma Lambda's new life was exhilarating! I wouldn't realize until later in my college career that my joining Beta in its recolonized infancy magnified the adage: 'you get out what you put in.' As I reflect back, I'm unable to adequately articulate the joy, honor, and appreciation I have for the time I spent at 'Little Beta' and the Big Red Island. The stories and memories will be with me forever! Save asking my now-wife on our first date, joining Beta was the best decision I made at OSU." Former President Ben Marshall '12 gives us his thoughts on his Beta experience and insight into our future challenges. "Beta gave me an ideal foundation for my college career. Enrolling at OSU from out of state, I was immediately engaged with a group of guys that invested in me in a university in a uniquely genuine way. The structure and involvement that Beta expected of its members helped establish a productive work ethic and high expectations for me. Most importantly, Beta created a core of opportunities that pulled me into relationships with other talented, driven, and authentic young men. These guys played significant roles in creating the fond memories I have of Oklahoma State, and I'm proud to still call many of them my closest friends. During my time at Beta, all of our members understood that we were inheriting a fraternity that had a longstanding reputation for success and high character. We felt a responsibility to preserve that through the careful recruiting of the best incoming young men we could find. As Beta moves into the future, the physical assets that the fraternity can use to attract these men are crucial tools in the hands of our recruiters. Leaving them with housing that is well past its prime puts our brothers at a distinct disadvantage to many other houses, who are aggressively marketing their new facilities. It is a growing challenge to convince recruits to see past the house and into the finest fraternity experience that OSU has to offer. Please consider the house as we collectively hope to pass on the outstanding Beta tradition that we all treasure." Former President Blake Choisnet '12 shares what Beta has meant and still means to him, and also what challenges he sees ahead for Gamma Lambda to stay competitive. "Pledging Beta was the best decision I made in college. My experience in the fraternity taught me leadership skills that I otherwise would not have had an opportunity to develop and has connected me with a community of brothers that continue to be my best friends. Beta stood out to sororities, campus leadership, Greek leadership, and student body leadership as a house that prioritized and celebrated integrity, character, and respect. We made a point to choose the right action over the easy one, exhorting one another to be better men tomorrow than we were today. As a Gamma Lambda, we know where we've been as a fraternity. We've seen the challenge of a house shutdown and have come out the other side with a top-tier OSU fraternity that is the envy of other fraternities on campus in every honorable area. But the reality is that when we recruit new men of character, integrity, and respect, it's difficult for us to convey the excellence of our fraternity with an aging physical structure. Though the quality of men does not fade, entropy will continue to run its course on our house and serve as an inhibitor to recruiting future Betas. New college students are looking at their upcoming college experience as a new start with new opportunities, and placing an aged structure on their eyes as the place they'll start this new journey doesn't seem to line up. In order to recruit and develop the future leaders of OSU, the house should be thoughtfully considered as an investment with the opportunity to yield high returns. These returns are not pledge class sizes, house shows won, or intramural trophies, but rather men of integrity whose character stands firm for long after walking in cap and gown, seeking to make better men and women out of those with whom they interact." Reflections and PeRsPectives fRom foRmeR PResidents (Continued from page 3) 1939 1955 The original Beta four in 1955, from left: Bob Hill '59, Bill Thompson '59, Larry Blake '59, and Bryan Duke '59. 1964 Chapter secures first place in "Miles Outlandish" in the 1964 Varsity Revue.

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