Beta Theta Pi - University of Minnesota

the betA Piper PAge 4 Beta pi has strong reCruitMent, Wins national aWards I want to share with you all the current status of our chapter, our goals moving forward, and what our achievements were over this past year. TWENTY-FOUR NEW MEMBERS, FIVE NEW INITIATES I want to start with the current state of the chapter and what our goals are moving forward. While we are smaller than average, our current chapter is very strong and full of Beta spirit. We have 38 active members in our chapter and we are looking to grow extensively. Five new members were initiated this October, and we are aiming to have 25 more initiated in the spring. While signing 25 men of principle may be ambitious, Chris Page '17, vice president of recruitment, did an excellent job of promoting the men of principle scholarship before the school year started. For the first time in my career as a Beta, we had signed bids before September. In fact, Chris had seven bids signed before the first day of class. His energy and dedication to recruitment streamed down to the rest of the chapter during our formal rush period, and I am proud to announce that we have 24 young men, and counting, ready to learn the ways of Beta Theta Pi. I am confident that we will hit our goal of 25 new members and I am extremely excited about this recruitment class. 176TH BETA CONVENTION Turning to our achievements over the past year, I would like to discuss our awards received during the 176th Convention held in Orlando. Although I was unable to attend, Alex Jobin '17, vice president of communications, was able to take my place and reflects on his experience: "I was fortunate enough to represent the Beta Pi Chapter at the 176th Convention. The chapter was awarded the campus involvement award and the Francis H. Sisson award, one of the most prestigious awards at the convention. Representing the Beta Pi Chapter at the convention once again strengthened my devotion to continue the Beta Pi Chapter's long and proud history. During the convention, I participated in an innovation challenge where groups of delegates analyzed the problems and culture that ultimately led to the Alpha Chapter at Miami University being shut down in 2014. Through this analysis, each group presented their findings and suggestions on how the Alpha Chapter may have avoided the culture that ultimately shut them down. This learning exercise and my other experiences at convention made me excited to share all that I learned with my brothers as we began our 2015-16 school year." As always, we appreciate and rely on the support of our alumni. Thank you. In_kai_, Alex Skoglund '16 President alex.skoglund@gmail.com New members on the front porch. Alex Jobin '16 with the Francis H. Sisson award given to the Beta Pi Chapter this year in Orlando. Members enjoy a recruitment event. Advisory Team Stays Connected to Beta Pi Alumni Encourage Development T he advisory team continues to stay engaged with the members and leadership of the Beta Pi Chapter on a regular basis. An advisor attends each chapter meeting, both to provide any updates and to offer their guidance on issues that might arise. Over the summer, we stayed engaged with our executive committee leaders to set the chapter up for success as we enter another school year. One area of focus has been to encourage the men to address chapter concerns early on, before they become larger issues. Specifically, really challenging the men to create a sustainable culture focused on leadership development and values, while also ensuring to provide a social environment that embraces all of the energy of college. Volunteer Today! While the advisory team works with the undergraduate leadership, the men of the chapter are always looking to connect with the larger alumni group. Ways to get involved include professional networking, socializing at the house, or attending a chapter meeting. Help build a bridge between each brother of Beta Pi. In _kai_, JB Scherpelz '05, Chapter Counselor jbscherpelz@gmail.com Members during the spring Brotherhood Weekend.

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