Beta Theta Pi - Oklahoma State University

Think Back. Think Big. Think Beta. 3 G ifts in-kind are charitable giving in which, instead of giving money to buy needed goods and services, the goods and services themselves are given or significantly discounted. In-kind gifts of services and building materials for Gamma Lambda's Think Back. Think Big. Think Beta. campaign are greatly appreciated as those gifts will help us reach our $4 million fundraising goal. In-kind assistance can benefit us when we go shopping for financing for our short-term and long-term needs for our house. To avoid any difficulties or misunderstandings, Beta has developed guidelines and policies regarding potential in-kind gifts. The Beta Theta Pi Building Corporation will have the final authority to accept or reject any of these gifts. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Hammack '66 at (405) 760-7792 or dr_jim_hammack@yahoo.com or Greg Colpitts '87 at (918) 747-9747 or greg@colpittslawfirm.us. The Importance of In-Kind Gifts Rebuilding a Legacy for the Next Generation of Gamma Lambdas Stan Strong '63—Why I Gave S tan Strong '63 joined Beta Theta Pi during a bright point in the legacy of the Gamma Lambda Chapter. "As I recall, my 1959 pledge class was the largest in chapter history. Over the next four years, the chapter was very successful in academics, sports, and campus activities." Stan reflects fondly on his undergraduate experience, graduating with an industrial engineering degree, and marrying his sweetheart, Kathy Savage, the day after graduation. Life after OSU was good to Stan and Kathy. Stan pursued an MBA from the Harvard Business School and spent 35 years working for Exxon, finally retiring as the Controller for the Exxon Chemical Company in 1999. His daughter, Melissa, lives in Doha, Qatar, and his son, Kirk Strong, Vanderbilt '91, lives in Atlanta, Ga., and shares the Beta brotherhood. In his retirement, Stan splits his time between his homes in Houston, Texas, and in Cashiers, N.C., and plays golf as often as possible. Beta Theta Pi has always been important in Stan's life, which is why he, like most alumni, was saddened when the chapter lost its charter after falling on hard times. "A few years ago, several of us from my generation met in Santa Fe, N.M., for a reunion. During the reunion, a representative from Beta National met with us and said they could easily recolonize the chapter." Though Stan admits he was skeptical at first, he was willing to listen and support the efforts in whatever way possible. "It didn't take long before the chapter was recolonized, thanks to the implementation of the Men of Principle concepts." Stan is beyond proud of where the chapter has been and the exciting new places it's heading, which is why he encourages alumni to get involved in the Think Back. Think Big. Think Beta. campaign. "I'm a long way from Stillwater, but it is clear the chapter is thriving. They make us all proud to say that we are Oklahoma State Betas." E-mail: stanlstrong@earthlink.net Keystone Conference leadership from left to right: Mitchel Williams '20, Parker Brock '19, Chase Colvin '15, Jody Vivion '09, James "JJ" Cantrell '19, Reed Lemons '19, Harrison Pierce '19, Will Fowler '19, and Nathan Moore '20. B efore Men of Principle, Beta didn't offer leadership training to chapter brothers. Officers were elected on what our perceptions were of a person's leadership skills. Often, we did a good job as elections rolled around, and sometimes, maybe not so good. In virtually all situations, leadership abilities were built in an on-the-job environment. Under Men of Principle, Beta has taken massive strides in developing leadership training courses that have a major impact on the self-governance of our chapter houses. The focus is on chapter officer development and principled leadership. Today's programs include the Keystone Conference, the President's Academy, the Leadership Summit, the Wooden Institute, the Housing Summit, Cornerstone workshops, and seminars within the annual General Fraternity Convention. For Gamma Lambda to be a candidate for the coveted Knox Award, we must send one brother to the President's Academy, eight brothers to Leadership Development Keystone, which includes eight officers that comprise the executive officer team, one brother to the General Convention, and eight brothers to other leadership programs offered. Attendance at the President's Academy is required by all chapter presidents and includes three days of intense personal development. Self-governance exemplifies that a chapter identifies areas of need and takes action upon violations of ideals and policies. If a chapter cannot handle problems internally, external forces such as the university, the General Fraternity, or local alumni must intervene, resulting in an unpleasant situation for all parties involved. These best practices by our General Fraternity explain why our chapter leadership is so strong. With these award-winning resources in leadership, Beta's programs have now become the envy of the interfraternal world and a centerpiece of the organization's culture. Yours in_kai_, Jody Vivion '09 Chapter Counselor Why Is Chapter Leadership So Strong Today?

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