Beta Theta Pi - Oklahoma State University

Think Back. Think Big. Think Beta. 7 Decorations for America's greatest Homecoming. Larry Maguire '65, Steve Walker '83, and Greg Colpitts '87. Phillip Halpern '17, Spencer Risenhoover '16, and Mitchell Draelos '17. Veteran's Day in Stillwater. Tucker Feix '18 and Greg Colpitts '87. Q: Why did you decide to join Beta? A: My brother, Fred '73, pledged Beta at OSU two years prior to my decision. Many times while growing up, I tried to follow in Fred's footsteps. Over his first two years in the chapter, I could clearly see a difference in Fred. He was really happy, energized, and proud to be a Beta. During rush, just watching the Beta brothers together, how they interacted, what they talked about, how they spoke of and related to each other, told me that there was something unique here. Something special. At the time, I didn't understand what drove those relationships and Beta's uniqueness, but I knew I wanted in on whatever it was. Q: What did your undergraduate experience at Gamma Lambda mean to you? A: It meant the world. Those five undergraduate years—four plus a victory lap—served as the most prominent inflection point in my life. Looking back 45 years ago, I can see that Beta shaped me in so many ways that would contribute to a happier life, a successful career, and a recognition of and appreciation for true friendships. Q: If you could relive any memory with your fraternity brothers, what would it be? A: The day I met my entire pledge class. We all gathered down at the Cimarron River. There were plenty of hamburgers, hot dogs, and a group of guys that looked like they'd have less in common than peanut butter and navel lint. There were guys from the big cities and from small towns I'd never heard of like Shattuck, Ringling, and Kremlin. There were jocks, intellectuals, hippies, nerds, type-a's, type-b's, leaders, comics, guys you couldn't get a word out of, and guys who never stopped talking. I remember that day thinking, who in the world are these guys? What have I gotten into? How will this herd of misfits all fit in together? That day, I had no idea that 45 years later, I'd look back on this bag of mixed nuts with such senses of respect, brotherhood, and indebtedness for the impact they, and our experiences together in the Beta house, have had on me and my life. Q: How did the fraternity prepare you for life after college? A: Beta shaped me. Through my experiences in the chapter, I learned and I grew—discipline, confidence and humility, social skills, physical conditioning, work ethic, trust, reliance and having someone's back, true friendship, judgment, leadership. Looking back, Beta was such a gift to someone who lacked and needed development in so many ways. Think about it. Where else in your lifetime, over such a brief window of time, did you grow in so many ways that would benefit you for the rest of your life? Q: What advice would you give to undergraduates or to younger alumni who are early in their careers? A: Undergraduates, keep building the legacy of Gamma Lambda. Embrace the culture of being the best, of differentiating Beta from all others. Participate in everything Beta affords. Participation builds the brotherhood, challenges you individually and unveils talents you may have never realized you had. Welcome and engage every alumnus that ever shows up at the house. And mean it. You need them. Those that follow you will need you too. To young alumni in the early stages of their careers, buy season tickets to OSU football or create some annual reason to get the whole gang back together. Then stick to it. Never miss it. These get-togethers serve as catalysts to keep your relationships with your brothers fresh and opportunities to add new memories to the ones created while you were in the chapter. Give to the capital campaign. Since you are early in your career, stretch out your gift over a few years. Q: Why did you support the capital campaign? A: Along the road, a bunch of guys helped pay for the Beta house that I lived in and gained so much from. It's our turn now. Q: Why should other alumni consider supporting the campaign? A: If we don't, who will? Q: What are some of your hobbies, and what do you do in your free time? A: Hobbies? Volunteering, traveling with family, bass fishing, blue water sailing. Free time? Thinking about what I'll do when I have some. Q: Anything else to add? A: Give back so others can experience what we did. Just like lots of men who we have never met did for us. I thank God I'm a Beta. To contact Pat Kempf '75, send him an e-mail at pkempf@moroch.com. It's Our Turn Now Q&A with Pat Kempf '75

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