Beta Theta Pi - Oklahoma State University

A NEW ERA BEGINS (From "The Old Green Barn" to the New Beta House...to the "New" Beta House) NEWS Big Red Island Beta Theta Pi at Oklahoma State University / Fall 2017 Think Back. Think Big. Think Beta. I t is commonly known that Delta Sigma was the first social fraternity at what was then Oklahoma A&M College. The Gamma Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi is the direct descendent of The Delta Sigma Fraternity. What can be documented is the fact that The Delta Sigma Fraternity was incorporated in November 1921, and that Delta Sigma became the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi in 1923. On April 25, 1939, The Delta Sigma Fraternity changed its name to "Beta Theta Pi Building Corporation." The Bylaws of Beta Theta Pi Building Corporation provide that each alumni of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Beta Theta Pi is a member of the Beta Theta Pi Building Corporation. As such, each of us is not only a member of Beta Theta Pi, but also a member of The Delta Sigma Fraternity. Gamma Lambda leads the way and we are forever linked to the beginning. On March 11, 1930, The Delta Sigma Fraternity, soon to be known as the Beta Theta Pi Building Corporation, purchased the land located at 1201-7 College Avenue. It would be almost 9 years later in February 1939 that construction would begin on what we now know as the "Old House." But this was not always the case…the Old House was once the New House. In the November 1938 edition of the Gamma Lambda Chapter Peace Pipe, our brother, Otis Wile '28, wrote: On January 27, 1940, the "New" Beta House saw its first residents and on May 11 and 12, 1940, the "New" Beta House was dedicated and "The Old Green Barn" passed to the pages of history. To many of us, the Beta House carries great significance…a place where we came of age and made life-long friendships. For some that occurred over one or two years; for others of us it has been a decades long journey with friendships spanning generations. The Beta House is an enigma from which we have all received more than we could have imagined on the day we signed that infamous pledge card. The Beta House is more than a structure - it is a gathering place where memories are made. Its shape and size little affect the memories we each carry. What was once new is now old. As the life of the Beta House comes full circle - again, it is with mixed emotion that we write. As it was in 1940, an era is coming to a close. In May 2018, "The Beta W e are thrilled to share an excit- ing opportunity for all donors to give this fall. An anonymous donor has stepped forward with a dollar-for-dol- lar matching gift campaign. Under the matching campaign, each new dollar we raise generates a matching dollar. Now the dollars you give will have twice the impact on our campaign. This is truly a unique opportunity for Gamma Lambda. If we can meet this challenge with our own generous commitments, the total amount raised can be twice as much, getting us even closer to the $4 million goal. This is happening and you are going to want to be part of it. We need your support NOW. We challenge you, if you have not pledged to the capital cam- paign, please do so. If you have, please consider more. If you have time to give, please volunteer. If you have given all you can, please spread the call. Time is short and the matching gift opportunity expires December 31, 2017. (Continued on page 2) The current chapter house built in 1940 that will be demolished in May. The first chapter house known as "The Old Green Barn." Campaign Reaches $3 Million Raised "This Homecoming is to be the last in the house we knew as "The Old Green Barn." It is painted white now but you can still get directions to it from any of the older inhabitants. Despite what the younger generation says, the old place still is home to the Betas of another day and you will want one last look at the Beta house. From its tattered "underworld" to the attic dorm where Major Rey's experiment with the infernal machines of destruction, every inch of the old place is shadowy with memories, poignant with traditions and revered as the roof that has sheltered the greatest gang that ever hit a lick for Alma Mater. This Homecoming marks the end of our era, after a manner of speaking. They will hang your picture on a new wall next year in a new house and bridge the gap with the past that was ours; but the fraternity moves on as everything moves on and the abandonment of the old house, we feel, definitely marks the end of our epoch. This isn't intended to make you feel dismal and gray. We of the older school sired this young colt of a frat and it is now ready to run."

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