Veteran political correspondent Howard Fineman, Colgate ’70, who for nearly 40 years covered political affairs in the nation’s capital for Newsweek, NBC/MSNBC and other outlets, died from pancreatic cancer this week at the age of 75.

A native of Pittsburgh, Fineman attended Colgate University where he was initiated into Beta Theta Pi on March 18, 1967. He later earned a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University in 1973, as well as a law degree from the University of Louisville in 1980.

He began his journalism career at The Louisville Courier-Journal, covering the environment, coal industry and state politics before joining the newspaper’s Washington bureau in 1978. He moved to Newsweek in 1980, was named chief political correspondent in 1984, deputy Washington bureau chief in 1993 and senior editor in 1995. His work helped Newsweek stand out at a time that many people consider a golden age for newsmagazines. Fineman left Newsweek in 2010 for The Huffington Post, where he became senior politics editor and later global editorial director.

Remembered as one of the country’s most astute observers of the Beltway scene, his writing was also featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The New Republic, while he made regular appearances on TV news programs like Nightline, Face the Nation, Larry King Live, Fox News Sunday, Hardball, Charlie Rose, PBS’s Washington Week in Review and CNN’s Capital Gang Sunday. Over the years, he interviewed nearly every U.S. presidential candidate; business leaders such as Bill Gates, Steve Case, Steve Ballmer, Robert Rubin and Ted Turner; and entertainment personalities such as Warren Beatty, Jane Fonda, Aaron Sorkin and Jay Leno.

For his professional accomplishments, the Fraternity bestowed upon Fineman the Oxford Cup in 2007. His moving acceptance speech brought the room to tears and his love for Beta Theta Pi endured throughout his life.

May Brother Howard Fineman, Roll No. 1194 of the Beta Theta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.

A modest and effective leader, Frank Shrontz, Idaho ’53, quietly rose to the heights of the corporate world, and yet during his lifelong career with Boeing always found time to support Beta’s Gamma Gamma Chapter and pursue nationwide efforts to improve K-12 education.

One of six Idaho Betas – including his father, Thurlyn 1921; uncle, Orville 1927; and three sons, Craig ’78; Rick ’81; and David ’83 – Frank was commissioned into the U.S. Army in 1953 and served two years on active duty before joining Boeing in 1958. In 1973, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for installations and logistics, and in 1976 he became Assistant Secretary of Defense. He rejoined Boeing in 1977, holding several vice president roles before becoming the company’s president in 1985, CEO in 1986 and chairman in 1988. Under his tenure, he oversaw three of the company’s busiest programs, the 707, 727 and 737 jetliners. In addition to holding a seat on Boeing’s board until 1997, he also served at various times on the board of directors of Boise Cascade Corporation, 3M Company, Chevron Corporation and the Seattle Mariners baseball club.

For these accomplishments, the Fraternity awarded Shrontz with the Oxford Cup – Beta’s highest honor for professional achievement – in 1999.

Shrontz was a servant leader at heart. He was vice chairman of the New American Schools Development Corp., a nonprofit formed to support “break-the-mold” school designs, and chairman emeritus of the Partnership for Learning, which aims to increase awareness of Washington state’s efforts to raise academic standards in public schools. A former Beta chapter president, he never forgot his brothers and became a major benefactor of both his Gamma Gamma Chapter house and the Beta Foundation.

May Brother Frank Shrontz, Roll No. 693 of the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.

Bruce Nordstrom, Washington ’55, the revered businessman and former chairman of Nordstrom Inc., passed away May 18 at the age of 90.

Bruce grew up in Seattle and attended the University of Washington where, following in the footsteps of his father and two uncles, on April 7, 1952, he was initiated into the Beta Omega Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. The grandson of John W. Nordstrom, a Swedish immigrant who founded what was originally a shoe store in 1901, he joined the family business in 1958 after serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Bruce became the president of Nordstrom Inc. in 1963 and later served two stints as chairman (1968-1995, 2000-2006). Under his leadership, Nordstrom expanded from a regional chain to a national powerhouse famous for its exceptional customer service and expansive selection of high-quality fashion. He was awarded the Oxford Cup – the Fraternity’s highest honor for professional achievement – at the 161st General Convention in 2000.

Bruce was also a generous philanthropist, championing causes like education, healthcare and the arts. His family’s contributions have left a lasting impact on many institutions, including decades of support of the Beta Foundation via the Beta Leadership Fund and as a major gift donor to its capital campaigns. “Loyalty and pride may be the two things I believe in most,” Bruce once insisted. “I’ve always been proud to say I work at Nordstrom, and I’ve always been proud to say I’m a Beta.”

Remembered for his compassion, humility and unwavering commitment to his family and community, he was married for 25 years to his Beta Sweetheart, Fran, before her passing in 1984, producing three Washington Beta sons – Blake ’82, Peter ’84, and Erik ’85 – and numerous grandchildren. The Fraternity boasts 10 proud Nordstrom Beta alumni in all. He remarried in 1988, now leaving behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Jeannie.

May Brother Bruce Nordstrom, Roll No. 859 of the Beta Omega Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.

In 1944, Donald Petersen, Washington ’46, enrolled at the University of Washington while concurrently serving the U.S. Navy during World War II. In a matter of just two years, he joined Beta Theta Pi (initiated October 15, 1944; Roll Number 651), earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and married his Beta Sweetheart, Jo Anne. After graduation, he received his MBA from Stanford University and attended boot camp and basic training for the Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War from January 1951 until June 1952.

Beginning in 1949, Petersen spent 41 years with Ford Motor Company. He was named the company’s president and chief operating officer in 1980 and became chairman of the board in 1985. His inclusive, team-oriented and visionary management style is credited for saving the company during this time, notably with the introduction of the Ford Taurus and his commitment to “saving the soul” of the Ford Mustang. He was hailed a “Most Valuable Person” in 1988 by USA Today and “CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive Magazine in 1989. He went on to lend his talents to various other entities, including service on the boards of The Boeing Company, Dow Jones & Co., Hewlett-Packard Company and the University of Washington Foundation.

Because of his professional accomplishments, the Fraternity bestowed upon Petersen the Oxford Cup in 2011. In his lifetime, he also received the University of Washington’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Stanford Business School Alumni Association’s Arbuckle Award and Brookgreen Gardens’ American Achievement Award, among others.

May Brother Don Petersen, Roll No. 651 of the Beta Omega Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.

With a heavy heart, the Fraternity reports the passing of one of Beta’s most accomplished brothers, Robert J. Schaupp, Lawrence ’51, who died April 15, 2024.

Bob’s remarkable journey with Beta Theta Pi began December 5, 1950, upon his initiation into the Gamma Pi Chapter at Lawrence University. Upon graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, spending most of his time at Fort Richardson in Alaska. He spent the bulk of his years as a business executive in the transportation and logistics industry, and his successes earned him the Oxford Cup – Beta’s highest award for professional achievement.

His service to the Fraternity ran the gamut, including as president of the Gamma Pi House Corporation and Fox Valley Alumni Association, General Fraternity President, and member of the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors, Promises to Keep Campaign Cabinet and Advisory Council. During his term as General Fraternity President, the earliest steps were taken toward the Men of Principle initiative. He also gifted the Communication Department Conference Room and the grand piano at Beta’s Administrative Office, the latter a nod to Lawrence’s celebrated music program and the decades of Whitman Choral Cups earned by his chapter.

Imbued with a comfortable sense of humor, an ever-present smile and a love for enjoying a Dewar’s on the rocks with his Beta brothers, Bob was always interested in others, listened with enthusiasm and encouraged by example. He is survived by his Beta Sweetheart, Joan, four children, 10 grandchildren (among them former Chapter President Konrad Siebert, Nebraska ’14) and five great-grandchildren.

May Brother Bob Schaupp, Roll No. 392 of the Gamma Pi Chapter and Roll No. 59 of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.

Today, Beta Theta Pi mourns the loss of a true leader, Captain Jerry M. Blesch, Centre ’60, who passed away from natural causes on November 27. A retired captain of the U.S. Navy, Jerry’s life was marked by his larger-than-life personality and deep loyalty to his country, family and Fraternity.

Jerry’s stellar academic and athletic careers began at Centre College, where he studied engineering, excelled in track as a half-miler, and was initiated into the Epsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi on March 2, 1957. A servant leader at heart, he continued his education at the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1962, and subsequently at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he was awarded a Master of Science in management.

During his 30-year naval career, Jerry became one of the branch’s most distinguished officers. By the time he retired in 1992, he had commanded the battleship USS Wisconsin during the Gulf War, the USS R.L. Page and the USS Puget Sound. Additionally, he was assistant director of the Tactical Training Group Atlantic, commanding officer of the Destroyer Squadron 25 in Pearl Harbor and executive assistant to the commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command. Among many honors and recognitions, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and was runner-up for the U.S. Navy John Paul Jones Leadership Award.

Retirement from the Navy did not slow Jerry down; instead, it marked the beginning of another chapter of service in his life – to his beloved Beta Theta Pi. As a volunteer, Jerry served first as an advisor and house corporation president to his alma mater, as well as a district chief. He was elected General Secretary in 1995, a role he held for six of the most transformative years in Beta’s history. His visionary leadership – alongside other modern Beta Greats like Bob Cottrell, Miami ’54, and E.B. Wilson, St. Lawrence ’53 – set the course for the Fraternity to radically reshape the Beta experience on today’s college campuses with the advent of the Men of Principle initiative. For many years after, Jerry remained a Convention veteran and frequent attendee of the leadership programs for which he so strongly advocated, as well as an active member of the Advisory Council.

What Jerry gave to Beta Theta Pi in acts of service, he matched in gifts of treasure. Playing the pivotal role of major gifts chairman during the Foundation’s Upon These Principles Campaign, he helped raise $20.1 million toward the campaign’s original $15 million goal – then the largest capital campaign in Greek world history.

Jerry was more than a brother; he was an inspiration. His advocacy for more volunteers at the local chapter level, an expanded General Fraternity Officer volunteer corps and “Significant Emotional Experiences” were only matched by his frequent sharing of naval jargon and analogies to make his points toward improvement of the Fraternity he loved. In recognition of his profound contributions and embodiment of the Beta Spirit, Jerry was honored with the Francis W. Shepardson Award in August 2004.

His legacy within Beta Theta Pi is one of leadership and unwavering commitment to our association’s founding principles, and his achievements will continue to loom large over our Great and Good Fraternity in the generations to come. His absence will be deeply felt, and our thoughts and condolences go out to his Beta Sweetheart Karen, family, and all those who were fortunate enough to know this remarkable man.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation in Captain Blesch’s honor.

May Brother Jerry Blesch, No. 754 on the official roll of the Epsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.

It is with profound sorrow the Fraternity must report the passing of one of its most esteemed and dedicated brothers, Dr. Ferd Del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis ’58. Ferd’s commitment to Beta Theta Pi and its ideals was unwavering, his spirit infectious, and his impact immeasurable. He died in his St. Louis home on November 10 with his family by his side.

Ferd’s Beta journey began upon his initiation into the Alpha Iota Chapter on February 13, 1955, marking the beginning of a lifetime of service that spanned nearly seven decades. His roles ranged from recruitment chairman to chapter and IFC president during his undergraduate years, while he held various other volunteer positions as a loyal alumnus, including house corporation president, new member education advisor, chapter counselor and more than 50 years with the St. Louis Beta Alumni Club.

At the General Fraternity level, Ferd served as district chief, regional director, member of the Board of Trustees and nearly 40 years as a valued member of the Advisory Council. His dedication earned him the 15th Francis W. Shepardson Award in 2007 and additional roll numbers at Beta’s chapters at Missouri-Kansas City and Saint Louis. His passion was always talking with undergraduates about recruitment, and he was never short-winded with anyone when it came to discussing his favorite topic: Beta Theta Pi.

Of course, Ferd’s presence was perhaps most felt at the annual General Convention, which he attended 45 consecutive years from 1970 to 2014. Standing on stage during his penultimate Convention Countdown, he offered to the crowd: “I don’t come to Convention every year to win some attendance prize. I come because that’s what Betas are supposed to do.”

Ferd’s Beta Spirit extended to his family, with his son, Matt, initiated into the Zeta Phi Chapter at Missouri in 1990, and his brothers, former General Secretary Vince Del Pizzo, Missouri ’62, and Wilson Del Pizzo, Missouri ’65, also proud members. His beloved Beta Sweetheart, Linda, was an integral part of his fraternal journey, always by his side sharing in the songs, traditions and values that define our brotherhood.

His devotion to the Fraternity was matched only by his dedication to his profession. A respected gynecologist and obstetrician, he brought over 5,000 newborns into the world.

A memorial service will be held in Ferd’s honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation.

While Betas everywhere mourn this loss, they also celebrate a life richly lived in the service of others and that thoroughly embodied the true spirit of Beta Theta Pi. He leaves behind a great legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Betas.

May Brother Ferd Del Pizzo, No. 874 on the official roll of the Alpha Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.

He passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, August 19, at age 82.

Dr. Warnock co-founded Adobe Systems, Inc., with Dr. Charles Geschke, building the company from a small start-up to one of the world’s largest and most recognized software companies. Warnock has worked closely with Geschke for more than two decades, pioneering the development of graphics, publishing, and web and electronic document technologies that have revolutionized the field of publishing and visual communication.

Warnock’s entrepreneurial success has been chronicled by some of the country’s most influential business and computer industry publications, and he has received numerous awards for technical and managerial achievement. In addition to receiving the Oxford Cup in 2012, the Fraternity’s highest order of professional achievement, a partial list of his awards includes:

• University of Utah Distinguished Alumnus Award (1995)
• Software Systems Award (1989, Association for Computing Machinery) Edwin H. Land Medal (2000, Optical Society of America)
• Bodley Medal (2003, Bodleian Library at Oxford University)
• Lovelace Medal (2004, British Computer Society)
• Medal of Achievement (2006, AeA)
• Computer Entrepreneur Award (2008, IEEE Computer Society)
• United States National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2009)

Serving as president of Adobe during its first two years, Warnock served as chief executive officer for the next 16. Retiring as CEO in 2000, Warnock served as co-chairman of the board, along with Geschke, where he continued to shape the direction of the Fortune 500 company.

May Brother John Warnock, No. 1019 on the official roll of the Gamma Beta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___.