Beta Theta Pi, Author at Beta Theta Pi Fraternity

Chapter Eternal: Jerry Blesch, Centre ’60

Beta Theta Pi — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:50:51 +0000

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___.

The post Chapter Eternal: Jerry Blesch, Centre ’60 appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Chapter Eternal: Ferd Del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis ’58

Beta Theta Pi — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:54:53 +0000

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___.

The post Chapter Eternal: Ferd Del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis ’58 appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at UNC Wilmington

Beta Theta Pi — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:44:55 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OXFORD, OHIO, September 21, 2023 – Today Beta Theta Pi is announcing the closure and disbandment of its chapter at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

The path that ultimately led to this decision began in June when the chapter was found to have violated Beta Theta Pi’s policies surrounding the new member experience. Just three months later, a separate investigation by the General Fraternity was necessary after the men allegedly engaged in additional unsafe behaviors during recent social and recruitment events.

“Though the incidents themselves were extremely troubling, we hoped our investigations would help identify a group of brothers willing to rehabilitate the chapter’s culture and ensure the future of Beta Theta Pi at UNC Wilmington,” said Beta Theta Pi General John Stebbins, Emory ’92. “Instead, we encountered notable dishonesty throughout that has brought to light what I see as an insurmountable gap between the Fraternity’s values – specifically trust – and the current members’ willingness to adhere to them. As such, I believe closure is the most appropriate course of action and have decided to disband this group, effective immediately.”

All initiated undergraduates have been placed on “alumni” status and no longer retain the rights or privileges of an active member of the Fraternity. Members will be entitled to the full rights and privileges of all Beta Theta Pi alumni upon graduation, so long as their behavior continues to align with the expectations of Beta alumni and the university.

###

Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more than 9,000 undergraduate members on 141 campuses across North America, 142,000 living alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Press Contact
Name: Justin Warren
Position: Chief Communication Officer
Email: justin.warren@beta.org

The post Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at UNC Wilmington appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at Eastern Washington University

Beta Theta Pi — Wed, 24 May 2023 15:10:41 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OXFORD, OHIO, May 24, 2023 – Today Beta Theta Pi is announcing the closure and disbandment of its Epsilon Omega Chapter at Eastern Washington University.

Epsilon Omega’s challenges first became apparent after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had unforeseen yet lasting effects on the chapter’s operations. Most recently, member morale has suffered as the group faced mounting debt and an unfortunate but understandable decision by chapter alumni to pursue the sale of the chapter home.

“Along with a host of external factors beyond the undergraduates’ control – declining university enrollment, a campus community skeptical of Greek-letter organizations and a lack of stable advisory team support – members would experience prolonged and debilitating challenges,” said Beta Theta Pi General John Stebbins, Emory ’92. “This sentiment has been affirmed by the remaining undergraduates, who unanimously voted in April to relinquish their charter.”

###

Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more than 9,700 undergraduate members on 138 campuses across North America, 140,000 living alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Press Contact
Name: Justin Warren
Position: Director of Media Relations & Senior Writer
Email: justin.warren@beta.org

The post Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at Eastern Washington University appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Alumni Unearth Forgotten Photograph of 1888 Pi Chapter

Beta Theta Pi — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:54:47 +0000

Discovered in 2017 and donated to the Beta Theta Pi Archives and Museum for preservation by full-time antique dealer Chris Papadakis, Colorado Mines ’88, an original 1888 Victorian archival photograph of Indiana University’s Pi Chapter arrived in Oxford shrouded in mystery. That is, until one curious alumnus, Dr. Charlie McCormick, Indiana ’72, took up the mantle to bring this piece of his alma mater’s heritage back to life.

With help from web-based resources, the chapter’s census and roll book, and historical texts like “The First Hundred Years of ΒϴΠ at Indiana University” by Karl Fischer, Indiana 1925, McCormick learned that, amongst the stovepipe hats and extra long morning coats, was an accomplished brotherhood of future state senators, mayors, judges, inventors and school superintendents.

The following was authored by Dr. Charlie McCormick, Indiana ’72.

The Beta Theta Pi Administrative Office received this Victorian archival photograph – a posed snapshot of the 1888 Pi Chapter in a parlor and otherwise unidentified as to location – in 2017. Though tinted sepiatone, the photo was of the silver emulsion type and not a daguerreotype image.

Remarkably well preserved as an early example of fraternity chapter photography, who were these pioneer brothers? As an Indiana University alumnus myself, it piqued my curiosity!

Pi Chapter at Indiana University, 1888

On the surface, I immediately noted several things: A floral/tree background was a common appointment for photo parlors at the time, though the rug and hay floor treatment is special and unusual. Among the 15 men, there are six hats portrayed – most of them of the stovepipe variety, which gradually ceded their popularity to those deemed “more manageable.” Jackets were longer and more like classic tuxedos, and vests were everywhere.

Charlie McCormick

The details and stories of those pictured would require additional research using a bounty of resources, including web-based resources like Ancestry.com; Indiana University records of early graduates and students; Beta Theta Pi census data on early members; the Pi Chapter Roll Book; and a publication by my chapter brother, Karl Fischer, Indiana 1925, entitled “The First Hundred Years of ΒϴΠ at Indiana University.” Therein, I discovered essential seed information on these men, such as their birth dates, hometowns, pledge and initiation dates, and career highlights.

W.A. Mussett

William Alonzo Mussett 1889, clearly identifiable on the front row far left because of his distinct mustache, eye lines and ears, was initiated April 7, 1888. Originally from the border town of Grayville, Illinois, Mussett was “lifted” from Phi Kappa Psi fraternity as “one of their best men.” He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1889, married his Beta Sweetheart, Ella Shelton, in 1895, and fathered his youngest child at age 56! Professionally, he practiced law in Grayville, Illinois, and was appointed the region’s U.S. Postmaster from 1902-08.

Robert Charles Foster Hight 1888, is in the front row, third from. Referenced in Shepardson’s “Beta Lore,” Hight was Pi Chapter Roll No. 297, admitted to the light on May 12, 1884.

An associate editor of the “Indiana Daily Student” newspaper, “Foster” (as he was known amongst his peers) was a great exponent of fraternity life and in 1888 organized Tau Epsilon Pi – also known as “JawBones” – a seven-member senior class Greek society recognition.

He began serving as a high school principal in 1904, and was later appointed superintendent of public schools in Lafayette, Indiana. He died in 1928 from prostate cancer.

Notable about Hight’s membership, it was discovered he was a charter member of Kappa Sigma and one of its strongest advocates. This “dual citizenship” led him to be expelled from Beta Theta Pi, though several years later he petitioned the fraternity and won reinstatement.

John Singleton Shannon Roll Book Entry

In the front row, second from left, is Roll No. 220 – John Singleton Shannon 1888. “Jack” became mayor of Alexandria, Indiana, in September 1896 and served until 1905.

Forth from the left in the front row is Albert Miller, initiated. No additional biographical information could be found.

Next to Miller is Joseph Francis Thornton 1888. First a superintendent of the Bedford Electric Light and Power Company, Thornton later obtained an LL.B. at Chicago and an M.A. at Columbia before retiring as assistant superintendent of public schools in Indianapolis. His son and grandson are Betas!

First five mayors of Alexandria, Illinois. John Singleton Shannon pictured second from left.

Front row far right is Bedford Vance Sudbury 1890, roll# 217. Going by the nickname “Sud,” he played baseball for Indiana University and was employed as a tax assessor and real estate person.

Back row far left in the 1888 photograph is Charles Rolland Madison 1890, Roll No. 218, who was admitted to membership February 5, 1885. A Midwest native, Madison relocated to Northern California and became a teacher, building company superintendent and father of four.

Next to Madison is Louis Lorenzo Drescher 1891, who was born, raised and lived in Spencer, Indiana. He died August 15, 1954, age 85, and not much more is known about this Beta brother.

Rear third from left is Walter Dunn Howe 1890, Roll No. 214. Alongside his beloved Beta Theta Pi, Howe enjoyed memberships in Phi Delta Phi and the Philomathean Literary Society. After earning his law degree at Boston University, he married Marie Hobson Shelton in El Paso, Texas, where he served in the district and circuit Courts as justice of the peace (1894), as registrar of voters (1896), U.S. commissioner (1899) and district judge (1916).

Judge Walter Dunn Howe

Isiah Scobey Cunningham 1893 is seen in the back row, fourth from left. “Scobey” was a literary major who later married Bertha “Birdie” Deniston, a founder of DePauw University’s Alpha Chi Omega. A lifelong Indianapolis resident, Cunningham fathered two sons.

Son of a prestigious business and land owner in Evanston, Indiana, Frederick Washington Cook Jr. 1891, (rear fifth from left) was listed by the university as a freshman student in 1881. As a reminder, this recovered photo is from 1888. Quite a tenure – a “super senior” in the truest sense! Though the 1900 U.S. Census identified him as a wholesale druggist/merchant based in San Antonio, Texas, Cook is credited for patent #602,305 – the time clock invention used for employee arrivals and departures in factories and stores – and #646,018 – the sprinkler stopper, a device to limit fluid deliveries in various applications.

Rear sixth from left is Henry Parker Pearson 1891, who achieved a varied and accomplished resume of public service roles in his lifetime, including the youngest-ever mayor of Bedford, Indiana; secretary-treasurer for the Citizens Trust; and Indiana state senator.

Next to Pearson is Frederick Dudley Cornell 1890. “Lifted as a Phi Gamma Alpha,” he was admitted into Beta’s ranks on September 20, 1886. “Lifting,” or inducting members of other fraternities, was a known but rather limited activity of the era. Cornell was a baseball and football player at Indiana University before conducting additional college work at Cornell University and eventually returning to Kansas and Nebraska in 1905. He became a manager with the P+YA. Missouri Pacific RR, an insurance and real estate executive, and a 33rd-degree Mason who served as general secretary of Scottish Rite and Home.

Rear eighth from left is John Franklin Haughawout Post 1890. A Hoosier football player described as “very bright in his studies,” the 1930 U.S. Census later identified Post as a farmer near his childhood home in Livingston County, Illinois.

Finally, pictured next to Post is Clarance Beard 1891, though no substantive information was found on this Beta brother.

Educational years have led to an awareness of identifying with those ahead of us. Many Betas recall the brothers within our chapter to this day as “get to know the brothers” was a new member’s first commandment!

Lifelong friends can indeed portray the richest slice of life, and all so blessed, relish it! But as this 1888 photograph shows, network development among brothers was really indoctrinated before this term was defined. Decades into careers and family, maintaining brotherhood connection is still a distinctive fraternity trait, and worthy of one’s effort!

The post Alumni Unearth Forgotten Photograph of 1888 Pi Chapter appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at Bowling Green State University

Beta Theta Pi — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 23:14:44 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OXFORD, OHIO, February 23, 2023 – Today Beta Theta Pi is announcing the closure and disbandment of its Delta Delta Chapter at Bowling Green State University.

Reaching a sustainable membership size has presented an obstacle for the chapter almost since its reestablishment in fall 2019, notably due to the unforeseen yet lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seriously limiting the young group’s ability to establish rapport and camaraderie with one another or prospective new members, the chapter’s recruitment efforts have since been unable to outpace its graduation and attrition rates.

“Combined with a hazing-related interfraternal death in spring 2021 that has left the student body grieving and skeptical of Greek-letter organizations campuswide, I believe this situation is insurmountable,” said Beta Theta Pi General John Stebbins, Emory ’92. “I know this announcement is especially difficult for the passionate Delta Delta Chapter alumni and advisors, many of whom have gone above and beyond in giving their time and treasure to see these men succeed.”

###

Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more than 9,700 undergraduate members on 139 campuses across North America, 140,000 living alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Press Contact
Name: Justin Warren
Position: Director of Media Relations & Senior Writer
Email: justin.warren@beta.org

The post Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at Bowling Green State University appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at the University of Puget Sound

Beta Theta Pi — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 20:53:03 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OXFORD, OHIO, January 27, 2023 – Today Beta Theta Pi is announcing the closure and disbandment of its Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Puget Sound.

Recruiting only 15 men since the spring 2021 term – and initiating even fewer – the chapter has dwindled to seven active members, three of whom are expected to graduate this spring. Considered alongside other campus challenges, the remaining members voted unanimously in early December to relinquish their charter.

“As chief volunteer on the Fraternity’s Board of Trustees, I want to assure you that it is extraordinarily and emotionally difficult any time a chapter must be closed,” said Beta Theta Pi General John Stebbins, Emory ’92. “I thank the undergraduate leaders, volunteers, Administrative Office staff and campus professionals who put forward their best efforts to support, guide and motivate these men over the years. Although they were ultimately unsuccessful, they were, no doubt, significant and sincere.”

###

Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more than 9,700 undergraduate members on 140 campuses across North America, 140,000 living alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Press Contact
Name: Justin Warren
Position: Director of Media Relations & Senior Writer
Email: justin.warren@beta.org

The post Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at the University of Puget Sound appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Grease Is the Word

Beta Theta Pi — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:36:57 +0000

Beta brothers at Creighton went all out in their lip-sync rendition of “Grease” and it shaped up to be the best of the best. They definitely stole the show; check out their performance using the video box above. Congrats on the big piece of hardware, brothers!

The post Grease Is the Word appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Our Grip Grows Strong

Beta Theta Pi — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:29:56 +0000

You never know where Beta paths might meet. Andrew Truong, Kansas ’22, Matt Straetker, Creighton ’21, and Max Seibolt, Nebraska ’22, (left to right) had no clue they would come across Beta brothers at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Even though they may not be from the same chapter, they indeed share the same fraternal bond. Best of luck, brothers, as you continue your education!

The post Our Grip Grows Strong appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Another Cabinet Appointment

Beta Theta Pi — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 18:25:02 +0000

Ken McQueen, Oklahoma State ’77, was tapped by Gamma Lambda Chapter brother Governor Kevin Stitt ’95, to serve as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment. Brother McQueen has more than 40 years of experience in environmental policy administration and advising, including stints with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and as New Mexico’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources. He is Governor Stitt’s second Beta brother to be appointed a cabinet position this year; Brother John Nash, Oklahoma ’96, was appointed as Secretary of Military and Veteran Affairs back in March.

The post Another Cabinet Appointment appeared first on Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.