What is Beta?

Beta Theta Pi, often referred to simply as "Beta," is a men's college fraternity dedicated to building men of principle for a principled life. The Fraternity has more than 120,000 living members including some 6,000 collegians on 121 campuses in the United States and Canada.

Though Beta has always been considered a pioneering fraternity, in the last 10 years, it has made tremendous strides in its effort to realign itself with the original mission of the founders of 1839. Because of its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and a zero tolerance policy for hazing, Beta Theta Pi’s reputation for high standards and accountability is second to none. Beta is also known as “The Leadership Fraternity”, as more than 1,600 Betas participated in a Leadership Development Opportunity of some type in 2008. Most of these were on sponsorships through generous giving of Beta alumni.

Our Chapter at Penn State:

The Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi has been a shining star in the Fraternity since 1888, but recent struggles caused the alumni to close the doors during the 2009-2010 academic year. Out of this challenge, though, comes a tremendous opportunity for the best and brightest student leaders, community servants, athletes, and gentlemen to reestablish this great chapter. The chapter will be recruiting freshman through juniors during the 2009-2010 academic year to reestablish the chapter in the Fall of 2010. With a newly renovated house at 220 North Burrowes and recommitment to building Men of Principle for a principled life, this will be the premier fraternity experience at Penn State.

We are looking for gentlemen, leaders, and scholars that have not found what they are looking for within the Penn State Greek Community. We offer them a unique opportunity to shape a truly different fraternity experience at PSU that will challenge the “Frat” stereotype and provide lifelong friendships and alumni networking opportunities for our members.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact our Reestablishment Director, Jeff Rundle, at jsr1009@gmail.com, or by phone at (785) 236-9561. He is happy to explain more about becoming a part of our proud Beta tradition and show you around the gorgeous house.

Why Beta?

Beta’s Men of Principle initiative is not a localized idea; rather it is a message that transcends cultures and can resonate on every campus. The message is simple: times change, principles do not. Entrepreneurial in spirit and ambitious at heart, we are recruiting men who believe in the mission of the organization. It is our goal to align our fraternity with the founding ideals set forth by our eight brothers in 1839. Beta’s recent success, coupled with 170 years of tradition, leadership, and commitment to excellence, has proven to be what college men today are looking for in a fraternity:

• Leadership Development
• Not only are there leadership positions to hold in each chapter, but Beta is also committed to developing its members into the leaders of tomorrow. In 2008, over 1,600 Beta undergraduates attended one of our award-winning leadership development programs (programs include: the Beta Wilderness Challenge, the Wooden Institute for Men of Principle, Leadership College, and many more)…
Beta has received 11 international awards since 1999 for outstanding leadership development programming
• Academics
• Highest chapter minimum grade expectation in the fraternal community (2.7 GPA)
• One of eleven inter/national fraternities with above a 3.0 GPA (3.03)
• Roll of Honor
• The rolls of Beta Theta Pi include more than 80 Rhodes Scholars, 200 members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 23 State Governors, six Congressional Medal of Honor winners and 11 current CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies.
• Brotherhood and Education
• By participating in symbolic ceremonies, learning and singing many of the Beta songs, and understanding the context of Beta Lore, Betas learn what it means to be a Beta and experience deep bonds of friendship through a 100% positive education process.
• Risk Management
• Clear guidelines and expectations regarding responsible personal conduct, alcohol and drug abuse, and hazing and sexual assault.
• Our members enjoy one of the lowest liability insurance premiums of any fraternity at $120 per year per member.
• Beta Theta Pi Foundation
• Recently completed a $20.1 campaign (upon launching in 2003, the largest in fraternal world history)
• More than $400,000 was awarded in scholarships and sponsorships to undergraduate Betas in 2008
• $83,000 awarded in tuition scholarships annually

Beta’s pioneering spirit:

First college fraternity founded west of the Allegheny Mountains (August 8, 1839)
Oldest continuously published college fraternity magazine (1872)
First college fraternity to publish an open constitution for public distribution (1879)
First fraternity to be founded in 15 states – more than any other fraternity
First fraternity established on more than 35 campuses – more than any other fraternity
First fraternity to establish a chapter west of the Mississippi River (1866)
First fraternity to have general officers (1872)
First fraternity to create alumni chapters (1867)
First fraternity to have a General Convention (1842)
First to host an interfraternity event and meeting (1848)
First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for a chapter (1984)
First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for each member (1997)
First fraternity to adopt a 2.7 minimum GPA for a chapter (2006)