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,
Bill Stansfield, billstansfield50@gmail.com, 404-245-2292. 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)
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| Events173rd General Convention in Chicago  Date: August 02, 2012 to August 05, 2012 Join the Alpha Upsilon brothers in Chicago at the 173rd General Convention as they seek the Charter! Register as an alumnus and be there to celebrate the return of one of Beta's brightest stars. You can find out more information at http://www.betathetapi.org/ under the "Events - Convention" tab. All Events |
| NewsFinding Comfort in Our Community “In a cold world, you still need your friends to keep you warm.” (The Big Chill, 1983) As we say goodbye to Coach Paterno, Penn Staters everywhere can take comfort in friends and in the deep sense of community that we are so fortunate to enjoy as Penn State alumni. Looking back, Joe played a role in the best times of our lives – from tailgating to Bowl trips to games at Beaver Stadium. For many of us, they still continue to this day. Joe’s passing reminds us of what is most important in life: our lifelong connections to those who mean the most, including our brothers.
There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate being a part of the Penn State community with the friends you met there:
THON – February 17-19. You can honor Joe’s wish (a fraternity guy himself) by making a donation to this great cause.
Blue/White Weekend – April 20-22
Arts Fest – July 12-15
To share your plans to reunite in Happy Valley this spring, click here. To share your condolences or a personal JoePa story, clickhere. Continued... Got Tailgate plans?If you're planning a tailgate with other Beta brothers for a game (or games!) this season, let us know and we'll post your details on the site for others to see. Send your tailgate info to content@affinityconnection.com (mention Beta at Penn State Tailgate), or share it on the message board. Don't forget to send us your football photos at the end of the season! Continued... Alpha Upsilon Brother Abbey Honored with Oxford CupBrother Don Abbey has completed yet another Alpha Upsilon first by becoming the first brother to win the prestigious Oxford Cup. As Beta's highest honor for an individual member, the award recognizes those who have brought honor to the Fraternity through exceptional achievement in their chosen profession. In addition to Brother Abbey's tremendous business success, his philanthropic endeavors and strong support of the local chapter were also sited in his nomination letters. Congratulations, brother Abbey, and thanks for all you have done for Alpha Upsilon and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Continued... Alpha Upsilon Wins Student Body Presidential ElectionHouse Manager and aspiring politician, TJ Bard, was elected as the President of the University Park Undergraduate Assembly on April 1st. Bard won over three opposing tickets, two of which featured a Beta brother as a Presidential candidate and a Vice-Presidential candidate. Having three brothers in the mix for the top leadership positions on campus is a true testament to the type of brothers that we have here at Alpha Upsilon. In addition to Bard's victory, five other Alpha Upsilon brothers gained election as student senators and a Beta also leads the University Park Allocations Committee this year. With leadership within UPUA, UPAC, and IFC, the Beta brothers are advancing the Beta principles beyond the walls of 220 N. Burrowes. Please feel free to congratulate TJ at tjbard@gmail.com. Continued... Alpha Upsilon to Host General Fraternity Board Meeting in April Alpha Upsilon alumni and undergraduate brothers will play proud hosts to General Fraternity officers in the coming weeks. The Alpha Upsilon Alumni Board will hold a spring meeting on Saturday, April 2nd, in conjunction with the General Fraternity's Board of Trustees meeting in State College. The weekend will also coincide with the undergraduate brothers' parents weekend. A full schedule of events is included below: Friday - April 1 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm - Alpha Upsilon Board Executive Session Meeting
Friday - April 1 - 9:00pm - Tours of the chapter house for GF Board Members
Saturday - April 2 - 7:00am - 10:00am - Parents Weekend Golf Outing
Saturday - April 2 - 10:00am - Alpha Upsilon Board Meeting - Chapter House Basement
Saturday - April 2 - 12:00pm - Joint Luncheon for Board Members, Advisors, Colony Officers
Saturday - April 2 - 2:00pm - Parents/Alumni Outing - Penn State Baseball vs. Illinois
Saturday - April 2 - 6:00pm - Alumni Reception at Nittany Lion Inn
Saturday - April 2 - 7:00pm - State College Area Alumni Dinner at Beta Chapter House Dress for the event will be coat and tie and spouses are welcome. Dinner will include an update from our colony president, an update from the President of each board, a formal announcement of Alpha Upsilon scholarship winners, and an exciting announcement about a General Fraternity award bestowed upon an Alpha Upsilon alumnus. Please register for the event at http://www.betathetapi.org/events/appreciation-dinner and join us for good food, Beta songs, and fraternal brotherhood. Continued... All News |
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