Today is the third day of the Peter F. Greiner Leadership College, with 261 undergraduates in attendance. Participants are learning about Steven Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, though the assistance of some 35 Beta and Friend of Beta facilitators.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Convention Videos Uploaded
Robert Umstadter: Good day everyone! I've finally got some down time to upload a few videos to YouTube and Facebook. Its funny that as I'm typing this, the hotel is testing the fire alarm system. Very annoying. Luckily, the alarm testing is limited to the building that I'm in and not the Convention hall.
I hope you enjoy the videos. Here are the links:
YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/user/Beta1839
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/betathetapifans
For those brothers and guests that are here, I'll be setting up a vlog (video blog) station in the foyer of the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. If you'd like to have your vlog uploaded to our Facebook fans page, please stop by. We'd love to hear about your experience.
Welcome Eta Delta!
Undergraduates delegates have granted a charter to the Fraternity's newest chapter at The University of Dayton, the Eta Delta of Beta Theta Pi!
Welcome Back, Delta Eta!
Undergraduate delegates have voted to reinstate the Delta Eta Chapter at Kettering University (Section B) as a chapter in good standing!
Welcome Back, Psi!
Undergraduate delegates have voted to reinstate the Psi Chapter at Bethany College as a chapter in good standing!
Welcome Back, Delta Xi!
Undergraduate delegates have voted to return the charter of the Delta Xi Chapter at Eastern Kentucky University, thus reinstating the chapter as a chapter in good standing.
Welcome Eta Gamma!
Undergraduates delegates have granted a charter to the Fraternity's newest chapter at Florida International University, the Eta Gamma of Beta Theta Pi!
Outstanding Risk Management
Bethany, Case Western Reserve, George Washington, Iowa State, John Carroll, Kansas State, Kettering B, Loyola Marymount, Nebraska, San Diego, TAMU-CC, Texas-Arlington, Truman State, Virginia, Washington and Washington State win the 2009 Outstanding Risk Management Awards.
Campus Involvement
Nine chapters were honored with campus involvement awards: Arizona, DePauw, Eastern Kentucky, Furman, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Washington in St. Louis.
Alumni Relations
Eastern Kentucky, Emory and Miami University are honored for Outstanding Alumni Relations.
Outstanding Recruitment
There are six recipients of the Outstanding Recruitment award: Case Western Reserve, Kansas State, Nebraska, UCLA, Virginia and Washington in St. Louis.
Virginia Tech Awards
There are 12 regional winners of the Virginia Tech (academic) awards and 23 recipients that placed first in grades on their campus. Florida International is most improved with a 3.034 and Columbia had the highest overall GPA of an astounding 3.75!
Leadership Development
Twenty-three chapters have received the Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Award.
Washington in St. Louis sent the most members to leadership development programs (21), and Bethany sent the highest percentage of members (68%).
Washington in St. Louis sent the most members to leadership development programs (21), and Bethany sent the highest percentage of members (68%).
John Holt Duncan Service
The University of Florida's Beta Buddies program wins the John Holt Duncan Service award for best ongoing project; Texas at Arlington's Heroes for Hope program receives the honor for best annual project.
Historical Preservation
Appropriately, Miami University wins the inaugural H.H. Stephenson Jr., Miami '39 award for historical preservation.
North Dakota Award
This award recognizes the best chapter newsletter. Congratulations, Colorado Mines!
New Song Competition
Nebraska's Matt Miller wins the Best New Song Competition for 2009 with "Beta Brothers."
A Crossroads Moment
Some 80 fraternity leaders and Friends of Beta gathered this morning to dream about an even brighter future. "This may be one of those moments," offered Dipper DiPaolo in opening the Strategic Thinking Summit, which served as a jumping off point for charting the course for the next decade.
Following three hours of discussion addressing the successes and challenges of the past 10 years, participants took a look in the mirror and explored myriad opportunities for Beta Theta Pi.
Closing the session, an emotional President Purinton added, "I'm overwhelmed. I have such a love and passion for this Fraternity, and we have yet to achieve everything we can do for our undergraduates, our alumni and our world. We are at a crossroads moment and I am so excited about what we will do together so we can truly be what we say we are."
Following three hours of discussion addressing the successes and challenges of the past 10 years, participants took a look in the mirror and explored myriad opportunities for Beta Theta Pi.
Closing the session, an emotional President Purinton added, "I'm overwhelmed. I have such a love and passion for this Fraternity, and we have yet to achieve everything we can do for our undergraduates, our alumni and our world. We are at a crossroads moment and I am so excited about what we will do together so we can truly be what we say we are."
Hello from the Tech Table!
It is great to see all the posts to Facebook, twitter and the 1839.mobi website from Convention-goers. Keep it up and let your brothers back home feel some of the Convention spirit!
24,626 days
Tolver: Just had a delightful breakfast with Bill Ventress, Cincinnati '47. Today is the 24,626th day since his initiation into the Beta Nu Chapter!
Day Two at the 170th
It's the start of a big day here in Phoenix. Delegates are already gathering for thier legislation committee meetings, preparing to conduct the business of the Fraternity. A special Strategic Thinking Summit commences at 9 am, as the Fraternity's leadership focuses in on Beta's future. At 12:15 pm, the Loving Cup Luncheon will be held in the McArthur Ballroom as we join together to honor chapter achievements from the past year.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Convention President Elected
Undergraduate delegates have elected Daniel H. Farmer, Cincinnati '75 as president of the 170th General Convention.
Keynote Address
Long-time Friend of Beta Steve Dealph: "What Beta, and the Men of Principle initiative, has done so well, is change itself at all levels of the organization and enabled everyone to be part of that change. Beta draws people in and engages them in their own development."
Outgoing Board Members
General Treasurer Christopher Miller, Kansas State '86 and Vice President Jim Curtis, Wisconsin '86 were honored for their service on the General Fraternity's Board of Trustees.
General Secretary's Leadership Award
The 2009 recipient of the Jerry M. Blesch, Centre '60 General Secretary's Leadership award is two-time chapter president, Mark Morgan, Idaho '10.
Rookie Chief of the Year
The 2009 recipient of the rookie district chief of the year is Kettering's Dan Loman.
Interfraternalism Recognition award
The College of William and Mary's Anne Arseneau is the 2009 recipient of Beta Theta Pi's Interfraternalism Recognition award.
Greek Advisor of the Year
Gentry McCreary of Alabama is the 2009 outstanding Greek advisor of the year.
Edward B. Taylor Advisor of the Year
Eastern Kentucky Chapter Counselor Michael Hay is the 2009 advisor of the year.
Convention Veterans
Eight Betas at the 170th have attended 25 or more General Conventions, with a combined total of 265 conventions. Bill Hahn, Lehigh '49 is attending his 25th convention; Ken Stephens, Toronto '77 (26); Jonathan Brant, Miami '75 (27); Charlie Comer, Virginia Tech '75 (28); Pete Barnhart, Miami '66 (37); Tom Lipton, Western Reserve '63 (40); Ferd del Pizzo, Washington in St. Louis '58 (40), and Jim McMullen, Texas '54 (42).
Opening Keynote
Foundation Chairman Mike Feinstein: "Each of us has a chance to get a lot of value out of Beta Theta Pi ~ lifelong friendships, leadership training, management experience, a contact network held together by the strongest of bonds. But, what are you going to give back? If we only take and never give, there will be nothing left. It's incumbent on each of us to give of our time, experience and financial resources to ensure that those who come after us will have the same great opportunities and experiences that we have."
One Fraternity, Three Great Principles
President Purinton: "Time and again, I have seen that it takes only one passionate individual to unite others around a lofty vision. Then, that individual's spark triggers greatness in so many others. Our inherent strength lies in uniting as One Fraternity . . . with Three Great Principles."
Marching Along in Beta Theta Pi
The Convention has begun!
General Fraternity Chorister Steve Becker is at the podium, leading more than 600 undergraduate and alumni brothers in the singing of "Marching Along."
General Fraternity Chorister Steve Becker is at the podium, leading more than 600 undergraduate and alumni brothers in the singing of "Marching Along."
Convention Flashback, 125 years
The 45th General Convention of 1884 was the first to be held at Wooglin-on-Chautauqua, New York. Then-associate editor of The Beta Theta Pi, Chalmers Baird, wrote, "The general interest of the outside world began especially to quicken with the influx of the boys coming to the Convention, and it was not long before the steamers learned to stop at the new landing place, while the vivacious 'runners' at the Mayville piers began at once to hail every man wearing a fraternity badge with the inquiry: 'Wooglin, sir?'"
He continued, "It is more than a compliment to say that some of them got the name right, for only too frequently an irreverent boatman landed his passengers at 'Woogie' or 'Wigglin,' and various other hypothetical localities."
As for the business, a system of nomenclature of chapters was adopted. All chapters would be generally known and mentioned by the name of the institution in which they are located, and that the Greek letter or letters "of the old term" be continued as the private name on the Fraternity roll.
J. Cal. Hanna, Wooster 1881, was elected as General Secretary, and John Reily Knox, Miami 1839 was elected to the Fraternity's Board of Directors.
He continued, "It is more than a compliment to say that some of them got the name right, for only too frequently an irreverent boatman landed his passengers at 'Woogie' or 'Wigglin,' and various other hypothetical localities."
As for the business, a system of nomenclature of chapters was adopted. All chapters would be generally known and mentioned by the name of the institution in which they are located, and that the Greek letter or letters "of the old term" be continued as the private name on the Fraternity roll.
J. Cal. Hanna, Wooster 1881, was elected as General Secretary, and John Reily Knox, Miami 1839 was elected to the Fraternity's Board of Directors.
The 170th Begins Today
It's a big day in Phoenix as the 170th General Convention officially begins this afternoon. The kickoff takes place at 2 p.m. in the McArthur Ballroom as General Fraternity President Tom Purinton welcomes attendees prior to the opening keynote by Foundation Chairman Mike Feinstein.
Delegates and Leadership College attendees will dive into programming shortly thereafter. The Board of Trustees and Foundation Board hold their joint meeting later this afternoon.
Tonight's Welcoming Banquet will focus on the power of the individual in "building men of principle." Longtime Friend of Beta Steve Dealph will keynote the evening program.
Delegates and Leadership College attendees will dive into programming shortly thereafter. The Board of Trustees and Foundation Board hold their joint meeting later this afternoon.
Tonight's Welcoming Banquet will focus on the power of the individual in "building men of principle." Longtime Friend of Beta Steve Dealph will keynote the evening program.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Really?
It just doesn't seem right to see a rock star don his reading glasses to see what's on the menu!
Random Celebrity Sighting
Tolver: Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, is having dinner at Wright's Restaurant here at the Biltmore.
Ferd is in the House!
Tolver: Just spent some quality time with Dr. Ferdinand del Pizzo Jr., who is attending his 40th Beta Convention! Lots of great stories . . . Make sure you stop by and say hello to this remarkable Silver Gray.
Lunch at Wrights
Tolver: One of the great things about convention is that you see old friends around every corner. Robert Umstader (associate director of communications) and I spotted General Fraternity Archivist Eric Eickhoff and his Beta Sweetheart Leah having lunch at Wright's. We joined them and had an incredible time catching up. Tip: try the Cobb salad . . . delicious!
Convention Flashback, 100 years
The 70th General Convention was called to order by General Secretary Francis W. Shepardson, Denison 1882/Brown 1883, at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 1909. The Convention was held at the Hotel Victory, Put-in-Bay, Ohio.
The Delta Alpha Society of the University of Oregon was granted a charter on a vote of 68-1, and the Convention approved the adoption of a standard badge, one with a polished border, and that "each chapter be compelled to place the Standard Badge upon each initiate when obligated."
Harold V.H. Proskey, Wesleyan 1911 recalled, "On Wednesday evening, the Convention broke camp and set sail for Cedar Point, distant an hour and a half by boat. Cedar Point is a Coney Island on a very small scale. It was not long after the landing that the fellows proceeded to show the natives and a few hundred visitors from Sandusky what Beta spirit and enthusiasm is like."
The Delta Alpha Society of the University of Oregon was granted a charter on a vote of 68-1, and the Convention approved the adoption of a standard badge, one with a polished border, and that "each chapter be compelled to place the Standard Badge upon each initiate when obligated."
Harold V.H. Proskey, Wesleyan 1911 recalled, "On Wednesday evening, the Convention broke camp and set sail for Cedar Point, distant an hour and a half by boat. Cedar Point is a Coney Island on a very small scale. It was not long after the landing that the fellows proceeded to show the natives and a few hundred visitors from Sandusky what Beta spirit and enthusiasm is like."
Onsite Registration is Now Open!
Onsite registration is now open in the Frank Lloyd Wright pre-function area.
Leadership Consultant Garrett Hyer, Central Florida '08, is leading the registration team, welcoming Betas and friends to the Biltmore.
EKU Chapter Counselor Michael Hay is here . . . so is former General Fraternity President Bob Schaupp . . . Texas at Arlington's delegation just checked in . . . and Convention veterans Tom Lipton and John Birkett are already reminiscing about past Conventions.
Leadership Consultant Garrett Hyer, Central Florida '08, is leading the registration team, welcoming Betas and friends to the Biltmore.
EKU Chapter Counselor Michael Hay is here . . . so is former General Fraternity President Bob Schaupp . . . Texas at Arlington's delegation just checked in . . . and Convention veterans Tom Lipton and John Birkett are already reminiscing about past Conventions.
Beta's Home for the Week
The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa is incredible!
Considered one of the most spectacular resorts in the world, the Biltmore has eight pools, seven tennis courts, and 18-hole putting course, and a full-service European spa, salon and fitness center.
The only existing hotel in the world with a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design, The Biltmore has been an Arizona landmark since its opening on February 23, 1929, when it was crowned the "Jewel of the Desert." In 1930, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. became the sole owner.
Throughout its colorful history, The Biltmore has been graced by U.S. Presidents, celebrities and world travelers. Famed composer, Irving Berlin penned many tunes, including "White Christmas" while sitting poolside at the Biltmore. The pool was first built by Wrigley in 1930; Marilyn Monroe called it her favorite pool.
#beta170
Considered one of the most spectacular resorts in the world, the Biltmore has eight pools, seven tennis courts, and 18-hole putting course, and a full-service European spa, salon and fitness center.
The only existing hotel in the world with a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design, The Biltmore has been an Arizona landmark since its opening on February 23, 1929, when it was crowned the "Jewel of the Desert." In 1930, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. became the sole owner.
Throughout its colorful history, The Biltmore has been graced by U.S. Presidents, celebrities and world travelers. Famed composer, Irving Berlin penned many tunes, including "White Christmas" while sitting poolside at the Biltmore. The pool was first built by Wrigley in 1930; Marilyn Monroe called it her favorite pool.
#beta170
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
It's a Dry Heat!
Tolver: Just landed at Sky Harbor International; it's a cool 113 degrees and sunny. So THIS is what a "dry" heat feels like.
Convention Flashback, 50 years
The 120th General Convention convened at the Sheraton Hotel in French Lick, Indiana, on September 1, 1959. Then-Editor Bob Howard, DePauw '37 wrote, "Most memorable result of the 120th was approval of charters for two new chapters of Beta Theta Pi: the Delta Beta local group at the University of Arizona in Tucson and the Alpha Gamma Gamma local at the University of Wichita."
General Secretary Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence '22 consented to let his name be placed in nomination for re-election — and he received a unanimous vote and a standing ovation as he began his fourth three-year term as trustee and General Secretary.
General Secretary Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence '22 consented to let his name be placed in nomination for re-election — and he received a unanimous vote and a standing ovation as he began his fourth three-year term as trustee and General Secretary.
En Route to PHX
Tom Olver: Quick flight from Cincinnati to Atlanta this morning. Now boarding for Phoenix. Small world: General Fraternity President Purinton and his lovely wife Molly are on my flight.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Convention Flashback, 25 years
The 145th General Convention took place at Tan-Tar-A, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, August 14-17, 1984. During the Convention, former Arizona Congressman John J. Rhodes, Kansas State '38 was elected to a three-year term as General Fraternity President.
Highlights included the presentation of the newly-established Oxford Cup to Beta's "living legend" Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence '22 and Astronaut Joseph P. Allen, DePauw '59 . . . the approval of a history-making requirement that chapters have a 2.5 scholastic rating on campus to remain in good standing with the General Fraternity . . . Dr. Edward B. Taylor, Davidson '42 became the first recipient of the Chapter Counselor of the Year award . . . William I. Jordan, Idaho '69 served as Convention president.
#beta170
Highlights included the presentation of the newly-established Oxford Cup to Beta's "living legend" Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence '22 and Astronaut Joseph P. Allen, DePauw '59 . . . the approval of a history-making requirement that chapters have a 2.5 scholastic rating on campus to remain in good standing with the General Fraternity . . . Dr. Edward B. Taylor, Davidson '42 became the first recipient of the Chapter Counselor of the Year award . . . William I. Jordan, Idaho '69 served as Convention president.
#beta170
Phoenix Trivia, No. 2
Phoenix originated in 1866 as a Hay Camp to supply Camp McDowell, which was established by the United States Cavalry in 1865. Phoenix was incorporated as a city in 1881. Geographically, Phoenix covers 470 square miles; its current population is more than 1.3 million.
Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912. More than 1,700 Betas call Arizona home.
#beta170
Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912. More than 1,700 Betas call Arizona home.
#beta170
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Convention Flashback, 10 years
The 160th General Convention took place in Oxford, Ohio, August 5-8, 1999. Some 900 Betas and guests returned to the Fraternity's founding site to rededicate Beta Theta Pi to its founding principles.
Memorable moments were abundant: Donald G. (Dipper) DiPaolo, Michigan '78 officially introduced the Men of Principle initiative . . . MP Spokesman Richard Lugar, Dension '54 affirmed that "this initiative will not be the choice of every man, but it will be the choice of those who seek to be remarkably different, and different for the right reasons" . . . chapter presidents, Lewis Earnest, Georgia '00 and Andy Mattox, Nebraska '00 testified that Beta's values had been reborn in themselves and their chapters . . . Tennis legend Stan Smith, Southern California '69 received the Oxford Cup . . . British Columbia, Colgate, Georgia and Oklahoma took home the Knox Award for Chapter Excellence . . . and the gathering on the lawn of the Administrative Office for the all-Convention photo.
#beta170
Memorable moments were abundant: Donald G. (Dipper) DiPaolo, Michigan '78 officially introduced the Men of Principle initiative . . . MP Spokesman Richard Lugar, Dension '54 affirmed that "this initiative will not be the choice of every man, but it will be the choice of those who seek to be remarkably different, and different for the right reasons" . . . chapter presidents, Lewis Earnest, Georgia '00 and Andy Mattox, Nebraska '00 testified that Beta's values had been reborn in themselves and their chapters . . . Tennis legend Stan Smith, Southern California '69 received the Oxford Cup . . . British Columbia, Colgate, Georgia and Oklahoma took home the Knox Award for Chapter Excellence . . . and the gathering on the lawn of the Administrative Office for the all-Convention photo.
#beta170
Convention Week Begins
More than 600 Betas and friends will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, this week for the 170th General Convention. The roster includes 109 chapter and colony delegates, 264 Leadership College participants, 190 alumni and staff, and 62 guests and Friends of Beta.
Our general convention provides a unique opportunity for brothers and friends to advance the Fraternity's mission of "building men of principle for a principled life." This week, we celebrate individual, chapter and Fraternity achievements, develop ourselves as leaders and chart the course for the year ahead.
#beta170
Our general convention provides a unique opportunity for brothers and friends to advance the Fraternity's mission of "building men of principle for a principled life." This week, we celebrate individual, chapter and Fraternity achievements, develop ourselves as leaders and chart the course for the year ahead.
#beta170
Friday, July 24, 2009
Convention Quick Fact, No. 2
Beta Theta Pi returns to the Grand Canyon State next week for the 170th General Convention. The Fraternity has held its annual gathering in Arizona three other times, including the 142nd (1981) and 147th (1986), both at the Camelback Inn, and the 166th (2005) at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Phoenix Trivia
Phoenix is on Mountain Standard Time and never moves the clock forward or back. Only the Navajo nation observes daylight saving time.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Convention Quick Fact
One hundred and thirty-five living Betas have attended 10 or more Beta Conventions; 45 of them are registered for the 170th General Convention in Phoenix. Those 45 have attended a combined total of 746 General Conventions!
Friday, July 17, 2009
An All-Star Cast!
Senator Richard Lugar, Denison '54, who serves as the official spokesman for the Men of Principle initiative, headlines an all-star cast of featured speakers, each of whom has contributed greatly to the advancement of the Fraternity over the past decade.
Beta Theta Pi Foundation Chairman Mike Feinstein, MIT '82 will officially kickoff the 170th General Convention on Thursday afternoon, July 30.
Steve Dealph, a long-time Friend of Beta and 11-time facilitator for The Wooden Institute, will deliver the Keynote address at Thursday night's Welcoming Banquet.
E.B. Wilson, St. Lawrence '53, who served as the chairman of the strategic planning committee in 1997, will share his thoughts on the evolution of the Initiative on Saturday afternoon.
A highlight of Saturday's Celebration Banquet will be the presentation of the Shepardson Award to Donald G. (Dipper) DiPaolo, Michigan '78, who has played an integral role in the development and implementation of Men of Principle.
The Convention concludes with Sunday morning's Prayer Breakfast featuring Jonathan Brant, Miami '75, the director of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation.
Beta Theta Pi Foundation Chairman Mike Feinstein, MIT '82 will officially kickoff the 170th General Convention on Thursday afternoon, July 30.
Steve Dealph, a long-time Friend of Beta and 11-time facilitator for The Wooden Institute, will deliver the Keynote address at Thursday night's Welcoming Banquet.
E.B. Wilson, St. Lawrence '53, who served as the chairman of the strategic planning committee in 1997, will share his thoughts on the evolution of the Initiative on Saturday afternoon.
A highlight of Saturday's Celebration Banquet will be the presentation of the Shepardson Award to Donald G. (Dipper) DiPaolo, Michigan '78, who has played an integral role in the development and implementation of Men of Principle.
The Convention concludes with Sunday morning's Prayer Breakfast featuring Jonathan Brant, Miami '75, the director of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Convention is Two Weeks Away!
There's nothing quite like a Beta Convention and we look forward to welcoming some 600 Betas and guests to the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, July 30 through August 2 as we celebrate "One Fraternity, Three Great Principles."
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