The Alpha Beta Giving Circle (the “Giving Circle”) has just completed a successful first year with the awarding of 3 grants totaling $11,000. The grants went to 3 current Beta undergraduates and will support travel for an internship, an entrepreneurial start-up and scientific research in Oxford. We want to thank the members of this year’s Giving Circle for their input, financial support and their time identifying preferred grant proposals.
This year’s Giving Circle received 16 applications from the undergraduate chapter with the Giving Circle membership voting the top 3 proposals for grant support. Dollars left in the Giving Circle will be retained for school year 2021-2022. The following proposals were approved for funding by the membership (with allocated dollar amounts):
Thomas Finn, junior – $4,500 to provide housing and food this summer as Brother Finn expands his team’s already published research using biophotonics in distinguishing changes in NADH/NADPH in the Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program (which funds the research costs) in Oxford;
Jack Hartwell, junior – $4,500 supporting Brother Harwell’s pursuit of a career in investment banking as he participates in the Farmer School of Business’s Wall Street Week program during the 2022 January term, which includes travel to NYC;
Alex Hauptman, junior – $2,000 for the creation of product prototypes as Brother Hauptman explores entrepreneurship start-up opportunities in the farming/gardening and movie merchandising markets.
We have asked each of this year’s recipients to prepare a report at the conclusion of their project that details the experience and use of Giving Circle funding. We hope this will serve as an inspiration to the undergraduates to develop plans for worthy project proposals in 2021-2022.
The purpose of the Giving Circle is to honor the lives and remember the brothers that have come before us by encouraging the current generation of Betas to undertake projects reaching beyond the ordinary requirements of college. This year’s Giving Circle was dedicated to the memories of devoted Brothers Deck Murray and Mike Wall, Class of 1973. Deck and Mike are remembered in the following remarks from their wives.
Michael John Wall, Alpha Beta Class of 1973
After graduating from high school in 1969, Michael J. Wall, from Findlay, Ohio, followed his father’s lead and chose to enroll in Miami University from which he was awarded a B.S. in Business in 1973. Also like his father, Mike pledged the Alpha Chapter of Beta Theta Pi (A1502) and took to heart the notion of the bonds of brotherhood. He was a fierce competitor in various interfraternity athletic victories and proudly represented the Betas as the Homecoming King in his senior year. Perhaps most important, the fraternal relationships he forged as an undergraduate would last throughout his lifetime.
Mike’s decision to attend Miami proved pivotal, not only to the course of his own life, but also to his family’s. Shortly after arriving on campus, he met fellow freshman, Nancy; the two became fast friends, fell in love and joined the ranks of Miami Mergers upon marrying. Three of their four children and many relatives, including his brother, Tom (A1530) also earned Miami degrees.
After an illustrious and successful career as a corporate sales and marketing executive, Mike retired in 2006 and focused on endeavors near and dear to his heart: Nancy, his wife of 46 years, their four children, their seven grandchildren and the good life of travel, golf and gardening. Mike was in his element when offering encouragement and support whenever needed. As soon as he learned that a group of men at the College of New Jersey were interested in forming a new chapter of Beta Theta Pi, he became an integral mentor in taking them through the process which was achieved in 2018.
Mike would be proud to be a part of the inaugural Beta Giving Circle, and his family is honored that he was chosen to be remembered. Without question, Beta Theta Pi and Miami University enhanced the course of Mike’s life, and for that, he was eternally grateful. He recalled his years on campus often and fondly, and his loyalty to both seemed to increase with each passing day. Love and Honor to Miami forever and a day, indeed.
– shared by Nancy Williams Wall
Deck Preston Murray, Alpha Beta Class of 1973
Deck Preston Murray, from Elyria, Ohio attended Miami University from 1969 to 1973. In addition to pledging the Alpha Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity (A1496) Deck was a member of the varsity wrestling team.
Although Deck studied education and coaching at Miami, he made a pivot and pursued a different direction upon graduation. He had a successful career in sales management, international general management and management consulting in the consumer product market. He often told the story of his graduation pivot when asked for education and career advice. He was always reassuring others that it is ok in life to change your mind! His change in career direction also resulted in the development of a passion for international travel.
Deck’s wife of 40 years, Lois Ann, reports that Deck was generous with his time during his life. At his death many of his colleagues shared stories of Deck’s investment in their own professional careers. He also invested time providing guidance and support to his nieces and nephews as well as to many of his children’s friends who would regularly seek his advice and encouragement when finding themselves at a life, education or career crossroads. Lois Ann believes that Deck would have been excited to participate in the newly created Giving Circle and that he would have enjoyed, as she did, the diversity of the proposals that included entrepreneurial new ventures, research, international travel and business skill development through internship opportunity. Supporting Beta brothers at a crossroads.
Deck passed away on January 3, 2014 at age 63 after a journey with Pancreatic Cancer. His family feels deep gratitude that he was remembered and honored by the inaugural Giving Circle.
– shared by Lois Ann Grapes Murray
For information on how to donate to the Alpha Beta Giving Circle, please refer to the following Miami University Foundation link (click here).
