The Beta Alumni Leadership Forum was held Oct. 22-24, 2021. Beta Alumni and Actives joined to share experiences and support for the Alpha Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.
Alumni and Chapter Exec. Members gathered at Oxford CC Friday night for fellowship. Saturday morning the Forever Alpha Company Board and Tri-Board sessions were held. FAC Board and Chapter Execs worked with Chapter Advisors to assure the Alpha Chapter lives by Beta’s “Men of Principle” priorities. Strong attention to finances, review of best practices, and reflection on chapter goals help Beta remain a leader in scholastics, philanthropies, and campus activities.
Saturday afternoon, Alpha Alumni lead Development Sessions for the Actives. Dr. Doug Wagner ’78 (Published Plastic Surgeon) and Tom Kinder ’76 (former P&G VP Sales & Sports Announcer) counseled Actives on Medical School Preparation, Interviews, and Career Planning. Beta alumni are always ready to help the Men at 200 E. High with intern / career advice.
Later that evening, a grand reception and dinner was held at Miami’s Marcum Center emceed by Calloway Robertson, ’81. Jeff Newton ’77 Forever Alpha Co. Board President and Tom Pierce ’77 FAC Communication Chair, headed up the award presentations. First, they honored the men who were Alpha’s “Re-founding Fathers” with a plaque hand-crafted by Tom. It has been placed in the Alpha Chapter Museum.
Next up, The Forever Alpha Award was created in 2019 to recognize a senior for their outstanding “body of work” as an Alpha undergraduate. Jeff and Tom honored the two newest recipients: For 2020 – Massillon Myer ’20, VP Brotherhood & for 2021 – Alex Orr ’21, Chapter President. Their names are inscribed on a custom made plaque that hangs in the House Library.
Additional awards were then presented by Phil Fernandez ’06, Beta Theta Pi’s Chief Foundation Officer and Dr. Eric Buller, Alpha Chapter Counselor & Brother.
Alpha Beta Giving Circle Grants honor and remember Brothers who have come before us by encouraging the current generation of Alpha Betas to undertake projects reaching beyond the ordinary requirements of college. Grants totaling $11,000 went to the 2021 award winners:
Thomas Finn ’23…Tommy will expand his team’s published research in bio photonics.
Jack Hartwell ’23…Jack is pursuing a career in investment banking. He will travel to NYC to participate in the Farmer School of Business Wall Street Week during Winter Term 2022.
Alex Hauptman ’23…Alex is creating product prototypes related to farming / gardening.
Alumni funded Scholarships totaling $11,850 were presented to Anthony J Raffin ’21, Everette Z Bueter ’22, Colin M McEwen ’23, Travis L Baughman ’24, Michael E Croy ’23, Morgan S Davies ’23, James Flynn ’22, Duncan W Fox ’23, Jeremiah Grimm ’22, Jack R Hartwell ’23, and Trevor J Weikert ’22.
After awards, Brad Trucksis ’75 gave the invocation and all Betas stood to sing the Beta Doxology. After dinner, Mark Flanigan, ’81 introduced the keynote speaker Tom Hook ’81. Tom gave an excellent keynote address sharing life lessons and wise counsel. Tom is a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist with a generous heart for Beta. Jeff Newton presented Tom with a special Beta “Shingle” and a mounted Badge as thanks for all he has done for Beta Theta Pi.
Each night of the ALF weekend featured late evening bonding, story swapping, and general good cheer. On Sunday morning the Chapter held a sendoff for the alumni with coffee and doughnuts at that great “Shrine on High”, 200 E. High.
The next gathering of Alpha Chapter Actives, Alumni, and Chapter Advisors will be the Spring ALF, April 22-23, 2022. The Banquet keynote speaker will be General David Furness of the U.S Marine Corps. Please block this date on your calendar. More details will follow.
