One hundred seventy-five years after eight young men came together on the eighth day of the eighth month in 1839, 40 alumni of Alpha Chapter stood at 200 East High Street with the vision to bring Beta Theta Pi back to Miami. The committee, called Forever Alpha, led the effort to bring back our cherished chapter. The committee reviewed the actions of the past to determine the mechanisms of failure, probe the likelihood of success if the chapter returned, and the feasibility of rebuilding the chapter to its full glory. As this vision grew, more Alpha Betas from different generations answered the call to assist the effort. In 2015, we launched our capital campaign to renovate and expand our home. More than 70 volunteers and 320 donors spanning from the 1950s through the 2000s took a risk to support a vision to bring Beta back to Miami.

Because of the loyalty, generosity, commitment, and unwavering support of the Alpha Betas, we have returned to being the best chapter of the best fraternity at one of the best universities in the country. The house is the crown jewel of Beta and admired on campus. The Forever Alpha Company and advisory board built a support system that is unparalleled at Miami and has been recognized as the top alumni board within Beta. Because of this—and because of you—our undergraduate brothers are thriving.

We were determined to bring Beta back because we believe fraternities are more relevant now than ever before and this world needs more Alpha Betas. The ideals of Beta Theta Pi and Alpha Chapter span all generations, which is why our chapter motto, “Lasting for an Age,” also became the guiding theme for this new campaign.

When the chapter returned to Miami, the Forever Alpha Company identified five key tenants that would create an environment that promotes and fosters brotherhood, personal growth, and home. Alpha Chapter continues to be supported and funded by a team of advisors, the FAC, and an engaged alumni network.

From the recolonization to today, Alpha Chapter continues to attract the right young men who will continue to lead this chapter to brighter days. We have also discovered that a successful chapter needs a support system—engaged and dedicated alumni and friends to help guide the chapter and the men within it. Through this combined effort, the experience of an Alpha Beta today is the embodiment of a true fraternity experience.

Reducing financing and operational risk to increase our financial sustainability

Current Debt

The Forever Alpha Company is servicing approximately $3.2 million of debt remaining from the extensive renovation of the house. The loan will come to term in 2030, at which point the Forever Alpha Company hopes to be in a position to pay off the remainder of
the loan.

The Challenge

At 95% capacity in the house, the revenue generated from dues, room and board, and remaining campaign contributions currently covers the operating expenses for the house and servicing the debt. Fluctuations in revenue, such as fewer members living in the house, will result in challenges paying on our debt obligations and bank loan covenants. This was exacerbated in 2020 by occupancy restrictions from the COVID pandemic, which resulted in $250,000 in lost revenue and expenses. The need to systematically reduce and eliminate the debt by 2030 is critical.

Our Plan

The Forever Alpha Company will continue with scheduled payments for the length of the loan. Contributions from the campaign will help cover additional payments on the loan and refinancing if the FAC can secure better terms. Once the loan is repaid by 2030, it will alleviate the financial stress on the operating budget.

The Loan

Sustaining the crown jewel of Beta Theta Pi

Current Status

The renovation of the chapter house elevated Beta to the premier house on campus and an icon throughout ΒΘΠ. Thanks to the generous support of alumni in the Forever Alpha Campaign, this project was a success.

The Challenge

The merged houses (200 and 208 East High Street) are both structures that are over 150 years old. While they have been renovated, they will require ongoing maintenance to maintain their current appeal. Due to financial limitations, the Forever Alpha Company has been unable to establish a capital reserve fund to address ongoing maintenance and replacement of furniture and appliances that will inevitably be needed.

Our Plan

Establish a capital reserve fund that will fund ongoing maintenance, replacement of furnishings, and a house director position. As the debt is retired, the Forever Alpha Company will be able to grow this fund in the future.

*One of the positive influences in the house is the live-in house director, but the director takes space and space is money. To permanently fund that position would take a great amount of stress off the annual budget.

Developing the leaders of tomorrow through the Alpha network

Current Status

Students today are eager for opportunities to connect with alumni, learn about careers, and chart a path for their future. With the introduction of the Alumni Leadership Forum, we are beginning to provide the sought after opportunities.

The Challenge

Due to limited resources, our reach for connecting alumni and students has been limited.

Our Plan

Establish an educational endowment that will provide resources to expand our mentoring capabilities and internship program. We believe the internship and mentoring programs will set Alpha Chapter apart from any chapter at Miami and truly invest in the continued success of our membership.

*Assuming 4-5% returns, this endowment could produce $8,000 to $10,000 each year and will provide:

• A mentoring software platform
• Student support costs for internship programs (living and travel expenses)

A parent of a freshman, who is now a brother, referenced our house while driving up High Street and asked her son, “How do you get to live there?” This statement, and other statements from parents when they help move their sons into the house or have an interaction with our chapter, reiterate we are doing the right thing. We’ve created something special.

Alumni throughout our history have generously provided their time, talents, and treasurers to reach this point. Alpha Chapter is thriving at Miami. Beta provides the best living environment, a prime location, exceptional programming, and involved volunteer boards. Today, perhaps more than ever, it is important we provide young men with a small, group-living environment that offers a solid foundation for education and affords opportunities for high academic achievement and the development of leadership and social skills.

The chapter continues to look for ways to engage alumni mentors and provide an inclusive and welcoming brotherhood to meet the needs of our members. This campaign will provide the resources Alpha Chapter and the Forever Alpha Company need to support this chapter. Alpha Chapter’s motto is “Lasting for An Age,” and now we are asking for help to truly enable Alpha Chapter to live out its motto.

Beta is back—now let’s ensure it lasts for an age.

CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN

• Jack Deyo ’69

HONORARY CHAIRMAN

• Mark Stephan ’80

CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

• Dr. Bob Wertz ’61
• Pete Barnhart ’66
• Bill Haywood ’74
• Jonathan Brant ’75
• Jeffrey Newton ’77

• Tom Pierce ’77
• Calloway Robertson ’81
• Tom Fox ’86
• John Czyzycki ’87

Help Beta Theta Pi at Miami University live out its motto, “Lasting For An Age” by making a gift today by following any of these simple steps:

Thank you for your generous and loyal support of the Alpha Chapter.

Jack Deyo ’69
Forever Alpha Company
jrdeyo@outlook.com

Planned Giving

This campaign will establish resources that will continue to support Alpha Chapter well into the future. In this spirit, we are encouraging alumni to consider leaving a legacy for future members of Beta by including Alpha Chapter in their will or estate plans. A planned gift for Alpha Chapter will include you as a member of the BQP Bridge Builder Society. Document your planned gift on this pledge form.

Gifts of Securities

A contribution of appreciated securities may be an excellent way to support the campaign. The donor of appreciated securities to a 501(c)(3) will not ordinarily be subject to capital gains tax on the appreciated value of the gift. Please consult your tax advisor for potentially significant tax advantages.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Alumni 72 years or older have the opportunity to donate their required minimum distribution to support Alpha Chapter. Please consult your tax advisor for potentially significant tax advantages.

Matching Gifts

If your employer offers a matching gift program, you may be able to double your contribution to the Beta Theta Pi Foundation.

If you have questions or would like to make a gift via any of the above options, please contact our campaign coordinator at (785) 843-1661.