Parent Welcome Video

Initially, my concern was due to my ignorance about fraternities…is this going to be like “Animal House” will he be with a bunch of losers or preppies getting drunk and flunking out of a highly expensive school? Or is he going to be getting swatted with a board and asking for more so he can be a part of the group? – D.J. Orlando, mother of Nick Orlando, Beta Theta Pi

Well, I’ve learned a lot about this fraternity. They aren’t a bunch of losers partying, drinking, or flunking out. It was my ignorance that was causing my fears. It’s a big step to send your child off to college, not really knowing what they’re doing, not being responsible for what they get themselves into, and not being able to protect them from getting hurt…all those things you’ve done their whole life! – D.J. Orlando, mother of Nick Orlando, Beta Theta Pi

The most impressive is the fact they are proud to have the highest GPA average. They set the highest standards to achieve, maintain, and push themselves and each other to succeed. They support one another and become close friends (and brothers). I’m sure lifelong friends. – D.J. Orlando, mother of Nick Orlando, Beta Theta Pi

It has added a social/peer group that is positive. Outside the classroom, a positive professional influence…that aren’t necessarily in his “circle” regarding his major. Many of Nick’s classes are in the same building, and that would be his social/peer group those just in his field of study, but the Betas are the highest achievers across all the majors, so it gives him a much wider group of friends. – D.J. Orlando, mother of Nick Orlando, Beta Theta Pi

When Nick left for college, it was a time when he wasn’t sure how to separate from the family. Those growing pains of being a teenager getting his independence but still being dependent. I was so thrilled when I received the invitation to the Mother’s Tea, it was a big turning point for us. The group places emphasis on family, building up from the foundation we’ve established in them from their early years. And the chapter’s advisors help them realize that their families are still a priority in their life. – D.J. Orlando, mother of Nick Orlando, Beta Theta Pi

I support the Beta’s because they’ve proven to me to be an asset in my son’s life. As a parent we raise our children to be a good person, we try to instill those behaviors that will help them succeed, and give them a set of rules to adhere to as they grow up. Honestly, we do our best and pray God will protect them as they grow up and take those steps away from us. Since we can’t be there to make everything better, I think the men in this group are drawn to each other because of the way we raised them…and they fit together with the same fundamental values they’ve always had. – D.J. Orlando, mother of Nick Orlando, Beta Theta Pi

Take a deep breath, research the group in question, then realize that they will make the best choice for themselves. If there is a red flag that comes up in your research, discuss it with them. I didn’t find any red flags when I did my research… Fraternities have been in many movies not always portrayed in the best light… but that was the entertaining part of it. The national conferences they have the opportunities to attend help them see a “bigger” picture of what it truly means to become a brother… the alumni who still come and give their life experiences only add to the education of our sons! These alumni are the outstanding people of our time; it gives these young men the ability to connect with, interact with, and strive to become the exceptional men of the future! – D.J. Orlando, mother of Nick Orlando, Beta Theta Pi