September brought 600 eager freshmen, unaware of pledge training, bell sessions or “acing” quizzes, to Ohio Wesleyan. I first encountered the hectic rush week and pledging; it came with every active smiling, eager to greet the freshmen. And then when the week had past, I had “gone” Beta. Little did the sixteen of us know how “friendship and fidelity, bonds of our fraternity, last through all eternity in Beta Theta Pi,” would soon become an integral part of our college lives.
With courses scheduled, books in hand, I was on my way to college. With classes, chapel and other activities, I had full days. Pledge training came with its work duties, Beta lore and the challenge to bring sixteen individuals into an effective oneness in the pledge class. Added incentive for scholarship was given me by the chapter, and my ever helpful big brother.
Every day was filled with activity and when that moment of relaxation came, I knew I could come to the house and play cards, ping pong, watch television or just rest. I haven’t felt too homesick here, partly because of “Mama’ Linn. She adds an extra touch of homeless to the Beta house. “A Beta House is never closed” is a statement that has impressed me. The house is a home away from home, where I can bring and they’re always welcome.
The many sections of the country represented here at Wesleyan and at Theta Chapter, have interested this Bostonian. I have made friendship with men from many states, all part of this “education” at O. W. U. Working, living and co-operating with many men have at times been difficult. The Betas soon smooth the rough edges of the pledge’s personality, and all goes well.
Advantages to fraternity life, Beta life, at Wesleyan grew. Whether I wanted a theme proof-read, attended a date night or party, or cheered with the chapter at our championship intramurals, a spirit of helpfulness and friendliness existed with the Betas. Fraternity spirit was new to me; I quickly realized the heart of Theta Chapter was her songs. Still ringing in my cars is “We’re singing again in the dear old hall of Beta Theta Pi.”
I’m mid-way now and the challenge grows greater. I have two main goals; to achieve high scholarship, and to become a Theta Beta. These two ends combined will make my college life at Ohio Wesleyan the fullest and richest four years of my life.
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