PROGRESS … STEADILY MOVING UPWARD
The first semester of 1999-2000 started inauspiciously for Theta chapter as we started under reorganization status. Since then,
however, progress has been steady and positive, but more importantly, noticed by the brothers themselves. The following letter from a Theta parent says it better than anything I can write:
November 8, 1999
Thomas Courtice
President
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, Ohio 43015
Dear President Courtice,
We are writing to express our support for the alcohol ban at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house. Our son is a member of Beta and has agreed to abide by the new rules imposed upon the fraternity. We feel the reorganization procedure has had a positive effect on the fraternity.
When we visit our son on campus, we have noticed a marked difference in the cleanliness and general atmosphere of the Beta house. Our son has himself said that the brothers get along better and keep the house cleaner than ever before.
In an era when binge drinking on college campuses is rampant, we, as parents, have had tremendous concerns for the welfare of our son (and all students) at Ohio Wesleyan. We encourage you to support a continued ban on alcohol at the Beta house, as well as future restrictions on alcohol consumption in other campus housing.
Thank you.
As I have written earlier, the semester started with interviews with all chapter members and an all-member retreat with a slimmed down membership (21). This was a very positive experience, with the brothers gaining new communication skills, greater understanding of group dynamics and a renewed appreciation of each other. This is an event we will try to repeat annually to train new members and to reinforce the learning in those who have had the experience earlier.
After returning to school, the membership adjusted to the new house rules, settled into their classes and began formulating ways of rushing without alcohol. The efforts and suggestions of Assistant Chapter Adviser Pat Puhl were particularly helpful and generated some unexpected, but positive, results. (Pat is a recent graduate of Bowling Green where he was chapter president during their reorganization and dry rush.) Theta’s efforts have given us 8-10 excellent pledge prospects for this year. The General Fraternity’s new Men of Principle pledge program will be used for pledge training which emphasizes the bold principles of our great society while not permitting hazing in any form (including elimination of the traditional alumni quiz!).
Tony Padella, a Case Graduate, has been serving ably as chapter adviser, teaching the organizational skills the chapter needs while serving as a facilitator during chapter meetings. We all owe Tony a note of thanks for his dedication and contribution to our chapter. Our goal has been to allow the chapter significant self-governance while providing significant guidance and organizational assistance. This is a longer road than micromanaging the chapter’s governance, but hopefully one that will have longer lasting results.
I invite you all to join us for our combined Initiation and Fraternal Fifties ceremonies on April 1. This is becoming a moving tradition with Theta chapter that is appreciated by undergraduates and alumni alike.
Yours in -kai
Marty Haskell ’68
Marty Haskell ’68
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