Recruitment

Message From the President - Fraternity Advantages - Beta Fast Facts - Pledge Program - If I hadn’t joined Beta…

 

 

1. Message From the President

As you begin your college career, you are faced with many opportunities that will affect your life. The members of Beta Theta Pi are committed to helping you make the decision that is best for your future. Whether through academic excellence, community and leadership involvement, or simply our commitment to being responsible and honorable gentleman, Beta Theta Pi sets the standards for fraternity life here at Willamette University.

Beta Theta Pi has achieved unprecedented excellence at Willamette University. Universally known as gentlemen, scholars, and leaders on Willamette’s campus, we hold a strong presence that has lasted for many years since our founding here in 1947. We have accepted many awards for our outstanding programs that have given many young men opportunities to grow in brotherhood, tradition, and academic excellence. We are strongly committed to the cultivation of the intellect and commitment to giving back to the community, but perhaps our strongest principle is the aid and mutual assistance to others. It is this aid and assistance that build relationships that last a lifetime, well past your college experience.

I invite you to become acquainted with the men of Beta Theta Pi, for this is the best way to experience our fraternal life. Joining the Greek system is one of the best decisions you can make, and I hope you take membership in Beta Theta Pi into consideration.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones that you did do. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

Sincerely, Joseph E. Gruber Fmr. President

2. Fraternity Advantages

  • Friendship: In Beta Theta Pi, brothers are brothers for LIFE. When you live in a dorm, the people you meet very rarely become lifelong friends. In Beta, you will have 30+ people you will still be calling 30 years later.
  • Scholarship: As a very diverse fraternity, there are many opportunities to be tutored in anything and everything. Need someone to help you with your O-chem exam? Go talk to Andrew. Need some help with Japanese homework? Go ask Jaered. Doing better in school is easier when you have a network of brothers there to support you.
  • Leadership: Beta has many opportunities within the chapter and outside the chapter to hone your leadership skills. On top of this, Beta alumni pay for members to go to award winning leadership conferences all over the US. We want our members to become great leaders!
  • Athletics: We have a strong history of athletic participation. Over 80% of Betas participated in intramural and several members are on sports teams. From swimming to kendo to rugby, we have a very athletically diverse house.
  • Social: No where else will you be able to meet so many people. No where else will you be able to expand your network so much. Beta offers a huge amount of chances to be social: BBQ’s, parties, dances, and dinners to name a few.
  • Living Space: Beta has large rooms, our own living room, and a big-screen TV (the biggest on campus!). When you live in Beta, it isn’t just another dorm space, you feel comfortable, and it really becomes your home away from home.

 

3. Beta Fast Facts

  • Founded in 1839 at Miami University in Ohio
  • An international organization with over 170,000 initiated members from 130 chapters and colonies in the United States and Canada.
  • Over 90 alumni associations in cities throughout the United States and Canada.
  • Beta awards over $100,000 in leadership-scholarship awards to undergraduates and graduate members.
  • More than 80 Rhodes Scholars are Betas - more than any other fraternity
  • Colors of the fraternity are pink and blue - after the sunset and sunrise.
  • Our symbol is the dragon.
  • Fraternity flower: the rose.
  • The Beta Theta Pi Foundation is currently in the second year of a capital campaign, raising $15 million to endow all leadership programs offered to undergraduates and alumni volunteers. This is the largest capital campaign ever undertaken by a men’s college fraternity.

 

4. Pledge Program

The pledge program is meant to be a meaningful and fulfilling experience. It is something to look back upon and be proud. During the pledging process, you will develop a special bond with your pledge brothers, a bond that will last a lifetime. Through pledge education, you will learn the rich history of Beta Theta Pi and the values and principles that turn great men into Betas. This program is unique in that leadership core values are taught as part of the regular curriculum. Each of you will have the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills as leaders. The pledging process is a special and exciting time. The pledge program is designed to assist and allow you to reach your full potential now and in all your future endeavors.

Gamma Sigma Pledge Expectations:

  • Pledges will maintain the highest levels of respect towards themselves, other members, and the house at all times.
  • Pledges must finish the first semester of the pledge period with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
  • Pledges must perform a community service project during the first semester of their pledge period.
  • Pledges must be enrolled at Willamette University as a full-time student.
  • Pledges must demonstrate principles of teamwork and leadership, which will be integrated into the pledge education curriculum.
  • Each pledge will conduct himself in a manner becoming of a Beta.
  • We have policies against hazing of any kind, believing that such practices diminish the dignity of the individual. We work hard to create an atmosphere of respect within our chapter, honoring each member for his beliefs and values.

 

If you have any questions about the pledge program, please contact Stephan Garrett. We are always happy to talk with you.

 

5. If I hadn’t joined Beta…

“I wouldn’t have had the confidence that I have today in my abilities to motivate, lead, organize, implement, communicate, and conceptualize.”

“I wouldn’t have serenaded a group of 80 women.”

“I wouldn’t have met my best friend.”

“I wouldn’t have felt the pride of being a ‘big brother.’”

“I wouldn’t have won an intramural championship.”

“I wouldn’t have lived and worked with so many different personalities in search of the same goal.”

“I wouldn’t have made it through my freshman year in college.”

“I wouldn’t have spoken in front of 700 people.”

“I wouldn’t have traveled across the United States and Canada with 15 of my brothers.”

“I wouldn’t have known that I could make a difference to so many people by working to help the Make a Wish Foundation, the United Way, or the Special Olympics.”

“I wouldn’t have battled a stereotype.”

“I wouldn’t have watched a sunrise with over 600 men I call ‘brother.’”

“I wouldn’t have attended the award-winning Institute, a five-day values based leadership experience in Oxford, Ohio.”

“I wouldn’t have known that I could put so much blood, sweat, and tears into something I love so much.”