What has Beta Theta Pi given to you?
Beta Theta Pi has given me a diverse group of friends, the challenge of organizing something new, and a link to fraternity history. I had not met most of my new Beta brothers before starting the education process. The men who became Founding Fathers came from very different backgrounds and were motivated to form a strong brotherhood. We bonded while building a colony of our fraternity that would provide us with the college experience we are looking for. I also enjoyed exploring Beta lore as we progressed through the semester. The embedded symbolism of our fraternity holds us together across time.

What advice would you give to a prospective Founding Father?
If you decide Beta is worth a shot, give it your all. Make the effort to get to know your fellow Founding Fathers. There are no senior members of the fraternity to guide the integration of new members into the chapter – everyone is a new member. Your future brothers are worth the early investment. Give what you can to Beta and you will be repaid many times over.

Why did you join as an upperclassmen?
I joined as an upperclassman because Beta made me realize that I wanted enjoy the brotherhood that a fraternity has to offer while in college. Beta showed me a vision of men tied together by principles. I saw fraternities in a new light and understood the potential of Beta at my school. I wanted to do something different, and I was determined to help make Beta the best it could be.

Why are you proud to be a Beta?
My Founding Father pledge class did extraordinary things with limited time and few resources. I have seen the excitement and drive in our members to push Beta to the ideal. Time will demonstrate greatness in our men. I look at my own experience and the friendships I have made, and I can happily say I am proud to be a Beta.

Alex MacKay, Virginia ’09
Founding Father 2008
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(571) 217-9297

Why would you recommend becoming a Founding Father?
Becoming a Founding Father is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You will have the chance to come together with other men of principle on campus to start something that challenges the “frat” stereotype. You will have to opportunity to set the direction for Beta Theta Pi at your campus. 

What has Beta Theta Pi given to you?
Beta has given me the chance to meet other men of principle who share the same values as I do. It has allowed me to show everyone on campus that the stereotypical “frat,” that has alcohol and parties as its foundations, is not what a fraternity needs to be like. 

What was a highlight from the experience?
The highlight from the experience was the amount of support from everybody. I was pleasantly suprised to see how many people really believed in what Beta stood for and how many people wanted to be involved in some way to help make our vision become a reality on campus.  How was the experience challenging?The experience was very challenging. I am very involved on campus and becoming a Founding Father made my life even busier. Most importantly, the experience is also a life-long challenge to live up to the standards and principles of Beta Theta Pi. 

What advice would you give to a prospective Founding Father?
Take a risk. This is an amazing opportunity and passing it up might leave you wondering “what if?” This is your chance to leave a legacy. Put your whole heart in it. Like anything else, what you put into it is what you will get out of it.

Phil Bronson, Dayton ’08
Founding Father 2007
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(734) 735-2604

Why would you recommend becoming a founding father?
Becoming a Founding Father of Beta Theta Pi is by far the greatest experience I have had in my collegiate career. After a few weeks of being with my new brothers I knew for a fact that these men are going to be by my side forever. Not only do you have the opportunity to grow into the man that you wish to become, but to know that you are in good company. You will honestly learn more about yourself and your capabilities than words can describe. You are granted a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a rich and deep tradition, and aiding in its prosperity you pave the way for other young men to grow into future leaders.

What has Beta Theta Pi given to you?
Beta Theta Pi has given me the opportunity to develop my leadership ability and take it to the next level. Beta has offered me a true preparatory test of expressing to others what it means to be a gentleman, leader, and scholar. I have gained the confidence to adapt quickly to new challenges, think more critically, and to stand for the principles I deeply believe in. I have also been given the greatest gift of meeting a group of guys that I have grown extremely close with.

How was the experience challenging?
This experience is definitely challenging, but it takes a unique individual to step up to the challenge and want to test himself. I would say that my biggest challenge was learning the operations of not only Beta Theta Pi, but also the entire Greek community. At first everything appears to be overwhelming, especially with trying to maintain participation in other extracurricular activities and keeping up with your academics, but with hard work and perseverance you will definitely surprise yourself how much you are truly capable of, and it is honestly the most rewarding experience I have had since entering college.

What advice would you give to a prospective Founding Father?
The best advice that I could give to a prospective Founding Father is to not be afraid or hesitant of the opportunity that has presented itself to you. Renown Beta, Joe Kokojan, Oklahoma 06’ told me that by stepping out of my comfort zone, and following my instinct to join this great tradition would lead me to people and memories that will last a lifetime…he was absolutely correct. If you feel as though this is a fraternity that you identify with, follow your instinct and I can assure you from my own experience that you will have no regrets.

Christopher M. DiNapoli, John Carrol ’09
Founding Father 2007
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(440) 227-1563