Beta Theta Pi - Willamette University

The official Facebook page of the Gamma Sigma colony of Beta Theta Pi at Willamette University. Beta’s Men of Principle initiative is not a localized idea; rather it is a message that transcends cultures and can resonate on every campus. The message is simple: times change, principles do not. Entrepreneurial in spirit and ambitious at heart, we are recruiting men who believe in the mission of the organization. It is our goal to align our fraternity with the founding ideals set forth by our eight founders in 1839. Beta’s recent success, coupled with 174 years of tradition, leadership, and commitment to excellence, has proven to be what college men today are looking for in a fraternity. Leadership Development Not only are there leadership positions to hold in each chapter, but Beta is committed to developing its members into the leaders of tomorrow. In 2012, over 1,600 Beta undergraduates attended one of our award-winning leadership development programs, for example: • Futures Quest • Keystone Conferences • Leadership College • The Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) • The Wooden Institute Beta has received 11 international awards since 1999 for outstanding leadership development programming Academics: • One of the highest chapter minimum grade expectations in the fraternal community (2.8 GPA or Campus All-Men’s Average) • Average chapter GPA of 3.19 Roll of Honor: The rolls of Beta Theta Pi include more than 80 Rhodes Scholars, 200 members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 23 State Governors, six Congressional Medal of Honor winners and 11 current CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies. Brotherhood and Education: By participating in symbolic ceremonies, learning and singing many of the Beta songs, and understanding the context of Beta Lore, Betas learn what it means to be a Beta and experience deep bonds of friendship through a 100% positive education process. Risk Management: • Clear guidelines and expectations regarding responsible personal conduct, alcohol and drug abuse, and hazing and sexual assault. • Our members enjoy one of the lowest liability insurance premiums of any fraternity at $120 per year per member. Beta Theta Pi Foundation • Completed a $20.1 campaign in 2006 (upon launching in 2003, the largest in fraternal world history) • More than $400,000 was awarded in scholarships and sponsorships to undergraduate Betas in 2008 • $83,000 awarded in tuition scholarships annually Beta’s pioneering spirit: • First college fraternity founded west of the Allegheny Mountains (August 8, 1839) • Oldest continuously published college fraternity magazine (1872) • First college fraternity to publish an open constitution for public distribution (1879) • First fraternity to be founded in 15 states – more than any other fraternity • First fraternity established on more than 35 campuses – more than any other fraternity • First fraternity to establish a chapter west of the Mississippi River (1866) • First fraternity to have general officers (1872) • First fraternity to create alumni chapters (1867) • First fraternity to have a General Convention (1842) • First to host an Interfraternal event and meeting (1848) • First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for a chapter (1984) • First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for each member (1997) • First fraternity to adopt a 2.7 minimum GPA for a chapter (2006) • First fraternity to adopt a 2.8 or All Men’s Average minimum GPA for a chapter (2012)