The History of the

The History of the Men of Principle initiative Narratives/History ―I feel fortunate to have been on staff when the ideology behind the Men of Principle Initiative was born. I could feel change taking place. A different kind of traveling consultant was hired. Bob Cottrell lead us in a book club of leadership topics. Scott Allen introduced "Recruitment through Scholarship". Jayson Gaddis first challenged us all on staff to think of a better fraternity. Jason Bennett seemed to be sitting in the shadows, soaking everything up, and pondering. Then one day, Brother Bennett wrote the most eloquent, well-written, almost poetic, white paper I have ever read. The power of those words lead to a vision, fueled by strong leadership. What started then has now blossomed. The transformation was swift; the positive results swifter. The ideals of the Initiative make me proud to be a Beta.‖ —Joel Stern, UC-Riverside ‟94 ************************************************************************ "After reading your article about professional development in the fall 1996 issue of The Beta Theta Pi," wrote E.B. Wilson, St. Lawrence ‘53, "I am reminded of the steady decline of campus influence and perceived value of the Greek system, not only at St. Lawrence but on campus after campus." At that time, Brother Wilson had been a trustee of St. Lawrence University for 12 years. His long scholarly letter to the editor was not only excerpted for the Beta magazine (winter 1997) but also shared with Administrative Secretary Bob Cottrell and General Secretary Jerry Blesch. "I urge Beta Theta Pi take a position of fraternal leadership with the publically stated objective of reforming the Greek presence in the academic community." And so it came to be. E.B.‘s insightful letter became the founding document of what was to become Beta‘s groundbreaking Men of Principle — the reforming concept that was chronicled in the magazine through the Strategic Vision Steering Committee, the introduction of Men of Principle and the progress and development of the interfraternal leadership initiative into today‘s ever-evolving success story. Even as The Beta Theta Pi served as a primary communicator of the initiative, the Communication Department in the Administrative Office recommended partnership with the Richard Harrison Bailey agency which developed the logo and printed materials so familiar today. The South Bend, Ind., agency — whose unique creativity is utilized by many leading fraternities and sororities — has seen its work on behalf of Men of Principle lavished with numerous regional and national awards. MPI History 1 As Editor of the Beta magazine and director of the Communication Department (19922001) during these historic years, I am proud to have made some small contribution to the founding and development of the Men of Principle initiative, which has emerged as the most significant achievement, albeit ongoing, of the Fraternity‘s last 50 years.‖ — Erv Johnson, Idaho ‟53 ************************************************************************ MEN OF PRINCIPLE A Few Historical Reflections The Men of Principle initiative had its origins in a strongly held and widely shared belief that on-campus student life for many chapters had deteriorated and was no longer aligned in numerous respects with the historic principles and values of the fraternity. This specific concern for Beta Theta Pi was also perceived as a general condition within the Greek world and, therefore, as a threat to the long-term viability of not just Beta Theta Pi but to the total system of Greek societies. These judgments were made more urgent by an awareness of the larger context of ever intensifying demands for the fulfillment of higher education‘s mission: the expectations of society at large for superior intellectual and leadership outcomes and for the preparation of students for productive lives as community, national and world citizens. The challenge that Beta faced was to change the culture of student fraternal life, to find the ways for Beta not just to survive but to contribute to the achievement of the contemporary mission of higher education and to do all of this by affirming not rejecting the founding principles of the fraternity. In late 1996 the leadership of Beta Theta Pi made a bold and courageous commitment to comprehensively and dispassionately subject the fraternity to a process of strategic selfassessment. It assembled a steering committee that reached out to include not just the fraternity‘s then existing leadership, but to Beta students, the future leadership, and to non-Betas, men and women with broad experience and knowledge of the contemporary environment of higher education. Over nine months, throughout most of 1997, the steering committee met for half and full day sessions in a variety of geographic locations. Often, local guests were invited, to expand the steering committee and add new voices of knowledge and experience. The committee, in an iterative and interactive format, debated the core strategic questions that required resolution: What is the mission of the fraternity? What are its values? What are the risks and threats that confront the fraternity? What opportunities might be realized? What are the courses of action that hold the promise of minimizing the threats and optimizing the opportunities? And finally, what are the critical and desired outcomes? What is the vision for Beta Theta Pi that would result from adopting and implementing a comprehensive plan of action? MPI History 2 This process of strategic self-assessment culminated in the formal adoption of the Men of Principle initiative (MPI). MPI commits the fraternity to a sustained program of action at the chapter level that seeks to meet the challenge of changing the on-campus culture of Beta-life. MPI commits the resources of the national fraternity to assist and reward chapters that conduct their practices of self-governance in all ways consistent with the historic values of the fraternity as now confirmed and interpreted by MPI. MPI requires that chapters create the conditions that forge intellectual and leadership development, that promote responsible social behavior, that advance responsible citizenship and encourage a life-long commitment to friendship and brotherhood. The implementation of MPI is a daunting commitment. It takes resolve to stay the course. It requires discipline to make tough decisions. It means allocating resources, human and financial, of historic proportions to design and build programs and initiatives that support and advance MPI. The threats to Beta are real. The sustained success over time of the reforms introduced by MPI and of MPI‘s reaffirmation of Beta‘s core principles are responsible and strategic responses to those threats. Through that success, Beta will not only have served its selfinterests with a sense of fiduciary honor and moral purpose but it will also have served the fraternal world with high distinction. Therein lie the justifications for the singleminded commitments of Beta‘s resources to MPI. These commitments will benefit future generations of Beta brothers during their years as students, they will ensure the continuing vitality and viability of the fraternity and they will prepare for society young men who have the intellectual, leadership and moral capacities to lead active, productive personal and professional lives. E.B. Wilson, St. Lawrence ‘53 March 14, 2003 ************************************************************************ My involvement with the Men of Principle Initiative started as an undergraduate. As a member of the Strategic Vision process and the MPI Development Team I literally watched Men of Principle be created. My fondest recollection is the time spent among brothers earnestly considering how to communicate what Beta Theta Pi stands for and why that should be relevant to college men, their parents, and the universities and business of the 21st century. Once again, Beta proved that its leaders, both volunteer and staff, are some of the most talented and creative people in the Fraternity world by creating an initiative that resonated so strongly with members, others in the Greek community and the academic institutions where we exist. The relationships that I formed with the other members of the Development Team, the Fraternity Staff, and the undergraduate chapters where I went to speak about the initiative are some of my most cherished. I value the things that each of these men and women taught me, and know that it has made me a better person. I am very proud to tell people about my involvement with the Men of Principle Initiative, and I'm humbled by the positive impact that it has had on the Fraternity already. — Casey Strine, Georgia Tech ‘98 MPI History 3 In the summer of 1996, Administrative Secretary Robert Cottrell, Miami ‘54 led a book club for the operations staff (W. Scott Fussell, Middle Tennessee ‘95, Jayson Gaddis, Utah ‘95, Joel Stern, UC-Riverside ‘94, Scott Allen, Minnesota ‘95, Jason Bennett, Georgia ‘96, Forrest Green Texas A&M ‘95 & Todd Johnson, Iowa ‘90) of Beta Theta Pi. The book was the Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner. A summer of challenging conversations occurred among the staff and we challenged all aspects of the fraternity. What direction are we moving in? What is our vision as an organization? Are we Modeling the Way for other organizations? How is Beta Theta Pi a leader in the fraternal world? In August 1996, E.B. Wilson‘s (St. Lawrence ‘53) letter arrived at 5134 Bonham Road. Editor, Erv Johnson, Idaho ‘53 passed this letter along to Bob and soon after, Bob asked Jason Bennett to put down his thoughts down on paper. Soon after the two documents were drafted, a committee was formed under the direction of General Secretary Jerry Blesch, Centre ‘60 and Administrative Secretary, Bob Cottrell, Miami ‘54. The rest as they say, is history. — Scott Allen, Minnesota ‘95 ************************************************************************ While this could go for pages, I will try to stick to a few more memorable recollections (both serious and not so serious!) With the Blue Ribbon Committee for Strategic Planning as the backdrop, the early days of the MPI effort were filled with loads of idea generation from the original MPI design team (whom I am sure you have identified!) around the ways to translate the Mission and Vision into a working methodology. Naming the initiative, as simple as that sounds, was a big deal. I still have, on my computer, the original draft of the "Principled Man" document that includes the basis of the 9 goals, the verbiage that became the introduction, and the comments sent back from various team members and Blue Ribbon committee members. "Principled Man" didn't last long, as we quickly moved to Men of Principle, but we had to start somewhere! The regular meetings of the MPI design team usually took place in Oxford, and usually in Steve Becker's home. In addition to their warm hospitality, Steve and Trudy made available whatever toys might be about during our meetings and post-meeting social time. This included a karaoke machine, which allowed Beta singing to take on a whole new meaning, particularly when we were forced to modify songs to fit current events. I particularly remember a version of "I left my heart in San Francisco" that was modified to include something about a "swirly bucket", made famous by our then-Gen Sec J. Blesch's alma mater at Centre…A fun time was had by all and it certainly helped keep the creative juices flowing for the design team! —Dan Westra, Virginia Tech ‘76 ************************************************************************ ―The Fraternity's leadership never could have predicted the impact the strategic planning process and the Men of Principle initiative would have on Beta Theta Pi. Fortunately, MPI History 4 capable, committed and extremely talented individuals helped guide the Fraternity through one of the most turbulent times in recent history. While serving as a staff member supporting the initiative from 1998 to 2001, memories reflect back on an extremely upbeat, quick changing culture that was built on a true network of volunteer and staff support. One could clearly see our sleepy Fraternity awakening with new breath of energy and life. This process was important because it forced the leadership of the Fraternity to take off the blinders and recognize that Beta Theta Pi had actually declined in prestige and influence over the years. This honest analysis and process of discussing the future of the Fraternity helped to engage every major stakeholder - something our Fraternity and others had chosen to ignore for decades. Ultimately, Beta Theta Pi paid a price through lowered chapter, member and volunteer standards. Now, with an outstanding educational philosophy and program in place, the future of Beta Theta Pi will be judged by her leadership's ability to stay focused, challenge internal arrogance and foster an exciting attitude that hungers for experiential innovation, creativity and constituent outreach. The question remains whether or not Beta Theta Pi can maintain her position of prominence and leadership within the Greek world. And with many of the original strategic planning process members moving on in their personal, professional and volunteer capacities, soon we will all know whether or not true, systemic cultural change has occurred within Beta Theta Pi. "Hoping everything will work out" will ensure our path to failure; it will take commitment, collaboration, conviction and a relentless passion for influencing young men's lives. Indeed, the charge before us is great, but Beta's best days can still be ahead of us. I am eager to observe the writing of the next chapter in the life of our dear Beta Theta Pi." — L. Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ‘96 ************************************************************************ ―MPI has given our operations team a framework of resources for all chapters. We have seen our resource pool change from kickoff weekends to the Institute to more chapter visits. It has excited many young men to serve the fraternity as an Administrative Office staff member. Six years ago this was not happening. MPI has given our fraternity an edge in expansion. We have a tangible different product to sell, and our results speak for themselves. Campuses desire our colonizations...this was not the case six years ago. MPI has committed us to growing our volunteers core. We must rely on full advisory teams that are trained and committed to the chapter for the right reasons. DCs are moving from the advisor for all chapters in the district to the person who is to build the advisory teams for all chapters. We were lucky to have chapter counselors for half of our chapters six years ago. MPI History 5 MPI has given our fraternity a rallying point for change. All of our members have an enhanced knowledge of our fraternity's values. Tangible evidence of this includes higher levels of accountability at the convention by delegates and the high number of chapter closures. MPI has not saved the fraternity...it has evolved the fraternity into an organization that is more prepared to make changes...changes in the right direction. MPI is a model for continuous performance improvement, and we must realize that we will never arrive at point of complete satisfaction. Rather, we are just further down the path to evolve our fraternity back to where we started.‖ —Judson Horras, Iowa State ‘97 ************************************************************************ I have two vivid recollections. The first one was the confused reaction of many of the Betas attending the very first meeting of the group that was to work with EB on creating the mission/vision statement. The confusion arose from the fact that not only were many non-Betas present but there were also women! It was wonderfully significant I felt because it was the first time that I could recall that we really "opened up" our fraternity and invited other stakeholders and significant players in the fraternal world to have discussions with us about how our fraternity was seen and how we could work together to make us all better. The success of the MPI is part of the measure of the success of that action and our positive interfraternal relations are another. My second recollection is sitting beside Hume Morris after we had completed the mission and vision statement work and were discussing how to translate it into an educational model that would help us achieve our mission and vision. There was discussion about the name of such a program and the preferred suggestion seemed to center around "Making Good Men Better" or a variation of that. After some discussion Hume made a comment that what we were really about as Beta's was principles - that was what really defined us and he suggested The Principled Man. I think it was from that germane comment that the implementation committee finally arrived at the title of our Men of Principle Initiative. And the rest is history! — Jim Strilesky, British Columbia ‘72 MPI History 6 Programming/Education The Institute (Summer 1999—Present) The Institute is an intense five-day experience designed to guide 60 undergraduate Betas from across North America through a journey of fraternal values, leadership development, brotherhood building, and service learning. Sessions are held annually in Oxford, Ohio at Miami University. Summer 1999 Summer 2000 Summer 2000 Summer 2001 Summer 2001 Summer 2001 Summer 2002 Summer 2002 Summer 2002 Summer 2002 Summer 2003 Summer 2003 Summer 2003 Alpha Session Beta Session Gamma Session Delta Session Epsilon Session Zeta Session Eta Session Theta Session Iota Session Kappa Session Lambda Session Mu Session Nu Session 45 Participants 56 Participants 57 Participants 47 Participants 50 Participants 56 Participants 38 Participants 43 Participants 51 Participants 63 Participants 66 Participants 61 Participants 75 Participants 14 Facilitators 16 Facilitators 16 Facilitators 15 Facilitators 16 Facilitators 16 Facilitators 15 Facilitators 14 Facilitators 16 Facilitators 16 Facilitators 15 Facilitators 18 Facilitators 18 Facilitators Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) (Summer 1997—Present) The Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) is a five-day coeducational and interfraternal institute which focuses on personal and chapter values, leadership development, interfraternalism, team building, and the art of building community. Beta Theta Pi offers numerous scholarships for Beta undergraduates to attend. Summer 1997 Summer 1998 Summer 1999 Summer 2000 Summer 2001 Summer 2002 Summer 2003 Summer 2004 7 Beta Attendees 15 Beta Attendees 27 Beta Attendees 38 Beta Attendees 44 Beta Attendees 49 Beta Attendees MPI History 7 The Beta Wilderness Challenge (Summer 2001—Present) During a six-day journey in the mountains of Utah, ten undergraduates from different Beta chapters move through a powerful exploration of our Ritual and challenging outdoor elements. Participants learn hard skills such as backpacking and hiking, rock climbing, camp craft, and mountain navigation. The Beta Theta Pi Foundation offers numerous sessions each summer. Summer 2001 Summer 2001 Summer 2002 Summer 2002 Summer 2002 Summer 2002 Summer 2003 Summer 2003 Summer 2003 Summer 2003 Alpha Trip Beta Trip Gamma Trip Delta Trip Epsilon Trip Zeta Trip Eta Trip Theta Trip Iota Trip Kappa Trip 10 Participants 8 Participants 9 Participants 6 Participants 7 Participants 10 Participants 8 Participants 9 Participants 10 Participants 11 Participants Futures Quest (January 2001—Present) Geared toward Betas who have been initiated for one year or less, Futures Quest is a 2½day expedition focusing on leadership and personal development in an outdoor, conference-style environment. A variety of outdoor recreational opportunities are provided including a high ropes course. January 2001 January 2002 January 2003 7 Beta Participants 23 Beta Participants 37 Beta Participants LeaderShape® Campus-based Institutes (Summer 2002—Present) The LeaderShape Institute is a six-day leadership development experience designed to help campus leaders learn to "lead with integrity." Not specific to Greeks, participants discover how to make exceptional improvements in their organizations, workplaces, and communities. Each session of LeaderShape is comprised of 60 young men and women (ages 17 to 25). The Beta Theta Pi Foundation provides 20 scholarships for Betas to attend their university‘s campus-based LeaderShape Institute. MPI History 8 The Annual Kickoff Retreat (Fall 1998—Present) An annual kickoff retreat is held for each partnered chapter. Fraternity volunteers and Administrative Office (A/O) staff guide the chapter as they develop strategies and action plans to strengthen their chapter with the nine goals of Men of Principle as their focus. In an alcohol-free environment, members build brotherhood and set a plan of action for the year ahead. 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 4 Kickoffs Conducted 12 Kickoffs Conducted 24 Kickoff Conducted 32 Kickoffs Conducted 36 Kickoffs Conducted The Men of Principle Midyear Retreat (January 2001—Present) Midyear retreats are an opportunity for partnered chapters to re-visit strategies and action plans developed at the kickoff retreat, make needed adjustments and plan for the coming semester. 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 Advisory Team Support The Men of Principle Initiative requires that chapters have at least five active advisors. The chapter must have a chapter counselor, financial advisor, risk management advisor, pledge education advisor and recruitment advisor. 18 Midyears Conducted 31 Midyears Conducted 34 Midyears Conducted MPI History 9 The Men of Principle Steering Committee and A/O Staff Support (1998—Present) A Steering Committee of undergraduates, staff members and volunteers support the Men of Principle Initiative. Moreover, three directors and eight Education Consultants work full time supporting the chapters, colonies, volunteers and universities in implementation of the Men of Principle Initiative. MPI Directors L. Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ‗96 Scott J. Allen, Minnesota ‘95 David J.D. Rae, British Columbia ‘00 Vincent E. Mikolay, Bethany ‘00 Ryan King, Southern Illinois ‘01 MPI Director (1998-2001) MPI Director (1999-2003) MPI Director (2001-2004) MPI Director (2001-2004) MPI Director (2003-2004) MPI Development Team/Steering Committee Members Allen, Scott Becker, Steve Cobb, L. Martin Daugherty, Brad Dealph, Steve DiPaolo, Dipper Dobratz, Ryan Fedler, Lisa Fussell, Scott Hittle, Kye King, Ryan Kokkinen, Michael Kratina, M.J. Mattox, Andrew Mikolay, Vince Puckett, Paul Rae, David Ragsdale, S. Lee Sarten, Trey Stebbins, John Strine, Casey Westra, Dan Wright, David Minnesota ‘95 Florida ‘69 Eastern Kentucky ‘96 Miami ‘03 Lambda Chi Alpha Michigan ‘78 Missouri ‘02 Sigma Kappa Middle Tennessee ‘95 Kansas State ‘99 Southern Illinois ‘00 Minnesota ‘00 Nebraska ‘01 Nebraska ‘00 Bethany ‘00 Eastern Carolina ‘89 British Columbia ‘00 Georgia Tech ‘95 Tennessee ‘04 Emory ‘92 Georgia Tech ‘98 Virginia Tech ‘76 Ohio State ‘67 1999-2003 1998-2002 1998-2001 2001-2002 1999-2002 19982001-2002 1999-2001 1998-2001 2001-2002 20031999-2000 1999-2001 2000-2001 20021998-2001 20011998-2000 2001-2002 1998-2001 1998-1999 1998-2000 2000-2002 MPI History 10 The Men of Principle Implementation Team (2001—Present) The Men of Principle Implementation Team is a group of undergraduates, alumni and Greek affairs professionals that assists in supporting the Men of Principle Initiative by facilitating annual kickoff and midyear retreats, The Institute, and Men of Principle informational meetings. I-Team Training #1 I-Team Training #2 I-Team Training #3 August 10-11, 2001 May 10-11, 2002 January 10-11, 2003 46 Trained 17 Trained 36 Trained The National Housing and Risk Management Conference Scholarships (2001-2002) The Beta Theta Pi Foundation offers five registration scholarships annually for House Corporation members to attend The National Housing and Risk Management Conference. Please contact the Administrative Office for more information. NHRMC 2001 NHRMC 2002 4 attendees 5 attendees House Directors’ Conference Scholarship Program (2001—Present) The Beta Theta Pi Foundation offers three registration scholarships annually for House Directors to attend the Professional House Directors‘ Conference. Please contact the Administrative Office for more information. HDC 2001 HDC 2002 Recruitment Through Scholarship Grants The Beta Theta Pi Foundation offers 20 — $500 Recruitment Through Scholarship (RTS) grants through an application and awards process. RTS grants are designed to assist chapters in recruiting some of the best male students on campus. RTS Grants 1999 RTS Grants 2000 RTS Grants 2001 RTS Grants 2002 RTS Grants 2003 RTS Grants 2004 18 Grants Awarded 27 Grants Awarded 53 Grants Awarded 56 Grants Awarded 2 attendees 0 attendees MPI History 11 MPI Original Steering Committee (1997-1998) Wilson, E.B. Ault, John E. Bennett, Jason Bittner, Jacob Blesch, Jerry Cottrell, Robert DiPaolo, Dipper Holligner, Kevin Hook, Harold Jordan, William Leonard, Nancy Little, Kirk Martin, James G. Morris, B. Hume Orr, Ron Owen, Durwood Shriver, Phillip Stebbins, John Strilesky, Jim Strine, Casey Swanson, Kristopher Syring, Maureen Westra, Daniel St. Lawrence ’53 Ohio ‘60 Georgia ‘96 Yale ‘98 Centre ‘60 Miami ‘54 Michigan ‘78 Truman State ‘99 Missouri ‘52 Idaho ‘69 Alpha Chi Omega East Carolina ‘82 Davidson ‘57 Centre ‘68 Southern California ‘79 Pi Kappa Phi Delta Upsilon Emory ‘92 British Columbia ‘72 Georgia Tech ‘98 Lawrence ‘87 Delta Gamma Virginia Tech ‘76 MPI History 12 Awards and Honors for MPI 1999 The Institute for Men of Principle Most Outstanding Use of a Foundation Grant North-American Interfraternity Conference Annual Foundation Seminar 1999 Men of Principle Initiative Marketing Materials 1999 Addy for Distinguished Achievement Michigan and Indiana Ad Club 2000 Men of Principle Initiative Excellence in Educational Programming Award Association of Fraternity Advisors 2001 Men of Principle Initiative Hobbs Group Fellow for Educational Program Development 2001 Men of Principle Initiative Spokesman Senator Richard G. Lugar, Denison „54 Silver Medal for Outstanding Interfraternal Service North-American Interfraternity Conference 2002 Men of Principle Initiative Laurel Wreath Award North-American Interfraternity Conference 2003 Men of Principle Initiative "Exemplar Award" Miami University's Greek Values Society 2003 The Beta Wilderness Challenge Excellence in Educational Programming Award Association of Fraternity Advisors MPI History 13 Chapter/Colony Involvement University of Georgia University of Nebraska University of Pennsylvania Miami University Colorado School of Mines University of Connecticut Kansas State University Northwestern University Saint Louis University Texas A & M - Corpus Christi Washington State University West Chester University Willamette University Washington University in St. Louis University of Central Florida University of Minnesota Oregon State Southern Illinois University Texas Tech University University of Cincinnati University of Tennessee College of William & Mary Clemson University Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Washington University University of Louisville Oklahoma State University University of California, Los Angeles University of Mississippi Washington and Jefferson College Kettering University – ―A‖ Section Knox College University of Maine Wichita State University East Carolina University Columbia University Fall 1998 Fall 1998 Fall 1998 Spring 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 Spring 2000 Fall 2000 Fall 2000 Fall 2000 Fall 2000 Spring 2001 Spring 2001 Spring 2001 Fall 2001 Fall 2001 Fall 2001 Fall 2001 Fall 2001 Fall 2001 Spring 2002 Spring 2002 Fall 2002 Fall 2002 Fall 2002 Fall 2002 Fall 2002 Spring 2003 MPI History 14 Oregon State University Beloit College Pepperdine University Mass-Dartmouth Fall 2000 Fall 2001 Fall 1999 Fall 1999 MPI History 15 MPI Documentation EB Wilson’s Original Correspondence August 9, 1996 Erv Johnson Editor The Beta Theta Pi 5134 Bonham Rd. Oxford, Ohio 45056 Dear Mr. Johnson: I write to express great concern about the editorial material appearing on page 6 of the Fall 1996 issue of The Beta Theta Pi. Specifically I refer to the ―Professional Development Program‖ outlined in the middle column and to ―The BETA Leadership Personality Profile‖ contained in the side bar. I should first offer my credentials. I am a 1953 graduate of St. Lawrence University and a member of Beta Zeta. I have been a trustee of the university for 12 years and am currently serving as the Chairman of the Board. I have been an active participant in the governance process of St. Lawrence and a student of and interested observer of what one would broadly define as the institution of higher education in the United States. I have witnessed a steady, general decline of campus influence and perceived value of the Greek system not only at St. Lawrence but on campus after campus across the United States. There are highly qualified students who will not attend a college or university because there is a negative perception that the Greek system dominates student life on campus. Students elect not to join Greek societies because they place personal academic achievement ahead of social experience. Right or wrong, their apprehension is that as a Greek their academics will be degraded and they find revulsive much of the Greek social behavior they witness. I have defended the Greek system on numerous occasions in large part because my own experience as a Beta was one of life long enrichment. I have been and still am pro Greek not anti Greek. But it is becoming increasingly difficult for me and my fellow trustees across the country to defend the Greek system. Many of the reasons for this conflict are contained in the material found in the most recent issue of The Beta Theta Pi referred to above. MPI History 16 EB Wilson’s Original Correspondence August 9, 1996 The problem is not with what is articulated for these programs and principles, one can easily accept them at face value. The critical concern is with what is left out or left to unarticulated inference. There are no explicit references to ―responsibility‖ or ―accountability.‖ The vocabulary of ―academic excellence‖ or ―civilized social behavior‖ cannot be found. These are qualities of leadership and elements of professional development which, if nurtured, will endure for a lifetime. I am saddened to report that they are lacking in significant measure within today‘s Greek system. I concur with the quote from Kirk Little ―that the Beta experience should be more than simply group living and academics.‖ However, the Fraternity must build on those most basic of overarching appeals and commit to academic and social leadership and the connection of those principles to the opportunity for personal growth defined in the article. I strongly believe that if you ignore the fundamentals of academic performance and the broadest possible implications of membership in a responsible campus social community that the leadership of Greek Societies will themselves have sown the seeds for further decay and eventual expulsion. I would strongly urge that Beta Theta Pi take a position of fraternal leadership with the publicly stated objective of reforming the Greek presence in the academic community. Reform should pursue at least five initial goals: (1) define in contemporary language the base case for membership in a Greek society, (2) make academic performance an explicit commitment, find ways to demonstrate that membership in a Greek society enhances academic achievement, (3) establish and self-enforce a code of conduct which makes Greek societies the paradigm of responsible social behavior, (4) build a program that encourages broad based opportunity for leadership training, within the fraternity and in service to the community at large, (5) connect these attributes of Greek membership to the outcomes of professional careers and life long participation in a global society as an engaged citizen. Others would do a better job than I have of thinking through a comprehensive statement of reform objectives, but the five points represent, I believe, core understandings that can lead to a revitalization and reformation of the Greek system as a responsible and desirable member of the academic community. If you find these thoughts to be of some general interest, I ask that you pass them on to the national officers of Beta. Finally, I leave you with one last observation: if the Greek system loses the historical broad based support of trustees, most of whom are initially predisposed to defend Greek societies because they themselves were Greek as undergraduates, then you will have lost a crucial constituency. In the end, in most if not all systems of university governance, it is the trustees who will cast the final ballot. Sincerely, [E.B. Wilson] MPI History 17 Jason Bennett’s Original Synthesis for Administrative Secretary Robert Cottrell Author: Jason Bennett at Beta Theta Pi Date: 9/23/96 11: 51 PM Priority: Normal TO: Bob Cottrell at Beta Theta Pi CC: Todd Johnson at Beta Theta Pi Subject: Here it is. Brother Cottrell, Attempted to answer the following questions : Why do we need this change? Why do I feel we need this change? After I started this, I realized what a monumental task it is. I hope I only hit the highlights and that you ignore any area in which I waxed poetic. I‘m a philosopher at heart. =] I desire much feedback and criticism. Tell me what I should add or what I should avoid. This is only a rough draft. I hope it is what you had in mind, and if it isn‘t, I will rework it. Yours in ____kai____, Jason Email Attachment ―The first problem for all of us, mea and women is not to learner to unlearn.‖ Gloria Sternum The Fraternity is a powerful entity. It survived in its first decades because founders had an organization in mind where men were encouraged to be good humans teaching and admonishing young men in ways that built character and prepared them for life. They used religious foundations as the building blocks of their societies, because it was in religion that they found their relation to the soul or spirit. Much like the weak chapter who looks at a strong chapter and in its desire to become like the strong chapter emulates specific traits that it wrongly perceives as the essence of the strong chapter‘s success, we have focused on the trivial aspects of early fraternity rather than the philosophy that the founders used to ensure success. MPI History 18 Jason Bennett’s Original Synthesis for Administrative Secretary Robert Cottrell 9/23/96 I have been asked to write to you concerning my thoughts about the future of Beta Theta Pi. I have spent my past four years as a member pondering the future of not only my fraternity, but also the future of all fraternities, and my thinking has only caused my concern to deepen. I do not think that we, nor any other fraternity, have successfully metamorphosed into an organization that addresses the needs of wither the current undergraduate membership or our alumni. Ample studies exist (ref. Self Navigators) that show the fundamental changes in attitude and expectation that this generation has experiences, changes that will affect every aspect of the future societal structure. Though I do not want to prematurely suggest the exact methods by which we would approach this change, I firmly believe that the early stages should involve our asking the undergraduates and alumni one simple question: ―What do you want out of a fraternity?‖ Until we get an honest answer to this question, we cannot begin to create an organization that meets their needs. Part of our problem is that we do not know what they want, evidenced by our declining number of new members and lack of global, enthusiastic support of our alumni. I know that we can all cite examples of dedicated alumni and undergraduates who give and achieve, but the organization that I have in mind is one in which such dedication is not the exception but the norm. Such an organization would engender lifelong commitments by taking in young men and building them into men of character and morals. There exist basic principles and life guidelines by which all men should live, regardless of religious affiliation or belief. That is a powerful statement, but one we must make in order to give our organization any direction. At this point, we would have to decide what those principles are, and conveniently, we already know what they are. It is my belief that we should examine our organization as if it had never been founded, re-select our founding principles as the cornerstones, and literally re-create Beta Theta Pi ex nihilo. I am suggesting neither a single program nor a set of programs; tills would be a complete regeneration of our approach concerning the men we select and how we educate them. Tills is not an easy challenge, therefore initially it will not be appropriate for every chapter. It would not only require the education of current undergraduates but the re-education of our alumni. Let me assure you that I believe that our principles are worth such an effort, otherwise I would not be so concerned that we were not preserving them adequately. Mutual aid and assistance, devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, and unsullied friendship and unfaltering fidelity are still as critical to building better men in today‘s society as they were in 1839. Like America‘s founders, Pater Knox and his associates chose our founding principles wisely. It is now our charge to seed that we transmit these values to future generations using current wisdom and methodology. MPI History 19 Jason Bennett’s Original Synthesis for Administrative Secretary Robert Cottrell 9/23/96 For lack of a more elegant expression, I am concerned that our fraternity does not teach young men how to care. I have recently read The Road Less Traveled by Dr. M. Scott Peck and it addresses some of the societal inadequacies that we are facing. Though it has been on the best-seller list for eleven years and millions of people have read it (or just received it as a gift and never actually read it), I know that it has not actually caused change in that many people, else we would see a totally different society. There are some issues that I think we should address, and I still list them and discuss them below. We have the opportunity to teach young men how to be men in today’s society. I dare anyone to argue that men‘s roles have not been forever changed by the feminist movement. Whether we wanted it or not society has changed Traditional roles have been shattered, and since it was the women who were seeking the changes, they were able to simultaneously tear down their old roles and create what they wanted from scratch. No one has seemed to take charge of the training of young men. Churches, schools, and even many fathers have not been able to ―train young men in the way that they should go‖. While it might seem absurd at first thought, the fraternity is in a good position to take up this charge. It only seems absurd in the framework of our current situation. An organization with a different focus built upon the idea of fraternity can have an impact on training young men. We can be the keepers of the nations’ character. Character-training should be a distinct focus of fraternity. Character-building activities should be woven into every chapter activity. This is a large topic, and there will be many suggestions on how to approach it by many more learned than I. Consider how attractive an organization would be if people knew that it had the ability to take anyone from any background and instill in them the character traits that will make them good men. We can be the keepers of the nation’s morality. Morals are not relative, and you can legislate morality (every law is legislated morality). These are two myths that are being sold to America. Different parts of society have turned morality into a political issue, bending the meaning to fit their agendas There are things that we know are right and things that we know are wrong. We should not be afraid to take a stance on the basic issues (I don‘t mean things like abortion), placing ourselves squarely on the side of right. MPI History 20 Jason Bennett’s Original Synthesis for Administrative Secretary Robert Cottrell 9/23/96 We can be the caretakers of the nation’s values. There are values that we hold as human Beings, core values that we know from birth. Just look at any leadership book and it will tell you that there are values that every leader must hold to be a good leader. These are the same values that we must hold if we are to be good men, whether or not we are ever in a position to lead. We must value honesty, trustworthiness, compassion, and boldness among many other things. We should identify what these values are and work their education into the fraternal experience. It might seem that these are things that we are doing already. I would argue that we intend to be doing these things, but in reality we are not. We make the mistake of falsely attributing our current success to what we feel we learned from our fraternal experience. When we honestly assess our past experiences, we realize that those who have become successful would most likely have found success regardless of their fraternal experience. I realize that there are exceptions, a few men from each chapter who did gain the tools and training that they needed to become successful, but it is precisely because these are exceptions and not the rule that causes me to be concerned. This future organization would have every high school male making plans so that he will be able to join once admitted to a university. This organization would have parents making every effort to give their son the best advantages so that he would be able to join. This organization would have every community wanting these men to be involved in it. This organization would have every university and college wanting it to be on their campus because of the extreme positive impact that it would have. This organization would have every alumni so involved throughout their lifetimes that it would have to hold multiple regional conventions to handle the number of men wanting to attend. This organization would change the way people think of Fraternities not by fixing the existing problems, but by eradicating the things that caused the problems to exist. Bill Bracewell, member of Phi Gamma Delta and the NIC Board, recently related a story to me. He was at an NIC Board meeting discussing how to solve scene problems at his chapters when someone said something to him that struck him. They said, ―Instead of finding a way to solve the problems go back to its causes and restructure it so that the problem no longer exists. Instead of solving problems, approach them this way and dissolve them.‖ I think that that is a good approach to take. We don‘t need a program Band-Aid and we don‘t just need to ―go back to the basics.‖ We need to restructure our organization so shat the problems are dissolved. One way is to focus on our pledge education program. While Son of the Stars holds a special place in many of our hearts, it is inadequate in many areas. It is merely a book of facts about Beta Theta Pi and does not address any of the issues I have mentioned. We need a new document that does address these issues and a plan to teach it to both our undergraduates and alumni. MPI History 21 Jason Bennett’s Original Synthesis for Administrative Secretary Robert Cottrell 9/23/96 Building Bridges was a good concept, but it also is inadequate. It has been relegated to the punishment program for disciplining chapters. But, on another level, I have already said that we don‘t need a program. That was its foundation flaw. We need a change in philosophy that leaves no room for hazing, since our three principles leave no room for hazing. Conclusion suggestions? ************** Extra stuff I cut…what do you think? The aspects that I am talking about are as follows: We have focused on grades and not education. Have focused on safety and not care. We have focused on structuring parties and not building relationships. We have encouraged recruitment and not friendship. We have encouraged pledge class unity and not chapter unity. MPI History 22 Living the Beta Vision Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 1997 An article in the University of Minnesota student newspaper, Dec. 30, 1996, was headlined “Without reform, the Greek system should go.” Implying that the Greek system was totally out of control, “with insufficient measures to deter the abuse of alcohol and drug and the perpetration of violence,” the report is but one of hundreds that persist in the media. Is it fair? Maybe. Should we be concerned? Beta Theta Pi has come to the conclusion: “Definitely!” As the Fraternity struggled last fall with the challenges of fewer men going through rush, the long-term decline of the number of chapters maintaining GPAs above their campus‘ all-men‘s averages and the alarming level of risk management incidents, the board of trustees and staff determined to examine whether indeed ―the Greek system would go.‖ Initially, Jason R. Bennett, Georgia „96 who has spent the past academic year traveling North America and visiting chapters and colonies, drafted his concerns in a Vision Document. Among other things, Jason suggested that Beta Theta Pi, though a powerful entity, seemed to be ―focusing on the trivial aspects of the early Fraternity, rather than the philosophy that the founders used to ensure success.‖ Among the aspects identified, he said, Beta has tended to focus on:         Grades, not education Safety, not care Structuring parties, not building relationships Encouraging recruitment (rush), not friendship Encouraging pledge class unity, not chapter unity Selfishness, not group responsibility Quantity with only vague lipservice to quality Policies, not explanations ―Part of our problem,‖ he emphasized, ―is that we do not know what our collegiate members want, evidenced by declining number of new members in the Greek system (see table below) and a lack of global, enthusiastic support of our alumni.‖ MPI History 23 Living the Beta Vision Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 1997 Trend of Young Men Affiliating with College Fraternities Year 88-89 89-90 90-91 91-92 92-93 93-94 94-95 95-96 Affiliating +6.0% +1.9% -1.5% -4.0% -5.3% -0.5% -2.0% -5.0% Average Chapter Size 51.0 50.9 50.3 49.8 45.7 42.0 40.0 38.0 Believing that the problem outlined was likely a challenge worthy of the highest level of intellectual and organizational abilities, the Trustees appointed a blue ribbon committee, ultimately composed of some 25 men and women, including undergraduates, to study the problem and chart a course for the future. Named chairman of the Strategic Vision Steering Committee is E.B. Wilson, St. Lawrence ‟53, chairman of Global Brands, Inc., and a member of the St. Lawrence University Board of Trustees. ―I find a lot to agree with in Bennett‘s evaluation.‖ Wilson said. ―I would contend that we need to build a model of a future Beta Theta Pi that is responsive to the concerns and objectives of parents, the university community, alumni and students. The model should change the way people think about fraternities and should be so compelling that every high school male would make plans to join and be encouraged to do so by family, advisors, faculty and alumni.‖ Noting that pursuit of academic excellence must be a cornerstone, Wilson added that it is ―essential, however, to expose undergraduates and alumni to the model, seek their responses to it, receive their suggestions and judge the level of their likely commitment.‖ Noting that building the model of a new organization ―requires being very sensitive to the deficiencies of the old,‖ Wilson emphasized that Beta Theta Pi ―needs to commit to a classic process of strategic planning. The business world has taken the leadership in this pursuit of restructuring and renewal; now the nonprofit community and colleges and universities are seeing the same advantages of self assessment, vision, focus, and commitment.‖ MPI History 24 Living the Beta Vision Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 1997 At its first meeting, held in Atlanta February 22, the committee determined and addressed five strategic categories: the evolving market for membership; standards of academic, social, and community service expectations; attracting/recruiting the right profile of membership; building internal disciplines of accountability and commitment and brotherhood, and building a delivery team to effect change. In addition, the committee assessed the relationship of Beta Theta Pi to its major constituencies and began putting together a contemporary definition of the mission of the Fraternity. At press time, a second meeting was convening in Cincinnati and a third, in Indianapolis, May 3. Consensus appears to project a process which will see implementation by turn of the century. The Beta Theta Pi will continue to keep its readers apprised of the committee‘s progress. If you have thoughts on this to share with the committee, address them to the Strategic Vision Steering Committee, P.O. Box 6277, Oxford, OH 45056. Is Beta Theta Pi prepared for the next millennium? Will the Greek system be viewed as just on more dinosaur, destined to extinction not unlike other once-dominant fraternal organizations outside the college community? Addressing this issue and all that it foretells, the Fraternity has appointed the Strategic Vision Steering Committee. Strategic Vision Steering Committee Chairman: E.B. (Ed) Wilson, St. Lawrence ‟53 John E. Ault, Ohio ‟60, vice president,  Jason Bennett, Georgia ‟96, traveling consultant, Jacob Bittner, Yale ‟98, chapter president Jerry M. Blesch, Centre ‟60, General Secretary Robert L. Cottrell, Miami ‟54, administrative secretary Donald (Dipper) DiPaolo, Michigan ‟78, educator Kevin James Hollinger, Truman State colony „99 Harold S. Hook, Missouri ‟52,  Foundation Board William I. Jordan, Idaho ‟69, former trustee Nancy Leonard, executive director, Alpha Chi Omega B. Kirk Little, East Carolina ‟82, leadership advisor James G. Martin, Davidson ‟57, former president of  B. Hume Morris, Centre ‟68, former president/ Gen. Sec.,  Ronald H. Orr, S. California ‟79, USC assoc. athletic director Durward Owen, executive director emeritus, Pi Kappa Phi Phillip R. Shriver, Ph.D., former president, Miami University John H. Stebbins, Emory ‟92, regional dir./district chief James M. Strilesky, British Columbia ‟72, former trustee Casey E. Strine, Georgia Tech ‟98 Kristopher K. Swanson, Lawrence ‟87, regional director Maureen Syring, former national president, Delta Gamma Daniel L. Westra, Virginia Tech ‟76, former district chief MPI History 25 Men of Principle – Now…watch it fly Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 1998 More than two years in the making, the concept of today‘s Beta as a Principled Man has emerged, attempting to soar, renewed like a Phoenix from its own ashes. The question awaits: Will it fly? Perhaps the metaphor is too harsh; nonetheless, some observers suggest that college fraternities are in a spiral, never to pull out; meanwhile, proponents look in vain for remedies. Fortunately, a few perceived the seemingly imminent calamity and saw opportunity. Among them, recently graduated Jason R. Bennett, Georgia ‘96, who boldly offered a challenge: ―While Beta Theta Pi is a powerful entity, she seems focused on the trivial aspects of the early Fraternity rather than the philosophy that the founders used to ensure success.‖ Suggesting that fraternities are focused on grades instead of education, structuring a social life instead of building relationships, rush instead of relationships, he emphasized: ―We don‘t know what our collegiate members want, evidenced by declining Greek numbers and a lack of global, enthusiastic support of our alumni.‖ Coincidentally, an alumnus industrialist and scholar, E. B. Wilson, St. Lawrence ‘53, addressed his concerns to the General Fraternity: ―We need to build a model of a future Beta Theta Pi that is responsive to the concerns and objectives of all of our constituents — students, alumni, parents, universities, communities.‖ Wilson, a member of the St. Lawrence University board of trustees, suggested, ―The model should change the way people think about fraternities and should be so compelling that every high school male would make plans to join and be encouraged to do so by family, advisors, faculty and alumni.‖ A tall order! Realizing that the two Betas, two generations apart, had struck a common irrefutable chord, Beta‘s Board of Trustees appointed Wilson to chair a blue ribbon panel, the Strategic Vision Steering Committee — 25 strong, drawn from undergraduate and alumni members as well as distinguished leaders in the Greek system, noted academicians, business leaders — men and, yes, two women, who comprehend the challenge and thirst for a solution that might become a cornerstone for the entire Greek world. MPI History 26 Men of Principle – Now…watch it fly! Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 1998 The committee met monthly through much of 1997, pounding out, first, a mission that Beta Theta Pi could build on: ―Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building Men of Principle for a principled life based on lifelong friendship, cultivation of the intellect, responsible leadership, responsible social conduct and commitment to community.‖ Quickly followed the committee‘s concept of the Fraternity‘s Mission: ―Beta Theta Pi will be the exemplary standard for collegiate fraternal societies . . . so that Betas will be known as friends, gentlemen and scholars and be in high demand by leaders of business, government and the professions; and Beta Theta Pi will be acclaimed and respected, be endorsed by parents and will engender bonds of friendship and brotherhood which create a lifelong commitment to serve and support the Fraternity.‖ Could such lofty standards actually convert to realistic goals? Don (Dipper) DiPaolo, Michigan ‘78, who introduced Men of Principle at this year‘s Convention, characterized it this way: ―Remember the motion picture A Man for All Seasons? The central figure, Thomas More was being forced by King Henry VIII of England to approve of his divorce so he could remarry. But More refused. Why? Because it would have compromised his principles! ―If we, too, profess to be Men of Principle, mustn‘t we, too, be willing to stand by our principles? Else why pledge to them in the first place?‖ A search for the answer was handed over to an action committee — the Men of Principle Development Team — 10 men drawn from the ―best of the best‖ in Beta Theta Pi, who drafted a set of goals designed to achieve the Beta Mission, to wit: “Our Fraternity has been guided by our Three Great Principles, which give rise to the name of this strategic effort. Mission Statement Inserted Here The experience of being a Beta encourages men to serve their university, fraternal and local communities. Our Ritual, Code and Laws have and will continue to be the cornerstones of the Fraternity. Men of Principle is designed to strengthen each chapter to be the best it can be and, at the same time, build up the alumni of the Fraternity in a manner which supports the Three Great Principles beyond their college years. To this end, nine goals have been established.‖ MPI History 27 Men of Principle – Now…watch it fly! Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 1998 These nine goals describe the distinctive character of the Beta culture. They flow directly from the Mission Statement and anticipate the Beta Theta Pi Vision. While these goals are listed in numerical order, they are in fact interrelated and of equal value: 1. Cultivation of the intellect 2. Leadership development and self-governance 3. Commitment to community 4. Member education 5. Responsible personal conduct 6. Chapter advisors 7. Member recruitment (The Beta Theta Pi, spring 1998, pages 8-10.) 8. Communications 9. Lifelong fraternal brotherhood As these goals became more specific, more real, the Beta Theta Pi Foundation determined to propose Men of Principle to the Fraterity‘s alumni members, urging them to support the concept with their gifts. The result: the initial target of $1.4 million was reached, even passed, as more than 5,000 donors subscribed to the courageous initiative. Now in its second phase, the campaign includes a Beta Leaders Club, 245 who have pledged $1,000 to $5,000 to reinforce their belief and trust in Men of Principle. While it is the ultimate hope that all chapters will measure up to the Men of Principle standards; it will not be force-fed to chapters. ―On the contrary,‖ pointed out Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ‘96, the Fraternity‘s education director and staff member responsible for Men of Principle. ―The initiative is totally voluntary. It is completely up to each chapter whether or not it wants to adopt these higher standards. ―Furthermore, some chapters have already undertaken certain strategies to measure up to the goals. For example, Recruitment Through Scholarship is a resource in meeting goal #7 and also relates directly to goals #1 and #4. The newly instituted alcohol education program (see page 22) is an ingredient in achieving goal #5. The Leadership Institute (see “Making Good Leaders Better,” page 27) will address goal #2. ―Some chapters are already doing one or more of these strategies even though they may not be piloting Men of Principle. Indeed, we have chapters which readily measure up to seven or eight of the goals,‖ Cobb pointed out. Cobb‘s credentials are considerable. As an undergraduate, he was president of his chapter for two years followed by a year as IFC president. After graduation he served the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) as a traveling consultant before coming to Beta Theta Pi as an educational consultant, then the Fraternity‘s expansion director. MPI History 28 Men of Principle – Now…watch it fly! Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 1998 A further point that Dan Westra and his Men of Principle Development Team hasten to point out is that the strategies and resources designed to help chapters achieve the nine goals are constantly evolving. ―And the undergraduate experiences will essentially define these strategies,‖ Westra emphasized. Ongoing and ever-evolving As an example, the Member Education goal is already overflowing with resources, 29 in all, ranging from The Son of the Stars and other Beta publications to such selfexplanatory resources as the books Pardon Me, Your Manners are Showing and Roberts Rules of Order to programs — Confrontation 101 and Values and Ethics. Meanwhile, for other goals, e.g., Leadership Development and Self-Governance, there is a huge body of resources to be developed over the coming years. To qualify for the pilot program, a chapter must have 80% of its members agree to undertake the project, no small step as the commitment level is extremely high. For example, kickoff weekend for Nebraska chapter, August 28-30, consumed the better part of three intense days with the entire chapter membership and alumni advisors plunging vigorously into the activities. Georgia kicked off the initiative Sept. 11-13. To prepare, 26 undergrads from Nebraska and 10 from Georgia attended the 159th Convention. Penn chapter could be the third pilot group, possibly kicking off in January. Meanwhile, there are 65 other NIC fraternities and 26 NPC sororities eyeing Men of Principle carefully and admiringly, awaiting the results with hope and encouragement that it just may be tailor-made for all of them . . . an idea whose time has come. Brothers, the Phoenix is testing its wings. EJ Email from Lee Ragsdale in August ―Those guys in Athens (Ga.) are fired up! They think that dry rush is the best thing since sliced bread — maybe better. When I left their house last night, they had 16 accepted pledges plus another 15 outstanding bids. They are way ahead of their normal acceptances. They think the final numbers will be close to 30. (Final count: 28) ―The best thing about my visit was hearing men excited about the process and the results of Men of Principle. I think we have buy-in at the chapter. So, let‘s keep the momentum going.‖ Yours in __kai__, Rags MPI History 29 Dick Lugar speaks out for the Men of Principle Initiative Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 1999 Columnist Mary Beth Schneider of The Indianapolis Star recently characterized Senator Richard G. Lugar, Denison ‘54, as something of a Man for All Seasons. Though politically estranged from the senior senator from Indiana, she concluded: ―Frankly, I‘ve always considered Lugar a principled man.‖ ―And it must follow, as the night the day,‖ who better to serve as Beta Theta Pi‘s official spokesman for the Men of Principle initiative than the distinguished Oxford Cup honoree. A man who has earned international respect. A man of principle! ―The Men of Principle initiative is especially significant because it asks men to certify that they believe in specific goals. That strong affirmation is confidence building. That block of confidence will and can be tested and remain solid and visible over the years,‖ Brother Lugar attested. A test of confidence The senator himself puts these and other goals to the test every year with his own staff and the dozen young men and women who serve internships in his office. ―Our criteria is superior scholarship, evidence of high integrity, demonstrated leadership and constructive idealism,‖ he enumerated, adding, ―demonstrated assumption of responsibility and capacity to assume much more, a sense of community and the strengthening of community values, reverence for family, evidence of serious religious presuppositions, health, strength, vigor and a high energy level.‖ A tall order for juniors and seniors in college. ―Typically, I seek fraternity men for many of these internships,‖ he pointed out. ―I assume that a member of Beta Theta Pi will make a strong showing in competition based on these criteria, and I will be even more confident about each Beta applicant after I know that this candidate has affirmed and lived the Men of Principle goals explicitly.‖ Following a breakfast meeting with the General Fraternity‘s traveling consultants in August 1997, Sen. Lugar noted, ―I was impressed with their vision for the Fraternity and their practical experiences. Jud Horras (Iowa State ‘97, the General Fraternity‘s director of expansion) had served as a Senate intern the previous summer. MPI History 30 Dick Lugar speaks out for Men of Principle initiative Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 1999 ―Based upon these conversations, and perhaps my own preoccupation with the governance of our country, I wrote: ‗I assume that a member of Beta Theta Pi has the capacity for the tough discipline of self-government, the ability to reach honorable compromises, the willingness to accept and wield authority and the political skills to organize people, to articulate goals, to persuade people and the stamina of conviction to stay the course to successful resolution.‘‖ Rhodes Scholar Passionately involved with Beta Theta Pi from his earliest days as a member, Dick Lugar was president of Alpha Eta chapter at Denison and delegate to the 114th General Convention in Pasadena, California. In addition, he was co-president of the student body with Charlene Smelzer, whom he latter married in 1956. They have four sons and seven grandchildren. An Eagle Scout and a Rhodes Scholar, he graduated from Oxford (Pembroke College) in England and later served as an intelligence briefer as a Navy ensign. After his tour of duty, he returned to Indianapolis to help run the family‘s farm and food machinery manufacturing business. Neighbors encouraged him to run for the local school board. He did and won. In 1967, at the urging of community leaders, he won the first of two terms as mayor of Indianapolis. Elected in 1976 to his first term in the U.S. Senate, he gained national attention when he stopped the proposed Chrysler bailout, fashioning instead a loan guarantee plan that preserve thousands of jobs while creating procedures that ensured that the Federal loan was paid back in full. And it was . . . ahead of schedule! High public profile In 1996, Brother Lugar ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for President while continuing his duties as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Notwithstanding the Senator‘s political stance, he has always called for citizen responsibility. In 1983 he established ―The Fund for Hoosier Excellence,‖ a scholarship program for Indiana‘s outstanding minority students. He also founded the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series in 1990. Each year 15 women are selected statewide for this leadership program designed to increase the number of women in public service. MPI History 31 Dick Lugar speaks out for Men of Principle initiative Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 1999 Voice of reason Acknowledging Lugar‘s leadership in foreign policy and pro-market agriculture policy, an Indiana journalist wrote: ―Indiana‘s senior senator remains a voice of reason with a global impact.‖ Over the coming months, Sen. Lugar will be speaking out on behalf of the Men of Principle initiative, as will other prominent Betas who demonstrate the ageless principles of the Fraternity. ―How better to set forth examples of just what the Men of Principle concept is all about than to identify and recognize Betas of distinction whose careers and actions are living examples of this historic initiative,‖ said Stephen B. Becker, Florida ‘69, administrative secretary. ―Fortunately, the Fraternity has a vast store of outstanding men who readily fulfill this definition.‖ Meanwhile, three chapters are piloting Men of Principle — Georgia, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. In addition, Beta‘s Board of Trustees has mandated that all current and future colonies must endorse and measure up to the initiative‘s nine goals before being considered for chartering as chapters. Currently, these include Connecticut, UMassDartmouth, Miami, Northwestern, Pepperdine, Saint Louis, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Washington State. Another five chapters are expected to undertake the initiative next year, and all chapters are invited to target speci-fic goals as essential steps to embracing the full initiative in future years. ―This is not a mandatory program,‖ Steve Becker pointed out. ―Chapters must vote to embark on a Men of Principle path, and just because they don‘t choose to do so doesn‘t mark them as second-class chapters.‖ Ultimately, however, it is hoped that most will aspire to become Men of Principle chapters. Over the last two years, 11 Beta chapters have been closed, some voluntarily and others as a result of conduct or incidents inappropriate to the standards of the Fraternity. ―At the time I drafted the keynote speech for the Beta Convention in August 1997,‖ Lugar said, ‖I had been inspired by the remarkable vision which the Men of Principle initiative promised for the future of the Fraternity.‖ (The speech was published in the Convention 1997 issue of The Beta Theta Pi magazine. — Editor) MPI History 32 Dick Lugar speaks out for Men of Principle initiative Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 1999 Looming dilemmas ―My speech reflected both anxiety about the looming dilemmas (hazing, alcohol-abuse, focus on social life over academics, loss of the Pater Knox vision) and tremendous enthusiasm for the Men of Principle initiative. ―These concerns have confirmed my belief that a member of Beta Theta Pi should be a man capable of brotherhood and of actually subordinating self-enrichment and selfpromotion to boost another person and to bond for a relationship stretching for decades. ―Ideally,‖ he emphasized, ―that relationship should be based upon a foundation of four years of living together in a fraternity chapter house. ―Each of us wants to have trust — we want to believe in the word of someone over the years. The ideal that we have set for fraternal brotherhood must be a very high standard. The ideal must be upheld despite hypocrisy, the vagaries of human nature and the personal character failures which surround that fraternal relationship.‖ Campus memories Remembering his own days on the Denison campus in Granville, Ohio, Sen. Lugar recalled: ―No one enjoyed four years in college more than I did — the dances, the parties, sports, travel, all-night bull sessions. I gave my pin to my Beta Sweetheart and serenaded her backed up by my Beta brothers. ―But I sensed then what I know now . . . that while some of my brothers found a lot of my ideas and activities inexplicable, unnecessary and often frenetic, they were enthusiastic that at least someone was doing something, and they were always loyal. ―And in the final analysis, Betas (or all Canadians and Americans) can do anything we want to do in this world, but we must always take time to make certain we are on the right course — for us, it‘s the Men of Principle course — and to savor and enjoy the journey.‖ EJ MPI History 33 Learning to be a man of principle Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 1999 While most students look forward to taking a break from classes during the summer months, a studious group of undergraduates decided to return to the classroom and study up on one of their favorite subjects — Beta Theta Pi. For five days in June, 46 Betas participated in the first Institute for Men of Principle, a values-oriented leadership institute designed to enhance the Beta experience. Through reinforcement of the Men of Principle initiative, participants gain a deeper understanding of the principles and obligations of the Fraternity and learn the skills necessary to take their chapters to the next level of success and achievement. ―I‘m not exaggerating when I say that the past five days have inspired and changed me unlike anything else I have experienced in my life,‖ said Bram Spector, Northwestern ‘01. ―The Institute evoked feelings unlike any other Beta-related experience, including initiation. I was fortunate enough to meet and become close with 50 Betas from all over North America, and most of the relationships we built in five days are stronger than relationships I have had for five years.‖ Another Beta first? In what could prove to be one of the most innovative and progressive educational experiences in the fraternal world, 12 talented Greek professionals traveled to Oxford to help facilitate the Institute‟s inaugural curriculum. Modeled after the National Interfraternity Conference‘s (NIC) Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI), this unique learning program was adapted for Beta Theta Pi through the cooperative efforts of Beta staff members, the NIC and Mission City Training and Development. The result is a leadership program with central concepts tied directly to the core values of the Fraternity. A variety of activities Agreeing to live in an alcohol-free environment, the participants: *Learned the relevance of becoming a man of principle, *How to utilize the principles upon which the Fraternity was founded in daily life, *Understand the mission, vision and goals of the Men of Principle initiative, *Learn the art of building true team spirit with a chapter *Acquire motivation skills *Experience giving through ―true‖ community service MPI History 34 Learning to be a man of principle Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 1999 *Develop skills to confront inappropriate behavior and actions *Further understand the purpose and history of ritual *Develop techniques to improve internal chapter communications. *Become friends from Betas across North America *Grow personally through discussion groups and activities *Interact with prominent General Fraternity Officers and alumni *Work with nationally recognized university administrators and faculty *Serve as a catalyst for affecting positive change in the chapter and community *Developed leadership skills unmatched by any other conference *Learn how to build a true chapter community *Have the opportunity to brainstorm and collect ideas from other Beta chapter members *Learn skills necessary to boost senior involvement and enthusiasm *Acquire the energy to take a chapter to a more meaningful level *An in-depth examination of Beta values was explored through a combination of exercises and presentations. ―My roomate from Institute and I were amazed at our results from an activity measuring leadership skills,‖ said William Smid, Toronto ‘02. ―After taking the test a second time at Convention, we were surprised that our scores were markedly higher than our initial scores at the Institute. We both attribute the increase in confidence to the Institute for Men of Principle. I did not expect to be affected as much as I was by the Institute, and I am in complete gratitude for all the work done. I feel, more than ever before, that I am able to bear my weight and take the initiative in my chapter for its betterment,‖ A unique aspect of the programming was that portions were conducted at the Beta Theta Pi Foundation and Administrative Office, Beta Museum and Archives, the Hall of the Chapters and on the Miami University campus. Led by top-notch professionals The facilitating team included Beta alumni, administrative staff members and Greek affairs professionals, some of whom are Betas and some with other Greek organizations. The inclusion of ―friends of Beta‖ widened the scope of the experience and brought to the forefront administrators who work with Betas chapters or colonies. ―My own experience is one I shall treasure always,‖ said Heidi Anderson, Director of Educational Programs, Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity ―I felt so lucky to be involved and it was heart-warming to be personally touched by so many of the participants . . . I was impressed with the caliber of men and their sound commitment to responsible social conduct. Not only were they courteous, gracious and wise, they were living the very values that I associate so readily with Beta Theta Pi. The Men of Principle initiative MPI History 35 Learning to be a man of principle Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 1999 certainly empowers the (Beta) men, involves them, motivates them, educates them and develops them in new and exciting ways.‖ ―The level of love, insight, brotherhood, excitement and commitment was beyond my wildest expectations,‖ said Tom Purinton, Kansas State ‘63, Chapter Counselor Georgia chapter ―I can‘t help but feel that we will look back in history and say that the Men of Principle initiative was pivotal in Beta history and all Greekdom and that the Institute was a critical component of its effectiveness.‖ ―Thanks for such an amazing experience,‖ added Jeff Dodge, Colorado School of Mines ‘01. ―The Institute has altered the course of my life forever. I‘m redoubling my efforts in the chapter; I haven‘t been so enthusiastic for change since I was initiated.‖ ―Although once unimpressed with the Greek idea, my father was very impressed with the entire Institute and the knowledge I brought home,― concluded Ethan Braden, Willamette ‘02. ―Being a quality management and team building freak, he truly believes Beta and the General Fraternity are really pointing its members and staff in the right direction. I agree! How do I sign up for next year? The Institute for Men of Principle will be expanded next summer, expanding to 120 undergraduates at two five-day sessions, May 9-14 and July 14-19. Both sessions will be held in Oxford, Ohio. For a free brochure on the 2000 Institute for Men of Principle, call the Administrative Office at (800) 800-BETA (2382). ―While each individual was touched in a different way, it is evident that the Institute for Men of Principle has changed people‘s lives,‖ said Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ‘96, co-director of the Men of Principle initiative. ―Participants left knowing the importance of integrity and living a principled life.‖ MPI History 36 Men of Principle: Piloted and Primed Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Fall 1999 Visualize an athlete sprinting at a four-minute mile pace on a track laden with broken glass. Now you have some sense of the formidable task laid at the feet of the 12 men who serve on Beta‘s Men of Principle Development Team. While the path has been thorny, with skeptics aplenty, the two-year evolution of this remarkable education approach for the 21st century ―could well prove to be the greatest thing to happen in Beta Theta Pi in the last 50 years,‖ declared Robert L. Cottrell, Miami ‘54, director of the Beta Foundation and former administrative secretary. ―I believe that the long line of Beta Greats — Knox and Sisson to Shepard-son and Brooks — are surveying Men of Principle with an approving eye.‖ After the Education Steering Committee defined the future needs of the Fraternity with a rephrased Mission and Vision in early 1998, it was the Development Team‘s turn to roll up its sleeves. To flesh out the concepts of the Men of Principle initiative, the Team recruited three pilot chapters: Epsilon Epsilon at Georgia, Nebraska‘s Alpha Tau chapter and Penn‘s Phi chapter. Has it worked? Delegates at the 160th General Convention, August 5-8, will decide. Meanwhile, here are some results from the three pilot chapters: Georgia First-ever dry rush (―Some members of the pledge class declared they would not have joined any fraternity if it hadn‘t been for Beta‘s dry rush.‖) Result: largest pledge class (27) in history and decreased rate of de-pledging. Non-hazing pledge program . . . Higher GPA: 3.05 (3rd on campus). Nine 4.00s. 58 of 89 pledges and members above 3.00. 15 on the deans list. Nine presidential scholars . . . Highly involved advisory board. Nebraska 3.33 chapter GPA, including 38 members above 3.33. 3.22 pledge class GPA, including five 4.00s . . . First on campus to complete recruitment, July 1, 1998. Non-hazing pledge program . . . Eight new recognition plaques received and hung in house foyer . . . increased alumni involvement. Penn ―Furthered our emotional bonding‖ . . . Won Greek Week awards . . . Achieved greater involvement of alums. MPI History 37 Men of Principle: Piloted and Primed Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Fall 1999 While the pilot chapters and the 14 new chapters and colonies embarking on the initiative this year are only a fraction of Beta collegians on more than 140 Canadian and U.S. campuses, the Fraternity has resisted setting quantitative goals for the initiative. Eighty percent of a chapter‘s membership must vote in favor of the initiative before the group is permitted to undertake the initiative. On the other hand, all colonies are required to become Men of Principle-qualified before they can apply for their charters. Today’s campus challenge ―On college campuses throughout North America, the challenge is being made to implement significant change,‖ said Stephen B. Becker, Florida ‘69, administrative secretary. ―This challenge has gone out not only to the Greek community but also to the student population in general. ―The Men of Principle initiative is Beta‘s response to this challenge. It is a response which is comprehensive, collaborative and true to our founding principles, and it will help to preserve the essence of Beta Theta Pi for years to come.‖ How do members of the Development Team view Men of Principle? ―This new standard calls all of us to raise the bar . . . and to prosper,‖ said Martin Cobb. ―We must measure up to this challenge!‖ Added Dipper DiPaolo: ―This is the only way we will survive as a Fraternity . . . to come home to our values and principles.‖ ―This is an innovative and groundbreaking program,‖ added undergraduate M. J. Kratina, ―that will set the standard for all fraternities in North America.‖ Summarized Casey Strine: ―Men of Principle refuses to be a spot fix; it challenges all of us to envision a truly high-impact fraternal experience.‖ Of the initiative‘s future for Beta Theta Pi, DiPaolo suggested, ―A Men of Principle chapter will be able to post our principles on its front door and guarantee to the world that men of these principles live inside.‖ Echoed Scott Fussell: ―Men of Principle chapters will be homes to principle-centered, value-driven men who understand what they believe in and whose actions reinforce those beliefs.‖ EJ MPI History 38 Is the Men of Principle initiative right for your chapter? Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2000 Results from 17 chapters and colonies participating in the Men of Principle initiative show higher grades, expanding membership and improved image. Beginners luck? Or can all of Beta‟s chapters expect similar success stories if they participate? Administrative Secretary Steve Becker, Florida ‟69, answers this and other questions. Q: In simple terms, what is the Men of Principle initiative? Becker: ―The Men of Principle initiative is a modern way to live Beta‘s principles and obligations.‖ Q: How did the Men of Principle initiative come about? B: ―Beta‘s Board of Trustees established a strategic planning committee to explore ideas to reverse what had become a disturbing trend in the Greek system with declining membership, increased risk management violations and low academic performance.‖ Q: What makes the Men of Principle initiative different from other educational programs? B: ―In short, the programming and the commitment of volunteers. The Men of Principle initiative has a mission, a vision and nine goals that focus energy on Beta Theta Pi‘s founding principles. It is not a top-down approach, but rather a cooperative effort between a chapter, its advisory team, the host university and the General Fraternity. On the human side, we have extremely dedicated alumni, volunteers and staff members who are willing to travel and advise every interested chapter. While most Beta chapters currently set high goals, the Men of Principle initiative helps solidify annual strategies and action plans to make long-term chapter planning more apparent and attainable.‖ Q: How does the initiative work? B: ―It addresses nine key goals for overall chapter success. Each chapter sets its own annual strategies and action plans by assessing its own strengths and weaknesses. Every fall, the chapter evaluates and assesses the previous year‘s progress and sets new strategies. Men of Principle is not a set of checklists and forms. It is a way of life, a commitment to being whom we say we are. It continually seeks to improve a chapter by planning, achieving and assessing success through the initiative‘s nine goals.‖ MPI History 39 Is the Men of Principle initiative right for your chapter? Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2000 Q: What are the long-term plans for the Men of Principle initiative, and how many chapters will join? B: ―For now, plans call for steady expansion by approximately 10 chapters a year. We want to ensure that participating chapters are successful and have a solid foundation to grow.‖ Q: How will the General Fraternity avoid competition between Men of Principle chapters and other chapters? B: ―The General Fraternity‘s leadership is committed to avoiding the creation of a twotier Fraternity. Every Beta chapter has the access and ability to implement any or all programs within the initiative. The Men of Principle initiative is a long-term strategy designed to ensure the well-being of Beta Theta Pi. The initiative is not a quick fix, but rather, an inner philosophy demanding integrity and accountability at the individual, chapter and General Fraternity levels.‖ Q: How does a chapter become involved with the initiative? B: ―The first stage involves an informational presentation and chapter discussion. Next, a chapter must take a formal vote with at least 80% of the membership agreeing to implement, and 100% of the chapter‘s required five-person advisory team agreeing to support the chapter.‖ Q: What if my chapter doesn‟t have five alumni for an advisory team? B: ―While all chapters that have applied have had strong alumni support, the Men of Principle Development Team and Administrative Office are willing to help a chapter find qualified volunteers provided it has met all other requirements.‖ Q: What types of resources are available to better understand the Men of Principle concept? B: ―There are a variety of materials, resources and training available for interested members. There is an extensive Men of Principle section on the Beta homepage including a semi-monthly newsletter, updates and information. In addition, the Institute for Men of Principle is a values-oriented leadership institute reinforcing the Men of Principle initiative, mission and vision. It is held every summer in Oxford, Ohio and provides for a significant Beta experience with other members from across North America.‖ MPI History 40 The Institute for Men of Principle doubles sessions; record 102 attend Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 2000 In only its second year offered, The Institute for Men of Principle has doubled the number of its summer sessions and has witnessed the number of undergraduate attendees jump from 46 to 102. The Institute for Men of Principle is a values-oriented leadership institute that enhances the undergraduate Beta experience by reinforcing the mission, vision and goals of the Men of Principle initiative. Institute attendees gain a better understanding of how to apply the Three Great Principles and the obligations of the Fraternity to daily life. In addition to meeting other Betas across North America, participants learn a variety of skills to take their chapters to a more meaningful level. Participant comments Undergraduates, facilitators and members of the local community agree on the benefits of the Institute. It was an intense five-day crash course on leadership, ritual, team building, initiating change and other Beta-related activities. I now understand what Beta Theta Pi is about — the great heritage she possesses, the pioneering she has done and the vision for what is in the future of our chapters,‖ said Michael Kidd, Eastern Kentucky ‘02, adding, ―This has truly been a turning point in my college experience.‖ Facilitator Jason Gaddis, Utah ‟95 commented, ―The progression of the session was fantastic, uplifting, challenging and inspiring. I can‘t believe our Fraternity hasn‘t done something like this sooner! This is Beta history to be sure. I‘m proud and happy I am a part of it.‖ One important aspect of The Institute is experiencing the value of service learning. During one local project at a retirement home, participants cleaned transport vans, landscaped and helped serve lunch. ―On behalf of the kitchen committee, I want to thank the young men for their speedy help and assistance in serving lunch and helping clean up afterward,‖ said a local resident. ―Their thoughtful actions and consideration are a tribute to young people everywhere. Keep up the good work!‖ MPI History 41 The Institute for Men of Principle doubles sessions; record 102 attend Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 2000 More applause ―The Institute was amazing! It has been the best Beta experience I have had up to this point,‖ said Jeff Rundle, Kansas State ‘03. ―I thank you for the unbelievable, life- changing experience. It was completely awesome and was probably the best five days of my life! I learned a lot about myself and about our Fraternity,‖ said Brad Cross, Virginia ‘01. ―As a Greek advisor, I was glad to see is that these men truly understand the concept of being in a fraternity, the benefits that go along with it and what it means to be a Beta,‖ said Facilitator Tiffany Abbott, assistant director of campus activities at Binghamton University. ―I think all the men who attended took home valuable information that they will share with their chapters,‖she added. ―Each person discovers how important values and principles are in their lives,‖ remarked Andy Stern, Tennessee ‘02. ―After talking with our chapter‘s recruitment chairman, we discussed completely reforming how we rush to recruiting through our principles.‖ ―I learned a lot this past week, not only about my chapter and how to improve it, but also about how to improve myself,‖ recalls Wade Hurley, Toledo ‘01. ―I went into The Institute thinking about how different we are; when I came away, I realized that we are more alike than different — we all want the best for our chapters.‖ 2001 sessions Next spring and summer, the General Fraternity will offer three sessions, allowing 180 undergraduate participants (60 in each session) to participate. Enrollees will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis, and participation is limited to three members per chapter. Attendees should be individuals who are or will become chapter leaders or officers. Individuals wishing to enhance their chapter‘s appreciation of the founding principles of the Fraternity are encouraged to participate. Facilitators will include the best the Greek world has to offer — top notch volunteers and Greek advisors. There are also intern opportunities. MPI History 42 The Institute for Men of Principle doubles sessions; record 102 attend Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Convention 2000 The dates for the 2001 sessions are May 19-23, June 2-6 and June 27-July 1 in Oxford, Ohio. Sessions include seeing historic Beta sights such as the Beta Campanile, Miami University and the Administrative Office. Participants must arrive in Oxford by noon on day one and are expected to attend the entire substance-free program through noon on the fifth day. The registration fee, including room and board is $375. Travel arrangements must be made by the undergraduate. Please do not make travel arrangements until registration has been confirmed. Questions can be directed to the Men of Principle Directors: Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ‟96, by email at mcobb@wooglin.com, or Scott Allen, Minnesota ‘95, by email at sallen@wooglin.com, or by calling the Administrative Office at (800) 800-BETA (2382). SF MPI History 43 Men of Principle…Dispelling the Myths Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 A young brother inquires, ―Do we have to go alcohol-free or ‗dry‘ when we partner?‖ Another asks how much it costs to have his chapter involved. The alumni advisor is concerned about local control, and many worry about the creation of a ―two-tiered‖ organization. A number of misconceptions have accompanied the Men of Principle initiative since its inception in 1997. ―Men of Principle is a partnership between the undergraduates, alumni and the General Fraternity to ensure long term chapter success which is grounded in self-governance and the principles of Beta Theta Pi,‖ remarked Donald G. ―Dipper‖ DiPaolo, Michigan ‘78. Men of Principle strategies and action plans contain multiple references to the need to communicate. This communication is directed toward all of the Fraternity‘s constituents and is most effective when done proactively. So, let‘s set the record straight! A Dry Fraternity? Alcohol-free housing is not a mandatory element of Men of Principle. Responsible personal conduct is the cornerstone of the philosophy. The Mission Statement outlines the position on responsible personal conduct: ―Beta Theta Pi is committed to standards of social conduct, which are guided by principles of urbane, civil, courteous and responsible deportment.‖ In recognition of the devastating effect that alcohol and illegal drugs have on the Beta brotherhood, the Men of Principle initiative relies on the chapter to introduce and sustain a responsible alcohol management policy in accordance with local laws and rules of the host institution. The elimination of substance abuse through education, intervention, mutual support and progressive sanctions calls for and imposes the highest level of self-governance, monitoring and discipline. The Risk Management Policy of the Fraternity, which applies equally to all chapters, clearly states that ―all recruitment activities will be dry functions.‖ Alcohol cannot be the focus of, or present at, any recruitment event. MPI History 44 Men of Principle…Dispelling the Myths Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 An Insolvent Fraternity? The initiative does not cost the chapter anything more. ―In fact,‖ added Scott Allen, director of Men of Principle, ―the chapter enjoys additional resources with no additional cost!‖ The Beta Theta Pi Foundation has covered all costs associated with the initiative. Alumni have provided the financial support because they believe in the cause. Partnered chapters and colonies do receive additional resources because of the path they have chosen. ―They have committed to an alcohol-free recruitment and a non-hazing pledge program, as well as the additional aspects of the initiative,‖ said Men of Principle Director Martin Cobb. The initiative has expanded at a slow rate to ensure full support of all resources provided to chapters. Frankly, 95% of these resources are available to all chapters. A Controlling Fraternity? Realizing that the fraternal world is changing, the initiative is helping chapters reach their potential. The General Fraternity‘s efforts are not to control the chapter. Undergraduates, alumni and the General Fraternity are partners in the relationship. The initiative is founded on self-governance and local control. Men of Principle is a system that helps to sustain long-term success. Think about what your chapter was like five years ago. What will it look like five years from now? A close relationship with alumni advisors and the General Fraternity provides consistency yearto-year. When it adopts the initiative, the chapter affirms its commitment to live by the principles of Beta Theta Pi. The chapter agrees to implement a system of accountability to adhere to them. The initiative will be involved in helping the chapter address any issues with selfgovernance, but discipline will still be decided upon and enacted in accordance with The Code of Beta Theta Pi. MPI History 45 Men of Principle…Dispelling the Myths Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 All chapters are held to the standards of the Fraternity. The initiative is not designed to burden the chapter, but rather to implement more resources and additional support. Men of Principle is designed to challenge all chapters to reach the next level. Each year, a chapter designs its own strategies and action plans in alignment with the Mission, Vision and Goals, thus Men of Principle is ―custom-fit‖ for each chapter. The initiative focuses on nine specific areas of chapter operation, and therefore, there is always room for improvement. From the outset, the General Fraternity determined that the initiative would never be used as a punitive measure. Participation is completely voluntary, and chapters will not be forced into a partnership. On the other hand, it is hoped that in time the initiative will have become so compelling that all chapters will ultimately either have partnered with Men of Principle or have appropriated virtually all of its nine goals into their daily experience. A Two-Tiered Fraternity? The Fraternity works tirelessly to ensure that there is no division among its chapters. All chapters have access to Men of Principle resources. The General Fraternity is committed to assisting and supporting every chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Chapters that vote in favor of the initiative are indicating an interest in increasing support and involvement. One of the objects of our great and good fraternity is to provide ―mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life.‖ The timeline below provides a positive example of how a partnered chapter benefits from ongoing General Fraternity and local alumni support. Questions may be directed to Martin Cobb or Scott Allen at the Administrative Office in Oxford. TCO MPI History 46 The Wilderness Is The Classroom Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 Pink and blue! The deep blue Utah skies shimmer with streaks of vibrant pink as the sun sets into the expanse of the Great Salt Lake. Twelve Betas trek through the Wasatch Mountains during their six-day excursion. Dry needles crackle underfoot, and the brothers look anxiously ahead to the evening. It is the final night of the Beta Wilderness Challenge. The men are exhausted but inspired. Tonight, they will perform the Ritual of Beta Theta Pi with the brisk mountain chill on their cheeks. This is the moment they have waited for in their arduous quest to better understand Beta values and the vision that those eight men contemplated 162 years ago. Jayson Gaddis, Utah ‘95, assisted by Derek Bunting, Dartmouth ‘89, leads this curriculum of Beta ritual, taught through the medium of outdoor adventure. The wilderness is the classroom, and the ritual is the textbook. Eight months earlier, Jayson proposed the concept of an outdoor institute for Betas. This method of teaching is familiar to him. The son of a three time NCAA skiing champion (Jim Gaddis, Utah, ‗63), Jayson grew up skiing, hiking, climbing and biking. ―Mother Nature is a powerful tool and provides a great metaphor for stepping outside our comfort zones,‖ noted Gaddis. ―Through adversity and physical challenges, people rise to their best, enhancing their personal leadership skills and self-confidence. ―I believe in the experiential learning model. The participants will do most of the talking. That‘s why The Institute for Men of Principle and UIFI are such powerful experiences. Each participant learns through experience.‖ After graduating in environmental geography, Jayson joined the Beta Theta Pi staff as an education consultant, sharpening his leadership and facilitation skills. In 1998, Jayson went to Newry, Maine, to instruct for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. There he logged more than 200 field days with Outward Bound. Last winter, he worked for Second Nature, a therapeutic wilderness program, while coaching his third year for Snowbird (Utah) Ski Team. Jayson now is with The Mexico Outward Bound School in Monterey, Mexico. Not surprisingly, he has spent half of the last three years in a sleeping bag in the back country. MPI History 47 The Wilderness Is The Classroom Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 Soon, he hopes to expand this service. ―With the support of the General Fraternity and interest from our undergraduate brothers, I hope to continue this experience every year. We can learn a lot about ourselves by spending time outside. ―I want to offer this kind of experience to all fraternities and sororities, alumni and undergraduates . . . also more advanced courses for past participants or folks who are interested. (Visit him at www.visionadventures.com) Down the road I hope to do trips in other states, even expeditions outside the country. ―Men should expect a big challenge and a lot of fun. This expedition is short, but difficult. Brothers will also learn a great deal about themselves and each other,‖ added Gaddis. ―Ideally, participants will become proficient in how to rock climb, belay, rappel, mountain bike, read a map and compass, cook and other campcraft skills. Moreover, each brother will learn more about our ritual in an intimate and intense setting.‖ Wilderness Challenge one of many The Beta Wilderness Challenge emerges as one of the most exotic of the Fraternity‘s growing list of leadership development opportunities, but other Beta programming offers mountain top experiences as well. Now, more than ever, Beta Theta Pi is offering leadership opportunities for undergraduates throughout North America. With the inception of the Men of Principle initiative, focus on leadership opportunities for undergraduates has magnified. Leadership development and self-governance stand as one of the nine goals of the Men of Principle initiative, and Fraternity leadership has worked diligently to provide numerous opportunities to develop the leadership skills of undergraduate brothers. Institute: third year, still growing The Institute for Men of Principle is a values-oriented leadership academy that enhances the undergraduate Beta experience. Now in its third year, The Institute has tripled in size and draws rave reviews from all who have taken part. Through reinforcing the Mission and Vision and Goals of the Men of Principle initiative, attendees gain a better understanding of how to apply the Three Great Principles and the obligations of the Fraternity to daily life. MPI History 48 The Wilderness Is The Classroom Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 Of his experience, Kansas State Chapter President Jeff Rundle ‘03 wrote: ―I wanted to tell you that The Institute for Men of Principle was amazing. It has been the best Beta experience I have had.‖ NIC’s UIFI proven advantage Since its inception in 1990, the North-American Interfraternity Conference‘s Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) has challenged nearly 2,800 fraternity and sorority students representing almost 250 universities and colleges, 115 Greek affiliations, to make a difference in their Greek communities. Thanks to the Beta Foundation, Beta Theta Pi alone has furnished scholarships for more than 100 undergraduates to attend. ―It was an incredible experience, and it was definitely the highlight of my summer,‖ commented Lance Knorr, Minnesota ‘02. ―Through the activities at UIFI, I learned what my values really are and how my actions should reflect them and the values in our ritual. The program inspired me to encourage positive change in my chapter.‖ UIFI is a principle-centered approach to creating change within a Greek community. UIFI helps participants identify the timeless principles through which they can define themselves individually and organizationally. UIFI then helps participants recognize how they can act out these principles by honing important life skills in areas such as leadership, group dynamics, service and organizational change and development. Sophomore Fellow program redrafted ―We are excited about the transition that the Sophomore Fellow program (at the annual Beta convention) has undergone in the last few years,‖ declared Martin Cobb, Eastern Kentucky ‘96, director of the Men of Principle initiative. ―In fact, this year the Beta Foundation has contracted with an educational consulting firm, Like Minded People, to offer a more comprehensive and interactive experience for attendees.‖ Established in 1971, the Sophomore Fellow program serves as an avenue to provide exciting leadership training and education for up-and-coming leaders of Beta chapters and colonies. Held in conjunction with Beta‘s annual convention, it enables participants to learn and meet many of the Fraternity‘s leadership and spend time with more than 800 Betas from across North America. MPI History 49 The Wilderness Is The Classroom Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 LeaderShape is project oriented Not specific to Greeks, The LeaderShape Institute is a six-day leadership development experience designed to help campus leaders learn to ―lead with integrity.‖ Every participant is both a teacher and a learner at The LeaderShape Institute. The programming reflects key leadership issues: vision, partnerships, integrity and results. Also, participants leave with a ―LeaderShape Project,‖ a well-conceived vision and plan of action for participants to implement in their organization, community or workplace. Beta‘s South Dakota alumni are the first known to offer The LeaderShape Institute scholarships. In fact, they offer scholarships to all of the programs mentioned in this article. Learn more at www.leadershape.org. Futures Quest newest NIC agenda ―Plain and simple, Futures Quest was awesome,‖ exclaimed Seth Artz, South Dakota ‘04. A new offering of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, top new members of Greek communities attend Futures Quest. ―I like how the program was set up for new initiates. By doing this, I think it will help new initiates keep in focus the values and rituals on which each man‘s fraternity was founded,‖ said Saint Louis Colony‘s Lucas Siron, ‘04. Throughout the three-day journey, participants work with a mentor, an experienced leader who shares their vision and offers guidance in a variety of ways through the Quest. Participants learn from each other, stretch their boundaries, seek new insight, discover personal strengths and limitations and dream about their goals. Personal contemplation time and self-directed learning are the foundations for each participant. Something for advisors and house directors, too! Interested in special programming as an alumnus or house director? Beta Theta Pi has scholarships for you too! Gant Redmon, Illinois ‘59, attended the NIC Housing and Risk Management Conference, in Washington DC last January. ―Having several Beta‘s there certainly made a difference to me, not to mention the envy generated when we belted out Marching Along at the reception!‖ MPI History 50 The Wilderness Is The Classroom Beta Theta Pi Magazine/Spring 2001 Every year, the Beta Foundation offers five registration scholarships ($200 value) for house corp. members to attend The National Housing and Risk Management Conference. Further, the Foundation offers three registration scholarships ($350 value) for house directors to attend the Professional House Directors‘ Annual Conference, scheduled for June 14-17, 2001, in Sarasota, Fla. — Scott Allen MPI History 51 MPI Statistics/By the Numbers GPA Analysis of Partnered Chapters Spring 2000 Fall 2000 Spring 2001 Fall 2001 Spring 2002 Fall 2002 Average 3.06 GPA with 93% above the AFA and 71% above the AMA. Average 3.0 GPA with 80% above the AFA and 74% above the AMA Average 3.0 GPA with 83% above the AFA and 73% above the AMA Average 3.09 GPA with 76% above the AFA and 73% above the AMA Average 3.06 GPA with 86% above the AFA and 82% above the AMA Average 2.98 GPA with 78% above the AFA and 84% above the AMA Recruitment Analysis of Partnered Chapters 1999-2000 Partnered chapters had a 19% increase in recruitment numbers while the fraternity as a whole (partnered and non-partnered) experienced a 2.8% increase in recruitment numbers. Partnered chapters had a 16% increase in recruitment numbers while the fraternity as a whole (partnered and non-partnered) experienced a .6% increase in recruitment numbers. Partnered chapters had a 13% increase in recruitment numbers while the fraternity as a whole (partnered and non-partnered) experienced a 3.1 decrease in recruitment numbers. 2000-2001 2001-2002 Advisor Analysis of Partnered Chapters 2000-2001 104 of 110 (94%) advisory team positions (5 per chapter) were filled. Partnered chapters averaged 4.7 advisors per chapter. 2001-2002 144 of 150 (96%) advisory team positions (5 per chapter) were filled. Partnered chapters averaged 4.8 advisors per chapter. MPI History 52 Beta Quotes About MPI ―For 132 years Beta Theta Pi followed a principle that the payment of one‘s initiation fee was a lifetime exemption from further obligation to the General Fraternity. We have now played catch up for 32 years to the realization that our initiation fee merely opens the door to a life style that few if any men of principle can ever repay.‖ —Burton W. Folsom, Nebraska ‘49 ―After closely observing the Men of Principle Initiative for another year, I am convinced that the future of college Fraternities may rest on our success.‖ —Richard G. Lugar, Denison ‗54 ―In the final analysis, the Men of Principle initiative is all about character — courage, kindness, honesty and a sturdy sense of responsibility. Character is the most important element of success.‖ —John E. Dolibois, Miami ‘42 The phrase, Men of Principle, was an inspired choice of words, in elevating BETA THETA PI to a higher level. For it describes a new dimension of our fraternity. First, it connotes Betas as being men who are gentlemen (and not ―frat boys‖). Then the word ―principle‖ has broad meanings, referring to the obligations that we take upon initiation, as well as referring to fraternal standards. The slogan sets the goal which Betas should strive for, and live by. In my opinion, the character of a college student is shaped in the early years of life by parental love and guidance, and by the influences of his companions and religious beliefs. (These probably determine the type of fraternity the rushee wants to join.) Upon initiation, the student agrees to fraternal obligations, with the opportunity of living positively in a healthy and stimulating environment. These are impressionable and formative years, when the influence of a worthy brotherhood is so important. Since the inception of Delta Zeta chapter 39 years ago (and in the years prior to chartering), I have tried to motivate the pledges and brothers in such attributes as responsibility, leadership, academics, excellence, involvement, brotherhood, service and dedication, so that they will be active on campus and later be of value to their families, in their careers and to society. From what I have learned, the Men of Principle initiative provides even better focus and direction. So I applaud its great success among Beta chapters. — Dr. Edward Taylor, Davidson, ‘42 I think the Men of Principle initiative may go down as the most significant program of the Greek system on college campuses. It is the key time to shape those family principles that will last a lifetime. – Stan Smith, USC ‘69 MPI History 53 I‘m very encouraged by Beta‘s Men of Principle initiative. Fraternities make their greatest contribution to society when they transmit values, build character and shape new generations of leaders. Once again Beta Theta Pi is leading the way in shaping the Greek system for the new century. – Steven B. Sample, Illinois ‘62 MPI History 54 Interfraternal Quotes About MPI William D. Jenkins North-American Interfraternity Conference President Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity ―The Men of Principle initiative is truly an object of envy in the interfraternity world. True, many organizations are developing or have developed programs designed to extract and amplify the best qualities of leadership and ethics from their members. What separates those efforts from Beta Theta Pi, it appears, is that the Men of Principle initiative works. By concentrating on beliefs deeply rooted, the Men of Principle undertaking provides focus on what Beta truly values.‖ Katherine L. Sermersheim Director of Student Development Southern Illinois University "The Men of Principle Initiative has served as a tool to challenge our SIUC Beta chapter to strive for excellence in all areas of Greek membership. In turn, other chapters on campus have looked to the Betas to gauge their own chapter's performance and, thus, a healthy level of competition has ensued.‖ Linda A. Wardhammar Association of Fraternity Advisors President Associate Director of Student Life Saint Louis University "I believe the most significant impact that the Men of Principle Initiative has had on the Saint Louis University Beta Theta Pi Colony has and will come through the educational and leadership opportunities that have been provided to the members through scholarships. In the past two years, almost a dozen Betas have attended either The Institute for Men of Principle or the NIC's Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute on a scholarship provided by the Beta Theta Pi Foundation. In addition, the men of the Colony gather with Fraternity staff and volunteers at least twice a year to discuss the Fraternity's purpose and set goals based on these principles. Such a strong foundation is being built with this group, and there is no doubt in my mind that these men will soon have their influence on the larger fraternity and Greek community. Their beliefs and approach to fraternity life have been formed by their experiences at these educational programs, and their presence and involvement here will influence others both in their colony and in our fraternity community. The Saint Louis University Beta Theta Pi Colony, in large part due to the Men of Principle Initiative and the students' embracing of it, is a living, breathing example of how the mission of the University and the Fraternity can be mutually achieved.‖ MPI History 55 Judith F. Preston Coordinator of Student Organizations University of Connecticut ―Your initiative is helping us establish a new level of excellence here at UConn. Consistently the colony has out-performed all our fraternities academically. They've been able to recruit men such as the Chair of our Honors Council; men who would not have otherwise considered the fraternal experience. And they've been men who are comfortable both talking about values and living value-based lives. Wonderful role models who really have fun together! What more could we ask from the true fraternal experience?!‖ Anne H. Arseneau Assistant Director of Student Activities - Greek Life College of William & Mary ―The largest benefit that I have observed within our fraternity community specifically because of the Men of Principle Initiative is that celebrating and pursuing fraternity values is becoming en vogue. MPI on our campus has created a conversation that allows men to be proud of their fraternity and what it stands for; instead of playing up to and living up to the negative stereotype that exists for fraternities. Anecdotally, prior to the Men of Principle Initiative on our campus, we never had more than one or two fraternities (of 15) that achieved a chapter grade point average greater than a 3.0. This past Spring semester, one year after the Men of Principle Initiative was launched on our campus, we had an awesome seven chapters achieve a chapter grade point average above a 3.0. Our community is changing, and I believe much of that can be attributed to conversations that members of Beta Theta Pi are having with their interfraternal brothers and sisters.‖ MPI History 56