Paying it Forward: Beta Theta Pi

 I am sure that many students heard of Beta’s arrival this previous fall semester. Please allow me a moment to fill you in on our plan, our goals and our mission. Beta Theta Pi is a prestigious fraternity established in 1839 at Miami University of Ohio and has grown into its current 125 chapters and colonies throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Beta currently has over 120,000 living members, including some 5,800 collegians. JCU is taking part in the expansion of Beta Theta Pi’s rich history, present values and future success.
Our mission is to build men of principle for a principled life, with our vision of being the exemplary standard for all fraternal societies. Beta is unique for many reasons. We exemplify the opposite of the current “frat” stereotype, as portrayed on television shows such as ABC Family’s “Greek”, and movies such as National Lampoon’s “Animal House.”

We are a fraternity that strives to build gentleman who will be future leaders for decades to come. Betas are known for their strong devotion to mutual assistance, lifelong friendship, cultivation of intellect, leadership and responsible self conduct.

All qualities contribute to the promotion of our motto, “Gentleman, Leaders, and Scholars” as well as the theme of this section, “Pay It Forward.”

The motto “Pay It Forward” is very powerful in that all people should strive to make a difference in their world, and it begins with becoming involved in your community.

As I speak on behalf of Beta, we plan on paying it forward through our devotion to service. We plan on fulfilling our goal to help others not only this semester, but throughout the future. We have men that attend the Labre project weekly, go on immersion trips and serve as retreat leaders.

Also, some serve in Eucharistic Ministry, Campus Ministry, One in Four and helping peers as student tutors. Other community roles include visits to local nursing homes and volunteering at soup kitchens. We will be attending the Red Cross Blood Drive at Landerhaven this February, as well as taking an active role in Relay For Life.
Beta will also be choosing a national philanthropic organization this semester, to which we will donate our proceeds from fundraisers.

Be sure to “Pay It Forward” by taking an active role in your community and making it a better place.
If you are unsure on how, where, or when opportunities arise in which you can help make a difference, contact a Beta and take part in making a difference with us.

For more information regarding our Feb. 12 collaboration with the Red Cross, Please contact Tyler Hinshaw at thinshaw11@jcu.edu.