Chapter History

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2004 (recolonization) | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09
Chapter Presidents
Founders' Award Recipients

 
Randall S. Helman, `84

In the fall of 1982, Randall S. Helman, Central Michigan `84, began executing his plan to establish a new fraternity at Central Michigan University. With the help of local alumni including Chapter Advisor Steven Martineau, Miami `66 and members of the Gamma Psi chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Michigan State University, Helman held an open recruitment in January 1983. Five underclassmen were pledged and initiated along with Helman, thus planting the roots of the colony.

Matthew Francis Baad, `85	Thomas Joseph Bussineau, `86	Stephen Andrew Swindell, `85	Robert Lynn Bartz, `85	Gregory Michael Compton, `86

After returning from the 144th General Convention, the members started the new school year by renting a house at 701 South Main Street and accepting 10 pledges into their ranks. The colony was well on its way to earning its charter.

By the spring of 1984 the colony had initiated 21 members and were tops in scholastics among fraternities. Despite its growth, the colony decided to wait another year to petition for charter.
During the 1984-85 academic year, the colony initiated 16 more members and again placed first in scholastics among fraternities. Ready and focused, the colony petitioned for charter in the summer of 1985.

That summer, Colony President Robert Gronda led a strong delegation to petition the 146th General Convention, which voted unanimously to grant a charter to the Central Michigan Betas. The new chapter was designated with the Greek letters Epsilon Gamma.

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Filled with enthusiasm from reaching its chartering goal, Epsilon Gamma rented a larger house at 210 West Bellows Street in the fall of 1985. The fraternity pledged 21 men, instantly doubling its size.

From the Winter 1986 edition of the Beta Theta Pi magazine:
Snow-laden Mt. Pleasant, Mich, was the scene for the installation of the Epsilon Gamma of Beta Theta Pi.

On Nov. 10, 1985, 165 Betas, sweethearts and honored guests gathered at the Holiday Inn to celebrate the installation of Beta's 115th and newest chapter at Central Michigan University.

The festivities began with a formal ball held on Saturday evening to act, not only as the first formal of the chapter, but as the installation Ball. Brothers and dates danced away the evening which climaxed with a champagne toast to the brothers of Epsilon Gamma for their three years of hard work toward chapterhood.

A reception preceded the installation ceremony on Sunday morning for Betas and guests; the official installation commenced promptly at 12:00 noon. Vice President Ronald P. Helman, Miami `55, the installing officer, was ably assisted by other members of the Board with General Secretary B. Hume Morris, Centre `66, presenting the charter to Chapter President Robert C. Gronda, `86, and President John I. Rhodes, Kansas State `38, overseeing the installation of the executive officers of the charter.

Immediately following the installation ceremony, a formal banquet was held to welcome officially the chapter into the broad domain. Gregory Compton, `85, served as the toastmaster for the afternoon's activities.

In his keynote address at Epsilon Gamma's installation banquet, Helman reflected on the chapter's humble beginnings. “A little over two years ago, six of us got together and decided to become a part of a new fraternity, one that would be recognized as a contributor to the campus,” he said. “We wanted to be different . . . we wanted to return to a point in time when Greeks were Greeks, and fraternities were recognized as a solid asset for one's growth and leadership, friendship, academics, etc.”
(Full transcript available here.)
 

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During the next five years, one of the primary goals for the men of Epsilon Gamma was to become one of the best chapters of Beta Theta Pi.

To achieve that goal, the brothers knew they would need to grow the membership by recruiting quality men and by securing a permanent chapter house.

Chapter Composite 1985-86

In September 1986, Housing Chairman Steven P. Hunt’s (`88) long hours of research finally came to an end as he brought information about two prospective houses to a special housing conference. Chapter Advisor Steven W. Martineau, Miami `66, prepared an exhaustive analysis of both homes and District Chief Jeffrey A. Radomski, Ohio `81, assisted in choosing the current house at 814 S. Main Street.

Administrative Secretary John F. Schaller, Ball State `85, was summoned from Oxford, Ohio, to hear a presentation by Martineau, Hunt, Robert F. Seeber `87, and Alexander (Sandy) Gaulin `89. Schaller assured the brothers he would give the chapter all the help he could. In October 1986, Gaulin and Seeber traveled to the Guelph Chapter Installation to present Epsilon Gamma’s case to the Board of Trustees. The Board said it would grant them 15 minutes. An hour and a half later, the Trustees committed money from the Founders Fund and said the Chapter should go ahead with plans to purchase the house.

Chapter Composite 1986-87

In December 1986, Gaulin and Seeber met with Martineau to finalize the loan application and to start the proceedings to form a housing corporation, and in the spring of 1987, Epsilon Gamma’s House Corporation papers were filed in Lansing, Michigan. On August 11, 1987, the deed was signed and the house at 814 South Main Street was the property of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

At the time of the lease signing, the Sigma Kappa sorority occupied the house. The newly-formed Epsilon Gamma Housing Corporation honored the terms of the Sigma Kappa lease with the previous owner. The excitement of moving into the new Beta house on Main Street would have to be deferred for two years.
 

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The late 80s were a time of great expansion and campus wide recognition for the Betas. Having achieved the goals of getting a charter and purchasing a chapter home, the members began focusing more on academics, external communication and winning campus and General Fraternity awards.

Chapter Composite 1987 - 88	Chapter Composite 1988 - 89

During the summer of 1988, Steven M. Grenus `88 became the chapter’s faculty advisor, a position he would hold for the next 13 years. That academic year, the chapter received several awards including highest semester and cumulative fraternity G.P.A., and for the first time, the Betas were named “Outstanding Greek Organization of the Year” by the office of Student Life. Grenus was recognized as an “Outstanding Advisor of the Year,” and Scott Nadeau `89 was honored as CMU’s “Greek Man of the Year.”

The chapter took possession of the house at 814 S. Main Street in the summer of 1989 and a lot of work had to be done to the house to make it worthy of the fraternity.

In August of 1989, Epsilon Gamma received a Francis H. Sisson award at the 150th General Convention as one of the Fraternity’s top chapters. Having achieved the goal the Chapter had set four years earlier, Epsilon Gamma continued working to restore and repair the Chapter House under the direction of House Manager Kevin D. Steele `90. Many hours of labor had been devoted to this enormous project by parents, alumni and members of the fraternity. On October 20, 1989 the official Chapter House Dedication was held in the newly renovated house.

 

In the early 90s, the chapter had members in almost every influential organization on campus. Rarely would a week go by without the chapter or one of its members appearing in CMLife, the campus newspaper. The name “Beta Theta Pi” was heard frequently at Greek awards ceremonies. More than 60 men on CMU’s campus wore the Beta Badge.

Chapter Composite 1989-90	Chapter Composite 1990-91

Chapter Composite 1992-93	Chapter Composite 1993-94	Chapter Composite 1994-95

Epsilon Gamma's inaugural "Carl the Assistant Greenskeeper" golf outing was held in Mt. Pleasant on September 8, 1990.

Over the course of the next couple years, Epsilon Gamma continued winning awards on campus and renovating the house.

 
During the summer of 1994, under the direction of Alumni Association Chairman Douglas A. Ackerman `91, a strategic decision was made to hold alumni meetings in Southeastern Michigan. This proved to be a watershed moment as many dedicated alumni lived in the area. Over the next few years, the Alumni Association would focus its efforts on publishing a quality newsletter, holding quality events, raising funds to strengthen the organization as well as start an endowment for scholarships and focus on long-term goals for the Alumni Association.

In the fall of 1994 E.G.'s first organized alumni fundraiser was held under the direction of Robert B. Hempton `89 and Paul M. DeRoche `91. At that same time, Epsilon Gamma's alumni newsletter For the Staunchest began being published at regular intervals with Mark A. Hess `92 at the helm.

In the spring of 1995, Epsilon Gamma was featured as the cover story of The Beta Theta Pi magazine. The article, written by magazine editor Erv Johnson, Idaho `53 focused on the daily life of the Epsilon Gamma chapter including its triumphs and its challenges.

Later that year, with coordination by Edward J. Smith `87, more than 200 Beta brothers and friends gathered at the Comfort Inn in Mt. Pleasant for the "Diamond Anniversary Banquet," celebrating the Chapter's 10th year at CMU.

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The Chapter won Sisson awards in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Epsilon Gamma's first web site was published by Mark A. Hess `92 to an AOL members page in the fall of 1997. Scott Nadeau `89 assumed the publishing responsibilities for the Alumni Association newsletter For the Staunchest in 1998. Later that year, Nadeau took over responsibilities for the web site.

Epsilon Gamma was also recognized for its academic achievements with the General Fraternity’s Virginia Tech award for highest GPA in its region, 1996-98. In addition, Then-Pledge Educator Thomas C. Olver `98 accepted the award for outstanding new member education program at the 159th General Convention in August 1998.
 

Chapter Composite 1995-1996	Chapter Composite 1996-1997	Chapter Composite 1997-1998	Chapter Composite 1998-1999

The Epsilon Gamma Alumni Association purchased the domain name "epsilongamma.org" in the summer of 1999.
In November 1999, under the Chairmanship of Christopher P. Makowski `89, the Epsilon Gamma Alumni Association recognized that in a few short years, Epsilon Gamma would pay down the final notes and own the Chapter house. Looking ahead, the question was posed: "What should we do next?" In an attempt to formulate the best answer to this question, a Strategic Planning Initiative was conceived. Kenneth B. Breen `90 was asked and accepted the challenge of putting together what came to be known as the “SPI.”

Kenneth B. Breen `90 spent 11 months formulating a research strategy, gathering information and processing the information into a summary level report. What started out as a simple "bricks & mortar" initiative evolved into something far more dynamic. The further Epsilon Gamma got into this project — the more it became clear that a fraternity "house" must be built on a firm foundation, and the "foundation" had nothing to do with bricks & mortar. Rather, a firm foundation has everything to do with having clearly defined goals for the Epsilon Gamma organization, and aligning and streamlining resources to achieve the goals.

In the fall of 2000, the report was presented both to the Alumni Association and the Housing Corporation.
On October 28, 2000, the Strategic Planning Report was adopted as a "road map" for Epsilon Gamma. Based on a recommendation from the report, the Epsilon Gamma Alumni Association and the Epsilon Gamma Housing Corporation were merged into a single governing body.

Chapter Composite 1999-2000

On November 11, 2000, more than 100 Epsilon Gamma alumni and guests enjoyed a fun-filled evening at the Comfort Inn in Mt. Pleasant for the Chapter's 15th Anniversary. Founding Father Thomas J. Bussineau `86 chaired the event.

Chapter Composite 2000-01	Chapter Composite 2001-02

Thomas C. Olver `98 was appointed General Fraternity Editor of The Beta Theta Pi magazine by the International Fraternity’s Board of Trustees in 2001. He became the 12th and youngest editor in the history of the magazine.

But, all was not right with Epsilon Gamma. Several warning signs of trouble began to appear. The EG chapter tradition of winning Sisson awards stopped. Externally, the fraternity world was changing.

In the spring of 2001 under the request of President Mark Valchine, and the direction of Steve Grenus, the chapter underwent reorganization. Almost half of the undergraduate membership was placed on alumni status. Those who remained made a commitment to uphold the principles and obligations of Beta Theta Pi.

But, the effort to save the chapter was not successful.

In Early 2002, following a university investigation, the chapter was placed on probationary status through the spring of 2004. Sanctions included the prohibition of social, athletic and recruitment activities. The stipulation was added that any future violations of the student code of conduct would result in the removal of campus recognition. By extension, the charter would also have been revoked. The administration made it clear that if the University were to pull recognition, Beta Theta Pi would not be allowed to return to the campus in the foreseeable future.

When this initial decision was announced, the directors of the Epsilon Gamma Housing Corporation and advising team began deliberating on the next course of action. It became abundantly clear that drastic action would be necessary to preserve the long-term viability of the organization and protect the fiduciary responsibility to the physical structure. The odds were not in Epsilon Gamma's favor.

After exhaustive information gathering and opinion outreach to the entire chapter, the directors and advisors voted unanimously to close the chapter and negotiate a return agreement with Central Michigan University. The decision was announced to undergraduate members on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 in Mt. Pleasant.

Ironically, the house was paid off weeks later. Yet, years of wear and tear had taken its toll. During the summer of 2002, even though the chapter no longer occupied the house at 814 S. Main, the second floor and the exterior of the house were thoroughly renovated under the leadership of Epsilon Gamma Housing Corporation President Thomas C. Olver `98 and Vice President Philip J. Adler `98.

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Epsilon Gamma alumni, the Epsilon Gamma Housing Corporation and the General Fraternity immediately began planning for the return of the chapter to the CMU campus in the fall of 2004. An Advising Team was formed under the direction of David J. Steiner `99 and Gregory M. Compton `85, who served as co-chapter counselors.

In the Fall of 2004, the Fraternity’s director of expansion, David J.D. Rae, British Columbia `00 lead the recruitment efforts to bring Beta Theta Pi back to CMU's campus. With the help of Education Consultant Vito U. Brandle, Saint Louis `04 the effort was successful. On the twenty-second day of the first month of 2005 six earnest young men were initiated on the rolls of the Epsilon Gamma chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

The chapter regained its title as "best academic fraternity on campus" in its first semester back on campus. The next semester three more men joined the ranks of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter, as well as Education Consultant Vito U. Brandle, Saint Louis `04.

During the summer of 2005 the house at 814 S. Main Street underwent a massive interior renovation under the watchful eye of Phillip Adler `98. The entire membership of the undergraduate chapter moved into the house to begin the fall 2005 semester.

In November of 2005, under the direction of Founding Father Tom Bussineau `86, 125 Betas, sweethearts and guests attended the 20th Anniversary Banquet at the Comfort Inn in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. General Fraternity President Dr. P. Thomas Purinton, Kansas State `63 delivered the keynote address. Administrative Secretary Stephen Becker Florida `69 also attended the event. The Housing Corporation's Director of Communication Scott Nadeau `89 was honored with Beta Theta Pi's Distinguished Service Award. Honorary Chapter Initiate Paul "Bubba" Koehn `98 provided the entertainment.

During the period of time between the Spring of 2005 and the Spring of 2006 the Epsilon Gamma colony went through numerous transitions in leadership before finally solidifying Brandyn Lawson `00 as Chapter President. The colony continued to struggle with low membership as well as internal problems that forced many to begin to take a close look at the direction the colony was headed in.

Leadership Consultant Adam Porter-Price Connecticut `02 was brought in during the 2006-07 academic year to help guide the relatively young colony down the road that would lead them to success. With A. Porter-Price's help and with a renewed passion for the success of Beta on CMU's campus, the colony made great strides towards becoming, without a doubt, the best fraternity on campus.

However, in the Fall of 2006, a risk management issue once again questioned the fate of Epsilon Gamma. With the help and dedication of every active member, the advising team, as well as the freshly initiated pledge class, the colony was carried through the trouble and began to rebuild from the inside out.

Despite the challenges of the Fall of 2006, the colony broke the all-time record for highest GPA of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter with a 3.21. The all men's average at CMU at the time was 2.9.

In the Spring of 2007, Epsilon Gamma began a complete turn around in all aspects of the colony. Membership was on the rise, apathy was down, the financial situation was pristine.

The 2006-07 school year ended excellently for the new Central Michigan Colony. The colony recruited more men than any other fraternity at CMU, had 100% new member retention, placed third in Greek Week (with only 20 members), and won The President's Cup: the highest honor a fraternity can receive at Central Michigan University. The colony also received an Exemplary Achievement award from the National Interfraternity Conference for achieving a grade point average at least 50 base points (.5) above the all men's GPA at CMU.

Colony Composite 2006-07	"Fake" Colony Composite 2006-07

The colony won several awards at the 168th annual convention including a Virginia Tech award for having the highest GPA on Campus, a Virginia Tech award for having the most improved GPA in our region (within Beta),  Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development award for sending a high percentage of delegates to the general fraternity's leadership opportunities and a North Dakota for Excellence in Chapter Publications - Honorable Mention in the newsletter category for For the Staunchest.

During the  2007-08 academic year, the colony continued their progress toward achieving their goal of re-chartering at the 169th general convention. Along the way the colony added to their trophy case by winning the Maroon Cup Homecoming competition for CMU student organizations, A Keystone Regional Leadership Award from Beta Theta Pi for sending the most delegates to leadership opportunities, and their second consecutive President's Cup from Central Michigan University. The colony also added 18 men to the colony roll.

 

Colony Composite 2007-08

In August of 2008, the colony was returned to full chapter status at the 169th general convention in Dallas, Texas. In addition to earning its charter, the Betas also won their eighth Sisson Award (the first since 1999), their second consecutive Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Award and second consecutive Honorable Mention North Dakota for Excellence in Chapter Publications award for its For The Staunchest Newsletter.

On November 15th, 2008 the Epsilon Gamma Chapter was officially reinstalled during a short ceremony held at the chapter house.  That evening, 100 alumni, parents and friends celebrated the reinstallation of the chapter with a banquet held at Buck's Run Golf Course in Mt. Pleasant. The evening consisted of speeches from brothers John A. Reineke II ‘10, Brandyn K. Lawson  ‘10, and videos by both Scott Nadeau ’89, and Drew Mason ’10. The keynote speaker of the event, David Schmidt, South Florida ’92, left the brothers with a speech that helped them to stay focused on the next goal they chapter has set for themselves, winning the chapter's first Knox Award. The father of Chapter Founder Randy Helman `84 and honorary Chapter member #200 Ronald Helman, Miami `55 read a note from his son Randy and complimented the Chapter on a excellent initiation ceremony and event.

The men of Epsilon Gamma finished the 2008-09 school year in a strong fashion, winning both a "Chapter of Excellence" Award from CMU (The replacement for the President's Cup) and a second consecutive Sisson Award (9th overall) from the General Fraternity.

Chapter Composite 2008-09

Today, the men of the Epsilon Gamma colony are carrying on the proud tradition of Beta Theta Pi at Central Michigan University, striving to achieve Randy Helman’s original vision …to be different . . . to be recognized as a solid asset for one's growth, leadership, friendship and academics – The Epsilon Gamma of Beta Theta Pi.

Chapter Motto: "Forever with Quality"
Chapter Song: "For the Staunchest"

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Past Chapter Presidents