This page contains all of the latest Epsilon Gamma News from the past year. Use any of the links on the right to jump to a story on this page.
All of the content on this page is pulled from the monthly E-Newsletter. If you are a member of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter and do not subscribe to the E-News, contact webmaster@epsilongamma.org to get on the mailing list.
Epsilon Gamma Chapter Wins 8th Sisson and Other Awards
By Scott Nadeau `89, EGHC communications director
The Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Beta Theta Pi were presented three awards at the 169th General Convention in Dallas, Texas.
The awards include:
Charles Henry Hardin Leadership Development Award- awarded to chapters which best exemplify their commitment to participation in leadership experiences, expounding upon the leadership displayed by Founder Hardin.
North Dakota for Excellence in Chapter Publications - Honorable Mention, Newsletter Format. At each General Convention the Fraternity awards four North Dakota awards to chapters for excellence in chapter publications. The competition is based on two separate divisions: one for newspaper or newsletter format and the other for magazine format. This is the second consecutive year that Epsilon Gamma has been honored in this category.
Francis H. Sisson Award - Awarded to outstanding chapters based on chapter excellence. The award is given to chapters that meet or exceed a list of criteria set by the General Fraternity. Only 40 of 223 chapters were given this honor this year. This is the Epsilon Gamma chapter's 8th Sisson award, the first since 1999.
Congratulations to all of the men of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter for receiving these high honors for the 2007-08 school year.
August 10, 2008
Epsilon Gamma Earns Charter
By Scott Nadeau `89, EGHC communicationsdirector
As of Friday, August 8, 2008 the Epsilon Gamma of Beta Theta Pi has returned to "Good Standing" with the General Fraternity.
Chapter President Robby Hunter `11 and Former President/Current Recruitment Chair Brandyn Lawson `10 did a stellar job of presenting our case to the review committee. District Chief AJ Calkins Kettering `88gave an emotional speech. I added a few words and brother Tom Olver `98 gave brief remarks too.
Following our and several other colonies' review panels, a legislation session was convened. Epsilon Gammas status was the first item of business on the agenda. All of us were asked to leave while the vote for the restoration of our charter was taken. A few moments later we were led into the legislative session to the sounds of Marching Along. Seconds later we were informed that the vote was in favor and that our status as a Chapter of Beta Theta Pi was restored!
Let it be known that on this 8th day of the 8th month of the year 2008 our Chapter, the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Beta Theta Pi was restored to good standing with the General Fraternity.
It's been a long hard road we've travelled these past six years. EG's triumphant return is now complete. I'll be posting photos and a better news release once I get home and have a chance to do it. Chapter President Robby Hunter may also have a few things to say.
None of this would be possible without the diligent work of the guys in the chapter. They've done so much in the past few years.
July 27, 2008
2008 Scholarship Winners Announced
By Scott Sawyer, EGHC vice president
The summer of 2008 found the Epsilon Gamma Housing Corporation (EGHC) giving out ten scholarships to Epsilon Gamma undergrads worth $3000. The EGHC would like to once again thank all of our donors for our scholarship program and we look forward to providing many more scholarships in the coming years. This year's scholarship recipients once again show they believe in the standards set forth by Beta Theta Pi.
The first recipient is John A. Reineke II of Brighton, MI who received the David J. Dennis $500 scholarship. John has a 3.41 GPA and an economics major. John has been the fraternity's Alumni Relations Chair, Historian and is currently the Pledge Educator.
The second recipient is Chris Mueller of Grandville, MI who received the Jeffrey D. Hughes and Family $500 scholarship. Chris has a 3.4 GPA while studying English and Speech. Chris has held the position of Pledge Educator and Public relations chair for the fraternity. Chris received a 4.0 Spring Semester 2008.
The third recipient is Brandyn Lawson of Sandusky, MI who received the Keith Nagel $250 Scholarship. Brandyn has a 3.3 GPA while studying Management and Leadership at CMU. Brandyn has held the positions of Social Chair, Vice President, President, Secretary, and is the current Recruitment Chair for the Fraternity. Brandyn will also be serving as a Leadership College facilitator at this year's convention.
The fourth recipient is Steven Witte of Grand Rapids, MI who received the Kevin Brockman $250 Scholarship. Steve has a 3.62 GPA while studying Biomedical Science. Steve is the current Scholarship Chair for the fraternity.
The fifth recipient is Thomas Ahearn of Midland, MI who received the Grant Armand Kersten Jr. $250 Scholarship. Thomas has a 3.0 GPA while studying Health Fitness. Thomas has held the position of IM Sports Chair and he is on the Charter Committee.
The sixth recipient is Jamelle Dooley of Naperville, IL who received the Oren Lane $250 Scholarship. Jamelle has a 2.9 GPA while studying Dietetics and Family Studies. Jamelle is currently the Public Relations Chair and Parliamentarian for the fraternity.
The seventh recipient is Jeffrey Zapolski of Saginaw, MI who received the Marc Hess $250 Scholarship. Jeff has a 3.88 GPA while Personal Financial Planning. Jeff is the Treasurer for the fraternity.
The eighth recipient is Christopher Jordan Clark of Grand Haven, MI who received the Matt Mularoni $250 Scholarship. Chris has a 2.79 GPA while studying Business Management. Chris plays a very active role with the Army ROTC at Central Michigan.
The ninth recipient is John Klapchuk of Dowagiac, MI who received the Jim Cone $250 scholarship. John has a 3.53 GPA while studying Spanish and Math Secondary Education. John has held the position of Pledge Class Vice President for the fraternity.
The tenth recipient is Drew Mason of Lansing, MI who received the Steve Swindell $250 Scholarship. Drew has a 3.87 GPA while studying Education. Drew has held the position of Chorister for the fraternity.
The EGHC scholarship committee would like to congratulate all ten scholarship recipients and we would like to say thank you to the ten scholarship donors.
More than a dozen annual scholarship funds have been established by Chapter alumni through a special ongoing Capital Fundraising Initiative. More than $10,000 — divided into $250 and $500 scholarships — has been awarded to undergraduate members of Beta Theta Pi since January 2006.
The Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building men of principle for a principled life. Our brotherhood aids the individual, builds the fraternity and strengthens Central Michigan University through lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship. Beta Theta Pi, founded in 1839 at Miami University (Ohio), has more than 120,000 members including some 5,800 collegians on 121 campuses in the United States and Canada.
If you would like to donate a scholarship in your name, please contact Scott Nadeau.
July 27, 2008
More EG Betas Attend the Wooden Institute
By Tom Olver `98, EGHC president
Jeff Zapolski, Alex Jeffrey and Terry Massie participated in The John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle in Oxford, Ohio, July 12-16. The Wooden Institute is an incredible opportunity for initiated Betas that focuses on the ritual of Beta Theta Pi and becoming a better leader. The program allows Betas to interact with brothers and Friends of Beta from across North America. Participants share ideas, dissect Fraternity ritual, partake in challenging activities that focus on leadership skills, learn more about the history of Beta Theta Pi and reflect on the Fraternity’s heritage.
June 30, 2008
EG Betas Attend the Wooden Institute
By Tom Olver `98, EGHC president
Jacob Zolynsky, Marcus Luke and Justin Mack participated in The John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle in Oxford, Ohio, June 28-July 2. The Wooden Institute is an incredible opportunity for initiated Betas that focuses on the ritual of Beta Theta Pi and becoming a better leader. The program allows Betas to interact with brothers and Friends of Beta from across North America. Participants share ideas, dissect Fraternity ritual, partake in challenging activities that focus on leadership skills, learn more about the history of Beta Theta Pi and reflect on the Fraternity’s heritage.
April 22, 2008
Zapolski Receives Fall 2007 Baad Scholarship
By Tom Olver `98, EGHC president
The Epsilon Gamma Housing Corporation recently awarded a $200 academic scholarship to Jeffrey Zapolski ’11, an undergraduate member of the Epsilon Gamma colony of Beta Theta Pi. The Baad Scholarship was created and funded by Epsilon Gamma founding father, Matthew Francis Baad ’85 in October 2005 to recognize the outstanding new member from each semester’s pledge class.
Zapolski, a personal financial planning major from Saginaw, Mich., earned a 3.82 during the fall semester. “Here at Beta, everyone is about more than just having a good time at college,” offers Zapolski. “They want to help and give back to the community, which is what I believe in.”
His goals for the Colony include continuing the run of President's Cups to a third consecutive year, recruiting and initiating men of principle, and getting the charter back at this summer’s General Convention in Dallas. Zapolski currently serves as treasurer. As for his personal goals, he would like to secure an internship with a financial planning firm such as Merrill Lynch or JPMorgan.
In addition to the scholarship, Zapolski will have the privilege of wearing the “Baad badge" — a custom made Fraternity pin bearing Baad's name and roll number — until the spring 2008 recipient is announced early next fall.
More than a dozen annual scholarship funds have been established by Chapter alumni through a special ongoing Capital Fundraising Initiative. More than $7,000 — divided into $250 and $500 scholarships — has been awarded to undergraduate members of Beta Theta Pi since January 2006.
The Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building men of principle for a principled life. Our brotherhood aids the individual, builds the fraternity and strengthens Central Michigan University through lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship. Beta Theta Pi, founded in 1839 at Miami University (Ohio), has more than 120,000 members including some 5,800 collegians on 121 campuses in the United States and Canada.
April 8, 2008
Betas Win President's Cup for 2nd Straight Year!
By Scott Nadeau `89, EGHC communications director
For the second year in a row, the Betas at Central Michigan have won the coveted President's Cup award given to the top fraternity on campus.
This year the award was changed to a criteria based process and not based on one presentation. Fraternities and sororities were graded in a variety of areas and given a percentage grade. 100% would be a perfect score. The Betas were the only group overall to meet over 90% of the criteria. Only one other fraternity even scored in the 80% range.
Assistant Director of Student Life Tom Idema had this to say:
All Betas should be very proud of the accomplishments of these men. Winning the President’s cup takes a great deal of work and good decision making all year long. Your group has done it two years in a row and that is a major accomplishment. The President’s Cup is given to the chapter at CMU who excels in all areas of Greek Life specifically, Scholarship, Service, Chapter and Campus Leadership, Friendship and Membership Development, External and Alumni Relations, Chapter Standards and Membership Accountability. Beta Theta Pi was able to demonstrate to our staff that they have accomplished a great deal in these areas. The 360 page document including 14 appendices was a lot like using a shotgun to kill a fly. The aim might have been a little off but the job still got done.
Beta Theta Pi has been a wonderful chapter to work with over the past few years. The GPA has been very near the top, they have been very active in the Interfraternity Council, and they have contributed to the betterment of Greek Life at CMU. The recent success of Beta Theta Pi is also a reflection of the huge amount of support this chapter has received from the National office and their advising team. Everyone involved with this chapter has played a vital role in this organizations success. It is my wish that Beta continue to uphold their standards (especially in academics and recruitment) and push other Greek organizations to bring out the best in Greek Life at CMU.
The awards were handed out this past Monday at Central Michigan's Inaugural Greek Gala. In addition to winning the President's Cup, Brandyn Lawson `09 won the Greek Man of the Year award and Steven Witte `10 won the Unsung Chapter Member award.
If you would like to send a message of congratulations to the guys, send it to Chapter President Robert Hunter `10 at hunte1rm@cmich.edu.
April 8, 2008
Mock Rock
Here is part of the practice and the Beta/Alpha Chi Omega performance from Mock Rock this year:
March 3, 2008
Colony Update
By J. Dooley `10, Epsilon Gamma public relations chairman
The precious momentum of January transferred freely into February. The guys of Epsilon Gamma worked hard. With the frigid winds of February came spring recruitment, Inter-fraternal Soccer and Basketball, and the Keystone Leadership Conference.
Spring recruitment yielded excellent results! The recruitment committee’s awesome events motivated thirteen men to trod “Beta's Way.” John Reineke II, 09’ (EG 348) has set up and implemented a promising pledge program for the spring. The newly inducted men, who already exemplify many of Beta’s principles, are slowly but surely learning about Beta history, etiquette, and the inner workings of Beta Theta Pi. Expect to hear more good news in the coming months.
Contrary to the thought of many organizations: Beta does have “game.” IFC Soccer and Basketball are going well. The brothers have been prepping on and off the courts for victory. While soccer is our clear strong suit, Epsilon Gamma has made it into the playoffs for Basketball and Soccer. Thomas Ahern, ’11 (EG 359) has done an excellent job serving as the IM Sports chair and being a liaison between the IFC, Student Activity Center, and Beta.
Last, and certainly not least, is the Midwest Keystone Leadership Conference that was hosted in Des Moines Iowa by Beta Theta Pi. More than one-third of the chapter attended the event: each attendee returning with a better understanding of Beta and the workings of a chapter. A major focus of Keystone is developing the E-Board and cabinet roles. Epsilon Gamma spent some serious time thinking about the alumni relations and philanthropy positions.
Being excited about their new found information, the brothers of Epsilon Gamma aided Big Brother/Big Sister with their date auction, helping them raise $500+ dollars, and is current planning on bringing the “King of The Wing” philanthropy to Central Michigan University. All proceeds of the “King of The Wing” chicken wing eating contest will profit Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates: a campus organization that aids individuals who are sexually assaulted; who has recently lost their state funding.
Melissa Fortuna was not eager to jump onto a Wayside Central stage to be auctioned off for charity. But, even with her hesitation, the Shelby Township sophomore stepped up to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters at a date auction Monday night. "My friends kind of got me to do this, but I'm glad that we are able to help out a good cause," she said.
More than $500 was raised for CMU's chapter of BBSB. Members of Beta Theta Pi, a fraternity which helped organize the fundraiser, and members of the Delta Zeta sorority were among those auctioned off for funds.
"This money will be beneficial to the development of the unprivileged and the development of youth in the Mount Pleasant area," said Josh Lady, a Traverse City graduate assistant.
This is the first date auction that BBBS has organized in the past two years. About 50 people were in attendance to bid on friends and, for some, complete strangers. Grand Rapids sophomore Adam Kimo, a member of Beta Theta Pi, said the fraternity was glad it had the ability to help. "We have to hold a certain amount of events for our fraternity," Kimo said. "It is for a good cause and we liked the idea."
BBSB will use the money raised in three local schools, and for individual mentors who deal with the kids on a more one-on-one basis.
Port Huron senior Jeff Naz raised $20 when he was auctioned off on stage. "I wouldn't say that we have a set goal for this," Naz said. "What matters is that any profit made goes for a great cause."
Money also was raised through ticket sales and a 50/50 raffle drawing that took place after the auction finished.
February 3, 2008
Colony Update
By J. Dooley `10, Epsilon Gamma public relations chairman
December brought closure, January brought re-organization, re-acclamation, and transitioning for the new officers, and February will bring action and follow-through. The Epsilon Gamma chapter has started the new semester running!
Commencing the new semester with an impromptu, in-house retreat, the brothers of Epsilon Gamma established a vision, and corresponding goals, for the upcoming months. While Epsilon Gamma is always on the move, ready to better itself, two goals stand at the forefront: recruitment and the Knox award. Heading the journey to the Knox award is John Reineke II, `09 (EG 348): taking the initiative to ensure that all members, and the chapter collectively, are actively meeting the requirements to make EG eligible for the award. While all the requirements have not been meet, Reineke is working hard to insure that all goals are met in a timely fashion. Using his organizational tools and fierce leadership skills, Reineke is slowly moving us in the direction of a victory.
Leading the chapter with his ambitious recruitment committee is Brandon Lawson `09(EG 335). Planning classy, respectful, and fun events, Lawson and the recruitment committee have opened the door of Beta and successfully welcomed a multitude of curious recruits. As of today, two very successful events have been planned and executed: a game night featuring Buffalo Wild Wings and a mocktail social with Alpha Chi Omega. The game night lured guys from all over the campus, tickling the fancy of those who enjoyed such games as poker, euchre, and speed. Approximately 15 men, plus or minus a few, showed up, with an open mind, empty stomach, and a multitude of questions. Following the game night was the VERY successful social with Alpha Chi Omega. The night was full of food, music, laughter, games, and the chatter of excited recruits for both Alpha Chi Omega and Epsilon Gamma. From start to finish the beta house was full: JAM PACKED.
The brothers of Epsilon Gamma have a myriad of awesome, qualified, ambitious, potentials ready to accept the Beta challenge and the recruitment period isn’t even finished, yet. In the upcoming days Epsilon Gamma will hold the last of its “official” recruitment events: a bowling night and game show-esque event.
Expect more good news from Epsilon Gamma in the upcoming months. Caution: Epsilon Gamma is alive and well.
For older news, please visit the Archived News page on this web site.
