After voluntarily closing its chapter in March 2002, Beta Theta Pi is
returning to CMU’s campus with hopes of raising standards for the Greek
community.

With a fresh start before them, Beta Theta Pi will recruit new
members today through Oct. 28. Members are setting up a table in front
of the Bovee University Center or inside if it rains.

“We want to lead with grades and service,” said David Rae, director
of expansion and recruitment for Beta Theta Pi. “We’re going to raise
the bar in a quiet and confident way.”

Beta Theta Pi isn’t recruiting just any college student, Rae said.

“We are looking for men who have been disenchanted and have not
found what they are looking for in the Greek community,” he said. “We
want self-starting, ambitious, upper-class leadership.”

The organization will take around 30 men.

In 2002 the Alumni Association and CMU worked together to close the
chapter with an agreement of opening two years later. The members were
faced with severe sanctions and left quietly, Rae said.

Tom Idema, Greek adviser and assistant director for the Office of
Student Life, said he was sad to see the fraternity leave but knew it
was for the best.

“I thought it was a real tragedy when they were pulled because they
were a very active, nice and popular group of guys on campus,” Idema
said. “But sometimes you must take a break to reorganize to ensure the
success of your group or organization.”

The groups has a few activities planned during recruitment including
coffee, a barbecue and basketball. All events are alcohol-free.

In addition to returning to campus, Beta Theta Pi is offering three
scholarships totaling $1,000 as a thank-you to the students and the
university.

The scholarships only are for men unaffiliated with Greek life.
There is no obligation to join when applying.

The group has colony status after new members are chosen. Colony
status is the first step in achieving chapter status, a process which
takes two to three years, Rae said.

Colony or not, the men are very visible when they move into their
house at 814 S. Main St. in fall 2005.

“We’re trying to counter the stereotypes,” Rae said. “We are a
social fraternity that wants to be leaders.”

For more information on Beta Theta Pi go to
http://www.gobetatoday.com.

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