"Since 1839, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity has initiated
more than 160,000 at colleges and universities
throughout Canada and the United States. Beta
continues to expand. The Fraternity grew from the
founding group to more than 75 chapters in its first
100 years, the last 60 years saw an increase to the
current 140 chapters and colonies. All members share
the common belief in academic excellence, sense of
tradition and brotherhood and unqualified
friendship. Beta Theta Pi is growing and is always
looking for prospective members who share these
ideals, as defined within the objects of Beta Theta
Pi." - National Fraternity Welcome
May 1, 2007
Dear
Rushee,
Through
various friends I have been informed that you may be
attending the University of Alabama, and I am
writing you to encourage you to do so. The
University offers many excellent opportunities in
many aspects of college life. An opportunity that I
hope you choose to participate in is the
University’s Greek system. Fraternities at Alabama
contain many leaders on campus and provide an outlet
to make some of your best college friends.
My name is
Johnny Harlan and I am the Rush Chairman for Beta
Theta Pi. I wanted to take this opportunity to give
you more information on my fraternity here at the
University. Beta at Alabama is strong in many ways.
We are a group of men who enjoy all aspects of
college life- from intramural sports to academics,
parties to campus involvement. Beta is also home to
men who believe in steadfast friendship and will
provide assistance throughout one’s college and
professional career. We are also the oldest existing
national fraternity, which was founded in 1839.
Beta
strongly stresses the importance of its members’
academic success. We provide study hall hours and
require a 2.5 GPA. This is our national requirement
to be in Good Standings. Therefore, nothing less is
expected out of our members.
Our social
calendar is second to none with band parties every
football weekend and weekly sorority swaps. The
spring party schedule is just as good with Generic
Party, The Sons of the Dragon Formal that is held in
New Orleans, weekly swaps, and our big spring party,
Beta Lei, ends the spring semester with a good time.
Beta
contributes in all parts of campus involvement.
Currently we have the President of the Student
Government Association (SGA) and the Judicial Board
of the IFC. We also have members on SGA committees,
two on Order of Omega, two Jason’s (the highest
honor that a Greek man can receive), and others in
other organizations and numerous campus honor
societies.
Our house
is also very involved in intramural sports. We have
at least one team or someone representing us in
almost every intramural sport. In recent years, we
have competed strongly and finished a close second
for the All-Sports Trophy with a championship
football team, a second place basketball team and a
second place softball team.
I hope
that I was able to answer most of your questions on
Beta Theta Pi. If you or your parents have any
questions on the University, Rush, our pledge
program or Beta, don’t hesitate to call me or any of
the other Rush Chairs.
Sincerely,
