|
Quick
Links
|
|
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Beta-Pi TKE Chapter News |
|
TKE Takes Georgia Tech Homecoming Competition Victory. Atlanta, Georgia, October 30, 2006 - The Beta-Pi Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity won the Georgia Tech Homecoming competition among fraternities in the week leading up to Tech's victory over the University (sic) of Miami. The Tekes won convincingly, scoring 271.5 points to pass the second place contender's 230.5. The victory caps off a year of triumphs for the resurgent chapter, which emerged from two years of difficulties with the Greek Affairs office to quickly claim first place in Greek Week 2006 as well as a Top Teke Chapter award during the summer. Through Friday, the Chapter's first place finishes included Display (including best mechanization), Dizzy Jump, The Stand, and Alumni Reception participation. The Chapter finished second overall in Iron Buzz, the Mini 500, Mock Rock, and the Pyramid Egg Toss. TKE finished third in Paparazzi Blitz and the Ugly Man on Campus Contest and was a semi-finalist in the Mr. Georgia Tech contest. TKE sealed its victory Saturday morning during the Ramblin' Reck parade by taking second place in the contraption division and third place in both classic car and fixed body. This year's effort was led by co-chairmen Josh Marcy and Ed Fleiss , who made sure the Tekes left no points on the table. Reorganization of Chapter Boards in Progress. Atlanta, Georgia, October 9, 2006 - After over thirty years of service to the Chapter as chairman of its Board of Trustees (BOT), John Reagan has retired. John will remain on the BOT as a regular member and will play a role, along with Scott Schmidt, in the concept and design of major facilities renovations. John will also devote time to his new duties as a member of the board of the TKE Educational Foundation (TEF) and remain a resource for the undergraduate organization. Michael Smith (783), chapter advisor for almost sixteen years and chairman of the chapter corporation (BOA) will assume the chair of the property organization (BOT) and will coordinate the work of Reagan and Schmidt as well as new BOT members Gary Minor, Scott Smelter, and Richard Sapp to formalize maintenance and to prepare and implement a major round of building renovations starting in the next few years. The BOT will also assume a more formal role in the areas of risk management and liability issues concerning the use of its facilities. Smith's first priority will be to institutionalize Reagan's legacy as a foundation upon which sustainable improvements can be made in the next decade. Smith has resigned as chapter advisor and from the BOA in order to free up time to devote to the work of the BOT, which can be done more easily from his home in High Point, North Carolina than can the work of the BOA. David Adcock, longtime BOA member and resource for the chapter, assumes the chair of the Chapter Corporation (BOA) with the full support of the BOT. David lives in the Atlanta area and has extensive experience dealing with the Chapter as well as other TKE chapters, the HQ in Indianapolis, and university administrators. Adcock is an alumnus of the Georgia State chapter, which has been dormant for many years. Despite his not being an initiate of the beta-pi chapter, Reagan and Smith both agreed that no other person is more qualified and deserving to head the BOA at this time than Adcock. He has been given a free hand to organize the BOA as he sees fit to fulfill its role as the overseer of undergraduate chapter services and standards. At the request of the prytanis, Adcock has also agreed to serve as chapter advisor until a more permanent replacement is identified and elected. Thus, he essentially replaces Smith as the alumnus in closest contact with the day to day operations of the Chapter. These changes should result in improved oversight of and service delivery to the Chapter, especially as concerns the BOA. The transfer of materials and knowledge will likely take the rest of the fall 2006 term. For more information, contact David Adcock, TKE beta-pi chapter advisor at chapadv "at" betapitke.org. TKE Beta-Pi Chapter Reclaims Top TKE Status. Atlanta, Georgia, October 8, 2006 - The Beta-Pi Chapter was one of eight out of over two hundred seventy TKE chapters awarded Top TKE status this year by the OGC. Despite holding more such awards than all but a handful of TKE chapters and having achieved magnificent feats during the 1990s, this was the first Top TKE recognition the Chapter had received since 1981.
During the last academic year, TKE was the second largest fraternity on campus, boasting 92 members. That made Beta-Pi one of the top ten chapters of TKE in terms of size. During the year, the Chapter recruited and initiated 26 new members placing it in the top ten recruiting chapters among TKE and the third largest at Georgia Tech.
The Chapter has created an innovative scholarship program with grade teams and financial incentives for the top achieving team. During the last year, Beta-Pi had 49 members on the Dean's List and Honor Roll, and acheived a chapter GPA of 3.1. The Chapter was a major influence on the GT campus with 60 members serving in other campus activites and groups. Thirteen members participated in the IFC and the Chapter sent large delegations to the TKE Regional Leadership Conference, the bi-ennial TKE Conclave, and the Southeatern Interfraternity Conference. Members recommitted themselves to serving the community by raising over $3,000 for local charities and providing over 2,000 hours of community service during the year, placing it in the top five in TKE in terms of philanthropy. In a message sent to the alumni, chapter advisor Michael Smith remarked, "The lion's share of credit for this belongs, in my opinion, to the men who have headed up the Chapter as prytanis over the last few years--those guys who did not shrink away when there was hard, unpleasant work to be done ... Those men truly deserve a round from each of us for the sweat they shed for us all." Frater Ian Stewart Wins Walgreen Award. Atlanta, Georgia, October 8, 2006 - Current prytanis Ian Stewart has received the Walgreen Award, a $2,500 scholarship endowed by TKE alumnus Charles Walgreen. This award is given to one Teke each year in recognition of academic achievement and leadership as demonstrated by activities and accomplishments within the chapter, on campus and in the community. Ian has maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout his TKE experience at Georgia Tech while serving as a member of the GT Student Ambassadors, the Executive Round Table, and the Connect with Tech recruitment agency. He was also active on the GT cycling team. As a chapter leader, Ian created the chapter's annual charity volleyball tournament, which raises thousands of dollars each year for the Children's Miracle Network. He has also been active on the Interfraternity Council, was elected to the Order of Omega (the Greek Honorary Society), and served as Homecoming chairman last year when the Chapter won Homecoming for the first time in recent history. As prytanis, Ian proved astute at working with undergraduates, the Chapter Boards, and the Greek Affairs office, engineering the organization's swift return to prominence after several years of distraction. Brandon Boothe Graduates from Harvard Business School. Atlanta, Georgia, July 14, 2006 - Alumnus Brandon Boothe (1077, BSME '99) graduated from the Harvard Business School this spring after spending his second year studying general management with some focus on real estate, marketing, and operations. While at the HBS, he was president of the soccer club and active in his section. He worked on the HBS show and participated in many conferences and career treks. Brandon has just started work as a supply chain analyst for Bert's Bees in Durham, NC. where he will work on reducing inventory and helping to bring a more analytical approach in operations and distribution decisions. He has moved into one of the old tobacco lofts near the Durham Bulls stadium in downtown Durham, close to Brightleaf Square, within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Chapter Advsior helps facilitate TKE Leadership Academy.
Atlanta, Georgia, June 30, 2006 - Chapter advisor and BOA chairman Michael Smith (783, BSICS '85) observed and helped facilitate at the twentieth TKE Leadership Academy (TLA) at the Bradford Woods Estate in Martinsville, Indiana. Bradford Woods is operated by the Indiana University and has been used for decades as a camp for the children of Indiana and as a retreat location for various corporations and service organizations. Smith had earlier served twice as a Leadershape (TM) cluster facilitator. Leadershape is an outgrowth of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity's leadership academy. Smith also attended Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity's long-running American Leadership Academy (ALA) in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over spring break in March 2006. Twenty-eight Teke undergraduates from chapters ranging from Cal-Berkeley to NC State, Florida International to St. Cloud (Minnesota) State University attended. The event was faciliated by members of the grand council, TKE HQ staff, and invited volunteers including Jerry Nelson, the founder and chief benefactor Phi Psi's ALA.
"It's an excellent program," Smith reported. "The TLA is not as 'I have a Dream' as Leadershape or as personal-life-skills-oriented as the ALA in Cabo. It fills the niche of providing thought-provoking experiences and a toolkit for effectiveness at the organizational level. It should be seen as a complement to, not an alternative to, programs such as Leadershape and the ALA." "I would strongly encourage any TKE undergrad who as apirations of leadership in his chapter to apply to the program. The expense is underwritten by the TKE Educational Foundation and the attendees are well taken care of during the week--I gained five pounds despite all the walking I did! The facilitators put a great deal of thought into delivering the most useful material in a way that will stick. I felt strongly enough about the quality of the program that I have become a financial supporter of it." For more information, contact Michael Smith, TKE beta-pi chapter advisor at chapadv "at" betapitke.org. Tekes Head for Oxford. Atlanta, Georgia, May 10, 2006 - Ian Stewart, John Nickerson, Alex Hoffman, Cody Parham, John Callaghan, Nick Rossi, and Mark Ladisch are leaving at the end of May to spend a summer at Oxford University in the UK as part of Tech's Study Abroad. Justin Norvell will be journeying to the far side of the world to participate in Tech's Pacific Program. Tekes abroad habitually take full advantage of the travel opportunities afforded by the Study Abroad program and we look forward to receiving an entertaining series of e-mail updates and photographs. Recent Gradutes Enter the Workplace. Atlanta, Georgia, May 10, 2006 - During the last academic year, some true old-timers have finally "gotten out". Jared Dent, who graduated in the fall, currently lives in Atlanta and works for the Atlanta Hawks, Thrashers, and Philips Arena. Jay Gardner, a former prytanis, graduated in Management with a Certificate in Accounting. He has moved into Home Park. Jay will be a staff accountant for Arby's Restaurant Group in their South Regional office just outside the perimeter on Peachtree Industrial. After training and a few months on the job, he will be in charge of the financial reporting for up to 25 Arby's restaurants in the Southeast. Griffin Fulmer, another former prytanis, graduated in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Griffin has accepted a position with Capgemini, LLC where he will be working as a business strategy consultant. Chad Patterson received the BEE in spring 2006. This summer he will intern at the Army Research Lab in Maryland and will return to Tech for the MSEE in the fall. Chad will also be taking on the role of RA in the Teke House. Michael Ulasewicz will graduate
this summer and has become the latest in a long line of Tekes to accept
a position with Manhattan Associates. BOT and BOA Meet. Atlanta, Georgia, April 30, 2006 - The Chapter Boards met recently with the executive committee and interested undergrads. Chapter Advisor Michael Smith (783, BSICS '85) presented the BOT's financial report for 2005, which showed a healthy checking balance and rapid progress paying off the 1993 loan taken out to build the "new" social quarters. Undergrad receivables are negligible, a welcome change from the situation of two years ago, and only a handful of deadbeat alumni and dropouts remain with the collection agent. Undergrad budgets for summer and fall have been reviewed and will allow for much maintenance and improvement of the facilities during the summer. There is a waiting list for housing in the fall. Financially, both BOT and Chapter are solid. The BOT remains on track to pay off the debt in 2008. BOT Chairman John Reagan solicited undergraduate involvement in the design process for the next round of facilities renovations. A pitched roof, exterior building cladding, and new windows are givens but, currently, the intent is also to completely gut and rework the dormitory building. More specific plans will emerge in the coming months. Smith will create a new long term model and plan for BOT finances before the end of May. Smith also outlined a plan to greatly increase alumni involvement with the Chapter while formalizing the member development process. The process currently ends, for all intents and purposes, at initiation. Housing privileges, rent concessions, and other honors and privileges will serve as positive incentives for members to progress through more meaningful levels of membership. Requirements appropriate for the different needs of students at different stages of life at Tech are being designed. The program will emphasize "pragmatic" results rather than "idealistic" ones, that is, the goal will be prepare Tekes to succeed on their own terms in school and after graduation rather than to turn out any particular model of young man shaped to address the regrets of older generations or to satisfy their desire to succeed vicariously through molding others. More news about this will be included in the next newsletter. Beta-Pi Alumnus Heads Norfolk Southern. Norfolk, Virginia, – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) named Charles W. (Wick) Moorman (BCE '75, beta-pi 571) to succeed David R. Goode as chairman, effective Feb. 1. The action was taken by Norfolk Southern’s board of directors. Moorman, who has served as president since 2004 and chief executive officer since 2005, will continue in those positions. Goode will continue as a member of Norfolk Southern’s board of directors until the corporation’s annual meeting of stockholders in May. “Norfolk Southern is well positioned,” Goode said. “Backed by the finest people in the transportation business, Wick Moorman and his team will guide us to even higher levels of safety and service. With tremendous pride and excitement, I look forward to a successful future for our company.” Moorman has served in a number of leadership positions, including senior vice president corporate planning and services, president of Thoroughbred Technology and Telecommunications, vice president information technology, and vice president personnel and labor relations. A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., and a graduate of Georgia Tech and Harvard Business School, he joined Norfolk Southern in 1970. Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,300 route miles in 22 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. NS operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America’s largest rail carrier of automotive parts and finished vehicles. For further information contact:
Atlanta, Georgia, April 15, 2006 - Rachel
Randman, a 3rd year Industrial Design major and sister of Zeta Tau Alpha,
was announced as the new Beta-Pi TKE sweetheart at the Red Carnation Ball
held in Nashville, Tennessee. Girlfriend of Pete Creighton, Rachel has
promised to cook many baked goods and to cheer for TKE in all its endeavors
over the next school year. TKE Beta-Pi Initiates New Members. Atlanta, Georgia, April 12, 2006 - Four new members were initiated into Beta-Pi TKE fraternity on April 9th, 2006. The new initiates are Zach Zegar (Columbia, MD - BPi 1320), Jeremy Martz (Clarksville, MD - BPi 1321), Kevin Cannella (Ellicott City, MD - BPi 1322), and Stuart Godlasky (Fayetteville, PA - BPi 1323). This initiation brings Chapter size up to 87, the highest level in at least five years. With such a large membership and solid finances and administration, TKE looks set to challenge Tech's Greek community to take things up a notch or three. TKE Beta-Pi Party Schedule Rebounds. Atlanta, Georgia, April 12, 2006 - TKE's party schedule is back at full speed. Holding the annual Polar Beach Party, TKE entertained the masses with two bands and a DJ night. Numerous other band parties and off campus socials were held including Monster Trucks at the Georgia Dome, mixers with Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Chi Omega. The weekend of February 24th, the chapter packed their bags and headed up to Nashville, Tennessee for their Red Carnation Ball. Hosted in the beautiful Opryland Hotel, brothers and their dates enjoyed a festive night of music and fun. TKE Beta-Pi Wins Greekweek 2006. Atlanta, Georgia, April 11, 2006 - TKE Beta-Pi returned this spring to dominance in Greek Week at Georgia Tech. The week began nicely with TKE's 10th victory in the Tug pit. Coached by Griffin Fulmer, this years tug team totaled four pulls during the event with a combined time of just over 7 minutes spent in the pit. Other events TKE pulled first place in included Sweatshirt Relay, Chariot Race, 3 on 3 Basketball tournament, and Greek God and Goddess. TKE's narrow margin of victory came down to Greek Sing, where a humorous and talent-laden performance put TKE in first place overall and the final point total was not decided until after TKE won points during the last protest meeting of the week. The margin of victory was less than 2 points over Theta Chi, who had spent the previous night celebrating, albeit before the fat lady sang. The last act belonged to TKE. TKE would like to thank all alumni that came out and supported us during the events. TKE Beta-Pi GPA Improves. Atlanta, Georgia, April 3, 2006 - During their fall 2005 semester, the Beta-Pi chapter of TKE experienced one of its largest GPA improvements in recent times. After corrections to the roster, the Chapter GPA was 3.1, placing TKE 6th among Georgia Tech fraternities. In accord with its scholarship policy, the Board of Trustees awarded rent scholarships of $766 to members of the winning grade team: John Callaghan, Chris Callura, Helmut Drews, Mark Ladisch, John Story, and Michael Ulasewicz. The Chapter awarded several hundred dollars more in scholarship awards: Matt Goette was top Chapter scholar. Brian O'Connor and Kevin Savage won the award for best BB/LB GPA. Buck Pardee took the prize for most improved. On the other hand, four members lost housing privileges at the end of fall due to chronic low academic performance. This represents the first full implementation of the BOT's comprehensive incentive approach adopted in summer 2004. TKE hopes to keep this academic success commonplace in the near-future and to ensure that all members retain housing privileges with the increase of in-house tutoring as well as improving the Chapter's electronic "Word" system. TKE Beta-Pi Returns to Tug-of-War Dominance.
Atlanta, Georgia, April 2, 2006 (revised April 11, 2006) - In four matches taking place during five hours beginning at noon on Sunday, TKE explained to Tech's Greek Community what a feckless pie-eating contest Greek Week would be without TKE. The afternoon's rout began when AEPi's ten men gave up the rope in a mere 12.5 seconds. After this warm-up, TKE faced fourteen man teams for the rest of the day. Next, Delta Chi offered the perhaps the toughest challenge to the Tekes, managing to hold on for 1 minute 45 seconds. Theta Chi succumbed to the invitable, losing to TKE in the quarter finals in 1 minute 40 seconds. Finally, last year's "champions", Lambda Chi Alpha, had the magic carpet pulled out from under them in 2 minutes. Indeed, there are few things sadder in life to see than fourteen men clinging to three feet of rope. TKE's strategy this year differed from that of years past in which TKE simply sat on the rope until the opponent tired, often giving up several feet at the beginning of each pull, knowing that they'd get it all back eventually. This year, however, TKE demanded the rope immediately and there was no doubt after the first 10 seconds of each match who was going to win. This year's men on the line included: Andy Love, Carlos Tan, Chad Patterson, Griffin Fulmer, Ian Stewart, Mark Ladish, Michael McLeod, Mike Morello, Nick Rossi, John Nickerson, Kevin Savage, Scott Griffin, Todd Brock, and Rob Sanford (Anchor). Tuggers who were not on the line included: Phillip Deutschler (Anchor/Coach in the Pit), Chris Dryja, Chris Garrigues, Helmut Drews, Justin Norvell, Manuel Jimenez, Pearce Matthews (Anchor), Pete Creighton, Tyler Gales. A round to coach Griffin Fulmer and his team! If you would like to help reimburse Griffin for some of the out-of-pocket expenses the coach usually bears, go to our Alumni Donation Site. He'll surely appreciate it! For more information, contact Griffin Fulmer at gte212v "at" prism.gatech.edu
Indianapolis, Indiana, March 29, 2006 - The Awards and Scholarship Committee of the TKE Educational Foundation has named Francis "Pete" Creighton, beta-pi 1259, as a member of the 2006 TKE All-Academic Team. Members are selected based on their "ability to balance excellence in academics with making valuable contributions to their chapters, universities and communities." Each member of the team receives a $300 scholarship funded from alumni donations. Pete is studying Biomedical Engineering and expects to graduate in 2008. He most recently served the Chapter as rush chairman during academic year 2004-2005. For more information contact the Teke Educational Foundation CEO Gary Reed at reedga "at" tke.org. Chapter Advsior observes Phi Kappa Psi
Leadership Academy.
Smith and Trabold are part of a task force that is examining all aspects of TKE membership development. As well as observing the work of Phi Kappa Psi, the task force is also considering some of the features of Sigma Phi Epsilon's "Balanced Man" program, Tri-Delta's development program (the leading edge in the sorority world), and all previous TKE materials, among other things. "None of this is rocket science," said Smith. "Solutions to the challenges facing the Greek world, including TKE, have been staring us in the face for decades ... and so have the opportunities that Greeks are best positioned to seize. "I believe that our own Beta-Pi will, in a few years, play a much greater role in preparing our members for life after graduation than we have and that we will have higher standards for becoming and remaining a part of the Chapter. There will be no entitlements or privileges not linked to responsibilities. This is necessary if we are to create something the alumni will get behind with their 'time, talent, and treasure' and we must have their support to reach the next stage in our evolution. Fortunately, we don't need to reinvent the wheel; we just need to decide where we're going and put our backs into getting the cart rolling. "Through Cabo, the Phi Psi's have found an extremely effective way to deliver high-value-added life skills information to undergrads and I think there are many lessons there for TKE and the rest of the Greek community." For more information, contact Michael Smith, TKE beta-pi chapter advisor at chapadv "at" betapitke.org TKE Conducts Food Drive. Atlanta, Georgia, November 31, 2005 -
On the week of the annual Georgia Game, the Beta-Pi Chapter of Tau Kappa
Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity began a campus food drive to raise food for Atlanta
Community Food Bank. Members posted flyers to make everyone on campus
aware of the food drive that would be held on Saturday, the 26th of November
during the Big Game. Unfortunately bad weather soaked the notices and
kept people indoors so few learned of the drive. Not to be stopped, members
chipped in from their own pockets and, with help from alumni Brian L Burns,
Michael Smith, Cameron R Moore, and Todd Weiser, the chapter donated 240
lbs. of food to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Chapter Initiates Nineteen. Atlanta, Georgia, November 19, 2005 -
The Beta-Pi Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity initiated nineteen
candidates on Sunday, November 13th, 2005. Prytanis Ian Stewart presided.
Board of Advisors member David Adcock supervised and helped with ritual
review. This initiation ensures that the Chapter will remain at full strength
and the Chapter House full through fall semester 2006. The names, scroll
numbers and hometowns of the new members are: Szymon Swistun Featured in US News & World Report Article
Szymon is a professional software developer living in Orlando, Florida, where he creates software to support graphical computer gaming; he just finished work on the rendering side of Madden '06 for the Xbox 360. Szymon's personal website is http://egosoftware.net/swistun/index.html. Szymon is also featured in "Landing
the Internship or Full-time Job during College" by Robert Peterson.
Officers' Retreat and Twenty-fourth Prytanis Dinner Held
Topics covered included a historical overview to help the undergrads understand the changing nature of the challenges facing the Chapter and the origins of some of the "baggage" the organization carries now, a review of the gap analysis conducted last spring, a review of risk management standards and current administration sanctions against the Chapter, leadership and change management techniques, and ethical decision making. The retreat lasted for six hours and ended with a review of officers' duties and plans for goal setting. Afterwards, Ian Stewart was treated to the twenty-fourth Beta-Pi prytanis dinner at the Outback Steakhouse on Lavista Road in Atlanta. For further information, contact Michael Smith, chapter advisor at chapadv "at" betapitke.org. Tekes Help with Katrina Cleanup Effort
The trip, named "Geaux to the Gulf", was sponsored and organized by Georgia Tech’s Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF). Students who joined in on the trip slept on church floors between pews and were provided warm, home-cooked food by members of the church. The church had a list of about 2,000 homes in the surrounding areas that needed either repairs or to be cleared of their former occupants' personal property. Tekes helped clean up five houses in three days in Metairie, Kenner, the Upper 9th Ward, and St. Bernard’s Parish. Michael Morello remarked, “although you see pictures in the newspapers and on television, you really don’t realize what people have lost until you get down there and see people’s belongings destroyed."
Fortunately, there was time for a little fun since, in addition to helping with the relief effort, the Tekes got a little relief of their own during a short visit to the French Quarter. All things considered, the Tekes felt that spending their fall break helping with the clean-up of New Orleans was a positive experience. For more information, contact John Nickerson, TKE beta-pi chapter historian at gtg970a "at" mail.gatech.edu. TKE Helps Raise $2,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Atlanta, Georgia, September 28, 2005 - On September 24, the Beta-Pi Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity teamed with Alpha Xi Delta Sorority at Georgia Tech to host the chapter’s second annual charity volleyball tournament to benefit the Atlanta chapter of Children’s Miracle Network. The tournament raised $2,000 for charity through raffle sales and registration fees. Children’s Miracle Network - Atlanta raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit pediatric healthcare organizations. CHOA is recognized for excellence in cardiology, cancer treatment, transplant services, and many other pediatric specialties. The tournament was organized by Ian Stewart (TKE) and Sarah Myers (AZD). Play began at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the TKE Chapter House at 159 5th Street, NW, in Atlanta and lasted the entire day with the championship game beginning at 8:00 p.m. Local radio stations 99X and 95.5 “The Beat” entertained guests throughout the day by giving away prizes such as concert tickets, t-shirts, and movie passes. Sysco, Papa John’s, and Giorgio’s Pizzeria provided lunch and dinner for the contestants, who also received a complimentary t-shirt for signing up. Kelly’s Auto Care made a $150 donation directly to the cause. TKE introduced several new features to the tournament this year, beginning with the joint organization with Alpha Xi Delta. Also new this year was the raffling of prizes between games. Sold for $1 apiece, raffle tickets helped generate almost $400 for the Children’s Miracle Network. Prizes include gift certificates provided by local enterprises including Nikimoto’s, Little Azio’s, Jake’s Ice Cream, Helmet Hairworks, Acapulco, Engineer’s Book Store, Atlanta Rocks, Blu Door, Bobby and June’s Kountry Kitchen, El Amigo, and Ribs ‘n’ Blues. At day’s end, three Cingular cell phones and two Apple iPod nanos were raffled off as grand prizes. As well as raising money for a great cause, the tournament also provided a means for fourteen Greek organizations at Georgia Tech to come together to have a good time and to further a worthy cause. For additional information, e-mail Ian Stewart, TKE Beta-Pi Chapter philanthropy coordinator, at gtg209i "at" mail.gatech.edu. Chapter Incorporates Separately from the Board of Trustees Atlanta, Georgia, August 15 2005 - On August 3, the undergraduate TKE chapter at Georgia Tech incorporated separately from its Board of Trustees. The BOT corporation had served as both chapter and housing entity for decades. The separate incorporations reflect the dual nature of alumni involvement with the Chapter. This action had been contemplated for over two years. The BOT, long known as "TKE of Georgia", received responsibility for the property and facilities, including long range planning for both. The BOT will remain the ultimate authority in matters that affect the long-term viability of the housing or chapter organizations. John Reagan remains the chairman of the BOT. The chapter corporation, "TKE Beta-Pi Chapter", will be directed by a Board of Advisors (BOA). Its responsibility is to deliver membership development services to the undergraduate chapter and to work with the Chapter's executive committee to define and maintain membership quality through standards. The new BOA includes the chapter, faculty, and resident advisors, a representative of the BOT, the current undergraduate prytanis and other members as needed. Any BOA member can become chairman. Michael Smith will hold the office until elections to be held in spring 2006. Both entities are Georgia not-for-profit corporations under section 501(c)(7) and contributions to them are not tax deductible. Such contributions can be made to either under certain conditions through the TKE Educational Foundation (TEF). For additional information, e-mail Michael Smith, BOA chairman, at chapadv "at" betapitke.org
Atlanta, Georgia, August 14, 2005 - Armed with a grant from the Board of Trustees, resident advisor Mark Cupta this summer completed a complete renovation of the old resident advisor's apartment. Mark began by repainting all the walls and then moved on to replacing all the carpet and (finally) putting some linoleum down in the kitchen and in the bathroom. No more brown concrete! Mark also replaced the stove and the refrigerator and the blinds, updated some of the fixtures and, along with his parents, furnished the place with a sectional couch (from the Salvation Army, of course, but clean), plates and silverware, a table, and a desk. Cabling was updated and made neater and he fixed the bedroom doors. The next advisor will have to show up with little more than a bed. For additional information, e-mail Mark Cupta, resident advisor, resadv "at" betapitke.org.
Atlanta, Georgia, August 08, 2005 - Work on the new sidewalk and wall along 5th street should be finished for fall rush. The last of the old "hydraulic" hexagonal sidewalk pavers are gone, replaced by a more attractive sidewalk and a (soon to be) green strip along the curb. More important however is the wall that somewhat encloses the downhill side of the property, which was built while preserving all the trees we have planted on that end of the property over the last twelve years. We hope this will improve our control of access to the House. 5th Street itself should be repaved before fall.
It will be good to return to the days when alumni visiting the House found that something had improved after their graduation! For additional information, e-mail Brett Cupta, Chapter president, contact "at" betapitke.org.
New Orleans, Louisiana, July 31, 2005 - TKE Beta-Pi sent five men to the 53rd biannual Conclave held July 28-31 in New Orleans. The Conclave met at the Fairmont Hotel, one block north of Bourbon Street on the west side of Canal. Brett Cupta, Rob Sanford, Carlos Tan, Pete Creighton, and Mike Plachta drove seven hours in a van from Atlanta. Chapter Advisor Michael Smith flew from Charlotte. BOA member David Adcock flew from Atlanta. The Conclave elected Mark Fite of the Delta-Xi Chapter at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio as the new Grand Prytanis. For additional information, e-mail Brett Cupta, Chapter president, contact "at" betapitke.org.
Atlanta, Georgia, July 26, 2005 - Work on the new wall continues. The wall fronts 5th Street but turns at the property line and runs back almost to the alley behind the House now. Unfortunately, the construction necessitated the annihilation of the old deck, built during the mid- & late-1990s but that is being replace by the Chapter with a new deck built on better footings and of more durable materials. The work should be complete in time for fall rush. For additional information, e-mail Brett Cupta, Chapter president, contact "at" betapitke.org.
Atlanta, Georgia, July 1, 2005 - In exchange for a few feet of TKE property to use to widen the sidewalk on 5th Street in front of the Chapter House, Tech is building an attractive wall at the lower end of the property that will finally enable the Chapter to control access properly. The style of the wall matches that of other walls built across Techwood close to the Interstate. For additional information, e-mail Brett Cupta, Chapter president, contact "at" betapitke.org. Massive Round of Database Updates in Progress at TKE Beta-Pi Atlanta, Georgia, June 6, 2005 - The Chapter's on-line member database was not in bad shape but it could be better. About eight hundred member records were received recently from Georgia Tech and about the same number from TKE National. These are currently being keyed to help the Chapter reach its goal of having good records for at least nine hundred TKE Beta-Pi initiates before the end of summer term 2005. This is fundamental to establishing regular, high quality communications among all members. The Chapter database in electronic form is about twenty years old. It originated in a paper pamphlet contracted for by the Chapter in 1985. At the time, there were just under nine hundred initiate records. In 1986, these were keyed by Michael Smith (783) into a Borland Excel database (no relationship to the Microsoft spreadsheet package). In the following years, records were added occasionally by undergraduates and the database was ported to various versions of dBase before settling into a Clarion database application. Clarion was a PC-based prototyping and application development tool used in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the late 1990's, with the widespread availability of Internet access, Eric Smith (1111) created an on-line interface for the database by modifying a PERL script called dbman. This made it possible for all members, not just the Histor, to access the database and apply updates - a major benefit for the entire Chapter. Over the last five years, the PERL script has been expanded to enable members and candidates to run a variety of useful queries. The Chapter exchanges member record information with TKE National and with the Georgia Tech Alumni Association but does not provide postal or e-mail address lists to other parties, including members. However, members may access individual records and provide updates through links on the "Alumni&Friends" page. For additional information, e-mail Michael Smith, siteadmin "at" betapitke.org.
Atlanta, Georgia, June 1, 2005 - Work is finished on two new trophy cases in the Social Quarters. They were needed because the old ones, built in 1994, were full. Josh Smith, 1161, played the lead role in planning and executing this project.
For additional information, e-mail Brett Cupta, Chapter president, contact "at" betapitke.org. TKE Beta-Pi Begins Round of Improvements: New Volleyball Court Lights Installed
More maintenance and improvement projects are in store for the summer and fall as the Chapter moves forward agressively into the new school year.
For additional information, e-mail the president, contact "at" betapitke.org. Widening of Fifth Street Begins
For additional information, e-mail the BOT, trustees "at" betapitke.org. Mark Cupta Becomes Seventh Beta-Pi TKE Resident Advisor Atlanta, Georgia, May 10, 2005 - Mark Cupta, #1117, will move into the RA's apartment in the Chapter House in early July, becoming the seventh beta-pi RA. The duties of the advisor were codified by the Board of Trustees during the term of his predecessor, Todd Weiser, #1192, who left in May for military training in Arizona. Among other things, the RA has specific duties related to maintenance and safety. He also acts as the agent of the Board of Trustees of the Chapter and is fully empowered to intervene to prevent any act that poses unacceptable risks or that may cause legal problems for members or for the Chapter or that represents abuse of the facilities or of Chapter property in his opinion. All residents and guests, including alumni of the Chapter, are expected to cooperate with the Resident Advisor. The RAs of the Chapter have been, in order, Avery White (mid 1970s), Michael A. Smith (late 1990s), Glen Grastat, Andrew Tebbano, Mark Conlin, Todd Weiser, and Mark Cupta. For additional information, e-mail the resident advisor, resadv "at" betapitke.org. Beta-Pi Tekes Abroad Atlanta, Georgia, May 8, 2005 – This past Spring, Brian Giles, Chad Patterson, Brett Cupta, Ian Stewart, and Tyler Gales participated in the Pacific Study Abroad Program through Georgia Tech's Office of International Education. Under a partnership with Queensland University, Sydney University, Melbourne University, and Victoria University they were able to take four courses while enjoying the culture and cuisine of New Zealand and Australia. All but Tylerenjoyed whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and other activities that were supplemented by the beauty of the Pacific Rim. Foreign beer and women were also indulged in. In a few weeks, two more undergrads will depart for Europe participating in the Oxford Summer Program. Chris Garrigues will spend June under the LCC Italian Film Studies program at the University of Udine in Gorizia, Italy. Meanwhile, Kevin Leung will be on a bus tour of six countries in Western Europe. In July, both will have residency at Worcester College in Oxford, England. Helmut Drews has organized his own study abroad this summer. He'll be travelling in Europe for a few weeks before settling down to study German in Germany. Also in Germany, Philip Deutschler at the end of the summer will end a year long stint studying and working there. These Tekes are all taking full advantage of
a Beta Pi tradition. Memories and stories of studying abroad often fill
hours of conversation and gavel talks. Out-of-state students have the
additional advantage of receiving in-state For additional information, e-mail the histor, histor "at" betapitke.org. TKE Beta-Pi Scholarship Policy Modified Atlanta, Georgia, May 3, 2005 - The BOT modified its scholarship requirements to enable members who do not meet the cumulative GPA requirement for the term to remain in TKE Housing if their term GPA indicates sufficient improvement. That is, .400 above the cumulative requirement. For spring 2005, the cumulative requirement was 2.000 and the term requirement is therefore 2.400. The schedule of requirement increases for the next two years remains unchanged. For additional information, e-mail Mike Smith, chapadv "at" betapitke.org. 23rd Prytanis Dinner Held
Since spring 1994, every new prytanis of the Chapter has been taken to dinner by a collection of ex-presidents (at right) where he receives words of wisdom and assurance as well as a long list of alumni to whom he can turn for advice and support. No prytanis of the Beta-Pi Chapter has had to "reinvent the wheel" for over ten years. This continuity is one of the keys to the Chapter's success. For additional information, e-mail Mike Smith, chapadv "at" betapitke.org. TKE Beta-Pi Board of Trustees Meets Atlanta, Georgia, May 1, 2005 – The second TKE beta-pi BOT meeting of spring 2005 semester was held at the Chapter House on Sunday afternoon. Chairman John Reagan called the meeting to order at 300pm. Michael A. Smith, David Adcock, and Cameron Moore also attended for the alumni. Most members of the current Executive Committee and Jay Gardner, ex-prytanis, attended for the undergrads. Topics discussed included undergrad receivables, cash flow, and summer budgets; and the assigning of specific duties and timelines regarding reforms of chapter recruiting, candidate education, initiation, and member development. The meeting was adjourned about 430pm. Several alumni remained on the property for another hour to work with undergrads on specific projects. For additional information, e-mail Mike Smith, chapadv "at" betapitke.org. TKE Beta-Pi Chapter Initiates Twenty-One Candidates Atlanta, GA, April 23, 2005 - The Beta-Pi
Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity today initiated twenty-one candidates
from the 2004 fall pledge class. The 2005 spring initiation was conducted
with the approval of Georgia Tech, the Chapter alumni, and TKE International
Fraternity, according to a schedule proposed by the Chapter, and under
the supervision of alumni volunteers. The Chapter will continue to evaluate
its member recruitment and development practices during 2005 summer with
the purpose of gaining significant long-term competitive advantage within
the Greek community at Georgia Tech. TKE Beta-Pi Chapter Raises Money for Children’s Miracle Network Atlanta, Georgia, October 5, 2004
– Over the Labor Day weekend, the Beta-Pi chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon
Fraternity raised $1,500 for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN)
by hosting a volleyball tournament at the Chapter House on the Georgia
Tech campus. CMN is a national organization that raises money for pediatric
healthcare systems across the country, with special emphasis on cardiology,
cancer treatment, and transplant services.
The event had been planned for the entire weekend but the approach of hurricane Frances necessitated a change of plans. Thirty-five teams competed on Sunday in three divisions: male, female, and co-ed. Participants received a t-shirt, lunch and dinner for the day, a chance to win numerous prizes, and the opportunity to do something good by helping out the Children’s Miracle Network. Pool Stick, a band of members of another fraternity on campus played a three-hour set, and exemplified the nature of a tournament that involved member of fifteen different Greek organizations on campus. Local radio stations 99X and 95.5 “The Beat” furnished music and prizes as well. The tournament is the latest of the Chapter’s successes this fall, which began with the pledging of 27 men during fall rush, one of the largest classes at Georgia Tech, and will continue as the Chapter works to repeat its first place finish in Homecoming. As well as organizing this tournament, TKE will be participating in numerous philanthropic events as part of Homecoming 2004 including serving at soup kitchens, helping out at the Salvation Army, and keeping kids company at youth centers. Then the Chapter will turn to raising $1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, TKE’s national philanthropy. A charity poker tournament is in the works for later in the fall. When it comes to philanthropy, Georgia Tech Tekes are there, making an impact. For additional information e-mail Ian Stewart (gtg209i "at" mail.gatech.edu) or Jeff Burns (gtg899p "at" mail.gatech.edu). TKE Beta-Pi Board of Trustees Creates Scholarship Policy for the Chapter Atlanta, Georgia, August 30, 2004 – At
a recent Board meeting the Trustees of the Beta-Pi chapter of Tau Kappa
Epsilon Fraternity presented, discussed, and endorsed a scholarship
policy for the undergraduate chapter. The policy is an attempt to address
the Chapter's "dismal" academic performance last spring and
chronic underachievement relative to the undergraduate male population
at Georgia Tech. The Chapter possesses considerable scholarship resources and routinely
places an extraordinarily large number of members on the Dean's List.
Nevertheless, the Chapter average remains low because of the number
of members with averages at 1.700 and below. It is not the Board's intent
to create a Chapter known for scholastic excellence (although that would
be a good outcome). One board member commented, "It's not the guys
with the 2.3's and 2.4's that are the problem. It's the guys with the
1.3's and the 1.4's." For additional information, e-mail Mike Smith, chapadv "at" betapitke.org. |
|
|
|
Write: "TKE House", 159 5th Street NW, Atlanta,
GA 30313-2511 |
The
Top TKE award is based on academic achievement, membership recruitment,
community service and outreach, membership development, extracurricular
campus involvement, chapter organization, alumni and volunteer involvement,
and risk management. In order to be considered for this award a chapter
must achieve the rating of “superior," making the chapter eligible
to apply for the top award.
The
TLA is a blend of experiential learning, presentations, small group activities,
indoor- and outdoor-activities, and Q&A sessions that draws from the
principles and practices advocated in 
TKE
Beta-Pi Announces New Sweetheart.
Creighton
Wins Named to 2006 TKE All-Academic Team. 
The
Phi Psi's, through their foundation, have been running their annual Cabo
"life skills" program for over 10 years and invited TKE to send
undergrads and observers to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Academy
and its potential for transforming Greek organizations. Tekes from 
Atlanta,
Georgia, November 24, 2005 - Szymon Swistun, beta-pi 1218, was featured
in a review of Georgia Tech in a US News & World Report Article on
"America's Best Colleges". A link to the USN&WR article
through the Ivan Allen College website is : 
Atlanta,
Georgia, November 20, 2005 - BOA members Karl Paul, David Adcock, and
Michael Smith presented at and moderated an officers' retreat Sunday afternoon
at the "Chip" Roberts Alumni-Faculty house on North Avenue in
Atlanta. The Chapter was founded in the facility in 1948. 
Atlanta,
Georgia, October 27, 2005 - During their Fall Break, six beta-pi Tekes
journeyed to the New Orleans area to help clean homes damaged by floods
caused by Hurricane Katrina. Ian Stewart, John Nickerson, Michael Morello,
Chad Patterson, Brett Cupta, and Mark Ladisch left for Metairie, Louisiana,
a region just north of New Orleans on Friday, October 14th.
The
groups on the trip also took driving tours around the New Orleans area
to view the extent of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. “One of the biggest
surprises I had was the sheer number of houses destroyed. It’s not a neighborhood
or a few blocks of houses. There are thousands of homes that will have
to be completely demolished in order to rebuild,” said John Nickerson.
Resident
Advisor's Apartment Gets Much Needed Renovation
5th
Street Side of Chapter Property Much Improved
The
path leading from the sidewalk to our front door now has an additional
step in it and, alas, the last of the group of elms that once stood there
was felled. However, this does remove from our concerns that little planter
that seemed doomed forever to be trampled during every event at the Chapter
House. All of the blockwork done a few years ago by the undergrads has
been preserved as have the elm and the gingko planted during the early
1980s. 
Work on the new deck, an undergrad project, should also be completed in
time for fall rush. The new deck is built on much sounder footings than
the old and, although we have lost the side along 5th Street, the new
deck extends back towards the alley over the retention pond. It is designed
to allow access to the pond for cleaning. 
TKE
Beta-Pi Delegates Attend Conclave
New
Wall and Deck Near Completion
Construction
Continues on the New Wall
New
Trophy Cases in the Social Quarters
Atlanta,
Georgia, May 16, 2005 - Last weekend, the Chapter began a major round
of maintenance and improvements by installing new lights to illuminate
the volleyball court. The wiring was done through the "remote"
ceiling space above the West Porch. Small in size but big in effect, the
lights were tested the night after they were installed. 
As
well, the floor of the social quarters was cleaned and sealed for the
first time in years with some help from the uncle of rush chairman Pete
Creighton. This had been needed for some time since the finish on the
floor is regularly rubbed off by sand tracked in from the volleyball court.
Atlanta,
Georgia, May 10, 2005 - After a year's delay, the state is widening Fifth
Street from the bridge to the baseball stadium. The Chapter will lose
a few feet of property in front of the House but will gain an attractive
stone wall topped by a fence on the downhill end of the property. The
BOT and Tech agreed to this swap of property for improvements over a year
ago when Tech approached all property owners on Fifth Street with the
inevitability of the project. The TKE letters embedded in concrete and
the new monolith will not be affected. However, the last of the elms on
Fifth Street may come down as Tech installs a wide tree-lined sidewalk
like others on campus and the end of the deck nearest the street will
be taken up. Construction is scheduled to be completed in mid August in
time not to interfere with fall rush.
Atlanta,
Georgia, May 1, 2005– 