Beta Theta Pi Alpha Zeta Colony Newsletter

8/6/2019 Beta Theta Pi Alpha Zeta Colony Newsletter

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Beta BeatQuarterly Alpha Zeta Colony Newsletter

Issue 1 July 2011

Greetings,

This year has been productive to say the least. The Alpha Zeta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi

emerged strongly back on the University of Denvers campus in February of this year. Through the

national fraternity, the founding father class of Beta Theta Pi was carefully put together and consists of

the most well-rounded, intellectual, and good-hearted people that DU has to offer, I can assure you

that. These men came together quickly overcoming incredibly challenging schedules, age barriers, and

heated conflicts with the goal of creating a fraternity that boasts an unparalleled drive to live a

principled life. Men of the Alpha Zeta Chapter have endured painstaking and passionate hours decidingon a personal image that is reflective of a common goal that is in line with Betas national objectives.

The leadership of the chapter came together quickly as an executive board, understanding the

immense amount of work that it would take to establish the chapter. Through constant meetings,

individual work, and creativity the seven VPs and president reflected the ideas of the men and put

them into action. With a fair amount of organization and unparalleled accountability, each of the VPs

established the best way to run their position and acted effectively and efficiently in doing so. The

executive board was needless to say extremely hard working and succeeded in pushing the positive

direction that the fraternity will follow. New leaders emerged throughout the year as ritual chairs,

(cont. on page 2)

this issue

Letter from the President / Page 1Spring Events / Page 2-3

Future Events/ Page 3

Founding Father Snapshots/ Page 4

Alumni Snapshot / Page 5

Advisor Snapshot / Page 6

Recruitment Recommendation/ Page 7


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(From page 1)

academic chairs, among many other

positions to keep the chapter running

as efficiently as possible. It wasnt

without all of its members and our

unsullied commitment to an

outstanding brotherhood that the

chapter truly came together.

It didnt take long for Beta

Theta Pi to become distinguished on

DUs campus given the quality of men

that the chapter consists of. We

immediately were praised by winning

Greek Week, a competitive bonding

initiative that involves all of Greek

Life at DU. Our ties with other

fraternities and sororities grew strong

as they recognized our drive and

mission and we were lent a fair

amount of guidance in return. The

men zealously embraced every

opportunity to show Greek Life and

more importantly the greater DU

community that there is such a thing

as a wholesome and effective

fraternity that creates and executeschange through principled leadership.

As far as achievements are

concerned, they are primarily

structural. The chapter faced the

obstacles that are associated with

being new in a tenured system. We

are proud to establish Project Cure as

our consistent benefactor and

community service initiative. Project

Cure is an amazing organization thatraises funds and ships full palettes of

medical supplies to developing

countries and struggling areas.

Besides many successes in Greek Life

competition, our true achievements

are internal.

A brotherhood cant be

taught, but as the chapter

progressed, we cried together,laughed together, and shared what

could be some of the happiest times

of our lives. Lucy Madeira, a famous

educator, coined a phrase that truly

reflects the Alpha Zeta chapter;

Function in Disaster, Finish in Style.

We were all tested and tried

throughout the year, but given our

result of a prevailing brotherhood

backed by unwavering friendship and

loyalty, we truly finished in style.

Yours in _kai_,

Zachary N. Gart

Ice Cream Social at Observatory

Park

Beta Theta Pi fraternity had its first exchange

with Alpha Phi on Saturday April 2, 2011. On

this warm day in April, Beta and the lovely

ladies of Alpha Phi engaged in fun

conversation, volleyball, touch football, and a

little bit of soccer. Stealing the show was

Chris Duhadway, who brought his adorable

puppy, which turned out to be quite the

conversation starter.

Although there were plenty of things to do,

most of Alpha Phi and Beta simply sat in the

sun, conversing, and getting to know each

other better. The men of Beta Theta Pi

enchanted the women of Alpha Phi. They

spoke praises that the men of Beta were very

approachable. Some Alpha Phi ladies even

went as far as to say that they were extremely

impressed with the men emerging from Beta

so far, and are cheering them on as being

true gentlemen.

It is because of Beta's attitude that Alpha Phi

had enjoyed the exchange being outside

rather than at a bar. Many Alpha Phis

suggested that Beta continue organizing such

exchanges, making use of their personalities

in lieu of alcohol. Beta is considered a great

addition at the University of Denver.

Matthew Pettera


3/7

Greek Week

Coffee with Alumni

To all Beta alumni,

We at Beta Theta Pi, as founding

fathers of the Alpha Zeta Chapter at the

University of Denver, would greatly

enjoy welcoming alumni back into the

fold. The fraternal bonds that connect

current actives and past alumni are

timeless, and we would like to extend ahand to all alumni who would like to be

involved in Beta Theta Pi once again.

We would like to set up individual

times throughout the year for alumni to

get to know our brothers on the DU

campus. Starting in the Fall, brothers

would enjoy getting to know you one-

on-one over coffee or lunch near

campus. Throughout the year we also

aim to host trips downtown, local get-

togethers, and nights out at local

venues, all welcome to alumni of Beta

Theta Pi from any chapter. If you

would be interested in bonding withcurrent brothers or have other ideas fo

events, please contact us. We look

forward to hearing from you all!

Yours in ___ Kai ___

Jordon Parker

Programming Committee, Alumni Chai

e-Mail:

[email protected]

(preferred)

Cell: (719) 821-0894

Greek Week was a great

opportunity to restart the Beta Legacy

around campus. Starting several weeks

after initiation, Greek Week was the first

chance for Beta to show its face to the

Greek Community on campus. Determined

to define ourselves as leaders in the Greek

Community, we started strong and kept up

that momentum throughout the festivities

of the week.

Teaming up with the sisters of

Delta Gamma, and the brothers of Lambda

Chi Alpha, Beta competed in a series of

events throughout the week, including a

banner contest, 'can-struction' and lip-sync

The two events that highlighted the

creativity and strengths of the team were

lip-sync and 'can-struction'. 'Can-struction'

in particular was quite interesting as Beta

took the competition by storm in cans

collection and superior design.

Starting strong with a good amount

of canned food, Beta Theta Pi and DeltaGamma began putting together a design, an

F-14 fighter jet. The F-14 fighter jet was

thought about to support the super-team's

slogan and motto "Top Gun: up there with

the best." Realizing that materials were

running short for such a large undertaking,

Beta and DG began to improvise and

conserve in order to create the best design.

Then, right when the team needed it the

most, Lambda Chi Alpha pulled through with

even more cans and nearly doubled what

the team already had.

At this point, there was no longer a

competition. With the added fuel fromLambda, the Top Gun team blew all

opposing teams out of the water. With the

most creativity, spirit, service, and even

attendance, the team of Beta Theta Pi, Delta

Gamma, and Lambda Chi Alpha had won

one of the events that contributed to the

overall winning of Greek Week.

-Matthew Pettera & Trevor Fifer

Homecoming Weekend 2011

To Beta alumni, actives, and parents,

We thank you all for your support and contributions throughout this re-founding

period of Beta Theta Pi, the Alpha Zeta Chapter, at the University of Denver. We appreciate

every contribution you have made and all your involvement within the fraternity. We are a

tightly bound fraternity on this campus, and we would like very much to include all of you inour family. So, although we must sadly say goodbye to our brothers for the summer, and to

our new juniors to study-abroad, we would like the welcome everyone to a gathering to

celebrate our return in the Fall during homecoming weekend. On the weekend of 21-22

October, we invite all Beta actives, alumni, and parents to a celebratory dinner on the DU

campus. Further dates and times will be provided closer to Homecoming Weekend, but we

hope to see you all there.

Please join the brotherhood in this welcoming celebration,

RSVP with Jordon Parker

Programming Committee, Alumni Chair

[email protected](preferred)

Cell: (719) 821-0894
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Michael Maloof

Year: First Year

Major: International Business and Spanish

Hometown: Monument, Colorado

Michael is an active executive board member of the

Alpha Zeta (Denver) Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. He enjoys

volunteering at local charities such as Caf 180, Project C.U.R.E,

and Goodwill and also has worked with animal sanctuaries inColorado Springs. On campus he is a member of the Pioneer

Leadership Program, on the model U.N. team, and a pre-

admitted student to the Daniels College of Business. Michael

has a broad range of interests ranging from skiing in the winter

to earning his Eagle Scout Rank in Boy Scouts in 2007. He has

been a political intern for fellow Beta Theta Pi Alumnus and

Freshman Colorado Senator Michael Bennet. When he is not at

school, Michael loves to travel and has had the fortune of vising

destination such as China, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Belize and

the Dominican Republic, and more. More than anything, he

enjoys seeing different cultures and learning different points of

view. One of his other passions in life is cars and he enjoys

staying up to date on the industry and visiting car shows around

the nation with his dad. Michaels twin sister currently attendsTexas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas where she rides

for the equestrian team.

Charlie Schumacher

Year: First Year

Major: Undecided

Hometown: Newport, California

An ambitious freshman, Charlie Schumacher, has

become a recent founding father in the brotherhood of Beta

Theta Pi. Originally from Orange County, California, Charlie has

come to the Rockies of Denver for his undergraduate education

in search of intellectual engagement and exhilarating

experiences. One of his original primary concerns when arriving

at school was the ability to engage in intellectual conversation.

As his first few months at DU progressed, he became

disappointed in the apparent lack of this conversation with

most of his friends on campus. However, as soon as he joined

Beta, the means for intellectual discussion became readily

available through the bright young minds accepted into the

founding father community.

To be a founding father was one of the major draws

for Charlie, as he admitted that it was rather cool to join

something not yet established, and to subsequently have the

opportunity to build something new and head in a direction we

brothers wanted. He is unsure as of what he exactly wants to

do in the fraternity, but is motivated to stay involved and

eventually receive a leadership role. As a student, he isundeclared but this does not stop him from having interests.

He hopes to become an entrepreneur and study at the business

school, but is unsure of his exact major choice.

His social life has been a lot of fun for him, and he has

found it very stimulating meeting all sorts of different people,

and even more so, living on his own. Experiencing a new

environment independently has been the largest change going

from high school to college. He appears relatively unstressed

with his schoolwork, but readily admits that he has too much

free time in Colorado compared to his hometown. Well, in the

Rockies that isnt always such a bad thing.


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Alumni Snapshot

Its really hard to believe that in a few weeks it will be 25 years

since I graduated from DU with a BSBA in Finance and Management. I

can still remember a fair amount of Governor Dick Lamms

commencement speech - wish there were politicians like that still

around! I arrived at DU in Sept. of 1982 from CT where I grew up, and

pledged AZ of Beta Theta Pi as a freshman. I recall proudly standing onthe mantle in the living room with my pledge brothers after THE final

ceremony at the end of the fall quarter and Hell Week (yes it was back

then.) Back then, AZ at times made Animal House look like kindergarten;

Thursday Night Clubs, where the refreshments could have been used

fuel F-18s, The Woodsmans Ball complete with indoor forest (lucky for

us the fire marshal never came for an inspection) and waterfall down

the front staircase, re-acquiring a certain large brass item our dear

neighbors had lifted off of us 40+ years prior during an all campus party

at their house, etc. We had our ups and downs while I was an active

skating perilously close to getting shut down a few times, but somehow

we always managed to pull it out of the fire. I was Treasurer and

eventually President while a serial arsonist was torching frat houses in

Colorado (Scott Hacker, myself, and a few other AZs were in the Kappa

Sig house with our fire extinguishers trying to wake everyone up and get

them out) and even dealing with a nutcase from off campus that pulled

a .357 on one of the Mines Betas at a party - never a dull moment.

After graduating in 1986, I spent a year backpacking around

Europe and Australia, which was a fantastic learning experience in itself.

I had intended to head back to the Rockies after my travels, but the

economy in CO was awful, so I did what most people with finance

degrees did in the late 80s looked for a job back east on Wall St. I

worked at Chase Manhattan for 2 years, eventually deciding Id had

enough of a big bureaucratic corporation. I was about to resign and go

traveling again, but fortunately in May of 1989 I saw an ad for an export

sales job in the local paper where I grew up in CT. After being rejected

because I didnt have enough direct experience, I told them Id work for

nothing for a month, and if they didnt think I could do the job, they

could get someone else. (I didnt tell them Id already quit Chase at that

point and had nothing else to do.) They hired me and what a stroke of

luck! The company was in the organic food business,importing/exporting bulk grains, beans and seeds, dried fruit and nuts,

and also had a line of retail organic hot cereals, canned beans, soups,

biodegradable cleaning products, etc. I was there for 2 years, doing a

little bit of everything from buying, selling, logistics, dealing with

farmers and customers all over, etc. It was a perfect introduction and

overview to the industry - working with something that was good for

the planet, good for people, and profitable seemed like an ideal place to

be (free trips to Europe frequently didnt hurt either.)

After a brief stint as sales manager for the spun off

biodegradable cleaning products line (and visiting Jon Weiner i

Japan and Hong Kong) I moved to Boston in the fall of 1992 to

work for a non-profit that did sustainable development project

in the Amazon and other rainforests around the world. We

worked with the Body Shop, Ben and Jerrys (remember

Rainforest Crunch?) and I had my first trips to South America to

work with co-ops who supplied us with brazil nuts, cashews,

fruit pulps, etc. At the same time, I had started Global Organics

Ltd. to continue doing some trading with customers in Europe

from my previous job. I sent faxes at night when I got home,

and made calls before work in the morning, eventually building

a nice little side business. Eventually the non-profit imploded,

and the clients we sold to and the co-ops that supplied the

nonprofit asked if I would continue acting as intermediary for

them of course I agreed, and Global Organics became a full

time in mid-1994. In 1996 my biggest customer (a company

owned by Ben Cohen) declared bankruptcy, owing me

$85,000.00. It was essentially all my working capital and every

cent I had, and I thought that was it for Global Organics. It took

a while, but I did eventually get nearly all of it back via

perseverance with the bankruptcy court in VT.. and a

gobsmacking Xmas card from Ben Cohen with a personal check

for $40,000.00. The card said sorry it took so long - keep doing

all the good things you do. In 1996 I starting working with my

business partner on a few projects, and eventually he bought

into GO as a shareholder.

Global Organics today is one of the worlds largest

distributors of organic sugar, cocoa, chocolate, and other

organic ingredients. We sell to food manufacturers worldwide,

and are based just outside of Boston, with a subsidiary in The

Netherlands as well. Weve now have 24 employees, most in

our totally renovated green (literally and figuratively) building

with ultra high efficiency lighting, insulation, geothermal

heat/AC, and of course an organic low maintenance landscape

We try to walk the talk.

Its funny.. when I graduated from DU 25 years ago,

fantasized about having a job a lot like the one I have now. I

couldnt have told you back then what exactly Id be doing , but

can tell you now without my time at DU and Alpha Zeta, it

probably wouldnt have been possible. If youre ever in Boston

give me a ring.

Yours in kai -,

Dave Alexander

AZ # 1333


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Boss Advisor

It has been a memorable few months for the men of Beta Theta Pis Alpha Zeta Chapter. We have made the journey from

group of disunited, albeit exemplary, strangers, to a true brotherhood. But this transformation did not occur overnight, nor

did it happen without a good deal of coaxing, prodding, and insightful instruction. For the men of Alpha Zeta, this guiding

light came from our meticulous Beta Theta Pi advisor, Christian West.

Sent from the fraternitys regional headquarters in Oxford, Ohio as a part of the team that Recolonized Alpha Zeta,

Christian has left an indelible mark on the University of Denver. An alumnus of the University of Virginia, this Washington,

D.C. native took it upon himself to sculpt a fully functioning fraternity out of the 50 or so men he helped recruit this January.

Requesting to stay past his initial assignment, Christian toiled on campus for almost four months overseeing our growth into

the brotherhood we experience today. He challenged each and every members concept of what it means to be a Beta,

through his principled behavior and high expectations. This fraternity is what yall are going to make it, he repeated each

time we were faced with a moral dilemma or challenge. That is exactly the spirit he has left with us at the Alpha Zeta chapter.

Christian is responsible for implementing our committee structure. His input influenced many of our Bylaws. His standards

have forever redefined our perceptions of a fraternity brother. However these are not even his most important

contributions. In his four short months with us, Christian has challenged us in every way possible to be better men. He never

solved our problems for us; rather letting us use our best judgment to decide what a true Beta would do in the face of

adversity. When he did not believe we were fit to be initiated, he cancelled our ceremony until we could prove otherwise.

We answered his call through fast acting leadership and a collective attitude that reflected our commitment to Beta Theta Pi

and our brothers. His tough love leadership style has fashioned one of the most dynamic and energized fraternities at the

University of Denvernot to mention made better men out of all of us.

Because of Christian, the men of Alpha Zeta are prepared to handle just about anything that comes our way. So thank you

Christian for your unfailing trust, unfaltering direction, and unwavering support of the men of Alpha Zeta.

Yours in _kai_,

Michael Maloof

Christian West


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Upcoming Events

Upcoming EventsHomecoming Weekend-October 21st-22nd

We invite all Beta actives, alumni, and parents to a celebratory dinner on the DU

campus. More details will be provided as the date approaches!

Keep Your Eye on the Beta Facebook Calendar as the school year

approaches for more events and activities!

Keep in touch with Beta through our Facebook, YouTube, twitter, and Scribd.

Keep your fingers crossed for the new Alpha Zeta Beta Theta Pi Website hitting

the web in fall 2011. Have a safe summer! And keep it classy Alpha Zeta!

Recruitment Recommendation

With Fall Recruitment coming up fast, we

would love your recommendation of

possible new recruits. We seek men who

are interested in creating an enriching

fraternal experience based on high

academic standards, friendship, and

fidelity. Give us men and we will give you

leaders. Give us leaders and we will give

you Gods.

Email name, year in school, and contact

information to Thomas McCarvel, VP of

Recruitment, at

[email protected]

Alpha Zeta Colony of Beta Theta P

Phone: (949) 874-521

Email:[email protected]

Facebook

Twitter

Scribd

Contributors: Nathan LeRoss Cutcliff

Ian Macka

David Ligh

Matthew Petter

Trevor Fife

Zach Ga

Michael Maloo

Jordon Parke

Clay Caraz
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/pages/Beta-Theta-Pi-University-of-Denver/145304922191141http://twitter.com/DUBetaThetaPihttp://www.scribd.com/DUBetaThetaPihttp://www.scribd.com/DUBetaThetaPihttp://twitter.com/DUBetaThetaPihttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Beta-Theta-Pi-University-of-Denver/145304922191141mailto:[email protected]

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Beta Theta Pi Alpha Zeta Colony Newsletter