Beta Theta Pi, often referred to simply as “Beta,” is a men’s college fraternity dedicated to building men of principle for a principled life. The fraternity has more than 120,000 living members including some 6,000 collegians on 119 campuses in the United States and Canada.
A few of Beta’s notable alumni include:
- William West Anderson; Better known as “Adam West” – lead role in the Batman TV Series
- Bill Bowerman; Founder of Nike Incorporated
- Ernest K. Coulter; Founder of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America
- Neil Everett; Current ESPN sports anchor
- Richard G. Lugar; Incumbent US Senator from Indiana
- Dale T. Mortensen; Nobel Prize Winner (Economics)
- Clarence W. Nelson; Incumbent US Senator from Florida and ex-NASA astronaut
- Russell E. Palmer; Former Dean of Wharton School of Business
- Sam Walton; Founder of Wal-Mart Corporation
- John Wooden; UCLA men’s basketball coach
Group photo of the founding father class after their initiation on November 19th, 2009
In the fall of 2009, Northeastern University and the Inter-Fraternity Council invited Beta Theta Pi to expand the FSL community at Northeastern with forty-six founding fathers. Now approaching three years on campus and over 80 initiated brothers, we are proud of what we have accomplished in our first two years and are excited for what lies ahead.
As a believer in the cultivation of intellect, the brothers of Beta Theta Pi boast an aggregate GPA of 3.4. In addition to winning first place during our inaugural Homecoming Spirit Week, Beta has routinely succeeded in Greek Week events. For three consecutive years Beta has earned a first place victory in the Greek Sing dance competition, as well as winning Greek Week in 2011. Within a short duration Beta has made a lasting impact in the FSL community at Northeastern. After witnessing Beta’s model of 365-recruitment (year-round recruitment), IFC has adopted the model for all fraternities on campus. Betas have only just begun to get involved, and already can be seen at most events on and off campus.
Brothers Kendrick Murphy, Kevin Holub and Kevin Goldthwaite enjoying a campfire during Beta’s annual fall retreat (2011).
Though Beta has always been considered a pioneering fraternity, in the last 10 years, it has made tremendous strides in its effort to realign itself with the original mission of the founders of 1839. Because of its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and a zero tolerance policy for hazing, Beta Theta Pi’s reputation for high standards and accountability is second to none. Beta is often referred to as “The Leadership Fraternity”, as more than 1,500 Betas annually participate in a Leadership Development Opportunity. Additionally, most leadership opportunities are subsidized by sponsorships and donations from Beta alumni.
Beta Theta Pi also offers a scholarship every year to a male student not involved in fraternity life deemed to have the characteristics that we stand for. This includes academic achievement, commitment to the university and community, and a desire to become successful in both personal and professional life. For more information on this scholarship, see the Men Of Principle Scholarship page.
Brother Yanni Louloudis performing his first place winning act on stage during Greek God. He is assisted in his skit by brother Dan Miller (2011).
Beta Theta Pi is always looking for the best and the brightest men Northeastern has to offer. If you see yourself as a scholar, leader and a man of principle – Beta is the next step for your continued growth. If we don’t find you, make sure you find us. Contact the Recruitment Chairman, Tom Viccaro, at recruitment@betanortheastern.org for more information. Alternatively, click here to fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.