Often times, I think back to my college days. The good times, the bad times, and even the REALLY good times. Inevitably, they all come back to Beta Theta Pi. Yes, even the bad times…because it was Beta Theta Pi that got me through the bad times.

I owe so much to this Fraternity. The Brothers that I met and continue to keep in touch with to this day, the leadership opportunities that it brought me, the outstanding facility that allows me to come "home" to each Dakota Day, the career that I have thanks to the hard work and diligence that I learned while in college, and the connections that I established through other fraternity and sorority houses all across this nation. I attempt to repay some of what Gamma Alpha gave to me by being involved with it almost 20 years later.

I met my wife through Gamma Alpha; my roommates who became my life long best friends through Gamma Alpha, and still hang out with many more Betas almost monthly. My family takes vacations with other Brother's families. My financial advisor, home repair guy, insurance agent, dentist, pharmacist, computer repair guy, lawyer, and doctor, auto dealer, are all…you got it…Gamma Alpha Betas. I know that if there is anything I need, I can trust them to give me proper guidance. I can count on them - anytime, anyplace. The adage, "Once a Beta, Always a Beta" rings so true with our chapter.

No chapter on USD's campus boasts the kind of success that our alumni have reached over the years. In all fields: politics, law, business, medical, education, sports, and even Hollywood, Gamma Alpha Beta Theta Pi Brothers can be found. And don't worry; they're all at your disposal.

This is a special place. And you get out of it what you put in to it. If you take advantage of the opportunity that Beta Theta Pi affords, you won't be disappointed. Your college days come and go quickly…but Beta Theta Pi lasts a lifetime.

Bob Starr (Alumni Corporation)
email sbstarr@sio.midco.net
cell 605-530-2420

Mark your calendars for Gamma Alpha's 100th Anniversary at USD!!!!

100 years of Beta Theta Pi will be celebrated during Dakota Days 2012! We will be making every effort to get all alumni back to celebrate the history of our great chapter and encourage them to attend many great activities for the entire family.

Many more details will be forthcoming…but as a teaser, we will be featuring an all-Beta golf event, a Friday night BBQ with live music, a Dakota Days parade-watching event, game day luncheon, tickets to the Dakota Days football game in which we intend to occupy an entire section of the Dakota Dome, and a huge celebratory dinner on Saturday night that will feature live music, special guests, and pictorial history of Gamma Alpha Beta Theta Pi.

Planning of this massive event is already underway. We need alumni help in ensuring this great event is truly great and encourage alumni to contact either myself or John Conway to see just how they can help! Your help will make this event truly memorable!

New deck just completed in time for Dakota Days 2010!

During the summer of 1991, Brother Jeff Heibult and his father, with the help of other brothers, built the first deck on the back of the house. This great addition led to many great years of social events, gatherings, hot tub parties and more. Most importantly, it was another place for Brothers to get together and just, "hang out."

Over the years, the deck succumbed to the elements, as well as some hard use, and ultimately, had to be replaced. Brother Eric Asmus and myself contacted many Brothers within our eras (those in which we had email addresses for!) and asked for small donations to help replace the deck. We asked for any amount…$50, $100, $200, whatever Brothers felt like giving…all to be used to help replace the deck. We aimed to raise 75% of the roughly $6000 project through email contacts. We were stunned when we raised almost $9000!

Not only were we able to completely replace the deck, but we improved the landscaping, cleaned the carpets, stripped & waxed the floors, updated the volleyball court, fix the window screens on many of the windows, and complete many little "fixes" throughout the house. By the time we were done, the house never looked better. In fact, many "rushees" stated that our house was in a class all by itself. Ultimately, this helped us to have the best rush week we've had in many years.

Almost 70 Brothers helped us to complete this project…a project that would never have been done without their help. We will "christen" the deck during Dakota Days 2010 with a plaque listing all of those Brothers who donated to this project. Again, we can't thank our Brothers enough for their help!

Looking for a long-lost Gamma Alpha Beta Brother?

If you've lost touch with a pledge brother, or wonder what ever happened to that upper class Brother that you had so much respect for, let us know! For the most part, we have a great listing of updated addresses and email addresses for all Brothers! Just let me know at the above email address and I'll do my best to help.

If you are not on our email listing, YOU SHOULD BE! We want to keep in contact with you, share successes and even failures, fill you in on Beta news, and let you know what's going on. Email is a great way to do it! And don't worry; your email address is safe with us. It will never be sold or given out for third-party use. Keep in touch with your good and great Fraternity!