“I certainly support Beta Theta Pi as it provides young men with lifelong lessons and friendships, making the college experience so much more valuable.” –Tim Stout

One of the unique and attractive features of Greek Life is that you can get as involved in the fraternity as you want. Tim Stout ’93 was one of those brothers who hit the ground running from the second he became a Beta Theta Pi pledge.

Having two parents who were Greek during their undergraduate careers, Tim followed his mother’s suggestion to explore what Beta was all about. After becoming familiar with the ideals of the fraternity, Tim was convinced that this was a place he belonged. “Once I realized there was a good mix of guys in Beta that had similar interests who were successful academically, athletically, and socially, I felt that was where I wanted to be,” Tim said.

Tim came to UMKC to pursue a degree in medicine and wanted to be sure that he established his grades before attempting the pledge process. After he had a semester under his belt, Tim became a pledge of Beta Theta Pi along with some of his med school classmates. “I have many fond memories of pledgeship, but mainly the camaraderie we shared during the experience stands out,” Tim said.

Beta Brother Benefits through Life from Balance of Social and Academic Focus in Brotherhood

Paul G. Gauger, M.D. ’91 is now Professor of Surgery in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Michigan Medical School but he credits some of his early development to his time in Beta.

“Looking back I can see that the chapter was a clear positive influence on me,” Paul said.  “I was an active brother for six years, through both my BA and my medical degree. In med school at the time you run the risk of being so serious so fast. Beta provided a great way to work hard and play hard and remain well rounded in a typical college way.”

Paul was attracted to the chapter from the beginning because of their mix of academic and social standards.

“At that time it was a fairly new chapter that represented a good mix of people,” Paul said. “They were academically focused and socially focused as well. It was a great social structure of outgoing people who were also into academics.”

Focus on Charity
“A big part of why I was interested in Beta was their focus on charitable works,” Scott said. “Joining the fraternity was a great opportunity to get involved and give back to the community in a tangible way that helps people.”

“I have been involved with several organizations and a member of a community service fraternity. We worked with Ronald McDonald House and St. Vincent’s tutor read program. I also worked with Keen Sports through which we would spend time and play sports with children who have physical and neurological disabilities.”

Scott’s interest in charitable works began in his childhood. “It’s something that has always been an emphasis of my family. I had the example of my parents helping in the community, and it got me interested in seeing what I could do.”