Beta Zeta Pi's petition to join Beta Theta Pi

    The Delta Epsilon chapter at University of Puget Sound would not exist without Brother Cleone Soule (1910), a member of the Alpha chapter at Miami University (OH). Now known as the Pater of the Delta Epsilon chapter, Soule recruited Ronald Sleight of the University of Washington to establish a chapter at UPS. Sleight became the president of what would be the local fraternity Beta Zeta Pi 



    Under Sleight's guidance, 18 founding fathers brought Beta Zeta Pi to the University of Puget Sound. These founders leased a house from the university at 1218 N. Alder. Diverging from the traditional approach of opening up their doors to all rushees, Beta touted itself as an exclusive fraternity. This strategy paid off, with Beta gaining eight of the most desirable freshman rush participants. Beta was on its way to gaining respect on the Puget Sound campus.

 

    Over the next year, Beta Zeta Pi worked with chapters of Beta Theta Pi located at the University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU) to appeal for its inclusion within the Beta Theta Pi national fraternity. Three representatives from Beta Zeta Pi attended the 1962 General Convention at Asheville, North Carolina to appeal for a chapter charter. Partially due to the persuasive argument from Beta Zeta Pi President Michael Mays, the Delta Epsilon chapter at UPS became the first new Beta charter granted in 42 years of Beta Theta Pi's history. 



    The ceremony commemorating the Delta Epsilon chapter occurred on December 1, 1962. In attendance was Seth R. Brooks, President of the General Fraternity at the time. Since its founding, Beta Theta Pi became an active and powerful voice within the Greek Life community at the University of Puget Sound.

 

    In late May of 2011, the General Fraternity decided in cooperation with the administration at the University of Puget Sound to suspend the Delta Epsilon chapter. In the 2013-2014 academic year, recruitment officers worked to recolonize the Delta Epsilon chapter at UPS. Recruitment officers followed the mission of the Men of Principle Initiative to recruit men who would exemplify Beta's core values both on campus and within the greater Tacoma community. 



    Today, the colony prides itself on its enthusiasm and dedication to honor the legacy and values of Beta Theta Pi. The colony works tirelessly contributing insight and leadership to the Greek Life community as it continues to grow in size and in status.




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