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Core Values

To build lasting bonds of friendship and brotherhood, Beta calls for:

Mutual Assistance – Betas believe that men are mutually obligated to help others in the honorable labors and aspirations of life.

Intellectual Growth – Betas are devoted to continually cultivating their minds, including high standards of academic achievement.

Trust – Betas develop absolute faith and confidence in one another by being true to themselves and others.

Responsible Conduct – Betas choose to act responsibly, weighing the consequences of their actions on themselves and those around them.

Integrity – Betas preserve their character by doing what is morally right and demanding the same from their brothers.

Vision

Every member will live Beta Theta Pi’s values.

Mission

To develop men of principle for a principled life.

“Beta Firsts”

Beta Theta Pi is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, including recognition as the “Pioneering Fraternity” and “Leadership Fraternity.” The Fraternity is proud of its “Beta Firsts:”

  • First college fraternity founded west of the Allegheny Mountains (August 8, 1839)

  • First fraternity to have a General Convention (1842)

  • First to host an interfraternal event and meeting (1848)

  • First fraternity to establish a chapter west of the Mississippi River (1866)

  • First fraternity to create alumni chapters (1867)

  • First and oldest continuously published college fraternity magazine (1872)

  • First fraternity to have general officers (1872)

  • First fraternity to organize chapters into districts for administrative purposes (1873)

  • First college fraternity to publish an open constitution for public distribution (1879)

  • First fraternity to be founded in 15 states – more than any other fraternity

  • First fraternity established on more than 35 campuses – more than any other fraternity

  • First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for a chapter (1984)

  • First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for each member (1997)

  • First fraternity to adopt a 2.7 minimum GPA for a chapter (2006)

  • First fraternity to adopt a 2.8 minimum GPA – or the campus All Men’s Average – for a chapter, whichever is greatest (2012)

  • First fraternity to achieve 85 Rhodes Scholars – more than any other fraternity (2016)

“Betas of Achievement”

In addition to a roll of honor that includes some of North America’s foremost industry leaders, the Fraternity is proud to claim the following prominent men among its membership. Click here to see a gallery of these Famous Betas of Achievement.

  • Vice President of the United States

  • Prime Minister of Canada

  • Nearly 200 members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives – more than any other fraternity – including two Speakers of the House

  • Eight U.S. Supreme Court Justices – more than any other fraternity

  • Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada

  • 32 Ambassadors

  • 52 Governors to 30 States

  • Two Canadian Premiers

  • Six Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients

  • Seven Presidential Medal of Freedom Honorees

  • Four Astronauts

  • 34 Olympic Gold Medals

  • Three Nobel Prize Laureates

  • 85 Rhodes Scholars – more than any other fraternity

  • 12 Pulitzer Prize winners

  • Two Peabody Award winners

  • Five Oscar recipients

  • Nine Tony Award winners

  • 15 Grammy Award recipients

  • 81 Emmy Award winners

Useful Links

Denison University Home Page

Beta Theta Pi National Website

Beta Theta Pi Foundation and Administrative Office
Brennan Hall
5134 Bonham Road
PO Box 6277
Oxford, Ohio 45056

Chapter House
700 North Loop
Granville, OH 43023

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