“Betas were known for their campus leadership,” Barry Porter, a 1959 graduate of Beta Theta Pi at Denison University, said. “A lot of us were team captains and involved in the student government.”
Some of the best memories during his time at Beta Theta Pi included the “passing of the Loving Cup” and when Beta Theta Pi won the intermural heavy weight wresting event against Kappa Sigma.
Funny moments were a daily occurrence at the house, according to Barry. “There are so many stories, but they were just a part of daily life at the Beta House. To pick one is impossible.”
While living at the house, Barry enjoyed spending time in the house library. He especially enjoyed playing Contract Bridge games with his brothers. He spent a lot of his time at the Bridge table located in the library.
Barry went on a few road trips with his brothers, but one stands out in particular.
“I remember one football road trip as a freshman. Three Beta upperclassmen, known as the BBC (Brady, Baker & Carse), performed a piano concert in the lounge of the hotel where the team was staying. These three Betas were outstanding musicians. Their performance had teammates and hotel guests in awe. They also performed on the grand piano located in the Beta House’s living room regularly.”
Barry looks back fondly at his time at the fraternity house. “It is very difficult to pick one brother or even a group of brothers that had an impact on me during my years at Denison. Many of my life’s lessons were learned from my associations with all the brothers,” Barry said.
“I have known many Betas during my life,” Barry said. “A good many of them have helped me through challenges and successes at many points of my life. I am extremely fortunate to have been a Beta.”