G. Scott Smith’s, ’65, biggest take away from being in a fraternity is the relationships he formed and the significance they have carried throughout his life. As he explained it, the fraternity was made up of a group of guys that had so many things in common, they couldn’t help but develop close relationships.
He joined Beta Theta Pi because a close friend from prep school was a member. Smith also played football, and most of his teammates were members of Beta, so it only seemed fitting.
Smith explained that while the fraternity might not have had the best GPA on campus, he feels Beta was undoubtedly the most respectable. The brothers were constantly together in the house, allowing them to be there to support each other, whether it was helping academically or someone just wanting to play cards.
“Everyone had equal abilities, and no one was seen as better than the other,” Smith said. “You could always find people to help or do things for each other.”
He also served as the chapter president his senior year. Smith enjoying being able to represent the fraternity and stand up to any challenges they faced. He saw it as a learning process, and all the brothers pushed through any and all challenge together.
After graduation, Smith moved between a few different jobs before finding his place in financial services. He worked for Lincoln Financial Group, starting as a seller and working his way up to manager before he retired in 1999.
Smith stayed in retirement for about one year and then, through his relationships in the financial service industry, worked with a web based financial planning company online. It was later sold for about $2 million, and he retired for a second time at the age of 70. He says he was happy to be part of something that grew so much.
Smith still keeps in touch with other Beta alumni, mainly from his graduating class. He frequently calls brothers and they try to get together when they can. He attended their 50 year reunion a few years back, and about seven brothers were able to make it. As he describes it, it was as if no time had passed and they “were back to peas in a pod.”
“That’s the thing about friendships; all of a sudden, time went by, but you all pick back up from where you left off,” Smith said.
Smith currently lives in Florida, enjoying retired life and living by the philosophy “eat dessert first.”