Locally, the brothers of the Delta Phi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi have striven for strength, unity, honesty, and integrity
since our inception. We value each individual member’s character while shaping them into the bright leader’s of tomorrow.
Our chapter has dedicated the last 23 years to bettering our chapter, staying involved with the university, and dedicating
service to the city of Dayton.
All members of Beta Theta Pi share the common belief in academic excellence, sense of tradition and brotherhood, and
ever-lasting friendship. Beta Theta Pi is growing and is always looking for prospective members who share these ideals.
While brotherhood serves as the cornerstone of Beta Theta Pi, this lasting bond of friendship is cultivated by being a part
of a group of individuals who share the sames goals and values, constantly supporting each other in the pursuit of social,
moral and cultural excellence. Founder John Reily Knox described it as, "What a few men who are united in common purpose
and effort are determined to do, can be done. More than that, such associations teach us just how far human friendships can
carry us."
Tradition
In 1839, the founders of Beta Theta Pi selected three great principles that have defined members for 160 years. These principles
have maintained their brilliance despite the tests of war and a changing society. This foundation proved to be as applicable
today as when it was established. The Beta legacy has been handed down for generations, and Betas today continue to pass it on
to those who follow.
Academics
Beta Theta Pi's objective is to help undergraduate men to achieve a successful passage through their collegiate careers, thus
preparing them for the challenges faced as a graduate. As a Beta, one has the advantage of being able to seek the advice of
upperclassmen and to study with others who share similar interests and goals. Beta expects its members to accept the challenge
of developing their academic and leadership skills. Beta was the first fraternity to establish higher academic standards for
its chapters than required by their host institutions and to require a minimum of 2.5 GPA of its individual members. The
Fraternity awards some 300 scholarships annually, local chapter scholarships as
well as those of the Beta Foundation. Nearly
$500,000 is spent each year to further develop the leadership and life skills of our members.
Leadership
One of the major advantages of belonging to a group is the opportunity for leadership experiences. Beta Theta Pi stresses the
value of leadership and offers numerous opportunities, formal and informal, for learning the principles of good leadership.
Through annual district and regional conclaves, special programming at the annual General Convention, professional development
programs, Chapter Excellence awards and the newly introduced
Institute for Men of Principle, Beta Theta Pi sets an exceptional high standard for the development of leadership qualities
in its collegiate men.
Service
Devoting a portion of one's time and energy to serving others is considered by many as everyone's public rent for the privilege
of living and enjoying the benefits of a good life in our Canadian and United States communities. As preparation for life after
graduation, Betas, individually and as members of their chapters, devote a portion of every academic year to service to their
communities host institutions, neighborhoods and local towns or cities. While some chapters have their own charitable projects,
the General Fraternity has endorsed the Children's Burn Awareness Program, which
encourages the chapters to carry the message of the hazards of scalding, electrical and fires in the home to elementary school
children.
Friendship
It was a member of Beta Theta Pi in the 19th century, Willis O. Robb, who noted: "The Beta is distinguishable and distinguished
from all other kinds of fraternity men whatsoever by just a little warmer and just a little stronger, just a little tenderer and
more enduring fraternity feeling than any of them can attain." Truly, lifelong friendship is the very essence of fraternity. It
prescribes that a special bond between brothers calls for an extraordinary level of camaraderie in the face of strife or travail.
When all others fail you, your brothers in Beta Theta Pi will stand by you.
Deportment
For members of Beta Theta Pi, only the highest standards of moral conduct are acceptable. Whether it is as simple as answering
the telephone politely and correctly or as challenging as handling oneself at a formal dinner, the Beta is charged to conduct himself
as a gentleman who treats women, his peers and fellow members with respect. Likewise, in his group associations, he encourages proper
deportment at all times. "Indeed, the first mark of a Beta will be his Beta Spirit."