Page 1 - Marching Along - Winter 2017-18

Marching Along

A Publication of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Florida | Winter 2017-18
Gamma Xi Chapter Alumni Relations Office | P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, Georgia 30366 | 770-903-3987 | www.ufbeta.org

FROM THE ALUMNI BETA BISHOP

PRESIDENT Alumni Spotlight: Chris Epting ’69

Brothers, By Fred Wallrapp ’79
You will be happy
to hear that the men of
Gamma Xi are doing Brother Chris Epting ’69 didn’t start at UF
well in carrying on our thinking he was going to become an Episcopal priest
Beta traditions at the for his profession. He did know that the campus was
University of Florida. Fall too big to not find something to bring it down to
rush was very successful, a more “human” scale. For Chris, that something
with 53 outstanding new was Beta Theta Pi. Sure, he rushed other houses, but
brothers being initiated. he felt most comfortable at Gamma Xi. He recalls
Beta’s excellent reputation Beta as having a nice mix of guys who made him
on the University of Florida campus makes it a feel comfortable. Chris made some lifelong friends
place where freshman guys want to pledge. This there, and has many fond memories of his time in
year saw the active chapter institute an improved Gainesville.
pledge process with increased emphasis on risk The house at 13 Fraternity Row was a lot newer
management. Game days are always a big part of when Chris was an undergrad, but he enjoyed
the fall semester, and this year was no exception. many of the same fun activities all of us remember.
New house director (AKA House Mom) Paige did Gator game days, parties, forming great friendships
an amazing job with game day festivities and has with other brothers. Chris served as a house officer
been welcomed into the Beta family by brothers and on the Executive Committee and feels those
and alumni alike. For Homecoming, Mom Paige leadership opportunities helped him immeasurably
made a special emphasis to welcome back Beta with his career after college. During our recent
alumni. Friday night’s alumni bar, complete with conversation, Chris summed it up by saying, “As a
a large selection of imported beers and gourmet Beta brother, I first learned what it was like to be Susanne and Chris at an Iowa Hawkeyes
game.
pizza, was served in the commons “alumni only” part of a real community, and what leadership looks
area. On Saturday, after a well-attended annual like.” He remembers fun times with brothers Steve was the house song leader at the time, and Chris very
alumni association meeting, a beautiful brunch Becker ’69 and Tom Landgraf ’69, and noted that much loved singing Beta songs on many occasions,
was served in this same area and many alumni were he keeps in touch with them both to this day. Steve including serenading sorority houses.
there to enjoy it. As much as alumni enjoy being As graduation approached, Chris did a lot of
around the youngsters, many commented that it is introspection on what to do with his life. He knew
nice to have a separate area to see old Gamma Xi he wanted to serve others, but was not sure how to
friends and make new ones. It was a great weekend go about doing that. A well-known Catholic priest
– everything was perfect right up until the football in Gainesville, Fr. Michael Gannon, helped Chris to
game result. Whose idea was it to schedule LSU as realize that he might have a calling to the priesthood,
our Homecoming football opponent? Even with but he still was not certain. He entered the seminary
that, a good time was had by all! in Chicago not knowing that he would become an
The active chapter has been very busy. In addition ordained priest, but rather to continue his search for
to their academic work, they have an active social meaning and purpose in life. When he arrived he
and philanthropic calendar. We are blessed to have was very happy to find that the other young men
such a vibrant group of young men working very he met there were very much like him, somewhat
hard to make us proud of them and of being a UF unsure of their paths forward. He quickly realized
Beta. he had found his niche in life, and that he very
Please stop in the house whenever you are in At a rally against gun violence at the state
(continued on page six) capitol in Springfield, IL. (continued on page five)