Page 1 - Marching Along - Fall 2018

Marching Along

A Publication of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Florida | Summer 2018
Gamma Xi Chapter Alumni Relations Office | P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, Georgia 30366 | 770-903-3987 | www.ufbeta.org

FROM THE ALUMNI THE TRUE MEANING OF

PRESIDENT BETA BROTHERHOOD

Brothers, By Brooks Endacott ’93 and Todd Silberman ’92
As a new semester
begins at the Beta
house in Gainesville,
it is meaningful to
look back on the past
year and take pride in
what the men of the
Gamma Xi chapter
accomplished. The
previous year had been
a down one, due mainly to being sanctioned
by UF and the general fraternity and the lack
of a fall pledge class. That was a major hit to
Beta spirit as well as a financial hardship for the
chapter.
But in true Beta fashion, the men of the
chapter came storming back last year. They
initiated 60 excellent new brothers, excelled at
athletics and academics, and were on-campus
leaders both in student government and
philanthropic events, like “Beta Bring It On.” Betas show their support for the Warchol family.
There’s just no quit in this group of young men,
but would we expect any less? After all, they are Like many Beta chapters across the country, the The response from the brotherhood was
Betas and Men of Principle. Gamma Xi Chapter at the University of Florida overwhelming: “I’m in; just tell me when and
In 1858 the fraternity held its general has had many young men come through its doors where” they exclaimed. More emails and messages
By Fred Wallrapp ’79
convention in Virginia to commemorate the thinking they were getting involved in a college club were sent and more responded expressing an
19th anniversary of the founding of Beta Theta of sorts, only to learn that it was much more. The interest in attending. I realized there could be 20
Pi. The men of Beta again met in Virginia, relationships built within Beta can be life long and men attending. However, Jeff’s symptoms had
this time Norfolk, for their 179th General life changing. deteriorated since the fall. A feeding tube was now
Convention the first week of August of this Jeff Warchol ’93, became a pledge in the fall of required to for him to eat and take medicine, and
year. While the convention is always a fun time, 1989. He was one of my pledge brothers. He was an Jeff was nearly unable to speak.
this year’s had a much more somber tone to it. outgoing kid from the Northeast, very well liked and I worked with Jeff’s wife, Beth Harwood Warchol,
Over the past few years some Beta chapters have he enjoyed the bonds of Beta brotherhood while at also a graduate of the University of Florida, to
experienced tragic events, including the loss of UF. As we all learn, life takes over and many of those (continued on page six)
life among their members. friendships fade or can even disappear over time.
Unfortunately, Beta is not alone in fraternities However, Jeff learned recently that his friendships
experiencing these terrible events. After much were deeper and more meaningful than he thought.
study and self-reflection, it was concluded I learned of the serious illness that Jeff and his
that alcohol was often a contributing factor. family were dealing with early in the fall of 2017.
In adherence with our Objects and the Jeff had been diagnosed with ALS, Bulbar onset.
Men of Principle initiative, a resolution was After reading a holiday card from the Warchols, I
overwhelmingly passed at the convention thought it would be nice to get as many members of
to limit and eventually eliminate alcohol the brotherhood together who knew and loved Jeff
consumption in Beta Theta Pi chapter houses to have a mini-reunion. I spent some time tracking
nationwide. Starting with the fall semester, no Betas down using various online tools, including
hard liquor will be allowed in rooms, and there Beta.org. The message suggested a get together for
will be no alcohol in common spaces. Beer and Jeff in early 2018, knowing that Jeff’s disease was
wine is allowed in rooms of those brothers who moving quickly and had no cure. Beth and Jeff
(continued on page six)