Page 1 - Kai from Pi - Spring 2017

KAI FROM PI

Pi Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity ★ Indiana University ★ Alumni Relations Office ★ P.O. Box 5782 ★ Bloomington, IN 47407 ★ Spring 2017

From The IT’S GREAT TO BE A BETA ON A BIKE

House marked the 67 financial committent for education. The race began in 1951
22
April
nd
as a way to raise scholarship money for students working
th
Corporation Men’s Little their way through college. Since that first race, IUSF has
500 race. The
given away over $1 million to deserving undergrads.
race may only Training on the team often includes upwards of 20 hours
fall on one day, a week. The race defines the team’s college careers, and
Brothers: but the event they look forward to growing awareness with newfound
Greetings from and competition support from Betas across the country. One of our team’s
Indiana University demands 2016/2017 riders, Joseph Laughlin ’17, shares a bit of his
Pi Chapter of Beta The 2017 Beta Theta Pi Little 500 countless hours experience:
Theta Pi! In the team prepares to compete. of training. The “Last spring, I shattered my collarbone by crashing in a
twilight of the Little 500 is the road race in St. Louis five weeks before the Little 500. The
semester at hand largest collegiate bike race in the United States. Modeled fracture required a titanium plate and six screws — three
we gaze upon our after the Indianapolis 500, riders compete in four-person on each side of the break — to repair it. I had no chance of
work and accomplishments. The spring teams around a quarter-mile cinder track at Bill Armstrong riding in what would’ve been my third race — my last with
pledge class of 11 men moves on toward Stadium. The men’s race is 200 laps — 50 miles — and the two seniors, some of my best friends, who joined the team
initiation next fall, Drop the Puck hockey women’s race is 100. with me years prior.
fundraiser hustled another successful Beta has a great history in the race with two wins and In the days and weeks after the break, I struggled to cope
philanthropy in tandem with several numerous Top 5 finishes. After graduating four riders from with my reality. I felt anger at the rider who caused the
Greek houses, and our Little 500 bike a dominating victory in the 2013 race, the team set out to crash, frustration with my decision to ride in that criterium,
team finished fourth this year, the best of reload. The men who join the cycling team for Beta take on despair with my slow healing process, and the enduring
Greek houses. not only a huge commitment to physical training, but also a (continued on page 4)
Our general fraternity brotherhood
boasts 130 chapters and colonies in
North America!
We gather in convention July 26-30 in
Salt Lake City to learn, review, refine, and
enjoy a mindful moment. Sit and savor
a few minutes of community, shared
values, Beta principals, and friendships
we honor and pursue!
The castle at 1100 North Jordan will
roll over the mortgage note this summer
with substantial principal paydown, and The four 2017 Little 500 The team earned
a higher interest rate. Eighty-two men are riders, from left to right, trophies for being the
committed to live in status; our revenue, are Colten Renier, Jack top-finishing Greek The 2016/2017 cycling team
debt service, and appointments are better Beta leading the pack in McNamara, John Hyndman, team and for earning takes a break during a fall team
sustained! the 2017 Little 500. and Joe Laughlin. fourth place. building ride.
We remain excited about fall ‘17 as
our chapter dynamics convey many
moving parts, and prospects remain
promising!
A return of Brother James Thomas as
live-in manager, return of College Fresh
kitchen service, completion of summer
realty improvements, and a new order in
Student Life & Learning directives will
be realized!
Call out your bros and stay in touch!
Yours_in_kai,
Dr. Charles McCormick III ’72
President
Marching Along Educational Foundation
The Beta Cycling closes down the track during a frigid The Beta Cycling team traveled to Panama City Beach,
Spring Break training session — they were the only ones Florida, for one week over winter break. They logged
willing to brave the elements during a snowstorm. more than 400 miles in six days during this training trip.