News Archive - Spring 2009
Here you will be able to find and review any news items that occurred during the Spring 2009 semester, in reverse chronological order.
Wooters commended by Pelosi
July 8, 2009
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-California) today commended JCU Beta alumnus Matt Wooters, who will be spending the next two years as the Director of Religious Education in Punta Gorda, Belize, as part of Jesuit Volunteers International. Pelosi stated that Wooters made her "proud of America's youth." The two met in the Speaker's office on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Three receive Beta Merit Scholarships
July 6, 2009
J.J. Kuczynski '10, Kurt Hauber '10, and Jamie Ott '10 were announced as recipients of Beta Theta Pi Merit Scholarships totaling $3,200. It is quite uncommon for a chapter of our size and youth to be able to claim three awards. Kuczynski was granted the William W. Dawson Scholarship, while Hauber and Ott both received their scholarships from the Cleveland Beta Theta Pi Alumni Association. Congratulations!
Betas set for Summer Leadership Opportunities
June 27, 2009
Three of John Carroll's Betas - Andy Lane '12, Bill Worms '12, and Steve Fedyk '12 - depart today for the John & Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle, held at the Fraternity's home in Oxford, OH. Chapter counselor Ric Eickhoff is also serving as a facilitator for this session. Brian Pestotnik '12 will attend the nextsession of Wooden on July 11. Later this summer, Nick Skiviat '12 will take part in Leadership College at the 170th General Convention in Phoenix, AZ. All of the brothers are excited for the opportunities to meet and interact with fellow Betas as well as to learn more about our good and great Fraternity.
Commencement marks the end for Class of 2009
May 17, 2009
Undergraduate Betas were in full force at today's Commencement Exercises, held on the John Carroll Quad. When each of the nine Beta members of the Class of 2009 were called to receive their degree, a loud yell could be heard from the crowd. Congratulations to Ryan Schoonmaker, Peter Niro, Christopher DiNapoli, Matt Wooters, Peter Poznako, Tim McCormick, Doug Gault, and Jimmy Treon for earning their Bachelor's degrees, and to Joel Mullner, who serves as the colony's Member Education & Leadership Development Advisor, for earning his Master's degree. Peter Niro also received the Beaudry Award from JCU President Rev. Robert L. Niehoff, S.J.
Wooters, Gault honored with Outstanding Student Leader Award
May 13, 2009Graduating seniors Matt Wooters and Doug Gault were two of five recipients of the Outstanding Student Leader Award, presented annually to those who, through their dedicated leadership and involvement, have made significant contributions to changing the campus culture in a positive way during their time here at JCU. Congratulations, Matt and Doug!
Emotions run high at Senior Send-Off
May 1, 2009
While gathered at the home of Chapter Counselor Ric Eickhoff, the JCU colony bid adieu to the eight undergraduate members preparing to embark on their post-collegiate career. In an emotional send-off ceremony, each graduate shared some words of wisdom, and later reflected on their time as a Beta brother while watching a movie with pictures and messages from fellow brothers.
Three Betas inducted into Order of Omega
April 29, 2009
Doug Gault '09, Jurell Sison '10, and Andrew Vogel '11 became the latest Betas inducted into membership of the Upsilon Rho chapter of Order of Omega during a ceremony this afternoon in the Dolan Center. Order of Omega is a Greek leadership honorary society. They join six other Betas as members. Congrats guys!
Beta continues reign at top of GPA standings
April 29, 2009
During the semi-annual Scholarship Banquet hosted by Order of Omega this afternoon, Beta Theta Pi was again recognized for holding the top GPA among all fraternities on campus. Six individuals were also recognized for holding the top grade point averages amongst the colony membership.
Relay For Life an enjoyable event for "America's Next Top Beta" Team
April 25, 2009
Raising more than $1,000 in the fight against cancer, Betas did their part at this year's 3rd Annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Peter Poznako '09 and Andrew Kolupski '10 served on the leadership team, Peter Niro '09 performed on stage, and senior Matt Wooters' mother Sheila told the story of Matt's father's battle with cancer during the luminaria ceremony. Betas stayed walking the track throughout the night, and even took part in karaoke during the overnight hours. Special thanks to Brandon Sheil '10 for captaining this year's Beta team.
Betas claim first Greek Week Championship
April 24, 2009
Capping off a memorable and remarkable week, Beta earned first place in the coveted Lip Sync competition this evening, dedicated in memory of Friend of Beta Murph Irwin, who - prior to his sudden death on April 21 - was planning to attend the show. This victory comes after first place finishes earlier this week in kickball, water polo, variety show, human pyramid, dodgeball, and charity basketball game attendance. The colony went on to claim its first Greek Week Championship, adding awards for best atrium banner, scholarship, brotherhood, and emerging leader in Jurell Sison '10.
Colony Initiates Gamma Class
April 16, 2009
As a culmination of an eight-week education period, the five members of the Gamma Class were officially welcomed into the Brotherhood of Beta Theta Pi during an Initiation Ceremony this evening. Congratulations to Nick Skiviat '12, Brian Pestotnik '12, Chris Shaheen '12, Chris Romeo '11, and Steve Fedyk '12.
Beaudry Award stays in Beta Family
April 9, 2009
Senior Peter Niro, in a vote by his peers in the Class of 2009, has been named as this year's recipient of the Beaudry Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member of the graduating class. Niro follows in the footsteps of Patrick Carpenter '08, who received the award last year. The Beaudry Award honors an individual who exemplifies the ideal of Jesuit education: a man or woman for others. Congratulations also go out to Matt Wooters, who was a finalist for this year's award.
First Formal a Huge Success
April 4, 2009
Betas and their dates danced the night away at Mayfield Country Club this evening at Beta Theta Pi's first ever formal dinner and dance. Everyone had a fantastic time in a beautiful venue! Many thanks to Ric Eickhoff and Brian Overberger '11 for planning such an amazing event.
Betas give back to JCU and welcome Class of 2013
April 4, 2009
More than a dozen Betas volunteered their time in the morning and early afternoon hours today to help the Office of Admission with its Class of 2013 Celebration, a time when accepted students and their families are invited to campus to explore their area of academic interest, visit various campus offices, take a campus tour, enjoy lunch, and have an opportunity to meet potential classmates, roommates, professors, and other members of the John Carroll community. Brothers served as decorators, greeters, tour guides, traffic patrolmen, and were generally available to answer questions about student life at JCU.
Schoonmaker named Undergrad of the Year Finalist
March 31, 2009
Senior Ryan Schoonmaker has been named one of six finalists for the 2009 Undergraduate of the Year honors for Beta Theta Pi Fraternity on an international scale. Ryan will be featured in the next issue of The Beta Theta Pi magazine. This is a tremendous honor for both Ryan and our colony...and one that Ryan truly deserves for all of his hard work and efforts on behalf of the organization. Congratulations Ryan! Read the "Head of the Class" article from The Beta Theta Pi by clicking here.
Sons have tea with MomsMarch 22, 2009
This morning at the second annual Mothers' Tea, Betas and their mothers were treated to a private Mass in the Rodman Chapel, coffee and pastries in Rodman A, good conversation, and even a special serenade. Mothers in attendance also heard remarks from colony president J.J. Kuczynski about the group's progress and goals for the remainder of the semester. Everyone had a great time!
New Members learn "The Beta Spirit"
March 15, 2009
The members of the Gamma Class spent the weekend at Carrollodge with their brothers of the Beta Class, learning the history of the fraternity, baking cookies for sororities, and taking part in numerous trust-building activities. At the retreat's conclusion, everyone had a much better understanding of what it means to have "The Beta Spirit."
Big Brothers Revealed
February 22, 2009
In a ceremony on February 22, each new member entered a new phase of his pledge period, being introduced to his big brother. Each "big" has the responsibility to guide his "little" on the path to initiation and beyond. Congrats to all of the big and little brothers!
Colony Officers Energized by Keystone 2009; JCU takes home Regional Awards
February 8, 2009
Eight officers and two advisors returned from the 2009 Keystone Regional Leadership Conference with renewed energy and two regional awards in tow. Click here for full story.
Colony Inducts Gamma Class
February 2, 2009
The colony was honored and excited to induct the six members of the Gamma Class on Monday, February 2, 2009. These fine "Sons of the Stars" will now take part in an eight week new member education program led by Member Educator Jurell Sison '10 and Assistant Member Educator Andy Lane '12.
Beta teams up with Relay For Life
January 23, 2009
Beta Theta Pi will team up with the Relay For Life Leadership Team to host the Super Bowl Party with a Purpose on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, at 5:30pm in the Donahue Auditorium. Suggested donation of $3 at the door allows you to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Arizona Cardinals on the BIG screen, plus food provided from Pizzazz. All proceeds benefit the Relay For Life.
Beta Awarded 2008 Greek Organization of the Year
January 15, 2009
During the Inauguration Ceremonies of the 87th President of the Student Union of John Carroll University on January 15, the colony of Beta Theta Pi was recognized as the 2008 Greek Organization of the Year in just its first year of eligibility. Click here for full story.