Some questions...
 

First, I just wanted you to know that I believe Beta Theta Pi to be one of the finest fraternities in the nation! At my campus, not only are they hot (definite plus :D ) but true gentlemen as well!

I just have a few questions...I know you were founded at Miami University in Oxford,Ohio (I'm a Delta Zeta and we were founded there as well in 1902), but when were you founded? And how many founders did you have? What is the purpose of Beta Theta Pi? (motto, etc.) Oh and one final thing...are your colors pink and blue? I heard a rumor once that your true colors were pink and blue, found in both the sunrise and the sunset. Oh, and you guys have a truly kick-ass mascot!

Just a few things I wanted to know! I hope you all have a nice summer!

Sincerely,
Blaire

So proud to be a DELTA ZEE!

No matter the letter, greeks do it better!

Blaire,

Beta Theta Pi was founded on August 8, 1839 at Miami University, by 8 men....lead by John Reilly Knox, of ever honored memory. That makes us the 6th oldest fraternity in existance, and the 2nd fraternity at Miami University at that time (Alpha Delta Phi - 1832), but the first to be founded there. After Beta was founded at Miami University, 4 other GLO's were founded there too. Phi Delta Theta - 1848, Sigma Chi - 1855 (these 2 were the other 2/3 of the Miami Triad, along with Beta Theta Pi)....then there was Delta Zeta - 1902, and Phi Kappa Tau - 1906.

Yes, Beta's colors are delicate shades of pink and blue. Here is a little description from our website:

"The colors were adopted in 1879 following impassioned speeches by Walter D. Dennison, Ohio Wesleyan 1877, and Paul Wilcox, DePauw 1879, for selection of their own chapter colors of pink and blue. Their purity signifies our purposes and their harmony symbolizes the perfect blending of souls in unsullied friendship. They are also the colors of the sunrise and sunset, a daily reminder to every Beta to his cherished membership. Thus, delicate shades of pink and blue. "

Lastly, the Beta Dragon, which you may know as our mascot, is truly unique in its own sense. Not only is it a mythological creature, but we are the only fraternity, or sorority for that fact, that uses the dragon as its symbol.

For more insight on Beta Theta Pi, check out the following two links:

Insignia, Symbols...etc.

Beta Facts

PS, I have been to Oxford several times and I must say your HQ is very nice. I have yet to take a tour, but from the outside it looks great. If you are ever in Oxford, make sure and stop by the Beta HQ and see it. It is set on 8 acres of land, has a few ponds and is truly amazing.

ZZ-kai-,
Wow! Thanks for all the info! I'm going to be in Oxford in July; this is our Centennial year and I am fortunate enough to be able to attend our Centennial Convention. I will make it a point to stop by Beta HQ! Thanks again for all the info!
ps a memeber of Phi Delta Tau, Dr. Guy Potter Benton, helped create and found Delta Zeta
Blaire

So proud to be a DELTA ZEE!

One other note on the delicate shades of pink and blue...

Not only were they chosen for their purity, but I have also read that at the time they were chosen b/c they would reflect a sense of upper class to the Fraternity. At the time it was apparently difficult to dye clothes in lighter shades, so therefore only the rich could afford the process...

However I appreciate the sunrise/sunset explanation far more.

BetaRulz - funny that you say that...I have heard that too, but have yet to see it published anywhere. You'd think that it may be in one of our many Beta Books, however, I have yet to read it anywhere.

-kai-

Now that I think about it, I don't think that I actually read it anywhere either, but that it was either mentioned to me by our Education Consultant or by one of the MPI directors during our kickoff or mid year retreat...I'll have to ask about it sometime

in
_kai_