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.
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