Fall 2023
Regent
Brothers,
Beta Chapter has been doing remarkable work these last few years, and this semester we have truly outdone ourselves. Not only have we earned the most Schrader Award points ever in a semester by earning 250+ points, but we will also be starting the Spring 2024 semester with the most actives ever recorded in our last thirteen years of record keeping with at least 36 actives being in Houghton to start the semester.
Even as an unaffiliated organization, we continue to outperform compared to most campus-recognized fraternities, and as a chapter of Theta Tau we rank in the top eight out of all 94 active chapters due to the amount of Schrader Award points we earned in the last two years. At the 2023 National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, we were awarded the Founders’ Award for having the most improvement in our Schrader Award score over the last two years and were acknowledged by Grand Regent Stuart Kardian for all of our efforts to earn Schrader Points.
This is the first time in a long time that we have been in the running for this award, so for those alumni who may be unfamiliar with what it is awarded for, it is given to the Chapter that best represents the ideals of Theta Tau, judged by earning points for hosting and attending brotherhood, philanthropy, and professional development events, maintaining high academic achievement, and by completing tasks on time. This sets a high standard for our Chapter and shows to all Theta Taus that we are doing our part in operating as a quality chapter.
While pushing forward these new high standards, we have also been strongly maintaining our traditions, this even includes bringing back some old ones. Thanks to Brothers Cote, Irwin, and Ricker for the idea, we have brought back the gold jackets that Brothers receive when they are done pledging and can be easily spotted wearing on campus. If any alumni would like to purchase one to represent us at home, please reach out to us and we will get you in our next order. Any proceeds from the jacket purchases will go directly to the chapter. Lastly, we have the first Saint Bernard of the Fairview Street house. His name is Earl of Beaufort, and he has been doing great work as our mascot.
As I always say, we really enjoy hearing from alumni. So please, call the house phone (906-523-7027) and you will be greeted with our old jingle, or come by and visit the house if you’re in Houghton. Alumni visits are always a highlight of the year. Thank you for your continued support and I hope you enjoy reading the rest of the articles.
In H & T,
Alex Stockman X!
“Wilt Michaels” 1475
Graduation Spring 2023
M.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering ‘24
B.S. Computer Engineering ‘23
Dog Steward
Brothers,
If you haven’t seen on social media outlets such as Facebook and Instagram, the House has continued tradition with our new Saint Bernard puppy, Earl of Beaufort (or as we call him, Bo, spelled Beau). Beau has adjusted well to living at the house, although it has required some trial and error with the collective training of the brothers. A great bonus with him is that he is a great joy to the brothers, and the women love him. Currently, he weighs in at 110 lbs. with plenty of room to grow and is healthy as can be. If you have it, check out the Facebook and Instagram pages for pictures of him. I hope that you are able to visit and see him sometime soon. He loves new people, and I am sure he would love to meet you.
In H&T,
Tyler Crispell, Esquire
“Kevin Murphy” 1478
Graduation Fall 2024
Environmental Engineering
Vice Regent
Brothers,
It is my pleasure to say that Beta chapter has six new brothers that are sure to become exemplary H&T’s. Brothers; Cole Herrmann (Barry Bee Benson, 1508), Eduardo Rengifo (Daniel LaRusso, 1509), Mason Kulavar (Wallace, 1510), Luke Pietluck (Peter Parker 1511), Hunter Stayton (Gromit 1512), Ben Stier (Merlin, 1513) have shown their true characters; in philanthropic work, academic perseverance and excellence, and overall display of merit. Once again, welcome brothers, and congratulations. With the conjoined efforts of every position in this house as well as fellow brothers, great things have been achieved, as we look forward to what our fraternal fellowship is capable of.
In H&T,
Adrian Yair Reyna Y!
“Lt. Arcott Ramathorn”
Graduation Spring 2025
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Corresponding Secretary
Brothers,
This past semester has been fantastic for the reputation and online presence of Theta Tau Beta Chapter. With the help of our Social Chair (Jonesy 1487), we were able to release a high-production rush video at the beginning of the semester that we are very proud of. Hopefully, it will set a precedent for the future Rushes at Beta Chapter, and more videos like it will continue to be produced. The introduction of our new dog Beau into our day-to-day lives has also brought a spotlight to our social media and presence on campus, as he is one of the cutest and most likable dogs on the planet. It has brought great joy to all of us Brothers and our followers to watch the Earl of Beaufort grow into the nearly full-grown pup he is now. We will continue to push into the hearts and minds of our community by displaying our value through Philanthropy, Academics, Athletics, and Brotherhood!
If you would like to stay up to date on the activities of the H&T’s, you can follow us on Instagram at “thetataubeta”, or on Facebook at “Theta Tau – Beta Chapter”.
In H&T,
Aidan Flanery
“Blinkin” 1491
Graduating Spring 2025
Mechanical Engineering
House Steward
Brothers,
This year we are happy to share that we have a full house with 21 brothers living here this year. With that being said, it is still our priority to keep our house looking great. We have “details” being done twice a week where a brother is assigned a part of the house to clean. We also had our semesterly cleanup, where we got a lot more thorough to get even the nooks and crannies of the house up to date. There have been multiple improvements to the house thanks to our project management chair, like the downstairs closet being turned into shelving for tools and other house supplies. We are also in the process of repainting some walls in the house to continue keeping our house looking new. Like always, we are striving to keep our house the #1 on campus.
In H&T,
Kyler Esselink
“Thomas Kub” 1489
Graduation Spring 2025
Materials Science and Engineering
Philanthropy Chair
Brothers,
I hope all is well with you. The actives have spent many hours this fall semester aiding our community. To start our semester out strong we organized our annual charity pig roast and had a great turnout of students and locals to our chapter house. While selling pork sandwiches and multiple options of sides we were able to raise $1102.58 and donate it to the Adams Township Volunteer Fire Department. We were also able to help out with events around Houghton like the Keweenaw Color Run. The brothers were tasked with blasting runners with color powder as well as directing them on the right path for their 5K. To end our semester, we spent some time chopping, measuring, and organizing firewood for Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly to help out the elderly during the harsh U.P. winters. We greatly hope our efforts for the community make you just as proud as we are.
In H&T,
Pietrino Censoplano
“Guido” 1497
Graduation Spring 2026
Civil Engineering
Professional Development
Brothers,
The Actives at Beta Chapter have been working very hard to secure jobs and internships for the upcoming summer. As a house, we have always prided ourselves on our professionalism and being able to translate the skills we learn from school and Beta Chapter to the working world. This semester, we hosted many different professional development workshops and events including a resume builder prior to Career Fair as well as a personal finance presentation detailing many different things such as budgeting income, basic tax knowledge, and retirement savings vessels. I would like to give a special thank you to Brother Stefan Scharret and all the other alumni who were able to set up and meet with active Brothers before the career fair to do mock interviews. If you have any job listings or internship opportunities and would like the position to be filled by an H&T, please feel free to contact the house or myself at edwardwh@mtu.edu.
In H&T,
Eddie White
“Diego” 1477
Accounting