Beta Zeta Chapter Reinstalled
East Lansing, MI – On April 30, 2017, the Beta Zeta Chapter at Michigan State University was reinstalled. International Treasurer Chad Strelow served as installing officer. Chief Operating Officer Ray Vanlanot, Chief Development Officer Philip Thornton, Director of Development Joe Mack, Director of Volunteer Development Zack Brown, and Field Executives Matt Lynch and James McGuire attended as part of a strong contingency from the International Headquarters.
The story of Beta Zeta making their return started just about a year ago. After a four-year absence, the men of the group came together, recognizing the proud Theta Chi legacy that has existed on campus since 1939. “Many of the current colony members are Theta Chi legacies,” read the group’s colony petition. “With this support, as well as the enthusiastic involvement of our advisory board, we have been able to grow quickly, while maintaining quality.”
The reinstallation ceremony saw 55 collegians initiate as members of the Beta Zeta Chapter. This included the son and nephew of Tim Conroy (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1990) and the son of Brian Case (Beta Zeta/Michigan State1989). The ceremony took place at the Michigan State Union and was attended by Counselors Wade Merrill (Zeta Tau/Michigan-Flint 2007), Drew Marsh (Zeta Tau/Michigan-Flint 2016), alumni from Beta Zeta/Michigan State, Delta Kappa/Ball State, Eta Phi/Oakland, and collegiate brothers from the Epsilon Mu/Eastern Michigan University Chapter.
“The Beta Zeta reinstallation ceremony marked the beginning of a tremendous experience ahead for a long-established chapter,” said Vanlanot. “Collegiate men pledged to become shining examples of Theta Chi’s values, Beta Zeta alumni from many generations gathered to support these renewed efforts, and IHQ staff was honored to facilitate the great day. Now the brothers begin their journeys to leave an honorable footprint on the Michigan State University campus.”
The reinstallation ceremony was followed by a banquet attended by over 80 people. Some of the speakers at the banquet included International Treasurer Chad Strelow, Beta Zeta Chapter President Brennen Overway, Michigan State Director of Student Life Dr. Terrence Frazier, Michigan State IFC President Quin Wetzel, Alumni Corporation President Dave Bedells (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1992), Chapter Adviser Brian Case (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1989), and Alumni Board Adviser Jim Harvin (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1971).
The Beta Zeta Chapter brothers nominated multiple alumnus members for the David E. DeVol Award for the time and resources they volunteered to help the Beta Zeta Chapter reinstall. This included Brian Case (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1989), Dave Bedells (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1992), Jim Harvin (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1971), Alumni Corporation Secretary Ken Marlin (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1979), and Alumni Corporation Vice President Mike Janz (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1971).
“This group has potential to be the biggest chapter on Michigan State’s campus in the coming years,” stated James McGuire. “I was extremely impressed by the brotherhood that they exhibit and am proud to have led these gentlemen into their reinstallation.”
Moving forward the chapter has narrowed their focus in the hopes of becoming one of strongest fraternities at Michigan State. This includes having 95 members by the end of the fall 2017 semester, raising the chapter cumulative grade point average, successfully completing philanthropic endeavors, and to reestablish themselves as a positive force on the Michigan State campus.
Michigan State University sits just east of the state capital of Michigan in East Lansing. It has been ranked in the top 30 for best public universities in the United States and a top 100 research institution in the world. Michigan State’s mascot is the Spartan and they currently compete in the Big Ten Conference. Founded in 1855 it served as a model for land-grant universities and is home to over 50,000 full-time collegians today.
