The Founding
At nine o'clock in the evening of the eight h day of the eight h month of the year 1839 , eight earnest young men, all students at Miami University, held the first regular meeting of Beta Theta Pi in the Hall of the Union Literary Society, an upper room in the old college building known as "Old Main." The eight founders in the order in which their names appear in the minutes were:
John Reily Knox, 1839
Samuel Taylor Marshall, 1840
David Linton, 1839
James George Smith, 1840
Charles Henry Hardin, 1841
John Holt Duncan, 1840
Michael Clarkson Ryan, 1839
Thomas Boston Gordon, 1840
"Of ever honored memory"
Article I Section II
It shall be constituted as hereinafter provided and shall have for its objects the promotion of the moral and social culture of its members, the establishment of confidence and friendly relations among the universities and colleges of the United States and Canada, in securing unity of action and sympathy in matters of common interest among them, and the building up of a fraternity that recognizes mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, unsullied friendship and unfaltering fidelity, as objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort.
Mission Statement
Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building Men of Principle for a principled life. Our brotherhood aids the individual, builds the Fraternity and strengthens the host academic institution through lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship.
Lifelong Friendship Bonded by oath and ritual, Betas form lifelong bonds of trust and friendship which are the foundation of the Fraternitys mission.
Cultivation of the Intellect Beta membership encourages individual and chapter support of the academic mission and provides opportunities for co-curricular learning and personal growth.
Responsible Leadership Betas participate in a system of self-governance, bound by trust and responsibility, which nurtures the development of social and leadership skills.
Responsible Social Conduct Beta Theta Pi is committed to standards of social conduct which are guided by principles of urbane, civil, courteous and responsible deportment.
Commitment to Community The experience of being a Beta encourages men to serve their university, fraternal and local communities.
