Dear Parents,

Now that my son, Brad, is nearing the end of his undergraduate experience, I think back to his first days at Miami University, just four short years ago. When my son began his freshman year of his college career, he expressed his interest in becoming a part of Miami's Greek community, and specifically, Beta Theta Pi. As parents and non-Greeks during our college days, my husband and I had much skepticism regarding his time availability, the negative images of fraternity life, and how this could affect his academic priorities.

Today, as my son's senior year concludes, I can see how much impact Beta Theta Pi has had in his development, and in his achievements at Miami University. I can thankfully say that our initial doubts of Greek life have been completely disproved, as I can imagine my son has taken great pleasure in "proving mom and dad wrong". He has acquired excellent leadership qualities, a sense of community service, high academic standards, and a lifetime fraternal experience with his fellow Betas. He's always anxious to share his stories and experiences with his fraternity brothers. It has been a relief and comfort knowing that he is a part of a caring family at Miami, while he has to be so far from his own.

Also, Beta Theta Pi's "Men of Principle" concept truly has been an on-going force in Brad's years at Miami University. My husband and I had not heard of such a unique concept within the fraternity world until my son shared the details of "Men of Principle" as a pledge. During our first trip to a fraternity event, the chapter's formal reinstatement banquet his sophomore year, my husband and I saw first-hand the quality of this initiative. After meeting many of our son's associates and Beta friends, and experiencing the culture of Beta Theta Pi, any remaining doubt about Beta or Greek life was eliminated. We have done our best to be active Beta parents ever since.

I have no doubts that my son will carry Beta's principles with him throughout his career and life. I believe Beta has been a memorable, positive experience that my son will remember for all his life. As a parent, I am so proud of him, and of Beta Theta Pi. I truly hope that all Beta parents share the same sentiments as myself, as I encourage all parents to learn more about this great organization.

Sincerely,

Carole Humpal
Medina, OH