August 1, 2022
Martin Cobb, Chief Communication Officer
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
martin.cobb@archive.beta.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at the University of California, Irvine

OXFORD, OHIO, August 1, 2022 – Today Beta Theta Pi is announcing the closure and disbandment of its chapter at the University of California, Irvine.

Since 2018, members have repeatedly and perilously navigated a Greek-life community that has varied in its overall health and support from the campus. These challenges reached a climax during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left the chapter unable to consistently recruit and retain men. This has ultimately led to a brotherhood that is without active members and unable to create a positive Beta experience on the Irvine campus.

“As chief volunteer on the Fraternity’s Board of Trustees, I want to assure you that it is extraordinarily and emotionally difficult any time a chapter must be closed, particularly for the nearly 850 living Delta Sigma alumni, many of whom have been loyal supporters throughout the years,” said Beta Theta Pi General Secretary S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech’73. “I strongly believe UC Irvine is a community that mirrors Beta’s priorities and values. As such, the Fraternity is dedicated to the support and renewal of a strong Delta Sigma Chapter in the future.”

All initiated undergraduates have been placed on “alumni” status and no longer retain the rights or privileges of an active member of the Fraternity. Members will be entitled to the full rights and privileges of all Beta Theta Pi alumni upon graduation, so long as their behavior continues to align with the expectations of Beta alumni and the university.

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Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more than 8,000 undergraduate members on 142 campuses across North America, more than 140,000 living alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

 

Press Contact

Name:                 Justin Warren
Position:              Director of Media Relations & Senior Writer
Email:                  justin.warren@archive.beta.org