Beta Theta Pi wise unto life is belonging to a friend

Founded in 1839 by "eight earnest young men," Beta Theta Pi is one of the oldest fraternities in North America. That tradition is embodied today in over 150,000 active brothers across the country at over 125 universities. Our eight founders, John Reily Knox, Samual Taylor Marshall, David Linton, James George Smith, John Holt Duncan, Michael Clarkson Ryan, and Thomas Boston Gordon, all of ever honored memory, created a ritual that binds all brothers to "be urbane in his manners, mild in his expressions, steadfast in his friendship."

The spirit fostered by our founders has pushed Beta to become the most progressive fraternity in North America. Beta was the first to publish a open constitution for public distribution in 1879, and the first to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for chapters (1984) and a 2.5 minimum GPA for each member (1997). From 1877 to 1975, at least one member of the Supreme Court of the United States of America was a brother of Beta Theta Pi, and more than 80 Betas are Rhodes Scholars, most of any fraternity. More than 197 Betas have served our country in Congress, and six with the U.S. Medal of Honor.

Betas aren't always the first, we aren't always the best, but we believe that our principles of friendship, scholarship, and leadership provide a foundation for success in any endeavour after collegiate life. Check out the fact sheet below for some famous Betas from all walks of life, along with some more interesting information about Beta nationally.