BETA ETA
DATA
SPRING 2005
PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY • FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
BETA ETA CHAPTER ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter Reactivated
MEMBER RECRUITMENT NOW UNDERWAY
BETA ETA
After years of inactivity, the
newly reconstituted and
incorporated Beta Eta Alumni
Chapter looks to connect the
1,000-plus living Beta Eta
alumni to each other and to
their fraternity.
In a new and exciting
effort to reach out to Beta Eta
alumni, a revitalized alumni
chapter has been formed with
new leadership, mission, and
focus following a five-month
planning process that culminated
January 7-9, 2005, with a
strategic planning retreat held in
Charlotte, NC.
After initial discussions took
place over the summer among
several interested alumni, a
broad based steering committee,
representing several generations
of Beta Eta alumni, was formed
to examine the issues surrounding
this alumni outreach effort.
“It all started with a frank
realization this past August at
Supreme Chapter,” said Alumni
Chapter President Mike Loy
‘91. “There was a moment
when we collectively realized
that our generations of Beta
Eta brothers hadn’t followed the
good example that was set for us
by our predecessors in the 1950’s
and 1960’s… and we wanted
ALUMNI RECEPTIONS
The Beta Eta Alumni Chapter
is hosting the following events
to encourage alumni members
to reconnect and learn about
the new alumni chapter. For
more information, please
visit our temporary web
site at www.pikapp.org/
alumni.alumnievents.cfm.
TAMPA
Beta Eta alumni members are seen here after signing the national fraternity’s alumni
chapter petition during a strategic planning retreat in Charlotte, N.C. in January. During
the retreat, more than $2,000 in initial capital was pledged by these members to launch
the newly reconstituted Beta Eta Alumni Chapter. Pictured from L to R are Jeff Pujals ‘94,
Brian Baber ‘92, John Pierce ‘86, Jeff Butler ‘92, Tom Atwood ‘92, Eric Wahlen ‘85, Jeff
Niedenthal ‘67, Mike Loy ‘91, Lee Nichols ‘87, Chris Mueller ‘92 and Travis Olson ‘92.
to change that. We understood
that being a brother is easy while
you are still in college. However,
the true test of brotherhood is
staying involved and connected
after you graduate.”
What Loy and others had in
mind was to create an alumni
organization that took into
consideration the diversity of the
Beta Eta Chapter, the expressed
desire of Beta Eta alumni to
reconnect and communicate
with one another, and how the
new alumni chapter could help
promote the values of Pi Kappa
Phi Fraternity as expressed by
our Ritual and Supreme Laws.
As work progressed through
the fall, it was universally
determined by those on the
steering committee that a faceto-face meeting would be the
best and most efficient way to
accomplish the goals that had
been developed. Toward that
end, a two-day planning retreat
in Charlotte, NC, to be held in
conjunction with the fraternity’s
Mid Year Leadership Conference,
was planned. At that retreat,
directors and officers of the
new corporation were elected,
bylaws were reviewed, a mission
statement was adopted, a petition
to the national fraternity was
The mission of the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter shall be to reestablish a viable alumni group, dedicated to connecting alumni
with each other and to their fraternity through timely communication of relevant alumni news and through meaningful
events. This group shall promote the ideals of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as expressed in our ritual of initiation and
Supreme Laws and encourage Beta Eta alumni to renew their lifetime pledge to the brotherhood and this fraternity.
Saturday, May 7, 2005
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Whiskey Park
RSVP by May 1
Chris Mueller
(813) 831-9323
[email protected]
MIAMI
Saturday, April 30, 2005
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
John Martin’s Irish Pub
RSVP by April 25
Jeff Pujals
(305) 546-5470
[email protected]
TALLAHASSEE
Sunday, October 2, 2005
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Marie Livingston’s
Texas Steakhouse Buffet Brunch
(No RSVP needed)
Brian Baber
(850) 248-8587
[email protected]
signed, and a game plan for the
first 12 months was agreed upon.
“We worked as a team because
ultimately we shared the same
vision – an alumni chapter that
would serve the interests of our
alumni, is inclusive in nature, and
(continued on page 3)
FROM THE ARCHON
BETA ETA
DATA
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc.
P.O. Box 11244
Tallahassee, FL 32302-3244
[email protected]
The Beta Eta Data is published three
times per year by the Beta Eta Alumni
Chapter, Inc. Please submit questions,
comments and corrections to Tom
Atwood at [email protected].
SPRING NOTES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• NAMES–The number after each name
in this newsletter represents the year of
initiation.
• WRITERS NEEDED–The editorial
committee of the Beta Eta Data is
putting together a writers bank to
call upon for assistance in writing the
newsletter. Are you a writer? Want to get
involved? Please contact Tom Atwood at
[email protected] to express your
interest.
• YOU CAN HELP–The Beta Eta
Alumni Chapter is looking for a volunteer
to provide server space to host the
Alumni Chapter’s official web site. This
communication tool will be updated
regularly with new content and will
serve as an important communication
hub for alumni updates and event
promotion. Please contact Brian Baber at
[email protected] if your business
can provide that service.
•SPECIAL THANKS–Beta Eta Housing
Corporation, Don Bowlin, Chris Spring
IN THE NEXT ISSUE...
Are you a Beta Eta brother on active duty?
Are you serving (or have you served) in
the global war on terror? We would like
to tell your story in the next issue coming
summer 2005. Please contact Tom Atwood
at [email protected] with your
information and photographs.
2
Collegiate Report
—by CHRIS SPRING
Beta Eta has been responding to recent challenges, working in cooperation
with the national fraternity and the Florida State Office of Greek Life to
overcome such challenges. The Executive Council remains committed to doing
the things which will ensure a better Beta Eta in the future. Thank you for your
continued support and encouragement.
We initiated 19 men in the fall and pledged seven associate members this
spring. We intend to have the new pledge class ready for initiation this semester. At present,
the chapter has a little less than 100 active members.
As you may have seen on a recent trip to Tallahassee, there is a tremendous amount of
development along the College Avenue corridor. Directly across the street from our house,
Kappa Alpha Order has just finished construction on a new facility. There are also plans for
a five-story condominium project (with shopping center) adjacent to us, and a developer will
soon begin the transformation of an old office building (across from the post office) into luxury
condos as well. The rumor mill has also produced news that Sigma Chi will be moving across
the street into a new house and that their current facility will be converted into a restaurant.
Right now, we are very excited to host the first Rose Ball formal in many years. Together,
we are working to make this the most memorable function in the past four years. The event
is scheduled to take place Thursday, April 14 in the Grand Ballroom B of University Center
Club, located in Doak Campbell Stadium. We have planned for this to be a formal date
function to include a plated dinner, a slideshow, an awards banquet, a senior send-off and the
serenading of our Rose Queen. We are excited to bring back this special, annual event.
The executive council of the chapter invites you to the chapter house at any time. To make
sure someone is there to greet you, please call me at (813) 294-4213 or by e-mail at chs02@ga
rnet.acns.fsu.edu. We would love to meet alumni and see some familiar faces!
If you know an undergraduate at Florida State University who would be a good candidate for membership
in Pi Kappa Phi, please contact Recruitment Chair Steve Messer at [email protected].
BOARD BIOS
MICHAEL S. LOY – PRESIDENT
Michael Loy was initiated into Beta Eta in November 1991. He graduated with
honors, earning a degree in English Literature and a History minor. Mike was
active with the chapter while at FSU, serving as Archon and Warden and winning
the Brother of the Year award in 1994. He was named Pi Kappa Phi’s Student
of the Year in 1994 and was hired by the national fraternity as a Leadership
Consultant and Director of Expansion. Following his work with the fraternity, Mike earned
his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After practicing law
in Seattle with Preston, Gates & Ellis LLP, he began working for Eaton & Van Winkle LLP,
an international boutique firm in New York City. A commercial litigator, Mike specializes
in international litigation and arbitration, sophisticated business disputes, maritime law, and
construction matters. Mike still remains involved with Pi Kappa Phi; he is currently a member
of the fraternity’s Expansion Committee, which provides oversight and coordination for Pi
Kappa Phi’s colonization efforts. Mike and his wife, Nil, recently moved to Alexandria, VA.
BRIAN C. BABER – VICE PRESIDENT
Brian Baber was initiated into Beta Eta in the fall of 1992. A 1997 graduate
with a degree in Finance and MBA in 1999, Brian has a General Contractors
and Real Estate Brokers license and currently owns an Arthur Rutenberg Homes
franchise building luxury homes in Panama City, FL. Brian has also worked for
Ford Motor Company in Product Development Finance and William R. Hough
& Co. as an Institutional Bond Salesman. As an undergraduate, Brian served as Archon in
1996 and was involved in a number of campus organizations. He has since volunteered for the
fraternity as a District Councilor and Chapter Advisor and will also be riding across the state as
a member of the 2005 Gear Up Florida Team. Brian and his wife, Jessica, live in Panama City.
(continued on page 6)
BETA ETA ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A Model Beta Eta
—by DON BOWLIN
James Nettles was from Chipley, FL. Known by his high
school buddies as Jim, Jimbo, Slim and Scrawny, he was
truly unique—one of a kind.
Jim Nettles ‘56 passed on to Chapter Eternal in
2002, but his memory remains alive in the hearts
of those who knew him. The example he set is as
important today as it was many years ago.
A specific group of boys in grades 10
through 12, with a potpourri of personalities,
had nicknames. It was the “in” thing. In
most situations, everyone would check with
Jim . . . or Scrawny. He always put things in
understandable terms with a touch of humor.
Jim was a natural leader.
He continued to add to his qualities
after high school, and in 1950, when Korea
erupted, like many of us, he joined the Air
Force (to beat the draft), and ended up as
an airplane radio operator with missions
over the Pacific and around Korea. Upon
discharge, he enrolled at FSU and was soon
in the mainstream of campus life, joining the
small (in numbers), struggling Pi Kappa Phi
Fraternity. It wasn’t very long before it began
to grow, mostly because of Jim’s natural
salesmanship and leadership. He hooked me
and many others.
(continued on page 7)
A longtime friend of Jim and Doxie Nettles, Don
Bowlin ’56, currently lives in Houston, Texas. His
novel, “Danaville’s Rainbow,” will be released by
AuthorHouse later this year.
ALUMNI CHAPTER REACTIVATED (continued from cover)
not rely on the undergraduate chapter to plan
our events,” said Jeff Niedenthal ’67.
The Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc.
has three primary goals. First, it will
focus on providing meaningful and timely
communication of alumni related news
through this newsletter, a soon to be built
web site and a new electronic bulletin
board. Secondly, the alumni chapter
is committed to organizing at least one
meaningful alumni event per year for Beta
Eta alumni. This event will be planned
and executed by other chapter alumni to
ensure that a sense of quality and decorum
will be present. Lastly, the alumni chapter
is committed to reaching out to graduating
seniors of the undergraduate chapter to
reinforce the belief that fraternity does not
end when you claim your diploma; in other
words, that this is a lifetime commitment
to uphold the values of Pi Kappa Phi
Fraternity and maintain the brotherhood for
future generations.
To help promote and build awareness
of the new alumni chapter, receptions
will be held in Miami on Saturday, April
30, in Tampa on Saturday, May 7, and in
Tallahassee on Sunday, October 2 – following
the home Syracuse football game [see alumni
receptions on cover].
The Beta Eta Alumni Chapter is
committed to working with the Beta Eta
Housing Corporation to build a lasting and
successful organization at Florida State
University. Though the missions of the
respective organizations are related, there
are clear distinctions. The Alumni Chapter
will focus on true alumni development and
programming – connecting alumni to each
other and to their fraternity through news
and social events. This will allow the Housing
Corporation to focus exclusively on its core
mission of providing a safe and competitive
housing option for our student members.
“With the new Greek row on Ocala
[Road], the Housing Corporation will need
to rely on the time and talent of our alumni
to be successful in the long-term,” reflected
Housing Corporation President Brian
Murphy ‘87. “Having an organized and
consistent alumni outreach effort, performed
by someone other than the Housing
Corporation, will allow us to concentrate
on some of the most critical needs of the
property at 423 West College. I’m looking
forward to working with Mike [Loy] and the
others to build a better Beta Eta.”
Membership in the Beta Eta Alumni
Chapter is open to all alumni of Pi Kappa
Phi Fraternity, but all recruitment and
solicitation efforts will be directed to those
affiliated with the Beta Eta Chapter. Annual
membership dues, which go to support the
production of this newsletter and other
projected expenses like the web site and event
invitations, are set at $25. [See Beta Eta
Alumni Chapter Reply Insert for details].
The Beta Eta Alumni Chapter is a Florida
501 (c)(7) not for profit corporation and
was established with the assistance of Jeff
Wahlen ‘81. For additional information,
please contact Alumni Chapter President
Mike Loy.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Loy, President
(703) 836-5980
[email protected]
Brian Baber, Vice President
(850) 248-8587
[email protected]
Lee Nichols, Treasurer
(850) 893-6267
[email protected]
Eric Wahlen, Secretary
(770) 938-8101
[email protected]
Chris Mueller
(813) 831-9323
[email protected]
Jeff Niedenthal
(757) 222-2808
[email protected]
Jeff Pujals
(305) 595-2905
[email protected]
Brian Murphy, Housing Corp.
(850) 893-3299
[email protected]
Chris Spring, Archon
(813) 294-4213
[email protected]
3
ALUMNI
UPDATES
Elbert SCOTT ‘50
Elbert is Beta Eta No. 2 and is one of
the few remaining “founding fathers” of
the chapter. After initiating into the Beta
Eta Chapter on February 18, 1950, he
transferred to the University of Florida
and affiliated with the Alpha Epsilon
chapter. There, he earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in electrical engineering.
He retired from the Miller Electric
Company in 1996 as Vice President for
Special Projects. He has a son, daughter
and grandson, and currently resides in
Jacksonville, FL. [email protected]
Richard LUKAS ’54
Richard was recently interviewed for
a segment on the relationship between
genealogy and history for the nationally
syndicated PBS television series, Simple
Living. Dick’s segment should air
sometime this year. [email protected]
James (Jay) NEWMAN ‘61
Jay Newman, Jr. resigned his position last
year as Executive Director of Citizens
Property Insurance Corp. and is actively
involved in a range of insurance consulting
activities. He is also teaching an insurance
course at Florida State University this
spring. [email protected]
John SHAFFER ‘64
John is now in semi-retirement, sharing
an apartment in Dulles, VA, with several
other airline employees. He is a flight
attendant with United Express, part of
United Airlines, and is looking to see the
parts of the world that he has not yet seen.
[email protected]
4
Stephen EVERHART ‘65
Stephen was awarded a 20042005 US Fulbright Scholarship
to teach and lecture in the
People’s Republic of China.
He is currently posted in the Wuhan
Province, but teaches and lectures at
universities and law schools all over
China. He is also training Chinese judges
and lawyers and will be working with
the Ford Foundation while overseas.
[email protected]
Craig DIERKSHEIDE ‘77
Craig is married with four kids
– twins Jake and Anna are 12
years old, Matt is 10 and Paul
is six. He has recently changed
career paths and after a year and a half
in the automobile industry, Craig now
does commercial real estate with Coldwell
Banker. He began his real estate career
in September, and in two months was the
top listing agent for the office. He enjoys
playing a little golf and coaching his son,
Matt, in a church basketball league. The
Dierksheide family resides in Myrtle Beach,
SC. [email protected]
Carl JOHNSON ‘85
The Johnson family – Carl, Stephanie
and sons, Alec ( two years) and Will (six
months) – currently live in Atlanta. Carl
is a Regional Sales Manager with Mercury
Interactive, Enterprise Software Company.
He enjoys seeing his fellow Pi Kapp
brothers in the Atlanta area and would like
to hear from old friends. [email protected]
Terry SMITH ‘86
Terry currently resides in Miami with his
wife, Christine Dwyer Smith. The two
met last March and knew they were right
for each other. After a brief engagement,
they were married. Terry is the Director
of Human Resources for the Art Institute
of Fort Lauderdale and would love to
reconnect with alumni from 1986-1988.
[email protected]
B. Dan BERGER ‘88
Dan Berger, his wife Aimee and daughter
Shelby, live in Alexandria, VA. Dan
moved from Florida to , D.C. to be
Congresswoman Katherine Harris’ Chief
of Staff. He is now Vice President of
Government Relations and a lobbyist
for America’s Community Bankers.
[email protected]
Greg BECKMAN ‘89
In March of 2004, Greg became the
Director of Sales for the Delmarva
Shorebirds, minor league affiliate of the
Baltimore Orioles. In September, Greg was
promoted to Assistant General Manager
of the club. Prior to moving to Maryland,
Greg spent three years with the Jacksonville
Jaguars as a sales rep and ESPN Radio as
a part-time on-air personality, co-hosting
their college football today show on
Saturday mornings in 2002-2003. Prior
to living and working in Jacksonville,
he spent six years in Atlanta working in
the I.T. industry for a couple different
companies. Greg and his wife, Amy, have
two sons, Bradley, six, and Andrew, four.
[email protected]
Steve COOK ‘90
Steve has been living in Dallas, TX, for
over three years. He is currently the
Director of Marketing and Sales for Six
Flags over Texas. Steve finished his MBA
from the University of Florida in 2001
and will be married on May 1, 2005.
[email protected]
George COTTO ‘90
George and his wife, Diana, celebrated
the birth of their son Alex (9 lbs 22
inches). They have five children: three
boys and two girls. George recently joined
Wachovia Trust as a Trust Advisor after
serving previously with Merrill Lynch
Trust. [email protected]
Jeff HANNEKEN ‘90
Jeff recently graduate this past year from
the University of Phoenix in Tampa,
FL, with an M.B.A. He was promoted
to Director of Marketing and Business
Development for A. Camacho Inc.,
a subsidiary of The Angel Camacho
Group, based in Seville, Spain. Recent
additions to the Hanneken family include
Jonah Simeon Hanneken (one year) and
Emerson Donna Hanneken (due May ‘05).
[email protected]
Pat POLITO ‘90
Pat currently resides in Jacksonville, FL,
and is the Human Resources Director of
Northeast Florida for Enterprise Rent-ACar Corporation. He has been happily
married for over four years. Pat has
no children yet, but God willing, looks
forward to starting a family next year.
[email protected]
(continued on page 5)
ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 4)
Bryan HAMILTON ‘91
Bryan recently was promoted to 1st
Lieutenant and will be deployed to
Iraq sometime in early 2005 for a 12 to
15-month assignment. He is currently
working as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) platoon leader for the 3rd Infantry
Division at Fort Stewart. Bryan will miss
his wife and FSU football while oversees.
[email protected]
1st Lieutenant Bryan Hamilton poses with
his unmanned aerial vehicle.
Jason KLEIN ‘91
Jason’s daughter, Shelby, is six and his
son, Danton, is three. Jason is working
in the music business and has songs on
major labels and on radio. In honor of
his fraternity experience, he named his
publishing company Beta Eta Music. Jason
also has an accounting practice, handling
several music clients and others. Jason’s
wife, Rebecca, who he met at a Pi Kapp
party, works in public relations. The Klein
family currently resides in Miami. Jason’s
music site is www.monstertaxi.com.
[email protected]
Seth KLONDAR ‘91
Last November Seth was promoted as
the Channel Director for Body Glove
Mobile Accessories within Fellowes, Inc.
His responsibilities include oversight of
all sales and marketing initiatives among
the company’s wireless carrier partners,
distributors and handheld electronics
manufacturers including Cingular
Wireless, T-Mobile, Nextel, Motorola,
Siemens, Nokia, LG, and Samsung. In
light of the promotion, the Klondar
family relocated to Kildeer, IL, a Northern
Chicago suburb in June of 2004. Avery,
five, and Ethan, two, settled in quickly and
have enjoyed the area immensely. Seth’s
wife, Hilary, began consulting for Creative
Memories in July and her business is doing
well. [email protected]
Mike ORLANDO ‘91
Mike has been living in Atlanta since
leaving Florida State University. He has
been married for nearly two years and
is a full-time Financial Management
consultant with Parson Consulting.
[email protected]
Nick MAROTTA ‘92
After several years in the U.S. Army,
Nick switched services in 1997, and is
currently a Captain in the Air Force. Most
recently stationed at Hurlburt Field (near
Fort Walton Beach, FL) doing Special
Operations work, Nick has since had
several deployments to Afghanistan and
Iraq over the last three years. Nick and
his wife Kimberly are expecting their
first child and currently reside in Warner
Robins, GA. [email protected]
Darren SCOTT ‘91
Darren, his wife Jennifer, and their son
Ryan, proudly announce the newest
member of the Scott family – Peter
Maddox “Max” Scott, born on August 26,
2004. Darren is still employed by Wallace
Welch and Willingham, the same firm
since leaving Florida State University in
1994. [email protected]
Todd COTTRILL ‘91
Todd was recently named Partner in
Pappas Metcalf Jenks & Miller, P.A.
Todd, his wife Sara, and their daughter
Isabel currently live in Jacksonville, FL.
[email protected]
Ryan HAY ‘92
Ryan and girlfriend, Kelly Baeshore, were
married in November. Many Pi Kapps
were in attendance. Ryan is an Account
Support Consultant with HP. Ryan and
Kelly currently reside in Greenacres, FL.
[email protected]
Wedding party members and guest gather
for a quick photo at the Hay reception.
Pictured are from L to R are (front row) Jim
Williams ‘93, Ryan Hay ‘92, Mike Loy ’91
(back row) Travis Olson ‘92, Jason Klein
‘91, Rob Reed ‘94, Walker Jackson ‘91, and
Mike St. Louis ‘91
Nick, pictured here with the famous gilded
AK-47 once owned by Uday Hussein,
recently spent time in Iraq.
Dean MILLER ‘92
Dean and his wife, Elizabeth, just
celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary
in September. Their first child, Olivia,
was born in August of last year.
Currently, Dean is a Supervisor of Client
Services for MPS Group in Jacksonville.
[email protected]
Beau LOMBARDI ‘93
Beau has recently moved to New York
City and is now the Regional Sales
Manager for Fiji Water. His new sales
territory includes New York and New
Jersey. [email protected]
Scott MIDDLEBROOKS ‘93
Scott currently works for Simmons
Bedding Company as a Marketing
Analyst, reporting, pricing, forecasting and
a variety of ad hoc analysis and special
projects. He was married in March 2004.
He will finish his MBA program this
April. Scott, and his wife Mary live in
Woodstock, GA. ((Photo and caption on
page 6) 770-516-2370
[email protected]
(continued on page 6)
5
ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 5)
BOARD BIOS (continued from page 2)
LEE NICHOLS – TREASURER
Lee Nichols was initiated into the Beta Eta Chapter in the fall of 1987. A
1991 graduate with a degree in Accounting, Lee is currently working for
the Capital City Bank Group in Tallahassee which he joined in December
2004. Prior to this, he was working in London and Amsterdam in the
telecommunications industry performing mergers, acquisitions and a variety
of other finance roles. Lee joined KPMG as a CPA in Tampa upon graduation, moving
to the London office in 1997. As an undergraduate, Lee served as Archon in 1990 and
was involved in a number of campus organizations. He worked for the national office as a
Leadership Consultant in 1992. Lee and his wife, Lisa, have a one-year-old daughter named
Hannah and currently reside in Tallahassee.
Brothers celebrate at the Middlebrooks’
wedding. Pictured from L to R are Chris Ricci
’94, Chris Downs ’94, Scott Middlebrooks ’93
and Jonathan Stevens ‘92
Chris “Hosoi” PASIBE ‘93
Hosoi is a police officer in Atlanta. He
recently became a detective in the sex
crimes unit. His son, Braden, is now a year
and a half old. [email protected]
Chris DOWNS ‘94
Air Force Major Chris Downs was
promoted to his current grade last fall
and serves as an Intelligence Officer at
the Gordon Regional Security Operations
Center at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA.
As a Joint Operations Division Chief and
Flight Commander, Chris is in charge of
over 200 joint-service military, civilian
and contract personnel prosecuting the
Global War on Terrorism. Chris and
his dog Bowden are expecting orders
for a new assignment late this spring.
[email protected]
Hunter COCHRAN ‘95
After graduating from FSU where he lived
five years in the chapter house, Hunter
currently lives in Deerfield Beach, FL, and
is employed by the Platinum Television
Group. He enjoys living the “Buffet”
lifestyle by the beach and would like to hear
from chapter brothers from the late 1990s.
[email protected]
Shane MESSNER ‘96
Army Captain Shane Messner is currently
serving a one-year deployment in
Afghanistan as the Intelligence Officer
for an Infantry Task Force of over 1,000
soldiers. After a very short notice order
6
(continued on page 7)
ERIC S. WAHLEN – SECRETARY
Eric Wahlen was initiated into the Beta Eta chapter in November 1985.
Eric received his undergraduate degree in accounting as well as his master’s
degree in accounting from Florida State. Eric works for Watkins Associated
Industries where he is Vice President of Financial and Information
Services. Eric has also worked for Watkins Motor Lines, Eckerds, and Arthur
Andersen. While an undergraduate, Eric served in several executive committee positions,
was the recipient of Pi Kappa Phi’s most prestigious student award – Student of the Year,
and was “house mom” during his time in graduate school. Eric lives in Atlanta, GA, with
his wife, Jennifer, and their two daughters.
CHRISTOPHER D. MUELLER
Chris Mueller was initiated into the Beta Eta chapter in December 1992. A
1997 graduate with a degree in Hospitality Administration, Chris currently
owns and operates a very high volume smoothie and juice bar company called
Xtreme Juice, Inc. in Tampa, FL. Chris has always been active with Pi Kappa
Phi, serving as Secretary, Social Chairman, and participating as a cyclist for
the Journey of Hope in the summer of 1995. In addition, Chris will be cycling across
Florida with this year’s Gear Up Florida team, and is currently building and hosting the
undergraduate chapter’s web site (www.fsupikapps.com). Chris and his wife, Lindsay,
currently live in Tampa.
JEFFERY NIEDENTHAL
Jeff was initiated into Beta Eta in the fall of 1967. After graduation in 1969, he
joined the Navy and spent 26 years sailing the world’s oceans. Upon retirement
he went to work in the defense industry, and is currently on the national
industry team designing the next generation of naval surface combatants. Jeff
served on the fraternity headquarters staff for two years, from 1999 to 2001,
as the Assistant Executive Director. He resides in Chesapeake, VA, and has
four daughters, all of whom graduated from college and have jobs. As an undergraduate, Jeff
served as Warden and was involved in Student Government.
JEFFERY PUJALS
Jeff Pujals was initiated into the Beta Eta chapter on December 10, 1994.
He graduated with a degree in International Affairs and a French minor.
Jeff currently is a Therapeutics Pharmaceutical Representative with Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals in Miami. Jeff was active with the chapter while at FSU,
serving as Archon, Vice Archon, Secretary, and Social Chairman. Jeff also
won the Florida State IFC President of the Year award in 1998. He was
also involved with a number of campus organizations. After his graduation, Jeff became a
Leadership Consultant with the national fraternity. He continues his involvement with Pi
Kappa Phi as a District Counselor for chapters in the South Florida region.
(continued on page 7)
CHAPTER ETERNAL
These Beta Eta alumni members
were reported to the national
fraternity in 2004 as having passed
on to the Chapter Eternal. Our
thoughts and prayers are with these
departed brothers and their families.
–John F. Brooks ‘91
–Raymond E. Dantzler, Jr. ‘92
(alumnus initiate)
–David M. Hammond ‘69
–Edward I. Lief ‘91
–Steven A. McNeece ‘79
–Dewey R. Mills ‘90
(alumnus initiate)
JIM NETTLES (continued from page 3)
He received his bachelor’s degree in
three years, then plowed ahead and had his
master’s in geology in two years. During
those first three years, he was the Beta Eta
Archon, President of the Interfraternity
Council, and was key in establishing Pi
Kappa Phi as the leading fraternity on
campus in size, academics, sports and singing.
Yes, singing! After his undergraduate years,
he and his new wife, Doxie, became advisors
FLORIDA STATE
FOOTBALL 2005
9/5
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26
12/3
MIAMI
CITADEL
@ BOSTON COLLEGE
OPEN
SYRACUSE (Youth Day)
WAKE FOREST (Parents’ Weekend)
@ VIRGINA
@ DUKE
MARYLAND (Homecoming)
NC STATE
@ CLEMSON
OPEN
@ FLORIDA
ACC CHAMPIONSHIP
to the chapter for three years. Until the day
he passed away in 2002, he never missed a
homecoming . . . the epitome of loyalty!
Jim had an outstanding professional career
with the National Cash Register Company. He
was extraordinarily loyal to his family, friends,
Beta Eta and Pi Kappa Phi. Jim, Jimbo,
Scrawny and I grew up together. I knew him
well. With the love of golf he had, I have a
feeling he and God are playing right now.
BOARD BIOS (continued from page 6)
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
BRIAN P. MURPHY – PRESIDENT, BETA ETA HOUSING CORPORATION
Brian Murphy, a proud member of the Lambda Pledge Class, was initiated into the Beta
Eta Chapter in November 1987. He served on the Executive Council as Warden during
the Spring semester of 1989 and as Vice Archon in the Fall of 1990. After graduating from
FSU in 1991 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Brian was employed with the Florida
Department of Corrections and received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration in
1999. Brian is currently employed with the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court as
the Director of Records and Court Services. In addition to participation with the Alumni
Chapter, he currently serves as the President of the Beta Eta Housing Corporation. Brian and
his wife Heather have been married for 10 years and live in Tallahassee, Florida with his two
Daughters, Sarah Jane and Emily.
CHRIS SPRING – BETA ETA ARCHON
Chris Spring was initiated into the Beta Eta Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in February 2003. His
first official position in the chapter was that of the food steward. He successfully started and
managed a fraternity meal plan for the Fall 2003 and Spring 2004 semesters. He became Vice
Archon in the spring semester of 2004 and successfully initiated nine new members. Currently,
Chris is serving as Archon of the chapter and is studying Human Resources at the Florida
State University School of Business.
ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 6)
deploy from his previous assignment in
Hawaii last summer, his wife Carrie took
on the Herculean task of leaving her job,
packing the house, shipping the car and
traveling with their dog Maili back to Ohio
where Shane and Carrie bought a house
and plan to settle once he returns this
summer. [email protected]
Michael ROVINS ‘96
Mike has recently moved back to Ft.
Rucker, Alabama. after a three and a half
year tour in Germany which included 13
months in Iraq for the invasion. While in
Iraq, Mike was promoted to Captain and is
a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Mike
would like to thank his chapter brothers
for their enormous amount of support
while he was deployed. It made a world of
difference and the soldiers he shared your
thoughts with. Thank you.
[email protected]
[email protected]
In this photo, Captain Mike Rovins ’96 poses with his
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at the Baghdad International
Airport shortly after the fall of the city to Coalition Forces.
Greg YOUNGBERG ‘99
Greg graduated from FSU in August
of 2003. In December of 2003, he
was commissioned as an Officer in the
U.S. Marine Corps. Currently a 2nd
Lieutenant, Greg is stationed in Pensacola,
FL, at NAS Whiting Field, for Primary
Flight Instruction. Later this spring, Greg
should select the type of aircraft he will
be flying and will begin Advanced Flight
Training, ultimately earning his Naval
Aviator’s Wings. [email protected]
John OPRANDI ‘02
John graduated from FSU last June and
was recently appointed as a Financial
Advisor with American Express in Miami.
[email protected]
7
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc.
P.O. Box 11244
Tallahassee, FL 32302-3244
REMEMBER
40 YEARS AGO
In this photo circa 1964, the
Dean of Men, H. Donald
Loucks (left), is auctioned off
by brother Chuck Wilson
‘62 (right) on the front steps
of the Wescott Building as
part of a chapter fund raiser.
8
BETA ETA ALUMNI CHAPTER
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FORM
JOIN NOW! Membership in the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter helps to underwrite the ongoing costs of publishing the Beta Eta
Data and other initiatives to help Beta Eta alumni stay connected to each other and their fraternity. See the back of this form for
information on frequently asked questions.
Instructions: Complete this form and return along with your $25 check or money order to:
Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc.
PO Box 11244
Tallahassee, FL 32302-3244
Payments may also be made through paypal.com. To pay via Paypal, type the following web site address into your internet
browser: https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=fsupikappalumni%40yahoo%2ecom&item. If payment is
made electronically, please still mail this form to the above address.
Name: ___________________________________________________
Spouse: __________________________
Graduation Year: __________________
Home Phone: _____________________
Work Phone: _______________________
Cell Phone: _______________________ Preferred E-mail: ________________________________
Address:_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
In an effort to keep production costs low, we are encouraging all Beta Eta alumni who have an active e-mail address to consider
receiving the Beta Eta Data in an electronic format. Future editions of the newsletter will be sent in PDF format. Please check
the box below indicating your preference. Leave the square blank to receive a hard copy in the mail.
I would prefer to receive future editions of the Beta Eta Data in an electronic format. By doing so, I understand that I may
need to adjust my spam filter or e-mail preferences to receive this publication.
In 2005, the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter will be launching a web site dedicated to promoting alumni events and facilitating more
effective alumni communication. An “opt-in” is required to post your listing.
I would like to have my name, initiation year, and e-mail address listed on the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter web site.
* PRIVACY AGREEMENT. By providing the above personal information, I understand and consent to such information being
shared with the records departments of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Florida State University.
Questions regarding the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter should be directed toto Alumni Chapter President Michael Loy at
[email protected] or (703) 836-5980.
Contributions or gifts to the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter, Inc. are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
F.A.Q.
BETA ETA ALUMNI CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
What are my alumni chapter dues used for?
The dollars raised each year from the membership drive
will be used to support the ongoing expense of producing
the Beta Eta Data, the organization and promotion of
Beta Eta alumni social events, the development and
ongoing expense of hosting a dedicated website for Beta
Eta alumni, filing fees for the corporation, annual alumni
chapter dues to the National Fraternity, bank fees, and
other miscellaneous charges associated with the direct
management of the corporation.
What do I receive in return for my annual contribution of $25?
Official membership in the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter
is reserved for those who pay the annual membership
fee. In return for their support, members of the Alumni
Chapter: (1) will be listed in the Beta Eta Data and on the
Alumni Chapter website, (2) may run for election to the
Alumni Chapter’s Board of Directors, and (3) are eligible
to vote at the annual meeting.
Do all Beta Eta alumni members receive the Beta Eta Data?
Are all alumni invited to the annual meeting and alumni
social events?
Yes. The Alumni Chapter believes it is important to
communicate with all Beta Eta alumni. Therefore, all
alumni members in good standing with the Fraternity (i.e.
not expelled) will receive the newsletter and invitations
to all gatherings. It is the Alumni Chapter’s opinion that
quality events and a timely, well-written newsletter will
naturally draw support from the existing alumni base.
Are my Alumni Chapter dues tax deductible?
No. The Beta Eta Alumni Chapter is a 501 (c) (7) notfor-profit corporation and therefore contributions or gifts
are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal
income tax purposes
Why are dues set at this amount?
The Alumni Chapter believes that price should not be an
impediment to membership. Rather, the dues structure is
loosely modeled after the Florida State University Alumni
Association, whereby a premium is set on participation,
not necessarily total dollars raised. This IS NOT a capital
campaign for the Fraternity or Alumni Chapter, but an
opportunity to help support the outreach to and program
development for Beta Eta alumni.
Is the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter different from the Beta Eta
Housing Corporation?
Yes. Each are separately incorporated entities, with
different missions and boards of directors, designed
to support the greater Beta Eta vision of providing
the preeminent fraternity experience at Florida State
University. The Alumni Chapter focuses on alumni
communication and outreach while the Housing
Corporation focuses exclusively on housing issues and the
management of the property at 423 West College Avenue.
Understandably, there is a great degree of coordination
between the two corporations (the Housing Corporation
President is automatically an ex-officio, non-voting
member of the Alumni Chapter’s Board of Directors),
but their missions are exclusive of one another.
What is the ‘dues cycle’ for the Alumni Chapter?
The fiscal year for the Beta Eta Alumni Chapter runs
from July 1 to June 30, and dues shall become due July
1st each year. By joining the Alumni Chapter now,
your first year’s membership will run approximately 16
months (until June 30, 2006) before you receive a second
solicitation.
How should I prepare my e-mail inbox to receive the Beta
Eta Data?
First, make sure your spam filter is set to receive emails
from [email protected] and fsupikappalumni@yah
oo.com. These are the two primary email addresses from
which Beta Eta related information will be sent. Second,
be aware. We will send a delivery announcement several
days before the newsletter is to be sent. If you haven’t
received the newsletter within the indicated time frame,
please send an e-mail to the email addresses listed above
to receive another copy. Delivery can be problematic
for a number of reasons. However, the important thing
is that you receive the information. As a last resort,
please know future editions of the Beta Eta Data will be
available for download once the website is established.