Beta Theta Pi

Remembering 9/11

Thomas C. Olver — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:39:54 +0000

September 11, 2009, Oxford, Ohio — Eight years later, Beta Theta Pi pauses to reflect on the lives lost during that fateful day in September . . .

Karl W. Teepe, Illinois ’66

Centreville, Virginia — 57 years old . . . was in the Pentagon when American Flight 77 crashed . . . a budget analyst with the Department of Defense and a retired Army lieutenant colonel . . . if he wasn’t reading or taking a class at the Smithsonian, he was checking out the latest art exhibit, playing basketball or working on landscaping at his home . . . his wife of 34 years, Donna, said, “The most important thing was his family.” Lived for 20 years in Centreville, also lived in Germany; Columbia, Mo., where he taught ROTC; and a few other cities . . . survived by his mother Ruth, wife Donna, daughter Wendy and son Adam.

Ryan A. Kohart, North Carolina ’98

Manhattan, N.Y. — 26 years old . . . trader with Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center on the 104th floor of Tower One . . . former varsity lacrosse co-captain . . . the Saturday before the attack he celebrated his engagement to Melissa White . . . spent Sunday with his father Geoffrey watching the Jets . . . “Ryan never missed a day (of work),” said his father. “He was just that kind of a kid.” One of his goals was to provide a lacrosse scholarship so that he could repay UNC for assistance he received during his four years in Chapel Hill . . . Ryan Kohart Memorial Scholarship Fund at North Carolina to provide financial aid to future lacrosse players . . . Attn: Sue Walsh, Educational Foundation, University of North Carolina, PO Box 2446, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 . . . survived by his parents Geoffrey and Joy and four brothers.

Jon A. Perconti, Rutgers ’92

Recently moved from Lodi, N.J., to Hoboken, N.J. — 32 years old . . . a stock trader for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104^th floor . . . married his high school sweetheart Tammy . . . she was six months pregnant at the time of the attack . . . interviewed with the firm exactly a week before the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center . . . loved to cook on his green oval-shaped backyard grill outside Giants Stadium . . . “He was the most generous, thoughtful, loving person,” said Tammy. “You don’t know how many people loved to be in his presence.” Was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church . . . son of Lucia Perconti and stepson of William Odierno . . . memorials to the Perconti Family Educational Fund, PO Box 784, Lodi, NJ 07644-0784.

Todd C. Weaver, Miami ’93

New York, N.Y. — 30 years old . . . vice president with Fiduciary Trust International on the 94th floor of the World Trade Center’s south tower . . . taught in Japan for one year . . . traveled the Far East . . . wrote a series of essays for the Canton (Ohio) Repository in 1994, describing his time in Japan . . . married his high school sweetheart Amy eight years ago . . . his first job took him to Chicago’s financial world . . . He was one of our rising stars, the youngest senior consultant we’ve ever had,” said John Ellwood, chairman of J.H. Ellwood and Associates, a Chicago investment company where Todd worked from 1998-2000. “He was a marvelous guy, mature beyond his years.” Survived by his parents Dennis and Marilyn, wife Amy and sister Margi.

Frederick Kuo, Jr., Carnegie Mellon ’69

Great Neck, N.Y. — 53 years old . . . mechanical engineer for Washington Group International on the 91st floor of Two World Trade Center . . . was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Sept. 8, but the electric plant work he was to oversee was postponed . . . was to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary Oct. 17 with a family traditional vacation at the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River in Ontario . . . arranged transportation for members to attend church, even if it meant enlisting his children or driving them himself . . . “He poured a lot of everything he has into the church,” said his son Fred. “So many people were dependent on him for everything.” Survived by wife Teresita, sons Fredrick, Michael and David and daughter Melissa.

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$100,000 BLF Challenge

Thomas C. Olver — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:05:03 +0000

Oxford, Ohio, September 3, 2009 — Doug Houser, Chairman of the Beta Theta Pi Foundation, announced to the Fraternity’s staff on Monday morning that the 24 members of the Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors have bundled their individual gifts to the Beta Leadership Fund — amounting to more than $100,000 for the organization’s FY10 annual fund drive. This is believed to be an all-time record in giving to the BLF from both boards of the Fraternity.

Chairman Houser suggested, “With a hefty overall goal of $850,000 to be raised this academic year, the board members are now combining our gifts together as a $100,000 challenge to the larger alumni base of Betas across North America. Coupled with support from Beta parents, undergraduates and Friends of Beta, we are excited to challenge all previous and first-time donors to the BLF to step forward — in a big, big way. By making a gift, everyone can participate, and our undergraduate Betas are the ones who benefit. What a win-win for Beta Theta Pi. Let’s have a record year!”

The Beta Leadership Fund is the centerpiece of the Beta Foundation’s annual fundraising effort, which supports all of the Fraternity’s eight major award-winning leadership programs and educational services. Gifts of support to the BLF can be made online at www.betathetapi.org/gift.

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. The Fraternity, founded in 1839 at Miami University (Ohio), has more than 120,000 members including some 6,500 collegians on 118 campuses in the United States and Canada.

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For more information, contact:
Martin Cobb
Director of Advancement
800-800-2382, ext. 246

2009 Award Recipients

Thomas C. Olver — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:19:04 +0000

Phoenix, Ariz., August 2, 2009 — Eight outstanding individuals and 59 remarkable chapters were recognized by the General Fraternity during the 170th General Convention, held in Phoenix, July 30-August 2. The 2009 award recipients are as follows:

Individual Awards:

District Chief of the Year: Daniel H. Farmer, Cincinnati '75

Dr. Edward B. Taylor Advisor of the Year: Michael E. Hay, Eastern Kentucky '94

Francis W. Shepardson Award: Donald G. (Dipper) DiPaolo, Michigan '78

Greek Advisor of the Year: Gentry McCreary, University of Alabama

House Director of the Year: Ervin Williams, University of Nebraska

Interfraternalism Recognition: Anne Arseneau, College of William & Mary

Jerry M. Blesch General Secretary’s Leadership Award: Mark I. Morgan, Idaho '10

Rookie Chief of the Year: Daniel P. Loman, GMI-EMI '90

Chapter Awards:

John Reily Knox Chapter Excellence Award: Alabama, Case Western Reserve, Denison, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Idaho, Kansas State, Miami, Missouri-Kansas City, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Truman State and Washington

Francis H. Sisson Award: Alabama, Bethany, Carnegie Mellon, Case Western Reserve, Central Michigan, Connecticut, Denison, DePauw, George Washington, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Idaho, Kansas State, Miami, Missouri, Missouri-Kansas City, Nebraska, Oklahoma, San Diego, Texas A&M-CC, Texas at Arlington, Toronto, Truman State, Virginia Tech, Wabash, Washington, Washington in St. Louis and Wittenberg

Alumni Relations Award: Eastern Kentucky, Emory and Miami

Best New Song: Matt Miller, Nebraska

Campus Involvement Award: Arizona, DePauw, Eastern Kentucky, Furman, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Washington in Saint Louis

John Holt Duncan Service Award: Ongoing: Florida; Annual: Texas at Arlington

Charles Henry Hardin (leadership development): Highest Overall: Washington in St. Louis (21); Highest Percentage: Bethany (68%); Recipients: Bethany, California-Los Angeles, California-Santa Barbara, Case Western Reserve, Connecticut, Denison, East Carolina, Florida International, Illinois, Iowa State, John Carroll, Kansas State, Kettering A, Kettering B, Minnesota, Missouri, Saint Louis, San Diego, Truman State, Wabash, Washington, Washington in Saint Louis and Wisconsin-Oshkosh

H.H Stephenson Jr. Award for Excellence in Historical Preservation and Research: Miami

Most Improved Chapter: Texas A&M-CC

North Dakota Award for Excellence in Chapter Publications: Colorado Mines

Pledge Education Award: Dayton

Recruitment Award: California-Los Angeles, Case Western Reserve, Kansas State, Nebraska, Virginia and Washington in St. Louis

Risk Management Award: Bethany, Case Western Reserve, George Washington, Iowa State, John Carroll, Kansas State, Kettering B, Loyola Marymount, Nebraska, San Diego, Texas A&M-CC, Texas at Arlington, Truman State, Virginia, Washington and Washington State

Virginia Tech Award (academics): Highest Overall GPA: Colulmbia (3.75); Most Improved: Florida International; Regional winners: British Columbia, Columbia, East Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Florida International, John Carroll, Kansas, Kettering B, Oklahoma State, San Diego, South Dakota and Toronto; First in Grades: Bethany, Cal Poly, Carnegie Mellon, Case Western Reserve, Clemson, Colgate, Connecticut, Dayton, Hampden-Sydney, Idaho, Iowa, Kettering A, Lawrence, Miami (Fla.), Missouri, Missouri-Kansas City, Oklahoma, Southern California, Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M-CC, Truman State, Virginia and Washington

Website Excellence Award: Washington

Whitman Choral Cup: Lawrence

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For more information, contact:

Garrett Hyer
Leadership Consultant
800-800-2382, ext. 247

Tragedy at Central Florida

Thomas C. Olver — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:48:39 +0000

Oxford, Ohio, July 27, 2009 — Trevor Shipley, Central Florida '10 passed away in a single-vehicle crash early Friday, July 24. He was 21.

Shipley, a psychology major, was known for the in-depth discussions he started among friends. He would get them talking about anything — religion, their futures, family and life. Shipley, the oldest of three children, was born in Portsmouth, Va., to a military family that moved around a lot.

He graduated from Tavares (Fla.) High School, where he was the homecoming king. He played football, basketball and, on a lark, took up tennis in his senior year. At UCF, Shipley raised money for Florida's Vision Quest, a charity that provides free eye exams and glasses to children in need.

According to police, the crash happened about 2:21 a.m. Friday near the Fox Run subdivision. The late-model Chevrolet SUV was traveling at a high speed when it left the roadway, struck the pole and burst into flames, police said.

Services for Brother Shipley will be held on Friday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m. in his hometown of Tavares, Florida, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 600 W Ianthe St., Tavares, FL 32778.

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Wooden Institute 2009

Alex S. Hammel — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:39:48 +0000

Oxford, Ohio, July 16, 2009 – The third installment of The John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle for 2009 concluded July 15. Three sessions of The Wooden Institute were offered with more than 250 undergraduates attending.

The Fraternity offers the intense five-day educational experience, designed to lead groups of 90 undergraduate Betas — identified as prospective leaders — through a program of fraternal values, leading with integrity, enhancing chapter motivation, team building, effective confrontation and service learning.

“Being a facilitator at The Wooden Institute was a true honor as a Greek life professional,” offered Session Two facilitator Jenny Levering, who serves as the Assistant Dean of Students at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. “The fact that the program was designed for Betas, by Betas made it a unique experience for teaching, learning and building men of principle.”

This was the Fraternity’s 11th year hosting the leadership development program since its inception in 1999. The endowed program is named after legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden and his wife, Nellie.

“It was great to be able to take John Wooden's winning principles and apply them to my colony in order to improve it, continue to help it grow and to help make Beta the best fraternity anyone has ever seen,” commented Grant Lewis, Southern Methodist ’10. “It was truly a pleasure to meet other Betas from all across North America and build friendships that will last a lifetime.”

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. The Fraternity, founded in 1839 at Miami University (Ohio), has more than 120,000 members including some 6,500 collegians on 120 campuses in the United States and Canada.

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For more information, contact:

Sue Kraft Fussell or Megan Vadnais
Co-directors of Leadership Development
800-800-2382, ext. 222 or 268

Secretary of the Navy, summer 2009

Thomas C. Olver — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:40:42 +0000

“These are important times for the Marine Corps and the Navy. Thousands of brave Marines and sailors are engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, while courageous thousands more carry out hazardous duties around the globe. These incredible, wonderful young Americans all volunteered to serve and are defending and representing the United States and all of us.” — Secretary of the Navy Raymond E. Mabus Jr., Mississippi ’69

On May 18, the United States Senate confirmed the appointment by President Barack Obama of Raymond Mabus Jr., Mississippi ’69, as secretary of the Navy.

The secretary of the Navy is responsible for conducting all the affairs of the Department of the Navy, including recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training and mobilizing. Leading the Navy and Marine Corps, Mabus will be responsible for an annual budget in excess of $150 billion and almost 900,000 people.

Additionally, he will oversee the construction, outfitting and repair of naval ships, equipment and facilities and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that are consistent with the national security policies and objectives established by the president and secretary of defense.

Prior to joining the administration of President Obama, Mabus served in a variety of top posts in government and the private sector. In 1988, he was elected governor of Mississippi where he stressed education and job creation. In 1994, he was appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia where, during his tenure, the Kingdom officially abandoned the boycott of U.S. businesses that trade with Israel.

Previously, Mabus was chairman and chief executive officer of Foamex, a large manufacturing company, and served as a Navy surface warfare officer aboard the cruiser USS Little Rock. Mabus was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy through the Naval ROTC program at Ole Miss.

He is a member of the RAND Center for Mid-East Public Policy and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Mabus has served as a distinguished lecturer on the Middle East at the University of Mississippi.

Mabus received a bachelors degree, suma cum laude, from the University of Mississippi, a Masters of Arts degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. He resides in Ridgeland, Miss., with his wife Lynne, and their three daughters.

State of the Fraternity, summer 2009

Thomas C. Olver — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:36:08 +0000

Beta’s Journey

In the book, Inter Fratres, a collection of messages by Dr. Seth R. Brooks, St. Lawrence ’22, there appears a story entitled The Rear View Mirror. This story resonated with me as we look beyond this anniversary year for the Men of Principle initiative. One of the lines reads, “Man is a person who in a figurative sense is dependent upon, if he is wise, a rear-view mirror.”

There is no doubt that our past, and the recognition of the importance of our past, has helped us re-energize and redirect our beloved fraternity. That story went on to say, “Looking in the rear-view mirror there is a past. The present moment does not appear out of nowhere. It is the latest moment in an unfolding process called the passage of time. The present stands upon all the foundations laid and the strata of history . . .” Our ritual provides that foundation and the journey we have been on this past decade helped us return to our roots.

But what’s on the road ahead? What will happen around the next curve of the road? That is the exciting part of our fraternity’s journey. We know we
will always end up on the road because we are using the past to chart our future destination.

This year has been incredibly eventful. Director of Expansion Phil Fernandez, Miami ’06, and the chapter operations team, drove three incredibly successful expansions for the Fraternity at Furman University, the University of Maryland and Southern Methodist University. This coming year we will see our return to St. Lawrence University and the University of South Carolina, and a new Beta home at Northeastern University.

Our chapters are blessed to have a chapter operations department with one mission in mind: to help the chapters and colonies they assist be the best that they can be, and to challenge the norm on their respective campuses. Beta Theta Pi does not, at least from what I can see talking to chapter presidents, believe in status quo.

It was incredibly disappointing to lose our chapters at South Florida, Penn State, Denver and Florida Atlantic. It is never easy to lose a chapter, but sometimes those decisions must be made. Beta Theta Pi continues to believe in and allow our chapters to practice self-governance. There are times when we, the General Fraternity, must correct the course of a chapter. Unless we do, that chapter will undoubtedly run off the road, and I feel very strongly that every chapter must be given every chance to succeed. There are times that chapters just cannot be steered from the edge and we have to make the decision to close the doors.

Our leadership programs continue to be incredibly successful with our predictions of shattering previous records by having close to 1,800 leadership participants for the year. Our alumni and Friends of Beta continue to assist us in innumerable ways through their advising to our chapters. We are blessed to have some of the finest volunteers in the fraternity world with our district chiefs, assistant district chiefs and regional directors. SCOE (Standard Chapter Operating Expectations) continues to provide valuable feedback on the health of our chapters.

Dr. Brooks stated, “The rear-view mirror enables one to look back into his heritage. One has ancestors.” Our ancestors are the men that came before us. They left us an incredible legacy. Do you want to help us continue this journey? Beta Theta Pi is filled with undergraduates, Friends of Beta and alumni, all who believe in this journey we are on.

The Men of Principle initiative has indeed served as a great road map. I can only envision that the next decade will be even better as we continue on our drive toward greatness. This journey would be much better with you, our alumni brothers, on board as advisors.

For the past two years, I have been privileged to serve as your general secretary. I look forward to my third year as we drive together to explore what is around the next curve. — General Secretary Charlie Warner, Lynchburg '87

Liberty and Justice, summer 2009

Alex S. Hammel — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:32:35 +0000

Rodney Brown, South Carolina ’87, had intentions of one day becoming a prominent doctor. He was accepted at the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate studies, where he pursued a degree in biology, and would then direct his attention to medical school. He was intelligent, charismatic and driven to help those less fortunate than himself.

He did not, however, envision that one day that he would have been staring overthrown Iraqi President Saddam Hussein dead in the eyes. Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by the Iraqi High Tribunal. Brown stood just a mere few feet away from the accused tyrant as he reacted negatively to the verdict and was forcibly escorted from the courtroom.

During his senior year, Brown made a radical career move and decided to go to law school. “I always had a passion for politics and government,” explained Brown. He worked for his father’s law book and bindery business, and then pursued a law degree at the University of Florida. Brown later became an assistant United States attorney (AUSA) in Jacksonville. He now works as a criminal AUSA where he investigates and prosecutes child exploitation and drug trafficking cases, and works closely with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

Brown was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom after responding to a request from the Department of Justice for prosecutors willing to spend six months in Baghdad assisting and advising the Iraqi High Tribunal in the investigation and prosecution of high ranking members of the former Iraqi regime. “I felt like this was my opportunity to serve my country and the cause of justice in a unique and meaningful way,” offered Brown. “I also wanted to witness and participate in what some would consider one of the most significant trials in history.”

Before leaving for Iraq, Brown read up on Saddam Hussein and the history of his regime in Iraq. He reviewed many of the legal filings, investigative reports and witness interviews, as well as speaking with American lawyers who had been working on the trials. He purchased Arabic language instruction audio lessons that he listened to around the clock for several months. Brown also received training in firearms, explosives, first aid, security and Iraqi history and culture, and for good reason. “Several of the lawyers working in the Dujail trial were assassinated in Baghdad, and the Iraqi High Tribunal was located in the middle of a war zone,” advised Brown. “Safety and security was a constant concern during the mission.”

Most of Brown’s time was spent advancing other pending investigations. He would locate, gather and transport documentary evidence, review witness interviews and forensic surveys involving mass graves, and travel to interview victims and witnesses both in Kurdistan (northern Iraq) and the Wassit province (south central Iraq). “I also participated in a number of hearings conducted by Iraqi investigative judges in which they interviewed other former regime members,” offered Brown. Throughout his stay, he traveled mainly by helicopter for security purposes.

Brown said that he and the U.S. were treated very well by their Iraqi partners, as if they were members of their own families. He shared that victims and witnesses he met with were thankful that he was helping them tell their stories in court, and that they could seek the justice they and their families had deserved. “The Iraqi people were warm and accommodating, and seemed eager to embrace the rule of law,” exclaimed Brown.

When asked what the most eye-opening experience was from this experience, Brown reflected back to a vivid memory. “I will never forget interviewing an elderly woman whose husband and four sons were taken away from their home and killed by the former regime. She showed me her scars from being shot that night as her family was dragged away,” remembered Brown. “That was a difficult moment for me.”

Brown met many heroes, both American and Iraqi and he saw firsthand the many contributions, service and sacrifice of the incredible men and woman of America’s military. He applauds those Iraqis who risked their lives to seek justice and for that he is very blessed and thankful. — A. Hammel

Rough Around the Edges, summer 2009

Alex S. Hammel — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:29:10 +0000

It is late April and the Case Western Reserve community is in an awkward transition from winter to spring. The shrubbery and barren trees appear confused as to whether to stay dormant or bring some much needed color and life to the streets of Cleveland. The dreary sky resembles that of a troubled Claude Monet painting, and parts of the city’s buildings are in dire need of attention. Cleveland has been one of the hardest hit cities during this economic recession. The area is desperate for hope and excitement to take over a complacency that is bleak and depressing, a request even Lebron and his Cavaliers did not fill alone.

This spring, the Lambda Kappa-Beta Chapter was awarded the North-American Interfraternity Conference’s prestigious Chapter of Distinction Award. The brothers are respectful and motivated individuals who are inspired to redefine the tarnished landscape of Cleveland.

“We are so grateful to have won the award and could not be more thrilled for not only our individual Chapter, but for the entire Fraternity,” said an enthusiastic president, Daniel Kaufman ’11. “However, we want this award to represent the possibilities that are on the horizon for the Cleveland area. Our Chapter is ready to serve the City and give back.”

The award is given each year to only a handful of the most outstanding chapters in all of North America, and includes every fraternity, not just Beta Theta Pi. The award’s purpose is to identify chapters that have had the most positive impact on its members and the surrounding community. Lambda Kappa-Beta was re-organized in the fall of 2004 and, at one point, had dwindled down to four members. In a short time, the Chapter had gone from nearly being closed down to sweeping the University’s 2009 IFC awards banquet, winning eight out of the nine major awards, including the prominent Pytte Cup.

For the past four years these brothers have diligently worked to enhance their chapter and build it to a solid 45 members. They have been rewarded for their academics and for scoring perfect on their Greek life standards score. The brothers are now turning their attention to creating a stronger, more unified brotherhood and serving the greater Cleveland community. Many compare the City to the status of the Chapter four years ago, struggling and on the brink of collapse. “It is our responsibility as a successful organization to help the Cleveland area during these difficult times,” Pledge Educator Joe Schroeder ’10 elaborated. “We need to pass on the spirit and dedication that helped bring our chapter back to prominence to the city of Cleveland.”

The brothers have begun brainstorming on what they can do throughout the summer that will not only build their brotherhood, but also assist the City. Members want to capitalize on their “chapter of distinction” status and use it in more ways than one. Projects such as City Cleanup, various walk-a-thons and partnerships with the Cleveland Indians are all being considered for potential activities the Chapter can partake in throughout the summer months. These events will either raise money for groups affiliated with Cleveland or consist of basic volunteer cleanups.

“Brothers understand that each individual is responsible for living out the obligation through his daily life, and the successes and failures of each member reflect on the entire group,” explained Schroeder. “We are striving for our principles to be mirrored in the community service work that we give to the great city of Cleveland.”

Although the Lambda Kappa-Beta Chapter has experienced much success within the past few months, they strongly reiterate the fact that there is still much work to be done, which will affect many people. They realize that while the City surrounding the Case Western Reserve campus is a little rough around the edges and in need of repair, they are humbly reminded that at one point, so were they. — A. Hammel

Everett P. Pope, 1919-2009

Thomas C. Olver — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:16:44 +0000

Oxford, Ohio, July 20, 2009 — Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Everett P. Pope, Bowdoin ’41, died Thursday, July 16, 2009, during the early morning hours of his 90th birthday.

Born in Milton, Mass., Pope excelled at Bowdoin, both academically and in athletics. Captain of the state champion Bowdoin tennis team, he graduated magna cum laudewith a degree in French and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Pope was the recipient of the Goodwin French Prize and a member of Beta Theta Pi.

Shortly after graduation — and just months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor — Pope joined the U.S. Marine Corps and began to distinguish himself as a tenacious and courageous leader.

He fought at Guadalcanal, New Britain and on Peleliu in the Pacific, and was awarded the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor — the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States armed services. Pope was one of six members of the Fraternity to be so honored.

Pope's Medal of Honor Award for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty" was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but presented after Roosevelt's death by President Harry S. Truman at a White House ceremony in June 1945. The award citation recounted the harrowing circumstances that faced Pope and his men:

“Subjected to pointblank cannon fire which caused heavy casualties and badly disorganized his company while assaulting a steep coral hill, Capt. Pope rallied his men and gallantly led them to the summit in the face of machinegun, mortar, and sniper fire. Forced by widespread hostile attack to deploy the remnants of his company thinly in order to hold the ground won, and with his machineguns out of order and insufficient water and ammunition, he remained on the exposed hill with 12 men and 1 wounded officer determined to hold through the night. Attacked continuously with grenades, machineguns, and rifles from 3 sides, he and his valiant men fiercely beat back or destroyed the enemy, resorting to hand-to-hand combat as the supply of ammunition dwindled, and still maintaining his lines with his 8 remaining riflemen when daylight brought more deadly fire and he was ordered to withdraw. His valiant leadership against devastating odds while protecting the units below from heavy Japanese attack reflects the highest credit upon Capt. Pope and the U.S. Naval Service.”

Following the war, Pope embarked on a career in business, serving for more than a quarter century as president and CEO of the Workmen's Co-operative Bank in Boston.

Pope never forgot about his alma mater. A member of the Alumni Council from 1955-59, he served for 27 years on the governing boards of the College, including as an overseer (1961-77), president of the board of overseers (1973-77), trustee (1977-88) and chair of the board of trustees (1984-87).

Pope and his wife Eleanor had two Beta sons, Laurence E. Pope '67 and Ralph H. Pope '69. Eleanor died January 22, 2009, just a month shy of the couple's 67th wedding anniversary.

A memorial service for Everett and Eleanor Pope will be held in the Bowdoin Chapel Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m. A reception in Moulton Union will immediately follow the service.

"Ev Pope was a modest and thoughtful man. He was also a man of principle, courage and bold action," said Bowdoin College President Barry Mills.

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For more information, contact:
Director of Communications Tom Olver
800-800-2382, ext. 235