Working Together in Montana
by Richard Thompson, Beta Delta '73

The past year has been very exciting at Beta Delta as alumni and undergraduate cooperation reached an all time high.  The undergrads remain strong and vibrant, but the chapter house at 1110 Gerald suffers from 90 years of wear and tear.  Fortunately, because the house is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the House Corporation was able to qualify as a charitable foundation for fundraising purposes.  Last fall, an aggressive capital campaign was kicked off to raise $350,000.  As of October 2000, $225,000 had been committed by over 200 alumni brothers.  We're on target to reach our goal as other brothers pledge with cash, stock, artwork and real estate.

A three year house renovation began last summer by starting extensive brick and mortar repairs plus installing a new tile floor on the front entry porch.  Still to come is repair of the distinctive clay tile roof, window replacement, wood trim repair, repainting, new furniture, landscape renovation and miscellaneous repairs too numerous to mention.

Also soon to be launched is a million dollar scholarship endowment for the benefit of the undergraduates.  Spring boarding from an academic endowment fund establish in the mid '80s with assistance from the Sigma Chi Foundation, the chapter will soon offer a powerful rushing incentive for brothers who maintain high grades and also live in the chapter house.  Beta Delta lost a good friend, brother and chapter advisor.  Dr. Ed Shaw accepted a position at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.  Ed has been a thoughtful and compassionate influence that will be greatly missed.

The chapter has launched it own website at www.betadelta-sigmachi.org  Among the features is a database of our 1200 brothers, fundraising and renovation news, chatroom, pictures of the House, and a current actives roster.  All alums are requested to send their current mailing and emailing addresses to Rich Thompson, PO Box 19605, Portland OR 97280 or to rich@regenesis.net