News

Zeta Omega Accepts 22 New Members Into the Brotherhood

2012-02-27T07:35:15Z

The Zeta Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi, dedicated to developing men of principle for a principled life, acquired a 22-man pledge class for the Spring 2012 semester after a grinding recruitment week. “Bid-Day” was hosted in the university’s UC forums on Tuesday, February 21.

After deliberating over 50 potential new members for over six hours on Sunday, the Zeta Omegas decided to extend bids to 29 gentlemen. The fraternity achieved a 76% bid-acceptance rate, grabbing nearly every potential new member they aimed to take into the chapter. This was the Zeta Omega chapter’s greatest percentage yield thus far since its USD inception in 2004.

“This chapter worked harder than I had ever expected to recruit the selected, valued young men,” said Recruitment Chair David Bittner. “The percentage yield reflects the dedicated efforts put forth this past week.”

The “Omicron” pledge class, the 14^th since the chapter’s foundation, is composed of 18 freshmen, 3 sophomores, and 1 junior.

“I am so stoked to be a part of this incredible pledge class,” said new member Matt Sirianni. “We are all dedicated to the same values and goals, which will greatly assist us in developing a cohesive group of young men under the name of Beta Theta Pi.”

Junior Duggan Clem, through his role as Pledge Educator, will lead the 8-week pledge process, striving to engrain Beta’s 5 core values of mutual assistance, intellectual growth, trust, responsible conduct, and integrity.

Beta Theta Pi Zeta Omega Spring Rush 2012

2012-02-27T07:25:23Z

The Zeta Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi, dedicated to developing men of principle for a principled life, is preparing for a much anticipated spring 2012 rush as they look to take roughly two dozen new members into the organization. “Rush” begins on Tuesday, February 14 and ends with “bid day” on Tuesday, February 21.

We are more than excited for this year’s rush, and we look forward to adding an exceptional new class of young gentlemen,” said chapter president, Chad Dunham.

The young men we are expecting are stellar individuals. We couldn’t be more excited for this year’s rush class made up of gentlemen, scholars, athletes, leaders…men from all walks of life,” said chapter recruitment chair, David Bittner.

Since the chapter’s foundation in 2004, Zeta Omega has initiated 194 active members. Those gentlemen have together created a respectable organization. In 2010 and 2011, the chapter was the recipient of the John Reily Knox Award, the highest honor given to a chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Most recently, ZO Beta was recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Conference with its Award of Distinction (2011), one of only four fraternity chapters across North America.

“I am continually impressed with this group of young men,” said United States Senator Richard Lugar (Denison ’54). “They are a shining example of living the great Beta principles and values. They certainly deserve the continued support of parents, friends, and area alumni. I look forward to hearing the next great success story from this rising star in the west!"

Beta Theta Pi wins Greek Man of the Year, Dean's Trophy

2011-11-06T18:52:15Z

On Wednesday, November 2nd, at the Order of Omega Greek Awards, the Zeta Omega chapter was awarded the Dean's trophy, which is given to a chapter based on academic excellence, selfless service, leadership, brotherhood, and high social standards. Additionally, Ryan Boufford, Chapter President, won Greek Man of the Year for his impact on the chapter and influence over the entire Greek community at the University. Zeta Omega is humbly proud of its accomplishments, which over the past year have included nine awards at 2011 Convention and the NIC Award of Distinction this past spring, among others. Our chapter would like to extend its congratulations to all the other award recipients. Go Beta!

Surf as One

2011-11-06T14:26:28Z

The Zeta Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi hosted the 3rd Annual Surf As One Competition on Saturday, October 8, raising over $2,000 for the Life Rolls On foundation. Team Laguna, which included Beta brother Alex Shusko, won the surfing competition. USD students, members of other greek chapters, and alumni came out to support the cause and enjoy the beautiful day at Mission Beach. Attendees enjoyed the surfing spectacle, free food, and raffles. The afternoon culminated with the fraternity brothers helping Patrick, a quadriplegic in LRO, surf through the waves.

We will announce the exact amount raised when we receive the totals.

172nd General Convention

2011-09-14T20:41:59Z

This summer in Seattle, at the 172nd General Convention of Beta Theta Pi, the Zeta Omega chapter continued to build on previous success. The Betas of the University of San Diego brought home their second consecutive Knox Award, the highest award issued by the General Fraternity, as well as their fifth Sisson Award, the second highest award. The chapter also earned its first ever Outstanding Pledge Education Award. The men of Zeta Omega received several other awards, but one of the proudest moments for Zeta Omega at convention was an award not given to the chapter or even a member of the chapter, but rather to a member of the USD Greek community. This year at the 172nd General Convention our very own Mandy Womack was named as the Greek Advisor of the Year for all of Beta Theta Pi. All of us at Zeta Omega are extremely proud and honored to have such an amazing individual as part of our advisory team and Greek community. Mandy has worked with countless members in the chapter and continues to play a vital role in the success of the Zeta Omega chapter and the USD Greek community as a whole.

While convention is a special time to be honored for hard work, brothers came home with much more than awards this summer. The Betas who made the journey to the Pacific Northwest spent quality time together exploring the beauty and excitement of Seattle. Highlights included Pike’s Place Market, the Space Needle, and a variety of local restaurants. All of the undergraduate Betas also took part in a leadership college where invaluable skills of recruitment, career building, and the history of Beta Theta Pi were learned and developed, just to name a few. Convention was certainly a great and exciting time for all who took part and should definitely be an item on the bucket lists of all Betas.

Beta Theta Pi Wins Coveted NIC Award

2011-08-29T05:40:05Z

The Zeta Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi at San Diego was awarded the 2011 NIC Award of Distinction! The NIC Award is perhaps the most prestigious award a North-American college fraternity can receive; it is considered the "Olympic gold medal" for fraternities, and ZO is one of four chapters this year to win the award. In addition to receiving this prestigious award, our very own Fred Myrtle was a finalist for the Undergraduate Award of Distinction! Congratulations Fred! ZO's Chapter President Ryan Boufford flew out with a number of ZO representatives to Washington, D.C. on April 9th to receive the award. This distinguished honor is a testament to our continued effort to uphold the principles and values of Beta Theta Pi.