We know that as the parent of a prospective member, you may be anxious, nervous, or concerned about what joining a fraternity may mean for you and your son. Some parents of Beta brothers talk about their experiences with Beta Theta Pi.

"My cell phone rang on a Sunday night. It was my son, Christopher, a freshman in his second semester, wondering what I thought of him joining a fraternity. When I heard that their philosophy was to build men of principle who were gentlemen, leaders, and scholars and that these young men would be the lifelong friends that I had encouraged my son to befriend in college, I gave my blessing for Chris to join. Little did I know at the time what a huge impact that blessing would have on Christopher's future connectedness to and contentment with his student life at John Carroll University. Joining has helped Christopher to truly reach his full potential. I am so pleased of the man my son is becoming as a direct result of his Beta affiliation.

Each of these young men is polite, engaging, articulate, intelligent, and confident, with a firm handshake, warm hug, steady gaze, and friendly smile. I am a very proud Beta mom! Some Sunday, when the call comes for your opinion and approval on Beta Theta Pi membership, please do not hesitate to be supportive. It will be the best support you give your son as doors begin to open for him."

- Beverly Shaheen
Mother of Christopher Shaheen '12

"Sending our oldest son off to college for the first time is without a doubt an anxious time for parents. You hope that he will adjust to the more difficult academic load, learn to juggle the many demands on his time, act wisely, and very importantly, make a home for himself with a strong group of friends. We've been very pleased with the choices Ben has made so far, and that most definitely includes joining the Betas. He is thoroughly enjoying the friendships, the support, and the sense of brotherhood. It has been beneficial to Ben to be part of a group that is sincere and caring in their attitudes toward each other, actively involved in volunteering, and thoughtful and responsible in the way the chapter runs the organization."

- Debbie & Sam Rossi
Parents of Ben Rossi '13

"I remember my son as a new freshman telling me how he is interested in joining a fraternity. My first instinct is, 'I think we are off to a bad start.' How wrong I was! My son has a group of the most amazing brothers! He instantly got a group of the best friends in the world. I have witnessed the brothers stand by each other and be there for each other. It is such a good feeling to know that my son has so many fellow brothers there for him at all times. So many doors on campus have been opened to my son and I credit part of it for being a Beta. I have never met a more polite group of young men. I love running into the Betas."

- Nancy Sloat
Mother of Greg Sloat '12

"Through Andrew's leadership positions with Beta over the years, we have watched him mature in ways that would not have been afforded him without the fraternity. The community service projects and the retreats that are part of being a Beta are life-changing. The Beta advisors are truly mentors and role models for our sons; I am so grateful that Andrew has been taken under their wings. They willingly impart knowledge and common sense advice to our sons. To the parents of any new members, I congratulate you on raising a son who chooses to become a Beta. I am so proud that Andrew has been a part of this legacy at JCU."

- Sandy Kolupski
Mother of Andrew Kolupski '10

"The choice your son makes in selecting friends is always a concern of parents. We could not be more pleased with the circle of friends Nick has found in Beta Theta Pi. Beta focuses on building gentleman, leaders and scholars. We have not only found that to be evident in Nick's fraternity brothers who have visited our home but also each time we visit the campus. Being a member of Beta has been a positive experience for Nick and for us."

- Dave & Patsy Skiviat
Parents of Nick Skiviat '12

"Beta has been a huge part of Bill's college experience. Beta has been such a positive influence in his life; the brothers are by far the most outstanding young men I have met, and we are proud that our son is now one of them. These young men are always respectful and go out of their way to make us welcome at all the events we have attended. Also, the influence of the older brothers has helped Bill strive to be a well-rounded student, not only excelling in his class work and grades, but being involved in other activities on campus and taking on leadership positions as well.

We have met and have been in the company of many Beta parents, and they are absolutely the most wonderful families we have had the pleasure of getting to know and now consider them friends. When you meet families like these you know the young men your son has as friends and brothers are just who you wished him to meet when he went away to college. What a blessing they are to us and to each other."

- Lisa Worms
Mother of Bill Worms '12

"When Andrew first mentioned that he would like to join/help start a fraternity on the JCU campus, I was a little apprehensive. All I could think of was that it would be similar to Animal House. Boy, was I wrong - way wrong! When he told me that one of the fraternity's goals was to have the highest GPA on campus, I knew that was a good sign. Andrew has met some of the nicest boys/men through Beta. Sandy and I have gotten to know many of them, and they are truly some of the finest young men we've encountered. I feel that they are a part of my extended family and they are all welcome in our home at any time. I know that Andrew will have these brothers for life and I hope I do, too."

- Dave Kolupski
Father of Andrew Kolupski '10

"Being a Beta was the best thing to happen to [my son] during his college experience. Beta Theta Pi inspired him to do his best in school, to be the best as a citizen, and to diligently serve others. As a parent, I saw a real change in my son. He was involved, positive, and driven. He has purpose. He found a brotherhood that shared his passion for service, commitment to community, and desire to make a difference. I am happy and proud that my son chose to be a Beta. They all are a class act and will be wonderful mentors and leaders one day."

- Patty Sheil
Mother of Brandon Sheil '10