blank"Again, the Beta is distinguishable and distinguished from all other kinds of fraternity men whatsoever by just a little warmer and just a little stronger, just a little tenderer and more enduring fraternity feeling than any of them can attain to. For it was always so. I do not in the least know how it happened, nor why it persisted after it happened, but a long time ago there came into Beta Theta Pi a fraternity spirit that was, and is, and apparently will continue to be, unique. We know it, who are inside, and they see and record it who are outside the Beta pale. Whether young or old, in college or out, from the small school or the great university, we are conscious of a heritage of genuine fraternalism that has not been vouch safed in like measure -- I say it deliberately -- to any other of the great college fraternities. And we cannot doubt that in this, as in other respects, our 'future will copy fair our past, and that in the world of fifty years from now, as in that of years ago . . .
. . . as in that that lies around us today — the first mark of a Beta will be his Beta Spirit."

-Willis O. Robb, Ohio Wesleyan 1879

blankThe Zeta Epsilon chapter at Villanova University traces its roots to the local fraternity chapter of Lambda Tau Delta ("LTD"). LTD was founded by nine Villanova students on March 17, 1980 and was a fixture on campus until the brothers

The Loving Cup
gold cup
voted to affiliate with a national organization in the Spring of 1991. LTD was one of many strong local fraternities at Villanova throughout the early 1980's. As times changed, however, the brothers knew that there were certain issues that they could address more easily with the help of a national organization. In addition, many members wanted to experience more out of a fraternity than a local organization could provide.

blankAfter hearing presentations from several national fraternities, the chapter agreed to petition Beta Theta Pi. In August 1991, LTD President Peter Wimmer and Michael Greco represented the Villanova group at Beta Theta Pi's 152nd General Convention and asked the undergraduate delegates for colony status. After being recognized as a colony, the Villanova men began functioning as a Beta organization in the Fall 1991. Twenty-four men are noted as Founding Fathers of the chapter as they were initiated on January 18, 1992 on the roll book of their sponsor chapter, the University of Pennsylvania's Phi chapter:

skip intro image Peter Wimmer, David Albertelli, Gary Baris, John Brucato, Andrew Buonaguro, Royce Busey, Michael Dacey, Christian Donohue, Adam Fazio, Steven Ferri, Francis Gallagher, Robert Gertsen, Michael Greco, Matthew Hubbs, Douglas Looney, Michael Okenquist, Carlos Ortanez, James Reilly, Robert Ristow, Marc Rossi, Brian Shea, Michael Toscano, F. Michael Trotta, and Daniel Wantrobski.

blankAfter proving their strength and commitment to Beta Theta Pi for three years, the chapter received a charter from the General Fraternity. In August 1994, eight members of the colony represented the group at the 155th General Convention in Marco Island, Florida. The General Fraternity gave the newly established chapter the name Zeta Epsilon. The Zeta Epsilon chapter officially was founded on March 18, 1995, when representatives of the General Fraternity traveled to Villanova and presented the chapter with its charter, Loving Cup, roll book and ritual materials.
  Yours in ~Kai~,
Michael Okenquist
Villanova University '94

blankBeta Theta Pi is one of the most involved fraternities on campus. We participate in mixers with different sororities, we have a number of formals throughout the year, we participate in various campus activities ranging from Campus Ministry to ROTC, and we participate in different philanthropic events including our own Beta Rose and Great Rubber Ducky race which raises money for Cerebral Palsy. Our fraternity is diverse in personalities, talents, and backgrounds, with each person contributing to the strength of our fraternity.