After becoming a colony in the spring of 2014, the Kappa Beta chapter worked hard to successfully charter in one year, overcoming a few minor obstacles and developing as leaders throughout this short, but intense journey.
The banquet was held at the Bloomington Double Tree by Hilton with many families, university professionals and national representatives present. Member’s dates ranged anywhere from girlfriends to the moms of current active brothers. Notable speakers at the event were Installation Officer Eric Almquist, Alpha Omicron (Iowa State), and Assistant Installation Officer Walter Wahlfeldt, Upsilon (Illinois). Eric Almquist delivered the keynote for the evening cracking a few jokes here and there at our newly initiated brothers as well as challenging each of them to “learn, grow, find new brothers, and be prepared to take the mantle of leadership.” The chartering weekend also included the assistance of the Epsilon Mu (Bradley) chapter of Pi Kappa Phi who supplied two initiation teams for Friday evening’s initiation.
Nicholas Birlingmair, Kappa Beta chartering archon, took to the podium at the chartering banquet to not only thank and congratulate his brothers but also their chapter advisor, Lee Anne Hale, who played a key role in helping get these men to become a chartered chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. The evening was then capped off with the men of the newly chartered Kappa Beta chapter surrounding Lee Anne and singing the Rose Song before presenting each of the women in attendance with a red rose to take home.
The Kappa Beta Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is ready to take the next step in its journey with Pi Kappa Phi and will continue to provide its men uncommon opportunities while helping to develop exceptional leaders.