UNL Beta Theta Pi fraternity earns national award

The North-American Interfraternity Conference has honored Beta Theta Pi's Alpha Tau Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with the 2005 Undergraduate Chapter Award of Distinction. The award recognizes the overall leadership, scholarship and excellence in the advancement of fraternity ideals.

The Alpha Tau chapter at Nebraska was one of five fraternity chapters in the nation to win this award, based on academic and recruitment success and active alumni involvement. Some 55 fraternity chapters were nominated for the award.

"Alpha Tau has consistently been on the cutting edge, both as a chapter of Beta Theta Pi and as a member of the Nebraska greek community," said Matt Walczewski, senior education consultant for the Beta Theta Pi administrative office. "The men are deserving of being recognized with the award of distinction for the unwavering determination that they have shown during the past nine years and for the perseverance and vision that they continue to show today."

Alpha Tau was reorganized in 1996 as one of three pilot chapters for the fraternity's Men of Principle initiative, and since then, it has been recognized five times with the John Reily Knox award -- the fraternity's highest prize for overall chapter excellence.

Chapter president is Greg Walklin. Peter Smithhisler is vice president for media and community relations. Mike Wortman is chapter counselor.

CONTACT: Greg Walklin, Chapter President, Beta Theta Pi, (402) 525-8709