Chapter III:

The 60's - A Decade of Change

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The 1960's began on the downswing for Beta Mu. Fall 1960 saw a chapter down to 5 initiates and 4 pledges. However, through working together the group was able to successfully rush 14 men in Spring 1961, thus more than doubling the size of the chapter. Over the next few years, the chapter continued to grow and excel scholastically, athletically, and socially. 

The summer of 1963 brought a sad note to the Brothers of Beta Mu. Brother Fred Donald was killed in a car accident near his home in Connecticut. All the brothers were saddened at the news. 

In the fall of 1964, the chapter moved into its new chapter room in the basement of Jefferson Davis Hall. The residence hall had just been finished and the chapter was happy with the new facilities. 

1966-1967 proved to be an eventful year for the chapter as it held its 25th Anniversary celebration in November. Many alumni came back to attend the gala. Also present was National Executive Secretary Francis "Pete" Wacker, who was the main speaker at the anniversary banquet. 

Spring quarter held even greater accomplishments for the men of Beta Mu. The Chapter was able to win Campus Sing for the first time in years. In winning the competition, the chapter sang "Born Free," in a special arrangement by Brother Ed Alton. The performance was highlighted by a solo from Brother Doug Hutcherson. 

Carnation Ball was expanded to a weekend of activities that Spring thanks to improved finances. In addition to the ball, activities included a picnic, an informal dance, and a reception. 

On the leadership side, the chapter had brothers elected to the Presidency of five campus organizations. They were: Chris Leyes, IFC and WTVC; Dough Hutcherson, Young Democrats; Perry Alexander, International Relations Club; and Bob Neske, Transy Theatre Association. 

In Spring 1968 another big event occurred within the chapter. The chapter was completely renovated. Brother Tom Fuller designed the project. Work was completed and the new chapter room was dedicated on April 28, 1968, by National President Russell T. Roebuck. 

Success continued for the chapter and by 1969 Beta Mu had grown to over 50 members, the highest membership ever up to that point. With their success on campus, the chapter began to branch outward with attempts to start chapters at Morehead State and the University of Kentucky. At Morehead, the chapter worked with a local fraternity that, in the end, declined to affiliate. Across town at UK, the chapter pledged 6 men and a colony was established. The UK colony quickly made its presence known by painting a 32 foot Patterson Office Tower. The UK group showed its appreciation to Beta Mu by presenting the chapter with a large paddle, symbolizing the chapter's effort to begin the colony. 

As the 60's ended, the chapter could look back on the decade as one in which the chapter once again fought adversity and grew to even greater heights in bother membership and campus success.

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