The Beta Theta Pi fraternity has begun accepting applications for the Men of Principle Scholarship, an annual scholarship for freshmen that is offered by the University’s Alpha Chi chapter every fall.
The purpose of the Men of Principle Scholarship is to honor the accomplishments of the incoming class of freshmen, and to encourage intellectual, social, and societally beneficial pursuits.
“We seek to recognize men who demonstrate devotion to academic achievement and a commitment to making both the university and community better places to live,” Beta’s web site dedicated to the scholarship reads. “Most importantly, we hope to identify men who desire to develop those skills that will help them become successful not only in college, but in their professional and personal lives as well.”
The scholarship actually consists of three monetary awards: one recipient will receive $250, and two other applicants will be awarded $125 each. These scholarships are limited to three incoming, non-Greek male freshmen.
According to Beta’s Scholarship Chairman Will DeGouveia, approximately 50 freshmen apply each year for the scholarship, and the three recipients are chosen after a thorough application and interview process.
“Each year, our applicant pool is increasingly more impressive and more diverse,” Beta’s Public Relations Chairman Hank Strmac wrote in an email to The News-Letter. “We hope to honor these young men who wish to develop the skills that will help them to be successful throughout their lives.”
Strmac explained that the name “Men of Principle Scholarship” comes from the fraternity’s mission statement: “Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to developing men of principle for a principled life.”
DeGouveia, who is tasked with overseeing the scholarship application and selection process, elaborated that he views a man of principle as someone who is steadfast in his beliefs.
“They just do their own thing because they think it’s the right thing to do,” DeGouveia said. “It’s just someone who is passionate about something and does everything they can to be good at that.”
Sophomore Putt Rochareon, last year’s recipient of the $250 scholarship and now a Beta brother, said that being recognized by a group of peers for the merits of his character was particularly rewarding.
“They respect you for what you did, and I think that’s a very good feeling to get approval from your friends,” Rochareon said. “You’re satisfied with what you’ve done so far. . .other people recognize and understand what you do.”
DeGouveia, who received the scholarship during his freshman year, said that it provided positive encouragement that can translate beyond the monetary benefits of the endowment.
“It’s kind of nice to know that maybe school might not be going well, maybe you’re stressed out, but. . .you have this positive attribute in the background to just give you motivation to keep going,” DeGouveia said.
DeGouveia said the application and selection process also introduced him to many new people.
“More than anything, it helped me meet a great group of guys that have really helped define my years here,” he said. “I remember after that, I just knew so many people, and it really helped me branch out and try new things I wouldn’t have tried.”
Like Rodchareon, DeGouveia went on to join the fraternity.
After an initial application round based on written applications, some applicants are called back for an interview with a group of three fraternity brothers.
“I was pretty involved in high school, but I think my interview is what won them over,” sophomore Larry Hou, one of last year’s recipients, said. “I just clicked with the people interviewing me.”
DeGouveia explained the purpose for the interviews in the process.
“We’re college kids, we’re two years older than you, three at most. We’re not here to grill you. The questions are designed for us to get to know you more than anything else,” DeGouveia said.
Sophomore Bryan Ricciardi, one of last year’s recipients, also advised applicants to put a great deal of thought into the written portion of the application.
“If you are going to write a response that lacks cohesion or a clear message, there is no point applying in the first place,” Ricciardi said.
“Be yourself. List anything interesting and don’t be afraid,” he added.
The 10 finalists for the 2013-2014 school year will be invited to a reception on Nov. 9, and the three recipients will be announced by mid-November.
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