Our Mission
Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building men of principle for a principled life. Our mission is founded on the development of men through the mutual assistance of the brotherhood, intellectual growth, trust, responsible conduct, integrity, and accountable friendship.
We believe that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our brotherhood is committed to cultivating leaders who will make a positive impact in their communities, professions, and the world.
Read Our Full Mission Statement
Our Core Values
The principles that guide our brotherhood and shape our character
Mutual Assistance
Brothers support each other through academic challenges, personal growth, and life's opportunities.
Intellectual Growth
We value education, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge in all its forms.
Trust
Trust forms the foundation of our brotherhood, creating lasting bonds and meaningful relationships.
Responsible Conduct
We hold ourselves accountable to high standards of behavior and ethical decision-making.
Integrity
We commit to honesty, authenticity, and doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
Accountable Friendship
True friendship means holding each other accountable and supporting growth.
Beta Delta - A Chapter Rich in History
While Beta Theta Pi was founded on the eighth day of the eighth month of 1839, Cornell University did not have a chapter until 1868. In that year, Alpha Sigma Chi joined with Beta Theta Pi, bringing with it chapters at Cornell, Rutgers, Stevens, Maine, and St. Lawrence.
The Castle on the Rock
Leaving our original west campus house, Beta Delta constructed the "Castle on the Rock" at 100 Ridgewood Road, sitting on an extensive property which straddles the border between Ithaca and Cayuga Heights. The house retains much of its original splendor and underwent a comprehensive, half-million-dollar renovation project in the early 1990s, nicknamed the "Castle Campaign."
One of the crowning achievements of that effort was the renovation of the Great Hall, bringing it back to its original splendor. The Castle retains remnants of our great fraternity within it - wood carvings of dragons and floor murals bearing our seal can still be found behind curtains or underneath carpets.
Notable Personalities
Leo Love
The fraternity's houseman and valet for almost three decades. At the one-hundredth anniversary of Beta at Cornell, he greeted every returning alumnus by name. He was initiated shortly thereafter as brother #1370. It is said that his ghost still haunts the halls of the Castle on the Rock.
Franklin Sawyer
Served as the fraternity's chef for nearly two decades and is honored with a plaque in the Great Hall for his dedicated service to the brotherhood.
Originally, brothers slept in open-air "dormers" on the third floor in a common room. The third floor didn't have heat in the sleeping dorms; open or cracked windows would let snow in, or frost would settle. The "quad lounge" on the top floor was a roofed porch as well, and was enclosed with windows around 1979 or 1980, thanks to Ernie Muro, who also did numerous other improvements.
In recent years, the Beta Delta chapter has continued to improve upon its property. 2007 saw renovations to the kitchen in the form of new equipment, as well as creation of a game room on the first floor. Fall of 2007 also brought a wave of renovations to the second-floor bedrooms, with each room having its own unique style representative of the unique brothers residing within.
Beta Delta has also seen its brotherhood grow in recent years. The chapter was honored at the 2007 national conference with the Virginia Tech award for academic achievements and the John Holt Duncan award for philanthropic activity. The chapter has also had success in working with Cornell University to offer several annual scholarships for first-year students.
"Every aspect of the Beta Delta chapter's existence represents the essence of the principles of Beta Theta Pi: lifelong friendship, cultivation of the intellect, responsible leadership, responsible social conduct, and commitment to community."
The chapter strives to uphold these principles and embody an ongoing mindset of improvement, so that not a day goes by when the brothers don't say, "Mighty glad to be a Beta."
Our Legacy Timeline
Key moments in our chapter's history
1839
Founded at Miami University
Beta Theta Pi was founded on August 8, 1839, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, making it one of the oldest fraternities in North America.
1868
Beta Delta Chapter Established
Our Beta Delta Chapter was chartered at Cornell University through the merger with Alpha Sigma Chi, beginning our proud tradition of brotherhood.
Early 1900s
The Castle on the Rock Built
Construction of our iconic chapter house at 100 Ridgewood Road, known as "The Castle on the Rock."
1990s
Castle Campaign Renovation
Comprehensive half-million-dollar renovation project restoring the Great Hall and modernizing the house.
2007
National Recognition
Honored at national conference with the Virginia Tech award for academics and John Holt Duncan award for philanthropy.
Today
Continuing Our Legacy
With over 150 years at Cornell, we continue to build men of principle while adapting to the needs of each new generation.