Gamma Beta

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History

Gamma Beta was founded on December 6, 1939 on the California State University at San Jose campus, with a initial brotherhood of 39 brothers, making it the 74th chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. However, during the 1970s the Gamma Beta chapter suffered from declining membership, and was eventually removed as an active chapter.

On April 7th, 1984, Gamma Beta was rechartered with 26 members, including advisors.

Membership, however, declined again in the mid 90s, and in fact the chapter nearly died out for a few years, not having any pledge classes, and only one or two brothers. However, in 2000, the chapter began to start up having pledge classes.

Traditions

Gamma Beta currently has 7 different families, all named after elements of the Scout Law - Brave, Reverent, Trustworthy, Clean, Friendly....
Gamma Betans, as they can be called, wear dark colors (black preferred) to both their initiation and activation ceremonies.
Gamma Betans also sing the toast song without the "men of" lyrics, using "true to" instead. They also tend to not sing the refrains, or jump.

Interesting Facts

Gamma Beta's pledge and active requirements are quite a bit different from Iota Phi's -- members are only required to go to a single fellowship during the term (and in fact, far fewer are offered), but actives and pledges are asked to do 30 hours of service. It should be noted, however, that service hours are counted very differently at the chapter.
Unlike Iota Phi, the Pledge Parents (or Trainer and Educator, formally) are appointed and work under the Membership Vice President, a position that can only be held by one person, not two.
There are two SAAs, not three, and they do not run the business portion of the meeting.
Gamma Beta's pledge classes range between two and three dozen pledges at initiation, and, depending on the term (and how you count) can be the 2nd largest chapter in Section 4.

Visiting Gamma Beta

Be prepared for the toast song -- they sing it their own way, and finish by reciting the motto and forming the fraternity sign.
Active Meetings are traditionally held Sundays at 6:30 on the SJSU campus; pledge meetings are set at the beginning of every term.
Meetings can run long; even without business to discuss, active meetings often stretch well past two hours, and often three or more.
Check out Gamma Beta for events and news.
Gamma Beta built a barbecque pit and tables on the SJSU campus; unlike the APhiO Campgrounds, however, they're in the center of campus, not off in middle of nowhere.

Pledge Classes

Spring 2006: Ernie Manfedini
Fall 2005: Gerald A Schroeder
Spring 2005: Robert Peeks
Fall 2004: Togo West
Spring 2004: Dwayne Hearn
Fall 2002: V Ray Hancock
Spring 2003: Luzelle Advincula
Fall 2002: George Dacy
Spring 2002: Bob Barkhurst II
Fall 2001: Bob Barkhurst

External links

Alpha Phi Omega - Gamma Beta