Beta Heroes

“The mystical spirit of Wooglin is a tradition we revere as Betas, but divinely inspired courage is a treasure we share with humanity. May Wooglin always smile on us, and may our sojourn here bring Godspeed.” — D. Wayne Waddell, Georgia Tech 1956; author of the “Foreward” to Beta Heroes.


Second in the trilogy of new books about members of Beta Theta Pi who have distinguished themselves; Beta Heroes, the author noted, proved to be more challenging than Beta Statesmen.


For one, this volume is somewhat longer. Also, defining the criteria proved more complex. Who is to say, for example, that those honored for their courage in wartime with Bronze Stars or Air Medals shouldn’t be included? It’s not for the author to say; yet by including such honors, as so many went unreported, many recipients would have been overlooked.


Perhaps it is enough to note that the exclusive membership of the Fraternity has produced such an abundance of Men of Principle, albeit ordinary men who react in an extraordinary way when they are faced with a crisis.


Ultimately, each of them honored herein acted in such a way that we all admire because he took a stand, set things in motion or served his fellow or the greater good in an extraordinary way.


Thus it must also be true that so long as Beta Theta Pi produces Men of Principle, there will continue to be Beta heroes.