Academics and Cultivation of the Intellect
The Alpha Alpha chapter carries a long tradition of academic excellence. We have boasted the highest cumulative GPA out of any fraternity on campus for several years. We are also recognized annually with the Virginia Tech Award for Academic Excellence for maintaining the highest cumulative GPA among all 131 Beta Theta Pi chapters and colonies in North America. Our house has been known as a hub for scholarly events, most notably through our Symposium events. Symposiums consist of a brother or an expert in a particular field of study giving a lecture on a topic of his or her choosing followed by Q & A and light refreshments. Most of our Symposiums are open to the entire Columbia University population in order to benefit the community at large as well as the Brotherhood. In the past, Symposium topics have dealt with astrophysics, education, military warfare ethics, Brazilian and Malagasy culture, quantum mechanics, and important historical events.
Social Life
One of the key ways brothers of Beta Theta Pi experience a well-rounded college experience is through a rich social life centered on fulfilling interactions with others. Since the brotherhood is so diverse, the social calendar is full of many different events such as mixers with sororities, cookouts, theme parties, and formals. The largest social event that the Alpha Alpha chapter organizes is its annual Beta Jam concert which gives campus and local musicians the opportunity to perform for a packed crowd of college students. While open events are entertaining and fruitful, our resources are usually dedicated to toward brother-only activities that are reflective of the interests of the brotherhood. These brother-only activities help build unity, mutual assistance, and trust among the brotherhood. These brotherhood activities have included mini-golf, camping, dinners, and various shows around New York City.
Philanthropy and Service
Serving one's community is an integral part of Beta Theta Pi's philosophy. The importance of philanthropy and service is instilled in members right when they join. The brotherhood annually partners with Columbia Community Outreach to work on a volunteer project in New York City. The Alpha Alpha chapter has also organizes several other service activities throughout the city such as feeding the poor at local community food kitchens, packing Thanksgiving meals at New York Common Pantry, and cleaning up Pelham Bay Park. We also open up our house to several campus organizations every year in order for them to hold fundraisers for worthy causes. Our brothers are also very involved in their own philanthropic endeavors. We have had brothers involved with tutoring underserved high school students with the Double Discovery Center, building a soccer field in Uganda, and volunteering medical services to children in Costa Rica.
