For 22 years, the Epsilon Iota (EI) Chapter of Beta Theta Pi thrived on the Chico State campus. During those years, over 525 initiated EI members participated in annual philanthropic events, held positions in the AS. Student Government, served as captains and standout athletes on Chico State’s sports teams, and raised the coveted IFC Greek Cup more than 10 times. These are just a few highlights—but as with any great story, it all began with a mission and a vision.

The journey started in early Spring 1985, when three ambitious young men—Michael Langley ‘87, Matt Vanfossen ‘88, and Rob Felner ‘88—came together to create what would become the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. To join their mission, these Founding Fathers selectively recruited upstanding Chico State students, all committed to establishing a nationally recognized fraternity. The group, calling themselves Nu Phi Beta (National Fraternity Bound) built the foundation over the next 6 months to select a reputable National Fraternity.  These men aligned with Beta Theta Pi and attended the 146th General Convention in Boca Raton, FL that summer to get approved by the Delegates. Forty-two men made up the Alpha Class in Fall 1985 and were initiated in November.  

Shortly thereafter, they secured their first house at 831 Rio Chico Way and quickly built a strong reputation that would mirror what is known as “Beta Spirit.” 

Over the next few years, these men hosted rush events, recruited & initiated exceptional pledges, organized socials and philanthropic activities, and—most importantly—established a culture and standard that would set them apart from other fraternities on campus. After two years of running under Nu Phi Beta the Charter was enacted and the Epsilon Iota Chapter was etched into Beta’s great history on November 14, 1987. 

Unlike many fraternities of their time, the Chico Betas, as they became known, conducted a “dry rush” to identify and retain men who embodied the chapter's core values. Their reputation was elevated by the support of sororities, faculty, alumni, and student leaders—so much so that “Betas” became synonymous with athletes, socialites, gentlemen, and leaders.

But the story wasn’t without its challenges. In the early 2000s, the chapter faced financial hardship, and the house at 488 E. 3rd Street—purchased in 1989 and a historical landmark known as the Enloe Mansion—had become nearly uninhabitable. While some alumni were aware of the issues, the reality was far worse than expected. Many members refused to live in the house due to the conditions, and those who did often failed to make mortgage payments.

In 2007, the chapter’s successful run came to a halt after a hazing incident. The house was already on shaky ground with good reason, but more importantly, Chico State had grown increasingly wary and critical of the unruly Greek system. The Chico Betas were not immune. Following the hazing incident, the University, EI alumni, and the General Fraternity agreed on a minimum five-year suspension from campus. The active members were devastated, but the alumni embraced the challenge and partnered with the General Fraternity to pave a path forward—one that would include tighter guardrails and financial oversight to ensure a sustainable future for EI.

As the chapter folded, it was revealed that the house was just 60 days from foreclosure, despite having a strong equity position. With no available funds, dozens of alumni members, led by Jamie Pardi ‘96 launched a quick, no-strings-attached fundraising campaign to reach their goal of $13,000 in a matter of weeks. These funds helped bring the mortgage up to date and prepare the property for sale. Over the following six months, a team of alumni—including accountants, attorneys, and real estate professionals—successfully sold the home and returned capital to the original 1989 investors, who were primarily parents of active members. The Chico Beta Alumni Association smartly invested the remaining funds to keep the alumni together and, more importantly, revive the chapter years later with capital.

From 2009 to 2024, despite the absence of an active chapter or house in Chico, the EI Alumni Board—comprised of John Martin ‘88, Perry Clifton ‘89, Mike Flores ‘90, Alan Maxwell ‘95, and Jamie Pardi ‘96—continued to meet three to four times per year, in person or virtually, to maintain alumni engagement. They hosted events across various cities and awarded over $70,000 in scholarships to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Sacramento, honoring Bobby Dean ‘88, of ever-honored memory, and the children of EI alumnus pursuing college or trade school.

With hundreds of successful alumni rallying behind the re-establishment efforts, we now look forward to the next chapter in our great Chapter’s history. To our future members—we promise to be present, supportive & engaged and together with the General Fraternity, the Chico Betas are back to once again reclaim their position as a leader on campus now and well into the future. 

Go Beta!