But, look at this...
Penn State alumnus Donald G. Abbey has raised to $3.5 million his commitment to fund the restoration of the Beta Theta Pi chapter house on Penn State's University Park campus.
Last year, Abbey, a Beta brother, gave $1.2 million for what he called "a complete roof-to-cellar makeover" of the house, home to the University's second-oldest fraternity. The gift also represented a cornerstone in Penn State's Greek Pride: A Return to Glory initiative, an effort to enlist stakeholders in a comprehensive process intended to enrich the Greek experience for Penn State students by strengthening the relationships between fraternities and sororities, their alumni and national organizations, the University and the community.
"Don's additional commitment to Beta Theta Pi will serve as the model at Penn State as we work together to provide an enhanced experience and build a stronger and healthier Greek community," said University Vice President for Student Affairs Vicky Triponey. "The restored Beta house will not only be a beautiful home for its brothers, but also a symbol of the intrinsic values of all Greek organizations, including scholarship, leadership and service. We're pleased to see strong re-engagement by alumni from several fraternities and sororities as part of the Greek Pride Initiative."
Penn State boasts one of the largest Greek systems among universities nationwide, with more than 85 registered chapters and 4,000 collegiate members each academic year. About 1,600 members have passed through the Beta ranks since the fraternity was founded at Penn State in 1888.
Donald G. Abbey is chairman and CEO of the Abbey Company, a real estate investment and management company based in Long Beach, Calif. He said he increased his commitment in order to complete a restoration of the house to its original condition, with updated enhancements and a strengthened infrastructure.
