News
ALUMNI NEWS AND UPDATES
Scott Mackler 5K
The annual Scott Mackler MD PhD 5K run/walk will take place at Temple Beth El in Newark, Delaware, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. The event was created by Harvey Mackler, Beta Pi ’72, and the Mackler family, to honor the legacy of Scott Mackler, Beta Pi ’77. All donations received are for the benefit of the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia (ALS Philadelphia). The Scott A. Mackler, MD, PhD, Assistive Technology Program provides people suffering ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) the ability to access technology devices and services that are not covered by health insurance policies. Additionally, the program ensures that assistive technology services are an integral part of clinics and centers certified by the ALS Association.
This “Race against ALS” is now in its’ 23rd year. Scott’s sons, Alexander and Noah, have enthusiastically and successfully assumed management of the event. Over the years, nearly $3,000,000 has been raised by the Mackler 5K. Harvey and Scott’s sons ensure that every dollar raised is given to ALS Philadelphia.
Please find it in your heart to donate your time and/or monetary donation to ensure the continued success of this event. Donations can be made to ALS Philadelphia at www.ScottMackler5k.com as part of team Pi Kappa Alpha.
Penn Constructs the Vagelos Building
A new building to house the Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology is being erected at 3200 Walnut Street on Penn’s campus at an estimated cost of $173 million. The building will be named for P. Roy Vagelos, Beta Pi ’48.
The Vagelos family has donated a total of $70 million toward the construction of this building that is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2024. The Vagelos family initially donated $50 million. At that time, it was the largest donation in Penn’s history directed for the benefit of the School of Arts and Science. They later donated an additional $20 million.
Since his graduation from Penn, Mr. Vagelos has assumed a considerable interest in Penn’s affairs. He served as Chairman of Penn’s Board of Trustees from 1995 to 1999. Outside his involvement with Penn, he is the retired chairman and chief executive of the pharmaceutical giant Merck and Co.
Paul Zaentz to Produce Wildchilds Television Series
Following an overwhelmingly successful book-signing event for the novel Wildchilds, on August 27, 2023, at Barnes and Noble in Walnut Creek, California, Paul Zaentz, Beta Pi ’69, has announced he is currently in talks with French production companies to finance the television series of Wildchilds. The book is authored by Paul’s partner, Eugenia Melian, who spent over 30 years in the fashion industry as a model and photographers’ agent. Eugenia was the first agent to discover and champion Gisele Bundchen and David LaChapelle in Paris.
Sales of the book, a love story that exposes both the positive and negative aspects of the modeling industry, have been so strong that Eugenia was interviewed on San Francisco tv station KRON 4 for their show Live in the Bay.
Eugenia’s book can be purchased on Amazon. In the future, look for the television/cable production of Wildchilds. Notice will be provided in a Beta Pi eLetter where and when the television series version will be aired.
Shield & Diamond Magazine Revised
Over the spring and summer of 2023, Pi Kappa Alpha Inter/National has taken the opportunity to revamp Shield and Diamond magazine. Unfortunately, the Spring and Summer issues of the magazine were not published. The Fall 2023 issue marks the return of this well-read publication.
Beta Pi can take pride that the first thing you will see, upon opening the new and improved Shield and Diamond, on the inside front cover, is a full-page group photo of Beta Pi’s 2023 graduation class posing on the steps of the Quad. Congratulations and best wishes for success to all our new Beta Pi alumni.
Founders Day 2024 Date is Set
The Beta Pi Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Founders Day 2024 is set for March 23, 2024. Once again, the occasion will be celebrated at the University Sheraton Hotel. The alumni association meeting and the meeting of the Alpha Phi Delta Housing Corp. will be scheduled at the Sheraton prior to the dinner.
Further information regarding times, costs to attend the dinner, and guest room rates at the Sheraton, will follow in our monthly eLetters.
Penn Homecoming 2023
University of Pennsylvania Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 1:00pm, at Franklin Field, against Cornell University. Penn’s record for the first four games is three wins and one loss. The only loss was to Dartmouth in overtime.
Seats are available if you wish to attend. Unable to appear in person? The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.