West Virginia Universitys Beta Psi chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity has been honored with its fourth Francis H. Sisson Award.

The announcement was made earlier this month during Beta Theta Pis national conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. Beta Psi was the only chapter in its districtand one of a handful nationallyto receive the award.

The Sisson Award is given to chapters that excel in 19 different areas, including scholarship, philanthropy, alumni affairs and public relations.

Its a benchmark thats hard to hit,said Bob Kent, the chapters faculty adviser, who also serves as a district chief.Were very proud of what theyve accomplished.

This is the first time in the chapters 105-year history that it has received the award three years in a row.

Members participate in the Mario Lemieux Cancer Foundation and host numerous charitable events in the Morgantown area, Kent noted.

Its not just a social club,he said.The men of Beta Psi have lived up to the fraternity motto: �€~Making good men better.

Beta Theta Pi was founded in 1839 at Miami ( Ohio) University. The fraternity has grown to more than 120,000 members worldwide.

Well-known WVU Betas have included Judge Charles H. Haden II, who passed away in March 2004, and former Ambassador Joseph S. Farlandboth of whom were inducted into the Universitys Academy of Distinguished Alumni.