Meet some of our brothers

Jamie Hylands - President

I transferred to UBC as a second year Civil Engineering major. Although I grew up playing hockey and was interested in the fraternity lifestyle, I assumed I would not have enough time to be in a fraternity. In early September 2024, one of my hometown hockey friends brought me around Beta Theta Pi. I was introduced to the brothers, toured the house, and showed hospitality. That one visit turned into a second, which was followed by attending a rush event, and in 3 short weeks, I went from worrying about time commitment to making time so I could join. At Formal Rush, I gave a speech to convince all the other rushees to join Beta Theta Pi with me. I did not know that Beta Theta Pi would become the reason I enjoy my university career so much.

Beta Theta Pi offers a unique experience to each member regardless of their preferences. I have realized the more I give to Beta Theta Pi, the more it gives back to me. I was given the opportunity to create strong bonds with my brothers, meet new friends from other Greek organizations, apply myself in multiple leadership roles, attend leadership programs with 138 other North American Beta Theta Pi chapters, and meet generations of men who share the same values as me.

If you are unsure of your interests or want to try new things, Beta Theta Pi is the place for you. There are many rewarding positions that can grow your skills. Each year Beta Theta Pi hosts a philanthropic hockey game called Drop the Puck where the Brothers raise money and play in a friendly yet competitive hockey game against Phi Delta Theta. In 7 years, we have raised over $200,000 in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. We also partake in intramural sports at all levels, and have brotherhood bonding events, out-of-town retreats, study nights, and the perfect place to unwind between classes. Beta Theta Pi isn't a fraternity for just four years of undergrad--it's for life. The experience continues afterwards through alumni networking opportunities and supporting the men of the future. Beta Theta Pi enables you to meet likewise men who strive to become better and to embody our motto: "making good men better". Show me yourself and I'll show you your brothers.

Sincerely,

Jamie Hylands

President 2026

Mario Trandafirescu - vice president of Recruitment

Mario Trandafirescu was born in Montreal and grew up in Romania before moving to Vancouver in 2024 to start his first year at UBC. Coming to Canada, Mario had no background in Greek life and did not even know what a fraternity was before being invited to spend time around the Beta house. Like many first years, he was simply looking to meet people and find a sense of community.

Mario is a second-year Psychology student who attended a bilingual high school in Romania, graduating with a 9.5 out of 10 average, equivalent to a 4.0 GPA. He rushed Beta during his first year and quickly realized how valuable it was to have a strong support system early on in university. He plans to pursue a masters degree after completing his undergraduate studies. Basketball has always been a huge part of Mario's life. He played at a national level in Romania and found basketball to be one of the easiest ways to connect with people when he arrived at UBC. Through daily runs and pickup games, Mario built close friendships within the chapter and went on to captain Beta's intramural basketball team.

Mario currently serves as House Manager and has also held the role of Rush Chair twice, helping guide new members through the same process he experienced in first year. His path to Beta began through basketball and meeting David Park, who later became his fraternity big brother. What keeps Mario involved are the values of Unsullied Friendship and Unfaltering Fidelity, which he believes are genuinely reflected in the chapter. For Mario, Beta is about building real friendships early, pushing each other to be better, and making the most of the university experience from day one.

Isaac Zed - vice President external Relations

Isaac is from Delta, BC but spent his early years living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He played AAA Zone hockey as well as 2 years of Junior "A" hockey. In his first year of Junior he won defenceman of the year as a rookie and in his second season was named assistant captain. Other than hockey Isaac was also a provincial champion in swimming.

Academically, Isaac attended South Delta Secondary School where he achieved principal's list all 4 years and won a district authority scholarship for athletics, and was recognized as a top 8000 student in the province. Additionally, he graduated with a double dogwood degree, meaning he graduated in both English and French. Isaac came into the Sauder School of Business straight out of high school, and never considered joining a frat. Isaac met Beta during the last month of his first year and got along well with the guys and enjoyed spending time at the house.

Coming into second year Isaac decided to rush and found that the Brothers of Beta had genuine camaraderie and provided lots of learning, and character growth opportunities making it an easy decision for him. Outside of school, during the summers Isaac works full-time for BC Ferries at the largest ferry terminal in North America.