Lifelong Supporter of Students

Dr. Fred H. Tilock ’54 made a lasting impact on Bethany College through his deep dedication to both his alma mater and his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. A biology major and active campus leader, Tilock proudly followed in the footsteps of his father, Walter Tilock ’18, and grandfather Herbert, continuing a proud Bethany tradition. During his time at Bethany, he earned multiple honors, including the prestigious B.R. Weimer Beta Beta Beta Award in Biology, and was involved in several student organizations as a member of the German club and the chemistry club, in addition to serving as a biology lab assistant.

After graduating, Tilock earned his medical degree from Temple University and served as a pathologist in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years. He later continued his work in California, where he also taught at UC San Diego and supported Beta chapters across the region as a trusted advisor and national leader.

“I first met Fred while living in California,” said S. Dean Lesiak ’74, a Bethany Beta and current Board of Trustees member. “He was helping with Beta as always, working as advisor to the troubled chapter at Loyola Marymount. He recruited me as local support to help keep the Eta Alpha Chapter thriving.”

Through his estate, Tilock provided a transformational gift: roughly $2 million to Bethany’s General Endowment and $1 million to the Psi Chapter Charitable Foundation. These funds support scholarships for children and grandchildren of Beta Theta Pi alumni—and for current Beta members—who attend Bethany College. Recipients must demonstrate both financial need and strong academic performance.

Students like Davey Timko, Sonny Peluchette, and Halle Jacks (granddaughter of Beta Brother J.U. Davis ’56) are among those benefiting from his generosity. 

In 2010, Bethany honored his memory with the dedication of the Dr. Fred Tilock Amphitheatre. As then-President Dr. Scott Miller said, “this beautiful facility, a meeting place where on so many occasions we celebrate both Bethany’s foundation and future, will serve as a lasting testament to that dedication and faithfulness by honoring the memory of Beta brother Fred Tilock, one who embodied such qualities throughout his life.”

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of “Bethany Today Magazine.” Explore the full issue for more stories that celebrate the Bethany community.