Theta Chi -- Iota Zeta -- Radford University

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Brief History of Theta Chi

Arthur Chase

Theta Chi Fraternity was founded on Thursday, April 10, 1856 at 9:00 pm on the campus of Norwich University in Norwich, Vermont by Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase, assisted by Egbert Phelps. Chase became the first president and Freeman was the first secretary. Phelps, who transferred to Union College and joined Chi Psi Fraternity, suggested the name of the organization and designed the first badge of Theta Chi, which is still in use today.

The first pledges were Edward Williston and Lorenzo Potter. Theta Chi was the first Greek Letter society to make its appearance at Norwich. It was preceded in 1853 by a secret society known as the "Regulators." This established the Alpha Chapter which later became inactive in 1960 when Norwich University abolished fraternities.

Frederick Norton Freeman

In March of 1866, the Old South Barracks, the founding place of Theta Chi Fraternity at Norwich University, was completely destroyed by fire. Norwich University was relocated to Northfield, Vermont. One year later, Frederick N. Freeman died in Newburgh, New York.

Since that time, Theta Chi Fraternity has swelled to more than 125,000 members and several hundred chapters throughout the country. It now consits of 166 active chapters across the United States as well as in Canada.

History of Theta Chi At Radford University

Fall 1999 - Initial interest in Theta Chi. Members currently involved were Jason Walters, Gio Verdecchia, Justin Patton, and Lewis Talley.

September 2, 1999 - Letter of Interest from Scott Thomas (Delta Kappa, Ball State), Director of Chapter Services at International Headquarters.

October 27, 1999 - First meeting called to order at 6:00pm. Men in attendance: Jason Walters, Justin Patton, Geo Verdecchia, Mark Tippett, Bjorn Gass, Lewis Talley, Stephen Yazdani, Lucas Barszcz, Corrie Frederick, Matt Gorsuch, Sean Anderson, and Chad Tucker. Executive positions for the group were voted on as well as a tentative constitution/code of conduct.

October 31, 1999 - Second meeting. Pledge Marshal appointed, new members voted on and accepted.

November 15, 1999 - Visit with Scott Thomas. Colonization process begins. First community service event: canned food drive.

Spring 2000 - Members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Interest group join Theta Chi interest Group. Membership grows to 27.

January 2000 - Colonization plans come together. Phil Rath (Delta Omega, Ripen) visits to discuss colonization requirements and set a tentative date.

February 28, 2000 - First visit from David Westall (Beta Zeta, Michigan State '73), Executive Director of Theta Chi Fraternity, spoke to 21 members about what we stand for and what lies ahead.

March 18, 2000 - 7:00pm Radford University Theta Chi Interest Group becomes a Colony of Theta Chi. 28 members went through the ceremony in the company of family members, friends, and faculty. Joe Wachs (Delta Kappa/Ball State '98) served as chaplain, Chance Cooper and Travis Pete (Beta Omicron/University of Cincinnatti) and Don Davis (Delta Rho/NC State) conducted parts of the ceremony.

Summer 2000 - First Brotherhood retreat at Stuart Evans' Providence Forge, VA

To find out more information about Theta Chi Fraternity email us @ thetachi@radford.edu or visit Theta Chi Fraternity International Headquarters

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