CARMEL, IN – Theta Chi Fraternity is proud to announce Gamma Rho Chapter at Florida State University as the recipient of the 2024/2025 USO Fundraising Award and Eta Kappa Chapter at James Madison University as the recipient of the 2024/2025 USO Service Award. Both chapters were recognized during sessions of 2025’s Initiative Academy.
In 2013, Theta Chi Fraternity embarked on a philanthropic partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO). Since 1941, the USO’s mission has been to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service. Theta Chi is proud to support this mission and, since launching our partnership, brothers, alumni, and friends of the Fraternity have collectively raised $1.39 Million in support of the USO!
To engage chapters across the country, Theta Chi introduced Operation Military Red in 2015—a friendly annual competition measuring the total dollars raised and volunteer hours served for the USO.
Two awards were created to recognize exceptional contributions:
• The USO Fundraising Award honors the chapter that raises the most money during the academic year.
• The USO Service Award recognizes the chapter that commits the highest number of volunteer hours in support of the USO.
This year, Gamma Rho/Florida State raised an impressive $32,774 through their two-week G.I. Theta Chi philanthropy campaign, which included a Dream Girl GoFundMe challenge and a “sleep out” on campus to raise awareness for military support.
Meanwhile, Eta Kappa/James Madison demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, logging 2,500 volunteer hours over a two-week span. Their efforts included organizing USO awareness events at local restaurants, with brothers rotating shifts to engage their campus and local community.
Collectively, Theta Chi chapters and colonies raised more than $171,989.19 and contributed over 10,527 volunteer hours to the USO during the 2024/2025 academic year! We remain proud of the ongoing efforts of our members and look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.
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About Theta Chi: Founded in 1856, Theta Chi Fraternity is a men’s collegiate fraternity with more than 200,000 initiated members and has established 246 chapters. Theta Chi’s mission is to develop college-age men into successful students, good citizens, lifelong brothers, and resolute leaders.