On Saturday, Nov. 12, Theta Chi formally reinstalled Beta Iota Chapter at the University of Arizona. Forty-eight new brothers (including two alumnus initiates) will now continue the work of Beta Iota, which had been inactive since 1973.
National Historian William Palmer served as installing officer. Joining him were Past National President Mike Maloney, past Norwich Housing Corporation board member Jeff Anderson, former colony adviser Philip C. Thornton, and many other alumni and volunteers. Leadership and Education Consultant Ryan Walbridge and Executive Director Michael Mayer represented the International Headquarters staff.
"Theta Chi is proud to be represented by such an outstanding group of students at the University of Arizona," Executive Director Michael Mayer said.
"The Fraternity looks forward to many successes ahead for Beta Iota."
Beta Iota Chapter traces its roots back to 1912 with the formation of the Square and Compass, a local fraternity and the first organization of its kind to take root at Arizona. In 1922, the members affiliated with Delta Sigma Lambda, a small national fraternity, but returned to local status in 1936 after the parent organization disbanded. Efforts to affiliate with Theta Chi began in 1938 with the help of Square and Compass alumni and members of the Grand Chapter. Beta Iota Chapter was installed on May 17, 1941.
The most recent effort to restart the chapter began in 2009, when Philip Thornton (Gamma Theta/San Diego State 2005) arrived on campus to begin work on his MBA. Thornton, a former LEC, had expansion experience and agreed to serve Theta Chi as a Graduate Adviser. In this role, he helped recruit and train a new generation of Beta Iota members.
It has been an honor to work with these men as they realize their dream of reviving the Beta Iota Chapter at the University of Arizona, Thornton said, adding that with Beta Iotas return to campus, Theta Chi now has an active chapter at every public university in Arizona.
The University of Arizona was established in 1885 and is the states oldest university. Today, it has an undergraduate enrollment of more than 30,000 and a total enrollment of more than 38,000. Roughly 10 percent of the student population is Greek. UA is home to 18 NIC fraternities and 15 NPC organizations, as well as a number of NPHC and other multicultural organizations.
Want to help start or restart a chapter?
There may be an expansion opportunity near you. Visit our Expansion Section or e-mail expansion@thetachi.org for more information.