Theta Delta Chi
(Contextual Placement in the Archive) This fraternity represents one of the earliest examples of Greek-letter organizations at the University of Michigan. Its inclusion in this archive is not intended to interpret or evaluate the organization's internal culture or values. Instead, it serves as a historical reference point for understanding what fraternity life looked like prior to the creation of culturally-based and historically marginalized Greek organizations on campus.
The Gamma Deuteron Charge chapter of Theta Delta Chi was locally founded on December 13, 1889.
"Theta Delta Chi was founded at Union College in Schenectady, NY. A party of six men met one May evening in 1847, and having quietly among themselves discussed friendship as a power, formed our fraternity, the ties of which now extend throughout all countries and climates. These six men, all members of the class of 1849 at Union College, were Abel Beach, Theodore B. Brown, Andrew H. Green, William Hyslop, William G. Akin, and Samuel F. Wile. The founders appear to have intended nothing more than the organization of a literary society. When the project developed, the idea of forming a new secret fraternity was discussed. A committee consisting of Hyslop, Green, and Beach was entrusted with the task of proposing a name and formulating a constitution and insignia for the new society. To Abel Beach we are indebted for the Fraternity motto, and to Green for the wording of our ritual" (Theta Delta Chi International Fraternity, n.d.).
