“An Assisting Hand”
Our fraternity was founded on the principle of extending “An Assisting Hand” to all who seek it — among our brotherhood, in our community and around the world.
Theta Chi is one of the oldest men’s college fraternities in North America. Founded in 1856, Theta Chi currently has 143 active chapters and 7 colonies across the United States and Canada and has initiated over 180,000 members since its founding. Founded on the principle of friendship through the mutual assistance of every member, Theta Chi aims to provide its members with an enjoyable and fulfilling collegiate experience that also prepares them for rewarding, successful lives after graduation.
Our undergraduates are leaders on campus, in the classroom and on the field. We invite you to learn more about who we are and what we do. Membership is open to men of good character without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation or nationality. New members are expected to conduct themselves like gentlemen at all times, as well as be leaders and a positive force both on their campuses and in their communities.
Motto
Our motto is the greek words Θηρόποεα Χείρ, pronounced “Theroposa Cheir” which means “an Assisting Hand.”
Maxim
“Alma Mater First and Theta Chi for Alma Mater”
The Fraternity Maxim is used to emphasize our commitment to the missions of the institutions where Theta Chi is present. We believe that our members share a lifelong responsibility to be active participants in campus affairs and their local communities.
Creed
Frank Schrenk (Kappa/Pennsylvania 1915) wrote the Creed of Theta Chi. It is both an affirmation of the founding principles of Theta Chi and a mission statement for the Fraternity. The Creed is traditionally recited by members at chapter meetings, and is often discussed in new member education programs to teach the values and ideals of the Fraternity.
“I believe in Theta Chi, its traditions and its ideals. Born of sturdy manhood, nurtured by resolute men, ennobled by high and sacred purpose, it has taken its place among the educational institutions of America as a promoter of knowledge, an advancer of culture and a builder of character. It inspires true friendship: teaches truth, temperance and tolerance, extols virtue, exacts harmony, and extends a helping hand to all who seek it. I believe in the primacy of alma mater; in the usefulness of my fraternity, in its influence and its accomplishments and I shall do all in my power to perpetuate its ideals, thereby serving my God, my country and my fellow-man.”
Notable Alumni
- Steven Spielberg, filmmaker
- General John M. Shalikashvili, Former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander, Commander-in-Chief United States Military (Retired)
- Greg Nicotero, Executive Producer of The Walking Dead
- Sammy Kaye, Big Bandleader and Songwriter
- Lee Iacocca, Former Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Corporation; President of Ford Motor Company
- Al Saunders, NFL coach (Gamma Xi!)
- Ed Burke, 4-time Olympian (Gamma Xi!)
- Ross Greening and Harold Watson, two of the pilots who participated in the famous ‘Doolittle Raid’ in April 1942
- Rob Cordry, of the Daily Show
- Mike Greenberg, Co-host of ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning
- Sean McManus, President of CBS News and CBS Sports
- Edward T. Gibson, Former NASA Astronaut, spent 84 days aboard Skylab