Theta Chi installed at MU

Theta Chi International chartered the Iota Mu chapter at MU last weekend.

By Megan Stroup

Published April 30, 2009

Theta Chi fraternity held its installation ceremony last weekend to symbolize the transition from colony to chapter at MU.

On Friday, Theta Chi members were presented with their Ritual, a confidential publication that contains the initiation and other ceremonies shared by all Theta Chi chapters, chapter President Dan Henry said.

Saturday morning, the new chapter received its charter from Theta Chi International along with their chapter name, Iota Mu.

There was a celebratory banquet for the fraternity brothers and their guests later Saturday evening. Individual awards were presented to select Iota Mu brothers and various alumni spoke at the event.

Mel George, president emeritus of the UM system, was one Theta Chi alumnus who attended the installation. George graduated from Northwestern University in 1956.

"You can't imagine how proud I am of all of you and how much I appreciate your making my dream of a terrific Theta Chi chapter at Mizzou come true," George said at the ceremony.

Theta Chi spokesman Daniel Vazquez said some active fraternity brothers from Missouri State and the University of Central Missouri also came to show their support.

The Iota Mu chapter was installed with 48 brothers, and Henry said there are plans to initiate two new men today.

Since being recognized as an associate member of the Interfraternity Council in February, Theta Chi has been eligible to participate in IFC events. Although they cannot vote at the presidents' council meetings yet, Henry has been attending the monthly meetings to represent his chapter.

"The council is comprised of the best and brightest guys in the Greek community," Henry said. "I am honored to be given the privilege to learn from their experiences."

Vazquez said although Theta Chi will not be participating in Homecoming this fall, they plan on being involved in Greek Week next spring.

Henry explained Theta Chi does not have the finances to participate in the 2009 Homecoming and they do not want to be a burden to the other chapters they would be paired with.

"Right now we are just trying to get our feet wet and become more involved in the Greek community," Vazquez said.

IFC will vote on making Theta Chi a full member at the end of the 2009 spring semester.