Theta Chi, Gamma Xi, and San Jose State

Theta Chi (ΘΧ) is an international college fraternity for men. It was founded on April 10, 1856 as the Theta Chi Society, at Norwich University in Norwich, Vermont. Theta Chi was the first Greek Letter society at the university, and the 21st of the 64 North American Interfraternity Conference men’s fraternities. 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.
Fast Facts:

• Founded: April 10, 1856 at Norwich University
• Motto: “Assisting Hand” or “Extend the Helping Hand”
• Maxim: “Alma Mater First, and Theta Chi for Alma Mater”
• Colors: Military Red and White
• Initiates: 156,352 (as of July 1, 2005)
• Active Chapters: 131 current active chapters
• Famous Alumni: Famous alumni include filmmaker Steven Spielberg, automobile executive Lee Iacocca, NFL coach Al Saunders, 4-time Olympian Ed Burke, (both from San Jose State…) and Ross Greening and Harold Watson, two of the pilots who participated in the famous ‘Doolittle Raid’ in April 1942.

About Gamma Xi

The Gamma Xi chapter of Theta Chi was founded on May 15, 1948, and is the longest continuously active fraternity at San Jose State University. The chapter has initiated over 1,300 brothers. The chapter is located one block away from the university, on what used to and is once again becoming “Fraternity Row.”  The chapter has been at that location since the early 50s. The current house, which can house up to 50 members, was built in 1962 to better meet the needs of the growing fraternity.

About San Jose State

Theta Chi Gamma Xi is part of the Interfraternity Council of San Jose State Univeristy, a metropolitan university that is the oldest public institution of higher education in California. With 32,000 students and a solid reputation for athletics and academics, SJSU is considered by many to be the flagship of the California State University System. The university is conveniently located on over 150 acres on the edge of  San Jose’s vibrant downtown. San Jose is midway between San Francisco and the Monterey/Carmel area at the sunny southern end of San Francisco Bay, and is easily accessible from area freeways.