History

The Founding of Theta Xi

The only college Fraternity founded during the civil war, Theta Xi’s roots can be traced to the RPI secret society, Sigma Delta.

Sigma Delta, although a popular campus organization, suffered from internal conflict. This became evident with the resignation of one of its most prominent members, George Brainerd. In an effort to heal the problem, the members decided to have a blackball vote on all members.

The voting led to the removal of all but eight members. Instead of continuing as Sigma Delta, these eight members chose to establish a completely new Fraternity: Theta Xi.

Theta Xi was founded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, on April 29, 1864. The new society decided that the chapter be called the "Alpha Chapter of Theta Xi", and each succeeding chapter should be named by the following letter of the Greek alphabet. Minutes of the original meeting, Constitution and Ritual have been preserved by the Fraternity to this day. Our tradition is truly continuous.

1864:

During the first forty years of its existence six chapters were established: Yale University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, Cornell University, and Lehigh University; all located within approximately 200 miles of Rensselaer.

1905:

It was not until 1905 that Theta Xi began its westward expansion with the chartering of the Theta Chapter at Purdue in February of that year, and Iota at Washington University a month later. During the next 10 years chapters were established in California, Texas, and Washington State.

1927: 

Theta Xi's Alpha Epsilon Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was established at 1535 R Street, Lincoln NE 68508. Our original chapter house still remains at the same historic location today in the heart of campus.

2020:

Theta Xi is one of North America's oldest social fraternities and the only such organization founded during the Civil War. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Theta Xi services Chapters and Colonies all over the United States.

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Recent Awards:

Brother Tyler Lecher, Alpha Epsilon 1542 (Nebraska) received the Barry Breen Award for Most Outstanding Undergraduate, in recognition of his service to his chapter and campus community.

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Holidays:

Emblem Day (Sept. 28th) and Founders' Day (April 29th)

Colors:

Azure Blue and Silver

Flower:

The Blue Iris

Motto:

Juncti Juvant (United They Serve)