Gamma Theta History

Initiation and installing ceremonies for Gamma Theta Chapter took place on October 4th, 1924 in the Masonic Temple in Gainesville. Alex Sharp, Chairman of the Executive Committee, served as installing officer, assisted by Dr. William B. “Daddy” Ricks, at the time the Grand Praetor of the Sixth Province. 

 The Charter Members of the Gamma Theta Chapter were: 

Ralph C. Rhudy
Edward Grisdale Hume
John C. Wiig
Paul Francis Ucker
W. Logan Hill
O. K. Weatherwax
A. J. Geiger
Paul O. Wiig
Leonard E. Todd
Milton H. Wyatt
S. D. Roberts
Monroe Campbell Jr.
J. A. Bouvier, Jr.
James M. Johnson
Hugh M. Sutton Jr.

Sigma Chi’s first permanent home built at the University of Florida was at 1814 W. University Avenue, built by the fraternity in 1928 and occupied until April 18, 1964.

Ground was broken on the new house at 611 (or 8) Fraternity Drive on September 28, 1963, and work was actually begun on October 17, 1963. The first 26 men and the housemother moved in on October 2-3, 1964, just in time for Gamma Theta’s 40th anniversary.

Sigma Chi History

Sigma Chi International Fraternity is one of the largest social fraternities in North America. The fraternity has 236 active chapters across the United States and Canada and has initiated more than 355,000 members. The Fraternity was founded on June 28, 1855, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, by members who split from the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. 

Sigma Chi is based upon the ideals of Friendship, Justice and Learning. Sigma Chi Fraternity encourages its members to cultivate, maintain and achieve true friendship, equal justice for all and to realize the fulfillment of learning as a part of a member’s overall responsibilities. Sigma Chi Fraternity offers programs that foster leadership, build character, and promote positive relationship skills among its members. 

Through world-class leadership training, extensive mentoring programs, and a strong focus on academic achievement, Sigma Chi sets itself apart as the preeminent collegiate leadership development organization, challenging members to live by its core values and exemplify Character-in-Action™ in every aspect of their lives and the lives of others. 

Sigma Chi Foundation. The Best in the Greek-Letter World. 

The Sigma Chi Foundation was founded in 1939 and serves to fund the creation, development, and operations of leadership initiatives affecting our members. This includes support for the 2021 launch of Sigma Chi’s new Transformational Leader platform, which is a series of certificate programs delivered to every Sigma Chi undergraduate member administered by the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute (SCLI). The Sigma Chi Foundation provides more support to our members than any other Greek-letter organization (fraternity or sorority)—over 6.7 times more grant support on average when compared to other Greek-letter foundations over the past five years. And despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sigma Chi Foundation remains at the forefront providing value to our members across North America. 

Sigma Chi Horizons 

Horizons is a leadership development experience for qualified undergraduate Sigma Chis with at least one year remaining in college, and who wish to improve their understanding of leadership as it relates to personal development, group dynamics, and intentional efforts to make positive change in the world. The program is offered at no cost to the participants thanks to the generous support of the Sigma Chi Foundation and the Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation. The Horizons program is held in an ideal setting for outdoor adventure, interactive learning, and inspired reflection. Participants begin their experiences through a series of reflective and thought-provoking questions in the application process, continue learning through pre-session readings, and then immerse themselves in a valued learning experience that engages their minds and bodies onsite in Snowbird, Utah. Finally, participants continue their Horizons experience through post-session mentoring by alumni and follow-up electronic leadership lessons and guidance. 

For more information on Sigma Chi, please visit the Fraternity’s website at sigmachi.org