Dear Brothers and Friends of Theta Chi,

Today marks the 157th year of our founding in Norwich, Vermont. As I write to each of you regarding this significant day in the history of our beloved Fraternity... I pause to ask myself and through this writing to each of you a few simple but thought provoking questions; how will you spend today? Will it be a day like any other? Will you even consider the significance of this date throughout your day today? Will you take even a moment to contemplate how your life might be quite different... had two young cadets from Norwich University NOT met at the "Old South Barracks" at 9:00 p.m. on April 10, 1856, to formally commit to their dream of creating an ideal society.

What would I be missing in my life if I had not made a decision to be a part of Theta Chi Fraternity? For some perhaps the richness of their life would not be significantly altered... but for those of us who are receiving this letter the answers I'm confident would be quite different.

For many of you and including myself... there are few decisions we have made in our lives that were, or have been, or will be more impacting to our lives than the decision each of us made to become a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. In fact for you (and me) it has changed the course of our lives... that decision has influenced us in ways that are difficult to put into words and yet, it has made a significant impact on our actions, our relationships, and our view on life and our fellow man.

The opportunity that was given to us as a result of the actions of those two young men named Fredrick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase is immeasurable. The opportunity to share this experience for generations of young men who come after us is also immeasurable. So how will WE mark this day? I have two suggestions; First and foremost, I suggest each of us take a moment to reflect on this day's significance and its impact on our life... and that you reach out to a Theta Chi Brother... perhaps a brother whom you have not shared communication with in some time and simply call him or send him an e-mail and wish him a “Happy Founders Day.” That personal greeting will be enough and he will totally understand the purpose and significance of your contact. Don't wait do it now! Secondly, I suggest that you consider making a gift online to the Foundation of Theta Chi Fraternity by clicking on the below link so that future generations of Theta Chi’s may have the opportunity to reflect on this day just as you have done in this moment. Thank you Brothers for ALL you do for Theta Chi, America's BEST Fraternity!!!

Click here to make your Special Founders Day Gift today.

Happy Founders Day!!!

Warm fraternal regards,

Richard D. Elder

National President