Happy Founders Day, Brothers!
As your International President, I’m proud to celebrate the 169th Anniversary of our beloved Theta Chi.
The first entry in the minutes of the first meeting of the Theta Chi Society gets right to the point about where credit was due for its Founding: “The Theta Chi Society was the plan and idea of Frederick Norton Freeman. With the assistance of Arthur Chase, his plans were perfected and the society was organized at Norwich University on Thursday, April 10, 1856 at 9 o’clock p.m.”
Today, on behalf of the Grand Chapter of Theta Chi and the hundreds of thousands of Theta Chi initiates, I’d like to express my profound gratitude to Freeman and Chase for this fraternity – this gift – that they gave to all of us on that Thursday evening in 1856.
When I think back on my days as a collegiate brother in the Alpha Phi Chapter at the University of Alabama, of course I have great memories of social events, brotherhood, and lifelong friends. But I have also come to appreciate how – as a chapter member and chapter officer – I developed leadership skills, learned how to manage confrontation and conflict, and gained other interpersonal and professional skills. And these are skills that I use each and every day in my career and as your International President.
But while Founders Day is certainly a time to reflect on the rich history of our brotherhood and our individual experiences, it should also serve as an annual reminder of our obligation to sustain this Fraternity that has provided so much to each of us.
To that end, please consider offering your time and talent to Theta Chi, whether it’s supporting alumni events and organizations or providing guidance and mentorship to our collegiate chapters.
And beyond your time and talent, more immediately you can offer your treasure on this Founders Day through the Chapter Challenge which raises funds for the Theta Chi Foundation Chapter and its Excellence Fund. Just go to thetachi.org/give to make your tax-deductible gift, which will continue the Foundation Chapter’s impactful efforts that over the years have provided our collegians with millions of dollars in scholarships as well as leadership training that benefits them and their chapters. Your financial support is appreciated, and, more significantly, it is making a difference.
So again, Happy Founders Day. Thank you to Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase for their vision and perseverance. And thanks to each of you for your brotherhood and your support of our great Fraternity.
I believe we are up to the challenges ahead. I believe in Theta Chi!
Fraternally,
Toby Roth
International President
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