On Aug. 27, 2011, Theta Chi welcomed its newest colony at Florida International University in Miami, FL. Twenty-nine new members formally pledged to Theta Chi at the Scala Ballroom in the Renaissance at the Gables in Miami. The colony’s total membership has grown to 33 as of press time.
National Treasurer Terry Johnson served as the installing officer and was joined by members of the Colony Advisory Board: Jon Fernandez (Tau/Florida 2008), Dr. Tony Lake (Epsilon Upsilon/Central Michigan 1995), Veronica Read (Zeta Tau Alpha/ South Florida 2008) and Dr. David Finneran (Alpha Xi/Delaware 2002). Also in attendance were Ryan McCarthy (Tau/Florida 2009) and Sr. Director for Collegiate Services Ben Hill, of the International Headquarters, as well as a strong showing from the friends and families of the new members.
First recognized in December 2010, the FIU interest group was formed after a positive visit to a mutual high school friend and current member of Epsilon Chapter at WPI. Seeing the brotherhood of Epsilon Chapter prompted the undergraduates to return to FIU with the dream of starting a Theta Chi chapter of their own.
Florida International University was established in 1965 and has an enrollment of 44,000 students. FIU is the 15th-largest university in the United States and the 4th-largest university in Florida. FIU currently has 13 NIC fraternities and seven NPC organizations, as well as a number of NPHC and other multicultural organizations.