Theta Chi Oral History Project
Every Theta Chi has a story and the Fraternity wants to hear yours!
Theta Chi has partnered with PCI to collect the stories from alumni in their own words. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates the impact that Theta Chi Fraternity has had on your life and who you are today. Every year we don’t capture and preserve these stories feels like another opportunity lost, so we’re excited to get started!
Here are some highlights of our project:
- Recording Your Story
- What Theta Chi memory will you share?
- Did a brother, adviser, or alumnus have a profound impact on your life?
- Did you find your spouse because you joined Theta Chi?
- Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment in Theta Chi, at an event, or in a role you served in?
- Working with the Best: Our Partnership with PCI
Due to limited resources, the Fraternity staff would never be able to tackle a project like this. By partnering with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts), we’re able to access their trained staff of real, live human beings who are excited to listen to what you have to share. PCI will also help collect and assemble the stories into a Theta Chi Memories book that we can share with all brothers. Please note, we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your contact information, or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes. - Updating Fraternity Records
As part of this project, we are also taking the opportunity to learn more about our alumni and to make it easier for you to stay connected to Theta Chi. PCI will help us collect updated contact information from members who have moved, switched email addresses, or landed a new job. - Compiling the Theta Chi Memories Book
Thanks to our friends at PCI, our Oral History Project is being done at NO COST to the Fraternity. The project is completely funded by Theta Chi members who choose to purchase the Theta Chi Memories book that will be produced at the end of the project. Various book packages will be offered. PCI will also offer you the option to purchase other Theta Chi merchandise and apparel including items such as Adidas polos, embossed journals, stainless steel tumblers, and power bank chargers. You are welcome to purchase these items, but you are not required to do so to participate in the project or order the Theta Chi Memories book. Again, we’d never be able to embark on a project like this without the support of our amazing members and the partnership with PCI. We sincerely thank every person that participates and chooses to purchase the book. - Getting Started
You will be receiving email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. We’d like to invite you to share one of your stories with us and take part in this first of its kind project to honor the experiences and voices of our alumni. The PCI team will collect stories until March 15, 2024. After that, they will enter a post-production phase editing the data. We hope to have the book distributed prior to 168th Anniversary Convention held in New Orleans in August 2024.
We look forward to hearing from each and every one of you regarding your memories!
Frequently Asked Questions by Members
1. I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Theta Chi Fraternity. Tell me more about the project.
We have partnered with PCI to produce an Oral History Publication for Theta Chi Fraternity. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX, that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Theta Chi Fraternity and how the organization helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage members
- Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our organization
- Revenue – generates donation revenue for member programs
- Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our organization
3. How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.
4. I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Theta Chi Fraternity. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Theta Chi Fraternity at the conclusion of the project.
If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story. If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
5. How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?
If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
6. Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
The only information that is included in the publication is your name and your chapter, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your member record for the organization. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before March 15, 2024, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
7. I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time before March 15, 2024, to share your story.
8. I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.
If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (Note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
9. Can anyone purchase a book?
The Theta Chi Fraternity Memories book is available for sale only to Theta Chi Fraternity members.
10. I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.
11. Other General Questions
If you have any other questions regarding the project, please reach out to PCI customer service desk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.