GAMMA THETA
University of Miami

FOUNDED ON
6.7.1952

LOCATION
Miami, FL

HISTORY
University of Miami was founded in 1925. Alpha Pi Delta was established November 11, 1951, by Roy M. Erlandson, Trine ‘35, and three roommates: Paul Riddle, Walt Buettner, and Hugh Lyon. Floyd Wright, Oklahoma ‘24, of the University of Miami law faculty assisted. Twenty-two NIC fraternities preceded Alpha Sigma Phi at the University of Miami and two others were organized concurrently. Thirteen men joined the group in 1950-51, but seven who initially pledged did not return for the fall 1951 semester. The seven men were successful in recruitment. On December 17, 1951, 20 men elected officers and submitted a petition for charter to Alpha Sigma Phi. After graduation, attrition and further recruitment, membership grew to 17 men by March 17, 1952, when the group was admitted to the IFC. Within one month, membership had grown to 26 men. The Chapter was installed on June 7, 1952. The successors to the founding members could not sustain the Chapter and it closed in 1959.

On March 12, 1982, Gamma Theta was re-colonized with 14 new members. Twenty-five members of the Alpha Pi Chapter (Purdue), which had assisted the group, were present. Charlie Garrido, Purdue ‘78, paved the way for the re-colonization and recruited the initial members of the interest group. Steve Gettings, Westminster ‘77, a graduate student at Miami, acted as advisor to the group. The Colony was the first expansion in Miami’s Greek community in over a decade and was cited by the University administration for leadership. Aurelio Quinones, Miami - FL ‘82, was President of the Colony during most of its existence. The Colony obtained quarters in the Panhellenic Building and inaugurated a newsletter, “Southern Exposure.”

On April 24, 1982, Gamma Theta was re-chartered after a 24 year eclipse. Grand Marshal Donald Morgan, Purdue ‘57, was the keynote speaker and presented the charter. Michael Flynn, Francis Marion ‘82, presented the Alpha Badge and Baby Blanket to their fourth home in 60 days. Armando Rodriguez, Miami - FL ‘82, was the Founding President and Toastmaster of the Chapter Installation Banquet.

Gamma Theta Chapter won the University of Miami Greek Week competition in spring 2006. In addition, the Chapter received the “Most Improved Chapter” and the “Most Improved Chapter Scholarship” Awards in 2005-2006 for the entire University of Miami Greek community. The Chapter received the Alpha Gamma Upsilon Award in 1988 and 1992. Daniel Soloman, Miami ‘06 won the Friends of Alpha Gamma Scholarship in 2007.

The Gamma Theta Chapter was re-organized in the spring of 2015 by Seth Melchor, Bowling Green ‘10. Jeremy Ried, Elmhurst ‘07 initiated the new class the same semester.

CHAPTER AWARDS
Records show award name and year(s) received.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Records show brother's name, initiation year, and award received.