About Beta Theta Pi
Chapter History
The origin of Gamma Tau reaches back to the founding of USC local fraternity Phi Alpha in 1898. Initial interest in becoming a chapter of Beta Theta Pi was interrupted by World War I, and Phi Alpha’s first charter petition was denied in 1921. Even so, the men of Phi Alpha, together with the Southern California Alumni Association and notable Chapter Advisor and Chancellor Rufus Bernhard VonKleinsmid, organized the chapter as a Beta Colony on May 23rd, 1946. They received their charter on October 26th of the following year.
Since that year, Beta Theta Pi has had a rich tradition of producing highly successful businessman, Olympic and varsity athletes, and leaders at the University of Southern California.
- Gamma Tau's heraldic device is the Trojan helmet; their motto is “A Race of Trojans."
- Gamma Tau has turned out over 1,700 outstanding alumni since 1947.
- See Also: Notable USC Alumni
Designed by Ben Hartard