Chapter History
The Theta Zeta chapter at Florida Gulf Coast University was founded in Fall 2019. Theta Zeta and its 92 charter members joined the sisterhood of over 230,000 living members with their November 9th, 2019 Initiation and Installation. Theta Zeta celebrates becoming Delta Gamma’s 204th chapter since 1873 and the 153rd active chapter of Delta Gamma on college campuses today. Throughout the first semester, the founding class worked together on committees in order to begin the process of establishing our chapter. During fall, our women attended various events for other Panhellenic organizations, as well as hosted many sisterhood events to bring us all closer together.
During spring recruitment of 2020, we welcomed 17 more women into our organization. Due to the unfortunate pandemic, COVID-19, spring semester was cut short and Delta Gamma events were also postponed.
In the fall of 2020, Theta Zeta participated in its first primary recruitment at Florida Gulf Coast University. This primary recruitment process was held in a hybrid model with the first two rounds held virtually and preference held in person. Theta Zeta extended 28 bids after this process and all were accepted. Following primary recruitment, Theta Zeta participated in Continuous Open Bidding (COB), and extended 9 bids in total, which were all accepted.
On November 1, 2020, Theta Zeta held its first election and CMT and JCMT positions were elected with Riley Marder (pc ’19) elected as Theta Zeta’s first President. The 2020-2021 officers were Installed November 22, 2020.
During 2021 spring recruitment, Theta Zeta accepted 12 women into our sisterhood. The chapter held events such as an ice skating grab-a-date social, chapter retreat at a local planetarium, and Theta Zeta’s first ever formal.
In Fall 2021, Theta Zeta held a fire and ice themed bid day where they extended bids to 30 women and all were accepted. The chapter had many more firsts including its first semi-formal and its first signature philanthropy event, Anchor Splash which raised over $1,000 dollars.
In Spring 2022, we had a total of 116 active members within the chapter. Theta Zeta held service projects such as beach clean-ups and learning how to read braille. They also held their first Anchor Games which raised $3,399.23 and included participation from over 10 organizations on campus.
During Fall Formal Recruitment of 2022, we welcomed 27 more women into our organization. Unfortunately, the semester got cut short due to Hurricane Ian, resulting in Theta Zeta postponing many events.
When the chapter returned in the spring, they initiated 13 sisters. Delta Gamma held their second annual Anchor Splash raising $2,561.32. They also hosted the largest mixer FGCU Greek life has ever seen. This was a country line dancing mixer at The Ranch with 6 other organizations including sororities and fraternities.
Theta Zeta will continue in preparation for years to come by using Article II, as stated in the Delta Gamma Constitution, as a guiding force to lead our sisterhood forward. We will continue to join our sisters in the mission our Founders set years ago, to “Do Good” in all aspects of membership.
