Our History
From Troy, New York in 1864 to the Plains of Auburn — over 160 years of Theta Xi.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1864
Theta Xi was founded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York on April 29, 1864 — eight members of a local society called Sigma Delta who set out to build something better, even as the Civil War threatened the future of their school and their country. Theta Xi remains the only national fraternity founded during the Civil War.
From those eight founders, the fraternity has grown to more than 50 chapters and colonies across the United States, offering leadership training, scholarships, and a lifelong national network. That's the short version — the full story spans 160 years.
Read the Full History at thetaxi.org
The Beta Zeta Chapter, 1954
Here at Auburn, the Beta Zeta chapter was officially founded in 1954. For more than seventy years, our chapter has been a proud part of the Auburn Greek community and the university as a whole.
We're known for our service — Juncti Juvant, United They Serve — and our brothers have gone on to become decorated military generals and NASA astronauts.
Meet Our Notable AlumniA Legacy in the Making
Theta Xi is Founded
Eight founders establish Theta Xi at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York — the only national fraternity founded during the Civil War.
Beta Zeta Comes to Auburn
The Beta Zeta chapter is chartered at Auburn University, beginning seven decades of brotherhood on the Plains.
Brothers Reach for the Stars
Beta Zeta builds a tradition of leadership — producing chapter presidents who would go on to become NASA astronauts, generals, and CEOs.
An All True Men Chapter
Beta Zeta is officially recognized by Theta Xi Headquarters as an All True Men chapter, and the brotherhood keeps growing.