Beta Chi Theta (ΒΧΘ, also known as Beta Chi) is a South Asian-interest collegiate social fraternity in the United States. It was established at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1999. The fraternity is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference.
History
Beta Chi Theta originated with eight students at the University of California, Los Angeles in the spring of 1999 as a South Asian-based fraternity.[1] On June 2, 1999, Beta Chi Theta officially received recognition by the university and was granted membership into the UCLA Inter-Fraternity Council; this is used as the fraternity’s founding date.[1] Its eight founders were Abu Abraham, Hashu Datwani, Samir Khandhar, Ankur Kumar, Ashish Nagdev, Ankur Parikh, Roshan Patel, and Ali Zhumkhawala.[1]
In 2021, Beta Chi Theta became a national fraternity with the chartering of Beta chapter at Baylor University and Gamma chapter at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.[2] The fraternity held its first national convention in 2003, where its constitution and bylaws were adopted and a national board was established.[1] The fraternity was incorporated in Texas as Beta Chi Theta National Fraternity, Inc. in 2004.[1]
On April 23, 2006, Beta Chi Theta became the first nationally recognized South Asian-based fraternity to become a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).[1] It has since been the youngest fraternity to become a member of the NIC.[1] Beta Chi Theta was also a member of the National APIDA Panhellenic Association, but left that organization on November 18, 2023.[3]
Beta Chi Theta has chartered more than 30 chapters and more than 2,000 alumni.[4][2] Its headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana.[2]
Symbols
The fraternity’s Greek letters, Beta Chi Theta, stand for Brotherhood, Culture, and Tradition.[4] Its motto is “Above all else, Brotherhood”.[4][5]
Beta Chi Theta’s pillars are “Brotherhood, Tradition, Service to Humanity, South Asian Awareness, and Academic Excellence”.[4] Its colors are black, silver, and white.[4][6] Its mascot is that of a rampant lion.[4][5] Its flower is the orchard.[6]
Philanthropy
The fraternity’s primary philanthropic focus is mental health awareness.[7][6]
Chapters
Following is a list of Beta Chi Theta chapters, with active chapters indicated in bold and inactive chapters in italics.[2][8]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i “Our History”. Beta Chi Theta. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Carroll Lurding; Fran Becque, eds. (April 10, 2025). “Men’s Organizations (B): Beta Chi Theta” (PDF). Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Retrieved June 17, 2025 – via University Library: Student Life and Culture Archives.
- ^ Shah, Suhani (January 4, 2024). “NAPA Announces Departure of Beta Chi Theta Fraternity, Inc”. National APIDA Panhellenic Association. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f “About Us”. Beta Chi Theta. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c “Beta Chi Theta National Fraternity, Inc. | Fraternity & Sorority Affairs | UIUC”. University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c d “Beta Chi Theta | Center for Student Involvement”. University of California, Davis. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ “Give Back”. Beta Chi Theta. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ “Beta Chi Theta”. Beta Chi Theta. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ “Beta Chi Theta Lambda Chapter | Multicultural Greek Council”. Be Greek. University of Minnesota. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ Creekmore, Betsey B. (October 3, 2018). “Beta Chi Theta Fraternity”. Volopedia. University of Tennessee Libraries. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ “Beta Chi Theta National Fraternity”. Career Education and Professional Advancement | School of Public and Environmental Affairs | Indiana University Bloomington. August 13, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2025.