The Theta Chi Delta Honorary Chemistry Fraternity was established at Carthage College in March of 1926. The objectives of Theta Chi Delta are two fold: 1) to recognize and promote scholarship in the study of chemistry as presented in the college curriculum and 2) to encourage individual participation in all activities, which will contribute to the advancement of the science of chemistry and the advancement of the individual in that field.

Initiation into Theta Chi Delta requires that a student receive a 3.0 grade point average over three semesters of chemistry. Once this goal has been achieved the students are initiated into the honorary chemistry fraternity in a special ceremony held by the fraternity members. One aspect of the ceremony involves the inductee performing a chemistry demonstration for elementary students.

The ideals of the Theta Chi Delta Honorary Chemistry fraternity may be illustrated most effectively in the lives of three scientists who have been chosen to represent the Greek letters which constitute the name of this fraternity. Upon examination of the lives of these three scientists, the fraternity realizes the high standards and aim of excellence that have been set before us as the ideals of Theta Chi Delta. Theta, whose color is black, is represented by Thales. Thales was the earliest of Greek Philosophers. In addition to philosophy, he also studied geometry and astronomy. Thales is well-known for predicting a total eclipse in 585 B.C. based on scientific truth not superstition. Much credit is given to him as he opened an avenue for more exact scientific work based on his prediction. Chi, whose color is royal purple, is represented by Michel Eugene Chevreul. Chevreul was French chemist of the 18th century. His scientific interests involved the study and synthesis of dyes. His science career spanned 80 years. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of London and a Commander of the Legion of Honor. Delta, symbolized in gold, is represented by Sir Humprey Davy. Davy was an English chemist who was a comtempory of Chevreul. The numerous accidents arising from the fire-damp in mines led Davy to study the nature of explosive gases. He was also the first scientist to recognize an electrical branch to chemistry. In 1815, Davy was elected president of the Royal Society of London, a title that shows the highest honor in the scientific community in addition to the highest honor in the Theta Chi Delta Community. As the brief biographies state above, the name Theta Chi Delta not only represents the colors of our fraternity, but the scientists on whose endeavors the fraternity hopes to emulate.

Campus membership is about 15 Theta Chi Delta members.If you have any questions about Theta Chi Delta, please see Professor Christine Rener, fraternity advisor.