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Important Dates in Theta Lambda History
Written by: Biph
Date: 2004-10-11
Important Events for Theta Lambda Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha
- 1920: The organization that became Theta Lambda Zeta was founded at Simpson College as Sigma Delta Chi, a local fraternity.
- June 9, 1924: Sigma Delta Chi was one of the eleven local fraternities to participate in the national conference in Springfield, Missouri, that led to the formation of Theta Kappa Nu.
- October 10, 1924: Sigma Delta Chi was formally installed as the Iowa Beta chapter of Theta Kappa Nu.
- 1927: Iowa Beta of Theta Kappa Nu moved from its original house at 225 West Ashland to a larger one at 210 West Iowa.
- 1930: Iowa Beta received the Theta Kappa Nu National Activity Cup, recognizing outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments.
- Spring/Summer 1931: With the assistance of the college Iowa Beta builds a new chapter house located at 605 N C Street.
- November 7, 1931: The new house was formally dedicated.
- 1932: When the depression resulted in the chapter being unable to make payments on the new house, the college took over the mortgage and began leasing the house to the chapter.
- March 1935: The Simpson chapter of the american Commons Club merged with the Iowa Beta chapter of Theta Kappa Nu.
- October 13, 1939: The Iowa Beta chapter of Theta Kappa Nu was formally rechartered as Theta Lambda Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha.
- 1942-1946: With most college-age men serving in World War II, the chapter was inactive. The house was partially used for college offices.
- Fall 1946: With the return of men from World War II, the chapter was reactivated.
- October 1954: The decision was made to buy the house back from the college.
- June 30, 1958: The House Corporation received the deed to the property at 605 N C Street from the college.
- November 1959: The chapter decided not to participate in the proposed new "Fraternity Row."
- 1963-64: Theta Lambda Zeta was first among Lambda Chi Alpha chapters in scholarship.
- May 17, 1967: The first members were initiated into the Crescent Club, Theta Lambda Zeta's "little sister" organization.
- 1969: Major renovations were made to the house, including the conversion of the third floor cold air dorm into individual sleep/study rooms and the addition of the Conservatory.
- 1970's: Financial and drug problems threatened the future of Theta Lambda Zeta.
- August 1980: Theta Lambda Zeta received the Phoenix Award for outstanding improvement at General Assembly, honoring its "rise from the ashes."
- August 1983: Theta Lambda Zeta received an Outstanding Academic Achievement Award at the 19th Leadership Seminar.
- December 2, 1983: Steve Cummings, the 1000th member, was initiated.
- 1984: Discussions were held with Simpson College officials regarding a possible move down to "Fraternity Row" by the chapter; however, the talks quickly broke down.
- Mid to late 1980's: Theta Lambda Zeta nearly died out again, once again largely due to drug problems.
- Fall 1989: The Crescent Club was abolished.
- August 1990: Theta Lambda Zeta received its second Phoenix Award at the 43rd General Assembly.
- June 19, 1992: Theta Lambda Zeta received the McIntosh Award, recognizing outstanding implementation of the Standards for Chapter Excellence program, at the 44th General Assembly.
- March 5-7, 1993: Theta Lambda Zeta hosted an extremely successful Great Plains Conclave.
- May 1993: As the House Corporation was seriously exploring plans for a major renovation of the chapter house, Simpson College President Stephen Jennings rekindled the talks for the building of a new house that eventually led to a home on "Fraternity Row."
- June 24, 1993: At the Internation Leadership Seminar, Theta Lambda Zeta received its second straight McIntosh Award, and High Alpha Scott Schumacher received the Cyril F. "Duke" Flad Outstanding Undergraduate Man of the Year Award.
- Summer 1996 Theta Lambda Zeta has a member initiated at General Assembly, Dennis Vasconez.
- Summer/Fall 1996: Completion of the new house built by Simpson College, and the demolition of the Old House at 605 N C Street; the chapter's new address is 707 N E Street.
- 1996-1999: Four straight McIntosh Awards are presented to Theta Lambda Zeta at General Assemblies and Leadership Seminars, along with various awards for recruitment and fraternity education.
- July 29, 2000: Theta Lambda Zeta is presented with its first ever Grand High Alpha Award, the highest award given to a chapter, presented for long-term success and consistent "Excellent" ratings from Consultants from the International Fraternity.
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