Our History
The History of Theta Tau and Kappa Gamma Chapter
Theta Tau (ΘΤ) is the oldest and largest co-educational professional engineering fraternity in the United States. It was founded as the Society of Hammer and Tongs on October 15, 1904, at the University of Minnesota by four mining engineering students: Erich J. Schrader, Elwin L. Vinal, William M. Lewis, and Isaac B. Hanks.
The organization quickly expanded to other universities, laying the foundation for a national fraternity. At the first national convention in 1911, also held at the University of Minnesota, the fraternity officially adopted the name Theta Tau and introduced its membership badge.
Today, Theta Tau promotes the social and professional development of its members throughout their college careers and beyond. With a membership of both men and women in all engineering disciplines, the fraternity has grown to include over 100 active chapters and colonies across the country.
Visit the Theta Tau National Site to learn more.
The History of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Theta Tau
The Kappa Gamma Chapter of Theta Tau at Virginia Commonwealth University began with a simple idea shared by a group of freshman engineering students in Rhoads Hall: they wanted to join a fraternity that reflected their passion for engineering and professional development. When they discovered that VCU had no chapter of Theta Tau, the nation’s oldest and largest co-ed professional engineering fraternity, they reached out directly to the national organization. In response, national officers — including then-Grand Regent Lee Haas — met with the students and outlined the steps needed to become a recognized chapter. Driven by commitment and vision, the group began their journey toward forming an official chapter.
Pre-Colony: Xi Omega Chi (1997–1998)
Before officially becoming a colony, the group operated independently under the name Xi Omega Chi, a title chosen through a inside joke vote among members. Despite its humorous origins, the group took its mission seriously — organizing fundraising events, community outreach, and campus-wide activities, all while navigating the logistical challenges of a still-developing engineering campus. By March 1998, their efforts paid off — the group was granted official colony status by Theta Tau’s national office. During this period, they intensified their involvement: attending regional conferences, visiting neighboring chapters, and even completing the pledging process through proxy arrangements with chapters at UVA, GWU, and NC State.
Chapter Founding: September 9, 2000
In early 2000, VCU’s engineering program achieved ABET accreditation, and by September 9th, 2000, the colony was granted its charter — officially becoming the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Theta Tau. As founding brother Michael Louis Anthony Saunders (KG 10) recalled, "It was more a relief than a celebration. I think a lot of people doubted us, and we had a few folks drop off along the way. But we made it."