Local History

In 1906 the local Fraternity Alpha Omega Alpha was formed at Ripon College. The fraternity existed for nearly fifty years and they later became known as the "Smith Boys" because they lived in one of the four buildings of Ripon's quad residence area, Smith Hall. Seeking a national affiliate, the men of Alpha Omega Alpha petitioned Theta Chi Fraternity. It has been reported by founding members of the Delta Omega Chapter that a major draw to Theta Chi was its non-driscriminatory membership policy. On November 13, 1954 the "Smith Boys" became the men of the Delta Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity.

The Founding Members Were: Neil Gundermann Joseph Mazanetz Gary Ross James Howard Lawrence Ellis Eldon Wood Raymond Atlee Rupert Groh Jr. Gale White Jr. John Rekus Jr. Lyle Heide Siegfried Heuser Richard Gronert David Doten Neil Anderson Suhail Habid William Mueller James Hammit John Gorr Kenneth Wenning John McMahon William Church Jr. Author Schallon Horace Bumby Walter Boughton Richard Carrington

Too all the founding members of the Delta Omega Chapter the Current Brothers would like to send out thanks, because without your dedication and effort we would not exist today. Thank You!

-Brothers of Delta Omega OX