Since 1856, more than 1850,00 members have joined the brotherhood that was founded on friendship at Norwich University. Since being founded by Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase over 165 years ago, Theta Chis is one of the oldest men’s college fraternities in the United States. A fraternity with rich early history surviving not only the war between the states, but also a massive fire that destroyed the Norwich Campus. So let’s take a look at some of the most notable Theta Chi Resolute Men. 

Steven Spielberg – First applying to film school at University of Southern California, but being rejected due to mediocre grades, Spielberg pursued other college options. After being accepted into Cal State University in Long Beach, Spielberg became a member of the Zeta Epsilon chapter. It was in 1968 that he got his first break with Universal to direct and write a short film. He impressed Sidney Sheinberg, who offered him a 7-year contract for directing. He was named Life Magazines most influential person of his generation. He was one of Time's 100 Most Important People of the Century. He has won 3 Academy Awards, he’s received 7 nominations for best Director and won twice. He was also the recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1995. The list of accolades for Spielberg could go on, making him one of the most noteworthy Theta Chis.

Matt Gallagher – An American Author, former U.S Army captain & veteran of the Iraq War. He attended Wake Forest University where he joined the Army ROTC the week before September 11th. While at Wake Forest he became a member of Theta Chi and served as the sports editor of the Old Gold & Black.  He finished school with a Bachelor of Art Degree. He became a 2nd Lieutenant Armor Branch. During his deployment he began writing a military blog Kaboom: A Soldier’s War Journal. After his time in the service, he became a novelist writing his debut novel Youngblood. 

Lee Iacocca – The Former Chairman of Chrysler and President of Ford Iacocca, a well-known American Automobile executive. He’s most well-known for developing the Ford Mustang or Ford Pinot cars during his time spent at Ford. He majored in Industrial engineering while at Lehigh University where he became an alumnus of Theta Chi. He was an advocate for “Nourish the Children”. Nourish the Children is an organization using business principles to address the problem of childhood hunger in sustainable form. He also had a hand in fundraising to allow Lehigh University to adapt vacant buildings that today house the College of Education and the Biology & Chemical Engineering Departments.  

Nick Mileti – Retired lawyer, American author, sports entrepreneur and former sport franchise owner. He is the founder of the Cleveland Cavaliers and owner of Cleveland Indians. He spent his university years at Bowling Green State University where he became a Theta Chi. The BGSU Alumni Center has now been named in his honor. 

Fran Striker – Most well-known for creating “The Lone Ranger” and “The Green Hornet”! He was not only a comic writer but also a writer for many radio shows. He attended school at the University of Buffalo, where he proudly became a member of Theta Chi. Before graduating he dropped out of university and spent time with the New York City amateur theatrical company, before his writing career took off.

Sean McManus – The Duke Graduate is a well known television executive. He started his career in television with ABC after graduation. He may be most known for spearheading the charge at CBS Corporation efforts in re-acquiring the broadcast rights for the NFL. He currently services as the President of CBS News & CBS Sports. He oversees CBS Sports coverage of the NFL, including on air talent, production, and advertising and promotion. 

Anton “Tony” Hulman  - The man who purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and brought racing back to the track after a 4 year hiatus following World War II. He became a Theta Chi during his time spent at Indiana State University. An Indiana native, Hulman is to this day still known for his philanthropy and commitment to higher education. He had the honor of being inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991. He is also well known for preferring to do his IMS deal with the “handshake deals” method instead of a contract. He always said that he wasn’t doing the deal for the money but to create the best racing experience possible. 

With such tenacity at the core of Theta Chi’s DNA, it isn’t hard to see why there are 143 chapters and colonies across North America. With the principles of friendship, leadership, and standing up for what is right we understand why so many strive to wear Theta Chi red and white! From all of us here at Campus Classics, Happy Founders day Theta Chi. Here is to another 165+ years of tradition and legacy!