Founding Date

Jan 18th, 1975

University of California Davis was founded in 1909 and called the University Farm because it was the College of Agriculture for the California system. It grew to a diversified institution and women were first enrolled in 1914. By 1974 there were more than 16,000 students enrolled. On May 9, 1974 Delta Gamma’s 11th California chapter was colonized. The initial pledge class consisted of twenty women, but that soon grew to 35 during the fall rush period. On the weekend of January 17-19, 1975, Delta Chi was installed at UC Davis. On Friday January 17, those in attendance of the installation of Delta Chi enjoyed a potluck dinner prepared by local alumnae. The Installation Banquet was held at the Faculty Club with former President, Elizabeth Coffinberry Kloppenburg, Gamma-UC Berkeley as the Toastmistress. Another former Fraternity President, Kathryn Bell Gary, Mu-Missouri, greeted the group along with Chancellor James Meyer. VP: Collegians, Virginia Gard Mastio, Beta Kappa-Kansas, gave the address. Following dinner, women of Delta Epsilon chapter at the University of the Pacific performed the inspiration ceremony. On the afternoon of Saturday January 18, collegians of the Delta Eta chapter at the California State University, Sacramento performed the initiation ceremony. All 35 collegiate women and one Patroness were initiated. Chapter president Theresa Fowler received Delta Chi’s charter from Eleanor Smith Slaughter, Alpha Psi-Mississippi, National Panhellenic Council Delegate and a woman instrumental in the expansion to the UC Davis campus. The Davis-Woodland Alumnae Association worked many hours to assist the chapter as members of the Installation Committee and Advisory Board. The chapter was rated First place in Panhellenic Involvement of all National Panhellenic groups on campus in 2003 and excel both academically and athletically. Throughout the years, they have led the Greek community in academics, recording the highest average GPA for consecutive semesters. They have remained actively involved both with other organizations as well as in the surrounding community. The first chapter house was located at 225 Russell Boulevard, and after renting it for a year, the chapter was able to purchase it. In 1976, Delta Chi purchased a new house, a cottage which housed five members. When house manager Barbara Bow first looked at the house, it was obvious that a great deal of work was needed. Two weekends of “workdays” by chapter members completed the task. The inside was painted a sparkling white, and debris was hauled from the front lawn. When the cleaning was done, various Delta Gamma touches were added. The spring pledges donated a pewter door knocker in the shape of an anchor, and the walls of the chapter room were covered with a Delta Gamma rug and collage. Since the chapter room is not large enough to hold chairs for everyone, each member made a pillow for herself. Delta Chi especially enjoys the gardens surrounding the house. A stone patio outside the chapter room is shaded by a productive persimmon tree. The lawn provided a lovely setting for fall rush parties. In September of 1982, the house was renovated and featured two new bedrooms, a refurbished kitchen, and redecorated bathroom.