Founding Date

Apr 25th, 2009

The history of UC Merced dates back to 1988, when the UC Regents first authorized planning for at least one additional campus based on projections of long-range enrollment demand. Following a thorough review of many sites, the UC Board of Regents selected a site in eastern Merced County adjacent to Lake Yosemite Park as the location for the 10th campus of the University of California in May 1995. Faculty members began to arrive in 2003 with graduate students in tow and began setting up research laboratories and programs at UC Merced's ancillary research facility on the former Castle Air Force Base, biding their time until buildings were ready on campus. The first graduate courses began in fall 2004. The campus celebrated its official grand opening and the arrival of the first class of undergraduate students on September 5, 2005. UC Merced has enjoyed strong bipartisan support throughout its history. To date, the state has invested more than $500 million in construction and development of the 2,000-acre site. Upon completion of the 2020 Project, UC Merced will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 students, and as many as 25,000 students when the campus grows to full capacity in about three decades. Prior to 2008, there were no Panhellenic chapters on campus, but there was a lot of interest in bringing sororities to UC Merced. A group of women known on campus as “The Anchors” invited Delta Gamma to affiliate with them. At the same time, two other groups wished to affiliate with Delta Delta Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma. All three groups on campus were granted charters of their desired sorority, and in January 2009, a joint recruitment-style establishment week began. Delta Gamma installed its 147th chapter at the UC Merced campus in April of 2009. The Eta Rho Installation celebrations began with the Initiation Ceremony in the morning of April 25, held at the Central Presbyterian Church. Later that afternoon, an Installation Brunch was held jointly with the newly established chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Guests dined in the Lakeside Dining Room at UC Merced. A reception for the new Delta Gamma chapter members and guests followed immediately after the brunch in a private dining room. The reception included a moment of inspiration, Fraternity greetings, presentation and acceptance of the charter, introduction of the new initiates and advisory team, and presentation of gifts. In spring of 2010, the chapter held its first Anchor Slam during which 16 teams competed for a trophy, as well as the “Anchor Man” title for the most spirited individual. Eta Rho was recognized for excellence in chapter development, community service and outreach from Fraternity & Sorority Life at the annual Greek Gala Awards Ceremony in spring 2012. By the spring of 2014, Eta Rho was the largest fraternity/sorority on campus with 94 members.