Beta Chi - University of Denver

The increased enrollment of women in colleges after World War II provided opportunities for new chapters to enter almost every campus. One of these opportunities was at the University of Denver.

Denver alumnae Grace Connor Beatty, Alpha Pi, and Jane Kettering Henry, Phi, visited Dean of Women Gladys Bell, on October 1, 1945. The Dean stated the University was just starting to consider asking other sororities to come on campus. She was enthusiastic about Delta Gamma's interest. After receiving approval from the University, and a favorable vote from the

Province alumnae and collegiate chapters, Delta Gamma was ready to colonize. Dorothy Wildasin, Fraternity Expansion Chairman, and a committee of Denver alumnae selected 12 women as a nucleus for the new colony in March of 1946.

At the model initiation at the 1946 Convention in Pasadena, California, three members of the colony, including the president, were initiated. The other 16 members and seven patronesses were initiated the afternoon of September 28 in the living room of the Phi chapter house. Members of Phi and Beta Delta assisted Fraternity officers with the ceremony. A banquet followed at Wayne's Cafe with the theme "Treasure Chest of Delta Gamma" with Beta Chi being the newest jewel in the chest. the highlight of the banquet was a speech by Fraternity President Florence Bingham. "Jewels," she said, "are precious because of their lustre, because they are rare, because they enhance other beauty, and because they are a safe investment. Like them, our college and Fraternity memories will be treasured." On Sunday, a model chapter meeting was held in the Mary Reed Library. In the afternoon a reception with several hundred guests was held in the Renaissance Room in the library.

Outstanding members from Beta Chi chapter include True McKenry Anderson, Fraternity Vice-President: Alumnae 1982-84, Emily Kittle Morrison, PRO, and Ruth Carter Thomas, Foundation Director 1975-79.