Chapter History

The University of Houston began as Houston Junior College on March 7, 1927. The junior college became eligible to become a university and opened its doors as a four-year institution on June 4, 1934, at San Jacinto High School. In 1936 two philanthropists, Julius Settegast and Bob Taub, donated 110 acres to the university for a permanent location.

 

A local group known as Pi Lambda Chi was founded in 1940 and was the second oldest women's group on campus. The members met to form a lasting foundation for enriching university life, building character, and improving scholarship. Members of the sorority had distinguished themselves as campus leaders and the group won many honors during their early years on campus.

 

As early as 1946, Houston alumnae were interested in starting a Delta Gamma chapter at the University of Houston. It was not until 1955 that the university Board of Regents gave approval for local fraternities and sororities to petition national organizations of their choice. Following interviews and parties with the Houston alumnae, the Pi Lambda Chi local chapter formally petitioned Delta Gamma.

 

Twenty members of Pi Lambda Chi traveled by charter bus to the University of Texas on November 20, 1955, where they were pledged by Beta Eta-Texas chapter members. Installation weekend began on Friday, February 3, 1956. The Initiation ceremony was conducted on February 4 by members of Gamma Nu-North Texas. An Installation banquet followed in the evening at the Lakeside County Club. At the time, Gamma Sigma was the 83rd established Delta Gamma chapter.