In 1882, Iowa Beta became Phi Delta Theta's second chapter in Iowa and the Fraternity's 59th chapter overall.  Throughout its history, the Chapter has been a great force on campus, initiating such men as Norman Erbe who would become the governor of Iowa, Charles Horner who would go on to command the Coalition Air Forces during Operation Desert Storm, the late Harry Kalas, esteemed announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies and many others.  The Chapter is also renowned for its house.  Completed in 1925, the house sits on the banks of the Iowa River and offers a breathtaking view of Iowa City.

The chapter initiated almost 1,800 men before closing in 2006.  When the University invited Phi Delta Theta back two years later, the Fraternity eagerly accepted the opportunity to return to one of its flagship chapters.

In the Fall of 2008, Phi Delta Theta's Headquarters staff members came to Iowa City to recruit Re-Founding Fathers of Iowa Beta.  After conducting more than 100 interviews, they identified 27 men who had the characteristics to become Re-Founding Fathers.  That same semester, the colony took first place in homecoming and received the #1 scholarship ranking out of 13 fraternities.

After two consecutive semesters of successful recruitment, the colony grew to 42 Re-Founding Fathers and successfully petitioned the Survey Commission and General Council for their charter.  On Friday, November 13th these men were initiated in a ceremony presided over by General Council Reporter Chris Lapple, Northridge ’80.  The next day, Jamie Travis, President of the colony and initiate of Kansas Alpha, received the charter on behalf of Iowa Beta.  Brother Travis gave a very impassioned speech, praising his newly initiated brothers for having the courage to start a chapter on their own.

Iowa Beta’s return also marks the fastest and largest installation of any fraternity to expand to Iowa in over a decade.  Congratulatory remarks can be sent to Jamie Travis at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .