Zeta Phi Chapter - Beta Theta Pi

The Zeta Phi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi has a rich and diverse history spanning a large majority of the years since the creation of the University of Missouri. Founded on November 7, 1870 as the Zeta Phi Society, the chapter is the oldest fraternity in continuous existence at the University. There has long been a desire among men to join together and share the common bond of striving for excellence. It was this desire that led seven men of the Union Literary Society to band together with Oren Root Jr., a professor of the English Language and Literature and what was then Missouri State University, to create such a society. The minutes of the first meeting state that the organization was a, "secret society, the objective of which was to be a social and intellectual culture, as well as [to develop] close intimacy through life." With each passing year, the Zeta Phi chapter of Beta Theta Pi continues to enhance its impressive list of accomplishments. And now, thanks to the efforts of many dedicated alumni, the "finest fraternity house in the country" was constructed in the place of the existing house at 520 College.