Beta Phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta was originally chartered in 1894, but recolonized during the fall of 2004. Delta Tau Delta central staff members, local alumni, an OSU chapter advocate, and twenty-four men pledged to bring Delta Tau Delta back to campus. The Beta Phi Colony’s first executive board served from 2004 to 2006 and had a great deal of influence in shaping the Fraternity’s future.
 
In the early colonization stages, Beta Phi concentrated upon building up its reputation on campus, recruiting new members, and developing processes, programs, and rituals that would become campus traditions. The 24 original colony members worked to create a New Member Education program and a bid ceremony. With the addition of new members, the 35 men of Beta Phi engaged in over 700 community service hours through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. The colony members also excelled academically and were consistently ranked in the top ten of all Greek chapters on campus in regards to GPA. In 2005, Beta Phi won the Best Pairing award for Greek Week, Best Pairing award for Homecoming, and the award for Best Individual Fraternity for Homecoming.
 
In spring 2005, Beta Phi colony began working towards our charter, ultimately becoming a chapter. To do this, the colony would need to compile a chartering petition for Delta Tau Delta’s Arch Chapter. This intensive, six-month process included writing extensive reports about the colony, assembling biographies on each colony member, and getting endorsements to become a chapter from Ohio State’s President, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Coordinator of Greek Life, and the Presidents of every single fraternity and sorority on campus.
 
Thankfully, the Arch Chapter was gracious enough to grant our petition to the charter in mid-February, 2006. On May 13, 2006 the Rite of Iris and Ritual Ceremonies were performed in Orton Hall. Forty-four men finally became Delta Tau Delta brothers. The newly initiated men celebrated at Scioto Country Club with a black tie reception. At this ceremony, Beta Phi received its official charter from Delta Tau Delta Secretary, Alan Brackett.
 
Since then, Beta Phi Chapter has quickly evolved and has become one of the top Delt chapters in the nation. The chapter became Homecoming champions from 2007 to 2010, as well as Greek Week champions from 2007 to 2010. Beta Phi started a new Ohio State Greek tradition by having men compete in the Variety Show dance competition. They have won in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011. The chapter has been recognized as a Court of Honor chapter from 2008 to 2010 and has gone on to win the Hugh Shields Award in 2008 and 2010, our fraternity’s highest award.
 
These accolades have helped Beta Phi become recognized as one of the top student organizations on Ohio State’s campus. We look forward to what you will add to the growing history of the Beta Phi Chapter.