In March 1996, four years after the founding of Delta Kappa Xi, the installation date for the new chapter and initiation of the members was set for May 4, 1996. The Theta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi was finally a reality.
Court of Ivy took place on May 3. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with emotion and many tears as the women expressed their personal feelings about the establishment experience, each other and Alpha Phi. For the seven Delta Kappa Xi alumnae who had graduated before Alpha Phi established their chapter, it was a time to reflect on their hard work as well as that of the women they had chosen to carry on their dream. For the women who were joining the group as alumnae initiates--mothers, sisters, an aunt, a grandmother and a future mother-in-law--it was a time to understand what all of the excitement had been about for the past few years.
Linda Gardner Massie (Delta Alpha-East Carolina), International President, led the ceremony and lovingly spoke of how proud Alpha Phi was to have the chapter join the Fraternity family. Marshall Coker Miller (Delta Alpha-East Carolina), chapter adviser and former new chapter adviser for Beta Nu-Duke, assisted with the ceremony and spoke from experience about the establishment period and the excitement of becoming a chapter.
Initiation occurred on May 4 at the beautiful Grove Park Inn and Resort in Asheville, North Carolina. The Theta Chi charter member group included 65 members. Linda conducted the ceremony, assisted by Marshall.
The installation of the Theta Chi chapter took place later in the afternoon, when the chapter members were joined by family members, area Alpha Phi alumnae and representatives from the other Greek organizations at UNC Asheville.
The reception and program included many presentations and recognition for the members. Linda presented the charter to Chapter President Natalie Reid.
In March 1992, seven women at UNC Asheville formed the local sorority, Delta Kappa Xi. They hoped that someday it would affiliate with a national or international group. They set other goals as well, including upholding a high level of standards for members, being involved in the community and having a sisterhood that included friendship, concern, compassion and opportunity for personal growth. The members of Delta Kappa Xi passed their goals and dreams along to each group of new members. In the fall of 1994, the UNC Asheville Panhellenic allowed the women to fulfill their goal and affiliate with the sorority of their choice. After reviewing Alpha Phi’s written presentation, the group asked Alpha Phi to come to the formal presentations in October. After all the presentations were complete, Alpha Phi was privileged to be chosen by the women of Delta Kappa Xi.
