About Theta Rho

The Theta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon was re-founded in 2004, a third iteration in its history at UCLA.

In 1933, undergraduate members of Delta Kappa Epsilon from Stanford University and UC Berkeley transferred to UCLA to enjoy the Southern California sunshine, take a few classes, and found the Theta Rho chapter. Edwin Janss, Sr., Stanford Deke and developer of Westwood Village, attended the early meetings. The chapter flourished in the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's, until financial troubles led to its closure.

In 1991, the chapter was re-founded with the help of Theta Rho DKE alumni including Doug Laidlaw, '43, Freeman Gossett, '43, Duncan McIntosh, '50, and Ted Gair, '43. Critical to the re-founding was Stanford Deke Jim Isaacs, Jr. who served as our alumni advisor in the 1990's. While the chapter had a good start, membership numbers suffered in the mid-1990s due to prevailing anti-fraternity sentiment at UCLA.

In 2004, Theta Rho was renewed when undergraduates Josh Lawson, Brian Neesby, and Hugh Carlson expressed interest in bringing DKE back to UCLA. They were pledged at the Jonathan Club at a gathering of "notable Dekes", including Executive Director David K. Eastlick, Jr. and Theta Rho alumni from the 1940s and 1990s. Paul Mullen served as the alumni advisor of the re-founding of Theta Rho until 2008, and Steven Ly currently serves in that capacity.

The chapter continues to flourish today with the support of DKE alumni throughout Southern California and beyond.

The 2004 Re-Founding Fathers of Theta Rho