Zeta Psi Fraternity
In the early days of The University of Alberta, under the direction of university president Dr. Henry Marshall Tory, fraternities and secret societies were explicitly banned from campus. In 1926, two students disobeyed campus policy and formed a secret club. As a result, 15 of the best men on campus were selected to form the 'Corinthian Club.' Once the meaning of the name was discovered, it was declared inappropriate and 'Athenian' was substituted. The following year Dr. Tory resigned and Dr. Wallace replaced him. Though Dr. Wallace had never belonged to a fraternity he did have several close friends in the Zeta Psi fraternity in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thus, Dr. Wallace agreed to abolish the ban of fraternities from campus. In 1930, 35 members were inducted into the ranks of Zeta Psi; 29 of which were members of the Athenian Club, 4 were Elders, and 2 were professors. They formed the Mu Theta Chapter of Zeta Psi, the fourth of ten Canadian chapters.
Elders of Mu Theta have established a number of networks in Edmonton as well as around the world. Some of the Mu Theta members are judges, police chiefs, lawyers, and businessmen. There still exists a strong sense of camaraderie and brotherhood among past and present members, some of whom have gone to establish successful careers. Additionally, the Grand Chapter provides members with various opportunities including scholarships, internships in Washington D.C. and Toronto, and mentoring programs geared at providing our members with the skills and opportunities for life after university. The commitment to international chapters is as strong as ever, noted most recently with a recent chartering of a chapter in Oxford, England. Moreover, the Mu Theta Chapter has demonstrated continued support for the Canadian Education Foundation.