Mu Epsilon Theta (ΜΕΘ) is an American collegiate Catholic sorority that was established at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas on January 16, 1987.
| Mu Epsilon Theta | |
|---|---|
| ΜΕΘ | |
 | |
| Founded | January 16, 1987 University of Texas |
| Type | Christian sorority |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Catholicism |
| Scope | Local |
| Motto | "Our Strength is from Above" |
| Pillars | Spirituality, Service, Sisterhood |
| Colors | Black, Yellow, and Silver |
| Flower | Yellow rose |
| Jewel | Onyx, Topaz, and Diamond |
| Mascot | The Lamb |
| Patron saint | Catherine Labouré |
| Chapters | 1 active |
| Members | 3,841+ lifetime |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas United States |
| Website | muepsilontheta |
History
editMu Epsilon Theta was founded at the University of Texas at Austin as a local sorority based on Catholic principles on October 21, 1986.[1][2] It was the fourth Catholic sorority to be established in the United States.[1] Its purpose is to promote academics, community service, leadership, and moral and spiritual well-being for female students.[3][1] Its founders were Maria Alcocer, Evelyn Greenfield, and Patricia Perez.[4]
The sorority was officially recognized at the University of Texas on January 16, 1987.[4][2] Its members participated in activities such as weekly rosary prayers, monthly religious activities, and a spiritual retreat each semester.[1]
In the spring of 1996, a colony was formed at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University).[4] It was chartered as the Beta chapter in 1997.[3][4] In April 2013, a colony was started at Arizona State University; it was chartered as Gamma chapter in the spring of 2015.[3][5] Epsilon was chartered at Northern Arizona University in December 2015.[6]
By 2021, the sorority had initiated 3,841 members.[5]
Symbols
editThe motto of Mu Epsilon Theta is "Our Strength is from Above."[7] Its pillars are spirituality, service, and sisterhood.[8] Its colors are black, yellow, and silver.[7][9] Its mascot is the lamb and its flower is the yellow rose.[7][9] Its jewels are onyx, topaz, and diamond.[9] Its patron saint is Catherine Labouré.[9]
Chapters
editFollowing is a list of Mu Epsilon Theta chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are in italics.
| Chapter | Charter date and range | Institution | Location | Status | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | January 16, 1987 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Texas | Active | [2] |
| Beta | April 26, 1997 – 2024 | Texas State University | San Marcos, Texas | Inactive | [4][3] |
| Gamma | 2015 – 20xx ? | Arizona State University | Tempe, Arizona | Inactive | [3][5] |
| Delta | 2015 ? – 20xx ? | University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University | Dallas–Fort Worth and Denton, Texas | Inactive | [4] |
| Epsilon | December 5, 2015 – 20xx ? | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, Arizona | Inactive | [6][4] |
References
edit- ^ a b c d Torbenson, Craig LaRon; Parks, Gregory (2009). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities. Associated University Presse. pp. 222 and 230. ISBN 978-0-8386-4194-1 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b c "Our Story". Mu Epsilon Theta. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ a b c d e Hammel, Ambria (2013-05-13). "There's a new sorority at ASU — and it's Catholic". The Catholic Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g "History". Mu Epsilon Theta Beta Chapter. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
- ^ a b c "Our Story". Mu Epsilon Theta ASU. Archived from the original on 2021-02-28. Retrieved 2024-11-19 – via web.archive.org.
- ^ a b Hammel, Ambria (2015-12-09). "Catholic sorority expands to Flagstaff". The Catholic Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ a b c "Home". Mu Epsilon Theta Beta Chapter. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
- ^ Hammel, Ambria (2016-01-15). "Catholics find faith-filled Greek Life opportunities at local universities". The Catholic Sun. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ a b c d "Our Brand". Mu Epsilon Theta. Retrieved 2024-11-19.