The Tryon Coterie, also known as Try-C, was a men's social club at Baylor University. It affiliated with Phi Delta Theta in 1977 and is now part of the Texas Lambda chapter of Phi Delta Theta.[1] The fraternity chapter continues to model itself as Phi Delta Theta-The Tryon Coterie, making it unique among Phi Delt chapters nationwide.[1]
| Tryon Coterie | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | December 1, 1946 Baylor University |
| Type | Social club |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Merged |
| Merge Date | 1977 |
| Successor | Phi Delta Theta |
| Scope | Local |
| Motto | "A Gathering of Friends" |
| Colors | Royal purple and old gold |
| Flower | Fleur-de-lis |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Nickname | Try-C, The Coterie |
| Headquarters | Waco, Texas United States |
History
editThe Tryon Coterie was a men's social club at Baylor University. It was named after one of Baylor University's three founders, Reverend William Milton Tryon. The word coterie was chosen as it represents a "gathering of friends".[1]
In 1976-1977, Tryon Coterie merged with Phi Delta Theta, as many of the fraternities began to transfer from local to national fraternities.[1][2] However it continues to use its original name, and is known as Phi Delta Theta-The Tryon Coterie.[1][2]
Symbols
editThe social club was named after one of Baylor University's three founders, Reverend William Milton Tryon. The word coterie was chosen as it represents a "gathering of friends" which was also the group's motto.[1] The Tryon Coterie's colors were royal purple and old gold. Its flower was the Fleur-de-lis. Its badge was a triangle that featured a Fleur-de-lis.
Activities
editThe fraternity founded the Great Gloomy Gathering tradition of members wearing basic tuxedos, and dates wearing black gowns to a formal ball held in New Orleans at Le Pavillon Hotel, and Houmas House Plantation, to "mourn" the start of finals.[1][2] The fraternity also hosted its "Spring Fling" at Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Country Club.[1][2]
In 1974-75 Try-C won the Class C division with their float when BU played Texas A&M University at Homecoming.[1][2] In 1975-1976, Try-C captured 1st place with their float in the Class A division.[1][2] They participated in All-University Sing, a Baylor tradition, and received 4th place that year. Try-C also won the university championship in tennis & softball that year.[1][2] In 1977-1978 Phi Delta Theta won 1st place in football intramurals with their Class A float.[1][2] In spring they won 2nd place in softball intramurals and placed 8th in Sing.[1][2]
Notable members
edit- Clifton Robinson - graduated 1954 - former CEO of National Insurance[1][2]
- Mark White - graduated 1956 - governor of Texas (1983–1987)[1][2]
- Jim Turner - graduated 1969 - former CEO of Dr Pepper[1][2]
- Mark Hurd - graduated 1977 - former CEO and chairman of Hewlett Packard[1][2]
- Trey Wingo - graduated 1985 - sports journalist and anchor for ESPN[1][2]
- Max Sandlin - graduated 1975 - United States House of Representatives (1997–2005)[1][2]
- Stan Moore - graduated 1978 - two-time Emmy Award winner