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Theta Nu Alpha (Pacific University) Collection

 Collection
Identifier: RG-7-134

Scope and Contents

The Theta Nu Alpha collection includes newsletters, photographs, alumni records, a banquet invitation, and a patch with Theta's greek letters on it. Although the material all dates from the late 1940s through the early 1960s, information about earlier members is included in the Alumni Records section. The photographs include two images of Lu'au celebrations at Pacific University from the early 1960s.

Dates

  • 1949-1969

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Pacific University owns the copyright to some, but not all, of the materials housed in its archives. Copyright for materials authored or otherwise produced as official business of Pacific University is retained by Pacific University and requires its permission for publication. Copyright status for other collection materials varies. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Historical Note

Theta Nu Alpha is a Pacific University sorority which was founded in 1921. The March 8, 1921 issue of the student newspaper, "The Index," gave this account of its founding:

GIRLS PLAN NEW SOCIETY A number of girls under the leadership of Miss Willard and Dean Farnham [the Dean of women students] met at Herrick Hall [the women's dormitory], Thursday evening in view of organizing a new society. During the business meeting, Dean Farnham gave a much appreciated talk on the requirements and obligations of a new organization.

The April 5, 1921 issue has the next mention:

THETA NU The St. Patrick's Day program of the Theta Nu society proved exceedingly interesting. [A description of a program of humorous rhymes and serious talks follows.] A business meeting resulted in the adoption of the name Theta Nu for the society. In a very short time the society's constitution will be ready to present to the faculty for ratification.

Later issues of the newspaper give updates on Theta's activities, which seem to have been held weekly on Thursday nights. The first elected president was Lillian Yost. Like other fraternities and sororities at this time, Theta Nu appears to have started out as a literary society. The principle activities that they engaged in were, at first, mostly organized around lectures, poetry readings and musical performances.

In later years, Theta Nu ran annual events collaborating with other Greek societies. They often partnered with the fraternity Gamma Sigma, holding rush parties and informal dinners together. The Thetas also hosted special events on campus such as a P.J. Dance, May Day breakfast, and a Spring Formal banquet.

Extent

1 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Summary

Theta Nu Alpha is a Pacific University sorority which was founded in 1921. This collection includes newsletters, photographs, alumni records, a banquet invitation, and other material. Although the material all dates from the late 1940s through the early 1960s, information about earlier members is included in the Alumni Records section.

Accruals

No accruals are expected.

Title
Guide to the Theta Nu Alpha (Pacific University) Collection
Status
In Progress
Author
Eva Guggemos
Date
2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.
Sponsor
Sponsored by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission

Repository Details

Part of the Pacific University Archives Repository

Contact:
2043 College Way
Forest Grove OR 97116 United States