About Beta Deuteron

Our History

Local History

Beta Deuteron was established at Iowa State University in 1907, with our chapter house built in 1909 — a home we have occupied since 1919. Much of the original framework on the main floor still stands today, including furniture dating back to the 1940s that has been with the Charge for generations. Our nickname — Thumpers — comes from one of our own. Beta Deuteron alumnus Frank Thomas went on to become one of Walt Disney's original core animators, instrumental in bringing Bambi to life, including the beloved character Thumper. When the chapter caught wind of this connection, we adopted Thumper as our mascot and have called ourselves Thumpers ever since — the only Theta Delta Chi charge in the nation to do so. Disney sued us twice. We won the first case, and when they came back a second time, Frank Thomas settled it himself with a handwritten letter granting Beta Deuteron his personal permission and trademark rights to use Thumper as our mascot. Not long before COVID, Beta Deuteron was a small house with under 40 members. Today we sit at over 105 active brothers — a growth that was steady and intentional, but never at the expense of the tight brotherhood culture that has always defined us.

National History

Theta Delta Chi was founded on October 31, 1847, at Union College in Schenectady, New York, making it one of the oldest fraternities in North America. Built on the principles of intellectual growth, moral development, and social excellence, Theta Delta Chi has grown into an international brotherhood with charges across the United States and Canada. The national organization supports undergraduate chapters through leadership programming, awards recognition, and the annual Grand Lodge Convention — where Beta Deuteron has been recognized among the best chapters in the world. To learn more about Theta Delta Chi's history, mission, and values, visit the national website.

By the Numbers