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Delta Iota Chapter History

The Iota Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Delta has been a recognized chapter at the University of Houston for more than fifteen years. With strong support from the university, it is largely the result of the efforts of Anita Gaines, Director of the International Student and Scholar Services, who realized that Phi Beta Delta Honorary Society for International Scholars could play a significant role in keeping with the university's goals to promote internationalization. Gaines began by contacting faculty and administrators who were already involved in the international affairs of the university and helped document the University of Houston’s global prominence. She submitted the petition for chapter creation to the Phi Beta Delta Board of Directors. The petition was approved creating the Delta Iota Chapter on May 1, 1998.

The Delta Iota Founding Committee of Bridget Canty, Dr. Joseph Davison, Anita Gaines, Janet Fleming, Lily Lam, Dr. Sharon Lund O’Neil, Dr. Clinton Rappole, Dr. Alvaro Romo and Dr. Randolph Thummel voted Dr. Thummel to be the chapter’s first Delta Iota president and organized the May 1, 1998 Meet and Greet Reception. At the ceremony Dr. Arthur K. Smith, Chancellor/President of the University of Houston gave the opening remarks. Dr. Judy Young, Director of the International Office at the University of Texas-Arlington (Epsilon Chapter) provided the greetings.  The first honorary members were Chancellor Dr. Arthur K. Smith; Dr. Edward Sheridan, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; University Provost, Dr. Jack D. Burke, Director Emeritus of International Student and Scholar Services; and D’Ann Burke, volunteer Director of International Friendship Family Program for International Student and Scholar Services. Eighty-three new members were inducted along with the 2 additional honorary members, which included 34 faculty and staff, and 45 students.

In 2014, the Delta Iota Scholarship Committee awarded the first Phi Beta Delta scholarships to promote continuous international education among UH students. The scholarships are made possible through the strategic use of the Phi Beta Delta Endowment equity and the generous donations of UH benefactors and the Houston community at large. 

Today, the Delta Iota Chapter has more than 300 members, and more than 30 honorary members.