Our History
Discover the legacy and accomplishments of the Gamma Iota Chapter.
Chapter Founded
The Gamma Iota Chapter was founded at the University of Idaho.
The First Dream Girl
Gamma Iota crowns it first Dream Girl, Rae Reid of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
The First Gamma Eye
The inaugural edition of our alumni newsletter, The Gamma Eye is published.
Charles Bartell Recruited
University architecture professor Charles Bartell is recruited and initiated as the lead chapter advisor. He would go on to serve our chapter for over 40 years. Our national fraternity named its Chapter Advisor Award after him in 1985. He was the first recipient.
Our First Home
The alumni board purchases the property at the corner of Deakin and College and moves out of the old photo studio.
Gamma Iota awarded Chapter Leadership Award
Launched annual philanthropy events that raised thousands for local charities.
Bike 2 Boise Established
Our primary philanthropy was established and called Bike to Boise which involved riding a tandem bicycle from Moscow, ID. to the steps of the capitol in Boise and continues to this day. Over the years the undergraduate members have raised money for Easter Seals, March of Dimes, Mountain States Tumor Institute, and Hope House.
Gamma Iota Pledges First African American Student on Campus
Gamma Iota became the first fraternity on campus to pledge and initiate an African American student, Daniel Gaither He was an outstanding individual and multiple other fraternities recruited him as well during rush that fall. He went on to be elected Senior Class President of the University.
503 University Ave is Purchased
Having outgrown our chapter house, we purchased our current location from the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It was officially opened at Homecoming that fall.
Vietnam War
Gamma Iota loses 3 brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War. Richard Livingston, Robert Green, and Robert Willey
The 25th Anniversary
Gamma Iota celebrated its 25 anniversary with a large gathering of alumni and friends at the chapter house.
First In Grades and Intramurals
Gamma Iota accomplishes the rare feat of #1 in grades and intramurals for all fraternities on campus.
Prichard Scholarship Established
Gamma Iota celebrates its 30th Anniversary on campus with a weekend celebration where it received multiple awards from headquarters. The Prichard Scholarship is established going to the member with the highest GPA living in the chapter house each year.
Burning of the Mortgage
Gamma Iota celebrates its 31st anniversary and mortgage burning for the property purchased in 1969.
Largest Recruitment Classes
Gamma Iota saw its largest membership numbers with a peak of 30 initiates in 1996. It also dominated the campus intramurals competition winning the majority of the titles during the decade.
First in Grades
Gamma Iota achieves the #1 GPA ranking among all fraternities, 3.32.
Dedication to Charles Bartell
After 2 years of cancellations due to COVID, Gamma Iota holds its 70th Anniversary Celebration. It was the largest gathering ever for a chapter function with over 220 alumni, undergrads, spouses, dream girls, and honored guests attending. Our chapter dining room was formally dedicated in Charles Bartell's name during the weekend.
The 75th Anniversary
Gamma Iota's 75th Anniversary Celebration is set.