The Marist College Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, also known as the Mu-Zeta Chapter, was formed in 1967. Professor George Skau was the faculty member who petitioned Phi Alpha Theta for membership, along with students involved in the History Club.

The first initiation took place on April 7, 1967. Daniel Hoffman, National Secretary-Treasurer of Phi Alpha Theta, was the installing officer. The following students were the April 1967 inductees: Milton Chambers, Dennis Gooan, Edwin Hammond, Richard Jones, Victor Junke, Richard Karol, Harold Malone, James Morrison, Edward O'Neil, Frank San Felice, Robert Scott, William Theysohn, William Urkiel and Edward Weyant. Along with the student initiates, the following faculty members were initiated: Roscoe Balch, Brother Edward Cashin, Vincent Toscano, John G. White and Louis Zuccarrelo.

In its first few years, the Mu-Zeta Chapter was extremely active. Students, with help from Professor Skau, began holding annual lectures. These lectures often featured respected historians as the keynote speakers. The chapter also published the Journal of History annually. This journal, which featured outstanding student papers, has not been produced in over ten years, but may be revived this coming year. In addition, the chapter attended the Annual Regional Meeting, during which a student from each institution presented a paper.

This web site is part of the revival of the Mu-Zeta chapter. Marist College has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of history students in the past few years and with it an increase in Phi Alpha Theta membership. This year, we plan on reviving the annual lecture as well as the Journal of History after we hold chapter elections in the fall. We also hope to hold an informal dinner for initiates in the Spring, during which the history faculty and students can mingle. Please check back for the results of the fall elections!

Suggestions and questions are welcome, to be addressed to Thomas Wermuth (thomas.sylvester.wermuth@marist.edu).