The Franklin Trophy is presented annually to the outstanding graduating senior and is selected by the chapter advisory chair. The trophy is named for Franklin College where Texas Theta's founding advisor, Frank Heflin, was initiated into the Indiana Delta chapter as Bond #682 on March 1, 1942. In 2005, the Franklin Trophy was awarded to Tim Bynum. In 2006, Tanner Wyatt was the recipient and in 2007, Garrett Griffin was recognized as the outstanding graduating senior. In 2008, Tucker Lee received the Franklin Trophy.

Awards Presented by the General Fraternity

The Kansas City Trophy is presented to the outstanding chapter in the United States in relation to size of chapter membership, total number of male undergraduates at the institution, and the total number of men's social fraternities at the institution. Points are awarded in relation to the academic standing of the chapter on the campus as well as involvement in activities outside the fraternity. Texas Theta was selected as runner up for the Kansas City Trophy in 2005.

The Gold Star Award is presented to chapters of Phi Delta Theta which exceed the average size of all chapters on their campus and are in the top 1/3 in scholarship on their campus. The award also considers chapter management, alumni relations, fraternity life and ritual. Texas Theta has received the Gold Star Award in 2008, 2005, 2004, 1986, 1982, 1979, 1973, and 1972.

The Silver Star Award is presented to chapters of Phi Delta Theta which are in the top 1/2 in scholarship on their campus. The same criteria is examined for the Silver Star Award as the Gold Star Award. Texas Theta received the Silver Star Award in 2007, 2006 and 1978.

Previous Awards

Recruitment Recognition Award - 2004

#1 Scholarship Award - 2004

Gold Star Award - 2004

Community Service Citation - 2004

Gold Star Award - 2005

Biggers Ritual Trophy - 2005

#1 Scholarship Award - 2005

Community Service Citation - 2005

#1 Scholarship Award - 2006

Silver Star Award - 2006

Biggers Ritual Trophy - 2006

Community Service Citation - 2007

Silver Star Award - 2007

GHQ Trophy - 2008

Gold Star Award - 2008

Community Service Citation - 2008

Biggers Ritual Trophy - 2008

Phi For Life

Texas Theta Phis Awarded
Distinguished Alumni Awards
at WTAMU 11/06/08

Known as the "EF Hutton of the House" Texas State House of Representatives members stop and listen when Rep. John T. Smithee ’73 speaks. His influence has earned him numerous awards and titles, and this spring the WTAMU Alumni Association named Smithee a 2008 Distinguished Alumnus.

Smithee earned his juris doctorate from Texas Tech Law School and has been a Republican member of the Texas State House of Representatives since January 1985. Smithee's District 86 includes rural Dallam, Hartley, Oldham, and Deaf Smith counties. His district office is in Amarillo. He represents the part of Amarillo, some 40 percent of the population, located to the south of the central city within Randall County.

Plainview business man and philanthropist David Wilder '65 was honored as a 2008 Distinguished Alumnus by the WTAMU Alumni Association.

Wilder began his education in Amarillo where he graduated with honors from Amarillo College and WTAMU. At WT, he studied accounting and earned his bachelor's in business administration. Professionally he spent most of his career managing financial records and investments as an executive for First National Bank in Plainview until his retirement in 1996.