Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was founded at the University of Dayton on May 3, 1947, becoming the first fraternal organization to be recognized by the school and the seventy-fourth undergraduate chapter of the Fraternity. The brothers responsible for the birth of Gamma Theta were:

These brothers were brought into the Fraternity under the guidance of the Dayton Alumni Chapter, and were assisted by Father Collins, a campus priest who was very supportive of their cause. They achieved success as students, and as a chapter, striving to maintain the high ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. After 1947, and into the early 1950's, Gamma Theta Chapter initiated additional Brothers. However, due to the racial make-up of the university, and the lack of black students on the campus, the chapter had great difficulty keeping membership high. Upon the graduation of Brother Otis Drake in 1959, there were no remaining Gamma Theta Brothers on campus. Subsequently, the chapter was given an "inactive" status by the national office of the Fraternity. During the school-year of 1965-66, Brother Al Thompson of the Dayton Alumni Chapter began working with seven University of Dayton students who were interested in joining the Fraternity, and “reactivating” Gamma Theta. In 1966 Gamma Theta Chapter was brought back to life with the initiation of Brothers Carlos Alexander, George Harris, Ernest Johnson, Rudi Jordan, Lewis Liggon, Rudolph Payton, and William Tweed. Gamma Theta would soon expand to include Wright State University. Through the late 1960's and 1970's the chapter remained strong on both campuses; it was during this period that the Mighty Morifers, Gamma Theta's largest line ever, was brought into the chapter. The concentration of new brothers shifted back to UD during the late 1970's and 1980's, with many lines "crossing over" during that time.

The increase of African-American males at universities even allowed Wright State to create it's own chapter, thus making the University of Dayton the sole location for the Gamma Theta once again.  During this time, Gamma Theta solidified its position as one of the most active organizations at the university. The fraternity house was established at 331 Kiefaber St. and served as the chapter's headquarters until the late 90's. Into the turn of the century, Gamma Theta Chapter continued to flourish, and remained a key organization on the UD campus. During the late 2000s the chapter got low in numbers with all members graduating.  However, during Spring 2009 the chapter was brought back when four new brothers were initiated.  The Spring 09 initiation was the first one in 4 years.  Followed by Spring 09, the chapter initiated 3 more brothers during Fall of 2009.  Armed with brothers as resident assistants, presidents of other organizations, and holding leadership position in the general organization; Gamma Theta re-established itself as a powerful chapter.  Fall 2010, the chapter will yet again have another Alpha House, on 411 Stonemill Road.  Gamma Theta has produced countless successful doctors, lawyers, engineers, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, ministers, and other individuals which impact the community on a daily basis. Here as the new millennium continues, Gamma Theta desires to continue making a difference on the University of Dayton Campus.