Tryon Coterie

The Tryon Coterie, also known as Try-C, was a men's social club at Baylor University. It affiliated with Phi Delta Theta in 1977 and is now part of the Texas Lambda chapter of Phi Delta Theta. The fraternity chapter continues to model itself as Phi Delta Theta-The Tryon Coterie, making it unique among Phi Delt chapters nationwide.

History
The Tryon Coterie was a men's social club at Baylor University. It was named after one of Baylor University’s three founders, Reverend William Milton Tryon. The word Coterie was chosen as it represents a "Gathering of Friends".

In 1976-1977, Tryon Coterie merged with Phi Delta Theta, as many of the fraternities began to transfer from local to national fraternities. However continues to use its original name, known as Phi Delta Theta-The Tryon Coterie.

Symbols
The social club was named after one of Baylor University’s three founders, Reverend William Milton Tryon. The word Coterie was chosen as it represents a "Gathering of Friends" which was also the group's motto. The Tryon Coterie's colors were royal purple and old gold. Its flower was the Fleur-de-lis. Its badge was a triangle that featured a Fleur-de-lis.

Activities
The fraternity founded the Great Gloomy Gathering tradition of members wearing basic tuxedos, and dates wearing black gowns to a formal ball held in New Orleans at the Le Pavillon Hotel, and Houmas House Plantation, to "mourn" the start of finals. The fraternity also hosted its "Spring Fling" at Horseshoe Bay, Texas Country Club.

In 1974-75 Try-C won the Class C division with their float when BU played Texas A&M University at Homecoming. In 1975-1976, Try-C captured 1st place with their float in the Class A division. They participated in All-University Sing, a Baylor tradition, and received 4th place that year. Try-C also won the University Championship in tennis & softball that year. In 1977-1978 Phi Delta Theta won 1st place in football intramurals with their Class A float. In spring they won 2nd place in softball intramurals and placed 8th in Sing.

Notable membes

 * Clifton Robinson - Graduated 1954 - former CEO of National Insurance
 * Mark White - Graduated 1956 - Governor of Texas (1983–87)
 * Jim Turner - Graduated 1969 - former CEO of Dr Pepper
 * Mark Hurd - Graduated 1977 - former CEO and chairman of Hewlett Packard
 * Trey Wingo - Graduated 1985 - sports journalist and anchor for ESPN
 * Max Sandlin - Graduated 1975 - United State House of Representatives (1997–2005)
 * Stan Moore - Graduated 1978 - two-time Emmy Award winner