Long mentioned in Zeta Tau Alpha’s extension plans, a chapter at the University of Georgia became a reality in 1949 when Gamma Pi was installed in Athens. In October 1948, when the need for another group was felt, Zeta Tau Alpha was one of the national groups to whom an invitation was extended. In November 1949, after having successfully met Georgia’s qualifications, Zeta Tau Alpha was extended an invitation to colonize.

The chapter was selected to bear the name Gamma Pi, although the letter "Pi" was not next in the Greek alphabet and in the logical sequence of the order of installations the chapter would have inherited a different name. It was hoped, however, that Gamma Pi would be a new home for the alumnae of Pi chapter who were left without one when Georgia Wesleyan banned women’s fraternities. Many Zetas in the state wanted the new Georgia chapter named in memory of the inactive Pi chapter, and Zeta’s national officers concurred.

The first official meeting of the Gamma Pi colony was held January 10, 1949 in the reception room of Rutherford Hall dormitory, where meetings were held the rest of the year. The first rush party had been held at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, and formal pledging was held on December 12 at the Delta Delta Delta house.

After a House Corporation was formed by a group of Atlanta alumnae, “a magnificent home- located on a beautiful lot, shaded by century-old magnolia trees adorned with graceful plantings” was purchased. 948 Prince Avenue became Zeta’s first address in Athens. Fall rush was conducted in the chapter house as was the installation of the chapter.

Installation weekend began on November 4, 1949, with pledge services held Friday night for the charter members, 21 pledges, and 17 installation initiates. That afternoon Gamma Pi was formally installed by ZTA National President Helen Margaret Harrison. The White Violet Installation Banquet was held at the Athens Country Club that night. Zeta Tau Alpha was then introduced to Athens and the university community at a reception held Sunday afternoon at the chapter house.

Concluding the founding story of the establishment of Zeta's third chapter in the state of Georgia and the forging of the 83rd link, it was written in Themis: "Zeta Tau Alpha is in Georgia and at Georgia and for Georgia, and she is there to stay." There was no lack of finality in that statement.