Chapter 2: History Of Delta Upsilon

Delta Upsilon is proud of what it stands for. From Calgary to Canton, our chapters share heritage, which creates a strong brotherly bond. This is one reason why our history is so important to learn. Another reason is that knowing our history and being able to appreciate our predecessors aids in answering questions of those not familiar with our organization. Since we are non-secret, we can proudly tell others what they are gaining when they join, what we do, and what we stand for.

Delta Upsilon was founded in 1834, making us the sixth oldest fraternity in the United States. We are also the oldest non-secret fraternity. The roots of Delta Upsilon began at Williams College where the original name for the brotherhood was The Social Fraternity. It was established at a meeting of only 30 men. Soon, however, the membership at Williams College grew to include over half of the male population on that campus. From here, the Social Fraternity branched out to Union College, Amherst, and Hamilton.

It was these four chapters that decided to meet in order to organize the non-secret societies into a more concrete organization. In 1847, the Anti-Secret Confederation was held. This convention was held to establish the fraternity colors as Old Gold and Sky Blue. It did many other things as well. It was not until the convention of 1864 that the name of Delta Upsilon was formally adopted. Delta Upsilon was growing like crazy, and by 1880 we had 15 chapters.

In 1882, Delta Upsilon adopted the policy of non-secrecy rather than anti-secrecy. With the success of the fraternity, the men decided to print a publication updating all of its members as to the recent developments with the chapter members, executive decisions, and general information. This publication was first called the University Review, and was later changed to be titled the Quarterly, which you will receive for the rest of your life.

Delta Upsilon has thus grown into a large fraternity of currently 88 international chapters in both the U.S. and Canada. All of these men share the same ideals and history. Our first chapter in Canada was the McGill Chapter, established in 1898 in Montreal, Quebec.

Founding Principles

The founders of Delta Upsilon Fraternity were sick of the secretive early social societies. They were even more disgusted with the demeaning and stupid behavior of their initiation that were known to be instituted in some of those societies. The founders felt that there should be open notability and pride in heritage. For these reasons, the founders of Delta Upsilon developed these four founding principles in 1834.

It is essential to understand the meanings of each of these principles. These are the words that we strive to live by. These four principles are one of the adhering factors which make Delta Upsilon what it is today and has been throughout the years. Each of these principles can be interpreted to include their general definitions and the definition in your own mind.

The Advancement of Justice:

This principle is to promote honesty, integrity and fairness in all of our everyday dealings with brothers, faculty, and pretty much everyone.

The Development of Character:

This principle is to develop you not only in education but also through academics, sports, and social activities. This is where a man’s worthwhile traits will be developed and shaped for a lifetime. Honesty, integrity, fairness, sportsmanship, compassion, and scholarship are all traits needed to get through life.

The Diffusion of Liberal Culture:

This principle includes the responsibility of every college man to take advantage of the endless opportunities, which lie before him. In short, to prepare himself for a position of leadership which society imposes on an educated man with an open mind.

The Promotion of Friendship:

This principle means exactly what it says to develop a brotherly bond with your new family and everyone else in the world.

Our Motto:

The founders further adopted a motto, which sums up the overall purpose and intention of the fraternity. This motto is Dikaia Upoqhkh or Dikaia Upotheke, which means: Justice Our Foundation.

Chapter History:

In addition to knowing the over-all history of Delta Upsilon, you should know how, when, and where the Culver-Stockton College chapter was developed. It all began on December 17, 1985 when the Culver-Stockton administration approved Delta Upsilon for their campus.

As the fraternity struggled in its early days, it also became a tight bunch of brothers trying to survive. This gave the organization strength and a raw determination to succeed amongst other large fraternities. Despite the struggle, the following year, on April 22, 1986, Delta Upsilon was officially installed by the International Fraternity as a colony.

Two years later in 1988, Delta Upsilon was installed as a chapter. From this, DU has continued to impress everyone with our success. In 1990, we swept the Greek awards and retained the scholarship cup. The following year brought the first time in campus history when a fraternity received above a 3.0 G.P.A. (We had a 3.09). In 1992, we took this accomplishment one step further by having the highest G.P.A. among all Greek organizations with a 3.24. By 1993, we amassed a membership of over 50 members within just 8 years.

We were also chosen in April of 1994 to start the new Greek Row. The administration gave us a house without asking for any type of payment other than our continued emphasis on leading the campus in scholastics, and overall service related means.

In the fall of 1995, DU was the proud winner of the IM flag football tournament. In the spring of 1996, DU joined with the Chi Omega sorority and won the Greek Olympics. In the spring of 1997 and 1998, DU won the pledge class scholarship cup. The spring of 1998 also brought us the overall top Scholarship amongst fraternities and second overall on campus behind only Sigma Kappa.

Many men have worked long and hard to make us what we are today. It is now up to you to decide where Delta Upsilon goes in the future.