Delta Upsilon (
ΔY) is the 6th oldest international, all-male, college,
Greek-letter social
fraternity and is the first non-secret fraternity ever founded. Delta Upsilon was founded in 1834 at
Williams College in
Williamstown, Massachusetts when 30 men came together in response to the activities of the two secret societies on the Williams campus.
Delta Upsilon's mission is
Building Better Men by focusing on the fraternity's non-secret heritage and Four Founding Principles:
The Promotion of FriendshipThe Development of CharacterThe Diffusion of Liberal CultureThe Advancement of JusticeDelta Upsilon's Vision is to be "the premier men's fraternity committed to
Building Better Men for a global society through service, leadership development and lifelong personal growth of our diverse membership."
On March 28, 2009 Delta Upsilon recently initiated its newest chapter, and the second of the 21st century, at
Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri making it the 152nd chapter in the history of the fraternity. The initiation was also significant as it was the first time in more than 100 years that Delta Upsilon established a Chapter at a school where no previous Greek organizations existed. The initiation was also significant because it included Delta Upsilon's first ever digital initiation, with three Brothers of the Webster Chapter studying abroad in Switzerland being initiated online. In 2009, the fraternity will achieve another milestone by celebrating its 175th anniversary since inception.
Insignia
thumb|right|Delta Upsilon Member Badgethumb|right|Delta Upsilon Associate Member Pinthumb|right|Delta Upsilon FlagOath of Initiation
From the "RITUAL OF INITIATION," The Delta Upsilon Fraternity
Motto
The fraternity's current motto is "Dikaia Upotheke" in Greek - "Δικαια Υποθηκη" - which means "Justice Our Foundation." The motto was adopted in 1858 during the 24th Annual Convention of the Fraternity. Until this time, the motto of the Williams Chapter, "Ouden Adelon" - meaning "Nothing Secret," was used.
The Member Badge and the Associate Member Pin
The Member badge of Delta Upsilon consist of the Greek letters Delta and Upsilon in a gold monogram of overlapping letters. The arms of the Upsilon bear an engraving of the fraternity motto in Greek.
The Associate Member Pin consists of a gold Delta on a blue enamel with a gold Upsilon in the center of the Delta.
The Flag and Colors
The Flag of the fraternity consists of three vertical bars, two end bars in sapphire blue, and one central bar in old gold. The gold bar bears the monogram of the Greek letters Delta and Upsilon in sapphire blue.
The Colors of the Fraternity are Sapphire Blue and
Old Gold.
Partner Charity
Delta Upsilon is known for running philanthropic events in many communities internationally. The main organization to which they provide support are
Boys and Girls Clubs of the
United States and
Canada.
Chapters
Notable DUs
A few significant Delta Upsilon alumni include:
- Joseph Kennedy, former ambassador to England (father of John F. Kennedy)
- Tommy R. Franks, Commander in Chief of US Central Command, General in the US Army
