Delta Upsilon is the sixth oldest fraternity in the country. Our
roots began at Williams College in northwestern Massachusetts in November of
1834. From this humble beginning our traditions and principles of Advancement
of Justice, Promotion of Friendship, Diffusion of Liberal Culture, and
Development of Character would take shape and guide our fraternity
up to the present day. Delta Upsilon would sprout up in campuses all across New
England during the nineteenth century. These chapter’s rosters included
the likes of James Garfield, U.S. President, Charles Evans Hughes, Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, Charles Dawes, Vice-President of the United
States, and Stephen Crane, author of such books as “The Red Badge of
Courage.”
Our strong brotherhood would help the chapter to grow across the ever-expanding
country. Delta Upsilon was incorporated in 1909 with the help of Charles Evans
Hughes, governor of New York. This move allowed us to elect a Board of
Directors that would help manage the expansion of our chapters and colonies.
During the first part of the twentieth century, DU continued to produce
prominent men. Diplomats and governors, religious and military leaders, and
corporate presidents and pioneers in industry formed our ranks and strengthened
our chapters. During this time of expansion from 1885 to 1928, 32 new chapters
were added including ours at the University of Oklahoma in 1927.
Since our incorporation in 1927, we have remained the only
non-secret and non-hazing chapter on OU’s campus. Over 1750 men have been
initiated into the Oklahoma Chapter of Delta Upsilon. These men have
incorporated the aforementioned principles of Delta Upsilon into their lives,
and have not only become leaders in the house and on campus, but in their
respective communities as well. Delta Upsilon remains one of the largest and
best houses on OU’s campus, and promises to honor our fraternity’s
rich heritage into the future.
