History

Founded on November 4, 1834 at Williams College, Delta Upsilon is one of the oldest men’s college fraternities and the first to be founded as non-secret. Delta Upsilon was never intended to be “just another fraternity.”

Founded on November 4th, 1834 by thirty freshman, sophomore, and junior students at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Delta Upsilon is one of the oldest fraternities in North America.

We differ from other fraternities in a major way: in our non-secrecy. Since our founding, we have made the ideals and principles that guide our existence public: the Promotion of Friendship, the Development of Character, the Diffusion of Liberal Culture, and the Advancement of Justice. Through these four founding principles, we work towards Building Better Men.

With such a strong foundation, it should be no surprise that Delta Upsilon produces some of the most successful men in the world including world leaders, Olympic gold medalists, Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, as well as being voted a top fraternity with Wall Street alumni.

The Rutherford House (Home of Delta Upsilon Alberta from 1929- 1968)

The founding fathers of DU Alberta circa 1935

Here at the University of Alberta, Delta Upsilon has a long and storied tradition of excellence. Founded in 1935, our chapter has remained solid and visible on campus since inception. Since our founding, we have helped train and develop great leaders in the community, province and country. From business titans such as Eldon Foote and Francis Winspear, to sporting heroes Clare Drake and Randy Gregg, to politicians Allan Warrack and Peter Lougheed, we take pride in the leaders we create.

Walking around the University of Alberta campus and Edmonton Downtown may surprise you. The Winspear Centre, Claire Drake Arena, Foote Field, and the Van Vliet Centre are all named after members of Delta Upsilon.

In more recent years, our success has continued. We have been named the top Canadian Delta Upsilon chapter for the past five years, and remain consistently competitive for top overall chapter awards. This is no small feat for a group of thirty-five men when competing with American chapters that number in the hundreds. We promote academic success, philanthropy, and active social lives.

As the only non-secret fraternity at the University of Alberta, everything we do is open and transparent to the public. Delta Upsilon refuses to be secretive, and only recognizes one type of superiority in our men - merit. Our meetings are open, our activities non-secret, and our ritual of initiation transparent. In aiming to build the finest fraternity and best men, we invite public scrutiny to ensure we stay true to our commitment.

“The circumstances of fraternity life gave me a wonderful opportunity for exchanging and sharpening viewpoints; for stimulating interest and curiosity in a variety of subjects. These are essential to true education.”

- Lester B. Pearson, 14th PM of Canada, DU Alumni