Chapter History
The Beginnings
The revival of Delta Chi at Arizona State University is a survival story in itself. Most of the founding father class was drawn to Delta Chi through extensive newspaper ads in the university paper and the word of mouth recruitment spread by Joe Burack, Brian Martin and Dan Richter. These recruiters promised a different fraternity experience in Delta Chi with the slogan, "Our Bond is Uncommon." The college men drawn to this idea were disgusted and embarrassed with the fraternity scene and wanted no part in the stereotypical Greek traditions held on campus. Some founding fathers had bad experiences rushing in other Greek fraternities and dropped out of their rush programs for numerous reasons. Others were new to the Greek experience but wanted to be involved in a rebuilding process. From the beginning, the founding fathers knew the planned reorganization would not only benefit themselves and the international Delta Chi fraternity, but the entire Greek community at Arizona State. All of them understood that the other fraternities’ attitudes on hazing, partying, and treating women had little future for success. The Delta Chi founding fathers rose to the challenge, paving a new way on campus.
Starting the Colony
But the first semester was a stormy start. The founding fathers needed to cooperate with one another in their shortened associate member courses, when they learned the essentials of the fraternity’s history and Cornerstone. That first month was exhausting. Before they knew it, they were in Tucson for their initiation by the University of Arizona chapter. Little did they know that after initiation they would be tested heavily on their strength and character. It was no easy matter for the new men on campus to change the entire Greek community while trying to gain recognition and respect. Winning in philanthropies and intramurals and planning socials took plenty of effort, but they kept fighting and refused to take ‘no’ as an answer. Unfortunately, towards the end of that first semester, the fraternity realized that several of the men recruited by International Headquarters were in the fraternity for the wrong reasons. Many of the brothers abandoned the fraternity. Soon, all but two of the original executive board members left and much doubt and frustration clouded the fraternity.
First Rush
Heading into their first formal rush in the fall of 2001, the remaining founding fathers knew it was the most crucial semester in the fraternity’s growth. Out of the 32 founding fathers initiated, only eleven returned. Those eleven men agreed they had made an important commitment. Failure was not an option. Every individual went above and beyond the call of duty and helped with the most successful rush in Delta Chi history. With eleven original members, they quadrupled membership during rush by recruiting 33 solid associate members! They created a buzz on campus as fraternities and sororities starting talking about Delta Chi and wondering how they recruited so many men while their own rushes were stagnant by comparison. With the success of the Alpha Class, Delta Chi was able to have a strong showing at events. Its presence on campus grew at a rapid pace with the addition of the Beta, Gamma, and Delta Classes of 2002.
The Delta Chi Experience
As Delta Chi brothers, we pride ourselves on holding ourselves to a higher standard. We don’t just say it, we do it! Nowhere is this more obvious than with our sorority relationships. When wearing the Delta Chi letters on campus, sorority women come up to us and tell us how excited they are to have us on campus. They know we are true gentlemen. In the successful Beta, Gamma, and Delta Classes, our members have been groomed to stay true to our letters and our standards. It has paid off in full. When looking back at our founding in the spring of 2001, we are extremely glad that we stayed on our course and followed the road less traveled. While temptation for the easy way out was around every corner, we still wanted no part of what the typical fraternities did, even when we saw them throwing huge parties and dominating in sports and philanthropies. Now we stand at the top as a beacon of light and integrity for others to follow. With four of the top houses kicked off campus this semester for actions that go against our morals and standards as gentlemen of Delta Chi, we proved to ourselves and to the rest of the campus that our way is the right way. The founding fathers are filled with pride when they reflect on an aphorism: "You can only appreciate the sweet when you have tasted the sour." Right now we can enjoy the sweet fruits of labor after all the hardships and falling out we had in the past. Now, when we wear our letters on campus, both men and women immediately know our reputation as gentlemen. Delta Chi offers a different experience than most. We can pride ourselves on a full Calendar of socials, high placement in all intramural sports and philanthropies, the money we raise for charity, and the events where Delta Chi alumni are involved. We have the complete package and do not sell ourselves on parties and women, but rather let our track record speak for itself.
Brotherhood
The success of Delta Chi can be summed up in a single word:
brotherhood. We believe our success on campus is due to brotherhood.
During rush, we don’t want people to join our fraternity because
they are impressed with the dinners and baseball games we provide.
Rather, we want people to join our fraternity based on brotherhood and
friendship. We can take away all the expensive activities in rush, and
still pride ourselves in a product of high value: brotherhood.
Brotherhood wants you to make the time and financial commitment to the
fraternity. Brotherhood wants you to convince your parents to support
your choice knowing that this organization is a positive experience.
Brotherhood is the glue that holds this fraternity together. In the
end, when looking back at our experiences as brothers of Delta Chi in
our college years and throughout our life, we all will remember the
most important aspects of the fraternity. Awards and individual
recognition will certainly continue with the success of Delta Chi, but
all of us understand that while those awards are important and well
deserved, the most important aspect is being a good brother. Being a
good brother does not require awards, money, or recognition, but rather
the intangibles that get us through our daily lives. Looking in the
mirror, a Delta Chi knows he made a difference for the better.
