Delta Tau Delta: A History of Brotherhood and Excellence

Delta Tau Delta is more than just a fraternity; it's a brotherhood that has fostered leaders, innovators, and community advocates for over 150 years. Guided by the principles of Truth, Courage, Faith, and Power, the Delta Tau Delta experience encourages self-discovery and empowers members to make a positive impact on the world.

The Early Years and Expansion

The fraternity's origins trace back to Bethany College, where it was founded. The early years were marked by challenges, including closures due to the Civil War. The Bethany College chapter closed in 1860, after which the Alpha chapter took on the national leadership role in 1861.

As Delta Tau Delta expanded, chapters emerged across the United States, each contributing to the fraternity's rich history. However, this expansion wasn't without its hurdles. Some chapters faced closure due to various reasons, including the Civil War, financial mismanagement, or violations of fraternity policies.

Early Chapters and Their Fates

Several early chapters played crucial roles in shaping Delta Tau Delta's identity. Some notable examples include:

Alpha: Originally the Omicron chapter in 1864, it became the third chapter to be called Alpha in 1868 when it took on the national leadership role. It closed in 1874 when its members sold its assets, illegally pocketing the proceeds and joining another fraternity.
Beta Prime: Formerly the second chapter, this chapter merged with the Gamma chapter when the two colleges merged to create Washington & Jefferson College.
Delta: This was the Delta chapter from July 1863 to 1875.

These early chapters, whether short-lived or enduring, contributed to the evolving identity and values of Delta Tau Delta.

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Challenges and Setbacks

Like any organization with a long history, Delta Tau Delta has faced its share of challenges. Instances of hazing, alcohol violations, and other misconduct have led to chapter suspensions and closures.

Hazing and Misconduct

Hazing has been a recurring issue for some Delta Tau Delta chapters, leading to serious consequences. For example, in 2010, the Ohio University chapter pled no contest to a hazing charge and received a five-year suspension. In another instance, Miami University dismissed the Delta Tau Delta fraternity for hazing.

Alcohol-Related Incidents

Alcohol-related incidents have also posed challenges for the fraternity. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln ordered the chapter to cease operations because of hazing, and in 2000, the university placed Delta Tau Delta on probation after the alcohol-related death of one of its members.

Chapter Closures and Suspensions

Several Delta Tau Delta chapters have faced suspension or closure due to various violations. Some examples include:

Ohio University: The Beta Chapter of Delta Tau Delta was suspended for hazing.
West Virginia University: The WVU fraternity was suspended over a member's "Real World" audition video.
Syracuse University: The Syracuse University chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity was suspended for violations that include hazing.
Texas Christian University: Hazing allegations surfaced against TCU's suspended Delta Tau Delta Charter, leading to its deactivation.
University of Alabama: Another UA frat closed, marking the 8th closure since 2012.

These instances highlight the importance of accountability and adherence to fraternity policies.

Notable Members and Alumni

Delta Tau Delta has produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals in various fields, including politics, business, arts, and sports. These notable members exemplify the values of leadership, service, and excellence that the fraternity seeks to instill.

Politics and Public Service

Delta Tau Delta boasts a number of alumni who have made significant contributions to politics and public service. These individuals include:

Henry Mentz: District judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Steve Schmidt: Campaign strategist for George W. Bush.

Arts and Entertainment

The fraternity also counts accomplished figures in the arts and entertainment industries among its alumni. These individuals include:

Nicolas Vansteenberghe: Runner-up on 'Love Island USA' Season 7.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Delta Tau Delta has produced numerous successful business leaders and entrepreneurs who have made their mark in various industries.

Athletics

The fraternity has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, with many members achieving success in collegiate and professional sports.

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Delta Tau Delta Today

Today, Delta Tau Delta continues to thrive as a leading fraternity with chapters across the United States. The fraternity remains committed to its core values of Truth, Courage, Faith, and Power, and strives to provide its members with opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and service to others.

Recent Activities and Initiatives

Delta Tau Delta chapters across the country are actively involved in various philanthropic and community service initiatives. These activities include:

Supporting the JDRF OneWalk: Delts participated in the Western PA JDRF OneWalk.
Donating children's books: Delta Tau Delta and Kappa Alpha Theta chapters gave away more than 500 books to children.

The Enduring Legacy of Delta Tau Delta

Delta Tau Delta's long and storied history is a testament to the enduring power of brotherhood, leadership, and service. The fraternity has faced challenges and setbacks, but it has consistently emerged stronger and more committed to its values. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its members and the world around it, Delta Tau Delta remains a vital force for good in the lives of young men and the communities they serve.

Delta Tau Delta at UCLA

The idea of starting a Theta Tau at UCLA has always been existent, but came to reality in October of 2012, when brothers Alan Bui and Byron Pang shared interests in starting a chapter at UCLA. On January 14th, 2013, Michael Abraham formally established the Theta Tau Interest Group at UCLA. In three months time, the founding class began to take shape, forging bonds of fraternal fellowship and building a solid foundation that may last for generations to come. Theta Tau was founded as the "Society of Hammer and Tongs," on October 15, 1904, by Erich Julius Schrader, Elwin Leroy Vinal, William Murray Lewis, and Isaac Baker Hanks, mining engineering students at the University of Minnesota. In 1911, at the Fraternity's first national convention, the name was changed to Theta Tau, and it was decided that Theta Tau would include all branches of engineering.

Dr. William Goodin is a senior manager with more than 30 years of experience in alumni and corporate networking. He is currently serving as an advisor and mentor to numerous student groups and individual students and alumni. Since 2011, Dr. Goodin is the Associate Director of Alumni Relations of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. He is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with alumni to increase their participation and involvement within the School. Dr. Goodinis more focused in the Electrical Engineering department. Being the Industry Relations Coordinator, he builds and nurtures relationships between the UCLA Electrical Engineering Department, allied departments, and the industry. Dr. Goodin is a Mathematics B.A. graduate of SJSU, a Computer Science M.S.

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