History

Delta Upsilon

Delta Upsilon, an international men's fraternity founded in 1834, is committed to Building Better Men through our four founding principles, friendship, character, culture, & justice, that challenge our brothers to expect nothing less than excellence from themselves and others.
There are no secrets with Delta Upsilon. No secret rituals. No secret oaths. No hazing. Delta Upsilon is proud to be the world's only international fraternity committed to sharing our ideals, symbols, and rituals openly.

Delta Sigma

Delta Sigma, a local fraternity organized by the Demosthenean Society at Bucknell, was active from 1899-1950. The badge displayed a lyre supporting a wreath and a trumpet, along with the letters Delta Sigma. Their colors were Red and Black. Three times during the year they issued a publication called the Trumpet. Following the principles set forth by the great Greek orator Demosthenes, Delta Sigma brothers excelled in public speaking, in addition to academics and athletics. The chapter resided at 518 St. George Street in Lewisburg (now the Hulley House), until 1940, when it moved into a much larger house on Bucknell's Fraternity Road. The original house was purchased by the University at this time.

Traditions of Delta Sigma included the annual production of the "Demie Play", a tradition Delta Upsilon still maintains. The play was performed in the auditorium of the Lewisburg High School, and was well supported by the community. Demie Play continues to be one of the most successful philanthropic events among Bucknell's Greek system. Another tradition was the "Pledge Pray for Rain." Freshmen pledging Delta Sigma would invite a date to meet them on the balcony of Bucknell's Larison Hall. The pledges would then suit up in rain gear, and march below the balcony. After praying for rain, the girls assembled on the balcony would simulate the rain by pouring water from above. The event was always a sight to be seen.

In 1950, Delta Sigma affiliated nationally with Delta Upsilon. They choose Delta Upsilon based on the shared philosophies of education, brotherhood, and non-secrecy. The chapter was appropriately named the Demosthenean Chapter of Delta Upsilon. The Delta Upsilon house is now known as Demosthenean Hall. Notable alumni include brother John Zeller '41, who served as Bucknell's President in 1984. Delta Sigma still commands a presence at Bucknell, and it lives on in the traditions of the Demostenean Chapter of Delta Upsilon