Delta Sigma Phi History
Delta Sigma Phi has always prided itself on being the atypical fraternity. Members and Fraternity leaders demonstrate compassion, inclusion and harmony. This began with our founding.
By the late 1800s, several other fraternities already existed, but none awarded membership to both Christian and Jewish students. Much like the rest of the country, segregation was the norm; it was typical.
But on Dec. 10, 1899 by way of a secret meeting at City College of New York, Delta Sigma Phi was established as the first membership organization to initiate members from a variety of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Our Fraternity was founded on the principles of diversity and good character. Delta Sigma Phi incorporated with the purpose to spread “the principles of friendship and brotherhood among college men, without respect to race or creed.”
Today, our mission continues to embody that of our founding fathers, recognized as Meyer Boskey (an original founder from the Alpha Chapter at C.U.N.Y.) and Charles Tonsor (a recruit of Boskey’s at the Gamma
Chapter at New York University), in all that we do today. Delta Sigma Phi has experienced solid growth across the continental United States, seen dramatic increases in Fraternity programming and constantly evaluates how to modernize the fraternity experience for men of high character.
Delta Sigma Phi founders built an atypical group during hostile times. Today, Delta Sig continues to link men of all backgrounds to spark a social movement. He aspires to be significant, communally engaged and atypical. He trumpets cooperation and collaboration with others.
Mission
Our mission is to empower and encourage our members to become Better Men – men of courage, men of action, and men of excellence.
Vision
Our vision is to become America’s leading fraternity, with an unparalleled leadership experience; recognized as among the most respected and influential organizations on campuses; and a culture that compels all living members to actively participate.
Men of
Culture
The Better Manis a values-based leader, striving to meet the challenges of modern civilization through innovative solutions with a purpose founded in our core values. He is not afraid to challenge the status quo and is respected for his integrity, character and poise in his values. Adversity and challenge are not barriers to his success. He is sustained by his conviction, enlightenment and belief in the universal brotherhood of man.
Men of
Harmony
The Better Man is committed to improving the human condition with principle and sincerity. He does not resign himself to await the actions of others; when he sees a person in need, an injustice at hand or an opportunity to improve the world around him, he stands up and lends a hand. When others may falter or fade, he has the poise to act.
Men of
Friendship
The Better Man strives for inclusivity in every aspect of his life. He is committed to a lifelong experience of improving society, seeking wisdom, culture, enlightenment and truth, and exemplifying the ideals and core values of Delta Sigma Phi.
About Epsilon Iota
Delta Sigma Phi is a men’s social fraternity at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. It became an official chapter of the national fraternity in 1967, earning it the name “Epsilon Iota,” the 129th chapter in North America. Since that moment, it has developed hundreds of young men into prominent leaders in their community. As a non-profit organization, our fraternity is responsible for many philanthropic, academic and social events in the La Crosse community. Every year, we organize blood drives, fundraisers for service dogs, golf outings and many more. We organize many social events too, including “mock-weddings” with sororities, Christmas parties, formal dances and camping trips. Our motto is to create “better men and better lives” through our core values of culture, harmony, and friendship. We strive to build the “better man” in each of our members, by creating a group of academic, athletic and socially excellent men. Since our inception, Delta Sigma Phi has made significant contributions to both UW La Crosse and the La Crosse community.
Notable alumni from the fraternity include Pat Stephens, who started the La Crosse Rotary Lights in 1995, Ken Riley, a well known property realtor for homes on Cass Street, UWL commencement speakers, marines, lawyers, business leaders, WKBT-TV “Everyday heroes”, a member of the Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame and many, many more.
To this day, Delta Sigma Phi remains the oldest fraternity at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Its GPA is above the all campus men’s average and is above all other fraternities on campus. It is the only Greek organization on campus that has an official chapter house.
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