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 Iota Kappa
In 1993: ΔΣΦ received the go-ahead from our national headquarters, the U of Utah and the U’s IFC to begin a chapter of ΔΣΦ at the University of Utah. At that time ΔΣΦ called new, beginning chapters “colonies.” A colony was started and several men were initiated. These brothers were and remain fully initiated members of Delta Sigma Phi and the University of Utah chapter. At the time, our national policy was to allow any colony with at least 20 men to apply for a charter. In the end, however, only 19 were initiated. The 19 dwindled as men either left school or graduated.Another attempt was made around 2011-12. Along with two other fraternities, we made a presentation to the IFC as to which one the IFC would invite to the University of Utah’s greek system. Delta Sigma Phi won the vote on the first ballot and was invited. We had the full support of our headquarters and full-time recruiters were sent in. Close attention, help and support by alumni members and by our headquarters staff resulted in a growing and vibrant number of initiated members. By December 6, 2014, we reached our chartering.The journey was long and circuitous from 1993 to 2014, but Iota Kappa at the University of Utah has moved forward, and our undergraduate chapter has matured. Our graduates have gone on to become successful professionals and have organized many events to help support our undergraduate chapter. We have hosted Regional Leadership Academies at the campus, which include our other Delta Sig chapters in the Rocky Mountain area. We’ve sent delegates, both undergrad and alumni, to every convention since our chartering. We the brothers of Iota Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, are committed to becoming the best versions of ourselves and supporting our brothers in the same.
