Delta Tau Delta

Delta Tau Delta is a US-based international Greek letter organization with a rich history dating back to Bethany College in West Virginia. The fraternity was founded in 1858 by Alexandra-born William Randolph Cunningham, Alexander Campbell Earle, Richard Havener Alfred, Henry King Bell, and John Lucius Newton Hunt, who were influenced by the American Civil War and the Abolitionist movement led by William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass. The fraternity's early development was shaped by its relationships with other organizations, including the Phi Kappa Psi and Beta Theta Pi fraternities, as well as the Ohio University and Miami University campuses. Delta Tau Delta has a long history of producing notable alumni, including John Boehner, William Howard Taft, and Lowell Thomas, who have made significant contributions to American politics, journalism, and entertainment.

● History

The history of Delta Tau Delta is closely tied to the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era, during which the fraternity expanded to new campuses, including Centre College and Washington & Jefferson College. The fraternity's growth was influenced by the Industrial Revolution and the Gilded Age, which saw the rise of Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and other prominent industrialists who were members of the fraternity. Delta Tau Delta also played a significant role in the Spanish-American War, with many of its members serving in the United States Army and United States Navy alongside notable figures like Theodore Roosevelt and George Dewey. The fraternity's history is also marked by its relationships with other organizations, including the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference, which have helped shape its values and mission.

● Organization

The organization of Delta Tau Delta is based on a democratic system, with a board of directors and a national convention that meets regularly to discuss important issues and make decisions. The fraternity is divided into regions, each with its own regional director and regional conference, which provides support and guidance to local chapters. Delta Tau Delta is also a member of the Fraternity Executives Association and the College Fraternity Editors Association, which provide resources and networking opportunities for fraternity professionals. The fraternity's organization is influenced by the principles of Robert's Rules of Order, which were developed by Henry Martyn Robert and are widely used by parliamentary organizations.

● Chapters

Delta Tau Delta has over 200 chapters located across the United States and Canada, with a strong presence on campuses like University of Michigan, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Texas at Austin. The fraternity has a long history of expansion, with new chapters being established at Duke University, University of Southern California, and Georgia Institute of Technology in recent years. Delta Tau Delta chapters are known for their community service and philanthropy, with many chapters supporting local charities and non-profit organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the United Way. The fraternity's chapters are also involved in interfraternity athletics, competing against other fraternities like Sigma Chi and Pi Kappa Phi in sports like football and basketball.

● Traditions

Delta Tau Delta has a number of traditions, including its badge, coat of arms, and rituals, which are steeped in history and symbolism. The fraternity's founders are honored through various awards and scholarships, which recognize outstanding achievement and service. Delta Tau Delta also has a strong tradition of brotherhood and camaraderie, with many members remaining active in the fraternity throughout their lives. The fraternity's traditions are influenced by the principles of chivalry and knightly honor, which were developed during the Middle Ages and are still celebrated today through events like the Medieval Times dinner theater.

● Notable_members

Delta Tau Delta has a long list of notable members, including politicians like John Boehner and William Howard Taft, as well as business leaders like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller. The fraternity has also produced a number of notable athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson and NFL player Peyton Manning. Other notable members include journalists like Lowell Thomas and Walter Cronkite, as well as entertainers like Bob Hope and John Wayne. Delta Tau Delta members have also made significant contributions to science and technology, with notable members including NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

● Philanthropy

Delta Tau Delta is committed to philanthropy and community service, with many chapters supporting local charities and non-profit organizations. The fraternity has a long history of supporting children's hospitals and cancer research, with many members participating in fundraising events like the Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Delta Tau Delta also supports education and literacy initiatives, with many chapters partnering with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the United Way to provide tutoring and mentoring services to underprivileged children. The fraternity's philanthropic efforts are influenced by the principles of social responsibility and corporate citizenship, which are promoted by organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Category:Fraternities