National History

The Oldest Continuous Fraternity

Founded in 1827, Delta Phi (ΔΦ) was the 3^rd social fraternity in history and is the oldest remaining today.  It was the final member of the Union Triad, a group of Greek-letter secret societies founded at Union College in the late 1820s.  The other members are Kappa Alpha (ΚΑ) Society and Sigma Phi (ΣΦ).  Delta Phi has the distinction of being the oldest continuous social fraternity because, unlike the other Union Triad organizations, it has been active for its entire 180 year history.

Saving the Greek System

In the 1830s, public animosity toward secret societies, particularly the Freemasons, pressured the other two fraternities in the Union Triad to put away their badges.  The brothers of Delta Phi resisted and, when the president of Union College attempted to disband all Greek organizations, Delta Phi brother John Jay Hyde argued against the decision convincingly enough to save the Greek system at Union College, after which all future Greek organizations would be modeled.  Hyde designed the distinctive blue and white badges that our pledges still wear today.

Expansion

Delta Phi has a conservative expansion policy that rarely accepts the colonization of new chapters.  This policy is reflected in local chapters, which accept only a few new members each year.  Our small size allows us to form lasting friendships with one another instead of cheapening the meaning of brotherhood with hundreds of brothers that are little more than acquaintances.  In Delta Phi's long history, there have been 26 chapters founded, 14 of which are still active.

Chapter Information, Old and New

Rutgers University

The Epsilon (Ε) Chapter was formed at Rutgers University in 1845.  Delta Phi was the first fraternity to Rutgers and as such effectively started greek life in New Brunswick. We are a small fraternity, usually allowing fewer than 10 students to pledge each year.  We choose to remain small because it gives brothers the opportunity to form a close friendship with every other brother.  Our alumni are brothers for life, and we have many active and dedicated alumni working with us to strengthen our chapter.  Several in the New Brunswick area still regularly attend fraternity events and are integral to our community.

From The Epsilon Epistle (1998 to 2003)

The Fall…and Rise of Delta Phi at Rutgers:
A Chronicle of the Events of Epsilon During the Last 5 Years

The events of the last five years of the Epsilon Chapter of Delta Phi tell a truly amazing story. From the rapid decline of Rutgers seminal fraternal institution to the "never say die" resolve of a dedicated group of alums to the rebirth of the organization including one of the most innovative and extensive fraternity house renovations in American collegiate history. Here's what happened:

The Decline and Fall

In 1990s, Epsilon was beset with a number of problems, some outside its control, some not. The chapter unfortunately acquired a number of brothers with a lack discipline. Not all of the chapter's members were problematic; some were very dedicated. Sadly, though, the chapter's fate would be determined by its less responsible elements. Among other issues the chapter was plagued with illegal substance abuse, fiscal irresponsibility, a track record of continual discord with the university administration and external agencies, an unwillingness to "change with the times", misdirected frustration and apathy. The chapter's problems in other arenas were also eroding away the stability of the organization. Epsilon was put on probation by the University after several warnings for illegal parties. Continual University and legal infractions led to the inevitable: the University's removal of recognition of Epsilon for a period of five years, beginning in 1998.

Despite the preceding events, the Epsilon alumni board (itself in a skeletal state at that time) and National Office allowed the chapter to continue (without Rutgers approval) in order to allow opportunities for the problem to be rectified. Internally, to correct some of the morale and management issues, several alumni board members made an attempt at a summer leadership seminar at the house and later in the year made efforts to root out problematic members (the attempted de-brothering of one individual by the alumni led to a costly legal battle).

An uphill battle continued: morale among dedicated brothers was obliterated, the physical infrastructure of the house was (and had been) on a rapid decline, undergraduate membership had recently fallen and many alums that might have been able to help became disenchanted. Some members of the undergraduate group had little regard for Delta Phi finances which led to uncollected dues, the utilities being turned off, and garbage fines (in excess of $30,000) from the City of New Brunswick. Necessary maintenance was not being performed on the house and it was left "uninhabitable"; a sad state of affairs for a group that had thrived in the not too distant past. The alumni, left with no alternative, removed all of the valuable possessions from the house and evicted the remaining squatters in 1999 citing poor living conditions, negligent mismanagement and lack of control, $18,000 of unpaid taxes, and destruction of the house. The mess left by the occupants included seven 30-yard dumpsters of waste that were removed by the alumni. Once vacant the house became a frequent target for graffiti, vandalism, trespassers, and thieves.

A new alumni board started to form as battle-weary brothers left the board. (Let it not be forgotten that the work of the alumni board members to that point, during this crisis, is very much appreciated and included necessary steps for the positive resolution that was to come) In 1999, the new group assessed the situation: $0 funds, $30,000 garbage fines plus interest, $30,000 legal fees, $56,000 unpaid taxes plus interest, $12,000 in utilities plus interest, and several court summons which were misdirected and missed.

That should have spelled the end for Delta Phi at Rutgers, but a number of alums did not want to throw in the towel. Why should the recent actions of a small number be permitted to undermine a 155-year Rutgers institution that was capable of so much more? The new alumni board contributed funds to pay all past debts and then secured a loan from National that allowed for the repayment of those individuals. The fines and fees were negotiated down and the legal issues were also all resolved. There was a traditional workday held to clean out and board up the chapter house. (Many thanks to all who came). A management company kept the property from incurring any fines as the three-year journey to find a solution for the chapter house commenced.

An Innovative Solution

The Epsilon alumni board was faced with several options: 1) sell the house, (the absolute last resort), 2) renovate the house ourselves without a suitable tenant (no funds were available), 3) rent the house "as is", putting in only minor work (virtually impossible), 4) rent the house to the University on a 30 year lease, and they would handle renovations (too restrictive). None of these options worked out due to a myriad of financial, legal and contractual issues. There was, however, a fifth option: rent the house to a tenant (a rehabilitation corporation formed for the purpose) who would renovate it, assume taxes and insurance, and pay a level of rent to cover any standing debt, while the Epsilon Alumni Association retained ownership. It also afforded the opportunity for a new undergraduate Delta Phi chapter, when formed and staple, to re-occupy the house at an appropriate time in the future; this was the unanimous choice.

The chosen option entailed a well-crafted 20-year triple net lease with "Union Street LLC". Union Street, LLC, the new tenant, agreed to put at least 1 million dollars into the rehabilitation of the house. As tenants, the majority of their rent to Epsilon was paid with the renovations. They in turn could sub-lease the property to make a profit. Should it so choose, Epsilon could sub-lease it back from The Union Street, LLC, at fair market rent, until the agreement expired. This solution worked well. With a non-existent chapter, the house would be well-managed and all financial obligations met with certainty. Epsilon could choose to remain dormant and either way the agreement would be fulfilled at the end of 20 years, at which time The Union Street, LLC would be out of the picture and Epsilon would take full custody and responsibility of the house again with no pending obligations. It was (and is) a win-win situation.

Union Street, LLC did a superior job and invested significantly more than required into the property (approx. $1,500,000). Their work, concluded in fall 2002, included:

• A full gut renovation of the house (gutted down to the bricks and studs)
• All new drywall and trim, new plumbing and new electric throughout the house
• New sewer lines and mains to the street
• A sprinkler system so that the house no longer requires fire escapes
• Every room has high-speed DSL internet and cable jacks
• Each floor has its own washers and dryers
• Each floor has its own central air conditioning and heating system
• Every window and door in the house was replaced
• Seven new deluxe bathrooms with 13 independent showers were installed
• The dining room was decreased to optimize space and the brothers bar was turned into living space. (1998 University Rule: no running bars are allowed on campus)
• The kitchen was replaced with an industrial grade stainless steel kitchen
• The basement was converted to living space with full kitchen and bath facilities
• The basement is now separated, allowing for an additional rental space.
• The brothers room was converted into a living area (old benches are safe in storage)
• Exterior wood surfaces and gutters replaced or restored and repainted
• Railings and banisters were restored, as was leaded glass surround around the foyer doors
• The house is now handicap accessible with ramps and is completely ADA compliant
• Founders Room remained untouched but with upgraded fixtures and refinished floors
• Card Room has been converted to a study and student conference area.
• Upgraded top-notch brass chandeliers and fixtures
• New carpeting throughout house and the marble foyer floor was polished to a high gloss
• The driveway was regarded, paved and lined with stone curbing, driveway gate restored
• Back lot was cleared, paved, and includes a stone area for maximum overflow parking
• New landscaping and an underground sprinkler system will be added.

The finished house is amazing. Its one of the most extensive fraternity house renovations, undertaken anywhere and the house is hands-down the premium student living area at Rutgers.

In the contract Delta Phi made certain stipulations to allow for eventual re-inhabitation by a new chapter of Epsilon. The lease term is 20 years with the first refusal option every 5 for Delta Phi. The house would be occupied by another group (currently Sigma Phi Epsilon) until this option can be exercised (largely dependent upon the ability to re-establish a responsible Delta Phi chapter). Delta Phi retains ownership of the house and at the end of 20 years the contract is completed; Delta Phi has full occupation and no obligations. Also stipulated was that no leans of any kind can be put on the house, the tenant is to maintain the property, insurance and taxes, the tenant pays Delta Phi some additional rent for the use of the property, the tenant pays the alumni board's insurance, the tenant pay Delta Phi a large sum to clear all current debts and leans on the property, Delta Phi has the opportunity to move back into the house as space becomes available, at fair market rent, Delta Phi could be back in the house as early as next year, And will definitely have the option for total re-occupation in a few years providing a proper undergraduate chapter could be re-installed.

A Solid Foundation

Just as the renovations were winding-up, the Epsilon alumni board and National began discussing prospects for a new chapter. Both groups agreed that since a four-year cooling off period had passed, a new chapter, with a fresh start, uninfluenced by the events of now-graduated men, could now be considered. This would allow for a year of rebuilding before they could apply for University recognition.

But things would have to be different this time around. Prospective members would be coming into a changed, as opposed to changing, University environment. They would be given a fresh start with the University administration and would have the opportunity to shape their own reputation as a fraternity among the student body, instead of carrying a negatively tainted recent legacy. They would receive substantial guidance from both the National office and the Epsilon alumni board. They would be brought into the fold with a healthier, more responsible set of values and expectations. And the initial group would meet the approval of the Alumni board. Through this process, a solid foundation would be formed. And this group would learn to function as a responsible organization, before they would be entrusted with the Delta Phi name and Epsilon chapter house.

This summer, Delta Phi National was approached by a small group of transfer students regarding a prospective re-colonization of Epsilon. The very day that alumni board members toured the finished renovations of the chapter house, several of them met, and were impressed by, three of these men. The alumni board is now actively working with them and in just under a year their number has grown to nearly 20 and the group has moved from "interest group" status to "colony" status (brotherhood initiation and a charter are still in the future). Selected leaders of this group attended the Delta Phi Leadership Conference at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in October 2002. The seminal group of first ten members was given their pledge pins in a pinning ceremony held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in November 2002. This ceremony was a formal affair held on the 175th Anniversary of Delta Phi's founding in 1827 and was attended by Epsilon alumni board members, as well as alums from Penn, Columbia, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and Hamilton.The Rutgers colonists have received their membership manuals and have gone through some training by way of a three-day training visit from Delta Phi's National Executive Director, Stu Gittelman, E 1986. They have also had a number of positive meetings with Rutgers' Dean of Fraternities.

The Re-Colonization of Epsilon

The re-colonization process has been a period of hard work and determination, combined with lifelong memories. It has symbolized what brotherhood is about: trust, loyalty, and being there for one another. The thought of re-starting the fraternity began in early August of 2002 with Tom Woods, Steve Wildt, Jeff Fattell, and Joe Fierravanti. The four had an idea of creating a fraternity that was like no other in existence at Rutgers University. After various meetings with notable Epsilon Alumni, the challenge was now on these four men to build something out of a fraternity, which had been shut down for four years.

After a month of Rush attempts, they finally found the first group of individuals who shared their same drive in forming a "greater" fraternity. With the help of Dunay Barsbay, Tom Antosik, Abe Viray, Neil Gadhok, Chris Sanchez, and Paul Duval, the colony began to take shape and create an identity for itself. The group took on the challenge of spreading the name of this new interest group around campus. By partaking in community service at Elijah's Soup Kitchen, and creating an inventive new system of recruitment and new member education, the group was now poised to make another push for more members.

By the end of the Fall 2002 Semester, the Delta Phi Interest Group was acknowledged for its hard work and rewarded with a new title that it holds to this day. The group of ten men were pinned as pledges to the National Fraternity at the Eta Chapter located at the University of Pennsylvania. By the time the men came back to New Brunswick, word had spread and five new members were interested in joining the newly formed Epsilon Colony. Frank Cecere, Andrew Allison, Jason Hydman, Mark Delia, and Rohan Vagle, all were pinned as fellow pledges to the National Chapter.

The end of the Fall Term saw a fraternity on the rise and the group was eager to continue forward with their momentum. However, the start of the Spring Semester created new challenges that the Colony has had to endure. For the first time, the colony tested its Rush Program against the established Fraternities on campus. This was a difficult experience, but the Colony still was able to find two more driven individuals from the experiment. John Miller and Jon Evans were the latest to join the Colony, and have made an impact since.

In addition to acquiring two more members the Delta Phi Colony made finalizations on their own organizational structure. With the help of Alumni from both the Epsilon and Chi Chapter's, the Epsilon Colony was able to polish off its Constitution and By-Laws. Also, the fraternity was impressed with the organization and the functionality of the colony's Executive Council. With a steady meeting schedule, a well-balanced treasury, and National approved Rush and New Membership Information Programs in place, the Epsilon Colony functioned as well as any fraternity on campus.

During the Spring Semester, the fraternity also focused on gaining additional alumni involvement in the group's affairs. To help spread the word among the Epsilon Chapter Alumni, the group held a luncheon in late April at Stuff Yer Face Grill on Easton Avenue. This event allowed the Colony pledges and the Epsilon Alumni to meet and learn more about each other. The gathering was a success as it further increased alumni interest in the Colony, and it allowed the pledges to see, firsthand, the rich tradition they are continuing.

Throughout the high's and low's the fraternity encountered, nothing prepared them for what happened on April 27th, 2003. That night the fraternity members found out that one of their own, Andrew Allison, had passed away in a fatal accident while returning from work. This was an extreme loss for the group as Andrew was one of the most admired and respected members of the group. Due to the circumstances, the National presented Andrew's family a brotherhood pin, which allowed his memory to live on as the first of the colony to be pinned as a brother of The Delta Phi Fraternity.

Still, even with the devastating loss, the Colony has been able to use Andrew's memory as a source of determination. The Fraternity is still reaching for higher goals in its quest to reclaim the Delta Phi throne as the top fraternity on campus. With all that has been accomplished in the first year of existence, anything seems possible for the Epsilon Colony.