A LONGSTANDING LEGACY STILL HOLDING STRONG:

The Largest Collegiate Chapter

Consistently Runs The Yard At The University Of Memphis

Throughout Phi Beta Sigma’s history there have always been chapters that have made significant contributions on the life of the fraternity. Chapters reaching international notoriety includes, but is not limited to, Alpha at Howard University, Eta at North Carolina A&T State University, Chi at Morehouse College, Delta Theta at Prairie View A&M University and many others.

In this issue, we pause to recognize a consistent leader amongst collegiate chapters: Delta Nu at the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN. Delta Nu continues to rank high on the list of chapters with large memberships, ending 2022 with the title of the Largest Collegiate Chapter.

But large numbers aren’t the only reason Delta Nu celebrates consistent recognition, the chapter has maintained a spirit of leadership that’s become a legacy extremely well known throughout Phi Beta Sigma. Sigma leaders are born in Delta Nu and operate in a well-rounded organization based on results-driven community service, campus involvement and fraternitywide participation. The Blue & White Family has developed into a dynasty-like atmosphere in the City of Memphis.

Founded in 1963, the “Devastating” Delta Nu Chapter has initiated a stellar roll of decorated Sigma leaders over the last five decades. DN initiates have served and currently serve the fraternity on all levels, including Hon. Bro. Daryl A. Anderson, Sr., current International Executive Director, Bro. Brandon Hill, Southwestern Regional Director and LaDarius Millen, President of Tau Iota Sigma Chapter. Others include Bro. Dane Norvell, II, past International 2nd Vice President, Bro. Darian Hayes, past Collegiate Member-at-Large, Bro. Elton Nichols past Southwestern Region Collegiate Memberat-Large, Hon. Bro. T.J. Lewis and Hon. Bro. Martin Currie, both past Southwestern Regional Directors,

General Board officers and DSC members.

What’s the overall motivation that keeps Delta Nu operating at such a high level? What’s in the water? “It’s the legacy Delta Nu holds,” says Brother Amir Asaya Embry, newly elected chapter president. “Delta Nu has brought many illustrious and honorable brothers to Phi Beta Sigma and everyone wants to continue the legacy that they’ve created.”

Spoken and unspoken, when members join Delta Nu they learn of the legacy that must be upheld. For most, that indoctrination develops a mindset of improving the chapter and causing it to continually flourish.

Brother Daryl Anderson, Jr., current chapter advisor can attest to the chapter’s continued commitment to its historic reputation. “As a former student, initiated in Delta Nu, I do believe that the current chapter is continuing the reputation established by its alumni by continually being the largest chapter in the fraternity, model chapter in the region, participating in the Southwestern Region’s pageant and winning the regional step shows.”

The Founders of Phi Beta Sigma thought it mandatory to recruit campus leaders from all facets of the university to assure a diverse band of leaders. That vision is reflected in the success of Delta Nu. “The current membership makeup is the most diverse group that I’ve seen in my time in Memphis,” says Brother Embry. “This is a true testament to our motto: inclusion rather than exclusion.”

Prior to joining Phi Beta Sigma, Brother Embry was impacted greatly by Delta Nu. “I was sheltered growing up and never really got to go out and spend time with kids my age, unless I was at school. Nor did I have any siblings. So, in college, I wanted to break out of my shell and have fun with the students around me. Fortunately, I met the Delta Nu Chapter and the members, at that time, made me feel welcomed despite my difference. They also saw the potential in me to become something great. The brothers inspired me to join the chapter.”

For Brother Brian Robert Gordon, immediate past chapter vice president, “It all started when I saw Brother Darian Hayes become a member. He was the president of an organization that we both were members of, called E.M.O.C. (Empowered Men of Color). I saw the Sigmas on campus in various leadership positions. The Sigmas would always throw fun events and community service programs. I did research on the organization and decided at the time that this is something I wanted to be a part of.”

There’s always one organization on campus who can garner the support of everyone. A skill of the chapter that’s most loved by Delta Nu’s chapter president is its ability to bring the campus together despite differing personalities, backgrounds and upbringings. “We will bring forth a good time and extend a level of support that most organizations thrive to achieve.”

The chapter has various events and activities that brings with them special attention. Amongst them, the Miss Delta Nu Pageant is the most anticipated on the campus. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet more University of Memphis students and affords them the chance to provide pageant participants with scholarships and stipends.

It’s also the development of strong, attention-grabbing programs and activities that helps the chapter continue achieving its membership goals. The primary responsibility rests on the first vice president. “I always strive to throw events on campus that shine a light on Sigma and positively impacts the community,” shared Brother Gordon. “You have to provide fun events for the community and instill a greater purpose behind it, such as Dodgeball, the Miss Delta Nu Pageant, and Talent Shows. I also encourage brothers to pay their membership dues as early as possible.”

The future of Delta Nu remains bright because of the strong relationship, support and involvement with their sponsoring and advising alumni chapter. Tau Iota Sigma Chapter, Memphis, TN has a program in place, where collegiate members are paired with a mentor in the alumni chapter based on his major. The collegians also attend the alumni chapter’s meetings and service events. Bro. Anderson lends, “I think the commitment is successfully maintained by being advised by advisors who are knowledgeable and committed to teaching the collegians how to be men about business in all walks of life.”

The Blue & White Family is a strong brand on the campus as noted by Brother Gordon. “We love our sisters to death! They know that if they ever have a problem, they can call one of us and we’ll be on the way. We also have great relationships with the other NPHC organizations on campus. We have collaborated with almost all of them at least once.” Brother Anderson agrees with Gordon’s assessment, “Delta Nu is known by students and considered the most personable and friendly Greek organization on campus. They’re perceived as a role model fraternity that leads the way when it comes to campus involvement and scholarship. The administration knows them as innovators who are always ready to volunteer and participate in events, even when others cannot.

“We will continue to demonstrate excellence for the community of the University of Memphis and the City of Memphis.”