Chi Delta Is Top Chapter In Founders Day Challenge

Extend a challenge to the members of the Chi Delta chapter at Duke University and they will meet it. Last fall Psi Upsilon extended the Founders Day Challenge to “Get in the Game” and show support for the Fraternity’s educational mission. The Chi Delta led all of Psi Upsilon in its response.

Support for the International Fraternity is part of the Chi Delta’s culture. In 2012 the Chi Delta undergraduates were challenged to get 100% participation in the 1833 Club, the undergraduate giving recognition society. They did it. And have done it every year since.

When the Chi Delta reached its 40th anniversary in 2013, it took on the challenge of the hosting the 170th Convention. The Convention was one of the most memorable in recent history. Convention attendees were welcomed by gracious hosts to an elegant hotel and they enjoyed unique special events.

The Psi Upsilon Foundation scholarship program recognizes demonstrated commitment to moral, intellectual and social excellence. The Chi Delta has had at least one scholarship recipient every year for the past 15 years. Overall more Chi Deltas have received Foundation scholarships (and more scholarship money) than any other chapter. Chi Delta leadership has served Psi Upsilon well. Laura King, Chi Delta ‘04 has been a member of the Executive Council since 2008 and Tim Zepp, Chi Delta ‘08 is currently treasurer of the Foundation, having served since 2009.

In 2014 the Chi Delta revitalized its recruitment process. Armed with new strategies and ideas, the chapter instituted two major changes. First, the leadership structure was reorganized to place a single officer in charge of all recruitment activities instead of a pair of rush co-chairs. The specific event planning during official rush periods could then be delegated to other brothers. Second, the chapter introduced a fall member education period to catch sophomores and juniors missed the previous spring.

These changes help mitigate the danger of a poor recruitment year, while also reinforcing the pattern of year-round recruitment. So far, the chapter has enjoyed significant success in recruitment, and is ready to push its goals even further next year.

By Psi Upsilon standards, the Chi Delta is a relatively young chapter and far from its largest. Yet few chapters can match the Chi Delta in its commitment to Psi Upsilon and its values.