Mossey Library | Courtesy
Delta Sigma Phi became the third fraternity established at Hillsdale College on May 15, 1915. This weekend, Hillsdale’s chapter of Delta Sigma Phi will celebrate its centennial with alumni returning for homecoming.
“I’m proud of the chapter for getting this far, as it’s truly a huge accomplishment,” DSP President Zach VanOrman said. “Being the president of the longest continuous chapter of Delta Sigma Phi has been an honor, and I’m excited to see all of the alumni coming back this weekend.”
Though DSP is not the first fraternity on Hillsdale’s campus to reach its centennial — Alpha Tau Omega is more than 125 years old — it is the oldest continuously active collegiate chapter of the fraternity in existence.
“It’s significant for Delta Sigma Phi,” Assistant Dean of Men Jeffrey Rogers said.
This celebration comes at the close of several turbulent years for the fraternity. A series of policy violations culminated in 2012, when the administration revoked the chapter’s right to have a fraternity house.
“People outside, even inside the college, thought that the chapter was shut down,” the chapter Faculty Adviser Anthony Swinehart said. “The condition of the house was kind of messy, and there was not as much commitment to the brotherhood as the college would like, so they took away the house — but we were still very active. That’s a common misconception.”
Nevertheless, the chapter remained in existence without a base to hold its chapter meetings and philanthropic events.
“They really cleaned things up over there,” Swinehart added.
The DSP house was reinstated in 2014, and the fraternity has since increased in membership and built good standing with the college.
“I feel that the centennial was a rallying point for us when we were struggling and lost the house, having our centennial so close really made the long journey ahead seem worth it,” said senior Paul Wendt, who served as DSP’s president last year. “I am very happy that we were able to make it to our centennial, and I am excited to celebrate our accomplishment with my brothers and our alumni.”
According to Swinehart, the DSPs have a history of being spirited and light-hearted contributors to Hillsdale’s campus life. During the Great Depression years, they did their best to encourage their fellow students: In the 1930s, the chapter held “Prosperity Parties” to lift the mood on campus.
“They would have little check books with the Delta Sigma Phi logo, and they would have cakes with dollar signs, and ice cream and stuff like that,” Swinehart said. “They’re an important part of uplifting the spirit on campus, I think.”
DSPs also have a long history of serving their country. During the first World War, the ranks of the chapter were nearly depleted because so many of its members enlisted in the military. Only one man was left to keep the chapter alive on campus. The first Hillsdale student casualty in World War II, Naval Aviator Bill Gregg ‘39, was a member of the fraternity.
“They also contribute a lot in athletics, and that athletic tradition goes way back,” Swinehart said.
DSP alumnus Chester Marcol ’72 was inducted to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame after serving as place kicker for the Packers from 1972-80. Tom Heckert Jr. ’88 is now the Director of Pro Personnel for the Denver Broncos.
“It’s exciting to see our chapter hit this milestone where we are, as we are on the upswing with our house back and rising membership,” VanOrman said. “I’m just truly honored and blessed to be a leader of the important and historic Tau chapter of Delta Sigma Phi.”
Events planned for this weekend include an alumni tailgate as well as a commemorative luncheon, which will survey the chapter’s history. Swinehart is in the process of creating a video that highlights the history and traditions of the chapter.
“Being involved with this chapter during this historic event is easily the highlight of my time at Hillsdale College,” senior Xavier Pennell said. “I’ve watched Delt Sig grow as a chapter, and seeing the culmination of years and generations of work is amazing.”
