Delta Sigma Phi has been through much the last few years. When we lost the house in 2012 for various infractions of school rules, things looked bleak. Several members deactivated, our charter was in jeopardy, and we no longer had a place to call our own. It was easy to lose faith in the mission of the house and abandon the principles that had led us to join the house to begin with. Delta Sigma Phi Tau Chapter was at a crossroads: Renew the chapter in dedication to the mission of the house or let things fall apart? When Joe Snyder became president, our time in the wilderness was at an end.
This time allowed us to reevaluate what we stood for. We refocused our efforts toward increased philanthropy and campus activity. With the chapter house’s return this semester, we finally have a place to call home, a staging area for our new efforts. Now, the brotherhood and traditions we have maintained since 1915 are stronger than ever. It has been an uphill battle at times, yet we have met the standards of the college and of our national organization. In fulfilling these, the house has grown from past transgressions and assumed an active leadership on campus and in the community. At the end of last year, DSP hosted the Delt Sig and a Dog to raise money for the Hillsdale Humane Society. A few weeks ago, we raised more than $500 for the American Red Cross from our Haunted House. Members have taken part in various sorority philanthropic events, assumed leadership roles in campus organizations, and represented the fraternity as athletes.
Being a Delta Sigma Phi is one of the best decisions I have made at Hillsdale. The traditions and brotherhood of the house were a large draw for me, and they have only grown stronger since I joined. Our ability to create a successful forward vision and to maintain our commitment to academic and athletic excellence has strengthened us most. The strong leadership of both President Paul Wendt and Vice President Xavier Pennell has guided the house, allowing us to focus on not just improving from within but rebranding our image.
Delta Sigma Phi has an established track record of excellence. We are the country’s longest-running DSP chapter and have kept the same house throughout. Regaining it is not just a symbolic achievement for our fraternity. This also affirms our return to the standard of excellence we always seek. People are fallen creatures and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity is no different. Our strength through adversity, our commitment to righting the ship make us special and an asset to our community. After taking the necessary steps and sacrifices to strengthen our fraternity, we are ready to apply that same work ethic to strengthening campus.
Next year marks 100 years since our charter was granted on Hillsdale’s campus. This represents the perseverance of the men of DSP in both vision and commitment. We have already been around for 100 years. Here’s to another 100 of good men forming the leaders of tomorrow.
