Lifelong learning and growth are vital

Why Go Delt?

Beta Omicron

On a cold Ithaca winter in 1889 Charles Dickinson gathered together 11 other Cornell men and introduced them to the idea of a bond beyond friendship and comradory; that is, the bond of brotherhood. These twelve men then set out to find an organiztion to help them form their elusive brotherhood. Petitions were sent out to Delta Tau Delta fraternity as well as Sigma Chi fraternity. After one chapter initially rejected the Cornell men's request, a charter from Delta Tau Delta was finally granted to the twelve eager men. These first twelve Cornell Delts were initiated on January 17, 1890 and the Beta Omicron chapter of Delta Tau Delta was incoporated one week later. Shortly after, Dickinson was elected as Beta Omicron's first and still youngest President. After moving between several houses for a number of years, the Cornell Delts finally landed at 110 Edgemore Lane where they built a shelter which would last them for 71 years. During this time many famous Cornell Delts lived in the shelter, such as Willard Straight who worked and became a trusted advisor for J.P. Morgan. Also during this time Nelson Brayer became a "pillar" of the chapter by faithfully serving Beta Omicron for over 50 years and most importantly leading them financially through the tough years of the Great Depression. During World War II many Cornell Delts fought and died heroically for their country; in this period as well the Delts were forced to move out of their shelter so it could become an army barrack. Following World War II, Delts returning from the war adopted a more serious attitude and hazing was eliminated. In 1949, one of the most successful collegiate acapella groups was formed by Cornell Delt Jim Casey; this group came to be know as the Cayuga Waiters and their songs can still be heard echoing throughout Cornell. Due to old age the Delts were forced to give up there much loved shelter at 110 Edgemore Lane and build a new shelter at our current site, 1 Campus Rd, which happened to be where Ezra Cornell (the founder of Cornell University) lived for twelve years. The Cornell Delts received the help of several alumni both in raising funds and designing the new shelter. The 1 Campus Rd. shelter was completed in November 1965 and has subsequently served our chapter soundly ever since. The Beta Omicron chapter has recently seen a resurgence in the pride and faith of its brotherhood, and the prospect of Hugh Shields award, something missing for many years now, is right on the horizon. Also won the eastern division outstanding recruitment/retention outstanding shelter cleanliness and maintenance award second year in a row. Our house GPA is currently a 3.362, the 9th highest on campus.

Academics

Delta Tau Delta consistently ranks among the top of all Fraternities with regards to academics. For the last 5 years, Delta Tau Delta has found itself either at the top or near the top in terms of GPA.

Values Based Organization

Delta Tau Delta is a value driven organization, and we strive to make all of our decisions based on our mission and values. Our members live by the principles of integrity, accountability, truth and courage. Building a fraternity around these values sets forth the expectations for how the fraternity will run and the behavior in the fraternity. Bringing these values into our Brotherhood allow for personal and organizational accountability and overall excellence.

Leadership Academy

The academy is a personal development process based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This process is not designed to create better presidents or recruitment chairman, but to offer our undergraduates the opportunity to assess their personal skills, strengths and weaknesses; so that they may better prepare themselves for their future. Recently added to our leadership development opportunities is an experimental process that takes place in the Rocky Mountains, and another on the North Atlantic off the coast of Maine. The purpose of this expedition is to provide the basics of outdoor leadership including basic communication and leadership skills.

Who is a Delt?

Join the ranks of thousands of Delts. Over 143,000 men have been initiated into Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. These men are doctors, lawyers, teachers, athletes, musicians, senators, businessmen, fathers, grandfathers, mentors, advisors, etc. Becoming a Delt offers you an instant connection between these men and you, a connection that could result in some phenomenal life experiences and advice. Not only are these men Delts, they also give back to their organization. Delta Tau Delta is the #1 Fraternity in terms of per member giving and has one of the largest Educational Foundations in the fraternity world. Alumni giving has endowed our leadership programming and is establishing the funds to keep us among the leaders in the fraternity world.

DTAA

As men committed to lives of excellence, Delta Tau Delta expects each of its members to respect his health and welfare, as well as that of his fellow brothers and community. The intent of “Delts Talking About Alcohol” is to share specific ways to reduce the risk of any type of alcohol-related problems.

Alcohol is a significant issue in the lives of students in high school, college and throughout our adult lives. Whether you abstain from alcohol entirely or not, it is an influence in our lives and in the lives of our family and friends. Delta Tau Delta is pleased to provide Delts Talking About Alcohol: Powered by GreekLifeEdu as a component of our member education initiatives.

Delt Housing Information

Surroundings

Living in the fraternity house has a great impact on your life. You are constantly surrounded by the Brothers who have been through the same initiation you have. Which means you instantly have a unique bond that binds you together. Living with 30 of your close friends is definitely a unique experience. There is always something to do at the Delt house whether its going to the pool, playing basketball or volleyball, or just relaxing about the house talking to your brothers.

Delt Housing Facts

• Home to 36 brothers
• Every brother has their own bedroom
• Extra-Large Common Area for all brothers and pledges
• Shared kitchen, dining room, library, and laundry room
• 2 - 50" HD TVs
• Free Parking
• New Furniture, Ping-Pong table
• Completely renovated, state-of-the-art gym

Fraternity History

Delta Tau Delta was founded in 1858 at Bethany College in present day West Virginia. Eight men, angered by a fixed vote for a prize in oratory to be given at the Neotrophian Literary Society (a forum for students to practice and demonstrate skills in poetry, public speaking and writing essays), responded by forming a secret society. The purpose of the new society, known only by the Greek letters Delta Tau Delta, was to see the Neotrophian Society returned to popular control from the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, and to form an organization of the student body drawn together by common aims, brotherly regard and desire for mutual support.

Delta Tau Delta was born of the knowledge that integrity is essential. The founding principles of Truth, Courage, Faith and Power have provided a guide for both the Fraternity and its membership.

Since 1858 the Fraternity has spread to nearly 200 campuses with over 120 active chapters and colonies comprised of about 6,500 undergraduate members. For over 150 years, Delta Tau Delta has in excess of 150,000 men who have become members of the Fraternity.

The John Hunt Scholarship

Congratulations to our Fall 2010 Winner, Sadev Parikh!

About the Scholarship

Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity was founded in 1858 by a group of eight men dedicated to six basic values. John L. N. Hunt was the founder who most championed academic excellence, one of these core values. After graduating, he would go on to serve as New York State's Commissioner of Education for several years. This first annual John Hunt Scholarship will be awarded to the first-year man who most exemplifies Hunt's commitment to Lifelong Learning and Growth.

Eligibility:

Must have full-time first-year undergraduate status with Cornell University. Applicants need not have interest in becoming a member of the Fraternity.

Deadline:

Applicants should postmark or return a completed application to Delta Tau Delta, at 104 Mary Ann Wood Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850, by Friday, October 30, 2010.

Prize:

First-place winner will receive an award of $250.