DSY
DELTA SIGMA PSI
ORIGIN
"Delta Sigma Psi originated in 399 BC with the death of our mentor, Socrates.
The ideas and objectives of the fraternity are,
in essence, a continuation of his thought and the principles
of our symbolism are a reflection of his philosophy."
(Socrates)
HISTORY OF DELTA SIGMA PSI
During the fall semester of 1960, six college undergraduates at Central Methodist College felt they were out of place when deciding to join one of the existing fraternities on campus. Motivated by the desire to offer something of benefit to the student body of Central Methodist College and to make the college life more fruitful socially and academically, these six individuals felt that being part of a fraternity should stand for something more than partying and drinking. They felt that a collegiate fraternity should stand for the development of young men in preparation for the world outside of college. They believed that a fraternity consist of a group of men who, in wishes to graduate, could come together as one to aid and grow with each other to develop a high degree of scholastic and social prowess.
These students, our founding members, were Bill Kehrberg, Bill G. Abrams, Leroy W. Paris, James R. Davis, Wayne V. Dittrich, and Floyd R. Blackard. They worked cooperatively on the constitution and the by-laws of the fraternity. They also created a letter of petition for chartering the fraternity which was to be sent to the president of the college, Dr. Ralf Woodward The original six continuously looked for prospective members among the student body.
Invitations were sent out, and an informal meeting was held in the all purpose room of Burford Hall at 6:30 pm, Monday, February 6, 1961. The organizational committee told the prospective members that the highest degree of scholastic and social capability was the purpose of Delta Sigma Psi and to be eligible the students should average at least a "C's" in their studies.
One week later a formal meeting was held and the new officers elected. They were: Wayne V. Dittrich, Chancellor (president) ; James R. Davis, Vice-Chancellor (vice-president); Leroy W, Paris, Keeper of the Seal (secretary); Bill Kehrberg, Chancellor of the Exchequer (treasurer); Bill G. Abrams, Martinet (educator); and Mr. Ara Zulalian, Nestor (advisor). The constitution and letter of petition were signed by the charter members who, including the above mentioned, were Floyd R. Blackard, Dave Bishop, Wes Brizendine, Denning Crowe, Tony Geiser, William Johnston, Bill McLeod, Ray Hollard, Larry Martin, James Motley, Alex Thio, Larry Wilson, and George Wood.
On March 9, 1961, Delta Sigma Psi had its charter approved by Dr. Woodward, President of Central Methodist College. March 9th has since been observed as Founders Day. The original honorary members of Delta Sigma Psi are: Bishop Eugene M. Frank, Dr. Ralph Woodward, Dean E.C. Buchner, Dean J.P. Thogmorton, and Mr. Ara Zulalian , Mrt. W.L. Blackard, and Mr. Dick Copeland. Since then, the Chief of the Fayette police department, Brian Kunze, has also held this position.
In the fall of 1982, with its membership declining and its idealism forgotten, the organization stood at a pivotal point in its history. The four remaining members committed themselves to strengthening the fraternity's ties with its origin and moving toward a progressive future. These students were: Mark R. Conarroe, Mark D. Hines, Michael L. Riley, and K. Scott Roberts. They were aided by Nestor C. Kirk Hallowell, as well as honorary member Scott Marchand, and alumnus Keith A. Gary.
On February 14, 1983, the fraternity took a major step toward reestablishment by initiating a pledge class of ten men. These men affirmed the fraternity's commitment to growth and contributed their resources toward ever strengthening the brother hood of Delta Sigma Psi. These students revived the fraternity and brought back some of the traditional events sponsored by Delta Sigma Psi including the Playboy Revue and Senior Spring Fling social functions. They also started some new customs including helping out with the Deer Check during hunting season and sponsoring the Outstanding Freshman Woman of the Year Award, which is still carried on today.
In the Spring of 1988 the men of Delta Sigma Psi once again took a major step towards the continued strength of the organization by initiating twenty-four new members into the bond of brotherhood. This is the largest pledge class to date and brought the active membership to an all time high of 48.
In the Spring of 2000, after overall interest in the Greek system on campus had faded, the men of Delta Sigma Psi once again found themselves close to extinction. The four members that still remaining in the fraternity dedicated themselves to saving the organization and restoring it back to greatness. These four members Daniel Hooper, Rawn Wilson, Brock Simpson, and Bryce Hawkins, aided by alumnus Michael Barlowe, committed themselves to extensive searching and examination of the student body for potential new members. On February 9th , 2000 Delta Sigma Psi was saved as these members took in a pledge class of ten men. Since this pivotal time in history, the organization has continued to climb and has once again continued on the road to the greatness.
During the Fall of 2004, after 2 years of discussion the men of Delta Sigma Psi decided it was time to take the next step. The goal was to become the first National Social Fraternity on the campus of Central Methodist University. Soon after, these men began looking into different National Fraternities to join. This however was not an easy process. The goals and ideals of both organizations had to be considered. Finally, the men of Delta Sigma Psi were approached the International Fraternity of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE). After much deliberation it was decided that there was a mutual benefit to both organizations.
So, in the spring of 2005 the 9 remaining men of Delta Sigma Psi, Brent Holtgrewe, Chris Clipp, Kyle Almeling, Kevin Clipp, Dan Cooper, Nick Dudas, Jacob Knigge, Cory Reese, and Justin Wisdom, joined by group of 17 men to apply for colony status in Tau Kappa Epsilon. These new members consisted of Seth Bauman, Zack Dudley, Justin Hamilton, Justin Hell, Colby LaBoube, Michael Malone, Christopher McLemore, Jason Morales, Cory Mueller, Richard Noble, Jacob Riechert, Bryce Roark, Jared Steneburgen, Joshaua Terry, Andrew Webster, Ryan Arens, and Taylor Drenan. On January 31, 2005 Delta Sigma Psi was officially granted colony status by the Offices of the Grand Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon. On April 23, 2005 these 26 men were formally initiated into the organization and have become our chapter's founding fathers.