Fall 2025 Delta Upsilon Quarterly
James A. Garfield Award of Merit in Public Service
The 2025 Leadership Institute marked the first time in DU history that two sitting United States Congressmen were in attendance at LI. Both were on hand to receive the James A. Garfield Award of Merit in Public Service.
DU's Awards of Merit are presented to esteemed members of the Fraternity who have exhibited excellence or notoriety in one of 10 different professional categories. Each category is named for a DU alumnus who has excelled in that field. The Award of Merit in Public Service is named after James A. Garfield, Williams 1856, who served as the 20th President of the United States, and recognizes those in government, politics, civil service or military.
Morgan McGarvey, Missouri '02
Brother McGarvey is in his second term representing Kentucky’s third congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives where he also serves on the Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees. Prior to his election in 2022, Brother McGarvey served as a Kentucky State Senator. He earned his bachelor’s from the University of Missouri and his law degree from the University of Kentucky.
McGarvey, his wife and their three children live in Louisville, making him a fitting choice to kick off LI's Welcome Dinner on July 25. Past International Fraternity President Bruce McKinney, Missouri ’74, presented McGarvey with his Award of Merit. McKinney also served as a Chapter Advisor for the Missouri Chapter during McGarvey’s time as an undergraduate and continues to work with him on efforts with the Fraternity/Sorority PAC in Washington.
“What I found [in DU] was a group of guys who gave me more in friendship, who gave me more in life lessons and leadership, than I could have ever thought possible,” said McGarvey as he reflected on his DU experience during his acceptance speech. “Learning how to live with people, learning how to be with people, learning how to tell your friends when not to do something. Learning how to tell your friends when to do something. … It's this brotherhood and it's those notions of justice that have absolutely taken me on the path to where I am. And I thank each and every one of you for keeping that spirit alive.”
David Taylor, Miami '92
Elected in November 2023, Brother Taylor is in his first term representing Ohio’s second district in the U.S. House of Representatives where he also serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure and Agriculture Committees. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a law degree from Dayton School of Law. After law school, Taylor joined the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office before returning to serve as President for his family’s small business, Sardinia Ready Mix. He and his wife (Charity) have been married for 28 years and have three daughters.
Brother Taylor received his Award of Merit during LI’s Recognition Lunch on July 26 from DU Educational Foundation Trustee Christopher Miller, Miami ’90. Taylor and Miller spent time together in the Miami Chapter as undergraduates and have worked together on the Miami Chapter House Corporation Board.
During his acceptance speech, Brother Taylor reflected on which of the Fraternity’s Four Founding Principles resonates with him the most. “Justice is our foundation, and it has always been the most important aspect and the most important pillar to me. … It's always been an important part of my life from my days at Miami to my days as an assistant prosecutor. And now, in my new line of work, it's a guiding principle. … I'll remember the lessons that Delta U imparted to me, and I'll always do my best to make you proud.”