Quinnipiac Chapter Installed

For the first time in history, Delta Upsilon has a chapter at Quinnipiac University. With the Installation Ceremony held Sunday, April 22, 2018, the Quinnipiac Chapter became the 160th chapter to join the Fraternity’s ranks since its founding in 1834. While the Fraternity has reinstalled closed chapters in recent years, the occasion marks the first time since spring 2015 that DU has installed a new chapter.

When news that the Quinnipiac Colony’s proposal to charter was accepted by the International Fraternity, Chapter President Daniel Bok, Quinnipiac '19, believes it “was probably the proudest day as a brotherhood.” After five years, the group would finally become a chapter.

Delta Upsilon’s expansion efforts began at Quinnipiac in January 2013, with the Colonization Ceremony held March 23 of that year. The colony began strong. However, as the group’s first Founding Fathers began to graduate, momentum started to fade. At one point, the colony found itself with fewer than 10 members. Fortunately, the determination of those men and others to follow carried the colony to chartering. The colony members strengthened recruitment efforts, began to hold leadership positions in other campus organizations, focused on community service, and more to build the colony.

“It would have been easy to quit and say, ‘It’s not worth it,’ but that’s not how the Quinnipiac men operate,” said Chapter Advisor Gregory Fabiano, Florida ’15. “They give everything they do 110 percent and always grow with every experience.”

Quinnipiac is a private university with more than 7,000 undergraduates located in Hamden, Connecticut. The DU Quinnipiac Chapter prides itself on the diversity of its members and its collection of personalities all working together for a common purpose: to see the chapter thrive for years to come.

“The best way to describe the Quinnipiac Chapter is a united, relentless group of men,” Bok said. “What makes this chapter so special is our lack of complacency. We strive to push our limits as students, professionals and brothers every day.”

That tenacity was an important factor in getting the group to chartering. Fifty-two undergraduates and one alumnus were initiated into the Fraternity during the Installation weekend. A certainly memorable moment for the men was sharing their celebratory spirit with others as they cheered on a sorority philanthropy softball tournament happening on the quad while waiting for the Initiation Ceremony to begin. Both Rite II of Initiation and the Installation Ceremony were held at the Echlin Center on campus in front of nearly 30 guests, including many parents and members of the Quinnipiac Fraternity & Sorority Life staff. A reception was held following the Rituals in the Center for Religious Life, as the campus priest, Father Jordan, serves as an advisor for the chapter.

The Ritual team included Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk, Boise State ’00, as Master; former Quinnipiac Colony advisor Todd Sullivan, Santa Barbara ’95, as Examiner; Fabiano as Chief Marshal; and Leadership Consultant Tyler Vasquez-Dorn, Rochester ’17, as Chaplain.

In his Charge address, past International Fraternity Chairman William Messick, Lafayette ’67, reiterated the significance of understanding and living the words in the Initiation Ceremony. After re-reading a portion of the Ritual describing the Fraternity’s Four Founding Principles, Messick further explained the meaning and application of Delta Upsilon’s core tenants.

“Those are the ideals, the ones we are asked to consider today: the ideal of human relationship and realizing it, learning from your Fraternity the lessons of human duty and opportunity, letting your deeds testify your loyalty, your worthiness to conserve our heritage and to promote truth and equity in every relation in which we may be cast. It is all laid out for us. We just have to do something with them … Don’t just understand what the ideals and Principles are. Understand them and use them.”

Both Bok and Fabiano envision a future for the Quinnipiac Chapter rooted in the Principles of the Fraternity and the resolve to succeed.

“The men of the Quinnipiac Chapter are determined, hardworking, passionate, and above all else, compassionate,” Fabiano said. “I am truly thankful to work with some of the most dedicated Delta Upsilon gentlemen that I have ever seen.”

Brothers of the Quinnipiac Chapter would like to thank their parents, advisors, and Fraternity and campus staff for their support on the journey to Installation. Bok adds: “Most importantly, thank you to all the brothers for your determination and passion to transform the Quinnipiac Colony into the Quinnipiac Chapter.”