Rick Taylor named Distinguished Delta upsilon

In the past 13 years, Delta Upsilon has experienced a number of changes and unprecedented growth. Initiatives that are now ingrained across all aspects of Fraternity operations have been developed and nurtured—initiatives like the Global Service Initiative, the Men of Merit Chapter Standards Program, the new Associate Member Education Program, current assessment practices, and much more. However, one of the things that has remained constant during this time was the leadership of Richard X. Taylor, North Carolina State ’82.

At the 2017 Leadership Institute, Brother Taylor officially retired from service on the International Fraternity Board of Directors and was aptly recognized with the Distinguished Delta Upsilon Award, the Fraternity’s top honor, for his dedication to DU. From 2004 to 2009, he served on the Board as an Alumni Director, then as Chairman from 2009-2017.

“Having had the honor of serving with him, I can attest to the strength of Rick’s leadership,” said Bernard Franklin, Kansas State ’75, International Fraternity President from 2006-2014, as he presented Taylor with the Distinguished Delta Upsilon Award. “He has helped Delta Upsilon grow in so many ways. His vision, his leadership, and his friendship have been invaluable and unwavering.”

Outside of his international service, Taylor has long been an avid supporter of Delta Upsilon. He has served DU as a Chapter President, Chapter Advisor, House Corporation President and Alumni Chapter President. In 2004, he was instrumental in the re-establishment of his home chapter, where his brother Paul, his three sons (Ashton, Mike and Britt) and his father have all been initiated. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors as the Global Service Initiative was created, he, along Paul, were the first DU Educational Foundation donors to endow a scholarship for the Global Service Initiative.

“Rick is well known for his commitment to DU’s Four Founding Principles,” said Steve Rowley, Ohio ’65, current Chairman of the Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation. “In my 50 plus years of membership, I have not worked with anyone who better exemplifies those values. As a leader, Rick always put Delta Upsilon interests above his own, and he constantly encourages those around him to do the same. He chose Delta Upsilon because he shared DU’s values, and he continues to practice our Four Founding Principles every day.”

Taylor’s steady hand has helped guide the Fraternity for more than a decade. Though he is retiring, his presence will be long-felt across Delta Upsilon. In a speech given at LI's Grand Banquet, Taylor gave this advice:

“I started to look at every decision I made, not just about the Fraternity but around my personal and professional life. I use that prism of the Four Founding Principles, and it is amazing how good of decisions you’ll make and how successful you’ll be if you do that. I hope everyone in here is smart enough to [do that].”

Taylor is succeeded in the Chairman role by Bob Lannin, Nebraska ’81. Lannin has served as an Alumni Director since 2013.