Summer 2025 Delta Upsilon Quarterly

On March 2, 2025, Delta Upsilon welcomed the 163rd chapter in its 190-year history as the Tampa Chapter was officially installed. The event was held at the Crescent Club in the campus Vaughn Center with nearly 65 in attendance to witness the Installation Ceremony and Initiation of 48 chartering members.

The Tampa Chapter’s journey began in spring 2023 as the Fraternity began expansion recruitment efforts on campus. DU Leadership Consultants were at the University of Tampa throughout the spring to host public relations and recruitment events and set the new group up for success. The Associate Chapter Ceremony was held on April 23, 2023, with 17 associate members.

Over the course of the next two years, the associate chapter worked to build a name for itself on campus and meet the Fraternity’s requirements for Installation. This included recruiting more members and other benchmarks for chapter operations. Areas the chapter specifically focused on were service and philanthropy.

During its time as an associate chapter, the brothers established strong relationships with both Meals on Wheels and the Humane Society—the only organization on campus to do so. After Hurricane Helene (September 2024) and Hurricane Milton (October 2024), the associate chapter served both organizations with their humanitarian aid efforts. The associate chapter also created a signature philanthropy event, a flag football tournament.

“My vision is for the Tampa Chapter to be a leading example of what a modern fraternity can look like—a chapter that is values-driven, inclusive, service-oriented, and deeply respected on campus and nationally,” said Chapter President Beckham Hughes, Tampa ’26. “I see us expanding our impact through mentorship, professional development, and stronger alumni relations.”

Thanks to a DU Educational Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting happening in Naples, Florida, the same weekend as the chapter’s Installation Ceremony, several high-profile DU volunteers were on hand to help charter the Tampa Chapter and initiate its members. The Ritual Team consisted of DU Executive Director Justin Kirk, Boise State ’00, as Master; Fraternity Secretary Aaron Clevenger, Central Florida ’97, as Examiner; Chapter Advisor Nick Thommen, Bradley’ 11, as Chief Marshal; and DU Director of Chapter Development Matthew Panzano, Florida ’12, as Chaplain. International Fraternity President Tom Durein, Oregon State ’92, delivered The Charge Address. Several members of DU’s Embry-Riddle Chapter were also in attendance.

Following the Installation Ceremony, Brother Hughes had this to say of his chapter’s accomplishment: “Being a founding member of this chapter has been one of the most meaningful leadership experiences of my life. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I am excited to see how future brothers continue to grow and evolve our legacy. Even though we are a newer chapter, our members are unified by a shared purpose to uphold the Fraternity’s Four Founding Principles and create a legacy of excellence at the University of Tampa.”