Thirty Men gathered in Potsdam, NY in the Fall of 1919 to establish, Lambda Iota, the third oldest fraternity on the Clarkson campus. Today, Their legacy lives on as the Clarkson chapter of delta upsilon.
The colors selected - Maroon and White. The symbol chosen - the owl, an expression through the ages of wisdom. Leadership through academic achievement and service to the college and community became the tradition and hallmark for the gentlemen of Lambda. Recognition on and off campus have followed its graduates through professions, business, athletics, governance, public service, education and creating businesses.
Three years following Lambda’s formation, the early brothers purchased what became known as “The Big White House on Elm St.”, a stately, Victorian house built in 1842 which overlooked Snell Hall and the downtown Clarkson Campus. For 43 years, its many brothers regularly led the campus scene in athletics, scholarship and leadership. Young men, working together, most away from home the first time, learning how to get along, socially integrate, make new friends of differing backgrounds, and achieving success through time honored traditions of hard work and dedication was the dominate theme. Through the 50’s and 60’s Lambda Iota and later DU became the financially adopted parents of four Korean and Vietnamese children.
The growing trend towards National Fraternities, directed the membership’s attention to investigate several National and International Fraternities. Following trips to several campuses and discussions with the various chapters, the brothers made their decision and in 1959 they voted to petition Delta Upsilon fraternity for affiliation. Following almost two years of critical evaluation by DU, Lambda Iota was elevated to Chapter status and became DU’s 88th chapter. The strength that DU saw in Lambda Iota continued strongly for the next 3 decades; graduating many who went on to become those industry leaders helping Clarkson earn its proud reputation today “of 1 in 5 graduates are V.P.s or higher” in leadership positions.
DU and Lambda Iota men have also been proud to serve its country’s military. From Dave Baker (Dave’s Room) to USAF “Bird” Col’s Quentin “Joe” Smith and Ward Johnson (1st Clarkson man in space - U-2 plane) earned through Officers Candidate School. Followed by Capt. Tom Mravak ’64 who went on to graduate from the Air Force Academy ’66 and whose name is inscribed on the Viet Nam Memorial Wall and brother’s Earl Dunn and Nelson “Nellie” Gibbs inducted into the Clarkson U.S. Army ROTC Hall Of Fame. And the many others who answered their country’s call, some to give their careers, and in some cases, their lives to this wonderful country.
Delta Upsilon, the 6th oldest fraternity and largest non-secret society in North America, yet was barely eight years older than our Lambda House. DU’s forerunner was established in 1834 at Williams College as an anti-secret society, formed to oppose the growing college secret societies which they felt exerted undue influence over some of these universities with regards to policy and personnel decisions. In just a few short years, they had claimed half the students on the Williams campus. Known as ASC (anti-secrecy confederation), they united with likeminded societies on several other northeastern colleges for the cause of non exclusionary membership and based on merit.
Within four years, the ideals of an anti-secret brotherhood based on merit spread rapidly, and groups were set up at Union College in 1838, Middlebury College in 1845, and Hamilton College and Amherst History of Clarkson’’s Lambda Iota Chapter of Delta Upsilon College both in 1847. In 1864 it was felt the goal had been reached, they redefined their goals as a “non secret fraternity” with a high degree of openness and took on the name Delta Upsilon symbolizing “Justice, our foundation”. After 1900, the start up of new fraternity's began to drop off. Delta Upsilon then turned to petitioning independent societies, often "well-established local fraternities with solid records of achievement on their campuses.” These groups were closely examined and often delayed acceptance into Delta Upsilon by the Convention, some groups petitioned five or more times for a charter. Today, there are 76 DU chapters and colonies across the United States and Canada.
Among its listed famous members, Delta Upsilon includes: James A. Garfield 20th President of the United States; Joseph P. Kennedy, Ambassador to Great Britain and father of two senators and a President; Lester B. Pearson,14th Prime Minister of Canada; Lou Holtz, NCAA football national champion as coach of Notre Dame in 1988 and ESPN college football analyst; Jim Boeheim, current Syracuse basketball coach and 3rd winningest college coach of all time; Dr. Randy Gregg MD, Captain 1980 Canadian Olympic Team, 5 time Stanley Cup Champion 1985-90 with Edmonton Oilers: Michael Eisner, former chairman and CEO of Walt Disney Co.; Tommy Franks, former commanding general of the United States Central Command; Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., editorialist and author; Linus Pauling, two time Nobel Prize winner; Charles Evan Hughes, former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court; Juan Manuel Santos, current President Republic of Colombia; Alfred J.P. Sloan and Charles F. Kettering, co- founders of Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research and Dr. Richard A. Kenyon, Clarkson ’54 undergraduate, M.E. professor, DU Alumni Corporate President and President of TriState University.
The general trend beginning with years following the Viet Nam war and social change, eventually eroded the self disciplines and responsibility aspects of fraternal life at all colleges and Clarkson’s DU was no exception. It was further accelerated by Clarkson’s development on the Hill Campus resulting in distancing the once proud downtown fraternity houses from the new campus center on the hill. By the late '90's Clarkson DU, as many other fraternity houses, was a shell of its former self.
The Fraternity house had become a two edged sword, an asset and a liability, cutting both ways. It’s traditions, history and unique architecture seduced you while its location remote from the campus center became a daily retreat. This ultimately became an issue between the Alumni and undergraduates. Most undergraduates spoke of a need for a place away from campus while the Alumni felt by isolating themselves, the brothers lost much of the value a fraternity gives and receives from the college environment. The alumni favored leading a move to a campus fraternity row.
Showing fairness to the undergraduates, the alumni agreed to keep the house, if the undergraduates could demonstrate that it could be built up to its former status. The task proved to be daunting and the undergraduates looking for short cuts, pledged academically ineligible students. For failing to follow the school recruitment and pledging policy, they lost recognition which ultimately cost DU its 30 Elm Street house. Following its loss of recognition, Clarkson DU Alumni Board made the difficult decision to sell the Big White House and begin a new tradition on Campus. The timing, however, proved to be fortuitous, because as the 30 Elm St. was sold, the financing for campus theme housing became a reality leading the university to build a fraternity row.
This has now come full circle and returned DU to its original alumni plan; to move the brotherhood onto the campus into a modern, state of the art, fraternity house. Starting with recolonization, and maintaining a strong financial position, the Lambda Iota chapter of DU will be in a position to offer its membership both the benefits of its longstanding legacy on the Clarkson campus and scholarships.
Through the Years
1834
November 4th, The “Social Fraternity” was founded by thirty men at Williams College on the principal of non-secrecy.
1837
The former Chapter House at 30 Elm Street was built by Max Cox, reputedly in 1837.
1864
The “Social Fraternity” adopted the name Delta Upsilon.
1909
Delta Upsilon was incorporated, with Charles Evans Hughes as its first president. Brother Hughes also served as the Governor of New York, US Secretary of State and the 11th Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.
1919
October 28th Lambda Iota was organized by 30 men under Professor Royale. The goal of the fraternity was that it would be tops scholastically and operate on the principals which would be the highest on campus. Today, the Lambda Iota Chapter of Delta Upsilon still shares these goals.
The Brothers of Lambda Iota took up residence in an old house at the corner of Leroy and Broad Streets.
Lambda Iota’s founding Brothers create the symbols of the new Fraternity, the Owl (Wisdom), the Key (Knowledge) and the Scroll and the band of stars surrounding it (founding 30 brothers).
1920
The Dining Club was formed so that the Brothers could eat together at the House. The prayer before meals was “Dear Lord, Bless this food before us and our everlasting Brotherhood”.
1922
Lambda Iota petitioned to be recognized as an organized corporation in the State of New York.
The house at 30 Elm Street was purchased from Horace and Sarah Downey.
Lambda Iota joined the Inter Fraternity Council (IFC)
1933
The International Scholarship Cup was retired by Lambda Iota after being held for three years.
1941-45
In WWII, the Chapter House was leased to the government to house troops.
1945
Forty-Six brothers served in the US Army, Marine Corps or Navy during the World War II
The house is reoccupied after the Army left.
The six active brothers redecorated the house after the US Army moved out in 1944.
Ralph Damon and Mr. & Mrs. Cubley became honorary members of Lambda Iota
1946
Ma Hughes came to Lambda Iota as our cook.
1950-53
Ten brothers served in the US Army or Navy during the Korean Conflict.
1951
The Plunket Room (a basement bathroom) was built by J.S. Plunkett
1952
Brother David Baker was killed in a plane crash. Dave’s Room (the original “Legacy Room”) was dedicated by his Father Stub Baker.
1956
Pledges and the Brotherhood remodel the living room.
1957
Dividend generating life insurance policies that had been purchased by the Brothers are assigned to Lambda Iota’s benefit for a period of ten years.
1959
March 26th, Lambda Iota petitioned Delta Upsilon; September, a delegation was sent to the National Convention of Delta Upsilon.
1960
September, Brother Bill Armstrong, President of Lambda, attended the national convention in Alberta where the petition was reaffirmed and was unanimously accepted by the Trustees of Delta Upsilon.
Brothers Joe Consentio and Lynn Pagliaro finished the back attic room which became the President’s Suite.
1961
March 18th at Trinity Episcopal Church, fifty-five Lambda Iota Brothers and twenty four pledges were installed into Delta Upsilon as its 82nd Chapter.
November 13th, The fraternity incorporated as the Clarkson Chapter of Delta Upsilon, Inc. Brothers Don Hathway, Dale Kenyon, Michael J. Malison, Peter Radding and Charles Trowbridge served as the first Directors.
1965
Brothers Charlie Carvel and Dick Fiesinger built the Attic room near the fire escape.
Brother Stub Baker was presented with the Meritorious Service Award by the Clarkson Chapter.
May 21st, The Clarkson Delta Upsilon Alumni Corporation is formed.
1966
October 13th Brother James Lavarneway died of a cerebral hemorrhage; in November, the Lavarneway Award is established to honor the most outstanding pledge.
1967
Out of 86 chapters, the Clarkson Chapter was recognized as having the most outstanding pledge program.
1968
Brother Paul Hyde was fatally injured in a skiing accident while competing at West Point.
August. The Clarkson Chapter receives the President’s Achievement Award and an award for outstanding public relations at the national convention in Kansas.
1969
The Clarkson Chapter received the DU International sweepstakes trophy as the most outstanding chapter in the Fraternity.
1950-75
Twenty-two brothers served in the US Army, Air Force or Navy during the Vietnam War. Brother Thomas Anthony Mravak, Captain USAF died in a crash over Thailand in 1971. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial.
1972
Anna May “Ma” Hughes retired after 26 years; she passed away in 1997.
With the help of the Alumni Corporation, Brothers Fogg, Trunko and Storms reconfigured the dining room, Dave’s Room and the Library. The dining room was now closer to the Kitchen, similar to the present configuration.
1973
Fall, Brother Alan Corser died of a cerebral hemorrhage.
1975
August 12th, Brother Eugene Russell Yeager passed away from an aneurism.
1976
DU wins Ice Carnival for the second year in a row.
A new flag pole was erected by Brothers Deys, Dangremond, Edwards and Shurtleff.
Brother Schader rebuilt the Powder Room.
1977
January 27th, Brother Paul Jeffery Stevens was fatally injured in a pedestrian auto accident.
DU wins overall Ice Carnival for the third consecutive year, the trophy is retired.
The Clarkson Chapter wins awards for best community service project and for outstanding chapter relations from the International Fraternity.
1978
DU wins overall Ice Carnival for the fourth year in a row.
August 23rd, Brother Steve Sivak was killed in an auto accident.
Bill “Swanzie” Swan was hired as our cook.
Spring, Businessman Kerm Ford becomes an honorary member, his Daughter Suzy becomes the DU Sweetheart in 1980.
1979
The Clarkson Chapter wins the President’s Award from DU International.
1981
On the 20th anniversary of induction into DU, the alumni donate a large sum of money to renovate Dave’s Room.
Brother Paul McLaughlin proposed that the house adopt an official jacket, motion passed. They were navy blue wool jackets with gold letters. These were referred to as “squirrel jackets”.
1983-85
Brother Ron Anderson rebuilds the Bar, Brothers Greg Topping and Tom Burns rebuild their bedroom and many other brothers renovate various aspects of the house including the kitchen and basement in a major renovation. The kitchen would again be remodeled in 1991 at a cost of $15,000.
1985
DU wins first place in Ice Carnival for the second year in a row.
Brother Don Dangremond briefs the undergraduate Brotherhood on a new campus master plan, and how a “fraternity row” might fit into it. This starts a discussion of an eventual move to the “Hill Campus” which is controversial given the Brotherhood’s attachment to the house on 30 Elm Street.
1986
February 21st, Our cook, William Glen Swan passed away from a heart attack on his day off as he was visiting his grandchildren. The alumni and undergraduate brotherhood raised money for the benefit of his family as he had no life insurance.
1987
DU wins overall Ice Carnival for the fourth time in five years.
House renovations continue, including $50,000 for a new heating system, renovation of the second floor bathroom; Brothers William Butler, Alan Dominy and Mike Gray replace the front roof.
1988
The Clarkson Chapter is awarded the International Fraternity’s President’s Award for Excellence for the second time.
Gordon C. “Stub” Baker passed away April 11th, his portrait is placed beside that of his son in Dave’s Room.
1990
At least eight brothers served in the military during the Gulf War and the War on Terror.
1992
The front porch is again rebuilt at a cost of $14,000. The house had been repainted two years earlier. Maintenance costs on the old house continue to rise.
1995
DU wins the Phalanx Award for the highest GPA on campus.
1996
Brother Steve Swartz creates a homepage for the house on the Internet.
1998
Brother Spencer Graham and the brotherhood build a new bar in the basement.
2000
The Pankaj Nardahni Commemorative Entertainment Center is built in the basement.
2001
Brother Preston Frasier builds sweet bar; declared the “game room”; weight room remodeled.
Fall – Brotherhood undergoes reorganization required by the International Fraternity.
2004
Exterior of house is again repainted. Third floor lounge renovated and mini-bar built.
2005
Second floor “closet bar” was built by Spring 2005 pledge class.
2006
Alumni from the class of ’59 meet for a reunion in Florida, starting an annual or bi-annual event that has grown to over 60 participants.
2007
December - The local Chapter loses University recognition for three years due to low GPA and rules violations.
2009
In response to a complaint by the Town of Potsdam regarding the status of the house at 30 Elm Street, The Internatonal Fraternity confirms that the Clarkson Chapter is recognized as a chartered member of the organization.
2011
January-Clarkson RRP entertains petition from Alumni and votes to restore Provisional Recognition to Chapter. However, Clarkson and International Fraternity HQ cannot reach agreement as to reestablishing a Chapter.
The Chapter House at 30 Elm Street is closed in May and sold in November, temporarily ending a storied legacy. Brothers Rob Brai and James Conway place as much memorabilia as they can into storage but some is lost to theft when the house is vandalized twice.
2013
Spring, Brothers Paul Zolin, Chuck Trowbridge, Denis Jones, Ell Vines, Dave Rossi, Rob Brai, Don Dangremond, Art Scottow, Paul Preo, Chuck Phillips and James Conway meet during the Florida reunion to discuss recolonization of the Fraternity at Clarkson.
A memorandum of Understanding is entered by Alumni Corp with Clarkson for the establishment of a Delta Upsilon “Theme House”. At this point, there were no undergraduate brothers but Alumni, aided by Delta Upsilon International, began to recruit Clarkson students to become “founding fathers” of the recolonization effort. Expense of expedited by International representation is absorbed by Alumni Corp.
Alumni raise over $475,000 to fund improvements to the house, most notably the addition of the two towers and distinctive porch which are reminiscent of the old house on 30 Elm St. Plaques in the house commemorate the donors or gifts in memory of others.
2014
September 6th, the ribbon cutting and ceremonial ground breaking for the new house takes place.
2015
April 18th, The colony becomes a chapter of Delta Upsilon once again and the house is formally dedicated. Over 100 alumni and undergraduate brothers in attendance. Brother Greg Steiner was elected the first president. Brother Jake Brigante was elected the second president when Greg Steiner left for a co-op. Brother Steiner was reelected president upon his return to campus.
2016
The stonework in the fireplace is installed.
2017
February DU wins Cold Out Gold Out COGO events competition reminiscent of Ice Carnival, provides first annual Hot Chocolate tent for COCO and with assistance of Alumnus attempts first ice sculpture in over a decade.
2018
January - DU wins Clarkson Delta Upsilon Alumni Corp. Annual Ice Sculpture Challenge. Inducts largest pledge class since recolonization (11 men) and receives recognition from Habitat For Humanity for service hours. February - Chapter reestablishes tradition of delivering carnations to sororities new pledges.
2019
2020
2021
Fall 2022
2023
August - DU is recognized as a Sweepstakes Trophy finalist for the second year in a row at the annual convention.
October - The Lambda Iota Centennial is celebrated on campus. On October 4th, a formal dinner was held at Old Main and was attended brothers representing six decades of LI and DU. On October 5th, a catered BBQ was held at the house followed by fireworks sponsored by Brother Mengucci.
Spring - Clarkson switches to remote learning due to the COVID pandemic and the campus is effectively closed from March through the end of the term.
August - Chapter wins “Excellence in Virtual Brotherhood” Award at the annual convention.
Due to the continued pandemic, “Social Distancing”, “Universal masking” and ban on social gatherings place a heavy toll on people everywhere. Access to the house is restricted to brothers who live there. Violations of policies are dealt with severely and the undergraduate chapter is suspended for the Fall 2021-Spring 2022 semesters, vacating the Theme House. Alumni place the fraternal property in storage and the University uses the house to quarantine sick students.
Fall 2022 saw the return of the chapter after their suspension. The brothers hit the ground running and strived to excel in every aspect. Most notably, a philanthropy campaign dubbed the “Global Cup” was executed, raising over $3,600 dollars.
The brothers became involved with the American Cancer Society and tied for the largest new member class on campus. The brothers were awarded for all their efforts with numerous awards at the national convention including recognition for Operations and New Member Education, The Campus and Community Involvement Award, The President’s Award, Most Improved Chapter Award, and The Sweepstakes Award. Clarkson recognized the chapter as the highest scoring fraternity in their annual CORE report. DU is Back!
The Plaque in the Lambda Iota Delta Upsilon trophy room at the house in Potsdam, NY
In anticipation of the reinstatement of DU (Lambda Iota) and eventual move to the campus, the Alumni wish to present the fraternity with a memorial dedicated to our brothers who in time of war have served our country in combat. Included are WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, The Gulf War, and War Against Terrorism (Iraq, Afghanistan).
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I have not.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear...
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
-Author Unknown
