Our Chapter

Brothers of Delta Upsilon Toronto

Our Brothers

At DU Toronto, more than 30 brothers come together not just as members of a fraternity, but as a close-knit community grounded in shared values—justice, character, friendship, and a commitment to learning. What brings us together goes beyond tradition; it's the day-to-day experiences, support, and growth we share that turn brotherhood into something truly meaningful—like family.

Our History

  1. Foundation Date

    A group of Williams students led by sophomores Stephen Field, Lewis Lockwood and Francis Tappan, met for the first time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1834, at the Freshman Recitation Room of the West College Building to form what they would call the Social Fraternity.

  2. Anti-secret confederation

    In 1847, Delta Upsilon’s founders at Williams College joined forces with like-minded non-secret fraternities from Union, Middlebury, and Amherst to form the Anti-Secret Confederation (ACS). United by the motto Ouden Adelon (“Nothing Secret”), they promoted justice and open, liberal education in contrast to the secrecy of other fraternities.

  3. Adoption of Name

    Over the next two decades, nine more chapters joined the ACS, though some disbanded by 1864. At that year’s convention, the confederation nearly dissolved due to low attendance—until a last-minute delegate from Rutgers arrived, establishing quorum. This pivotal moment led to renewed discussions and the official adoption of the name Delta Upsilon, already used by several chapters.

  4. Growth

    By 1865, just a year after adopting the name Delta Upsilon, the Fraternity had expanded to 15 chapters across the Northeast. In 1898, it became an international organization with the founding of its first Canadian chapter at McGill University in Montreal.

  5. Toronto Chapter Founded

    The Delta Upsilon Toronto Chapter was officially installed in Dec. 15, 1899. Located at the University of Toronto, it played a key role in expanding DU’s presence beyond the United States and reinforcing its commitment to non-secret, merit-based brotherhood across borders.

  6. Incorporation

    Following rapid growth in the early 1900s, Delta Upsilon was officially incorporated in New York in 1909. This led to the creation of a Board of Directors and an Assembly of Graduate Trustees, with Charles Evans Hughes serving as the Fraternity’s first president. That same year, DU also became a founding member of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).

  7. Turn of the millinium

    At the turn of the millennium, Delta Upsilon had established 148 chapters. Following the installation of its 150th chapter (Northwestern State Chapter) in 2001, the Fraternity focused solely on reopening closed chapters until 2007.

Philantrophy

Philanthropy is a core part of what it means to be a Delta Upsilon. Guided by our founding principle of the Advancement of Justice, we believe in using our time, resources, and talents to uplift others.

Global Service Initiative

Delta Upsilon’s Global Service Initiative (GSI) offers brothers a unique opportunity to make a real impact while exploring the world. As DU’s flagship international service program, GSI sends undergraduate and alumni members to communities in need to help build schools and essential infrastructure.

In 2025, DU hosted two GSI trips to Negril, Jamaica:

  • January 4–11, 2025
  • May 17–24, 2025

During the trip, brothers will engage in hands-on construction at a local school, connect with students and community members, reflect together in evening discussions, and immerse themselves in Jamaican culture.

In House Philanthropy

Du Toronto is committed to making a difference not just globally, but right here at home. In line with our values of justice and compassion, our chapter recently organized an in-house philanthropic initiative in support of mental health awareness.

Through our collective efforts, we proudly raised and donated over $1,000 to Bell Let’s Talk, helping to fund men’s mental health programs and spark important conversations across Canada.

It’s one of many ways our brotherhood stands for more than just tradition—we stand for impact.

Prominent Alumni

We shape men who shape the world. Delta Upsilon proudly celebrates the achievements of our brothers who have made meaningful impacts in their careers and communities.

Lester B. Pearson

Lester B. Pearson

14th Prime Minister of Canada

James A. Garfield

James A. Garfield

President of United States

John P. Robarts

John P. Robarts

17th Premier of Ontario

John Arthur Clark

John Arthur Clark

Commander of the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders at the Battle of Vimy Ridge