Our History
The Delt Chapter at UCF started back before UCF even existed. When the chapter Delta Tau was founded UCF was called Florida Technological University. Delta Tau was founded by Robert (Bob) Smedley in 1969. At the time Bob was a junior and ran the first ads for a new Fraternity in the local paper, The Future. Bob decided to start a Delt chapter at FTU when he transferred from Georgia Tech and was introduced to the Delt Chapter there. The legend goes that the first meeting of Delta Tau was held on November 9, 1969 on the steps of the recently completed library, one of the only finished buildings on campus.
The first formal rush of the colony was in the winter of quarter of 1970, after having in April been invited to become a member of the newly founded Inter-Fraternity Council. In the fall of 1971 Delta Tau was recognized as an official colony of Delta Tau Delta and received its crescent colony status. They also changed their name from Delta Tau to Delta Tau Delta.
In the fall of 1973 due to a major division of the chapter the numbers dropped drastically to just 6 active members, 3 of which were seniors. However, due to several consecutive semesters of hard rushing and excellent retention the numbers jumped in six months to 30+ members and pledges. With the recent success of their rushes, and the more positive outlook of the Crescent Colony, all wheels were in motion for the big move to becoming an official chapter.
The official chartering of the chapter occurred on May 17, 1975. On May 16th the chapter from the University of South Florida performed the Rites of Iris ceremony, and the following afternoon, the Delt chapter from the University of Florida performed the Ritual and the Charter was signed that evening. Many of the Delt chapters founded during this time period never made it past 1980 before being shut down.
For the next several years, the Zeta Omicron chapter at UCF fluctuated from 7 members to a high of 50. In 1978, FTU was accredited as a full university and had its name changed to UCF. In 1988 the move to Darwin Drive was made and the Housing Corporation was formed. At the time it was the largest off campus house, but because of the large amounts of funds needed to buy and renovate the shelter, that when spots opened on campus the chapter was unable to buy a lot. In the summer of 2002 we moved to Knights Krossing building 11 (now named Pegasus Landing), which we currently live in today. This move has allowed for a vast expansion from 2004 to today.
FAQs
How do I join Delta Tau Delta?
If you are interested in becoming a Delt, let us know by filling out our Recruitment Prospect Application.
How many members of Delta Tau Delta are there?
Since 1858, almost 150,000 men have been initiated into Delta Tau Delta. There are currently more than 117,000 living alumni and more than 6,000 undergraduates.
What is Delta Tau Delta’s stance on hazing?
We do not condone hazing in our undergraduate chapters, in fact it is outlawed by our constitution. As a values based organization, this behavior contradicts our value of integrity and our mission – Committed to Lives of Excellence.
What is Delta Tau Delta known for?
We consider ourselves to be the academic leader in the fraternity world. Over the course of the past five years, we have consistently ranked near the top among all college fraternities in overall grade point average. We are also known for our leadership programming and member education, including our renowned Leadership Academy and Delts Talking About Alcohol programs.
How much time does it take to be in the Fraternity?
Like any organization, it all depends on how much time you wish to put into it. For basic purposes, an Executive member of our organization should expect to spend 6-8 hours a week with the Fraternity. An administrative member can expect 4-6 hours a week. An average member can expect 2-4 hours a week. This time is spent in chapter meetings, committee meetings, service activities, socials, intramurals, etc.
Spring Recruitment 2012