#delta upsilon

Fraternity throws a firefighter themed party

Delta Upsilon

circa 1963-1967

Contributor Elizabeth Crockett Henderson says this "was created for the Delta Upsilon fraternity brothers for their fraternity football games." The shirt belonged to her father, who entered UNC as an undergraduate in 1963.

The end of a school year is always sad for me. There’s something very depressing about an empty dorm room and spaces that are usually loud being silent. But of course, this year is particularly sad because I graduated. In my time at Bucknell, I’ve been a kind of social butterfly, without a solid crew or squad, as they call it. But in spite of that, I’ve found a few groups which have become like families.

The first is my brother’s fraternity, Delta Upsilon. I met the brothers when I was a high school sophomore, and they were one of the most welcoming groups of people I’d ever met. Over the course of my first three years here, their house became a home for me, a safe haven when I was stressed and emotional. Pretty soon, I was spending every weekend and some afternoons during the week at DU, doing homework, watching movies, playing games, drinking (obviously), and just generally destressing. I never worried about the brothers judging me or thinking less of me. They were my family, whether they knew it or not, and this past year without them has been incredibly tough.

The second is my ultimate frisbee team, the Peacefrogs. Though we’ve had our share of hard times, recruitment-wise, the team we’ve brought together this semester has been incredible. They’re so supportive, caring, and fun to be with. When I was sick, they all pitched in to make me feel better, and that might have been the most helpful thing of all.

The third is the physics department. Every professor there genuinely cared about me, and without their continued encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

The fourth is Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. I’ve always found that a community of faith is the best family you can ask for, and IV has been no different. No matter how long I’ve been away, I always feel this sense of belonging and acceptance when I come back.