A rich tradition of non-secrecy sets Delta Upsilon apart from other fraternities at Iowa State.

Delta Upsilon was formed at Williams College, in Williamstown, Mass., in opposition to the traditional fraternity atmosphere, said Tyson Vaughn, director of chapter services for the national Delta Upsilon organization.

“In 1834, the fraternity movement on campuses was very secretive,” Vaughn said. “Fraternities were promoting individuals to other positions on campus, possibly unethically.”

Delta Upsilon formed at Iowa State in 1913.

“Our fraternity’s policies stem from the idea of advancement through merit alone,” said Ryan Whaley, president of Iowa State’s chapter.

All of Delta Upsilon’s meetings, rituals and songs are open to the public, and parents are invited to witness their sons’ activations. Public scrutiny is also welcome.

“First and foremost, everything we do and stand for is open to the public,” said Whaley, sophomore in computer engineering. “Being non-secret means we must hold ourselves accountable for our ideals and beliefs.”

Vaughn said the absence of “meaningless secrets” is a benefit of being involved with Delta Upsilon.

“Our members are held to a higher standard because we are open to what people think of us,” he said.

Delta Upsilon is based on four founding principals: the promotion of friendship, the development of character, the diffusion of liberal culture and the advancement of justice.

“Our No. 1 concern is the promotion of friendship,” Whaley said. “Everyone is a brother.”

Thomas Hill, vice president of Student Affairs, spoke at the last activation ceremony.

“Being non-secret allows for people outside our fraternity to share their knowledge with us,” Whaley said.

“It allows for a more universitywide opinion and a broader perspective.”

Dan Winters, vice president of public relations for the Inter Fraternity Council, said Delta Upsilon is known for its rich, unique tradition.

“Many people are leery of fraternities because of all the secrecy, but Delta Upsilon takes that away,” said Winters, junior in pre-journalism and mass communications. “People will want to associate with them. They can’t be charged with holding anything back.”

Whaley said he welcomes questions about the fraternity.

“We can tell you anything, and I’m really proud of that,” he said.