Delta Upsilon Brings Fraternity Life Back to Western Colorado University

For the first time in nearly two decades, Western Colorado University is once again home to a social fraternity. Delta Upsilon, one of the oldest fraternities in the country, is reintroducing Greek life to campus with a mission to “Build Better Men.”

The idea for the new chapter came from James Christmas (’25) and a group of his friends who were looking for a deeper connection to one another and a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves.

However, the last fraternity at Western closed its doors due to a lack of interest, and the idea of bringing Greek life back to Western didn’t sit well with everyone. “There was pushback initially,” Christmas said. “It was like climbing a mountain. However, after speaking with the faculty and student government, people started to come around to the idea.”

Christmas and the others did some research to find an organization that would help them dispel some of the myths about what it would mean to have a fraternity on campus, as well as provide the framework and network to help them grow personally and professionally. That’s when they found Delta Upsilon, the country’s oldest and largest non-secret fraternity.

“As the first group back on campus, our challenge is to dispel fraternity stereotypes and show people what membership really means and how it can enhance their Western experience in positive ways,” Christmas said. “Delta Upsilon is setting the tone for what fraternity life will look like at Western moving forward, and we are up to the challenge.”

According to the fraternity’s website, its founding principles are the promotion of friendship, the development of character, the diffusion of liberal culture, and the advancement of justice. It also sponsors leadership training for its members and provides a network of alumni. But it’s really a commitment to transparency that sets the organization apart.

Instead of a cloistered culture of secret initiation ceremonies, mottoes, and handshakes, Delta Upsilon leaves its doors open to the public. And, at least for now, those doors only exist in a figurative sense, since the chapter doesn’t have plans for a fraternity house. Instead, they’re bringing their program to campus.

“Students choose Western because they are looking for a community that is active, inclusive, and supports their goals,” Christmas said. “Delta Upsilon is going to enhance that by offering students more ways to get involved on campus and in the community, while building a support system with like-minded individuals.”

Data from the Healthy Minds Survey indicate that fraternity members reported lower rates of depression, anxiety, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicidal thoughts than the broader student population. Similarly, the National College Health Assessment found that fraternity members were less likely than their peers to report feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, sadness, and depression.

“Our goal at Western is to provide a membership experience rooted in belonging that prepares our members for life after college. We want to be a positive contributor to campus life and in the Gunnison community,” Christmas said. “Delta Upsilon’s goal is to always meet students where they are to help them grow as human beings.”