Dear Brother:  Why Bother to Join a Fraternity

Dr. Vernon C. Whiting

Advisor, Zeta Kappa Chapter

Western State College of Colorado

Gunnison, Colorado

            WHEN WE ASK OURSELVES:  the meaning of Fraternity, many things come to mind.  The very letters of the word suggest virtues that are intimately part of the “Brother” concept.

F- Friendship

            The unselfish serving of brother with brother – giving rather than demanding and taking

R – Reflection

            Our lives should be a living reflection of the teaching and precepts of Delta Sigma Pi.  They are the totality of a precious legacy to possess and transmit to others.  We must often quiz ourselves to ascertain our continued worthiness.

A – Activity

            Are we active:  a participator:  a contributor:  a builder?  Do we build the solidarity, the unity, and the oneness that is Delta Sigma Pi?

T – Tolerance

            It is not possible for men to live together in an orderly society without tolerance:  without the clear thinking that understanding requires.

E – Exemplifying

            Are we living the teaching of Delta Sigma Pi?  The world is waiting for the Brotherhood of love, friendliness, cheer, kindness, courage and hope.

R- Reconciliation

            We should never let a Brother go out of our lives if we can possibly help it.  If misunderstandings arise, let them be squarely resolved.  Friendship is too rare and sacred to be thrown away lightly and carelessly.

N – Noteworthy

            Everyone is endowed with the gifts of friendship, understanding, courtesy, and gratitude and worth.  Too often individual worth and human dignity are shunted aside in the rush and fuss of daily living.  Help a Brother strengthen and recognize his noteworthiness.

I – Inspiration

            Our lives should be an inspiration to others.  We should not hesitate to go out of our way to aid an errant brother, minister to a needy brother or endeavor to bolster a brother’s goals.  A Delta Sigma Pi member ever strives to be worthy to be called Brother.  One does not claim to be superior but strives to serve better.

T- Teaching

            Delta Sigma Pi emphasizes that the only way to learn is by attending the meetings and thereby teaching by performance that the world is better because we dwelt upon it

Y – Yearning

            The ideal of a settled, successful, selfish life is never really accomplished in Delta Sigma Pi.  Everywhere we go we see folks on the edge of their seats waiting to be shown the way – the infinity – into which leadership and brotherhood are keys for entry.

If we as Brothers, could live the virtues of our Fraternity, our lives would truly spell

F-R-A-T-E-R-N-I-T-Y for all to read.