The Delta Chi Brotherhood

I transferred to Duquesne University in the Fall of 2002 in an effort to continue my education at a school with a stellar reputation. I was never a “traditional” student – having already taken a couple of years off to give the “real world” a try, and being completely independent upon my enrollment. I remember having to get special forms from admissions and financial aid to prove that I was doing it all by myself: No college fund, no parents helping financially, no co-signers on student loans, just me.

I spent some time essentially homeless (Duquesne is a lot of things… cheap is not one of them) and trying to balance out paying tuition, working to survive, and doing well in my classes. I came in strong, making the Dean’s List in my first three semesters. I learned how to play online poker, and made enough money to survive, one $5 sit-n-go tournament on Pokerstars at the time.

Something was missing from the college experience for me. I eventually got a crappy apartment off-campus, and since I was a commuter I really wasn’t involved in any school-related activities. It was then that I saw a flyer for a Delta Chi Rush event. Basically, I was in it for the free wings and bowling – but I knew that I needed some form of social life. I called the number on the flyer, and the Rush Chairman – a strapping young fellow named Matt Wagner, gave me the details.

I went through the Associate Member process, but my financial situation had me in a tough spot, and circumstances beyond my control didn’t allow me to finish. Undeterred, I “re-rushed” the following year. I believe I am still the only person in Duquesne Delta Chi history to be a part of not one, but two separate pledge classes.

To say that I enjoyed my college and Fraternity experience would be like saying Tim Tebow likes Jesus: An understatement.

Things just fell into place for me after I became a Brother. My grades were good, my social life became tangible, and I made a few friends that remain my best friends in the world today. For those people who think that Greek Life is just a way to party – well it is! However, I’ll take “paying for my friends” and forging lifelong relationships, networking, great times, and great experiences over sitting in my apartment wondering what all the hype was about. I did EVERYTHING that I wanted in college, for better or worse, and have not a single regret (aside from it all ending)

My Fraternity ran the university when I was there (and before and after, as well). My first semester there, we won Greek Sing. It was because of the Delta Chi Brotherhood that I learned that I had some musical talent. Without Delta Chi, there would be no Walk of Shame band.

In fact, we won Greek Sing EVERY YEAR that I was there. Nobody could touch us. We also won some other awards: Greek Carnival champs, volleyball champs, College Bowl champions, and more. I personally won the 2006 “Big Man on Campus” People’s Choice, as well as Mr. Congeniality.

A special thank you to the beautiful ladies of Sigma Lambda Phi, The Lambs, for believing in me and supporting me in a time when I literally had nobody else to do so. I’ll never forget you girls, and you will never know how important you were to me.