History of Alpha Nu
UPDATED: 03.28.06
The story of the Alpha Nu chapter of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity goes back to the very beginnings of Oglethorpe University. Oglethorpe had been founded in 1835 in Milledgeville, Georgia, but was closed because of difficulties from the Civil War. It was rechartered in Atlanta, Georgia in 1918, boasting a beautiful Gothic campus several miles northeast of downtown.
As the newly rechartered University began to grow, several men from many different backgrounds began to meet, espousing the ideals of loyalty, service, and friendship. They became known as the Alpha Omega club, and quickly became prominent on campus. As the organization began to grow, however, they became interested in becoming something larger than just an Oglethorpe club. They began to search for a national fraternity whose ideals were consistent with their own, with which they could affiliate. After several months of searching, the men settled on the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.
Delta Sigma Phi was still young at this point, and had not yet fully established itself in the south. Still, for the men of the Alpha Omega club, Delta Sigma Phi was the right fit. On November 8, 1921, the Alpha Omega club officially petitioned Delta Sigma Phi to establish a chapter at Oglethorpe University. Members of the Oglethorpe faculty and staff, including President Thornwell Jacobs, gave ringing endorsements of the Alpha Omega club and its members. In fact, Dean H.J. Gaertner, whose son was a member of the club, had loaned the club his own home to serve as a chapter house. Delta Sigma Phi took note of the group's interest, and began to consider granting the Alpha Omega club a charter.
After nearly three months of correspondence, the club was granted their charter. On February 4, 1922, the Alpha Omega club became the Alpha Nu chapter of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. The charter members of the chapter were: Warren C. Maddox, Marquis F. Calmes, Justin J. Trimble, Justus T. Trimble, Sidney Holderness, Jr., Dwight B. Johnson, J. Marion Stafford, Jr., J. Randolph Smith, George E. Talley, Paul C. Gaertner, Columbus J. Hollingsworth, Jr., James E. Johnson, Jr., Henry L. Cooper, Celeb J. Maddox, Wendell W. Crowe, Steve G. Kaylor, Lawrence G. Pfefferkorn, Robert G. Pfefferkorn, Arthur L. Shelton, Dennis O. Trimble, John R. Kemp, and Mark Humphrey.
The chapter was very active on campus in those early years. Many brothers were active in the campus newspaper, the Stormy Petrel, and many others were on the staff of the yearbook, the Yamacraw. Almost every brother of the chapter was involved in at least one Literary Society on campus. However, Alpha Nu was most noted for its athletic achievements. The chapter was very well represented on the Football and Baseball teams at Oglethorpe University. The athletic exploits of chapter members were widely known in those early years. In 1930, the chapter pledged Oglethorpe football and baseball star Luke Appling. Luke would go on to a long career as the shortstop for the Chicago White Sox, and would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964.
Alpha Nu brothers also would make notable artistic contributions to Delta Sigma Phi. Brother William A. Taylor would pen the song "My Delta Sigma Phi Sweetheart" for a national contest. The song has gone on to become a favorite among the brothers of Delta Sigma Phi, though its three part harmonies are a little challenging for amateur singers. Additionally, Brother Reavis O'Neal, Jr. would compose a Founder's Day Poem, "The Bond" in 1931. The poem has appeared in the Carnation, and is an eloquent statement on the bonds of our Brotherhood.
Hard times would come for the group, though. In 1931, the chapter was burdened financially through problems with their house, and debts to the University. The chapter was very nearly closed, but through the hard work and unselfishness of Brothers Reavis O'Neal, Jr. and Fred Wood, was able to keep its head above water. By 1935, the chapter was again the largest on Oglethorpe's campus, and dominant in athletics and social events.
Outside circumstances would soon change that, however. As World War II raged, Oglethorpe University struggled to maintain operations. Many of its students were becoming involved in the war effort, and enrollment and participation suffered. This was felt by all of the organizations on campus, particularly Delta Sigma Phi. It had been an excellent twenty-one year run for the chapter, but the war proved to be too much. In 1943, decimated by the large number of brothers active in World War II, the Alpha Nu chapter was closed.
It seemed for a long time that Delta Sigma Phi had breathed its last at Oglethorpe. However, after forty years of dormancy, a new group sprang up, hungry for the same ideals that the Alpha Omega club had sought before them. In 1984, this new group petitioned the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, and the Alpha Nu colony was established. The group grew quickly, and became very active on campus. Before too long, the colony was deemed ready for chapter status. On April 12, 1985, the Alpha Nu chapter was rechartered at Oglethorpe University. The founding members of this rechartered chapter were: Brad A. Baldwin, Richard A. Briggs, Henry K. Bunnell, Jr., Brian D. Buzzeo, L. Casey Chosewood, Douglas R. Dubay, Daniel M. Duncanson, Harry R. Frazer, Richard A. Fischer, Jr., Jay W. Floyd, Laurence E. Frank, Reginald F. Frye, Jr., John J. Green, Gregory T. Hightower, Stewart R. Keller, Stephen W. Kim, Mark A. Knautz, Frank E. Lawton, Seoung-Seun Lee, Alfred M. Long, Jr., David S. McCollam, Russell B. Mabrey, William E. Porter, Michael H. Rathiens, Frank S. Russo-Alessi, William S. Sharpe, Jr., Burdette K. Sleight, and David C. Tucker.
Over the next fifteen years, the chapter would firmly establish itself on Oglethorpe's campus. The ideals of Brotherhood were espoused by Alpha Nu's members as the chapter grew in size and stature. In 1996, the chapter won its first ever Greek Week championship. In 1999, the chapter began the annual See-Saw for Cancer, a 72-hour See-Saw marathon that raises money for the American Cancer Society.
As we enter this new century, we at Alpha Nu are proud to carry the torch handed down by the brothers who came before us. Delta Sigma Phi is continuing to grow, and currently boasts a membership that is involved on campus and in the community. More importantly, the ideals of Delta Sigma Phi are alive in the hearts of every one of our brothers. Almost eighty years ago, a group of men with foresight and courage established the Alpha Nu chapter of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity at Oglethorpe University. Today, we follow in their footsteps, "that the world may ever be convinced of the sincerity of our purpose".
Special Thanks to Brother Scott Rich, Delta Lambda chapter '89 for his help with this section.
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