University of North Dakota
Delta Xi Alumni

Chapter History

The UND Chapter of Delta Tau Delta started out as Beta Chi local fraternity over 90 years ago, being formed in 1920. This was the third fraternity on the UND campus, following Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Chi, both of which also started out as local fraternities.

The members of Beta Chi desired to affiliate with the strongest national fraternity available, and that group petitioned Delta Tau Delta from 1928 until successful in 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression.

Over the 75 year history, the Delta Tau Delta chapter at UND has been in constant operation. During WW II, when the members were called to duty, the chapter house was used as a military barracks.

The Delt chapter has produced many leaders:

  • Four Delts have received honorary degrees from UND
  • Nine have received a Sioux Award
  • Four alumni were recipients of the International Fraternity's highest honor for service, the Distinguished Service Chapter:
  • George Allen, '36
  • Ordean Dahl, '34
  • Merlin Dewing, '56
  • Thomas Hanson, '69
  • Four alumni were recognized nationally with the Delt Alumni Achievement Award:
  • Harold Bangert, '28
  • Stan Moe, '34
  • Merlin Dewing, '56
  • Robert Feidler, '72
  • Merlin Dewing served on the international fraternity board of directors for six years, following his service as president of the UND Foundation for two terms during the Centennial celebration.

    • In 1978 Delt alumni made fraternity history by forming the nation's first chapter educational foundation at the same time as Phi Delta Theta at UND. The Education Foundation sought to place a strong focus on the educational and leadership purpose of the fraternity which allowed alumni to support academic excellence, educational programming, community service, and leadership training.

    Through the years, Delt alumni have made significant financial contributions amounting to over $1.5 million, in addition to more than $1 million in estate gifts. The generous donations of alumni reward fraternal, academic, professional, and personal excellence of active members while ensuring that young men of potential can afford a fraternity experience if they put forth effort.

    In the last 25 years, the UND Chapter has been recognized 16 times as a top 20 Chapter in the International Fraternity, and six times was recognized as a Hugh Shields Chapter as a top 10 chapter. This recognition is based on meeting criteria to mark organization excellence including performance in finances, academics, community service, alumni relations, and membership education.


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