Project Background

Due to the allure of newly built apartments with luxury amenities, many of upperclassmen move out of the house for their junior and senior years. This is a critical break in the development of the DU brotherhood bond that we all experienced: older members helping younger members in their leadership and character development. This project will raise the standard of living for our members to make it an attractive place to live.

The Chapter House should be a place where our brothers live, learn, and socialize. We plan to build a series of interactive spaces centered around the grand staircase. The staircase will be a conduit connecting a second floor lounge, the main floor, and an open basement fostering connectivity throughout the various common areas in the house.

Much like our own homes, the Chapter House requires constant maintenance and upkeep. The Alumni Board spends approximately $50,000 a year (and growing) on maintaining the house, which is now nearly a century old. The last significant renovation occurred over 30 years ago. While the bones of the house are structurally sound, a renovation like this will breathe generations of life back into this house, while simultaneously reducing the costs to operate and maintain the house.

What does being a member of Delta Upsilon mean to you?

To me, being a member of Delta Upsilon is about the brothers. To come to a different state for college and immediately be able to find a group of friends that I could lean on to make my transition easier is something that I am beyond grateful for. Becoming a brother has helped me be more outgoing, confident, and ready to take on challenges that might come up in my life.

What would a renovated Chapter House mean to Illinois Chapter?

A renovated Chapter House would impact every aspect of the Illinois Chapter. Though the Chapter has been successful with the current status quo of the Chapter House, being able to use a newly renovated house as a selling point would increase the number of new members, increase the number of people living in the house, and alumni involvement. Seeing such a show of support from gracious alumni, donors, and DU Internationals has already improved morale within the house, a trend certain to continue with renovations.

What does being a member of Delta Upsilon mean to you?

To me, being a member of Delta Upsilon is being part of something that is greater than yourself. You are given the opportunity to grow a person and be able to expand your portfolio of life. Since becoming a member, I have been exposed to all different paths of life and I have used that to help grow myself. I believe that I am a better person today because of Delta Upsilon, and for that, I am thankful.

What would a renovated Chapter House mean to Illinois Chapter?

If Illinois Chapter was given a renovation, I can only imagine the possibilities for this house. It would enable future classes to fill the house more than ever expected and give the opportunities that I have been given to future brothers. I feel that Delta Upsilon would grow on campus and share the great times that many generations have had before us.