Home Sweet Home

The San Diego State Chapter of Delta Upsilon had a chapter house that was busting at its seams. Since its rechartering in 2000, the 100-member chapter had been operating out of a 1,200 square foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home built in the 1950s. Not anymore. On Nov. 18, 2017, the San Diego State Chapter dedicated its new chapter house, an 11,000 square foot facility designed to give the chapter a more suitable place to grow and thrive.

It started with an idea from chapter alumnus and real estate developer John Pedicini, San Diego State ’82, two years prior to the dedication. The chapter was continuing to grow and on its way to becoming a DU Sweepstakes Finalist. A new home would help the chapter remain competitive on campus and give the members an elevated experience. He floated the idea to the alumni chapter officers, and after careful consideration and analysis, the project was approved in January 2016.

Fundraising efforts began soon after the decision was made. Led by alumnus Erik Stroman, San Diego State ’87, the alumni chapter set a goal of $500,000—$400,000 to be used for the home and $100,000 for leadership programming via a Chapter Educational Account and Chapter Legacy Plan with the DU Educational Foundation. At the time of the house dedication, the alumni were nearly halfway to their goal, with fundraising efforts continuing through ducktalk.org until the goal is met.

Not your typical fraternity home, the new chapter house is an impressive facility that takes advantage of the California weather. Sitting on the site of the old home, the ground level of the three-story facility is a drive through parking garage for residents. From the garage, a small entryway takes guests to a secure elevator and stairwell to the second and third levels, which serve as living space.

In total, the chapter house holds five suites, 16 bedrooms, 30 beds, 12 bathrooms, six kitchens, two balconies, one chapter room and one study/board room.

The second level features a chapter kitchen, study/board room, two guest bathrooms and a large chapter/great room. To meet the needs of the chapter, the chapter room was designed to convert easily from living to event space (for hosting chapter meetings and Ritual Ceremonies) with easy-to-move furniture and even a large, glass garage door to provide an open-air space leading to a small balcony.

Unlike a traditional chapter house with hallways full of bedrooms, the San Diego State home boasts suite-style living quarters. Two such suites are located on the second level, with three more on the third level. Each suite is reached via an outdoor breezeway and has its own security combination. Inside, the suites feature a central kitchen and small living area with bedrooms and bathrooms off the shared space. A large balcony with tables and chairs can also be found on the third level.

“It is a nontraditional, versatile space,” said Chapter Advisor Bruce Howard, San Diego State ’70. “We accommodated the needs of our men. Students today live differently than they did in my day. We had to give them a multi-purpose space. It certainly is nice to have a chapter house that matches where the chapter is going.”

The House Dedication was held Nov. 18, 2017, with more than 360 people in attendance. Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk, Boise State ’00, and Past International President Bernard Franklin, Kansas State ’75, both gave remarks, along with Lee Marshall, San Diego State ’71, and San Diego State University Assistant Director of Student Life & Leadership for Greek Life Caryl Montero-Adams.

The event was held in conjunction with the chapter’s Dad’s Weekend and annual Founders Day Tailgate, proving additional celebratory events. Following the dedication, much of the group attended the San Diego State University football game together.

Chapter members moved in a few weeks following the dedication, nearly a semester behind schedule. City permitting and heavy rains during the early stages of construction both contributed to the delay. Members lived in off-campus housing coordinated by the alumni chapter in the interim.

“My brothers and I are very happy to finally be settled in a new place we can finally call home,” said Chapter President Jared Fitzpatrick, San Diego State ’18. “Being a part of a fraternity is about having a sense of belonging and the tight knit community. This house makes us all feel proud to be a DU. We are thankful to the alumni for making this vision come to fruition.”