Tennessee

The Delta Upsilon flag flies high at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, once again. Fifty-five years after its original chartering, the Tennessee Chapter of Delta Upsilon was officially reinstalled on May 4, 2024, marking the return of the Fraternity’s 101st chapter.

More than 50 undergraduates, alumni, parents and friends of DU were on hand as Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk, Boise State ’00, performed the Reinstallation Ceremony in the Student Union on the UT campus. As was once tradition, the group then took part in the Fraternity’s Flag Raising Ceremony as the official Fraternity flag was hoisted into the Smoky Mountain air. This tradition, which has fallen off in recent years to account for chapters’ different housing situations, was once the norm with DU following any chapter Installation or Reinstallation as each new group is presented with an official Delta Upsilon flag. Despite the Tennessee Chapter still working to secure a chapter facility upon its return, Alpha Tau Omega graciously allowed DU to raise its flag in honor of the Reinstallation.

The Tennessee Chapter was first installed on May 17, 1969, and was open for 27 years before closing in 1996. During the chapter’s time away, alumni remained close, often planning small reunions and gatherings. This engagement and connection proved helpful as the Fraternity sought to reopen the chapter. As is the case with many chapters’ re-openings, those with strong alumni support and resources often prove to be the most fruitful. For several years before the chapter’s return, Tennessee Chapter alumni began to organize and contribute to a Chapter Educational Account (CEA) through the Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation. Throughout the chapter’s associate chapter period and beyond, this fund has covered the cost for Tennessee Chapter members to attend DU educational programs.

“Delta Upsilon and the Tennessee Chapter were foundational to my life, and I carried the precepts of brotherhood and service throughout my life,” said Eric Haralson, Tennessee ’69, an original Founding Father of the chapter and current Chapter Advisor on alumni’s willingness to support the chapter. “I wanted to see young men at Tennessee again have the same opportunity.”

Expansion recruitment efforts began in spring 2022, and the Associate Chapter Ceremony was held on May 1 of that year. Despite a somewhat rocky start in terms of recruitment and relationship building, the associate chapter began to hit its stride during the 2023-2024 academic year. By prioritizing philanthropy, service, education and brotherhood, the group quickly hit the requirements for chartering.

Hailey Flavin, UT’s Assistant Director for Harm & Risk Reduction, has worked with the chapter since it rejoined the campus community and spoke at the Reinstallation Ceremony. In her remarks, she spoke about the chapter’s road to chartering and her hopes for the future—hopes that include brothers remaining true to the chapter’s identity and continued engagement in the fraternity/sorority community.

Chapter President Austin Voorhies, Tennessee ’24, shares that vision for the Tennessee Chapter’s future.

“My vision for the chapter is that we continue to develop young men into leaders within our community and our chapter and that the chapter continues to grow and recruit men whose values align with ours,” Voorhies said. “We are working every day to not only further the mission of Delta Upsilon, but to also live by the creed of the Volunteers here in Knoxville: ‘He that beareth a torch shadoweth himself that he may give light to others.’”