About Us
Our History
Delta Chi Fraternity, founded at Cornell University in 1890, has a complex history regarding its recognized founders. The official list includes eleven men: Albert Sullard Barnes, Myron McKee Crandall, John Milton Gorham, Peter Schermerhorn Johnson, Edward Richard O’Malley, Owen Lincoln Potter, Alphonse Derwin Stillman, Thomas A. J. Sullivan, Monroe Marsh Sweetland, Thomas David Watkins, and Frederick Moore Whitney. This list, however, has been disputed, and even those on it had differing opinions about who deserved recognition.
The fraternity's beginnings trace back to the 1889-90 school year when discussions about forming a new law fraternity began. However, it took some time to gain momentum. Two incidents provided the impetus: a Phi Delta Phi member's election as Law School Editor of the Cornell Daily Sun and the election of a Phi Delta Phi member as junior class president. Alphonse Derwin Stillman began investigating, revealing that Phi Delta Phi dominated the law school.
The exact origin of the fraternity remains unclear. Some claim two or three groups were working on the idea that spring. Monroe Marsh Sweetland believed the idea was his alone, while Myron McKee Crandall claimed it started in his and Frank Edward Thomas' apartment.
Meetings took place in Crandall's apartment and Sweetland's law office, but how these groups merged is uncertain. Over the summer, details were ironed out by Crandall, Sweetland, John Milton Gorham, and Stillman. On October 13, 1890, six students adopted the constitution and by-laws, marking the birth of Delta Chi with the intent to create a national fraternity.
The fall of 1890 saw additional names like Fred Kingsbury Stephens, Martin Joseph Flannery, and Frank Edward Thomas added. Flannery and Stephens dropped out and were not considered founders, but Thomas' inclusion sparked debate. Some founders opposed it due to his failure to return in the fall of 1890, but others argued he played a significant role in the fraternity's inception. This debate persisted until the 1929 Directory.
Peter Schermerhorn Johnson, initiated in late 1890 or early 1891, was initially not recognized as a founder but contributed significantly to the fraternity's secrets and symbolism.
Delta Chi's history is marked by debates and revisions regarding its founders' list, reflecting the complexities and uncertainties of its early days at Cornell University.
Meet Delta Chi
A - President
Hunter Heger
Hunter is a fourth-year studying Sport Management and will soon be applying to get his MBA at Cal Poly next year. He is from Carmel, CA making it easy to drive home for a night or even just the day and visit his family. He enjoys playing golf, basketball, and exploring the outdoors with his friends and the house hound, Maverick.
B - Vice President
Dylan Defazio
Dylan is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student. His hobbies include outdoor activities such as fishing and surfing, as well as entrepreneurship. Dylan is looking forward to what he learns through leadership in Delta Chi and applying that to his future endeavors.
C - Secretary
Ryan Wendt
Ryan is a fourth-year studying aerospacee engineering with a concentration in astronautics. He would like to use this degree to design better rockets and satellites, and to make space safer and more accessible. Ryan grew up in Walnut Creek, CA with two sisters and a golden retriever. In his free time, he likes to hike, climb, cook, and spend time with his family/friends.
D - Treasurer
Zach Adam
Zach Adam is a fourth-year business finance major from Scottsdale, Arizona. A few things he loves to do include camping, working out, and watching sports (Go Bengals!). He’s looking forward to working on his business, Zeppelin Marketing Solutions, as well as work in a wealth management role in the near future!
E - Alumni Relations
Marc Joynt
Marc is a third-year Construction Management major from Seattle, WA. He came to Cal Poly to enjoy the sun for a few years, but hopes to later return back to Seattle in the future. In his free time he enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his friends and family, as well as traveling and finding new places.
Brandon Esqueda:
Thanks man
F - Sergeant At Arms
Luke Pisacane
Luke is a fourth-year student studying Agricultural Business. He was born and raised in San Diego, so he enjoys just about anything to do with the beach or out in nature. In his free time he loves to play basketball, cook steaks, and most importantly spend time,with good people.
AMC - Associate Member Counselor
Luke Roberts
Luke is a fourth-year student studying Recreation Parks and Tourism Administration, with a concentration in Sport Management. He was born and raised in San Luis Obispo, so he enjoys being active in the community and on campus. Aside from being on the Delta Chi executive board, he has been a member of the Cal Poly Interfraternity Council Executive Board for the last 2 years. In his free time he loves to golf, hike, read, and hangout at home with his family and two dogs.
Sweetheart
Kate Fitzgerald
We are excited to introduce our newest Delta Chi Sweetheart, Kate Fitzgerald.
Kate is a fourth-year Wine Business student from Sacramento, CA. Along with training our new house hound, Maverick, Kate enjoys being in nature and spending time with friends. Most importantly, Kate is an advocate for mental health and is going to bring an important emphasis on it to Delta Chi!
House Hound
Maverick
The brothers of Delta Chi are excited to welcome the newest addition to our house, Maverick! Maverick is training to become a serive dog with the help of our president Hunter and Sweetheart Kate!
A - President
Jakob Zuckermandel
Jakob is a fourth-year studying Mechanincal Engineering. He is from Highlands Ranch, CO where he grew up playing ice hockey. Other than ice hockey, Jakob’s hobbies include golf, shopping for clothes and going to the gym. Jakob is excited to hone his leadership skills through this position and welcome new members into the chapter.
B - Vice President
Ezra Erler
Ezra is a fourth-year Forestry and Fire Science student. His hobbies include outdoor activities such as fishing and surfing, as well as entrepreneurship. Ezra is looking forward to what he learns through leadership in Delta Chi and applying that to his future endeavors.
C - Secretary
Kyle Honsik
Kyle Honsik is a 4th year Architectural Engineering student at Cal Poly Slo and was raised in the East Bay in Danville, CA. Since coming to Cal Poly he has involved himself heavily in the Construction Management competition teams as well as participating in humanitarian engineering missions with his peers. While studying in San Luis Obispo, Kyle has taken to surfing and exploring the surrounding areas. Searching for a solid photo one sec
D - Treasurer
Devin Hadley
Devin is a Software Engineering student from Encinitas, California. In his free time he loves surfing, the gym, and working on personal projects. In the future he hopes to work in software development where he can use his skills to create impactful solutions to solve the world’s problems. He is eager to develop as a leader and serve the chapter this upcoming year.
E - Alumni Relations
Austin Salamida
Austin Salamida is a fourth-year Agricultural Business student. Originally from Hollister, California, he has a passion for entrepreneurship and is eager to apply innovative solutions to the agricultural sector. In his free time, Austin loves exploring the great outdoors and staying active through workouts.
F - Sergeant At Arms
Akash Praveen
AP is a fourth year from Cupertino, CA studying Computer Science. His hobbies include singing, badminton, and biking. He looks forward to the responsibility and challenges that come with taking on a new leadership role.
AMC - Associate Member Counselor
Kyle Gray
Kyle is a fourth-year graphic design student from San Jose, CA. Outside of his professional pursuits, Kyle finds joy in music as well as staying active through playing basketball and golf with his friends and family. He is the third person in his family to attend Cal Poly and is hoping to have a creative and motivational influence in his role this year.
Sweetheart
Kelsey Konishi
Kelsey is a fourth-year Business Administration student from Visalia, CA. She enjoys being outside, workout out, and cooking for her friends. She values leadership and professional development and is excited to provide extra support to the growth of Delta Chi!
House Hound
Maverick
The brothers of Delta Chi are excited to welcome the newest addition to our house, Maverick!