Calvin Coolidge (Amherst 1895) 30th President of the United States

Persistence

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Friendship is the Sweetest Influence. Collected and Edited by James Keith Councell (Kettering ‘03), Edward Kiell (Kettering ‘02) and Steve Woodward (Kettering ??)

Special thank to all the time and resources give by the following Graduate Brothers whom have shown that being a FIJI is “not just for college days alone”: Gary Gathen (GMI ’65), Richard H. Borchert (GMI ’51), Eric Mittelstadt (GMI '57), D. Richard Veazey (GMI ’48), Ed Kiell (Kettering ’02) Andrew Dolgner (Kettering ’04) & Rick Brade (Kettering ’02)

Resources also used include the following: Kettering Archives Kettering & GMI yearbooks Ballard Fraternity Reference Alpha Gamma Chapter Records Alpha Gamma Chapter Pledge Program The Phi Gamma Delta Magazine The Archives of the fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta Alpha Gamma Upsilon Pamphlet “We Want You to Know~” Pledge Manual- Alpha Gamma Upsilon (Second Edition, 1950) Graduate Brothers Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity- Robert W. Kutz (Grand Historian)

Note to the reader: an Alpha Gamma is a member of either the Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon or the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta.

All right of these notes belong to the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Table of Contents

Spring of 1931

An overview of Alpha Gamma Upsilon

Timeline Organization of the Fraternity Fraternity Insignia Awards Fraternity Publications Important Dates The Pledge to Alpha Gamma Upsilon Songs

A Very Brief History of General Motors Institute

Chapter Houses

The Transition years

An Overview of Phi Gamma Delta

Mission and Values Founders and History Fraternity Insignia “Gamma” – The Snowy White Owl Awards Songs

Reflection & Closing Spring of 1931

It was during a 1931 spring track meet that the spark of fraternalism hit eleven future engineers, the soon to be Delta Chapter of AGU.

Edward John and ten others were competing against a rival college, Detroit Institute of Technology, when they met and became impressed by the men of the two-year old Gamma Chapter from Detroit Tech. By January 4, 1932, meetings were held in John's room at 211 Cartier Street with the National Board of Directors, lead by National President, Clayton M. Force ("Sparky"). Twelve days later, on January 16, 1932, the Delta Chapter of AGU was installed at General Motors Institute by a special meeting of the Supreme Council.

Founding Brothers of the Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon

An overview of Alpha Gamma Upsilon

To live by the light of brotherly love, To walk in the way of truth; To serve, to honor, to reverence the fraternity And the thing for which it stands. This is the hope, the strength, the Creed Of Alpha Gamma Upsilon.

The aims and purposes of AGU were "to promote friendship, to encourage excellence in scholarship, to develop good character, to uphold the ideals of the colleges where its chapters are located, and to foster the ideals of Christian conduct and good citizenship."

The following is a brief chronological history of the AGUs: 1922 In September in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a group of four students gathered in the home of the parents of one of them, Herbert R. Carter, Indiana; Homer H. Iden, New Mexico; Alfred C. Koeneke, North Dakota; and Dale R. Odneal, Missouri. At the time all of them where attending Anthony Wayne Institute. Herbert Carter is recognized as the actual founder not only of the Alpha Chapter but, through his vision and aggressive effort, the National organization as well. On October 10, 1922 Alpha Gamma Upsilon was incorporated as a national college fraternity. 1924 On November 24 these men together with those whom they had added to their membership in the two intervening years, met to approve a constitution and by-laws for the national organization. This meeting is record as the first National Board Meeting, at which Herbert Carter was unanimously elected the first president of the National Board of Directors. 1925 During the fall term the Alpha Chapter obtained their first Fraternity house. 1927 On December 12 the Beta Chapter came into existence. 1928 Beta Chapter flourished rapidly and secured their house. But the Universal Institute was found out to be inadequately financed and experienced considerable difficulty. Therefore the Beta Chapter was rescinded at the close of the fall term. Beta, Universal Chapter roll: 32 1930 April 12, 1930 the Gamma Chapter was granted to a group of petitioning students at the Detroit Institute of Technology. Gamma of Alpha Gamma Upsilon arose after Cecil Snow AGU '28, transferred to Detroit Institute of Technology and organized a group of petitioners. Clayton "Sparky" Force and Richard Oberholtzer were also instrumental in establishing the chapter. The petition was granted and the chapter was installed as Gamma of Alpha Gamma Upsilon on April 12, 1930. 1932 Students of GMI meet members of the Gamma Chapter which lead to the foundations of the Delta Chapter of General Motors Institute. See Delta Chapter history for more info. 1932 The second Beta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon was chartered on May 14, 1932 at Indiana Technical College. The chapter designation was accepted because the new chapter was in the same city as the original Beta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon, and alumni of the original Beta concurred. Lawrence Sentman and Herbert Carter led development of the Chapter. Beta Chapter obtained leased housing in 1938, but closed in 1941. It was revived in 1950, and purchased a house shortly thereafter. Clayton "Sparky" Force, Lawrence Sentman, and Herbert Carter were the forces behind organization of the chapter. In 1969 its house was at 1507 E. Washington Street, Fort Wayne. 1933 The fortunes of both good and evil were visited upon the fraternity during the year of 1933. Alpha, the oldest and strongest of the chapters, was forced into an inactive state when Wayne Institute failed to resume teaching in the fall of that year. It was a year of nation-wide financial instability, and being a private school which did not participate in state educational endowment, the corporation went out of business. (Best estimate put the Chapter roll at 207 brothers.) After 1933 Gamma was the senior chapter of the fraternity.

1933 June 28, 1933 the Epsilon chapter was granted to a group of students at Lawrence Institute of Technology. On June 18, 1933 the Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon was chartered at Lawrence Institute of Technology. Arthur Mc Donald, Clayton "Sparky" Force, and Kenneth Meade of the General Motors Institute Chapter were responsible for the organization. The installation took place at the Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon at General Motors Institute, Flint, Michigan. In 1937 the chapter was able to buy a chapter house. That house was sold during World War II, but another was purchased in 1947. The Campus moved from Highland Park to Southfield in 1952, and the house was lost. The chapter survived and would have been chartered in Alpha Sigma Phi in 1965 or 1966, but the Institute was not fully accredited. Under the terms of the merger between Alpha Sigma Phi and Alpha Gamma Upsilon, the chapter remained eligible for chartering if the school completed the requirements for accreditation. Accreditation was granted in April 1967, and Theta and Gamma Sigma Chapters conducted pledge training and guided the group toward installation. Chartering took place on November 11, 1967. James Brown, past President of Alpha Gamma Upsilon, was master of ceremonies. 1934 March 25, 1934 during a special meeting of the National Board convened to grant the Zeta chapter charter to the University of Detroit. 1935 Inaugurated the Annual Alumni Dinner Dance on February 16, 1935. 1938 Formation of the first Alumni Chapter in the Detroit area. 1941-1947 War fell on the US on December 8 1941 following the Pearl Harbor disaster. This event was a paralyzing blow to all fraternities. As the war continued both the Gamma and the Zeta Chapter when inactive. The Gamma Chapter remained inactive until December 17, 1945. The Zeta Chapter remained inactive until April 20, 1947. No small measure of credit is due the small number of men who worked so hard to keep their chapter active and their house open. 1947 25th anniversary of the founding of the fraternity. The closing months of the year witnessed the organization of a women’s auxiliary to Alpha Gamma Upsilon under the new name of Alpha Alpha Pi. Membership in this new organization was made open to mothers, wives, fiancés, sisters, and daughters of both active and alumni Fraternity Men. 1948 Chapters were granted to University of Toledo on May 15, 1948 as the Theta Chapter and to the Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) on June 6, 1948 as the Iota Chapter. As granted was a Charter to the Fort Wayne Alumni Chapter. 1948 Iota chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon was installed at Eastern Michigan State on June 6, 1948. The chapter originated in a colonization effort inaugurated by Clayton "Sparky" Force, Alpha Gamma Upsilon's Executive Secretary, and Stuart W. "Scooter" Anderson, Alpha Gamma Upsilon's National President. William Hemes was the chief undergraduate leader. The first formal meeting of the colony occurred on January 10, 1948. In 1952 the chapter was able to lease a chapter house, and they operated it throughout the rest of the decade. 1949 The Kappa Chapter was granted to a group of students at Defiance College on April 24, 1949. These men were formally the active members of the Alpha Kappa Fraternity. Also in 1949 the Lambda charter was granted to Tri-State College on May 8, 1949. This group had consisted of the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Sigma Chi. 1951 The Mu Chapter was granted to a group of students at Rider College on 1951. Also in 1951 the Nu charter was granted to Lycoming College. 1954 Theta Chapter goes inactive (Best estimate the Chapter roll was at 91 brothers.) 1955 Zeta and Mu Chapters go inactive (Zeta, Best estimate the Chapter roll was at 252 brothers & Mu, Best estimate the Chapter roll was at 241 brothers.) 1962 Delta Chapter Leaves AGU (Chapter roll at 753 brothers.) 1963 The Wayne State Chapter- Eta is no longer listed as a fraternity by the IFC of Wayne State . (Best estimate the Chapter roll was at 138 brothers.) 1965 In May 22 of 1965 the Lycoming chapter became the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi. At this point Detroit Tech, Indiana Tech and Eastern State received colony status from Alpha Sigma Phi. Then in December of 1965 a merger agreement was signed with Alpha Sigma Phi. (Best estimate of the Chapter roll; Gamma, Detroit Tech Chapter roll: 592; Beta, Indiana Tech Chapter roll: 647; Iota, Eastern Michigan Chapter roll: 246; Nu, Lycoming Chapter roll: 138) Following merger of Alpha Sigma Phi and Alpha Gamma Upsilon in 1965, the chapter was installed as Gamma Rho Chapter on May 22, 1965. Otto Sonder, Jr., BX '47, had served as faculty advisor to the Alpha Gamma Upsilon Chapter for several years before the merger, and was instrumental in bringing together James Brown, President of Alpha Gamma Upsilon, and Ralph F. Burns, Executive Secretary of Alpha Sigma Phi. There were forty-nine charter members initiated in May 1965. "Sigwarrior" is the chapter's newsletter.

In 1965, pursuant to terms of the merger agreement between Alpha Gamma Upsilon and Alpha Sigma Phi, Iota of Alpha Gamma Upsilon became Gamma Upsilon of Alpha Sigma Phi. The chapter was installed in Alpha Sigma Phi on January 9, 1966. In 1974 the chapter moved to 208 Normal Avenue, and in 1987 it relocated to 207 Summit North. Membership difficulties at times during the Vietnam War era left the chapter financially unstable, and the alumni "burned out." A leadership crisis of brief duration led to demise of the weakened chapter. The chapter roll contains the names of 225 Alpha Sigma Phi initiates.

Stuart W. "Scooter" Anderson, G U '73, served as Executive Secretary of Alpha Gamma Upsilon, advisor to the Newsletter Association of Alpha Sigma Phi, and has received the Distinguished Service Award of Alpha Sigma Phi. Robert Cabello, GU '70, has served on the Grand Council of Alpha Sigma Phi, and taken a lead role in developing colonies of Alpha Sigma Phi at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Illinois State University, and Central Michigan Universities.

1966 On May 13, 1966, the chapter was re-chartered as Gamma Sigma of Alpha Sigma Phi. G.P.C. Marvin Rank, G K '55, presented the charter to H.S.P. Robert Paz, G S '66. Executive Secretary Ralph F. Burns, E '32, was the keynote speaker. The chapter house was at 4434 N. Campbell, Detroit, Michigan. The chapter initiated 61 members and died out in 1970.

On May 5, 1966, the chapter was re-chartered as Gamma Tau of Alpha Sigma Phi. Grand Senior President Donald Hornberger, E '25, presented the charter to H.S.P. Terry Quinn, G T '66. George Trubow, Th '53, was principal speaker at the installation. James V. Brown, past President of Alpha Gamma Upsilon served as toastmaster. The chapter house was at 1236 South Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana. Due to declining enrollment in the school and the chapter, the charter was surrendered in 1976. The chapter initiated eighty-nine Alpha Sigma Phi’s. 1968 Chapter at Tri-State joined Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1968 (Best estimate of the Chapter roll is at 275 brothers.) Lawrence Chapter joins Alpha Sigma Phi as the Gamma Psi Chapter

No information was able to be found on the following chapters: Kappa, Defiance Chapter roll: 164+

Organization of the Fraternity: The Supreme Council: Each year the members gather to hold a national convention of Alpha Gamma Upsilon. The business transacted at this time is the work of the Supreme Council, the highest authority of the fraternity. In this meeting is found the supreme legislative power of the organization. It is composed of the living founders, past and present national officers, past presidents of the undergraduate chapters and the duly elected representative of both the undergraduate and alumni chapters.

The National Board of Directors: The governing body elected by the supreme council from the ranks of the alumni members for the fraternity. This body acts as the head of the fraternity in the interval between the meetings of the Supreme Council, their acts and decisions to be confirmed at the following Council’s meeting. The National Board of Directors is made up of a National President, National Vice President, National Secretary, National Treasurer, National Recording Secretary, and the National Executive Counselor (appointed by the National President), together with a Chapter Counselors appointed by the National President to aid and counsel each active chapter. The Headquarters of the fraternity was in Royal Oak, Michigan at 112 E. Horstonia Ave, which is Clayton M Force House.

The Chapter: The active chapter is composed of under- graduate students in regular attendance at the college where the chapter exist is the basic and perpetuating unit of the fraternity. The Chapter has five major positions that must be filled: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sgt.-at-Arms. These positions are filled at the beginning of each school term by a secret ballot, nominations having been made from the floor just prior to the balloting.

The Alumni Chapter: Alumni Chapters bring to graduate members the renewal and enlargement of fraternal contacts after college. Any group of ten or more alumni members in good standing may seek a charter in their respective city, or area.

The Auxiliary Chapter: A women’s auxiliary to Alpha Gamma Upsilon was organized on December 7, 1947. They chose to take the form of an honorary Greek letter sorority, and adopted the name of Alpha Alpha Pi. Membership in the auxiliary included the wives, mothers, sisters, fiancés, and daughters of the Fraternity men.

Fraternity Insignia: Badge: The Badge of the fraternity, often referred to as the fraternity pin, is a diamond-shaped shield of black enamel across the center of which is superimpose in gold the Greek letters “Alpha,” “Gamma,” and “Upsilon.” In the area above these letters appear two links; below is a miniature dagger. The standard badge is 3/8” x 5/8” and jeweled badges are optional. Smaller badges are provided for the use of or for presentation to the mother, wives, sisters, and fiancées of fraternity members. The badge is to be worn in a vertical position over the heart and is not to be worn on a coat lapel.

The Crest or Coat-of-Arms: There are three parts to the Coat-of-arms of the fraternity; the shield, the crest, and the ribbon. The shield of light blue has a gold chevron slightly below its center with a Greek temple in gold immediately above the point of the chevron. On the other side of the temple appear lighted golden tapers whose holders are hour-glasses in which the sand has only partially fallen through. In diagonally-lined field below the chevron, a dagger lies across the pages of an opened book. The crest above the shield consists of three pink roses directly above the shield with the fourth rose slightly above the other three. These are seemingly held in position by two reversed-curve brackets. Across the face of the ribbon directly below the point of the shield are the three Greek letters “Alpha,” “Gamma,” and “Upsilon” by which the fraternity is known.

Pledge Pin: The fraternity pledge pin consists of a black enamel disk on a white enamel background.

Colors and Flowers: The fraternity colors are old gold and black (primary colors) with light blue as an auxiliary color. The fraternity flower was the pink rose.

Awards: The Alpha Gamma Upsilon Scholar Pendant: Is an award by the National Board of the fraternity to the senior or juniors deemed by the scholarship Committee to be outstanding men of the year scholastically. The maximum number of awards per year is four, the number of original founders of the fraternity. The pendant carries out the general design of the badge of the fraternity, with the Greek letters “Alpha,” “Gamma,” and “Upsilon” in gold across the upper part of the black diamond, the ritual dagger in the lower area, and a gold ribbon across the center bearing in black the Greek words for “Recognize your opportunity”

The Board of Directors Key: Is awarded by the Board to one outstanding active member in each chapter of the fraternity for the year just completed. These Key’s are presented by the president of the board at the annual convention banquet. Each award is made by the entire board acting upon a report of results of a chapter vote, plus the recommendation of the counselor having jurisdiction over the chapter. The main body of the rectangular field of black enamel edge in yellow-gold with a 14-k yellow-gold reproduction of the fraternity coat-of-arms superimposed in the center. On the back engraved is the winner’s name, the chapter, and the year.

The President’s Plaque: Is an award by the Board to one chapter for outstanding chapter publications.

The Alumni Cup: Is awarded by the Alumni Cup Award Committee to one chapter for fulfilling to the highest degree the ideals and principles of the fraternity.

The Inter-Chapter Bowling Trophy: Is an award for the chapter’s team that scored the highest pin fall in the Convention tournament. On a side note the Bawling bowl is a wood bowl that goes to the team with the lowest score.

The Inter-Chapter Quartet Songfest Trophy: Is an award for the chapter’s quartet who is judged to have won under the rules set up for the decision.

Fraternity Publications: The Links: Is the fraternity annually magazine published in May.

The Forum: Is a monthly bulletin that was published each month to keep information flowing from the chapters to the alumni and to bring briefs of national organization activities. In 1943 it was discontinued because of the decline of the fraternity activities resulting from the decimation of the chapters during the war. In 1950 The Forum was restarted under the name The Fraternity Forum.

The Procedures Manual: Is a book of instructions for the officers and members of the active Chapters in which every phase of the Chapter and Fraternity activities is discussed. This Manual is prepared on loose leaf form so that it can be easily kept current by the addition of supplemental pages.

The Pledge Manual: Is a booklet of instruction for the pledges of the fraternity, containing basic information for his preparation for active membership in the organization. A copy is placed in the hands of each pledge at the beginning of his affiliation with the fraternity.

Important Dates: Omega Day: On the Sunday in February nearest to February 1st of each year is observed as Omega day, a memorial day in honor of the deceased members of the fraternity.

Founder’s Day: Is celebrated each year on October 10 to commemorate the founding of the fraternity on that date in 1922 and to honor the founders, Herbert Carter, Homer Iden, Alfred Koeneke, and Dale Odneal. A custom was for each chapter to send a congratulatory telegram to the founders.

The Pledge to Alpha Gamma Upsilon: I hereby promise and swear that I will renounce any affiliation with any similar fraternity, and will remove my influence and effort and will sever all relations, oaths and obligations, or ties of any kind with any group whose purpose and name is secret, or any rival organization of Alpha Gamma Upsilon.

I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will defend, form henceforth on forever, the good name of this fraternity as well as the good name of every member of this brotherhood.

I promise to keep secret the signs and symbols which are revealed to me while I am a pledge, believing that when I have proved myself suitable in the eyes of my future brothers, I will be permitted to see the light of Alpha and Gamma.

Songs:

The Victory Song Music: “Betty Co-ed” To the Alpha Gamma our Fraternity, Her boys are ready for the fray; They are inspired by comrades loyalty, It’s growing stranger every day.

Though skies are gray and future outlook sad, Just think of all the loyal friends you have, To help and cheer you on to victory, Through Alpha Gamma Upsilon.

The Hymn of Alpha Gamma Upsilon Music: “Michigan, My Michigan” Oh! Alpha Gamma Upsilon, Alpha Gamma Upsilon, Thy links shall ne’er be broke in twain, Alpha Gamma Upsilon, For we shall always hold you dear, Dearest in out memory, For we know that we’ll always be, Bound to our Fraternity.

To Alpha Gamma Upsilon, Alpha Gamma Upsilon, We pledge our loyalty and trust Alpha Gamma Upsilon, Remembering e’er thy sacred trust And e’er thy gleaming daggers thrust, For we know that we’ll always be Bound by honor and loyalty.

Oh! Alpha Gamma Upsilon, Alpha Gamma Upsilon, Through life’s long dream you’ll always gleam Alpha Gamma Upsilon, For when the strife of life is o’er, We’ll meet again on another shore, For we know that you’ll always be, Bound throughout eternity.

Our Fraternity Oh! Alpha Gamma Upsilon Trough all the years you’ll reign supreme. Our loyalty and brotherhood, Through the darkest nights will gleam. Our trust in good and you shall stay, And guide our path the winning way, With colors high- it’s do or die For our fraternity.

The Winners Music: “Three Blind Mice” An Alpha Gam wins, An Alpha Gam wins, Forward we go, Forward we go For we are the aggressive type, We never bother to moan and gripe, Our bodies are strong, we seldom get tight, An Alpha Gam wins.

An Alpha Gam wins, An Alpha Gam wins, Forward we go, Forward we go Our minds are alert; we’re successward bound, With a book in out hands, we can always be found, With an eye to the future, an ear to the ground, An Alpha Gam wins. Sparky:

Clayton M. Force was a strange character. He was always happy, except when AGU converted to one of the big, more nationally recognized fraternities. That broke his heart to some extent. Our chapter (the Delta Chapter) of AGU was the premier chapter and he took great pride in having us as part of his brood.

He had polio at sometime in his life, as he always used two canes to walk and was very unsteady on his feet. He was always dignified and dressed very well and conservatively. From what graduate brothers say he knew every member and alumni by name. When he arrived for a visit, the house always rushed to the door to greet him and he loved that attention. He was sort of a spiritual leader and head of the clan. Even battle hardened veterans from WWII felt his energy and devotion to AGU. He was always welcome at his frequent visits and would listen enraptured at anything and everything reported on individual and chapter accomplishments. And he would give us a verbal report on whatever was going on at the other AGU chapters. He worked tirelessly to try and get more recognition for AGU nationally and to try and get more chapters at other schools.

Sparky had his problems. He hated to delegate anything as National president. An example of this can be found when after graduation, he asked me to become national treasurer. There was never an election to that position - he simply appointed himself, as President and Secretary, another guy as vice president and the treasurer I was treasurer for a year and never saw the books. I quit after one year as there was nothing to do but attend meetings where decisions were always made by decree by Sparky. Don't get me wrong on the latter; he always had AGUs best interests at heart.

All members that knew him counted themselves lucky to have him always cheering us on and supporting us in everything we did that was positive - with every ounce of his energy.

Clayton M. Force September 5, 1904 to April 20, 1969 A Very Brief History of General Motors Institute

In 1919, in response to the need for engineers, managers, designers, and technicians in the growing auto industry, the Industrial Fellowship of Flint endorsed the opening of a night school under the direction of Albert Sobey -- the School of Automotive Trades -- to train engineering and management personnel.

In 1923, the school became the Flint Institute of Technology. A four-year cooperative program was established, and more than 600 students were enrolled.

Recognizing the potential of cooperative education, the General Motors Corporation took over financial support of the school in 1926, called it the General Motors Institute, and started utilizing the facility to develop its own engineers and managers.

In the past GMI always had sections but before 1963 the school ran on a four section system: A & C were 4 week long for in state students and B & D was 8 weeks long for out of state students. (AB, CB, AD, and then CD)

Independence came in the year 1982 as GM divested itself of ownership. With independence came another name change -- to GMI Engineering & Management Institute. Administrators decided to keep the proven cooperative program and expand the number of employers.

On January 1, 1998, GMI changed its name to honor a man who was a strong influence in the founding of the university and in the concept of cooperative education, Charles "Boss" Kettering. Chapter Houses

The first house occupied by the fraternity was located at 1321 Glenwood in May of 1932. In November of 1932 the second house, located at 1902 Cartier Street was leased (shown to the right). The next move was to 1526 West Court in 1937 (shown below). Eventually, enough capital was amassed to purchase a residence with the help of D. Richard Veasy (GMI ‘48) then AGU Chapter Graduate Advisor, at 104 Welch Boulevard.

On June 21, 1957, the Delta chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon purchased the current property on the corner of Flushing road and Dupont street for $9569.96 from General Motors Institute.

Some information about the property was that it original was owned In 1942 by the Annoketoqua under a treaty on September 24, 1819 between the United States and the Chippewa Nation of

In 1946 Indians. The area was commonly called section 3 Smith Reservation. Jacob Smith was a trader among the Chippewa Indians and had a daughter called Annoketoqua whom actual owned the landed.

The final and present house is 1702 Flushing Rd. This house was built in two sections: the living quarters in 1957, and then, in 1963 the living room and basement. This house was paid for in new debt denture bonds and savings of the housing corporation (AGU Inc.) AGU Inc is a domestic nonprofit corporation that was formed on July 1, 1943 for the sole purpose to provide housing for, at the time, the Delta Chapter and now the Alpha Gamma Chapter. The treasurer of AGU Inc is the Chapter Comptroller.

Placement of Current House Cornerstone in 1957; pictured left is John F. Gordon (GMI Board Chair and Group VP of General Motors) and right Brother Eric Mittelstadt (later founding CEO of Fanuc Robotics).

During Construction

Shortly into the construction of the current chapter house the bank responsible for backing the bonds issued foreclosed; fortunately, the Governor of Michigan stepped in to help back the bonds to complete the construction of the house. A few months later, the local inspector visited the construction site to double check the location of the house; to everyone’s surprise the house was built 10 feet in the wrong direction! To add insult to injury, a few weeks later the builders also foreclosed leaving a shell of a house with no working plumbing, electricity, windows or doors! Fortunately, the Brothers were able to quickly coordinate support from the school and local government to complete the Chapter house we so love and enjoy. The Time Capsule

During the placement of the cornerstone in 1957, the Brothers of Alpha Gamma Upsilon placed a time capsule for opening at the 50 year anniversary of the new Chapter House. On 14 of May 2011, the time capsule will be opened as part of the Pig Dinner Ceremony where a new time capsule will be placed in the house for opening in 2041.

The Transition years

In 1961 the Delta Chapter hosted the national convention of AGU in Flint. At that time, the Delta Chapter paid significantly more national dues than all other chapters combined and the house was not see much value in services from the national fraternity. During this time all the fraternities at GMI were local fraternity with no nationals.

On April 15, 1963 the house began discussion on disaffiliation with AGU, during a chapter meeting a census was taken on the matter and B-section decided to form a committee to draw up a presentation to be presented to both sections on the pros and cons of disaffiliating and joining a larger national. One item that did not improve the situation was that on May 4th it was reported that the national convention for AGU was not a success and National was not in sound financial shape.

During the A-C section on May 10, 1963 the school put the house on social probation due to pledge hazing activities which lead to the hospitalization of a pledge. For the next few months the house was on probation, during this time the house jokingly called itself the 1702 Men's Club.

In June 15, 1963 the brotherhood voted on and passed in a general membership meeting to disaffiliation with Alpha Gamma Upsilon. The next vote after the decision to disaffiliate, the brothers voted to pay all dues for members up until December 31, 1963. On November 7, 1963, James A. Brown, the National President of AGU, released us in good standings form all oaths, obligations and ties of any kind with Alpha Gamma Upsilon. Since we were in need of a new name, it only seemed easy to just drop the Upsilon, so we became the Alpha Gamma Fraternity. In 1942 The Alpha Gamma Fraternity was registered with the NIC. It should be noted that the investigation in to disaffiliation was conducted with the full knowledge of the AGU national and been considered for nearly 20 years. On all previous occasions it was decided that we should work to improve the AGU national organization rather than leave it. But the issue was re-opened due to the accreditation of GMI and larger national fraternities were moving on to campus.

Because of the large number of NIC fraternities, the brothers decide to take a systematic approach to the selection process for looking at possible fraternity to join. The following criteria were set:  Certain fraternities were omitted from consideration since they had already established local chapters at GMI. These included: Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Theta Xi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Nu, Sigma Chi, and Phi Delta Theta.  Consideration of the size of each of the remaining fraternities, because the Alpha Gam’s felt that many of the advantages could only be afforded by a larger fraternity.  Distribution of the chapters of these groups. GMI students were generally from areas where General Motors plants were located.

Based on the above criteria a short list was created of the following fraternities: Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Upsilon, Theta Chi, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, and Phi Sigma Kappa.

Based on the research and investigation to this point, the chapter formed four-man committees to look at each of the national fraternity selected based on the criteria. Each committee examined publications, structure, staff, reputation, expansion rate, chapter mortality rate, professed goals, alumni organization, financial policies, and unique characteristics of each group. The seven reports were presented to the membership on Feb 15, 1964 and a final decision was made on March 28, 1964. One of those teams was made up of Gary Gathen (GMI ’65) & Ralph Bergemann Jr. (GMI ’65) which investigated Phi Gamma Delta. Gary Gathen spent two years at University of Michigan and knew several members of the University of Michigan chapter.

On November 11, 1963 Phi Gamma Delta Field Secretary J. Phillip Morrow visited the Alpha Gam’s at GMI. Based on the Field Secretary report Bill Zerman (Michigan ‘49), seriously went into competition for the right to charter a new chapter. Some of achievements that were listed in the field secretary’s report included:  Scholarship: chapter was 5th to 6th of 11 fraternities and above the all-men’s average for the past 3 years.  The chapter operated in section A and B but this division did not hinder the chapter greatly in chapter administration because of well written records.  650 graduates and strong support that they will continue to support the chapter despite the fact they would be affiliated with another national fraternity.  Standing committees in athletic, scholarship, house improvement, graduate relations, social, and social services.  Financial: the Alpha Gams have been running in the black for the four previous years and asset were in the $220,000 with liabilities at $93,000. The house was also three year ahead in paying off the bonds which it holds.  IFC athletics trophy for 1960-61 and 1961-62  The chapter stages 19 social service projects per year

In January and February Bill Zerman made trips to meet the members of the Alpha Gam’s. Based on those visits he wrote a letter to the president of the Alpha Gam’s with the following excerpt: “We also discussed the situation which would prevail if it seems to you, as President of the group, that there is a heavy leaning towards Sigma Phi Epsilon. I ask you to let me know if this should happen so that we can pull out quickly and gracefully for, as you know, this is the first time to my knowledge that Phi Gamma Delta has put itself in competition for the expansion with another fraternity.”

To show the level of commitment of Phi Gamma Delta to the Alpha Gamma Fraternity here is a letter from Executive Secretary - Bill Zerman to all Fijis living in the state of Michigan:

To: State of Michigan Fiji Addressed From: William S. Zerman, Executive Secretary Subject: General Motors Institute

On March 2, 1959, the headquarters office received a letter form an Ohio State Fiji who transferred to the General Motors Institute at Flint, Michigan, asked that the fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta consider chartering a chapter at that institution. During the next several years there was more correspondence of the same nature, each of which was answered in a the negative because General Motors Institute had not been accredited by the North Central Association. Within the last two years the North Central Association has accredited the Institute and since that time the Alpha Gamma Fraternity at General Motors has been giving some thought to asking us if they can become a chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. A number of Staff members, our Section Chief and representatives from our chapters at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University have visited the Alpha Gamma group and, as Executive Secretary, I am prepared to recommend to our Permanent Committee on Charters that we ask the Ekklesia, which meets September 2, to consider colonizing at the Institute with the Alpha Gamma Fraternity. This fraternity was once a chapter of the national fraternity Alpha Gamma Upsilon. At this moment they have assumed the status of a local organization and this has met the approval of the National Interfraternity Council as well as the Alpha Gamma Upsilon Fraternity and the authorities of the General Motors Institute. GMI is one the most interesting degree grating engineering schools in the country. For example, the local fraternity in question has about 75 undergraduate members which group is divided into sections A and B. Each of the two sections live in the house for six week periods during the calendar year. While one section is at the Institute, the other section is “back home” working in the General Motors Plant which sponsored the members of that section for admission to the Institute. This is not a trade school by any means. This is an institution which grants engineering degrees to young men who seem to us to be mature beyond their years because of the line training they receive every other six week period at one of the General Motors Plants throughout the world. At the present time, the local fraternity is considering asking either Phi Gamma Delta or Sigma Phi Epsilon for affiliation. We believe their decision is not a difficult one inasmuch as the two fraternities in question are about as different as any of the fraternities within the 58 member National Interfraternity Council. In order that we might be helpful to the boys in making their decision it has occurred to us that a letter from you to them though their President Charles Hugan might be a considerable importance. Chuck is a very mature young man who has done a fine job for his Alpha Gamma group in investigating national affiliation. I have visited with each of the sections, A and B, several Field Secretaries from the Headquarters staff have visited the campus, and Section Chief Bud Mangels (who is currently Director of Student Activities at Kent State University) has made a number of visits to the Institute. The boys are currently in communication with our undergraduate members at the University of Michigan and Michigan State and their alumni are in communication with the President of our Detroit Graduate Chapter. Won’t you please be helpful by writing Charles Hugan, President, Alpha Gamma Fraternity, General Motors Institute, 1702 Flushing Road, Flint, Michigan? We would like to have you discuss formally or informally, whichever you choose, the advantages you believe to be theirs if they ask for affiliation with the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. We were founded 116 years ago, have 88 undergraduate chapters at the best institutions of higher learning, have three colonies at Emory University, Arizona State, and Puget Sound, and, frankly, we believe we have , along with Beta and Phi Delta Theta, one of the best fraternity reputations. Inasmuch as GMI has gone “national” in respect to their fraternities you should know that already on the campus are chapters of Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Nu, SAE, Sigma Chi. Among these there are one or tow which are not officially chartered; however, it is anticipated that by September these groups will be chapters of the respective fraternities named. This is the first time to our knowledge that Phi Gamma Delta has been in competition for expansion with a fraternity other than Sigma Chi, Beta Theta Pi, SAE or Phi Delta Theta. The choice for Alpha Gamma should not be a difficult one, however, a letter from you to them will be most important in our effort. We thank you for your continuing interest and your helping this matter. Fraternally, Perge! William S. Zerman

Brothers Reviewing Petition from Phi Gamma Delta

It is interesting to note that Phi Gamma Delta was going to assign a different chapter letter, when brothers mentioned to Bill Zerman (Michigan ‘49) the idea of Alpha Gamma he responded, “why didn’t I think of that”. It is also interesting to note, that the Alpha Gamma chapter did not go through any time as a Delta Colony, but the fraternity did come to GMI to do some education of fraternity history and traditions. This was almost exclusively how chapters were added from the late 1800s up to 1948 when the first “real” colorizations occurred. There are a few exceptions before 1948, just as Alpha Gamma is an exception afterwards.

On September 1, 1964, the Alpha Gamma Fraternity petitioned the Archonate, and undergraduate membership of the fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. During the morning session, on Friday Sept 4th of the 116th Ekklesia (September 2-5, 1964) in French Lick, Indiana, the membership of the fraternity unanimously voted to grant our charter as the Alpha Gamma Chapter. Soon after members of newly chartered chapters at Emory University, Arizona State University and GMI were ushered on the floor and given a rousing greeting by the Ekklesia delegates where we were officially welcomed into the Fraternity by Archon President George Gunn, Jr.

On Saturday, November 7, 1964, we became the 89th chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Seventy four undergraduates; Dick Veazey, the alumni advisor to AGU and also our first Purple Legionnaire; and our first four faculty advisors, Oliver A. King, Charles R. Knutsen, Lawrence Swanson, and Lee Roy Middleton, were initiated on that day. Archon President, Hugh J. Baker and Archon Secretary, Fred L. Dixon signed our charter.

An overview of Phi Gamma Delta

Phi Gamma Delta exists;  to promote lifelong friendships,  to reaffirm high ethical standards and values, and  to foster personal development in the pursuit of excellence.

Phi Gamma Delta was founded on values and continues today as a values-based organization. Our values are the firm foundation on which the Fraternity has existed for more than 150 years. Each of these values represents one of the points of the star that symbolizes our Fraternity.

Friendship – We are united by FRIENDSHIP. It is the basis of our brotherhood. Because of it, we accomplish far more than we do as individuals. Friendship is the sweetest influence.

Knowledge – We promote the pursuit of KNOWLEDGE. It is the key to a fuller, richer life. We gain it through education, the harmonious development of the powers of the individual.

Service – We encourage SERVICE. We have the ability, the opportunity, and the duty to serve our fellow human beings. Our reward is the satisfaction that comes from serving others.

Morality – We believe in MORALITY. As gentlemen of quality, we must do what is right as individuals and as a group. Moral behavior is the basis of society’s existence.

Excellence – We strive for EXCELLENCE. It is attained only when we fulfill our total potential. Mankind benefits when each of us becomes all that we can be.

The “Immortal Six”

The six young men who met in a college dormitory called “Fort” Armstrong at old Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and gave name and substance to their already well-established friendly association, knew without any doubts just what they were doing.

On April 22, 1848 these six men meet on a Saturday night determined to establish a society “founded upon the principle of secrecy into which none but men of distinguished talents and acquirements endued with a high sense of honor and possessed of a laudable ambition… should be admitted.”

The six men would be later branded as the “Immortal Six” by the Fraternity; below is their names:

John Templeton McCarty Samuel Beatty Wilson James Elliot Jr. Ellis Bailey Gregg Daniel Webster Crofts Naaman Fletcher

Fraternity Insignia: Badge: a white star and the Greek letters in gold on the black field of the diamond. The badge was first designed by Founder McCarty and its manufacture was first overseen by Founder Elliot. In order for women to wear the badge, she must be the mother, wife, sister, daughter, or fiancé of a Phi Gamma Delta member.

Coat of Arms: a gold shield, bearing three red roses, crossed by a purple chevron bearing three silver stars; crest – an owl; open motto – in Greek. Major Frank Keck (City College 1872, Columbia 1875) and John Sherman Battell (City College 1873) were largely responsible for its creation.

Greek Letters

Phi Gamma Delta allows only seven places where the Greek letters may be displayed: 1. badge 2. official seal 3. official flag 4. a chapter house marker 5. memorials to members 6. certificate of membership 7. official college ring

Official Color & Flower

The official color of Phi Gamma Delta is royal purple. In keeping with traditional significance, the official flower of the Fraternity is the purple clematis, so designated in 1925 because of its rich purple color and star-like shape.

“Gamma” – The Snowy White Owl

Presented as a gift to our Chapter in 1967, she represents a portion of our founding principles. “Gamma” is still on display out our Chapter house fully protected for the enjoyment of all our Brothers.

Honors & Awards

Cheney Cup – the highest distinction that a chapter can receive, is awarded annually to the chapter judged to be the most efficient in the conduct of its affairs as evidenced by scholarship, campus activities, and fraternity relationships.

Baker Cup – is presented annually to the chapter that has most excelled in religious, ethical and social service activities.

Owen Cup – is presented annually to the chapter showing the greatest improvement in scholarship over that of the previous year.

Coon Plaque – is awarded annually to the chapter whose publications are judged to be the most distinctive, newsworthy and journalistically superior.

Jordan Bowl – is presented annually to the chapter having the highest comparative scholarship in the Fraternity. Condon Cup – is presented annually to the chapter that achieves the greatest all-around improvement.

Wilkinson Award – is presented annually to the brother who is considered to be the most outstanding graduating senior in the Fraternity.

Durrance Award – is awarded annually to the Fraternity’s most outstanding Purple Legionnaire.

Brightman Awards – are presented annually to the smallest and largest graduate chapters that best evidence that Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone.

Zerman Trophy – is awarded annually to the chapter that has excelled the most in extracurricular activities.

Coulter Cup – is awarded annually to a graduate brother other than a Section Chief or Purple Legionnaire for outstanding service to an undergraduate chapter of the Fraternity.

Crowder Cup – is awarded to the most outstanding faculty advisor for an undergraduate chapter.

Certificates of Academic Achievement – presented annually to all chapters that achieve a grade point average higher than the all-men’s average on their respective campus.

John Templeton McCarty Proficiency Awards – presented annually to all chapter that demonstrate efficiency in operations, adhere to Fraternity laws, maintain a favorable standing with their sponsoring institutions, and promote the high standards of Phi Gamma Delta.

Alpha Gamma Awards  Ollie A. King Award is for overall top scholarship.  Larry N. Deck Award is for top example of fraternalism. o This award is named after a fallen brother who died of Bone Cancer at the age of 20.  D. Richard Veasy Award is for top scholarship improvement during the past year.  FIJI Sweetheart award is given to a female friend of the house who has assisted the brotherhood and the chapter.

Songs

Doxology Bless our Fraternity, Heaven grant thy peace; Lead on to victory, Her strength increase! Long may our Delta reign – in unity; O, guard and save our dear Fraternity!

Show Me The Scotchman Show me the Scotchman who doesn’t love the thistle, Show me the Englishman who doesn’t love the rose; But show me the truehearted Phi Gamma Delta, Who doesn’t love the spot, where the Fiji grows.

Reflection & Closing

Since the founding of our Chapter in 1932, over 900 Brothers have passed through either the Fraternity of Alpha Gamma Upsilon or Phi Gamma Delta. We have survived multiple wars, changes to the University and several reorganizations to the house over our history; one thing remains constant over this time – the sense of brotherhood, friendship and persistence to overcome all obstacles. It has taken over 3 years to compile our Chapter’s vast history during which time many of us have come to know Brothers on a personal basis outside of our pledge classes and time spent as an undergraduate Brother. What amazes us all that have been involved in this project is the openness and brotherly bond that transpires all generational boundaries. Many of us thought we knew what the definition of Brotherhood was prior to beginning this endeavor; after attending events across the country where Brothers where still gathering after 50+ years is simply amazing and exemplifies the values our Chapter was founded upon.

In closing to all my Brothers, treasure your time as an undergraduate and live your lives under the values of our great Fraternity. Later in life you will come to cherish the lifelong friends you have made, the lessons learned with your Brothers and what it means to have lived a full, satisfying life; never forget – not for college days alone!