Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Since our founding in 1890, advancing justice has been a core value and expectation of membership in Delta Chi. In an effort to support the experience and development of our members and to better align our actions with our values and Ritual, the Fraternity established a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work group.
DEI COMMITTEE WORK
- The DEI Committee has reviewed the collective efforts and reports from Delta Chi’s International Headquarters DEI Workgroup to understand the current state and needs of the organization.
- Elected co-chairs: Elom Kavage (undergraduate) and Dr. Matthew Richardson (alumnus).
- Reviewed and provided feedback on multiple DEI resources.
- Developed a membership survey for collegiate and alumni members to begin benchmarking our membership and their experiences.
- Finalizing communication and distribution timeline for the DEI Membership Survey.
- Creating subcommittees to begin work on priority areas and projects.
- Reviewing Delta Chi’s history and identifying elements that should be more prominently highlighted.
- Policy and organizational review for inclusive excellence.
- Benchmarking projected to identify peer and aspirant organizations.
- International scorecard project.
- Exploring opportunities for scholarship support.
- Cornerstone review.
- Continuing to expand resources and educational support.
DEI STEERING COMMITTEE
Delta Chi’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee will assist Delta Chi in identifying priorities and recommendations on Delta Chi policy, education, support and other initiatives surrounding our DEI efforts.
This member-driven effort includes opportunities for support at the individual, local, regional, and international level.
We are grateful for the contributions of our collegiate members, alumni, and friends of the Fraternity who are sharing their time and talents to help Delta Chi continue to create positive, welcoming, values based experiences for all our members.
Teniola Adeoti is a Business Economics major and member of the California State University – Long Beach Chapter. Teniola has served as the Brotherhood Chairman, working with event and sports committees to plan activities to strengthen brotherhood and inclusion within the Chapter. He also serves as the Vice President on the IFC Council at Long Beach State, overseeing the 11 IFC fraternities.
“In my learning and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, I have found that it is important to be malleable. By that, I mean being able to both resonate and communicate with any or almost any person. Keeping an open mind and approaching a situation, issue, or conflict willing to learn and listen are key ways to always expand your understanding. Another way I have developed my understanding is by staying informed on social, economic, and political issues that do have a ripple effect on us all. In tandem with this, I always do my own research and ask questions; understanding perspectives is pivotal.”
Originally from New York, Ruben Conn moved to Atlanta for college, joining Delta Chi at Georgia Tech where he majored in Aerospace Engineering. After graduation, he moved to Hourston before spending 7 months in Shanghai as part of a rotational program. In his free time, Ruben enjoys exercising, movies, watching sports, and hanging out with friends and brothers. He is loving being back in Atlanta and works as an operations analyst.
“It is important to serve causes bigger than yourself. I am always looking for ways to serve Delta Chi. I think I can be very effective in this role specifically which is why I joined. As a black man, I have been marginalized my whole life … When talking about racism, the other person has to trust you, otherwise they will not be fully honest and can never grow. I build that trust everyday in my relationships.”
Elom Kavege is a Communication Studies major with a Business Minor from our Wilmington Chapter. He has served as the “C”, Associate Member Counselor, Social Media Chairman, and the Recruitment committee. On campus, Elom is a part of the Seahawk Admissions Network for Diversity, Student Admissions Network for Diversity, Residence Hall Association, and the editing staff for Teal TV .
“I want to be able to make sure everyone feels accepted in my brotherhood. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work is important to me, because everyone deserves to be treated fairly. ”
Dhruv Vij is a third-year international student from New Delhi, India. He joined the San Diego expansion group as a founding father earlier this year. I enjoy anything related to basketball, video games, and the stock market. Dhruv is very involved at San Diego State University. He currently works as a teaching assistant, and has previously worked at the school’s gym and International Student Center. Academically, he is involved with the Rocket Project club and assists in research for an associate professor in the aerospace engineering department. Druhv enjoys anything related to basketball, video games, and the stock market.
“Being an international student from the other side of the world I understand how important diversity, equal treatment, and inclusion can be. When I worked at the international student center at SDSU I realized how diverse the student body is and how much they had to offer to us, only if we are willing to learn with open arms. I want our chapter at SDSU to be one where we include people in our everlasting process of growth for who they actually are and not something the social stereotypes want them to be.”
Ryan Barone is a father, partner, higher education administrator, faculty member, and Delta Chi from Colorado State University. He loves the Buffalo Bills, sharing that he is from the greatest city in the United States; Buffalo, New York.
“I have spent my career thinking about, engaging around, and being an activist for DEI. I have been seeking an opportunity to engage more … with Delta Chi, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity.” Ryan also shared “I hope we identify macro and micro goals, strategies, and tactics for aspiring to be equitable in our fraternity. I hope we honestly confront our racist and oppressive past, and become the national leader among IFC groups to realize social justice. Failing to do so will surely predict our fraternity becoming less and less relevant in today’s US society.”
Stanley Gray serves as the Director of the Hillsborough County Urban League, whose mission is to bring about and assist with the attainment of economic equity for the African American and Minority communities of Hillsborough County through direct, collaborative and Hands Up means and programs. Stanley served as an officer with the Marines. Stanely was a founding member of the United States Naval Academy Minority Association. He then went on to work in human resources for several Fortune 500 companies at the director and Vice President levels, before running his own business ventures. Stanley is a founding member of the United States Naval Academy Minority Association (NAMA) designed to help with the sourcing of viable minority candidates as well as providing mentoring to assist with the attrition of Midshipmen. He also has served on boards and executive committees for the Boys and Girls Club, Cancer Society, YMCA, and Hillsborough Kids.
“I learned of the strength of diversity, equality and inclusion professionally first as an Officer of Marines in the challenging 70’s, a time filled with race relations issues and performance opportunities. [Diversity, equity and inclusion work means] to maximize your Human Capital Equation for maximum effectiveness and enhanced levels of objective accomplishment and performance.”
Dr. Mathew Richardson is an alumnus from our Duquesne chapter, where he earned his degree in English. Matthew then went on to earn his masters degree in higher education administration from the University of Akron and his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Richardson currently serves as the Director of the Center for Fraternal values and Leadership for West Virginia University, and is the dog-dad to two Boston Terrier/Jack Russel mix puppies named Thor and Loki. He also enjoys visiting and Face-timing his two nieces, Emma and Mackenzie.
“It’s time to put in the work to move our Fraternity to a space of progress, inclusive excellence and a reaffirmation of the principles outlined in our Ritual. I want to work to provide every member with an experience where they are valued, respected, accepted and able to be themselves.”
Bill Williams is an alumnus of our Gannon chapter, where he majored in chemistry and biology. Brother Williams who has stayed involved throughout his life. Bill has served on several ABTs, as well as a “BB”, Vice Regent, Regent, and Past “CC”. Brother Williams is also Delta Chi’s first African-American “AA.” He is a chemist for a water treatment plan, and continues to serve as a “BB” for Behrend and Gannon. Brother Williams is also a volunteer and board member for a regional theatre and education center that is over 100 years old.
“As our preamble states, I have always been one for advancing justice and seeing that all are given an opportunity and an equal, fair chance.“
Jaime Isaiah Cervantes is a Mechanical Engineering major and strives to be involved within the school and the community. He is a part of our expansion group at San Diego State University, where he currently serves as the Academic Chair. He also is a member of the Aztec Baja Racing, works for the Math and Stats Learning Center, and member of Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
“Coming from a diverse community and family I feel almost an obligation to help strengthen diversification wherever it may be. It is important to me because I feel that in order for growth as a student, future engineer, and human being, learning to accept and work alongside all people is essential.”
Mat Greer the Program Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Temple University. Mat attended Stockton University where he joined Kappa Sigma. Ma went on to earn his Masters at Rutgers University. After graduating from Rutgers, he worked at IUPUI as the Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life as the primary advisor for Panhellenic and IFC. In his current role at Temple, Mat serves as the primary advisor for the Multicultural Greek Council and Panhellenic Council. He recently headed back to school at Temple starting his doctorate in Higher Education.
“As a white, cisgender, educated male, sitting on the sidelines is not acceptable. Privilege must be used in order to help elevate voices who have historically not been heard. I believe so heavily in the fraternal movement, but there is so much that needs to be done to address injustices that the fraternal systems have caused. I also believe heavily that language matters. We need to understand the connotation of the words we choose when representing our organizations.”
Len Syriaque is an initiate of our Hobart Chapter, where he majored in history and economics. Len is the Vice President, Head of Talent Acquisition, responsible for creating iCapital’s recruitment strategy for discovering and attracting talent. Len has 20 years of experience in developing and executing recruiting strategies to attract, hire, and retain talent with specialized skill sets. He ensures talent acquisition programs support strategic growth areas, while delivering innovative approaches to hiring new talent.
“Almost 30 years ago I joined Delta Chi . I was welcomed with open arms by predominantly white brothers. I want to replicate this same opportunity for others who want to join. It’s about creating equal opportunities for everyone. As a Black Man in America it’s an everyday struggle.”
Tristan Wolfram is a Supply Chain and Operations major in the Farmer School of Business at Miami University. Tristan also is a part of the Global Readiness Certificate at Miami, which includes academic coursework, co-curricular activities, and community involvement focused on global readiness. In his spare time, Tristan enjoys woodworking, flying drones, and playing tennis.
“Since becoming a part of Delta Chi I have always wanted to play a role in its advancement. DEI work has always been important to me as my parents are from out of the country. I hope to change the way people think about Delta Chi. I want them to see us as an inclusive and diverse fraternity.”
Delta Chi Dates of Significance
At the 30th International Convention in 1954 held in Biloxi, Mississippi, the members of the Fraternity voted to remove the “White Clause” from Delta Chi Law. This change to the bylaws paved the way for the Fraternity to become a more inclusive organization.
Delta Chi elected its first African-American Regent, Bill Williams, Gannon ‘83, in 1991. Williams had previously served as a Vice Regent in 1990.
At Delta Chi’s 49th International Convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, Bill Williams, Gannon ’83, became the first African-American member elected to the Executive Committee, being named the International Secretary (“CC”) on August 4, 1994 during the Convention’s second general session.
A snippet from the Fall 1994 Quarterly At the 51st International Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, Delta Chi elected its first African-American “AA”, Bill Williams, Gannon ‘83, during the second general session on August 6, 1998.
In his first Founders’ Day message, Williams included the following in his letter:
“The 51st Convention selected me to the position of ‘AA’. This marks the first time that an African-American has been elected to this position in the history of the Fraternity. This milestone in Delta Chi history takes on a greater sense of achievement when one stops to consider that, until the 1954 Convention, membership in Delta Chi was restricted to white male college or university students. I thank you for seeing beyond my color and into the content of my heart and the character of my spirit (soul).”
A snippet from the Fall 1998 Quarterly At the 55th International Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, Ron Montgomery, Oshkosh ’88, became the first African-American “BB” Emeritus on July 26, 2006.
A snippet from the Fall 2006 Quarterly At the 58th International Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hamilton Henderson, Northwest ’82, became the first African-American member of the Order of the White Carnation on August 2, 2012.
A snippet from the Fall 2012 Quarterly In summer 2019, Cameron Barnett, Duquesne ’11, was named the first African-American Ritualist and Chairman of the Ritual Committee in Delta Chi.
Cameron Barnett (top row, center) overseeing the Delta Chi Ritual at the 2020 Virtual Oath of Initiation
Resources
From the Quarterly
First African-American EC Member
(Fall 1994)
First African-American “AA”
(Fall 1998)
First African-American “BB” Emeritus
(Winter 2006)
First African-American OWC
(Fall 2012)
A Point of Pride: Paul Lin
(Winter 2018)
Thank You for a Generation of Service
(Summer 2019)
The Perpetuation of Change
(Summer 2020)