Greek life at the University has shifted dramatically through the decades, but articles from the archives capture a familiar rhythm of excitement, chaos and camaraderie that still resonates today.
1950s
Sept. 29, 1954
“Faculty Begins Fraternity Study”
By unlisted author
University President Colgate Darden established a committee that will work with fraternity leaders in implementing recommendations from the Board of Visitors to oversee fraternity life and ensure proper conduct. The committee proposes permanent fraternity hostesses to chaperone fraternity parties and events, following in the steps of other universities.
1960s
Oct. 1, 1964
“Rush, Closed Parties Discussed”
By Ron McKinney
Photos by Love
Facing upcoming football weekend crowds, Inter-Fraternity Council meets to crack down on party crashing and dirty rushing. Some fraternities have chosen to hire policemen bouncers, although that was not a part of the policy, and the IFC reaffirms their closed party policy with strict guest lists while reminding houses of zero-tolerance anti-hazing policies. The meeting was briefly interrupted when two women wandered in before realizing they were in the wrong room.
1970s
Sept. 27, 1976
“Rush Weekend”
By The Cavalier Daily Staff
A collection of quotes and stories capture the lively chaos of Rush Weekend, complete with bicycle crashes on the lawn, fraternity fashion and spirited drinking songs. Overheard quotes from students and first-year pledges poke fun at the brotherhood and absurdity of Greek life.
1980s
Sept. 27, 1985
“Fraternities slated for renovations”
By Beth Peck
More fraternities decide to partner with the Historic Renovation Corporation, a University-affiliated agency that provides tax credits for the restoration of historic buildings. Facing decades of wear and tear, Kappa Sigma fraternity and Sigma Nu fraternity become the University’s 10th and 11th fraternity houses to be renovated by the HRC.
1990s
Oct. 1, 1998
“IFC sees decreased rushee numbers”
By John Clark and Robert Lloyd
Photos by Dan Cooper
New University policy moves formal Greek rush to the spring semester to allow incoming first-year students to adjust to life on Grounds. Meanwhile, fraternities see lower turnout for the new, informal fall rush with only 70 men accepting bids. Inter-Fraternity Council leaders note that many prospective members prefer to wait until the formal spring rush.
2000s
Sept. 28, 2009
“Delta Upsilon breaks ground on new Madison Lane house”
By Bethel Habte
Photos by Thomas Bynum
Following a series of real estate swaps between Delta Upsilon fraternity and Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Delta Upsilon moves into the first new fraternity building in 50 years on Madison Lane. University leadership praises the fraternities for their cooperation, which allowed Beta Theta Pi to reclaim its original house by Beta Bridge while Delta Upsilon receives a new, modern chapter house.
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