During the fall semester of 1990, eligible men of the College of Agriculture at the University of Delaware were contacted by the National Fraternity of Alpha Gamma Rho to determine if there was enough interest to start a colony. In February of 1991, representatives from the National fraternity came to the University of Delaware to interview prospective members. The chosen prospects met together for the first time at the Red Barn Restaurant in Glasgow, Delaware. Here, they were able to meet each other, as well as regional alumni, and members from the National Fraternity.
The prospects held their first meeting on March 5, 1991, in room 251 of Townsend Hall. April 27, 1991 marked the interest group’s first participation in Ag Day, a community day sponsored by the College of Agriculture. The prospects conducted hay ride farm tours and sold ice cream as a fundraiser. On May 4, 1991, the interest group was officially installed as a colony of Alpha Gamma Rho. The charter members of the colony were installed by our first advisor, Richard Morris of Beta Eta chapter, representatives from the National Fraternity, area alumni, and undergraduate brothers from the University of Maryland. The new colony celebrated by holding their first Founder’s Day picnic the following day at Dr. Charles Mason’s home.
The Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Delaware was officially chartered in 1992. In the subsequent 22 years, this chapter has strived to produce better men when they graduate and to uphold our strong principles and values of academic excellence, service, involvement in campus, and respect for each other and the community.
Alpha Gamma Rho is a social and professional fraternity for men in the Food, Fiber, and Life Sciences, but we are open to all majors. We do everything you would expect of a social fraternity – retreats, tailgates, and participation in Greek Week and Homecoming. But we also host professional events and invite speakers to our chapter meetings. Our motto is “To Make Better Men,” and this dual-purpose functionality aims to do just that. Essentially, we seek to make the most of our college experience and make everlasting bonds with our peers, and we strive to become prepared for life after college.
In addition, you get all of the benefits of joining us without the hazing and pledging. We vow that you join as an equal member, and you will not be subjected to any activity you do not wish to be a part of.
All in all, Alpha Gamma Rho is a great opportunity to expand your involvement at the University of Delaware. For more information, please contact the Vice Noble Ruler Recruitment, Matt Bogdan, at mbogy@udel.edu.