Delta Upsilon - Syracuse University

A UNIQUE BROTHERHOOD Why Dave Nass '91 Pledged Delta Upsilon Again (Literally!) Syracuse University 3 T he title of our capital campaign, Pledge DU … Again!, is a meaningful one to Dave Nass '91. He considers himself lucky, as he is one of the few brothers who successfully pledged twice! "If I didn't make the decision to de-pledge my freshman year, I couldn't have returned to SU due to poor grades," Dave explained. "I worked hard to at least stabilize a freefall and pledged again the fall of my sophomore year. That taught me to never give up, to try and overcome obstacles, and to learn from my mistakes. When DU welcomed me back, the brothers saw something in me that I probably didn't see in myself at the time." WHY IT'S WORTH IT Dave's first pledge class was with Shawn McCarthy '91, a good friend from his South Campus dorm. Both felt welcomed at Delta Upsilon despite their different backgrounds, underscoring the fraternity's commitment to a diverse brotherhood. Some of Dave's best memories come from spending time with (both) his pledge classes, attending Sunday dinners, and simply living in the chapter house. "I am not sure what college life would have been like without DU, but I am confident I wouldn't be the person I am today without it." That's why Dave joined the campaign both as a donor and a volunteer. "When any DU visits campus and sees the DU letters on our new house, we know that we have a home and our brothers welcome us back. I want that for our brothers for tomorrow as well. If you feel the same, please pay it forward." BROTHERS SUPPORT BROTHERS The epidemic of mental health issues is an important topic to Dave, and he knows fraternities like Delta Upsilon can have a positive effect on personal well-being. "Unfortunately, we have lost brothers to mental health struggles; we don't want to lose any more." Dave is proud of the Syracuse Chapter for creating a Wellness Scholar position, which promotes open conversations about mental health, provides access to resources and support, and encourages a culture of balance and self-care. The chapter also has full access to Counslr, an app that discreetly connects your smartphone to licensed therapists; alumni have access as well "I want to personally thank the Dikaia Foundation, Kevin Stein '83, Mark Linnan '85, Ken Hyman '88, and Rick Holland '83 for supporting our brothers with this initiative. Please call, email, or text if you are interested in learning more or you know of a brother that would benefit from this service." DU offers many more resources in its mission to build better men (such as leadership development, career networking, and alumni mentorship), and Dave hopes those opportunities continue as brothers build lifetime friendships. "We have a unique and thriving alumni network that provides valuable mentorship, career guidance, and financial support. I'd love to see more alumni involvement, both during this campaign and in the chapter's future success." Dave lives in Brooklyn, New York, where the tri-state brotherhood connections are still strong. "DU is about supporting one another in the good times and the more challenging times—it's for life!" "I am not sure what college life would have been like without DU, but I am confident I wouldn't be the person I am today without it." To connect with Dave and discuss any of these topics, you can reach him at david.nass@gmail.com or (917) 617-3455. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DU MEMORIES? THEODORE L. WRIGHT '60 "Having my Austin-Healey car put into the living room at 426 Ostrom Avenue. A few of you might remember that. Good clean fun." GEOFFREY K. RIES '70 "Attending football games and concerts in block seating with DU brothers and dates. Watching Jeopardy! in the house with 20-plus brothers every day after lunch." IN MEMORIAM Lee B. Sundsted '53 | February 26, 2024 Curtis I. Hill '54 | March 9, 2023 Gerald A. Caplan '55 | June 26, 2024 Peter F. Bayer '60 | December 16, 2023 James O. Marshall '65 | May 7, 2024 Dr. Kenneth J. Backman '68 | July 13, 2024 Steven A. Moore '68 | August 22, 2023 Ronald J. Gordon '77 | February 20, 2023 Robert M. Coran '90 | January 26, 2025

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