Upsilon Delta Sigma Fraternity

From those of us who did –
To those of you who couldn’t

The birth of Upsilon Delta Sigma occurred on October 21, 1887. We were formed by Mr. J.H. Stephens, a local man, as the Young Harris Debating Society or Y.H.D.S. The goal of the society was "To prepare male students for all types of work both public and private." During these early days entertainment on campus was close to nonexistent. Public debates and literary events became pleasant diversions to the boredom. For the first few years Y.H.D.S. was the only society on campus, but in 1890 a split in the society occurred and lead to animosity between the older and the younger members. In 1891, a group led by Henry J. Fullbright left Y.H.D.S. and formed Phi Chi Debating Society.

The Organizations held debates throughout the year with the competitions coming to a climax at the Championship Debate which was held the week of graduation. People would come from many miles to hear three men from each society debate on current topics of the day. Y.H.D.S had an intrasociety debate once a week, but only sponsored one public debate each quarter. Topics varied between relevant ones of the day, such as-Resolved: That a dictatorship would be beneficial to the U.S.; or topics that were for the sake of debate, like- Resolved: A chicken rests more comfortably on a round stick than a square one.
Y.H.D.S. met every Saturday on the hill where Rollins Dormitory now stands. It was later changed to Mondays after people began to go home on weekends. During these meetings debates were held unless special business had to be taken care of.

In 1951 a new fall quarter speaking contest was held - the Miller Memorial Day Contest. At this contest, the society tried to make a good impression on the freshmen in order to influence them to pledge their society. During the 1950's, Y.H.D.S. was a more academic society than Phi Chi, who was more interested in athletics. During the span of 1954-1956, Dr. John Kay, Professor of Religion and Philosophy here at YHC, was a member of Y.H.D.S. His recollections into life as a debater lends a new twist on the difference between now and then. For instance, back then, they had a new president every quarter. Dr. Kay was president fall quarter of 1955. During this time, Y.H.D.S. met in Sharp Hall room 9. During these meetings, the Debaters held mini-contests, chose speakers, and planned different social events with the Susan B. Harris Literary Society or Sigma Beta Sigma.

The 1960's saw change befall the society and the debating side of the organization was less and less emphasized. This was a time of transition, and we have insight into this time through the eyes of Rev Fred Whitley, Y.H.D.S. 1964-1966. Rev. Whitley says that by 1965, the debates were held sporadically and were not of the quality they were in previous years.

The social unrest that spread across the country also hit YHC, and in 1967, a group of eleven men led by Mr. Van M. Younginer chartered Y.H.D.S. as Upsilon Delta Sigma, a social fraternity. The eleven members as represented by the eleven link chain are: Van Younginer, Mack Arrington, Charlie Clegg, Berry Cochran, Lee Howell, Phil Thomas, Steve Wilson, Mike Strickland, Russell Myers, Jack Maquire, and Rex Kaney.
During this period, we acquired the Susan B's as our sister sorority. The relationship was cherished by both the brothers and the sisters. The late 60's and early 70's saw the rivalry with the Phi Chi grow, and the emergence of a third fraternity on campus, Kappa Tau Omega. The 70's also brought us a large amount of success. Or Brothers were involved with all aspects of campus life. In 1978, Jimmy Westlake, professor of astronomy, became our advisor. His insight helped to guide the Sigs to new heights and successes. But in the early 1980's, ill feelings began to brew between us and the Susan B's.

After trying to patch things up on numerous occasions, both sides became tired and frustrated. Around this time, Jimmy Westlake left the fraternity due to personal problems. Without the guidance and peacekeeping tactics of Westlake, the Brotherhood agreed to try a trial separation from the Susan B's. The divorce of Upsilon Delta Sigma and Sigma Beta Sigma became final during the fall of 1989. Since this time, the organizations have patched up old differences and relations are good.

The heritage of the brotherhood of Upsilon Delta Sigma is strong and one to be proud of. As a brother, the facts in this booklet are for you to learn. The motto of the Young Harris Debating Society - "Virtute, non Viris" - "By Virtue, not by Men" - states that if we hold true to our virtues and morals, believe in ourselves and make the right decisions, we will be able to last and excel well into the next century

Researched and written by Eric Rayburn in 1991