Scholarships
Educational Philosophy
Delta Tau Delta educational programs provide ongoing personal development for our members, allowing them to explore living the mission and values of the Fraternity. We are an organization that encourages members to evaluate their knowledge, realize their aspirations and become lifelong learners through their involvement in our activities and programs. Through collaboration with interfraternal and higher education partners, we use diverse learning tactics to compliment the life experiences of each member to maximize their personal growth. As a result of these programs, members strengthen their commitment to the Fraternity and learn skills to positively impact their chapter, campus, local and global communities.
Academic Emphasis
Lifelong learning and growth are vital. To Delta Tau Delta this is more than just a value statement. It is who we are. Delts were among the first Fraternities to include an academic officer among its board of directors – the Arch Chapter. The NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference – the umbrella organization supporting most American fraternities – requires its members to adopt a 2.30 minimum grade point average for initiation. At its last convention, Delta Tau Delta voted to require its new members achieve a 2.50 GPA prior to initiation. As has been the case throughout its history, Delta Tau Delta holds its members to a higher standard.
Among the 128 campuses with a Delt presence during 2011-2012, 64 Delt chapters or colonies were above the all-fraternity average on the campus and 71 chapters/colonies were above the all-men’s average on campus. Delta Tau Delta ranked in the top three academically on 37 campuses and was number one at 18 schools.
In Fall 2011, 1,439 students were recognized as “Kershner Scholars.” The Kershner Scholar distinction is named for a former Fraternity board member who significantly advanced academics within the Fraternity. To be cited for recognition, a member must earn no less than a 3.5 term grade point average. In all, one in five Delts was recognized as a Kershner Scholar in 2011.
Kershner Scholarship Program
The Kershner Scholar Award was created in the 1970s to encourage consistent academic achievement and improvement. It is named after Fred Kershner (Beta Zeta, Butler University, 1937) who is a past international president of Delta Tau Delta and the longest serving director of academic affairs in the Fraternity’s history.
Who is eligible to be a Kershner Scholar?
Kershner Scholars must meet one of the following criteria:
- 3.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
- Dean’s list or campus equivalent
Kershner Scholar Awards are awarded by term (semester or quarter with at least 12 credits) and can be awarded multiple times. When grade information from the previous term becomes available, your chapter should submit its list of brothers to be recognized.
How can I apply to be a Kershner Scholar?
The Kershner Scholar Award application is available on DeltsConnect and should be submitted by the chapter Director of Academic Affairs or Chapter President. Look under “tasks” on the DeltsConnect homepage.
Current Kershner Scholars
Available Scholarships
More and more college students must work their way through school, creating greater strain on their academic career and leaving little room for outside activities. As a result, many students overlook Greek life as a way to enhance their college experience.
Scholarship gifts to the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation help attract and retain students. By offering a variety of scholarships for undergraduate and professional work, the Fraternity remains competitive in the Greek world. We encourage alumni to consider endowing scholarships for their own chapters or contribute to a fund already in place.
The Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation is pleased to offer alumni-supported scholarship programs. A complete list can be found here.
For more information on any of these scholarships please contact Cherie Baer, the scholarship coordinator for the Educational Foundation.