True Calling: Local alum starts sanctuary for students at Yale
By: BRITTANIE HOOFARD, Villager staff 02/02/2005
When Dexter Upshaw Jr. started college, it didn't take long for him to tire of the routine of all-night parties, drinking and rebellious behavior.
So it seemed a natural progression when, two years into his degree, the 2002 graduate of the Academy of Science and Technology in Oak Ridge decided to create the only Christian-based fraternity at his college, Yale University.
Upshaw is considered one of the founders, and serves as the president of the 10th chapter of Gamma Phi Delta, established in 2004. Including Upshaw, the chapter currently has eight members.
The fraternity is just one of Upshaw's many responsibilities at the Ivy League school. In addition to his class work, Upshaw also plays on the school's basketball team, for which he was recruited while a high school student in Oak Ridge.
Education runs in Upshaw's blood. His father, Dexter Upshaw Sr., is an assistant superintendent at Conroe Independent School District and his mother, Joyce, is a fourth-grade teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary.
Dexter Upshaw Sr. is also a pastor at Rising Star Baptist Church in Conroe. In 2003, Upshaw Jr. became a minister at the church.
Now Upshaw's life is dedicated to these responsibilities, but he said when he first moved to Connecticut to attend Yale, things were different, as they often are for many new college students.
"You come to campus and have freedom from your parents," Upshaw said. He explained that for a short time, parties and fun took precedence over school and his other responsibilities. But he said he decided quickly that he wanted to change things.
"There was nothing for me in that environment," he said. "There were just certain responsibilities I felt I needed to adhere to."
Upshaw began researching fraternities, but was dissatisfied with the culture and reputation that they presented.
"I was kind of frustrated with the frat life and some of the morals that went along with it," he said.
So he decided to start a Christian-based fraternity. When he started researching the groups online, he had to look no further than his own home state.
The first chapter of Gamma Phi Delta started in 1988 at the University of Texas. The name of the organization is symbolic. Gamma, the third letter of the Greek alphabet, represents the third day after crucifixion when Jesus rose from the grave. Phi is shaped like a cross inside a circle, representative of the cross Jesus died upon. Delta, which is often used in science to designate a change in temperature or matter, represents the change Jesus makes in the lives of believers.
The fraternity is based on fellowship and Bible study. New members "pledge first and foremost to Christ," Upshaw said.
In order to start the fraternity at Yale, Upshaw had to become a member first. So in the summer of 2004, he attended orientation at the University of Houston chapter.
"He actually chartered this organization," Upshaw Sr. said. "He went through the process this summer; he drove to the University of Houston five days a week."
Upshaw said that although there are several religious organizations on campus, Gamma Phi Delta is the first Christian fraternity at Yale, and the first chapter of the national organization to hit the east coast.
"Yale is a very liberal campus," he said. "It's very open to a lot of diverse beliefs."
The members meet once a week for Bible study, and host events on campus and off.
"We try to provide social alternatives on campus," Upshaw said.
Each event helps the fraternity broaden its scope and reach more people. They plan to recruit new members each year.
"We're pledging on campus and we have a strong presence on campus," Upshaw said.
Upshaw is in his junior year now, and will graduate with an African American studies degree with an emphasis on politics and culture. He may attend divinity school post-graduation, possible Yale's own school of divinity. Still, he feels lucky to have brought a new worship group to the campus.
"I really believe it was ordained by God, with it being from Houston, so close to me," he said. "Everything that has happened leads us to where we are. Throughout life, we're constantly growing. We never actually reach perfection. Because we're human and we do make a mistake, that's not an excuse to stop trying."
For more information about Gamma Phi Delta, visit
www.yale.edu/gphid.
Brittanie Hoofard may be reached via e-mail at
bhoofard@mail.hcnonline.net.
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