Delta Sigma Phi fraternity founded at the City College of New York

Background. Delta Sigma Phi was established in 1899 at The City College of New York. It is one of three fraternities founded at CCNY, which is part of the City University of New York system. The organization was likely the first fraternity founded based on religious and ethnic acceptance, widely practicing these ideals by initiating Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant men.

Founding Principles. The fraternity was organized on December 10, 1899, to spread the principles of friendship and brotherhood among college men without respect to race or creed. Charles A. Tonsor Jr. and Meyer Boskey are recognized as the two primary founding fathers, serving as visionaries for the development of the fraternity's ritual and national expansion.

Founders. Tonsor Jr. was Christian and Boskey was Jewish. Although Boskey was an original member at CCNY and Tonsor was a charter member of the chapter at New York University, the fraternity was developed by a group of nearly a dozen men. The national organization adopted both as founders due to their lifelong commitment.