From its foundation in 1923 at the University of California up to the fall of 1941, Epsilon Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon grew and prospered, sending its full share of young men into the world, prepared to undertake the problems and responsibilities of foreign service and world trade. Responding generously to the call of history, Epsilon proudly marched, man by man, away from the camaraderie of the campus and exchanged it for the grimmer companionship of ship and trench. During the two years before suspension in 1943, Epsilon struggled to maintain itself against overwhelming weight exerted by draft boards and patriotic spirits.

The last GULL published by Epsilon before the chapter put itself into mothballs for the duration listed many brothers already in various parts of the world in the service of their country. At last, there was nothing to do but suspend operations for lack of men, and Epsilon slept.

Although not operating as an active chapter, Epsilon was far from dead. Those alumni still in the area gathered together for the traditional Founders' Day Banquet in 1944 and again in 1945. These stalwart brothers of the Northern California Alumni Association determined that the time had come to revive Epsilon Chapter as soon as the war was over, and in December of 1945, the chapter was again a living organization of five members.

The one brother to whom Epsilon owes most for its revival is Wally Holt, one-time chapter officer, national vice-president, president of the Northern California Alumni Association, and, most recently, national Secretary for Chapters on the Oakland National Board.

The struggling 5-man chapter, generating a tremendous power, and guided by Brother Holt, ended their final semester as officers of a strong and going organization of 27 men. One of the five originals, Rudy Thompson, was already showing his mettle and held the job of Vice-President. Rudy ably managed the chapter as President the next term, and is now presiding at meetings of the Northern California Alumni Association.

Since its reincarnation three years ago, Epsilon has put on weight and depth and has matured, until today it is again one of the strongest and ablest of Delta Phi Epsilon's chapters. Its close proximity to the last National Board and the number of prominent alumni in the area have been strong stimuli to growth and development of Epsilon.

The fall of 1947 saw a new incentive to achievement offered to Epsilon in the form of the Holt Trophy. Brother Wally Holt, feeling the need of bringing home more clearly the fraternity purpose, "To encourage and inspire honor and scholarship", very generously presented Epsilon with a beautiful and fitting trophy. Each year the graduate who has attained at least a 2.2 (B) average in his studies and is adjudged by the award committee to have shown honor and integrity, as well as service to the fraternity and devotion to our ideals, is awarded the Holt Trophy. The first winner was Brother Norman Saltnes, now located in New York.

The most important asset of any chapter is good men. Epsilon has them, and will continue to hold its own and forge ahead as the Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon.

The Northern California Alumni Association, like most other organizations throughout the country, was hard hit by the war. But throughout this bleak period, the spirit of Brotherhood was maintained in other ways than by scheduled meetings. Contact was established with Brothers at home and abroad through correspondence and "furlough visits."

In January 1943, thirty Brothers gathered together for the annual Founders' Day Banquet in San Francisco. Our speaker that evening was Mr. William T. Gahagan of the Office of War Information.

The turning point in the affairs of the Association was reached at the Founders' Day Banquet in 1945. Dr. J. B. Condliffe, Professor of International Trade at the University of California, addressed the N.C.A.A. on the problems of Economic Reconstruction in Europe after the war. This occasion marked the gradual rise in interest and attendance at the meetings which were held at more frequent intervals.

The N.C.A.A. reestablished Epsilon Chapter on the University of California campus in December 1945, and five new men were initiated that month. The Association exercised a guiding influence in Chapter activities so that the new Brothers could be properly instructed in the traditions and the purposes of the Fraternity. The phenomenal growth of the Chapter soon outdistanced the N.C.A.A. in size of membership.

In January ] 946, "Chairman" Holt became the president of the N.C.A.A. as a result of the elections on Founders' Day. A complete sIate of officers was elected to fulfill the other posts of the organization.

The Association was now on a regular schedule of Business and Speaker meetings. Secretary Joe Maulhardt sent out newsletters concerning the activities of our organization and items of interest about the Brothers.

Brother Jim Braafladt was elected as "Pilot" for 1947 and during his term of office the N.C.A.A. held meetings at which speakers talked pro and con on the Taft-Hartley Act. At the Founders' Day Banquet that year Brother Holt was awarded with the Fraternity Honor Key in recognition of his services to Delta Phi Epsilon &emdash; particularly during the war years and in reactivating Epsilon Chapter.

In the spring of 1947, the N.C.A.A. took its most important post-war step when it presented a proposed slate of officers to serve as members of

the National Board of Governors. Upon the election of this slate by the Fraternity, the National Board was moved to Oakland, California, from its former location at Washington, D.C.

Brother Scudder Mersman succeeded to the Presidency of the Association in January 1948. The slogan on which he was elected was "Keep Mersman out of the Bay". His goal was to double the paid-up membership of the N.C.A.A. or be given a ducking by the Brothers. Assisted by Vice-President Rudy Thompson, the membership was greatly increased and the pledge was fulfilled.

In May the new election was held in order that the term of offices coincide with the fiscal year. Brother Thompson became "The Chief" and the outstanding feature of this present administration is that the membership of the N.C.A.A. has reached an all time peak of 78 members.

The N.C.A.A. was prominently represented at the Convention in Los Angeles in June of this year and is very proud of the record of the Oakland Board of Governors in fulfilling its pledge of reactivating the various Chapters, and in addition, publishing a National Roster of all of the Brothers of he Fraternity.

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