SDSM&T Triangle Webpage

THE STORY OF TRIANGLE

Like most other fraternities, Triangle's beginnings came from the desire of some congenial college friends to extend their friendship, not only through college, but also for life. It was in the fall of 1906 that 16 civil engineering juniors at the University of Illinois began the association that became Triangle Fraternity. These Founders based their organization on the principles of honor, friendship, character, brotherhood, courage and ideals. They developed their plans quickly, and on April 15, 1907, incorporated Triangle in the State of Illinois. They brought a similar group from Purdue University into their fellowship, and Triangle became a national fraternity.

In its first few years, Triangle limited its membership to students in civil engineering. After WW I, Triangle broadened its base of membership to all types of engineering and architecture, and in 1961 added chemistry, physics, and mathematics majors. In 1983, computer science was also added. In its selective membership, Triangle draws together outstanding men with similar course work and career goals. Despite limitation of membership to those whose studies are in technology and science, Triangle is a general fraternity and a senior member of the National Interfraternity Conference. Triangle and two other fraternities seek members by program of study. Such restrictions are not based upon race, religion, color or national origin. Course of study restrictions insure a relatively homogeneous group. Thus the brothers can help each other and support the environment for study that such curricula demand.

Now in the ninth decade, Triangle is a strong bond of closely knit chapters throughout the United States. Leaders on the university and college campuses where it had chapters are proud to wear the Triangle badge, and a great many leaders in professional and industrial fields are equally proud of their fraternity heritage through membership in Triangle.

*Adapted from the Triangle Member Manual