The History of Sigma Phi Epsilon...

Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded in 1901 by twelve men who wanted a fellowship that would “be different” from any fraternities a that time. They committed themselves to a brotherhood “based on a love of God and the principle of peace through brotherhood.” By the end of 1902 there were 5 chapters in Virginia, and within ten years, Sigma Phi Epsilon had grown to have chapters in 21 states.

Sigma Phi Epsilon continued to grow over the next fifteen years despite World War I, and in 1924, 24 of the 50 active chapters were rated among the top 50% of fraternities on their campuses. In 1938, SigEp received another huge boost in membership and alumni when it absorbed Theta Upsilon Omega, and growth continued until WWII.

The fraternity experienced another heyday in the 1950s expanding by over 50 chapters. Chapters benefitted greatly from the influx of young men funded by the Veterans’ Adjustment Act of 1952. However, the Vietnam war signaled a marked decline for most fraternities including Sigma Phi Epsilon. Anti establishment and anti government activism on campus drew students away from the more traditional aspects of fraternity life. After the war ended and the national culture shifted away from the Vietnam era mindset, fraternities and Sigma Phi Epsilon especially experienced a great regrowth. Throughout the 1980s, SigEp reached its strongest position in its history with 250 chapters in 45 states, and over 170,000 members. During this time the brothers decided that something needed to be done to improve and strength of the brotherhood in SigEp. During this time they began the process that would culminate in the Balanced Man Program which would be realized in 1991.

1991 was a milestone year in the evolution of Sigma Phi Epsilon. It was the year in which SigEp, the largest national fraternity, implemented the Balanced Man Program. This represented the biggest shifting of fraternity mentality since the founders of SigEp decided that “we would be different.” More details about the Balanced Man Program and annual scholarship from the NC Gamma Chapter here at Duke can be found by following this link.

Sigma Phi Epsilon continues to be the largest national fraternity with over 250 chapters and has chapters in all 50 states, the first fraternity to do so. In 2005 Sigma Phi Epsilon became the first national fraternity to raise its national GPA above 3.0 and provide financial assistance to brothers for graduate school through the Resident Scholar Program.