Sigma Phi Epsilon

Building Balanced Leaders for the World's Communities

 

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National  History

Sigma Phi Epsilon was born at Richmond College, now the University of Richmond, on November 1, 1901. The fraternity was founded on three Cardinal Principles: Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. Today, the Fraternity has grown to more than 255,000 lifetime members, including 14,000 undergraduates on 260 campuses in the United States. SigEp is the largest fraternity in the nation. Our mission statement is "Building Balanced Leaders for the World's Communities."



Our Mission:

The mission of Sigma Phi Epsilon is to promote brotherhood and develop its members according to the Balanced Man Program. We strive daily to live the Balanced Man Ideal through Sound Mind and Sound Body. In doing so, our members can enjoy college to its fullest, while becoming outstanding leaders, scholars, athletes, and gentlemen along the way.




The History of the Wisconsin-Beta Chapter


The Wisconsin Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded on November 13, 1920. It was the 58th chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon to be chartered. Since the purchase of the first house in 1922, this chapter has occupied seven different houses:

1922 - 1928: 134 West Gorham Street

1929 - early 1940s: 146 Langdon Street

It is believed that this house was built especially for Sigma Phi Epsilon. However, this house was eventually lost due to financial problems and the loss of many Brothers in World War II.

Early 1940s: 27 Langdon Street

Late 1940s - 1955: 105 East Gorham

1955 - 1965: 521 Henry Street

This house, also known as "The Mansion," had previously been occupied by ΦΓΔ. The original house was torn down and the current Evans Scholars house was built.

1965 - 1995: 12 Langdon Street

When the ΑΞΔ sorority moved to Sigma Phi Epsilon's previous location, we moved to the old ΑΞΔ house, also built for the sorority. Sigma Phi Epsilon had to leave 12 Langdon due to financial problems resulting from the chapter's reorganization in 1986.

1995-2008: 237 Langdon Street

2008-Present: Sigma Phi Epsilon currently resides in the TKE fraternity located at 216 Langdon Street.

Sigma Phi Epsilon left 12 Langdon at the end of the 1995 spring semester, and renovations did not begin on the new house until mid-summer. This caused many complications. For 15 days the Brothers who intended to live in the new house had no place to live because the work had not been completed when classes began. On the night of September 15, the Brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon were allowed to move into the new house. Also on this night was the Formal Pledging ceremony for the largest known pledge class in the 75-year history of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Wisconsin.

Our current house was originally built in the early 1890's and was only two stories. The top two levels were added in 1910 by a university professor. The house is on the registry of historic landmarks, and is remarkably famous for the elaborate woodwork and many surprises within its walls and ceilings.

In the years leading up to 1986, Sigma Phi Epsilon faced many internal problems. The reputation of the Fraternity on campus was that of a drug house. In 1986, the National Fraternity became aware of these problems during an embezzlement scandal. This marked the reorganization of the chapter that would influence the course of the chapter for the next decade. National Fraternity representatives held interviews with each Brother. All but seven were expelled from the Fraternity. Those who had worked hardest to uphold the standards of Sigma Phi Epsilon were eligible to keep their membership and face the challenge of keeping the chapter alive. The remaining Brothers included: Ross Bengston, Chris Czisny, Mike Kline, Scott "Beaker" Starry, Paul Volpe, John Wirtz and Ed Woo.

On June 17th of 1999, the Sigma Phi Epsilon house caught fire at approximately 3:00 A.M. There were six members living in the house at the time, and although major damage was done to the physical structure of the facility, its members emerged unscathed, due in part to the heroics of one Adam Butler. Total damage was estimated at $500,000, and a construction crew was hired immediately to begin restoration. The President of the National Fraternity rededicated the house in April