Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Inc.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Inc., commonly known as SigEp, is a large social college fraternity for male college students in the United States. It was founded on November 1, 1901, at Richmond College, now the University of Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia.

History

The fraternity was established by 12 young collegians who sought a campus fellowship based on Judeo/Christian ideals that the existing fraternity system at Richmond College could not provide. Carter Ashton Jenkens, an 18-year-old divinity student and son of a Baptist minister, played a pivotal role in organizing the group after his transfer from Rutgers University, where he was a member of Chi Phi fraternity. Initially, they attempted to establish a Chi Phi chapter, but their request was rejected due to the small size of Richmond College. This led them to form their own fraternity.

The original name was simply "Sigma Phi," but it was later renamed Sigma Phi Epsilon to differentiate it from another fraternity using a similar name. The founders emphasized that their fraternity would be different from others, focusing on biblical, egalitarian principles.

Key Principles

Sigma Phi Epsilon is guided by three cardinal principles: Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love (VDBL). The fraternity's mission is "Building Balanced Leaders for the World's Communities," aiming to develop members as leaders, scholars, athletes, and gentlemen.

Growth and Influence

Over the years, SigEp has grown to become one of the largest social fraternities in the United States in terms of undergraduate membership. It boasts over 310,000 lifetime members, with more than 15,000 active undergraduates across 230 campuses. The fraternity is recognized for its innovative programs, including the Balanced Man Program, which eliminated traditional pledging processes. SigEp also pioneered in fraternity administration by establishing a central office and a national housing corporation.

Notable Attributes

• Sigma Phi Epsilon hosts the largest biennial convention in the fraternity world, the Grand Chapter Conclave.
• It maintains a strong presence with over 200 chapter houses, many of which are owned by local alumni corporations.
• The Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation is a leading charitable organization focused on developing scholarship, leadership, and personal growth among members.

Diversity and Inclusion

Sigma Phi Epsilon is noted for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It was the first national fraternity to openly accept all men regardless of race, color, creed, religion, or sexual orientation. In 2014, it became the first fraternity to officially accept transgender men as members.

Withdrawal from the North American Interfraternity Council

In November 2019, Sigma Phi Epsilon withdrew from the North American Interfraternity Council (NIC) due to concerns over hazing and alcohol abuse. The fraternity aimed to focus on its own policies and programs to ensure a safer, more inclusive environment for its members.

Symbols

The fraternity's symbols include the colors dark red and royal purple, along with the golden heart as its emblem. The badge features a golden heart surmounted by a black enameled heart-shaped shield with the Greek letters ΣΦΕ and a skull and crossbones below. Chapter houses traditionally have red doors, a tradition that began at Syracuse University in the 1920s.

Current Status

Today, Sigma Phi Epsilon remains one of the largest and most influential social fraternities in the United States, with a strong commitment to fostering balanced men for global communities.