Founded in 1901 on the campus of Richmond College (now known as the University of Richmond) in Richmond, Virginia, twelve determined men set out to build a new brotherhood, one based upon their common beliefs and sense of morality. What started out as a simple gathering of twelve friends soon would become one of the country’s premier fraternal organizations, Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp).
SigEp holds some of most impressive membership statistics of any Greek fraternal organization, laying claim to over 300,000 lifetime members, more than 200 chapter homes, and over 15,000 undergraduate members, more than any other national fraternity.
While all SigEps are high achievers, they also count among their ranks many exemplary leaders in entertainment, business, sports, and government, including Robert C. Stempel (WPI ’55; former Chairman & CEO, General Motors Corporation), R. David Thomas (Duke ’91; Chairman & Founder, Wendy’s International), Ryan Matthews (Fresno State ’11; Running Back, San Diego Chargers), Roy R. Romer (Colorado State ’50; Governor, State of Colorado), Andy Richter (Illinois ’88;Actor & Comedian), and Theodore S. “Dr. Seuss” Geisel (Dartmouth ’25; Author). With Brothers like these, it’s easy to see why so many men want to wear the SigEp purple and red!
The men of SigEp actively practice their cardinal values of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love, through the support of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that develops the scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and personal potential of college undergrads. They also strive to give back to their communities through their partnership with YouthAids, an HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness campaign targeting young people between the ages of 15-24.
Throughout the years, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon honorably build their organization’s legacy, their sense of moral duty and concern for fellow man symbolized by their golden heart-shaped badge. They work tirelessly to fulfill their stated mission to “Build Balanced Men,” and have fully embraced the stated desire of their Founders, “This Fraternity will be different.