Chapter Origins

​The Georgia Theta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon first colonized at Emory University in 2006 as the Emory SEC Chapter. The chapter started strong, recruiting over 30 members by the end of the Spring semester. However, after some success on campus, the original chapter died off after the Spring 2009 semester after all but one brother graduated. 

The Second Colonization

​Restarting in the Spring of 2010 the Georgia Theta Chapter grew again, becoming stronger than the previous group had been. They were able to become competitive in Intermural Sports in their first semester, being named the runners up in IM Volleyball for the Spring 2010 semester. The chapter held its first philanthropy event later that year, hosting a Flag Football Tournament in Fall 2010 alongside Delta Delta Delta Sorority. The following academic year, the fraternity received their first on campus house at the Asbury House. However, recruitment issues returned, and Emory SEC almost died after the Spring of 2013, when only 4 brothers would return for the Fall term.

Emory SEC's Revitalization

Modeling their mission after the founders of the fraternity, the 4 remaining brothers committed themselves to rectifying the recruitment issues that had led to the demise of the first chapter. They were able to grow the chapter, going from 4 brothers at the beginning of the Fall 2013 Term to 42 by the end of the Spring 2015 semester. Other improvements came with the flourishing brotherhood. In Spring 2015 the 1st Annual SigEp Spartan 5K Run, benefitting the B+ Foundation, took place. It marked the first major philanthropy event that the brothers had held since its revitalization, raising nearly $8,000 for the foundation through their efforts.
 
There was much recognition of the chapter for their efforts. Brother Michael Baron ’15 was recognized with the 2015 Zollinger Outstanding Senior Award.  Further, Brother Cole Owens ’16 (pictured right) was recognized as a 2015 Tragos Scholar, the first member of the chapter to attend the Tragos Quest to Greece. The Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life also recognized the chapter with the 2015 Excellence in Risk Management Award.

The Quest for the Charter

Finally in Spring 2015, after much hard work and dedication to advancing the chapter, the brothers of the Emory SEC Chapter filed their petition for chartering. They were confident based on their work, and remained hopeful that the National Headquarters would grant them the charter they had been so dedicated to receiving since 2010. Finally, in late May 2015, the brothers of the Emory SEC Chapter were told they would be named the founding fathers of the Georgia Theta Chapter. On October 2nd, 2015 the Georgia Theta Chapter received the charter at their installation banquet.

Looking to the Future

​Looking to the future, the chapter is on a path for continued improvement. They are currently planning the 2nd Annual SigEp Spartan 5k, benefitting Camp Kesem. Additionally, they are entering their first recruitment season as the Georgia Theta Chapter and hope to continue on the path of success well into the future.