Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded in 1901 on the campus of Richmond College (now called the University of Richmond) in Richmond, Va. The story of its founding by 12 determined men set the stage for the growth and success of one of the country’s premier fraternal organizations. The history of the Fraternity reflects the times, through great wars and profound cultural shifts. Throughout the decades, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon have practiced their values and embraced the stated desire of the Founders, “This Fraternity will be different.”
Today the University of Richmond campus features the Sigma Phi Epsilon Founders Walk. The Founders Walk connects the Carole Weinstein International Center to Jepson Hall and the heart of the academic quadrangle. On the path sits a bronze plaque, listing the names of the 12 men who started what would become one of the nation’s largest and most accomplished fraternities.
Today the University of Richmond campus features the Sigma Phi Epsilon Founders Walk. The Founders Walk connects the Carole Weinstein International Center to Jepson Hall and the heart of the academic quadrangle. On the path sits a bronze plaque, listing the names of the 12 men who started what would become one of the nation’s largest and most accomplished fraternities.
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SigEp Facts and First's
- SigEp was founded on November 1, 1901, at Richmond College.
- Over the past two decades, SigEp has recruited more men than any other collegiate fraternity.
- Currently, over 15,000 undergraduates are SigEps, more than any other national fraternity.
- Over 315,000 lifetime members ranks SigEp among the largest national fraternities.
- SigEp maintains a full-time professional staff of over 50 people.
- The SigEp Journal has been published continuously since 1904, and is distributed to all members for life.
- SigEp hosts the largest biennial convention in the fraternity world: the Grand Chapter Conclave.
- SigEp was the first national fraternity to establish a housing trust for all chapters and create a National Housing Corporation.
- Sigma Phi Epsilon has the greatest number of fraternity houses, with over 200 chapter homes. Of those, over 115 are owned by local SigEp Alumni and Volunteer Corporations.
- The Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation was the first fraternity foundation to build an endowment greater than $12 million.
- The Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Its program funding is planned to develop the scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and personal potential of college undergraduates.