Sigma Phi Epsilon - Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y. - Fraternity and Sorority Houses on Waymarking.com

The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternitys' roots date back to 1900 when a student named Carter Ashton Jenkens, along with five other students, decided to create their own fraternity while attending Richmond University. The six original members rounded up 6 more students willing to join their new fraternity and the first meeting was held in October 1901. The name Sigma Phi was selected for their fraternity and Carter Jenkens was listed as its first member. By February of 1902, the fraternity had increased to 24 members.

In the next ten years, Sigma Phi Epsilon would go from one chapter, to a fraternity with chapters in 21 states and the District of Columbia. However, during the years of World War 1 and the Depression, Sigma Phi Epsilon, like many other fraternities, saw a dramatic drop in new members. It wasn't until the late 1930's before membership recovered its original pace of growth. By the 1950's, there was again a resurgence of new members and chapters being created throughout the nation.

The next noticable loss of fraternity growth was during the late 1960's and early 1970's when a generation wary of established institutions was arriving on campus and many of them felt the Greek system was outdated and elitist. But perserverence prevailed as its popularity resurged and by the late 1970's and early 1980's, Sigma Phi Epsilon had become the largest and strongest college fraternity in history with over 170,000 lifetime members.

Currently, there are 258 chapters with over 250,000 lifetime members.

One item relating to the Syracuse University chapter is mentioned as follows:

"The tradition of the red door on Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter houses began at Syracuse University in the 1920s. The trend spread, and as you travel to other college campuses, you will see the "red door" of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Wherever you find it, you will know members, new and old, are all welcome to walk through and share the brotherhood of Sigma Phi Epsilon." (text taken from Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter website).

Type: Fraternity Name: Sigma Phi Epsilon Name (if other): see above Affiliated Institution: Other (not listed) Affiliated Institution (if other): Syracuse University Chapter Designation: NY Alpha Year of Establishment: 1901

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