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The Beginnings - Concordia Club

Although Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Psi has existed on the KSU campus for 53 years, the embryo of this exciting chapter began on February 28, 1940. At that time, 14 Lutheran students at Kansas State met in the basement of St. Luke's Lutheran church at 5th and Osage and organized Concordia Club. By the next fall, they were able to occupy a house at 115 Bluemont. They had organized for the purpose of cultivating Christian fellowship. A house of their own was the best way to achieve this mission. In the fall of 1942, they moved to the home of Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Keim at 1623 Fairchild. Unfortunately, the events of World War II were causing such a decline in membership that the Concordia Club resolved to disband in a final meeting on May 5, 1945.

The Rebirth - Synconia Club

After the war ended, the students who had answered the call to the colors returned to the campus in great numbers. Some of these and other Lutheran men on the campus, including Mr. Art Torluemke were invited to meet at the home of Prof. and Mrs. William Baehr at 1635 Sage. The purpose was to explore the possibilities of organizing another group of Lutheran students. They were familiar with Rev. Stiegmeyer's activities in founding the first Concordia Club and the formation of the national fraternity of Beta Sigma Psi. They knew of the former activities and organizations of Lutheran men at KSU and were resolved to promote another group after the war was finished.

On September 15, 1948, the first regular meeting of the Syconia Club was called to order by President Vernon Bluhm. Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Keim again served as house managers and provided rooms for 24 men at their home at 1623 Fairchild. The name Syconia was adopted and was derived from the words Synodical Conference. After two years of operation, the men at Syconia had a few hundred dollars in the bank as well as other assets.

..................................Synconia Club

From Club to Fraternity

At this critical time, it became evident that long term sustaining of this independent organization was very unlikely. Men with good leadership potential were rushed by fraternities and in some cases left Syconia Club. An association with a National Fraternity appeared to be the best solution. Herman Siefkes, National Vice-President of Beta Sigma Psi, who lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, was invited to Manhattan. He also brought the president of Delta Chapter along to answer questions about Beta Sigma Psi, National Fraternity. By the fall of 1950, the men of Syconia voted to establish Zeta Chapter at K-State. At a special meeting on November 21, 1950, the men voted to ask for membership into Beta Sigma Psi. On January 11, 1951, college authorities approved the name change to Beta Sigma Psi and the First Regular Business Meeting of Beta Sigma Psi at KSU was held on January 17, 1951. It was called to order by President Norman Wilms.

On the 4th of March 1951 Syconia was officially chartered as Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Psi. On that date 35 actives, 14 alumni and two honorary members were initiated in ceremonies officiated by Germann Siefkes, National Vice-President; Del Lineman, National Secretary-Treasurer; and members of Delta and Epsilon Chapters. Every member of Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Psi owes a debt of gratitude to Syconia. Without the firm foundation laid by Syconia members, Zeta chapter might not have ever come into existence.

The First House

By the fall semester of 1952, the need for a chapter house became apparent. After much investigation and discussion, it was decided to temporarily rent the Delt house at 1414 Fairchild until purchase of the Sig Ep house at 221 N. Delaware could be completed. In the fall of 1953, Zeta Chapter moved to 1414 Fairchild. In the fall of 1954, purchase of the house at 221 N. Delaware was finalized and the chapter again moved to a new location. With the move from the Keim house in the fall of 1953, it was necessary to acquire a housemother; and Mrs. Elizabeth Seaton of Waterville, Kansas, became the first Housemother of Zeta Chapter. Her guidance during the first ten years was a great factor in the growth of the chapter. The Mothers' Club was organized shortly after her coming. The Mothers' Club has continued to be a great help to the men at Zeta.

Home Sweet Home

In the fall of 1956, house numbers again over-flowed into an annex at 311 Denison. Talk again turned to larger facilities. Many options were considered -- from building on to the present facilities to building a new chapter house. In 1958, a lot was purchased on Claflin Road in future preparation for a new house location; however, in 1961 the Alumni Chapter took an option on anther lot at 1200 Centennial Drive. It was part of a new addition opened by the University. In the fall of 1962, the decision to build a new chapter house for Zeta was made. Dale Meyer was selected architect for the house, an alumnus of 1954. By the spring of 1963, architectural plans were completed. Ground was broken in 1963 and by the fall of 1964, Zeta was calling its new home, 'home sweet home'.

Although no changes in the basic design or quality of the structure were allowed, such decisions as leaving the third floor rooms incomplete and switching it into a dorm reduced the total capitalization required. Final capitalization amounted to $272, 000 with the actives and loyal alums of Zeta raising over $125,000 of the total. The difference was adjusted by a $100,000 first mortgage and sale of the chapter house at 221 N. Delaware.


A Firm Foundation - Our Greatest Supporters

During the early years, several individuals contributed greatly to the success of Zeta Chapter. Prof. William Baehr, Faculty Advisor at the founding and an active supporter until his death, has been the most influential of these. Others include Mr. Art Torluemke and Mr. William Noller, local businessmen; Mr. Walter Schmid, Sr., and Rev. Reuben Schmidt, the first Pastoral Advisor. All of these individuals and others are now honorary members of Zeta Chapter. Throughout the first 25 years, Norman Wilms, the first President of Zeta Chapter and thirteen year President of the Manhattan Alumni Chapter, has continually served the fraternity. Zeta Chapter has also contributed much to the National Fraternity. Oscar Albrecht was the first National Scholarship Advisor followed by Larry Edwards. Larry Edwards has also served as Field Secretary, National Executive Vice-President, National President and Regional Vice-President. Norman Wilms, Jim Smith, Rick Newman, Don Froelich, Tanner Ehmke and Dane Kohrs have also served as Regional Vice-Presidents. Three other Zeta men have served as Field Secretaries -- Leroy Bieber, Neal Meitler and Larry Dannenberg. Steven Bargman has served as a special assistant to the National President.

The Next 50 Years...

Since its founding 53 years ago, Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Psi has made considerable progress in all areas of fraternity life. It has participated in many campus wide events and activities and has been a major influence in making many of them successful. The organization of the chapter, its recruitment and associate membership program, have been improved and are still undergoing changes for the betterment of all members. Many chapter alumni are leaders in their chosen fields of endeavor because of the leadership development gained at Beta Sigma Psi. Through dynamic and resourceful leadership and a strong devotion to brotherhood, Zeta Chapter at KSU will continue to possess great success. The traditions and records established in our fraternity will continue to ensure that Beta Sigma Psi will always be a dynamic force in fraternity life at KSU.