History of Traditions

As in the infancy of any organization, the establishing of traditions laid the stepping stones for gigantic accomplishments in later years. Formal opening and meeting procedures were put into use at the 6th Regular Meeting on March 7, 1951, Plans for a "Spring Formal," were started. The first "fines" for meeting and meal absences were established at the 9th meeting. As in Syconia, participation in all forms of campus activities from FMCC to athletics continued in earnest. Awards for scholastic accomplishment were established along with study halls and filing systems.

Traditions continued to develop in the young chapter in later years. The first Sweetheart was chosen, JoAnn Francisco of Chi Omega in 1957. In 1955, the first Outstanding Active and Pledge were honored at the first annual Spring Parents' Day banquet. Zeta Chapter won the outstanding Chapter award for the first time in 1956. In 1957, Larry Edwards was chosen for the first Honor Corner in the Gold Rose national publication. Not only did traditions continue to multiply, but the chapter continued to grow in numbers. "Reformation Day Functions" with Phi Kappa Theta fraternity were started in October of 1964.

KSU Stadium

With the recent tradition of a nationally ranked collegiate football program, Beta Sigma Psi has developed some traditions of its own. Whether it be the 7:00 a.m. wake up call for tailgating, the raising of the Beta Sig flag high above the tailgate or the 5 hour barbeque before the game, Beta Sigs are never short of pride and support for their Wildcats.

In recent years, our members have created the Beta Sig section within the stadium. Entering the stadium 2 hours before game time, we make sure we are always on the first few rows right at the 40-yard line. Beta Sigs are so close to the action, opposing players can actually hear our chants and shouts. Within a vast sea of purple pride, we are often so close to the field, many times our members have found themselves on television broadcasts.

Game Day is a huge event for the Beta Sig house. The weekends during the fall are never short of excitement and memories. If you are ever in the neighborhood during a home KSU game, bring your purple clothing, grab a hamburger from our tailgate and enjoy the game.

Reformation Day

Every year, on October 31st, Beta Sigs discover another tradition long passed down from older members: Reformation Day.

Just as Martin Luther had posted his 95 theses on the doors of the Catholic Church in 1517, our Lutheran Fraternity reposts the theses 5 centuries later on the local Catholic Fraternity. The sneak attack occurs late at night with the rival fraternity guarding the gates against intruders. Once the posting occurs, the next day’s activities and competitions begin.

Early the next morning, Beta Sigs and Phi Kaps go head to head in an intense game of flag football. After the conclusion of the game, all aggressions are left on the field and both teams retire to the Beta Sig house for the afternoon barbeque. The original Reformation Day was founded upon the principles of splitting Lutherans away from Catholics, but Beta Sigs relive this experience with Catholics and Lutherans on the same playing field. Which one wins is the question?

Formal Dinner

Although there are many traditions that define who we are as Beta Sigs, one of the more noticeable and routine is the weekly Formal Dinner.

Every Wednesday, members from the house dress in suit and tie and relax for the evening's Formal Dinner. The hour-long affair is a chance to catch up on the week’s events and dine in a more upscale environment. From the linen napkins to the glass pepper grinders, Formal Dinner is wonderful chance to enhance your dinner conversation and meal.

Beta Sigs have always stressed the importance of manners at dinner. In fact, every year we bring in a dining etiquette guide to help members with dining experiences ranging from dinners with a date to dinners for a job. If at any time you wish to come and dine with us at one of our Formal Dinners, contact us so that we may serve you better.