The Kansas Beta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded February 23, 1918. Although
this is the official founding of the chapter, its organization and preperation can
be traced back to spring of 1915. The organization that was to become Sigma Phi Epsilon
was known as the Eureka club, representing Eureka, Kansas from which the majority of men
hailed. By the end of the year it was decided to upgrade to a fraternity basis. June 7, 1916,
the local fraternity Epsilon Epsilon Epsilon was born as it received recognition from
the faculty committee on student affairs. At this time, a large furnished house was
rented at 1126 Bluemont.
Even before the founding of EEE, the notion of being a national fraternity had been
discussed. The brothers of EEE took careful consideration into which organization it
would apply to. The high ideals and principles that we still hold today had the greatest
appeal to the men of EEE and so it was decided to petition for a charter. February 23, 1918,
Kansas Beta became te 56th chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Founding father William Lazeal Phillips, "Uncle Billy", came to Kansas State to initiate
the members of Kansas Beta. The first initiate and number 1 pin belongs to Dr. John R. MacAurther,
followed by 17 others. Brother MacArther became an inspiration to the chapter as it
struggled through the early years. His memory lives on in our alumni newsletter "Hoops of Steel",
which he named. For his long, loyal, and devoted service to the local chapter and national
fraternity Brother MacArther was given the "Order of the Golden Heart". This is the highest
award that can be bestowed on any member.
In 1919 Sigma Phi Epsilon got a new house and relocated to 221 Delaware were it spent its
next 35 years. During this time our local chapter, along with the national fraternity,
experienced astonishing growth, as it became a leader on K-State's campus. The men were known
for being varsity athletes and among the best when it came to social functions.
In 1954 the chapter moved to our present home at 1015 Sunset. This house has many things
that have been with us since our founding; of them are the tri-Epsilon and Sigma Phi Epsilon
outdoor insignias. Through the years one of the most apparent physical changes of the was the
addition of the Zappa Deli. After a few renovations the Zappa became
a recreation room used for various purposes.
Over the past fifty years hundreds of brothers have had the privilage of calling the SigEp
house at 1015 Sunset their home. In the summer of
2004 ground was broke for a $2.5 million dollar renovations to the existing structure.
If you are still interested in more information or history about Sigma Phi Epsilon I have
provided you links below to our national fraternity website and a link to an outstanding history
page that not only includes the birth of Sigma Phi Epsilon, but also includes information on
all our founding fathers.
Sigma Phi Epsilon Intramurals
At Kansas Beta we pride ourselves on being “Balanced Men,” and in the area of athletics there
is no other house on campus who continually performs at the level of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Over the past five years Kansas Beta has dominated intramural team sports winning Fraternity
championships in these catagories:
Football (2004, 2007)
Soccer (2001 & 2004)
Volleyball (2001, 2003 & 2004)
Basketball (2002, 2003, 2004 & 2008)
Wrestling (2003 & 2004)
Every year, SigEp is in the top five overall intramural points standings. The most notable
achievement for SigEp came in the ‘01-‘02 school year when we set the all-time intramural
points record.
Community Service/Philanthropy Information
-Heart for Art
-Pennies for Peace
-Sleep out for Homeless
-Honors Retreat
-Delta Tau Delta Clean
-Ali Kemp Band Stand
-Sunset Revival
Check out these links for more information
Sigma Phi Epsilon National Fraternity Website - Here
Sigma Phi Epsilon History - Here
