Phi Sigma Epsilon

Infobox Fraternity | name = Phi Sigma Epsilon
letters = ΦΣE
crest =
motto = Go Big or Go Home
Colors =
symbol = Triangle
flower = White Tea Rose
birthplace = Kansas State Normal College
founded = February 20 1910
chapters = 70
type = Social
scope = National
address = 2925 East 96th Street
city = Indianapolis
state = Indiana
country = USA
homepage = [http://phisigmakappa.org phisigmakappa.org] Phi Sigma Epsilon was a North American social fraternity that operated for 75 years (20 February 1910 - 14 August 1985) until it merged with the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. The traditions and values of Phi Sigma Epsilon live on through Phi Sigma Kappa and its members.

History

The Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity (ΦΣΕ) was founded on 20 February, 1910 at Kansas State Normal College, now Emporia State University. The early years of Phi Sigma Epsilon were stormy ones for there was much opposition to secret societies, and the fraternity had to exist as an underground organization until 1912. Phi Sigma Epsilon was considered an outlaw organization and frowned upon by many of the college authorities and citizens. However, the fraternity's willingness to cooperate, and its program of scholastic and social improvements, soon won support and admiration. Finally, in 1913, Phi Sigma Epsilon was officially recognized on campus, and Prof. C. R. Phipps became the sponsor.

Expansion

In 1926, Phi Sigma Epsilon formed a union with Sigma Delta Tau of Kirksville State Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri, and Pi Sigma Epsilon of Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas. From these unions Phi Sigma Epsilon became a national fraternity and a group of members authored the fraternity's new ritual.

World War II Closing

The fraternity expanded to many other campuses until every chapter ceased operations between 1941 and 1946 because of the lack of manpower caused by World War II. Under the leadership of National President Shannon Flowers, however, the fraternity was successfully revived after the war, and again entered a period of expansion, until, like many other fraternities, Phi Sigma Epsilon suffered a decline during the 1970s.

The Merger

In 1984, National President James Whitfield was approached by Grand President Anthony Fusaro of Phi Sigma Kappa with a suggestion that the two fraternities consider the possibility of a merger. The negotiations which followed resulted in the joining of the two fraternities at the 50th General Convention of Phi Sigma Kappa in Washington, D.C., on August 14th, 1985. In 1987 the Phi Sigma Kappa flag and crest were changed to incorporate the symbolism of Phi Sigma Epsilon, thus formally finalizing the merger.

ΦΣΕ Founders

*Raymond Victor Bottomly
*W. Roy Campbell
*W. Ingram Forde
*Humphrey Jones
*Robert C. Marley
*Orin M. Rhine
*Fred M. Thompson

Previous Chapters of ΦΣΕ Still Active as Chapters of ΦΣΚ

* [http://www.ucaphisigs.com/ Central Arkansas (Epsilon Mu)]
* [http://www.geocities.com/hsupsk/ Henderson State (Epsilon Rho)]
* [http://www.uwwphisigs.com/default.asp Wisconsin Whitewater (Epsilon Upsilon)]
* [http://www.uwm.edu/StudentOrg/phisigs/ Wisconsin Milwaukee (Epsilon Phi)]
* [http://www.phisigs.livin4.com/ Truman State University (Gamma Epsilon)]
* [http://www.epsilonlambda.net/ Eastern Michigan University (Epsilon Lambda)]
*Central Michigan University (Epsilon Xi)
* [http://www.bsu.edu/web/phisig/main.html Ball State University (Epsilon Tau)]
* [http://www.phisigen.com./ Northwest Missouri State University (Epsilon Nu)]
* [http://www.sigma-epsilon.org/ Ferris State University (Sigma Epsilon)]
*Northeastern State University (Epsilon Epsilon) Tahlequah, OK
*Pittsburg State University (Beta Epsilon) Pittsburg, KS
*Shepherd College (Sigma Chi), Shepherdstown, WV
*Valparaiso University (Phi Upsilon) Valparaiso, IN
*Shippensburg University (Phi Theta) Shippensburg, PA
*Concord College (Phi Mu), Athens, WV
*Central Missouri University (Epsilon Iota), Warrensburg, MO

ee also

*Phi Sigma Kappa

External links

*Most factual information can be found and verified in the book: "All The Phi Sigs - A History" Copyright 1993. Written by Rand, Frank Prentice; Watts, Ralph; Sefton, James E., Self-published.
* [http://www.phisigmakappa.org/ Phi Sigma Kappa Grand Chapter]
* [http://www.phisigwiki.org/ The Phi Sigma Kappa Wiki]