Indiana Univ. Sig Ep to Close

[Opie25]

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
Zollinger House, Richmond, Virginia

December 19, 2002



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: E. Scott Thompson, II, Director of Communications


RELEASE






RICHMOND, VIRGINIA...Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity will close its Indiana Beta Chapter at Indiana University at the end of the fall semester, December 21. Over the last two years, a once proud and healthy 150-man chapter has suffered from behavioral and financial issues. This summer, alumni and volunteers took action in an effort to preserve the chapter. Thirty-five undergraduates, led by new chapter officers, returned for the Fall, 2002, semester committed to living the values of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Local alumni and experienced volunteers were recruited to mentor the group in all areas of chapter operations.



At the close of Fall, 2002 semester, the financial condition had deteriorated to the point that the chapter could no longer assure suitable housing conditions for the spring term. "When it became apparent that we could not maintain suitable housing through the spring semester, we moved immediately to give the students and their parents as much notice as possible to make alternative arrangements," said Sigma Phi Epsilon Executive Director Craig Templeton. "This has been a very difficult process and decision, and while the outcome is very disappointing, it was imperative to protect the best interest of the students and their academic pursuits." SigEp is negotiating a return date with the Indiana University administration.



The Indiana University Chapter was founded in 1931 and has 1,962 lifetime members. For the past 25 years, it had consistently been one of Sigma Phi Epsilon's largest and finest chapters. From 1975 to 1985, the chapter won the Fraternity's Buchanan Cup, Sigma Phi Epsilon's top award recognizing excellence in all areas of operations.

*edited to remove phone numbers*