Indiana Univ. Sig Ep to Close

Opie25 · #1 12-19-2002, 08:10 PM

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*

DeltAlum · #2 12-20-2002, 01:06 AM

This is a real shame.

xp2k · #3 12-20-2002, 01:11 AM

Sigma Phi Epsilon was one of Indiana University's strongest fraternities. Losing them will be a great loss for the Greek System.

I drove by their house yesterday and it did not seem that the undergraduate members were happy with the decision. The front windows were boarded up and, the lawn was trashed, and "R.I.P" was spraypainted on the large limestone slab/sign in the front of their.

This all truly is a shame. I hope that they have a speedy recovery and return to the Indiana University campus.

Xp2k

AOII_Luv · #4 12-20-2002, 07:57 AM

About a month or two ago, an announcement was made that if we knew any guys interested in joining a fraternity, to contact a specific person at Sig Ep. Apparently nationals were not happy with the direction that the house was going in and looking for new guys to change that for them. I had no idea that they would be removed from campus. I also drove by the house the day the guys were moving out. There was furniture in the law and things hanging from the trees along with the spray-painted slab in the front. I think these guys were incredibly hurt, as would I be if someone closed AOII. I never knew any Sig Eps, but they seemed like nice guys and we wish them the best.

mmcat · #5 12-20-2002, 08:31 AM

it's always a pity...to see another group of greeks go away....

DeltAlum · #6 12-20-2002, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xp2k
I drove by their house yesterday and it did not seem that the undergraduate members were happy with the decision. The front windows were boarded up and, the lawn was trashed, and "R.I.P" was spraypainted on the large limestone slab/sign in the front of their.

Sounds like their nationals had some real ongoing problems there, but you have to feel badly for the 35 who stayed and worked to help the chapter succeed.

I certainly hope that the inside of the house wasn't trashed as well as the outside. We've seen that happen a number of times.

I would be an even bigger shame to see that group who worked hard for reformation to go out on a sour note themselves.

queequek · #7 12-21-2002, 03:59 AM

Uncool.

PurdueGirlie · #8 12-21-2002, 12:34 PM

Wow, I can't believe this.

Sigma Phi Epsilon is one of the top fraternities at Purdue's campus. I have heard rumors about them being shut down for legal issues, but I think that's all they are are rumors. No action has taken place. They continue to thrive.

It's always a shame when a chapter closes. I have met some SK alums who went to IU and they're very sad that their chapter closed. I know if my chapter closed after I graduated, I'd be sad too.

Winterbloom · #9 12-23-2002, 11:40 PM

SigEp is a really thriving part of the SU community, and I'm sad to see any chapter of it close. The boys on our campus are real gentlemen, and it's a treat to be escorted by a SigEp. It's a shame to see the UVA chapter go like that.

~Emma

Pi Kapp 142 · #10 12-24-2002, 02:47 PM

Here is an article about the bank making a move to get the house.
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.a...7&nav=0Ra7D3EV

I am starting to have grammar and spelling like Tom now.