Phi Sigma Epsilon

Phi Sigma Epsilon
ΦΣE
Founded	February 20 1910 Kansas State Normal College
Type	Social
Scope	National
Motto	Go Big or Go Home
Symbol	Triangle
Flower	White Tea Rose
Chapters	70
Headquarters	2925 East 96th Street Indianapolis, Indiana USA
Website	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 of Phi Sigma Epsilon

In 1926, ΦΣΕ held preliminary meetings with Sigma Delta Tau of nearby Kirksville State Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri, and Pi Sigma Epsilon of Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas. From these unions, ΦΣΕ became a national teacher's fraternity and a group of members authored the fraternity's new ritual.

In 1937, Phi Sigma Epsilon worked with Sigma Tau Kappa to form an association of Teachers' College Fraternities.

Closing and Reopening

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. By 1947, Phi Sigma Epsilon was no longer strictly a fraternity for teachers. In 1952, the fraternity became a junior member of the NIC.

Growth and Decline

Phi Sigma Epsilon had an unofficial goal of having sixty chapters. Between 1958 and 1970, it doubled in size to reach this goal. After 1970, growth nearly ceased as expenses grew and, like many fraternities, it had difficulty managing the chapters.

The Merger

Further information: Phi Sigma Kappa § 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

• Central Arkansas (Epsilon Mu)
• Henderson State (Epsilon Rho)
• Wisconsin Whitewater (Epsilon Upsilon)
• Wisconsin Milwaukee (Epsilon Phi)
• Truman State University (Gamma Epsilon)
• Eastern Michigan University (Epsilon Lambda)
• Ball State University (Epsilon Tau)
• Northwest Missouri State University (Epsilon Nu)
• Ferris State University (Sigma Epsilon)
• Northeastern State University (Epsilon Epsilon)
• Pittsburg State University (Beta Epsilon) Pittsburg, Kansas
• Shepherd College (Sigma Chi), Shepherdstown, West Virginia
• Valparaiso University (Phi Upsilon) Valparaiso, Indiana
• Shippensburg University (Phi Theta) Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
• Concord College (Phi Mu), Athens, West Virginia
• University of Central Missouri (Epsilon Iota), Warrensburg, Missouri

See also

• Phi Sigma Kappa

External links

• Phi Sigma Kappa Grand Chapter