Nationally:
Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded by Carter Ashoton Jenkins at Richmond College, now the University of Richmond, on November 1, 1901, on three Cardinal Principles: Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. Today, the Fraternity has grown to more than 262,000 lifetime members, allowing it to become the nation’s largest college fraternity. The Balanced Man Program is an outgrowth of Sig Ep’s mission statement of “Building Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities.” Since its adoption by Michigan Alpha in 1997, the program has brought a positive force to the chapter and more completely developed Brothers through a series of stages: The Sigma, Phi, Epsilon, Brother Mentor, and Fellow Challenge. Additionally, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Leadership Continuum is a balance of self-development and team leadership training that provides the skills necessary to leading balanced lives.
The Ancient Greeks believed in developing a Sound Mind and a Sound Body as the way to live a fulfilling life. Sig Ep adopted this philosophy with the Balanced Man Ideal and has continued to award the Balanced Man Scholarship to a proven leader, scholar, athlete, and citizen set to attend campus each fall.
Founding Fathers:
Carter Ashton Jenkins, William Lazell Phillips, Richard Spurgeon Owens, Edgar Lee Allen, Robert Alfred McFarland, Thomas Temple Wright, William Andrew Wallace, Frank Webb Kerfoot, Benjamin Donald Gaw, William High Carter, Thomas Vaden McCaul, Lucian Baum Cox
Michigan Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Michigan:
- Chapter of 120 brothers
- Recipient of 2009 Buchanan Cup
- Fraternity of the Year 2002, 2003, 2005, & 2010
- Average chapter GPA of 3.38, second among Greek fraternities, exceeding the all Greek campus average
- Overall Intramural Champions 2003, 2005, 2008, & 2010.
- Top 5 finish in Greek Week the past five years and Champions in 2010
- Most Spirited Fraternity at Dance Marathon 2003, 2004, 2006 & 2008
- Finished Third in 2010 The Relay for Life philanthorpy event raising a grand total of over $10,000 dollars
- A four-year member development program in a non-hazing and non-pledging atmosphere that not only involves the student in the chapter, but on campus and in the community as well.
- Some of the most influential and involved students at UM are members of Sigma Phi Epsilon including:
IFC Vice-President, Greek Week Director, The Michigan Daily, Engineering Advisory Board Student Representative, Alternative Spring Break Site Leader, Varsity Football, Club Baseball , Golden Key Members, and presidents and members of many more leading student organizations
