By The Numbers... GPA: 2.80, #10 of 20
Manpower: 92, #2 of 20
Intramurals: #1 of 21 Fraternity of the Year: '10, '09, '07, '05, '04, '03 SigEp Buc Cups: '85
Richmond College, where Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded in the early 20th century, was at the time attended by a mere 200 students, and perhaps between a third and a half of this number belonged to five fraternities. Kappa Alpha Order had come there in 1870, Phi Kappa Sigma in 1873, Phi Gamma Delta in 1890, Pi Kappa Alpha in 1891, and Kappa Sigma in 1898. Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon also had established chapters there which had expired. The little Baptist college was founded in 1830, and many of its graduates became Baptist ministers.
Most of the national fraternities, as their histories show, have been established simply because they were needed. The hunger for brotherhood was at the bottom of an unrest in young men’s souls. Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded because twelve young collegians hungered for a campus fellowship based on Judeo/Christian ideals that neither the college community nor the fraternity system at the time could offer. Sigma Phi Epsilon was needed. It was founded, moreover, because the leadership which is required for such a project asserted itself in fortunate ways.
Carter Ashton Jenkens, the 18-year-old son of a minister, had been a student at Rutgers University, New Jersey, where he had joined Chi Phi Fraternity. When he transferred to Richmond College in the fall of 1900, he companions to take the place of the Chi Phi brothers he had left behind at Rutgers. During the course of the term, he found five men who had already been drawn into a bond of an informal fellowship, and he urged them to join him in applying for a charter of Chi Phi at Richmond College. They agreed, and the request for charter was forwarded to Chi Phi only to meet with refusal because Chi Phi felt that Richmond College, as any college with less then 300 students, was too small for the establishment of a Chi Phi chapter.
Wanting to maintain their fellowship, the six men, Jenkens, William Carter, Thomas Wright, William Phillips, Benjamin Gaw, and William Wallace, decided to form their own local fraternity.
Of the six, Jenkens was the only one who really knew what a fraternity was, so the task of drawing the plans for the new fraternity fell to him.
Early records described young Jenkens’ thorough search for a philosophy upon which a new college fraternity could be built. He discovered in the Bible what he called "The Greatest truth the world has ever known."
A committee of Jenkens, Gaw, and Phillips was appointed to discuss plans with the administration of the college. These men met with the faculty committee, where they requested to present their case.
The fraternity committee was requested to explain:
The need for a new fraternity since chapters of five national fraternities were on the campus and the total enrollment at Richmond College was less than 300.
The wisdom of this attempt to organize a new fraternity with twelve members, of whom seven were senior.
The right to name the new fraternity Sigma Phi, the name of an already established national fraternity.
The fraternity committee answered along this line: "This fraternity will be different, it will be based on the love of God and the principle of peace through brotherhood. The number of members will be increased from the undergraduate classes. We will change the name to Sigma Phi Epsilon." Though the discussion lasted some time, the faculty committee was friendly, and permission was granted for the organization of the new fraternity to proceed, provided full responsibility for the consequences would rest on the group of twelve students.
Immediately at the close of the conference with the faculty committee, the fraternity committee rushed to Jenkens’ room to borrow Hugh Carter’s Greek-English Lexicon; convinced themselves that Epsilon had a desirable meaning, and then telegraphed jeweler Eaton in Goldboro, North Carolina, to add an E on the point of each of the twelve badges which were manufactured and ready for shipment. Before the job of adding an E on the badges was complete, eight other students were pledged to join SigEp. The purchase order was then increased to twenty badges at $8 each, with the initials of each man engraved on the back of his badge. Additionally, the new fraternity was given a meeting place in the tower of Ryland Hall.
These twenty original heart-shaped badges were of yellow gold, with alternating rubies and garnets around the edge of the heart, with the Greek characters SIGMA PHI and skull and crossbones in gold and black enamel in the center and a black E in gold at the point. (William Hugh Carter’s and Thomas V. "Uncle Tom" McCaul’s original badges are on display at the Zollinger House, SigEp’s national headquarters)
Founder Lucian Cox reflected on the Brotherhood that had inspired him and his brothers when he wrote in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Journal, Vol. 1 No. 1, March, 1904: "As a member of an ideal fraternity, the resources of every member of that body are my resources, the product of their lives is my daily life. The Fraternity is a common storehouse for experience, moral rectitude, and spirituality; the larger and purer the contribution of the individual the greater the resources of each member."
Five men were pledged before Christmas and were initiated in January, 1902. The last three of the first group of twenty were initiated February 1, 1902, another was initiated in March.
"Thus the name of Sigma Phi Epsilon was born in the philosophy of love--the only foundation on which the world can have peace. This is the principle on which the fraternity was founded." --Carter Ashton Jenkins, Founder
Fraternity of Firsts
First national fraternity to establish a housing trust for all chapters and create a National Housing Corporation.
First national fraternity to establish a traveling staff to assist chapters in effective operations.
First fraternity to charter a chapter in all 50 states.
First national fraternity Educational Foundation to build an endowment greater than $11 million.
First national fraternity to receive a grant from the federal Department of Education to enhance member development programs.
First national fraternity to provide financial assistance to brothers for graduate school through the Resident Scholar program.
First national fraternity to partner with the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Colorado State Chapter History
Chapter: Sigma Phi Epsilon, Colorado Gamma Chapter Institution: Colorado State University (CSU) / Colorado A&M / Colorado Agricultural College (C.A.C.) Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Founded: 1905
Royal and Infernal Order of Independent Tree Apes (1905 - 1911)
121 E Lake St was built in 1929 and Sigma Phi Epsilon purchased it from the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter at Colorado State (1922-2000) in 1935. The kitchen and Presidential Suite were added in 1958.
The Tree Apes (1905 - 1911)
Institution: Colorado Agricultural College (C.A.C.)
Colors: Blood Red & Funeral Black
Motto: "Wa-ah!"
"The Tree-Apes were first organized by an Aggie student [J.E. Leiper] who had been about one year away from home influences and was then forty miles from civilization, or in other words in the wilds of Estes Park. Under these conditions this great founder of the Apes was suddenly seized by a wonderful idea and this was expanded into the Royal and Infernal Order of Independent Tree-Apes."
source: The Silver Spruce Yearbook, 1909
source: The Silver Spruce Yearbook, 1907
Tau Alpha (1911 - 1915)
Institution: Colorado Agricultural College (C.A.C.)
Colors: Red & Black
Flower: American Beauty Rose
By 1911 the Tree Apes had changed our name to Tau Alpha (Alpha Chapter), also a local C.A.C. fraternity. The Tree Apes appeared to envision growing into a new National Fraternity based on the Alpha Chapter designation on our page in the 1916 Silver Spruce Yearbook.
With newly chartered Sigma Phi Epsilon chapters at the University of Colorado and the University of Denver nearby, the men of Tau Alpha soon petitioned Sigma Phi Epsilon National Fraternity Headquarters to become the third SigEp chapter in Colorado.
Note: The content deadline for the 1916 Silver Spruce Yearbook passed before Tau Alpha was re-chartered as the Colorado Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon in November, 1915.
Institution: Colorado Agricultural College (C.A.C.) / Colorado A&M / Colorado State University (CSU)
Colors: Purple and Red
Flower: Violet and Dark Red Rose
After a decade of transformation, our fraternity became the Colorado Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon on November 27th, 1915 and we changed our name for the last time. As we approach 100 years as a SigEp chapter and share some information about the great men and great achievements of Co Gamma, we are also proud of our heritage prior to chartering as a Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter.
The High Limb Tree Ape J.E. Leiper first brought a group of men together at CSU in the name of brotherhood in 1905 and set in motion an incredible organization with a rich history. Our Tree Ape brothers recognized the need to formalize the brotherhood and the growth of Greek Letter organizations in Colorado while leading our fraternity through a critical time as we re-named our fraternity Tau Alpha and developed relationships with a growing national fraternity in Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Our brothers of Tau Alpha surely could not have envisioned that their effort to re-charter as the Colorado Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon would lead to 100 more years of brotherhood in Fort Collins and tremendous achievements by 2,300+ brothers, thanks in no small part to the growth and development they experienced as brothers. With that, we proudly share some history of our Colorado Gamma years below...
When CSU SigEp Was Chartered ...
The world was a very different place in 1915 when the Colorado Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was chartered at Colorado State University. Below are some interesting facts and notes of what was going on in the world in 1915.
After a population boom that began around 1900, the population of Fort Collins reached 8,500 in 1915.
Babe Ruth was a standout pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in his second year in the Major Leagues. Ruth hit his first four home runs in 1915 and did not put on a Yankee uniform until 5 years later.
Charlie Chaplin was a new motion picture star after his first films in 1914 quickly gained popularity.
The RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-Boat; turning public opinion against Germany and proved to be instrumental in bringing the US into WWI.
There were hundreds of local time zones in the United States. The four standard time zones and daylight savings time would not be established for three more years by the Standard Time Act of 1918.
CSU SigEp Charter Members
Wallace Kirk Morrison James Harlan Bush Jr. Sidney Price Bull William Clinton Nye Herman Fauber Henry Lewis Nichols Elbert Ervin Husted William Pearl Yetter Jr. Paul Goerge Hardie Edwin Conrad Johnson
James Ezekial Morrison Homer Doc Graham Harold Starr Wright William Godfrey Briggs Leo Cates Antles Lewis Francis Schiele Clark Hartman Alford Ivan Morrison Patten Edward Surrel Murray Henry Morse Cowgill
Brother Wallace Morrison Rex Worrall Ralph Barnhart John Linsley John Weihing John Magill Eugene Gingery Ronald Rieke Duane Rennels Kenneth Broadhurst William Bennet William Sanden Brad Inman Collin Thompson Tom Flemmer Chuck Iden Joel Waneka Bruce Huntley Nick Capra Justin Bader Nick Wasser Scott Harris David Smith Andrew Dibala Kevin Dibala
SigEp Featured in CSU's Silver Spruce Yearbook through the years..
CSU SigEp News Headlines..
pg 261 - "Eva Fox has been with the Sig Ep boys since 1929. Her hobbies are reading good books and collecting stamps. She has a very interesting collection of books, most of which have been gifts from friends. Her favorite flower is the red rose. Her favorite color is red. She has a very pleasing personality, enjoys young people, especially her Sig Ep boys." ->
pg 230 - "The house on Lake Street was the setting of "Goldi- locks and the Three Montana Bears", the Sig Eps' entry for Homecoming Decorations. These men were active on campus and one held the position of Student Body President. Their Flower Dance was held in the spring. Local horticultural beauty is displayed at this annual formal and as the music drifts across the campus, the Sig Eps close the year as winners of Skit Nite and the Activities Award for the school year 1955-56." ->
pg 261 - "Eva Fox has been with the Sig Ep boys since 1929. Her hobbies are reading good books and collecting stamps. She has a very interesting collection of books, most of which have been gifts from friends. Her favorite flower is the red rose. Her favorite color is red. She has a very pleasing personality, enjoys young people, especially her Sig Ep boys." ->
pg 230 - "The house on Lake Street was the setting of "Goldi- locks and the Three Montana Bears", the Sig Eps' entry for Homecoming Decorations. These men were active on campus and one held the position of Student Body President. Their Flower Dance was held in the spring. Local horticultural beauty is displayed at this annual formal and as the music drifts across the campus, the Sig Eps close the year as winners of Skit Nite and the Activities Award for the school year 1955-56." ->
May 31, '06 Alumni Update - Jerry Schopf '63 is retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force. He recently moved from Texas to Whidbey Island, WA, in Puget Sound, where he built a home overlooking Skagit Bay.
May 30, '06 Alumni Update - Nick Bardis '86 is Legislative Director with the Water Environment Federation in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Nick lives on Capital Hill in Washington, DC, and has a second job tending bar at Union Pub, located near the US Senate/House Office Buildings.
May 29, '06 Alumni Update - Mark Nowak '90 lives in Ladera Ranch, CA, where he is an investment advisor with Capital Advisors, Inc., a money management firm for small businesses and high net worth clients. Mark and his wife KeiLee are the proud parents of Hudson Robert Nowak, born Jan. 2, 2006, weighing 6 lbs., 9 ozs. Mark keeps in touch with Chris Wener ’91, who lives in Las Vegas.
May 28, '06 Alumni Update - Brian Flemming '02 writes, “My wife Patty and I own Big Street Construction and build upper-end custom homes in the Fairbanks area. We recently lost our two-year-old daughter to a tragic accident in December 2005. We greatly appreciate all of the phone calls, email, and support that we have received from the SigEp community. God Bless.”
May 27, '06 Alumni Update - Zach Schmitz '03 was recently promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Riverview Tavern in Chicago, IL, after bartending there for two years. Zach writes, “I enjoyed watching Duncan Leever ’03 marry his long-time sweetheart, Holly Hollcroft, (Chi Omega ’02), in Vail with Chad Marturano ’03 and Chris Regan ’03. Dave Sime ’05 also lives in Chicago and he, Duncan, and I gather to watch the Broncos almost every Sunday.”
July 11, '07 Alumni Update - Jamey Mills '84 joined Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor in the downtown Denver office in 2006, after spending 17 years in the technology and telecommunications sectors as an executive. His practice concentrates on financial and wealth planning for executives in the technology sector. In his free time, Jamey enjoys cycling, skiing, mountaineering and limited golf.
Dec 30, '08 Alumni Update - Dan Foote '01, Isaac Greenlee '01, and Bryan Harmsen '01 closed out the last business day of the year by meeting for lunch at Mead Street Station in the Highlands. Dan recently bought a Condo in North Wash Park, Issac and his wife Megan live in Broomfield, and Bryan was visiting from New York City. (photo: Dan Foote and Isaac Greenlee)
Dec 29th, '08 - Congratulations to Brother Mike Flemming '03 and his fiancee Ashley Valentine, who purchased their first home in El Dorado Hills, California. Mike's wedding is on May 30th, 2009 in Northern California.
Dec 28, '08 - Members of the AVC (Alumni Board) and new Undergraduate Executive Board met for dinner at Breckenridge Brewery in Downtown Denver. The dinner was an enjoyable and productive meeting as we plan and prepare for continued success in 2009.
Dec 15, '08 - The Fall '08 Spear was mailed to all alumni in December. Read about Co Gamma’s victory in the Fraternity Decathlon, the 2008 Homecoming float competition, and almost all award categories at Greek Night Out. 1980's issues of the Spear have also been added to the archive! Download current and back issues
Dec 1, '08 - On behalf of all Colorado Gamma brothers, we wish Brother Ben Seiz '03 a speedy recovery after being involved in a serious auto accident in November near his home in Los Angeles. Get well soon Ben.
Nov 20, '08 Alumni Update - Hindman and Rubright on Roatan Island, "Greetings from out of the past--the attached photo comes to 121 E. Lake from the island of Roatan. On the left is brother Steve Rubright '71, and on the right is brother Gary Hindman '70. Steve is still currently employed by BP in Alaska and Gary is retired and living in Meeker, Colorado. Although a few years have passed, the memories are still vivid. Even though we tend to embellish them a bit, our days in 'The Fort' at 121 E Lake will always be special."
Nov 19, '08 Alumni Update - Milligan joined by Brothers for his Wedding, "This photo taken was at a Rockies game before Jason Milligan’s wedding. In the pic from left to right: Dave Sime '06, Nick Macias '05, Jason Milligan '06, Jenny Macias, Brandon Kiser '05, Carl Rose '07, and Matt Tuffin '06."
Sep 24, '08 - CSU senior Alex Griffin has been involved in Greek Life since his freshman year. For Alex, being Greek is all about being balanced. That means balancing school work, fraternity life, an internship, community service, and being a Presidential Ambassador. He even studied abroad last fall! Alex represented SigEp in the American Gladiators competition at this year's Fraternity Decathlon — and won! Not only is Alex's victory helping his fraternity in the decathlon, he is helping out a charitable cause. When SigEp fraternity won the decathlon, the prize money was donated to YouthAIDS. Check out this video to learn more about Alex and his SigEp experience!
Dec 7, '09 - Congratulations to the SigEp brothers as well as their sorority teammates for winning seasons in Dodgeball, Volleyball, Basketball and Waterpolo. Good luck in the playoffs.
Dec 4-6, '09 - To celebrate a successful semester 80 couples went to Copper Mountain Resort to enjoy a weekend away.
Dec 5, '09 - Congratulations to 2009 Saylor, Bradford, and Benscheidt Scholarship recipeints Bijah Gibson '11, James Stuart '11, Kyle Miller '10, Ryan Garthright '10, TJ Warren '11, and Bryn Lawrence '10.
Nov 30, '09 - Congratulations to the newly elected 2010 Colorado Gamma SigEp Executive Board: President Bijah Gibson, VP Membership Development Billy Raddell, VP Finance Jack Liggett, Chaplain James Stuart, VP Communications Rob Shafer, VP Recruitment Jensen Fair, VP Programming Max Lilo.
Nov 29, '09 - Congratulations to 2009 SPECAT Scholarship winners Bryn Lawrence '10 and Daniel Illenberger '12.
Nov 27, '09 - Happy 94th SigEp Anniversary to the Undergraduate and Alumni Brothers of the Colorado Gamma Chapter!
Nov 19, '09 - SigEp along with Phi Delt and Zeta brought up Paul Eason to perform at the Sundance Saloon for a night that was enjoyed by all.
Nov 15, '09 - The History page on CoGamma.org has been updated with great photos and information about Colorado Gamma including our years as Tau Alpha and The Tree Apes. You will find new Silver Spruce Yearbook photos from 1909 (The Tree Apes), 1911 (Tau Alpha) and our 3rd year as SigEp Co Gamma in 1918. A special thanks to Pat Walker, Research Assistant at the Fort Collins Museum, for all her help researching the past of Colorado Gamma at CSU!
Nov 10, '09 - The 12th annual SigEp Bachelor Auction was a huge success, raising over $5,000 which was donated to Youth Aids! Every sorority was in attendance, ready to bid on 12 eligible bachelors.
Oct 19, '09 - Victory!!! SigEp wins the CSU All-Fraternity Decathlon for the second year in a row.
Oct 18, '09 - BE THE FIRST CO Gamma SigEp to win the Tragos Quest to Greece Scholarship. Sophomores and Juniors should consider applying to SigEp’s capstone of leadership development. Applications due Dec 1.
Oct 17, '09 - Congrats to CO Gamma for collecting the most amount of food in the annual Cans Around the Oval. Max Lilo '12 organized the effort and helped CSU raise 84,000 lbs of food. SigEp continued our exemplary Cans Around the Oval effort this year which dates back to the first year of the philanthropy in 1987. See the photo and story of Fort Collins Mayor Larry Estrada presenting the award to SigEp for the innaugeral Cans Around the Oval in the Spring 1988 Spear!
Oct 17, '09 - New photos from the tailgate and dinner have been added to the 2009 Reunion page.
Oct 16, '09 - The 2009 Edward T. Bradford Memorial Scholarship and 2009 Garry Saylor Memorial Scholarship applications are available for current undergraduate CSU SigEp brothers. Applications are due on or before Sunday, November 15th so get started on your application today!
Oct 15, '09 - Good luck to SigEp Soccer, Football and Softball coed teams. They had a successful season with a number of the sororities and are hoping to do well in the playoffs.
Oct 14, '09 - Another year another championship!! Congrats to SigEp for winning Tri-Delt's Frats at Bat annual softball tournament for the second straight year.
Oct 10, '09 - SigEp, Kappa Delta, and Delta Chi have won Best Greek Float for CSU's 2009 Homecoming!
Oct 9, '09 - Colorado Gamma Chapter Individual Award History has been posted on the new Awards page. See the Colorado Gamma brothers who have been honored with these prestigious awards including the New Member of the Year, My Buddy, and Athlete of the Year awards.
Oct 8, '09 - Preparations are underway for Homecoming 2009. We'd love to see alumni and parents at our Continental Brunch at 121 E Lake at 10 AM Sat, Oct 10th which will include coffee and pastries. Come check out the house improvements and meet the 80+ current undergraduate brothers. There is also a light continental brunch Sunday, Oct 11 at 121 E Lake from 10am-Noon.
Sep 22, '09 - Congratulations to the undergraduate chapter and VP of Recruitment Andrew Dibala '11 on a very successful fall recruitment! Colorado Gamma is now 86 strong!, the biggest we've been since March 14th, 2000. If you can't make brunch, stop by the tailgate on the center path of the East side entrance of Hughes before the game.
September 20, '09 - Thanks to all of the 100+ SigEp alumni who came by for an unforgettable 2009 Reunion. Dave Damhoff '79 did an unbelievable job at organizing one of the greatest SigEp events in decades and we all owe him a big thanks! Check out some Reunion photos that have already been posted!
Sep 14,'09 - Final Events Schedule for the 2009 Reunion has been confirmed and published. Its going to be a banner weekend, see you all up in the Fort!
Aug 19, '09 - Fall 2009 Recruitment activities have been published. If you are interested in learning why SigEp at CSU is different, stop by or give a call and we'll show you!
Aug 17, '09 - Registration has been extended for the 2009 Reunion in Fort Collins, September 18th-20th! Join the 75+ SigEp Alums returning to the Fort to celebrate SigEp memories.
August 14, '09 - Conclave - Colorado Gamma has been recognized for outstanding alumni communications as a recipient of the 2009 Benjamin Hobson Frayser Award!
Aug 13, '09 - Conclave - The 51st SigEp Grand Chapter Conclave kicked off today in Orlando today with four undergraduates and two volunteers representing Colorado Gamma. Representing Co Gamma were undergraduates John Digiorgio, Jensen Fair, James Stuart, and Mike Williams. Chapter Counselor Todd Donavan and AVC Comptroller Bryan Harmsen '01 attended to represent the alumni chapter.
August 11, '09 - Registration for the 2009 Co Gamma SigEp Alumni Reunion (September 18th-20th) closes Friday, August 14th. Don't miss out on this historic reunion! Register now or See who's attending
Aug 5, '09 - The Fall 2009 CSU Balanced Man Scholarship (BMS), sponsored by Sigma Phi Epsilon, is now available on CoGamma.org. The BMS is one of the many ways SigEp gives back to the CSU community. The scholarship is open to all current or incoming non-Greek male CSU students and there is no obligation to join a Greek house or SigEp. Apply Today!
Aug 1, '09 - Photos from the 2003 tourney have been added to the SPECAT Golf Tournament page on CoGamma.org. The SPECAT Tournament is taking a one year hiatus in lieu of the 2009 Reunion Golf Tournament, but look for the triumphant return of SPECAT in 2010.
July 24, '09 – Congratulations to Neil Thompson '09 and Sarah Evans on their engagement. Neil continued the tradition of pinning his sweetheart at our 75th annual Flower Dance this spring. Neil, a former chaplain, will be graduating this semester in Agricultural Business. His father Collin Thompson '79 and uncle Cory Thompson '82 will be attending the alumni reunion in the fall.
July 21, '09 - We are proud to announce that the Colorado Gamma SigEp chapter achieved an outstanding 3.10 chapter GPA for the Spring 2009 semester. This performance is a new record in recent years, is the top GPA of all CSU fraternities, and builds on the consistent focus the undergraduate brothers and SigEp have placed on academic achievement.
Jun 27, '09 - Congratulations to Chad Marturano '03 and Laura Rowe on their wedding this weekend. The ceremony and reception were held at Laura's step-father's house, David Parish (Co Alpha '85) on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Brothers Dan Foote '01 and Bryan Harmsen '01 were in attendance.
June 25, '09 - Online Registration for the 2009 Co Gamma SigEp Alumni Reunion, Sep 18-20th, is now available. Nearly 20 alums have already registered and 75 alumni have expressed interest. Register now and don't miss this great weekend in Fort Collins! See who's attending
June 15, '09 - SigEp Junior Justin Apodaca '09 will be leaving for Iraq in March '10 after graduation. Justin will ship out to pre-mobilization training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin in January. We'll keep him in our thoughts and prayers during his tour, and we wish him the best of luck.
May 29, '09 - Congratulations to Mike Flemming '03 and Ashley Valentine on their wedding in Northern California. His brother, Brian Flemming '00, was Mike's best man, Bryan Harmsen '01 served as a groomsman, and Rob Boyer '99 was in attendance. All the best to Mike and Ashley as they enjoy their honeymoon in Cape Cod and may God Bless their journey together. View the slideshow from Mike and Ashley's wedding
May 28, '09 - SigEp senior Cooper Liggett '09 pitched an inning of hitless relief as the CSU Baseball Team defeated Arizona 3-1 and captured CSU's second straight National Club Baseball World Series. Congrats to Cooper on an incredible performance. Read Full Coloradoan Story
May 27, '09 - Congratulations to Ryan Garthright '09 for receiving an invitation to the 2009 SigEp Ruck Leadership Institute. Ruck is SigEp's Top Gun leadership program and will be held this Summer at the College of William & Mary in Virginia.
May 24, '09 - We would like to welcome David Kukpa as the Resident Scholar for the 2009-2010 academic year. David is a Doctoral Candidate in Physics/Electrical Engineering and will provide academic support and assistance to the undergraduate brothers next year.
May 4, '09 - Congratulations to Brother Leonard Blach '59, co-owner of Mine That Bird, 2009 Kentucky Derby Winner!! (Denver Post story) Thanks to Bob Wardlaw '52 for calling 121 E Lake to let us know about this great news.
May 2, '09 - Congratulations to the chapter on holding the 76th annual Flower Dance Spring Formal!
May 3, '09 - Thanks to Joseph Phelps '51 and Lt Col. Robert B. Wright '49 for supporting the chapter with a gift.
Apr 26, '09 - Thanks to all of the alumni who stopped by to attend today's AVC Meeting at the 121 E Lake Chapter House.
Apr 23, '09 - Chad Marturano '03 and Chapter President Mike Williams '09 met for lunch today on Capitol Hill. Chad works in the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning and Mike is completing his internship at the State Capitol.
Apr 20, '09 - Spring '09 issue of The Spear was mailed to all alumni we have an address for. If you aren't receiving your Spear, please submit an Alumni Update
Apr 19, '09 - Colorado Gamma received the Academic Excellence award at the CSU Greek Awards ceremony this evening and Brother Andrew Dibala '11 won an individual award for Living the Ritual. Congratulations to the Chapter and Andrew on their achievements!
Apr 18, '09 - Thanks to Joe Giarratano '11, a photo of Colorado Gamma's 1985 Buc Cup has been added to the Buchanan Cup page. Good luck to the chapter on bringing home a second Buc Cup at this Summer's Grand Chapter Conclave in Orlando!
Apr 17, '09 - Thanks to Darin Layman '83 for supporting the chapter with a gift.
Apr 16, '09 - Congratulations to Loren Shepherd '59 on shooting a hole in one at the Littleton Golf and Tennis Course on Monday!
Apr 13, '09 - Thanks to Gary Halley '60 for supporting the chapter with a gift.
March 30, '09 - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, the recipient of the 2008 Presidential Greek Vision Award, will host CPR and first-aid training sessions for the campus community during the month of April. The training, which is facilitated by the American Red Cross and normally costs $25, will be free of charge. Full Story
Apr 5, '09 - Thanks to Tony Mauro '99, Loren Shephard '59, Doug Braden '78, Dave Damhoff '79, Austin Martineau '00, and Todd Donvan '86 for attending today's AVC Meeting at the 121 E Lake Chapter House. Your time is greatly appreciated the active brothers thank you for stopping by.
Apr 2, '09 - Colorado Gamma has submitted its 2009 Buchanan Cup Application. Thanks to James Stuart '11 and the 2009 Chapter Exec for putting together a great 2009 application!
Mar 23, '09 - Details and current status on Colorado Gamma's Centennial Plan have been published. This page will provide the latest status and details as we approach Colorado Gamma's Centennial and full renovation of the 121 East Lake Street Chapter House.
Mar 19, '09 - Five additional alumni brothers have provided a gift in response to our Annual Giving Campaign. Thanks to Brothers Charles Simon '54, William Anderson '53, James Phelps '55, Harvey Morlan '41, and Archie Lind '64 for their generosity and support!
Mar 1, '09 - Co Gamma AVC members joined with Colorado Alpha (Colorado University), Colorado Delta (School of Mines), and Wyoming Alpha (University of Wyoming) for an AVC Training event on the CU campus. The event was hosted by Sig Ep Regional Director Ryan Dressler, and Ryan Blank Director of Health and Wellness. The group conducted activities and discussions related to Cross-Generational Communication, Identifying and defining SigEp’s Five Core Areas of Operation, Evaluating today’s undergraduate brothers and the Balanced Man Program (BMP), Discussing the differences between mentoring/coaching vs. parenting, and then creating a chapter specific mentoring game plan. A special thanks to Todd Donavan, Austin Martineau, Ross Hendrix, Loren Shepherd, and Tony Mauro for Attending. The AVC looks to implement the 30 and 90 day plans out of the meeting here in months ahead.
Feb 22, '09 - A special thanks to Tony Mauro '99, Loren Shepherd '59, Dave Damhoff '79 for representing Colorado Gamma Alumni at the February AVC (Alumni Board) Meeting at the Chapter House.
Feb 4, '09 Alumni Update - Patrick Carter '82... "Still in Colorado, can't wait to hook up with some old brothers."
Feb 4, '09 Alumni Update - Kevin Urie '85... "I am excited to start reconnecting with my Sig Ep brothers, especially those from the 80's. I am very pleased that my oldest son Ryan has found that Sig Ep continues to exemplify all the goals & values that are part of the Sig Ep legacy and that have continued from the time when I was at CSU and in the house!"
Feb 3, '09 - 1987 and 1989 Flower Dance photos have been located and added to the Flower Dance page on CoGamma.org
Feb 3, '09 Alumni Update - Keith Watkins '74... "Since retiring as a Navy Supply Officer in 1998, I have worked for Science Applications International (SAIC) in Program Management on large DoD contracts. Currently I am supporting SAIC in a semi-retired capacity as a consultant and trouble-shooter on programs at risk."
Feb 1, '09 Alumni Update - Zack Schmitz '03 ... "I have been in Chicago for almost six years, working for a Budweiser beer distributor for the past 2. I am a Sales Supervisor to over 100 bars in the Lincoln Park / De Paul University neighborhood. I had the luxury of being in Paul Schnaitter's (04) wedding this last fall in Ft. Collins and celebrated it with Zach Shattuck (04). I even got to surprise my favorite lady, Rita, with a little visit."
Jan 29, '09 - Recruitment Events have been finalized for Sunday, Feb 1st through Monday, Feb 9th.
Jan 25, '09 - A special thanks to Tony Mauro '99, Austin Martineau '00, Loren Shepherd '59, Brian Pederson '01, Ben Lucas '07, Ross Hendrix '07, and Todd Donavan '86 for attending the AVC meeting at the chapter house on Sunday, January 25th. It was a great meeting and the chapter appreciated your visit!
Jan 25, '09 - We are currently conducting our annual giving campaign with a goal of 60 gifts this year. 28 alumni brothers have given back to support the Colorado Gamma Chapter so far... Visit the Secure Online Giving Portal
Jan 24, '09 - The Spring 1992 Spear has been located and converted to digital format! Read the tribute to Garry Saylor '58 and the 1st Annual SPECAT golf tournament announcement. Download current and back issues
Jan 23, '09 - The 18th Annual SPECAT golf tournament has been announced for Friday, September 4th, 2009. Check back at CoGamma.org for additional details and updates.
Jan 23, '09 - Brother Dave Damhoff '79 is organizing a 70's-80's Co Gamma reunion in Fort Collins for Fall '09. Keep an eye out for more details at CoGamma.org and in the Spring '09 Spear.
Jan 20, '09 - Undergraduate brothers returned to 121 East Lake over the weekend and Spring '09 classes began this week.
Jan 7, '09 - We are currently conducting our annual giving campaign and with a goal of 60 gifts this year. 18 alumni brothers have given back to support the Colorado Gamma Chapter so far... Visit the Secure Online Giving Portal
November 27, '10 - Colorado Gamma's Online Giving and Undergraduate Dues Payment is now back online and processed through PayPal. Thank you for your patience and support while we switched online payment processors.
November 5, '10 - The brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon hosted their 13th Annual Bachelor Auction event. Through the auctioning of undergraduate men from several fraternities as well as a couple CSU basketball players, CO Gamma raised over $2,500 for the SigEp national philanthropy of Youth Aids.
October 15, '10 - The Sig Ep float received second place in the 2010 homecoming parade
October 1, '10 - After winning the Greek Decathlon the past two years, COGamma SigEp continued with a strong performance and received the second place honor this year.
Septmember 25, '10 - The chapter hosted an alumni event to celebrate Colorado Gamma's 95th anniversary at Colorado State University. The events included a catered tailgate prior to the Ram's win over Idaho and then a dinner reception at the chapter house. A special thanks to the alumni that attended the event and you can see more photos on the 95th anniversary page.
September 10, '10 - Congratulations to the 28 new members of the COGamma brotherhood! This fall was very successful from a recruiting standpoint and morale for the house couldn't be better!
September 3, '10 - 32 Brothers attended the 2010 SPECAT alumni golf tournament organized by Mike Pappas. Congratulations Scott Webermeier, Larry Lowery, Rod Brubacher, and Craig Dolezal for taking the 2010 trophy.
August 8, '10 - Undergraduate Brothers: The Saylor Memorial Scholarship and Bradford Scholarshipapplications are now available online. Please submit your applications by Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010!
August 7, '10 - Undergraduate Brothers: You may now pay your chapter account online through CoGamma.org & Google Checkout. Please visit CoGamma.org/Dues
July 28, '10 - The Spring 1989, 1990, and 1991 Spears have been located and scanned to digital format! View these Spears and all available issues in our Digital Spear Archive and keep an eye out for the Fall '10 Spear this fall.
July 10, '10 - AVC and undergraduate Exec Board members met at the CSU Engineering building today for a planning session. It was an effective meeting where recruitment and financial operations were addressed at length.
July 2, '10 - Congratulations to the chapter brothers on achieving a 3.07 chapter GPA, ranking 2nd out of 18 fraternities at Colorado State.
June 10, '10 - Do you know a future Ram that lives by the Balanced Man ideal? Encourage them to apply for the Balanced Man Scholarship.
June 1, '10 - Bon voyage to the three SigEps that are studying abroad. Bijah Gibson '11, Cameron Acres '11, and Derek Martin '11 are studying in Germany, France, and Denmark respectively.
May 5, '10 - Big win tonight settled by a shootout earned SigEp their second straight intramural soccer championship!
May 1, '10 - Congratulations to Blake Willhite '08 on his engagement to Lacy Miller; a Kappa Kappa Gamma alum.
May 1, '10 - Flower Dance 2010! The night was a huge success thanks to the hard work put into it by Max Lilo '12 and our house mother Rita Williams. Also congratulations to Gary Shafer '10, Ryan Garthright '10, Eric Sutton '10, Jeremy Branting '11 and Drew Becker '12 for winning our annual chapter awards handed out at Flower Dance.
Apr 28, '10 Congratulations to Ryan Garthright '10, Bryn Lawrence '10, Richard Acres '11, Andy Dibala '11, Rob Schafer '12, Jensen Fair '12 and Drew Becker '12 for winning the intramural volleyball championship!
Apr 24, '10 - The newly founded COGamma SigEp Mom's Club met for brunch to get acquainted and spend time with their sons. During the brunch we successfully appointed a few mothers into executive positions. We are looking forward to the future of this program.
Apr 19, '10 - Congrats SigEp, Colorado Gamma - 2009 CSU Chapter of the Year! Co Gamma has now been recognized for this honor 5 of the last 10 years ('03, '04, '05, '07, and '09). Your alumni, supporters, and headquarters are proud of your efforts and accomplishments, keep up the great work!
Apr 19, '10 - To capitalize on the great weather SigEp brothers and friends headed to Lory State Park and spent the better part of the day hiking.
Apr 16, '10 - Bed and Biscuit animal shelter near Fort Collins was overwhelmed with SigEp brothers as we volunteered during CSUnity.
Apr 12, '10 - Congrats to Colorado Gamma Chapter President Bijah Gibson '11 for being selected as a 2010 Ruck Scholar, an intense leadership program for the strongest SigEp leaders in the nation.
Apr 10-16, '10 - Greek Week kicked off with Greek Olympics, a big thanks to brother Gabby Ortiz '13 for representing SigEp as the IFC Greek Week chair. Being paired with Chi Omega sorority was a lot of fun especially because our success in Lipsync, Stroll, and volleyball.
Apr 8-10, '10 - The ladies of Gamma Phi Beta joined the brothers of SigEp in Margaritaville for the annual Jimmy Buffett party. Changes in attitude, changes in latitude
Apr 2, '10 - Brother Ryan Garthright '10 was selected to work on SigEp Headquarters Staff as a Regional Director!
Mar 31, '10 - Delta Delta Delta sorority rewards the brothers to a social at Wash Bar after winning their philanthropy; the brothers plan to make it a tradition.
Mar 28, '10 - Here's to the heart and the sword,... Here's to brother Bus Bergman '42
Mar 25, '10 - The new members challenged the older members to a game of football; needless to say it was a good time and the bragging rights remain with the more senior brothers.
Mar 12-20, '10 - Spring Break!!!! 21 brothers road-tripped 30 hours to Panama City Beach to spend a stress free week in paradise.
Mar 8, '10 - Alumni Chris Birkholz '97 and Michael Lyneis '96 spoke during chapter meeting about interview, resume, and other career related aspects. Thank you for your continued involvement with the fraternity.
Mar 5, '10 - Office Party, held at Mishawaka, was a great time. We invited Kappa and Zeta sororities as well as the Delt fraternity.
Feb 26, '10 - Congratulations for SigEp basketball and waterpolo teams for making it into playoffs.
Feb 26, '10 - Billy Raddell '12 organized a retreat for all the brothers where we decided on chapter goals and created a vision for CO Gamma's future.
Feb 25, '10 - Scores for the Greek Intramural Champion were finally tallied for 2009 and SigEp comes out on top again; champions for the past half decade.
Feb 25, '10 - Pi Beta Phi sorority holds the honor of joining us for our first mixer of the new decade. We held a Ragin' Cajun social at a new venue, 100 Octane, in Old Town Square.
Feb 20, '10 - Congratulations to brothers Jesus Contreras '09, Drew Mason '09, and Kyle Miller '10 for being accepted into Medical, Veterinarian, and Dental school respectively.
Feb 19, '10 - Valentine's Dinner turned out to be a great event. House Mom, Rita, prepared a delicious meal for all the brothers and their dates. Festivities after dinner included Tour de Franzia.
Feb 12-14, '10 - Current chapter officers attended the Carlson Leadership Academy (CLA) in San Mateo California. They developed key life skills and shared best practices to ensure SigEp's excellence for years to come.
Feb 11, '10 - SigEp partners with G-Phi sorority to assist with a benefit dinner for the homeless. This is the second year the brothers have contributed to this cause.
Jan 12, '10 - Colorado Gamma offers our heartfelt condolences to the brothers of New York Phi for the passing of brother Garland English '04 while rock climbing in Makaha, Hawaii. "Garland, for those of you who did not know him, was an inspiration to everyone who met him: an activist, a leader, and someone who lived by the truth he felt in his heart. He also was an exceptional friend."
August 10, '11 - 8 Undergraduate Leaders and 3 Alumni Volunteers arrived in Phoenix today to represent Colorado State at the 52nd Sigma Phi Epsilon Grand Chapter Conclave. Check out SigEpConclave.com to read the Conclave Chronicle. Chapter brothers and alums - participate in the Conclave discussions on our Co Gamma LinkedIn Group.
July 30, '11 - 16 Sig Ep brothers from 4 chapters have registered for the SPECAT Golf Tournament on Friday, 9/16. Registration closes August 29th, Click here to register!
June 10, '11 - Brother Michael Scheider '07 recently returned from a year tour in Afghanistan and sent us this photo. SigEp is proud to welcome brother Schneider home and thankful for his safe return.
June 7, '11 - Our thoughts and prayers go out to brother Brian Walker '09 who was injured by an roadside IED in Afghanistan in May. Brian is expected to make a full recovery. All of the alumni and undergraduate brothers wish Brian a speedy recovery and thank him for his service to our great nation.
June 4, '11- For more information on SigEp's Fall 2011 Recruitment, please visit our Facebook page. >> Click Here
June 4, '11 - Alumni Update, Zack Schmitz '03: After living for the past 8 years in Chicago, I'm looking forward to moving home in July. I Have taken a job with Paulaner HP USA, a European beer supplier, as the Colorado Market Manager. Not only am I looking forward to moving back home, I can't wait to catch up with the many friends I left behind, including Chad Marturano '03, Sam Zaitz '03, Brooks Andriesen '04, Matt Pizzaferrato '04, Jon Ackerman '03, Rob Bell '01 and Paul Schnaitter '04, just to name a few.
May 21, '11 - Congratulations and best of luck to the graduating CSU SigEp seniors... Alex Adams, Justin Gabriel, Joe Giarratano, Bijah Gibson, Brad Lynn, Derek Martin, David Martinez, Danny Smith, James Stuart, TJ Warren, and Karl Weber.
May 13, '11 - The Spring 2011 Spear Newsletter has been published >> Click here. In this issue... House Mother Rita Williams' 15th Anniversary with Sig Ep, Thanks for alumni generosity, 2010 Consolidated Financial Report, CSU President Tony Frank's Fireside Chat at the SigEp House, 8 Chapter awards received at CSU Greek Night Out, new 121 East Lake basketball court, and important upcoming dates/events including SPECAT on Friday, September 16th!
May 11, '11 - Red Hawk Ridge in Castle Rock has been selected to host the 2011 SPECAT Alumni Golf Tournament on Friday, September 16th. Reistration for SPECAT will open before Memorial Day.
May 9, '11- Saturday May 7th SigEp opened up the house for the first annual Moms BBQ.
May 5, '11- This past weekend Flower Dance an annual tradition for the brothers of SigEp took place. The Night was a complete success thanks to Rita Williams (House Mother) hard work. Congratulations to Bijah Gibson '11, Andrew Dibala '11, Vance Connolly '11 and Quinn Booth '13 for winning the annual awards of the night!
April 27, "11- SigEp atheletics recent wins inlcude the Zeta Kickball, which benefited breast cancer. The brothers also won the Pi Beta Phi Football Tournament.
April 17, '11 - SigEp wins Chapter of the Year at Greek Night Out Awards! Senior Bijah Gibson '11 is recognized as Greek Man of the Year and AVC President Tony Mauro '99 as Greek Advisor of the Year.
April 14, '11 - SigEp Walter Scott '53 generously donated $10 million to CSU for the construction of the Engineering II building. Thanks to brother Scott for giving back to CSU, all of your alumni and undergraduate brothers appreciate it! (denver post article | alumni discussion)
April 12, '11 - The Fall Ram Football schedule has been added to the CSU SigEp Calendar. Click here to view the home game schedule beginning Saturday, August 10th vs. UNC.
March 22, '11 - SigEp begins preperation for the coming Greek Week events with the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
March 21, '11 - Chapter brothers are back from Spring Break ready to finish of the semester strong.
March 11, '11 - Chapter brothers set out for Spring Break today. Las Vegas, Puerto Vallarta, Seattle, and Vancouver are some of the places the brothers will enjoy some down time during their week off.
March 9, '11 - The first Fireside Chat at the SigEp House with Tony Frank was a success.
March, 8, '11 - Sig Ep will be hosting a Fireside Chat at the 121 East Lake St Chapter House with Colorado State University President Tony Frank. See Pres. Frank fires up Greek Life in the Rocky Mountain Collegian.
March 4, '11 - House Mother Rita Williams is recognized by the Rocky Mountain Collegian in today's front page article Mom away from home.
February 21, '11 - Welcome to the newest CSU SigEps Tyler Chelf, Jake Hamburg, Michael Lefever, John Lowry, Dan Petriella, and DanielTucker.
February 11, '11- Valelntine's Day dinner went very well once again this year. A special thanks to House Mom Rita Williams for preparing a great dinner for the gentlemen and their dates.
February 7, '11 - Colorado Gamma's Executive Board represented us at the 2011 Carlson Leadership Academy (CLA) in Irvine, California this past weekend.
January 18, '11 - On behalf of all CSU Sig Ep undergraduate and alumni brothers, our gratitude and thanks to House Mother Rita Williams on 15 years of service.
Colorado State University Greek Life History
Greek Life was officially recognized/installed at Colorado Agricultural College (Colorado State University) in the Fall of 1915. There were a handful of local fraternities that developed prior to 1915 before Greek Life was officially recognized at the college.
The Alpha Kappa Epsilon local fraternity was founded in 1903 and chartered as the Sigma Nu National Fraternity Delta Rho Chapter (1915-2000, 2008-present) in the Fall of 1915. The Tau Alpha local fraternity (previously Royal and Infernal Order of Tree Apes) was founded in 1905 and chartered as Sigma Phi Epsilon's Colorado Gamma Chapter (1915-present) in the Fall of 1915 as well. The Gamma Phi Beta National Sorority was the third Greek chapter chartered (previously the Tau Kappa Sigma local sorority) in 1915.
The "Fort Collins Triad" of Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Gamma Phi Beta comprised the original Colorado Agricultural College (C.A.C.) recognized Greek Life organizations by the end of the Fall 1915 semester.1
References
1 Colorado State University Silver Spruce Yearbook, 1933. Installation of Aggie Greeks. pg 294.
Special Thanks to Pat Walker, Fort Collins Museum Research Assistant, for her invaluable assistance in fully documenting the history of our fraternity!
Highlights of our National History..
Apr 28, '10 Congratulations to Ryan Garthright '10, Bryn Lawrence '10, Richard Acres '11, Andy Dibala '11, Rob Schafer '12, Jensen Fair '12 and Drew Becker '12 for winning the intramural volleyball championship!
June 10, '11 - Brother Michael Scheider '07 recently returned from a year tour in Afghanistan and sent us this photo. SigEp is proud to welcome brother Schneider home and thankful for his safe return.
breast cancer. The brothers also won the Pi Beta Phi Football Tournament.
March 9, '11 - The first Fireside Chat at the SigEp House with Tony Frank was a success. 
