The Kansas Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was first charted at FHSU in 1958 and again in 2014, since then SigEp has been dedicated to Building Balanced Men. KS Zeta boast a history of community involvement as well as a long list of alumni. Members live by our core values of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly love. A SigEp will strive for a Sound Mind in a Sound Body and also understand the importance of being a good student, and serving as a leader on campus. In line with those ideals Kansas Zeta has held the highest GPA on campus for two years straight, and also holds the award for most community service for any student organization.
Our Local History
Pegis Club
Kansas Zeta has a long history on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Originally colonized on campus as the Pegis Club in spring of 1956. That semester two Sigma Phi Epsilon actives Myron Deitz (KS Delta) and E.J. Lindahl (KS Beta), transferred to Fort Hays Kansas State College and conceived the idea of establishing a SigEp chapter on campus. While FHSU boasted an enrollment of over 2,000 there were only 5 fraternities on campus at the time, and none of them were large, well-known national fraternities that could offer students at FHSU the opportunities and benefits of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
In February of 1956 the organization of the Pegis Club (with intention to be chartered by SigEp) was approved by faculty, and the first meetings were soon to follow in March. With the acceptance of faculty and IFC the Pegis Club became the sixth fraternity at Fort Hays State with their objective being that of "attaining the highest possible achievement in all phases of fraternity life". Fall of 1956 saw 7 members of the Pegis Club initiated into Sigma Phi Epsilon as members at large by KS Delta, followed by 6 more initiated at KS Gamma in Spring '57. As well as the first initiates the Pegis Club consisted of 7 transfer students who already were SigEps.
The Kansas Zeta Chapter
The Pegis Club at Fort Hays State became the Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1958. The Charter presentation ceremonies and banquet were held May 3, at Jefferson West Grade School. Grand President Herbert H. Smith presented the charter for KS Zeta to Elvin Fabrizius (local president). Dean E.R. McCartney was in attendance with several others representing the University. Sponsor and Honorary charter member, Dr. John Martin gave the remarks of the fraternity. Following the banquet the SigEps held a sweetheart ball, and attended church together the following morning, later that afternoon the final orientation was held for the KS Zetans.
In February of '59 the SigEps reported 24 actives and 17 pledges. The Chapter home was situated at 335 West 8th Street, which is know the location of TigerMart. The early years of KS Zeta showed great promise for the future while the SigEp became very active on campus in all aspects of life. The chapter grew so quick that the SigEps needed to relocate in 1960, the SigEps called 402 West 7th their home.
Sigma Phi Epsilon thrived in its first 10 years on campus at Fort Hays. 1968 saw another landmark for our chapter. KS Zeta's very own John Cross was the 83,000th member initiated into Sigma Phi Epsilon. That years the SigEps moved again after an 8 year tenancy on 7th street. The newly acquired SigEp house was sat a block away at 403 W 6th street. That year the chapter boasted over 50 actives and 20 pledges. KS Zeta dominated the state basketball tournament between the SigEp chapters, and continued to succeed on campus. In 1969 our chapter authorized at $60,000 addition to our home on 6th street (pictured left). That house served as home for the SigEps until 1999.
KS Zeta recharter
Efforts and organization of a Sigma Phi Epsilon colony at Fort Hays started back in 2010. It was not until May 10, 2014 when KS Zeta was finally granted a charter. A milestone for our chapter came in 2017 when Tiger Village, a $7 million learning community opened on Oct. 7, 2017. KS Zeta currently calls 315 Lewis Drive home, with 24 beds and 8 bathrooms, our new home fosters the proper environment for a SigEp to grow as a man. Winning the 2020 Chapter Home of The Year award at CLA. KS Zeta continues to uphold the legacy and values of Sigma Phi Epsilon...