Epsilon Chapter History
The Beginning
The original Epsilon chapter of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity was founded in 1905 as the Keystone Chapter. After three years of activity it became dormant for twelve years. In 1914, Zeta Theta local fraternity was formed. After six years of struggling to flourish, they became the Epsilon Chapter in 1920.
In 1919, with the signing of the armistice and the return of the brothers in the service, Zeta Theta was given a new hope of rebirth. The brothers were more enthusiastic than ever, and found a new house on the north side of East Nittany Avenue and one and a half blocks east of Allen Street, and approached Delta Sigma Phi about joining the national fraternity. They agreed to replace the old chapter of Delta Sigma Phi at Penn State, so on April 20th, 1920 Zeta Theta became the Epsilon Chapter.
Zeta Theta began in 1914, when twelve Penn State boys banded together to form a new local fraternity. They shared similar principles and goals as other groups to bestow the benefits of a social organization to its members. They practiced the development of Christian and “manly” virtues. The original house was located on Allen Street, behind the old post office. The original colors were maroon and white, with a seal and coat-of-arms deemed unnecessary. The new members to join after the foundation were in the hands of the “Goat Committee.” This evolved into prospective members providing entertainment for the brothers by two informal tests of stamina.
During the year of 1916, the fraternity won the first ever collegiate championships held by the intramural council. They won it again in 1917, and the house began to gain recognition, not only for athleticism, but for scholarship as well. The house praised intellectuality and seriously began searching for a national fraternity to join. Socially, the house was active for their time. They threw two parties a year, one on Pennsylvania Day and one during commencement. They also held many “smokers” with the intent to bring the brothers closer together. The house became too small for the growing membership and a search began for a more suitable location. However, World War I was declared, and such drastic external events halted the search and membership dwindled down to eight, as all other brothers responded to the call of duty. Brother H.D. Zimmerman died in the war, and the house mourned his loss.
Early Years
The first standout president of the Epsilon chapter was Brother Milton Fritsche (7th overall president, the first being Brother P.J. Haler). He came from Merion, Pennsylvania to Penn State in 1922 to the school of agriculture. His energy and determination set him apart from others, and he was well respected among his peers. He arranged for the purchase of the furniture and pushed for the construction of the house. He was known as Epsilon’s “Wonder Man,” and played the larges part in making the new house become a reality.
In 1935, Dr. John William Claudy became the adviser to the fraternity, filling the spot of Brother Harold Aubrey Myers. He was a clergyman, and the former head of the Rock View Farm Prison, seven miles from State College. He was well respected among the brothers, and provided a guiding hand for the young men.
From its establishment in 1920, Delta Sigma Phi’s evolution was fairly normal among fraternity standards. They stressed athleticism as well as scholarship. The brothers excelled primarily at boxing and basketball, with many of the early newsletters praising their successes. Many brothers were involved in varsity sports as well. Frank Platt and Ben Pollock of the Varsity Football Team added to the national All-Delta Sigma team of 1940. In 1950, Ray Hedderick of the Nittany Lions had a good year after moving to center and sustaining a knee injury. Additionally, they continued to have successful social events, with the first ever Sailor’s Ball taking place in the spring of 1938. By designating a nautical theme, the brothers of the house came together with other Penn State students to celebrate the Chapters mantra of the sailor. It was to become an annual event, which is still celebrated by the Delta Sigma brothers today. Other annual activities included alumni weekend, Soph Hop, Dad’s Day, and Founder’s Day. During the late 30’s and early 40’s, Delta Sigma Phi was blossoming, initiating close to 20 members every year.
50 Years
In 1955, Delta Sigma Phi celebrated our 50th’ anniversary, with the banquet being held on Saturday, April, 30th. Invitations were sent to over 500 alumni brothers including congressmen and former Delta Sigma Phi National President E. Ross Adair, who was appointed guest speaker for the evening. Also in attendance at the banquet was University President Milton S. Eisenhower amount other campus leaders, a fitting way to celebrate the first fifty years of Delta Sigma Phi. Anniversary celebrations were short-lived; disaster struck our house just months later.
By 1968, the Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity had experienced some changes but remained driven with our original goals in mind. By this time, Milton Fritsche, one of the first Epsilon presidents and leaders had finished his 18th consecutive year on the Penn State University Board of Trustees. The ’27 graduate had been one of the association’s most loyal and ardent supporters including being president of the Epsilon Board for graduation for an extended time. Throughout his experiences with Delta Sigma Phi and the Epsilon chapter, Milton Fritsche was a founding father within the organization and a true leader in the pursuit of the goals of the fraternity to bestow upon all its members the benefits of a social organization.
Within the next few decades, the Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Phi continued to be one of the prominent fraternities at Penn State. All actives, pledges, and alumni alike continued to represent a social organization proud to pursue its goals and exemplify its principles within the University. Since its installation, Epsilon had represented the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity nationally and done so well with its social status and outstanding brotherhood.
Delta Sigma
Beginning in the summer of 1999, however, the national Delta Sigma Phi fraternity began its official policy for an alcohol-free house among all of its national chapters. This new program known as the “Challenge” was designed to set new standards and high expectations from all members of the fraternity. From the beginning of the institution of this new policy, our Epsilon Chapter and the Alumni Control Board tried relentlessly to negotiate a compromise. To prohibit alcohol from the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity would be to eliminate such important events such as Homecoming Weekend, and Parents Weekend, unless they are dry, and this was deemed inexcusable. Also, the members of Epsilon believed that a dry Delta Sigma Phi fraternity would drastically hurt the fraternity at Penn State. Other than Delta Sigma Phi, only one other fraternity out of the 54 at the time would be going “dry” the next year and this was due to academic and membership difficulty. The arguments made by the Epsilon chapter to the national council in the late 90’s were to demonstrate the standards at which Epsilon held itself. For the time, the Epsilon Chapter had been in the top 5 academically over the past 7 semesters with an average GPA of 3.10. Regardless of all the efforts put forth by the members of the Epsilon Chapter, the Grand Council of Delta Sigma Phi met on April 15, 200 and unanimously voted to reaffirm the ‘Challenge’ in its entirety with no compromises.
Although much action was taken prior to the confirmation of the ‘Challenge,’ the requests made by the members and alumni council of the Epsilon Chapter proved futile. A lot of work seemed to be done in vain by so many, however the many that had went through this arduous process were not discouraged. The Epsilon Chapter at Penn State swore to survive and prosper, even if breaking from the National fraternity was necessary. Becoming a local fraternity meant enduring to excel under a new title, while continuing to display our rich 95 year existence. The fraternity showed its fortitude as it continued with all duties and principles and planned to discuss all aspects of the steps necessary to continue on its own, away from the national Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.
In the final stages of the break off, all members within the fraternity, especially the alumni were reminded that we are still members of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and to continue to support it. The difference now had become the absence of the Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi at Penn State. Through these hard times, the Delta Sigma fraternity at Penn State stayed enthusiastic for the future and in doing so, continued to represent excellence for a social organization in State College. As time would pass, new pledge pins were designed as well as a new flag and brother pin. Our local fraternity, Delta Sigma, had once again become prosperous and one of the more prestigious fraternities at Penn State.
2007
Today, Delta Sigma continues to represent the same principles set forth almost 100 years ago. The members of our fraternity represent excellence, both scholastically and athletically. Delta Sigma continues to service society while maintaining a positive image within the Greek culture. In the fall of 2006, Delta Sigma re-affiliated with Delta Sigma Phi and had a re-chartering ceremony at the house on Homecoming Weekend.