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The fraternity originated on December 17, 1927 with the initiation of 13 men into the Delta Epsilon
Chapter of Phi Sigma Chi, a fraternity for business students. With membership increasing rapidly,
the brothers felt the need to leave their dwelling at 212 South Darling Street. They purchased a
house one block away at 115 South Darling Street, formerly owned by Professor and Mrs. Fred Starr,
known as Guidi Hall. This is currently the chapter's home address.
In 1934, Tri-State College decided that all social fraternities should make collegiate connections.
In compliance, Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Sigma Chi became Iota Chapter of Sigma Delta Rho. After
two years, Tri-State College changed their policy and Iota Chapter of Sigma Delta re-affiliated
with Phi Sigma Chi.
In 1948, the members of Phi Sigma Chi sought to improve themselves by seeking affiliation with
Alpha Gamma Upsilon. On May 8th, 1949, the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Sigma Chi became Lambda
Chapter of Alpha Gamma Upsilon.
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Learn more about the history of SigEp Sam.
Learn more about the history of our alumni association, Lambda House.
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The members managed the fraternity well for four years, but in 1951 membership started to decrease
while debt increased. By 1958 there were only seven active members. The house mortgage loomed at
$13,000. With the foreclosure of the mortgage lying ahead, the downfall of the fraternity seemed
imminent.
At this time, Professor Everett "Doc" Schadt proceeded to contact several interested alumni.
Together they formed Lambda House Inc, took the title to the house-mortgage and set up plans
for the repayment of the mortgage.
In 1958, "Doc" Schadt formed the Alumni Association to instill alumni interest and support
the fraternity. After seven years of hard work, on May 3rd, 1965, all alumni were invited
back to the fraternity to participate in the mortgage burning ceremony. In 1967, Alpha Gamma
Upsilon purchased the house at 406 West Gale Street as an annex to the main house. The annex
was to provide additional housing for the growing brotherhood.
Being one of the only chapters of Alpha Gamma Upsilon left, the brothers of the Lambda
Chapter sought affiliation with a new, growing fraternity. After inquiries to many different
fraternities, the brothers and alumni agreed upon Sigma Phi Epsilon. The Lambda Chapter of
Alpha Gamma Upsilon became a colony of Sigma Phi Epsilon in April, 1967. After completing
their colonization, which lasted thirteen months, the brothers were initiated and became the
Indiana Theta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon on May 4th, 1968.
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