Gamma Epsilon History

The 100th Chapter of Beta Theta Pi

The Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi began as the Tribe of the Sphinx. The Tribe of the Sphinx was founded at Kansas State on the 14th of October, 1901 at 617 Leavenworth. The Tribe of the Sphinx, known publicly as Tau Omega Sigma, was the first Greek letter fraternity to be instituted at Kansas State. There were twenty-two founders. The society was based upon the objects of social improvement, spirit of fraternity, and mutual problems and enjoyment.

In 1913, Tau Omega Sigma submitted a petition for membership in Beta Theta Pi. The vote was cast with a 59 to 13 vote in favor of granting the charter. The installation of Gamma Epsilon into Beta Theta Pi took place on Oct. 17-18, 1914 with Dr. Francis W. Shepardson, Denison, ’82 presiding. Gamma Epsilon became the 100th chapter of Beta Theta Pi.

In 1930, our current home was constructed at 500 Sunset Ave. It originally housed 55 men, and has since undergone two major renovations. For more than 80 years, the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi has been a shining star at Kansas State University. We have been ranked first in both grades and intramurals many times. Our chapter so dominated the Inter-fraternity Sing that it was eventually done away with. Our philanthropies and leadership permeate the entire Manhattan community. Gamma Epsilon has rightfully been praised time an again as one of the greatest chapters in Beta’s broad domain.

General Fraternity History

 

The Greek Movement
As liberal arts students at the College of William and Mary in 1776, the founders of Phi Beta Kappa (the first Greek letter society) were required to be well versed in Greek language, culture and history. Consequently, they were aware of the central importance in Greek cultural history of an institution known as the Mysteries. Read more.

1839-1850
At nine o’clock on the evening of the eighth day of the eighth month of the year 1839, eight earnest young men, all students at Miami University, held the first meeting of Beta Theta Pi in the Hall of the Union Literary Society, an upper room in the old college building (known as “Old Main”). Read More.

1850-1900
Hanover College is a modest private school near Madison, Ind. From a quiet promontory the campus overlooks the Ohio River and beyond to Kentucky. Founded in 1853, Iota chapter existed sub rosa, like most fraternities at the time. Membership in Beta Theta Pi was cause for expulsion from college. Read more.

1900-1950
By the turn of the century, two important features of Beta Theta Pi had become apparent. The first “Beta character” had already manifested itself in stories such as that of John Holt Duncan and the men of the Michigan chapter who refused to forsake their membership and their badge. Read More.

1950-1998
With the establishment of the Administrative Office and appointment of an administrative secretary in 1949, the stage was set for spectacular growth and a solid future for Beta Theta Pi and its fraternal colleagues in the years ahead. Read more.

Men of Principle
The year was 1998, and Beta Theta Pi was about to embark upon what would become arguably one of the most pivotal moments and periods in the Fraternity’s history. The founding in 1839, the acclaimed Beta Firsts of the 1870s and 1880s, the establishment of the first administrative secretary and Administrative Office in 1949, and the long-awaited new Foundation and Administrative Office of 1994 were significant, grand achievements. They were major culture-shaping influences of Beta Theta Pi, for sure. Read more.

Beta Greats
This list is only a taste of the many great men who have contributed to the fraternity, many more could be included. However, the following men would surely be listed in nearly any list of “Beta Greats.” Read more.

Heraldry
The seals and emblems of the Fraternity, provided for in The Laws of Beta Theta Pi, include a standard badge, pledge button, colors, flag, coat of arms, great seal, chapter seal and membership shingle. Read more.

The Campanile at dusk, Miami University

[Via Beta Theta Pi]

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