The history of Sigma Chi is a long and intriguing one. Founded at Miami University in Ohio in 1855 by seven young men, Sigma Chi now has about 219 collegiate chapters, 100 alumni chapters, and 240,000 initiated members across the globe. These men continue to make history as Sigma Chi's; from senators to astronauts, sports stars to movie stars, the members of our Fraternity have helped to shape the world as we know it.

Likewise, the original founders of Sigma Chi have helped to shape history by living up to their convictions. In the fall of 1854, six of the to-be founders of Sigma Chi were then members of Delta Kappa Epsilon. When a disagreement on a matter of principle arose, the other members of DKE attempted to strong-arm the six into acting against their conscience. Benjamin Piatt Runkle, one of the six, pulled off his DKE pin, and throwing it onto the table, said, "I didn't join this fraternity to be anyone's tool. And that, sir, is my answer!" He and the other five left, never to return.

Less than a year later, those six men, along with another friend, established Sigma Chi. On June 28, 1855--Commencement Day at Miami University--the Founders first wore their badges publicly, announcing to the world the creation of Sigma Chi. The lessons taught by the Founders through their words and deeds form the backbone of the Fraternity, which has grown enormously since its humble beginnings.

The Beta Epsilon chapter at the University of Utah was established in August of 1908, the first fraternity at the U. Carl W. Scott was the first initiate of the young chapter. The Sigma Chi house, directly north of the University of Utah campus, was the first house on the block, built by the early members of the chapter. It is also one of the oldest houses on or near the University of Utah campus.

Beta Epsilon has always been a strong chapter, graduating such notable brothers as Senator Jake Garn, the first senator in space; J. Willard Marriott, president of Marriott Corp.; Dr. William C. DeVries, a pioneer in the development of the artificial heart; Dr. Russell Nelson, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and pioneer of the heart-lung machine; and many more. Our chapter consistently pledges more young men, all of the highest caliber, than any other fraternity on campus. With about 3000 initiated members, Beta Epsilon continues to grow and expand its reach.

No history of Sigma Chi, however brief it may be, would be complete without information about each of the seven Founders. To see a short biography of each of the Founders, click here.

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