History
The South Dakota Alpha chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at SDSU was founded on February 15, 1997. Since its founding, the chapter has welcomed over 350 members and has established itself as a prominent member of the Greek community on campus. Our members achieve a great level of diversity and academic success. Members come from nearly every college in the University. Each has a unique background, and many serve as leaders in campus organizations.
SigEp is a great opportunity to get more out of the college experience. In SigEp, a member is provided the opportunity to work together and associate with campus leaders, and ultimately become a leader themselves. They have close ties with SDSU administration through community service and involvement. Sigma Phi Epsilon provides an environment conducive to studying and collaborating, the opportunity to gain leadership and communication skills, and a variety of activities with which to excel in the organization.
In 2017, South Dakota Alpha was awarded the coveted Buchanan Cup award for the first time at SigEp's Grand Chapter Conclave, SigEp’s national conference held every two years. The Buchanan Cup is awarded only to a very selective number of SigEp chapters throughout the country who instill the highest principals and achieve the highest levels of success. In 2019, the chapter once again received the coveted Buchanan Cup at SigEp's at the 57th Conclave in Houston, TX. Winning this award once is a great accomplishment, but receiving it twice in a row is a testament to the hard work and commitment the men of South Dakota Alpha have for their academics, community and each other.
Campus Involvement
SigEp at SDSU has consistently been the top chapter on campus for GPA, intramural championships and philanthropy involvement, including active roles in Sexual Assault Awareness Week and Children's Miracle Network. Our 23 years as a chapter provides us a wealth of alumni involvement that help us achieve continued success year after year.
Chapter Accomplishments
Sigma Phi Epsilon National Awards:
Buchanan Cup - 4x (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023)
Sunago Award for Excellence in Mentorship (2025)
Excelsior Awards - 7x (combination of general, recruitment, finance, and housing)
Grand Chapter Scholarship Cup - 5x
Donald C. McCleary Excellence in Membership Development - 2x
Talent Power Award - 2x
Benjamin Hobson Frayser Award (AVC) - 2x
AVC Operational Excellence Award - 2x
Phi Beta Kappa Wheelhouse
Cornerstone Award
SDSU Awards & Accomplishments:
2024 South Dakota Board of Regents Academic Excellence Award
Largest Fraternity on Campus
Over 30 SDSU Volsorff-Walder Greek Awards
10+ Years Supporting Sexual Assault Awareness Week
Top GPA ALL Men's Fraternities 2017-2025
2020 Fall Semester - all women's and men's fraternities (3.45)
SigEp Leadership Programs, Honors & Distinctions:
Tragos Quest to Greece - 2x (Paul Schlotman, Blake Gibney)
Ruck Scholars - 27x (2003-2025)
Distinguished Alumnus - Mike Hart (2020)
District 17 Volunteer of the Year - Nathan Bylander (2020)
National Student Director - Blake Gibney (2023-2025)
Board of Governors - Five Members
SDSU Intramurals:
2017 Broomball Champions
2017 Powerlifting Champion (Noah Anderson)
2017 Co-Rec Dodgeball Champions
2017 Co-Rec Broomball Champions
2017 Greek Week Dodgeball Champions
2018 Co-Rec Dodgeball Champions
2018 Broomball Champions
2018 Greek Week Dodgeball Champions
2020 Greek Week Dodgeball Champions