The History of The Zeta Theta Chapter

By: Erik David Palmer (1994)

The Zeta Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi began as a local fraternity known as Sigma Phi in April of 1928. The local fraternity began through the efforts of Milton C. Knox, who became our chapter's first President. Some time later a letter was received by Sigma Phi stating that a fraternity with a like name already existed. On August 28, 1929, the additional letter Phi was added as a result and the name of our local fraternity become Phi Sigma Phi.

The goals of Phi Sigma Phi: "Nobility, Sincerity of Purpose, Honor, Brotherhood, Scholarship, Fidelity, and the perpetuation of Phi Sigma Phi on GMI's campus."

Phi Sigma Phi occupied seven different houses before it purchased this home in Flushing, Michigan in December of 1958. During the spring of 1959 the "addition" was built to house an additional 20 Phi Sigma Phi's. The house capacity was boosted to 52 brothers with this new addition to the house.

After GMI received accreditation from ABET several nation wide fraternities (such as Sigma Chi) began to ask the local fraternities of GMI to become parts of their organizations. During a July 28, 1962 meeting Phi Sigma Phi voted to become part of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

After the meeting Phi Sigma Phi began to solicit the support of existing Sigma Chi chapters for their support in the vote of the June 27-29, 1963 Sigma Chi Grand Chapter, where a charter would be obtained for Phi Sigma Phi to become part of Sigma Chi.

Phi Sigma Phi was put on a preferred list of petitioning chapters by the Sigma Chi Detroit Alumni Chapter and was voted to become a chapter of Sigma Chi at the Grand Chapter in 1963.

The brothers of Phi Sigma Phi and some Phi Sigma Phi alumni were initiated into the order of Sigma Chi on November 9, 1963. It is this chapters honor to be a part of such an excellent fraternity and we have repaid some of this honor by being an outstanding chapter of Sigma Chi.

The history of Sigma Chi is so rich and proud that this brief article does not provide for an adequate understanding of our heritage and the source of our pride. I hope that this letter has given you a basic understanding of our local history and I urge you to contact us if you would like know more about the history of our organization.

Our house is located at 704 East Main Street, Flushing, Michigan. The brothers of Sigma Chi can be reached at 810-659-5671 any time day or night. Visitors are always welcome.