Part III: Greek Chapter Descriptions
Fraternities
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
The Delta Tau Chapter of SAE was founded on the Alma College campus on April 7, 1984. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a group founded on the principle, “The True Gentlemen,” a national creed by which their members do their best to uphold in all of their activities as individuals and as a group. A diverse chapter, members of SAE are active in many campus activities, too numerous to mention. SAE’s support the philanthropies of the Community Cafe and the Alma Middle School. The symbol of SAE is the lion, and the fraternity colors are Royal Purple and Old Gold.
Sigma Chi
The Theta Nu chapter of Sigma Chi was chartered on the campus on December, 8 1984. The brothers of Sigma Chi support Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Gratiot County and the Children’s Miracle Network. Sigma Chis “believe in friendship, justice, and learning as we pursue true brotherhood.” Members of Sigma Chi wear the colors of Blue and Old Gold. Sigma Chis seek to fulfill their ideals by service to the Alma College campus and the community of Alma through involvement with athletics, clubs, and residential life. The motto of Sigma Chi is “In Hoc Signo Vinces” which means “Under the sign, you will conquer.”
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Tau Kappa Epsilon became a part of the Alma College campus in 1957 as the Zeta Delta chapter of TKE. TKE’s motto is “The chance to belong, the challenge to become.” TKEs believe in the bond of brotherhood while maintaining unique talents, beliefs, and the ideals that each individual contributes to the whole. Started by five men in 1899 who were tired of fitting the mold, TKEs uphold the motto of “Not for wealth, rank or honor, but for personal worth and character.” TKEs serve the community and others by helping Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Gratiot County and the American Cancer Society.
Theta Chi
Founded on the Alma College campus on March 31, 1973, the Eta Nu chapter of Theta Chi values diversity and individually while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood. Theta Chi encourages the development of individual responsibility and service to fellow community members. Theta Chi’s motto is “The Helping Hand.” Theta Chis also cite the saying. “Alma mater first, and Theta Chi for Alma mater.” Theta Chi’s can be seen in their Military Red and Surrender White in the local Presbyterian Soup Kitchen, helping the Salvation Army, walking in the CROP Walk and doing their annual National Forest Clean-up in Manistee, Michigan.
Zeta Sigma
Zeta Sigma, the only local fraternity, started its roots on the Alma College campus on November 15, 1887. Zeta Sigma’s past members’ influence can be seen all over campus on the buildings that are named for their past members and their generous contributions to Alma College. Their colors are green and gold which they wear proudly while helping the Alma Middle School and Alma High School. The brothers also sponsor an annual can drive for the Salvation Army and support Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Zeta Sigma states “A person of high moral character is an asset to any organization. We look for members who illustrate strong moral fiber and a desire to grow in their area. We seek and attempt to develop such qualities as loyalty, honor, respect for others and high ideals for brotherhood.”
Sororities
Alpha Gamma Delta
On March 31, 1988 the Zeta Nu chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta was installed at Alma College. Alpha Gams devote a great deal of time to campus activities that cover a wide range of the options available. AGDs stress the bonds of friends both inside and outside of its membership through activities such as cookouts, sleep-overs, and movie nights. Alpha Gams support the national philanthropy of the Alpha Gamma Delta foundation which focuses on Diabetes research and treatment. The object for which Alpha Gamma Delta was formed is “to perpetuate among a group of college women a spirit of mutual assistance and understanding, to strive for the attainment of high ideals in college, community and personal life, and to train for leadership and a sense of responsibility for the welfare of others.”
Alpha Xi Delta
Alpha Xi Delta started on the Alma College campus originally as Alpha Zeta Tau, but went national on September 20, 1986 and became the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of AXiD. Alpha Xis stress scholastic achievement, but are also involved in many other aspects of the Alma College campus. AXiDs support their national philanthropy of “Choose Children” and locally support the Alma Childcare Center. “Alpha Xi Delta values the individual, her goals and her endeavors. Alpha Xis place importance on scholarship, friendship, leadership, and service to the campus and Alma community. Each AXiD is different, yet linked by an unbreakable bond, sisterhood.”
Gamma Phi Beta
Started as Alpha Theta in 1890, Gamma Phi Beta was installed as the Epsilon Beta chapter on September 22, 1984. Gamma Phis support many organizations on campus and strive to serve the community and the campus through their activities. GPB supports the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Gratiot County by holding an Easter Egg Hunt and a Christmas party. Their motto is “Founded on a rock.” The ideals of GPB can be found in this statement, ” The object of this organization shall be to develop the highest type of womanhood through education, social life, service to community and humanity.”
Kappa Iota
The Kappa Iota sorority was started on the Alma College campus on October 12, 1921 as a literary society. In 1950, the name was changed to the Kappa Iota Sorority. Although the name changed, Kappa Iotas strive to uphold the traditions and ideals created by their founding mothers. Kappa Iotas can be seen all over campus through their involvement in clubs, honor societies, and academics. As the only local sorority on campus, KIs stress open-mindedness, honesty, loyalty, friendship, and sisterhood. Also because of their local status, the sorority is allowed to have brother organizations and host campus parties. KIs support the community by helping the Gratiot County Women’s Aid Shelter, hosting the children’s games at the Highland Festival, and hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on campus for the faculty’s children.
Phi Sigma Sigma
The newest member of the Greek community at Alma College, Phi Sigma Sigma was colonized in the fall of 1997. The national organization was founded on November 26,1913. “Aim High” is the motto for the Phi Sigs and the organization supports its founding members’ emphasis on diversity in its membership. Phi Sigs support the National Kidney Foundation as their national philanthropy which focuses on research and medical advancement in the cure of kidney disease.
