On November 2, 1963, the Theta Tau Upsilon Fraternity at Indiana Institute of Technology succeeded in becoming the seventh chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon in the state. Now, just fifty years later, Indiana Eta has had more than 640 men pass through our doors, including brothers like Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Brandan Haines, ’99, and District 3 Lieutenant Governor Paul Litcher, ’88. Today, Indiana Eta touts a strong history of producing men who espouse SigEp’s principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love. 

On November 2, 2013, more than 200 of these men came back to Fort Wayne to help us celebrate Indiana Eta’s 50th year. 

The weekend started off with everyone gathering to watch a baseball game and get to know their neighboring generations. We were all able to meet and talk casually, and it was a great start to the weekend. On Saturday morning, we were able to give a tour of the house and campus to our alumni who had been away from campus for many years, simultaneously telling them about what all has changed and learning a lot about our history. Following the tour, the alumni were able to attend an alumni and volunteer corporation (AVC) meeting and catch up on the chapter’s progress. The meeting was very informative and really sparked a re-interest in the state of the active chapter, as well as a push for more active-alumni interaction.

The night of the main celebration, all who were eligible were able to watch as we performed the Epsilon Rite of Passage. It was truly something else to hold that Ritual with such a packed room, and it was an experience that I believe that few who were present will soon forget. Following the Ritual, we held a discussion on how the chapter had changed since switching to the Balanced Man Program in 1998 for the benefit of those who had previously graduated.

After a formal dinner, we had many hours to talk and share stories. The evening was filled with laughter and smiling faces as brothers shared advice and reminisced about old times. I know that I had a wonderful time talking with brothers of all ages and professions, and I know that the rest of the chapter felt the same way.

At the end of the evening, we all left with new memories of an unforgettable evening and a strengthened sense of brotherly love with all men who proudly call themselves SigEps.