The long road to rechartering for the second SigEp chapter, originally founded in 1902, has led to success. After recolonizing in 2008, the Virginia Commonwealth SEC had its charter application approved and received its official charter on October 4, 2013.

Much of the chapter’s success can be attributed to recruiting the right men. From fall 2010 to the present, the chapter’s size has doubled from 32 to well over 60 men. Simultaneously, through strict accountability for academic standards, the chapter’s GPA has risen each semester to reach its current mark of 3.16. Leadership is not confined to the chapter’s work as nearly all brothers are also members of other campus student organizations; half hold leadership spots in other organizations. A remarkable four out of the past five VCU Homecoming Kings have been SigEps, a feat that is unmatched.

The chapter’s growth and success has also benefitted from increasing alumni involvement as well as resources from the national Fraternity at Zollinger House, located only a few blocks from the school. Thanks largely to scholarships provided by volunteers, four representatives went to the 2013 Conclave. Headquarters staff has held yearly recruitment workshops for the chapter’s membership.

Other aspects of growth and achievement have occurred during the chapter’s time as an SEC, including intramurals and philanthropy. SigEp has risen to prominence in intramurals in every sport, a further testament to the benefits of quality recruiting. They also hold a women’s self defense class every year to teach women on campus to fight back against violence. The class is led by a former military serviceman and seventh degree black belt. The chapter also raised over $2,000 for breast cancer awareness.

Virginia Beta is proud of its progress, and its future is even more promising. To sustain the chapter’s success, officers plan to continue to encourage involvement in groups across campus as well as expand philanthropic efforts. A main avenue for Virginia Beta’s future success is alumni relations. Every semester, new chapter alumni re-engage and are eager to help the newly chartered chapter. With future fundraising efforts, the chapter has its eye on permanent housing in the coming years. Chapter leaders realize that obtaining a charter is not an endpoint, but a starting line for the future of Virginia Beta. The chapter is motivated to continue its rise to shoot for the Buchanan Cup in Nashville in 2015!