The Minnesota Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded at the University of Minnesota on April 15, 1916. While the chapter was dormant from 1958 to 1978, it has been a cornerstone of Minnesota student involvement since its return to campus. The chapter commemorated its 100th anniversary on April 15, 2016, with undergraduates and over 40 local alumni attending a barbeque where plans for a larger, fall celebration were announced.

More than 250 brothers and guests attended the 100-year celebration on Sept. 23-24. Over 100 alumni traveled from both coasts and many states for the largest meeting of Minnesota Alpha alumni since the chapter was rechartered. The gathering included a banquet, service event, speakers, house tours and a tailgate party prior to the University of Minnesota football game that ended with the school’s Golden Gophers winning over the Colorado State Rams.

At the Friday evening celebration, the chapter also welcomed longtime chef Aloma Gibson into the Fraternity through the Renaissance of Brotherhood. Gibson has served the Minnesota Chapter as chef for over 23 years and is an important part of the chapter’s history and culture. Throughout his time with the brothers, Gibson has exhibited the values required of a SigEp, and the chapter was excited to formalize his connection to the brotherhood.

A second major highlight of the weekend-long celebration was the announcement of the chapter’s Second Century Capital Campaign. The campaign will provide for necessary renovations to the chapter home, and many undergraduates will see an immediate impact in their surroundings since work is expected to start this summer. Alumni kicked off the campaign by making commitments toward its $350,000 goal. Major commitments were made by Alumni and Volunteer Corporation President Matt Beck, Iowa ’90; District Governor David McLaughlin, Minnesota ’92; Jason Somrock, Minnesota ’02; and Jeff Somrock, Minnesota ’05.