Sigma Chi

Websites

UCB Chapter: www.calsigs.com

Year Founded

UCB Chapter: 1886

Additional Information

Chapter Summary/Information: Sigma Chi is about much more than brotherhood, philanthropy and social events; our fraternity's goal is to be the preeminent values-based leadership organization. The specific purpose of the fraternity, as stated in our Constitution, is "to cultivate and maintain the high ideals of Friendship, Justice, and Learning upon which Sigma Chi is founded." In that way, we are constantly striving to be the best across the board, keeping a high GPA, a strong brotherhood, and continuing to be of service to others. The size of our house is a testament to our bond, as our attendance is consistently high and turnout to events is telling of our passion for the house. What sets us apart is our insistence on diversity. In our literature, it is stressed that our brothers be held to certain standards, and that we choose brothers of different temperaments, talents, and convictions, but still share a common belief in our ideals. It is possible to find brothers from all backgrounds that seemingly would have nothing in common, yet the ideas and values that Sigma Chi maintains hold them together. We believe that this diversity creates an ideal learning environment and that the embrace of differences brings about the most interesting aspects of our brothers.

Annual Events: Sigma Chi Derby Days | Sigma Chi Sweethearts | Scholarship Dinner (every semester)

Chapter Philanthropy: The Huntsman Cancer Institute, founded by philanthropist Jon Hunstman (Phi Phi, University of Pennsylvania). The mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute combines groundbreaking research and state-of-the art patient care with the offering of hope and support for cancer patients and their families. Our teams of research scientists, medical professionals, and cancer educators are working to understand cancer, improve treatments, and help patients fight their disease. Former Huntsman Cancer Foundation President, Jon Huntsman, Jr., explains, "It is the goal of Huntsman Cancer Institute to become a symbol of hope and optimism. We want those carrying the heavy burden of cancer to feel strengthened and hopeful."

Chapter History: After the Civil War, former general and Sigma Chi Harry St. John Dixon, settled in Fresno. He decided that Sigma Chi had a place on the campuses of the West Coast. In 1886, with Dixon's help and guidance, the Alpha Beta chapter of Sigma Chi was chartered with seven initiates. Until the chapter built its permanent home at the corner of College and Channing, it rented houses on Ridge Road (site of the current engineering building), Durant (across from Kip's) and Channing (above Prospect). In the spring of 1933, under the name Channingway Derby, the Alpha Beta chapter pioneered the now renowned Derby Days. Located on Channing Way, the Alpha Beta Sigma Chis sponsored an event composed of a series of humorous skits. In fact, one publication later cited the Channingway Derby as California’s most amusing tradition. It is an extreme understatement to say Berkeley changed during the sixties. Entering the decade, fraternities and sororities were accepted as part of the norm. By the end of it, several houses were either suspended or decommissioned. In the early 60’s, the Alpha Beta chapter was much like it was during the 1920's - filled with an eclectic group of leaders. Among the alumni from that era are State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi and former NFL star Ed White. After a rough patch in recruitment during the 90’s, several small but motivated pledge classes and leadership by select older brothers brought in a very large pledge class in the Fall of 2000 that proceeded to take over the house as their own. Sound financial management and dedicated Risk Management, as well as renewed interest by the alumni and Alpha Beta Hall led to a revival of Alpha Beta as one of the top houses on campus. With consecutive years of being 2nd amongst fraternities in GPA, dominance in campus athletics, and a strong brotherhood, the chapter had regularly 40 members during any single semester. Consequently, this trend continued with the success of the chapter’s recruiting efforts in 2001 and 2002. Members from these pledge classes immediately undertook leadership roles and sparked a new vibrant energy in the chapter. As a result, the house itself underwent a significant amount of aesthetic work including a new basketball court, weight room, and living room. Moreover, with the restoration of Derby Days in the fall of 2002 (the largest and most successful philanthropy on campus) and the institution of the Girls 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, the chapter established itself among the Greek Community as a figurehead for philanthropic efforts. Alpha Beta was also the recipient of one of the highest awards given to undergraduate Sigma Chi chapters for all around excellence. A Peterson Award was obtained for the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 school years. Led by a string of extensively impressive classes, the Alpha Beta chapter won the BASH award for most improved chapter and received the Legion of Honor award for our stellar scholastic standard. Looking forward to the future, our house plans to maintain our progressive leadership approach, our strength of brotherhood, and our status as one of the largest fraternities on campus.

Address: 2345 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

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