Sigma Pi

Websites

UCB Chapter: www.cal-sigmapi.org

Year Founded

UCB Chapter: 1913

Additional Information

Chapter Summary/Information: The ideals of Sigma Pi, which constitute the underlying reason for the Fraternity's rise, development, and continued existence, are plainly set forth in the Constitution, and are in essence as follows: • To establish a brotherhood. • To establish and maintain an aristocracy of learning. • To raise the standards of morality and develop character. • To diffuse culture and encourage chivalry. • To promote the spirit of civic righteousness and quicken the national conscience. Though we attend different colleges and universities, in different regions of North America, we are bound by ritual as men of Sigma Pi. It is in this ritual that we have taken several oaths which make us desire to be a cut above the average college man. Our fellowship in brotherhood helps us all through the mutual supports of like minded individuals who strive to be the best as we prepare to be the new generation of leaders.

Message from the President: Welcome to the Iota Chapter of Sigma Pi International Fraternity at the University of California, Berkeley. The Iota Chapter was formally chartered into the Sigma Pi Fraternity on May 5th, 1913. Its roots, however, can be traced back even further to The Pirates Club. Founded in 1894, The Pirates Club is the oldest organization in the Fraternity, predating the Alpha Chapter by three years. Since that time, our house has both flourished and declined at different times, but has always maintained its strong spirit and dedication. We are proud to say that since our house was re-colonized in 1999, we have grown exponentially and are undoubtedly on the brink of becoming greater than ever before. In the past seven years our membership has not only increased exponentially but has grown from a group of close-knit friends to a diverse group of men with different backgrounds and experiences. Our prominence in the community at Cal has increased noticeably and we are undoubtedly becoming the premier social fraternity on campus, offering an unrivaled collegiate experience. Not only do we have the most talked about parties and events, the best sorority exchanges, and an exceptional legacy in IM sports, but we regularly achieve the highest fraternity GPA at cal and host many philanthropic events and community service projects. As time passes, we continue to grow and succeed as we work together to share our ideals and work in the service of God and man. The brothers of Iota Chapter welcome you and invite you to see for yourself the excellence that is Sigma Pi. Above all, we hope that you will sincerely consider joining our efforts.

Annual Events: Sigma Pi Galaxy | Cal Football Gamedays

Chapter Philanthropy: ACE Project: ACE is one of the best ways for any college student to enjoy the benefits of pride, honor and devotion to their alma mater as an undergraduate. As a student lives, studies, and works daily on their campus; they can work with the administration (through the ACE project ) to find a way to make it better. The campus is preparing each student for a career and life, and Sigma Pi Fraternity men give back to them with volunteer labor for the needs we can fill to enhance the collegiate experience. The ACE project is designed not only to help our school, but also to help boost the pride our members have in their campus, and leave a positive legacy for the future. Each project is different, and specially designed for the modern needs of our campus. SAM Spady Foundation: The mission of the SAM Spady Foundation is to educate all parents and students on the dangers of alcohol, specifically high-risk consumption, and the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning. The Foundation honors the memory of Samantha Spady, a 19-year old student at Colorado State University, who died of alcohol poisoning on September 5, 2004. Samantha affected people's lives in a unique way. Her friends remember Sam as a fun-loving, sensitive and “amazing” girl, who was a champion for the underdog and a good friend. Samantha’s death was an unintentional tragedy. It is the hope of the SAM Spady Foundation, with everyone’s support, that they can prevent a similar tragedy from happening.

Chapter History: The history of the Iota chapter begins in 1894 when a small group of close friends banded together to form a club known as the Pirate Club. The purpose of this club was quite logical: they wanted to rid themselves of some of the dreaded burdens of housekeeping and cooking during their college years. It was felt that by rotating these jobs among friends they would lighten their individual tasks. As the constitution, written in 1905 states: "The object of the club shall be to maintain a clubhouse and to promote fellowship among members." Not too much is known of the early history except what was written by Frank Merrill in greatly abbreviated form. To quote from Brother Merrill's ancient history: "In the early days of the Pirate Club it was strictly a baching affair. No furniture was allowed in the parlor, No member was to cut a swell figure in society." Later information from Mr. Merrill explains that the reason why no furniture was allowed in the parlor was that the room was used for boxing practice, and they didn't want to damage the furniture. Until 1905 all the club members rotated the cooking responsibilities and paid a house bill of $15 a month. By 1905 the baching days of the Pirate club were over, for they acquired not only a new clubhouse but also a cook. The club continued to rise in prominence and membership until by the fall of 1912 there were 19 active Pirates. On August 26, 1912, a committee was formed to consider a fraternity chapter. The committee prepared an extensive pamphlet containing Pirates' history, records, and interests. This was to become the petition for membership in Sigma Pi. On May 5, 1913, a special meeting was called by the Chief Pirate, forerunner of today's sage, for initiation of its members and alumni. The founding of the Iota Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity was celebrated at the Westin St. Frances. In Iota's first years, the successful transformation of the original Pirates club into a chapter of Sigma Pi was accomplished. More recently, the fraternity fell upon hard times in the 1990’s, and declining membership forced Iota chapter to shut down in 1997. In 1999, a group of young men from Priestly Hall of Unit III came together with their friends to restart the chapter. Iota was re-colonized May of 1999. In the Spring of 2000, Iota's first pledge class entered the house. On May 5th, 2001, 88 years after the chapter was founded, we celebrated the re-chartering of Iota chapter at the Westin St. Francis, the same hotel used to celebrate in 1913. Since then, Iota has continually grown and is currently flourishing. Our latest pledge class, Sigma class, is one of our largest ever, with 12 pledges successfully initiated, solidifying Sigma Pi as a prominent and well-respected entity on the Berkeley campus.

Contact Information: John West sage@cal-sigmapi.org

Address: 2434 Warring St Berkeley, CA 94704

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