History

Founded

March 9, 1856; University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa

Mission Statement

The mission of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is to promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service for our members based upon the ideals set forth by our Founders and as specifically enunciated in our creed.

Fast Facts

223 total chapters + 19 colonies = 242 total groups

Approximately 11,000 undergraduates

Average chapter size, including pledges and actives, is 52 men.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon has initiated more than 296,000 men in total.

The Fraternity’s largest chapters are located at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, with 184 members, and the University of Texas at Austin, with 176 members.

There are approximately 190,000 living alumni in the Fraternity. The average colony size is 23 men, and the average colony GPA is 3.0.

Events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon turned 155 on Wednesday, March 9, which was our Founders Day.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Supreme Council selected 25 top-notch undergraduates to participate in an exclusive leadership training program called the Inner Circle, which took place March 25-27 in Prince Frederick, Maryland.

The inaugural DeVotie Ritual Institute took place April 15-16, 2011, at the Levere Memorial Temple. This unique event provided initiated, undergraduate brothers with the experience to learn about the Ritual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and its application in both chapter and individual life.

The True Gentleman Day of Service, partnered with National Youth Service Day, was held April 15-17, 2011. Last year, more than 100 groups participated. Their time resulted in approximately 15,000 man hours of service.

The SAE Amateur Golf Tournament took place May 18-21, 2011, in Pensacola, Florida, and the SAE World Series took place June 3-4, 2011, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Both events are sponsored and organized by the local alumni associations in those cities. In addition, these summer events have been part of our calendar for several decades.

The 155th Anniversary Convention met in Memphis, Tennessee, from July 7-9, 2011. The historic Peabody Hotel served as the official convention property. More than 400 collegiate and alumni members attended the conclave.

The 76th John O. Moseley Leadership School took place August 8-12, 2011, on a Royal Caribbean cruise, which sailed the Caribbean. More members attended the event than any other Leadership School in recent history.