Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded on November 1st, 1901 at Richmond College on the premise that, “This fraternity will be different” (Richmond College is now the University of Richmond). In order to achieve that vision the founders instituted our Three Cardinal Principles: Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love. Sigma Phi Epsilon, as a national organization, has recruited more men in the past 20 years than any other fraternal organization. Currently Sigma Phi Epsilon has over 15,000 active undergraduate members with 228 active chapters. In addition, Sigma Phi Epsilon has 321,000 lifetime members, which ranks our organization as the third largest NIC(North-American Interfraternity Conference) fraternity in America.
On October 31st, 2004, several men at Christopher Newport University founded the Virginia Pi chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Like the founders themselves, the chapter was formed on the premise that this fraternity will be different. We have stuck to that principle during our fifteen year history as a chapter, and continue to strive for improvements in all walks of life. Our brothers are some of the most committed students on Christopher Newport University’s campus. Not only have we won Homecoming King several times over the past decade, we have captured what it means to be a true CNU Captain. Our brothers serve as leaders on this campus as Resident Assistants (RAs), Front Desk Assistants (FDAs), Student Ambassadors, Orientation Leaders and SLAP Facilitators, and involved with CAB in many different forms. We are directly involved with the University and strive to make it better day in and day out. Over the past several years we have had multiple brothers serve on Student Assembly, as Student Body President, Vice President, Treasurer, etc. We also take a strong stance on defending our University's Honor Code by holding positions on CNU’s Honor Council. We play a pivotal role in upcoming freshmen's lives by facilitating each Setting Sail event over the summer and by being a voice of guidance for freshmen during their welcome week. Virginia Pi consistently has the highest GPA of all Greek life at Christopher Newport University, averaging a 3.4 for the Fall 2018 Semester. Lastly, our chapter has won the Buchanan Cup, an award given out bi-annually to chapters who thrive in every area on their campuses, four times (the past four consecutively).
Sigma Phi Epsilon is more than just a fraternity, it is a way of life. We are determined to build Balanced Men that will excel in any walk of life that they choose.