The history of the Ohio Rho chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon can be traced back to the fall of 1988. It was then when a group of men, led by Steve Dorth, founded a special interest group at the University of Dayton call “Delta Colony.” After meeting with many national fraternities, in February 1989 a meeting with Don Swanson of Sigma Phi Epsilon ended all other considerations. Because of consistent adherence to fraternal principles and Don’s contagious pride in his fraternities, SigEp quickly became the ideal choice. The cardinal principles of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love particularly appealed to Delta Colony. On March 13, 1989, thirty-four men were installed as the Sigma Epsilon Colony, SEC, of University of Dayton.
By the end of the 1988-89 school year, SEC’s position looked very promising with forty-five (45) men becoming members. However, with the summer months and limited communication options available at the time, numbers dwindled. Nine men returned in the Fall of 1989: Steve Dorth, Sergio Mariani, Mark Moser, Randy Krack, Bill Frank, Pat MacLellan, Rob Bauer, Greg Steinlage, and Bob Flory. SEC regrouped and pushed forward. After several successful Rush periods, in 1990 the SEC secured the first house, located at 226 L Street. Upon moving into the new SigEp house, members and alumni posted the letters on the porch roof and painted the door of the house red signifying “brothers always welcome.”
After moving to the second Chapter House, located at 236 L Street and 36 active members, the Ohio Rho chapter was installed on March 28th, 1992.
Following a move to our most recent Chapter House in 1997, located at 425 College Park, the light of Sigma Phi Epsilon has passed from class to class and new brothers welcomed each semester. It is the responsibility of every brother to ensure that the fine traditions established by the national Founding Fathers and our chapter Founding Fathers will be passed on.