Maryland Sigma began as a local group in January of 1974. We were the first group on the Salisbury State College (now Salisbury University) campus organized to eventually become a chapter of a National Greek Social Fraternity. To begin the long road, a local alumni association had to be formed to provide direction, guidance, and support for the “Brothers-to-be.” On March 6, 1974, the Salisbury-Eastern Shore Alumni Association was charted with ten members. Over the next 21 months, they worked hard with the interest group and members from other local SAE chapters in Province Gamma. Focus was placed on the areas of rush, fundraising, and leadership development to prepare the men for the next step. SAE Colony status was awarded to 28 men at a formal installation ceremony on October 18, 1975, naming them the Phi Alpha Colony. Continued development and growth of the colony led to an affirmative vote by the delegates of the 121st National convention on June 20, 1977; where by Maryland Sigma was born.
The Chapter name of “Maryland Sigma” was chosen for three distinct reasons. 1) Geography: the chapter was located in Salisbury, Maryland. 2) Founder: Mike Scarborough was one of the first members of the interest group that directed and followed the men from early development through installation as a chapter of SAE. 3) Visionary: Jim Sakers (MDBE ’69) had the initial dream and drive to establish a chapter in Salisbury. His personal presence and persistence, province leadership and association with the national Fraternity made the dream come true. An installation weekend ceremony was held in mid-November with the formal initiation ceremony of 41 brothers taking place on November 12, 1977. The chapter has celebrated 28 birthdays and initiated over 447 Brothers since 1977.
National History
Founded:
March 9, 1856 at the 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.
Membership:
The Fraternity resides on college and university campuses, as a guest of the host institution. The current structure includes more than 8,200 undergraduates at more than 200 chapters in 48 states and Canada. Alumni are active in more than 75 alumni associations.
Governance Structure:
The organization is governed through a five-person executive board (Supreme Council) that is elected at biennial conventions. An executive director (Eminent Supreme Recorder) supervises a staff of approximately 30 at the Fraternity Service Center in Evanston, Illinois, and eight regional directors. The United States and Canada are divided into 30 regions (provinces) overseen by regional volunteers called province archons. Each chapter is required to have an active chapter adviser.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation:
The SAE Foundation was established in 1927 to create programs that promote the highest ideals of academic and personal development. The existing programs include named scholarships, a student-loan program and the international Leadership School that has produced more than 25,000 graduates. The SAE Foundation awards $30,000 in scholarships annually in support of its mission.
Prominent Alumni:
William McKinley, Elliot Ness, David Spade, Phil Jackson, Dennis Erickson, William Faulkner, Joe Foss, Bob Ballard, General Richard Myers, Ernie Harwell, Tony Boselli, Bo Schembechler, Nick Lachey, Fred Savage, and Joe Walt.
Fast Facts:
SAE is North America’s largest social fraternity with more than 280,000 initiated members. Fraternal symbols include the lion, the phoenix, Minerva, and the fleur-de-lis. Sigma Alpha Epsilon was the first fraternity to establish a national headquarters (1929), a national Leadership School (1935), a national Men’s Health Issues Committee (1980), and a career-development program entitled the Leading Edge (1990). Currently, the Fraternity offers a comprehensive member-education program called The True Gentleman Initiative. The Fraternity communicates through The Record magazine, a quarterly publication that has been published continuously since 1880. New members receive a copy of The Phoenix pledge manual for educational development.