Chapter History
Sigma Nu National Fraternity was in a significant expansion mode in 1919-1920 and Oklahoma A & M College was targeted as having strong potential. Founders and first member Everett Rains Newby and Bennie Owen (Delta Epsilon chapter members at OU) met at Peck’s Lodge with future member Leslie Swim about the local organization, Phi Kappa Delta, becoming part of Sigma Nu. Phi Kappa Delta, a local Greek organization, was the previous fraternal organization before the Epsilon Epsilon chapter was established for Sigma Nu. PKD was in existence for six years before petition and acceptance.
The PKD’s eventually accepted affiliation with Sigma Nu. The Sigma Nu National council approved the charter of the 97th chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity at Oklahoma A & M College on October 19, 1920 and the installation and initiation of members of EE occurred on November 13, 1920 at the Stillwater Masonic Hall. The first class of initiates had 34 members with Leslie Swim taking chapter number EE28 because all of his gear from the Army had been marked with that number. Thomas Edison Molacek was given EE1 and was elected the first commander.
The chapter enjoys over 2700 initiates hitting the following initiate milestones in the indicated years with the respective brother:
EE001 – 1920 Thomas Milacek
EE028 – 1920 Leslie Swim
EE500 – 1946 Gilbert Clift
EE1000 – 1964 Donald Romine
EE1500 – 1981 Jim Hoelker
EE2000 – 1997 Steve York
EE2500 – 2013 Caleb Watkins
EE2700 – 2020 Tristan O’Neil
EE has had a continued history of being one of, if not the best Sigma Nu chapters in the country by achieving Rock Chapter (aka model chapters) 12 times (1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018). Additionally, we have a long history of strong leaders as EE has had 44 Alpha Chapter Affiliates compared to 22 for the next closest chapter. We also have a proud record of Scholars of the Year with 9 awards. We have had 3 Talents of the Year and one Athlete of the Year.
EE has had strong alumni leadership and had 3 national fraternity Regents over the years. Regents were James Bradley (EE0086) in 1955, Charlie Eitel (EE1096) from 2012-2014, and Joe Francis (EE1310) from 2014-2016. Tom Mason was a chapter advisor and became a division commander for many years. Clarence “Grandaddy” Lambert was a constant for many years in maintaining the chapter house in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Neil Gilpin served as chapter advisor for 2000-2015 and instituted & attended the annual new candidate pilgrimage to VMI and national headquarters at Lexington, VA.
Centennial Campaign
In 2023, Chapter leadership cut the ribbon of a beautiful new facility serving the Epsilon Epsilon Family. Our re-invented physical structure maintains our expected level at the iconic site: 913 West University Avenue.
The next generation of our fraternity House will serve as a visual representation of our ideals. Actives now enjoy increased space, improved amenities and featured offerings ensuring our collegiate Brothers are housed in a space that not only meets their needs, but fosters self-improvement in an enhanced living and learning environment. Our new facility is enjoyed by the 100,000 visitors who enjoy OSU’s World’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration and more. The new house complements efforts in recruiting young men who excel in academics, leadership, athletics and campus activities at Oklahoma State University - where these Sigma Nu qualities have reigned supreme for a century.