Freshman Kyle Baum never thought he would join a fraternity in college. He never thought he would be greek.

“I was coming in (to Baker) not going greek at all,” Baum said.

But despite that, he decided to sign up for recruitment. On the first day of recruitment, he visited Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, better known as “SigEp.” Right away he was impressed with the men in the fraternity.

“They weren’t afraid to come up and talk to me,” Baum said.

But what really impressed him was when senior Zack Rockey asked Baum by name to take his place during a volleyball game that night.

“So, I just took my socks and shoes off and jumped in,” Baum said.

From then on, he kept going back to the house and eventually was asked to join.

“After I got my bid card, it took a couple days to convince my parents,” Baum said. “I knew it was the best decision for me. It’s what I wanted and I don’t regret it.”

So, just as Baum becomes a Sigma Phi Epsilon member this year, so marks the beginning of a special, centennial milestone for his fraternity.

It was on April 2, 1910, when Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity began on Baker’s campus, making it the first Sigma Phi Epsilon in Kansas and the 34th chapter out of the now 241 nationwide.

Going into its 100th year, Baker’s Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter has 44 members, 22 of which are new members like Baum.

“It’s cool to be starting out at the 100th year,” Baum said. “It’s definitely a great start.”

Ryan McCluney, junior and president of the fraternity, started out wanting to be involved in leadership opportunities, he just didn’t know he would go greek.

“It’s been a good experience for me, because I didn’t even think I would join a house,” McCluney said.

He found it really easy to get instantly involved with leadership positions within Sigma Phi Epsilon. He also said the men know how to balance work and play in the fraternity.

Sometimes they will play volleyball, golf or even card games or watch movies. But, they also have study sessions and people are willing to help tutor each other.

“One of our cardinal principles is diligence, and I think that’s a pretty good (word) to describe Sig Ep,” McCluney said. “This would be the best year to celebrate it as well. This year has been a great year.”

But this milestone won’t be celebrated by current members alone. Several alumni will get in on the celebrating as well.

1984 Baker graduate Dale Werts had always planned on joining a fraternity because his sister was in a sorority and it sounded like a lot of fun to him. He just wasn’t sure which fraternity to join.

"It was a really tough decision," Werts said. "But it came down to the people."<br/>Werts joined Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1980 and really connected with the men in the fraternity. They became his life-long friends and he still hangs out with a few of them occasionally.Werts joined Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1980 and really connected with the men in the fraternity. They became his life-long friends and he still hangs out with a few of them occasionally.
Werts joined Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1980 and really connected with the men in the fraternity. They became his life-long friends and he still hangs out with a few of them occasionally.

Going greek was something 1999 Baker graduate Chris Newlin also always wanted to do. He felt really welcomed by the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon and joined the fraternity in 1995. Some of his best friends were his fraternity brothers, and a couple of them were even in his wedding.

"(Sigma Phi Epsilon has) been a really important part of my life," Newlin said.<br/>In order to commemorate this centennial milestone, Doug Barth, director of alumni and corporate relations, said the fraternity's celebration is being held in conjunction with alumni weekend.In order to commemorate this centennial milestone, Doug Barth, director of alumni and corporate relations, said the fraternity's celebration is being held in conjunction with alumni weekend.
In order to commemorate this centennial milestone, Doug Barth, director of alumni and corporate relations, said the fraternity’s celebration is being held in conjunction with alumni weekend.

“For an organization like Sig Ep, to last this long is pretty amazing,” Barth said.  “We want to honor that 100 years.”

So, Sigma Phi Epsilon will use this annual alumni event to place special focus on the fraternity turning 100.

“100 years is a long time, it is truly remarkable,” Werts said.

Festivities will begin with a golf tournament May 21 at Deer Creek Golf Club in Overland Park. Later that evening will be an alumni reunion dinner and social at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park.

On May 22, Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni and current members will celebrate STAG at the fraternity with softball and volleyball games, dinner and meetings.

“It’s fantastic, it’s awesome,” Newlin said. “Use whatever adjective you want.”