The History of Sigma Phi Epsilon:
Cal Psi

   The Pepperdine chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon began as two local fraternities known as Phi Phi Phi (founded in 1946) and Tau Rho Sigma (founded 1967). Realizing the need to create a stronger brotherhood and to affliate with a national fraternity, both groups came together in the summer of 1995 and decided to merge two local fraternities into one, under the Tau Rho Sigma's charter.

      For decades, Pepperdine University's entire Greek system was local until the Universtiy decided to allow national Greeks on to the Malibu campus. The primary goal of the new Tau Rho Sigma was to become the first nationally chartered fraternity at Pepperdine University. During the summer months of 1995, Brothers Von Hurwitz, Ko, Watari, Spivey, Cripps, Chang, and Hickox spent countless hours contacting and researching all national fraternities that existed in the United States. They gathered materials from sixty-four national fraternities and investigated each one searching for the one fraternity that would best meet the needs of both Tau Rho Sigma and Pepperdine University. After meeting with representatives from a member of national fraternities, these Brothers found Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, then represented by Clayton Funk, to best represent their objectives and ideals.

      After much careful discussion, the Brothers announced their desire to pursue a charter of Sigma Phi Epsilon in December of 1995. Following their decision, the Brothers began their quest for a national charter by submitting an application to the Pepperdine Faculty Oversight Committee. This step was necessary in order to have the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity recognized on the Malibu campus.

      One week after the presentation of their application to the Oversight Committee in March of 1996, Sigma Phi Epsilon was approved and became the first national fraternity on Pepperdine's campus. Colonization began immediately following the Committee's approval. The current Brothers then began their education of Sigma Phi Epsilon's history. During their education process, they acquired an abundance of information and direction regarding the transition from local to national fraternity. On Sunday, March 24, 1996, seventeen Brothers of Tau Rho Sigma entered the Sigma Rite of Passage and were inducted as the first Pepperdine members of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Our fraternity has now grown to 56 members strong; triple the number it began with in 1996. The California Psi Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon continues to strive as the largest fraterntiy on the Pepperdine Campus, promoting the cardinal principles of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love.