Beta Sigma Psi
Encyclopedia
Beta Sigma Psi National Lutheran Fraternity (ΒΣΨ) is a pan Lutheran fraternity
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...

 and is the second oldest Christian fraternal organization in the United States of America. Founded at the University of Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a large public research-intensive university in the state of Illinois, United States. It is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system...

 in 1925, ΒΣΨ has more than 7,500 initiated members. With 10 chapters and colonies in 7 states, there are currently over 300 undergraduate members. Beta Sigma Psi is centered around three S's: Spiritual, Scholastic, and Social.

Purpose

The Purpose of Beta Sigma Psi National Lutheran Fraternity:

To provide an environment in which the Lutheran college man can grow spiritually, scholastically, and socially. To that end Beta Sigma Psi undertakes programs designed to develop Christian leaders and to aid the individual in assuming a satisfying and useful role in society. Through its alumni and undergraduate leadership Beta Sigma Psi endeavors to assist each member:
  1. Develop Character
  2. Develop Intellectual Awareness
  3. Develop Social Responsibility to Chapter, College, Community, State, Nation, and World
  4. Develop Spiritual Welfare
  5. Develop Brotherhood
  6. Develop Integrity
  7. Promote Friendship
  8. Advance Justice

Founding

Beta Sigma Psi was founded as a national fraternity for Lutheran students on April 17, 1925. The Fraternity had its origins in the concerns of a Lutheran pastor for students who had been entrusted to his spiritual care at the University of Illinois.

The Rev. Frederick William Gustav Stiegemeyer, the son of a Lutheran pastor, was born on January 16, 1878 in a parsonage in Dubuque, Iowa. Early in his life, he decided to follow his father's footsteps and serve the Lord. He received his college education at Concordia College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and prepared for the ministry at Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary is located in Clayton, Missouri, an inner-ring suburb on the western border of St. Louis, Missouri. The institution's primary mission is to train pastors, deaconesses, missionaries, chaplains, and church leaders for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod . The current president of...

 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Rev. Stiegemeyer served his congregations faithfully, serving churches in Ohio, West Virginia, and Illinois. In 1911, he accepted a call to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
Champaign is a city in Champaign County, Illinois, in the United States. The city is located south of Chicago, west of Indianapolis, Indiana, and 178 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Though surrounded by farm communities, Champaign is notable for sharing the campus of the University of...

, Illinois. As part of his ministry, he was to serve the students at the University of Illinois.

In the fall of 1919, he organized the Lutheran Illini League with a nucleus of ten students. At that time their intentions was to do no more than meet once or twice a week for religious instruction and discussion on contemporary issues. In the fall of 1920, now with twenty members, the Lutheran Illini League rented a house, and in early 1921 was reorganized as the Concordia Club.

By 1923 the group regularly participated in campus activities; so much so that they began being referred to as the "Concordia Fraternity." This was among the circumstances that encouraged some of the members to give serious thought to once again reorganizing and making it part of the university's fraternity system. Meetings were held, and plans were laid to organize as a new national fraternity.

Those men who worked on these plans were convinced that they would create a National Lutheran fraternity that would maintain all the noble aspirations of the early Concordia Club founders. Those who shared this conviction were:
  • Harold Ahlbrand
  • Wilbur E. Augustine
  • Norbert W. Behrens
  • Herman H. Gilster
  • Arden F. Henry
  • Russell Henry
  • Julius J. Seidel
  • Rev. Stiegemeyer
  • William H. Welge


These men, considered the founding fathers of Beta Sigma Psi, decided to act in the spring of 1925. Incorporation papers were filed for Beta Sigma Psi National Lutheran Fraternity on April 17, 1925 in Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...

, Illinois.

Growth

The Concordia Club at Champaign had been in correspondence with the Rev. Paul Schmidt, who had formed a similar organization at Purdue University for Lutheran students. One month after incorporation papers were filed in Springfield, Illinois, members of Alpha Chapter drove to Purdue to help organize Beta Chapter. Within months, the first National Council of Beta Sigma Psi was elected.

In the 1920s, Beta Sigma Psi experienced a prosperous early growth. Gamma Chapter at the University of Michigan (1928) and Delta Chapter at the University of Nebraska (1929) soon joined Alpha and Beta chapters. By this time, guests from other Concordia Clubs from all around were attending National Council meetings, and Alpha Chapter was busy building a new house.

When the depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...

 of the 1930s hit, fraternity financing became very difficult, and Gamma Chapter was forced to close in 1933. Alpha Chapter closed in 1940. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

, Beta Sigma Psi had only two chapters, Beta and Delta, with a combined membership of fourteen men. At this time, an undergraduate member named Delmar Lienemann from Delta Chapter stepped forward and was elected Secretary Treasurer. He started his job with nothing more than the National Constitution and a great determination to keep the fraternity alive. Del served Beta Sigma Psi loyally as a volunteer for 22 years, and now the fraternity's highest honor is named for him.

Through hard work and determination, Beta Sigma Psi survived World War II, and in 1949, Epsilon Chapter was established at Iowa State University. Expansion continued over the next few years as Zeta Chapter was organized at Kansas State University in 1951, and Eta Chapter followed at the University of Missouri–Rolla in 1952. That year at the National Council meeting in Ames, Iowa, the fraternity found another leader who would work with Del for many years. John Hingst, an alumnus of Beta Chapter, was elected National President, and went on to serve for 14 years in that position. Then in 1955, Alpha Chapter was reactivated, and in 1962 Iota Chapter was chartered at the University of Missouri - Columbia.

Beta Sigma Psi continued to prosper in the 1960s due to its Lutheran membership, its common faith principles, and the strong leadership of alumni such as John Hingst of Beta Chapter and Larry Edwards of Zeta Chapter. Throughout the decade, new chapters were formed at several new campuses, including Western Michigan University, Eastern Illinois University, and the University of Minnesota. Growth was so rapid that the fraternity decided to add a full-time staff person. Although Del Lienemann had served faithfully as a loyal volunteer in the role of Secretary-Treasurer, the National Council decided in 1965 that in order for Beta Sigma Psi to become a strong national fraternity, it needed to have a full-time employee. Dick Weiss, an alumnus of Epsilon Chapter, was named the fraternity's first salaried Secretary-Treasurer, and the National Headquarters office was moved from Omaha, Nebraska, to St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1969, Beta Sigma Psi became a full member of the National Interfraternity Conference
North-American Interfraternity Conference
The North-American Interfraternity Conference , is an association of collegiate men's fraternities that was formally organized in 1910, although it began on November 27, 1909. The power of the organization rests in a House of Delegates where each member fraternity is represented by a single delegate...

. The NIC had long been dominated by large national fraternities with 100 or more chapters. Hence, Beta Sigma Psi became the first "niche" fraternity to be recognized as a full member of NIC. Soon afterwards, other groups representing Latino, African-American, and other religious fraternities sought membership in NIC as well.

The Rev. Walter E. Rose, campus pastor at Eastern Illinois University and pastoral adviser to Mu Chapter, moved to St. Louis in 1971 to succeed Dick Weiss as Executive Director. At the suggestion of several parents, Rev. Rose helped to form Phi Beta Chi
Phi Beta Chi
Phi Beta Chi is a national sorority formed to support collegiate women socially, spiritually and academically. Phi Beta Chi was founded on Christian/Lutheran values and celebrates its heritage...

 Lutheran Sorority at the University of Illinois. For a time, he served as the executive director of both organizations and is recognized today as a founder of Phi Beta Chi. Phi Beta Chi has since formed several chapters and become a national sorority.

Challenge and Resolve

Beta Sigma Psi faced major difficulties from the 1970s through the early 1990s. Around two-thirds of Beta Sig chapters closed during those years. Some closed as a result of the general decline in Greek communities throughout the country. Others closed due to pressures facing many fraternities at that time, including hazing or poor grades. Many closed because there was no longer a viable Lutheran male population on campus or because the chapter has lost a commitment to the principles of Beta Sigma Psi. The greatest challenge to the fraternity came when Delta Chapter, which had the most initiated members of any Beta Sig chapter, was forced to close in 1994.

New leadership came from Craig Varner of Iota Chapter, who was elected national president in 1996. Under his leadership, Beta Sigma Psi created an annual Membership Education Forum and revived its Leadership Academy. Expansion focus shifted from large universities to smaller Lutheran colleges. With these changes, Beta Sigma Psi led all national fraternities in 1999 with a 97% increase in associate members from the previous academic year.

During the first part of the 21st century, Beta Sigma Psi has continued to grow even as the Greek population continues to decline. Delta Chapter was rechartered in 2006. The National Fraternity has hired a full-time staff member to better serve its collegiate and alumni members. Commitment to the principles of Beta Sigma Psi has been emphasized among the chapters.

Into the Future

The future of the Fraternity is in the hands of its members. Edgar Friedrichs, Beta Sigma Psi's first national president, once observed that "Beta Sigma Psi was organized as a means of serving the Church -- as a means to the end. Let us therefore be vigilant lest the means become an end in itself."

Statement of Principles

The following are the principles every member of Beta Sigma Psi strives to live up to:

With God's help I will strive to:
  • Show my faith in Jesus Christ, live the ideals of a Christian gentleman, uphold the traditions and beliefs of the Lutheran Church, and share my faith with others
  • Be loyal to Christ, my brothers, and myself
  • So serve my church, campus, and community through the pursuit of excellence in all my endeavors


With the support and encouragement of the brotherhood within Beta Sigma Psi.

Symbols

Luther's Emblem
Luther rose
The Luther seal or Luther rose is a widely-recognized symbol for Lutheranism. It was the seal that was designed for Martin Luther at the behest of Prince John Frederick, in 1530, while Luther was staying at the Coburg Fortress during the Diet of Augsburg. Lazarus Spengler, to whom Luther wrote his...

- Luther's Emblem or seal consists of a black cross inside of a red heart inside of a rose and represents the Lutheran faith that is represented strongly in the men of Beta Sigma Psi. It is incorporated into the coat of arms and the badge.

The Badge
The Badge of Beta Sigma Psi consists of black cross contained in a heart which is superimposed on a gold rose (Luther's Emblem). The emblem is placed on a shield with the Greek letters Beta Sigma Psi in an arc above the rose. The variation of the badge includes eighteen pearls bordering the shield. The badge is worn by activated members of Beta Sigma Psi.

The Flag - The Flag of Beta Sigma Psi consists of the Coat of Arms set upon a field of Cardinal red and white with the letters in the upper left quadrant.

The Banner - The Banner of Beta Sigma Psi consists of the Coat of Arms set upon a field of Cardinal red and white.

The Gold Rose - The Gold Rose is the official flower of Beta Sigma Psi. The fraternity's national publication and yearly national formal are also named after the flower.

Organization

The organization of Beta Sigma Psi National Lutheran Fraternity is unique. In order to divide the duties and services, three separate corporations or entities were formed, each with a specific mission, purpose, and Board of Directors. The three corporations are the National Fraternity, the Education Foundation, and the Housing Foundation.

Active Chapters

  • Alpha - University of Illinois
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is a large public research-intensive university in the state of Illinois, United States. It is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system...

    , 1925-1940, 1955
  • Beta - Purdue University, 1925
  • Delta - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1929-1995, 2006
  • Epsilon - Iowa State University
    Iowa State University
    Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...

    , 1949
  • Zeta - Kansas State University, 1951
  • Eta - Missouri University of Science and Technology
    Missouri University of Science and Technology
    Missouri University of Science and Technology is an institution of higher learning located in Rolla, Missouri, United States, and part of the University of Missouri System...

    , 1952
  • Iota - University of Missouri
    University of Missouri
    The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...

    , 1962
  • Omega - Indiana University
    Indiana University Bloomington
    Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana, in the United States. IU Bloomington is the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. Being the flagship campus, IU Bloomington is often referred to simply as IU or Indiana...

    , 2000-2002, 2010
  • Alpha Alpha - Midland University, 2001

Inactive Chapters

  • Gamma - University of Michigan
    University of Michigan
    The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...

    , 1928-1933
  • Theta - Michigan Technological University
    Michigan Technological University
    Michigan Technological University is a public research university located in Houghton, Michigan, United States. Its main campus sits on on a bluff overlooking Portage Lake...

     - 1962-1973 - Now Beta Sigma Theta
    Beta Sigma Theta
    Beta Sigma Theta is one of three remaining local fraternities at Michigan Technological University.The objectives of Beta Sigma Theta are:* to promote a fraternity of students on the campus of Michigan Technological University;...

    , 1973-Present
  • Kappa - University of Minnesota, 1963-1983
  • Lambda - Western Michigan University
    Western Michigan University
    Western Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....

    , 1964-1973 recolonized 2011-present
  • Mu - Eastern Illinois University
    Eastern Illinois University
    Eastern Illinois University is a state university located in Charleston, Illinois, United States. Established in 1895 as the Eastern Illinois State Normal School, a teacher's college offering a two-year degree, Eastern Illinois University gradually expanded into a comprehensive university with a...

    , 1966-1984
  • Nu - University of Kansas
    University of Kansas
    The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...

    , 1967-1972
  • Xi - University of Nebraska-Kearney
    University of Nebraska at Kearney
    The University of Nebraska at Kearney , founded in 1905 as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney, is the Kearney, Nebraska, United States campus of the University of Nebraska system.-History:...

    , 1967-1990
  • Omicron - Central Michigan University
    Central Michigan University
    Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan...

    , 1968-1973
  • Pi - Central Missouri State University, 1969-1989
  • Rho - University of Minnesota Morris, 1969-1984
  • Sigma - Wayne State College
    Wayne State College
    Wayne State College is a four-year public college in the Nebraska State College System in Wayne, Nebraska. The current enrollment is 3,571. The college opened as a State Normal School in 1910 after the State purchased the private Nebraska Normal College . The State Normal College became State...

    , 1969-1974
  • Tau - Oklahoma State University, 1970-1979
  • Upsilon - Illinois State University
    Illinois State University
    Illinois State University , founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois; it is located in the town of Normal. ISU is considered a "national university" that grants a variety of doctoral degrees and strongly emphasizes research; it is also recognized as one of the top ten largest...

    , 1980-1991
  • Phi - Texas A&M University
    Texas A&M University
    Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...

    , 1988-1994
  • Chi - Ohio State University
    Ohio State University
    The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...

    , 1999-2004, recolonized 2007-2008
  • Psi - Concordia College-New York
    Concordia College, Bronxville
    Concordia College is a four-year coeducational liberal arts college located in the village of Bronxville, in Westchester County, New York, United States....

    , 1999-2010

Presidents

  • Edgar J. Friedrich, 1925-1927
  • Arden F. Henry 1927-1928
  • Edgar J. Friedrich 1928-1929
  • Harold C. Ahlbrand 1929-1930
  • Weldon O. Kertschmer 1930-1932
  • Carl M. Sauer 1932-1936
  • William H. Welge 1936-1938
  • Harold C. Ahlbrand 1938-1940
  • Herman H. Jost, Jr. 1940-1941
  • Harry A. Hagar 1941-1946
  • Norman Mankey 1946-1949
  • Harold M. Lapp 1949-1952
  • John Hingst 1952-1967
  • Larry R. Edwards 1967-1972
  • Douglas G. Peter 1972-1974
  • Dennis H. Stelzer 1974-1978
  • Richard Newman 1978-1980
  • Ralph C. Folkerts 1980-1982
  • Robert E. Hillard 1982-1986
  • Delbert F. Karmeier 1986-1988
  • Steven K. Janssen 1988-1992
  • David Jackson 1992-1994
  • Matthew P. Homann 1994-1996
  • Craig R. Varner 1996-2000
  • Kirk M. Meyer 2000-2002
  • Chad Winterhof 2002-2004
  • Chad Pfister 2004-2010
  • Rick Meyer 2010-Present

Notable alumni

  • Norbert T. Tiemann
    Norbert T. Tiemann
    Norbert Theodore Tiemann was a Republican politician from Wausa, Nebraska best known for being the 32nd Governor of Nebraska from 1967 to 1971. He was born in Minden, Nebraska. He attended Campbell High School in Campbell, Nebraska where he graduated in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army during...

    , Delta Chapter - 35th Governor of Nebraska
  • Lloyd Karmeier, Alpha Chapter - Illinois State Supreme Court Justice
  • Brian Bosma
    Brian Bosma
    Brian C. Bosma is an American politician. He has been a Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives since 1986, and served as Indiana Speaker of the House during the 2005 and 2006 sessions, and again became Speaker in 2011....

    , Beta Chapter - Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives
  • David D. Jackson, Zeta Chapter - Kansas State Senate
  • Edward Mueller
    Edward Mueller
    Edward A. Mueller is the current Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Qwest Communications.-Career:Mueller attended the University of Missouri for a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and Washington University in St. Louis for a Master of Business Administration. In 2000, he became President...

    , Eta Chapter - Chairman and CEO, Qwest Communications International

External links

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