Greek life
Greek life at Bemidji State
Greek life at Bemidji State began in 1962 and has included a number of fraternities and sororities over the years.
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Fraternities
Alpha Kappa Epsilon
Alpha Kappa Epsilon was formed in the fall of 1968 in Pine Hall. Alpha Kappa Epsilon designed its fraternity to focus its interests not on being a clique, but on helping make the college a better and more interesting place for students.
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma was a co-ed scholastic organization on campus. To become a member, a student needed to have junior status with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above.
Alpha Tau Omega
Alpha Tau Omega Colony, the first fraternity on campus, was founded in 1962 as a local, Alpha Nu Omega. The chapter colonized with Alpha Tau Omega during the spring of 1970. ATO strived to unite the Greek organizations on campus. It also frequently built an ice palace on Lake Bemidji as part of the Paul Bunyan Week activities. The chapter maintained a scholastic average well above the all-men's average.
Phi Sigma Epsilon
In 1964, a group of students living on the third floor of Oak Hall organized Validus Quorlcus. The following fall quarter, the group officially gained recognition by the college. At that time, the group changed its name to Phi Sigma Chi. Since then, Phi Sig became the first nationally affiliated fraternity at Bemidji State College. On Nov. 22, 1970, Phi Sigma Chi was officially installed as Phi Chi chapter Phi Sigma Epsilon National Fraternity.
Sigma Delta Rho
Sigma Delta Rho was formed in the spring of 1970 with the original membership totaling 16. The organization's emphasis was placed on scholarship, athletics and participation in all school activities.
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Tau Kappa Epsilon, formerly Lambda Alpha Beta, became a national in 1970. Tau Kappa Epsilon serves to enhance the social, academic and cultural aspects of life. TKE was also active in community services such as a community Christmas pageant, and it was a perennial winner of the inter-Greek sports championship trophy.
Theta Tau Epsilon
Theta Tau Epsilon is a social fraternity which was founded in 1965 in Bemidji, and it survives today as the last fraternity to exist on the campus. Since the date of its founding, Theta Tau Epsilon has been a fraternity of young men who strived to improve the community, college, organization and selves. Throughout the years, the members of Theta Tau Epsilon have worked both as individuals and as an organization to create an improved academic and social atmosphere at Bemidji State. Its ideals are expressed as brotherhood, academic accomplishment and social service.
Sororities
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma was a co-ed scholastic organization on campus. To become a member, a student needed to have junior status with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above.
Beta Phi Epsilon
Along with their academic achievements, BPE – the oldest sorority on campus – participated in many service projects. They were involved in Project Head Start, fundraising drives for special needs children and planning for Homecoming, Paul Bunyan Days and Greek Week. The group held annual events such as fall and spring pledge classes, Ugly Man Contest, Valentine's Party and fall and spring barn parties.
Delta Theta Kappa
Delta Theta Kappa was organized in October 1967 and recognized in April 1968. Today, it is the only active sorority at Bemidji State University. The purpose of the organization is to promote personal fulfillment academically and socially; as well as to encourage and foster character development in the membership. Delta Theta Kappa also exists as an active instrumental organization in service activity to the citizens of Bemidji, both collegiate and non-collegiate.
Kappa Theta Chi
On Nov. 18, 1970, Kappa Theta Chi officially became the fourth sorority on campus. The group began with 12 charter members. Its first rush was during winter quarter, where the sorority took 13 pledges. The objectives of the sorority are to develop high standards, good character, attain high scholastic achievement and to instill in each girl a sense of responsibility, spirit of service to the college and to the community, sisterhood and proper social graces.
Phi Theta Chi
Phi Theta Chi Sorority was organized in the spring of 1966. This organization strived to promote good character within its members. Some of the projects include sending Christmas cards to soldiers in Vietnam, sponsoring an orphan, and soliciting for various charity drives. Phi Theta Chi also took on the weekly job of selling popcorn at the movies on campus.
