Zeta Sigma - The History of Alma College's oldest Fraternity
1886 - Alma College is founded
1887 - Zeta Sigma Literary Society is formed 1889 - Zeta Sigma Literary Society becomes the first chartered campus organization, November 15, 1889, becomes our very first "Founders' Day" 1890 - Zeta Sigma Literary Society recognizes its sister society, the Alpha Theta Literary Society 1890 - Zeta Sigma Literary Society launches first college newspaper - origins of Alma College's Almanian 1917 - Zeta Sigma Literary Society begins to raise funds for a "Society House" 1922 - A donation from Mrs. John Dodge (wife of a Zeta Sigma alumnus) provides for the purchase of the Zeta Sigma Literary Society House at 323 Superior Ave, and an alumni corporation is formed to provide for its ongoing funding and maintenance. 1926 - Zeta Sigma Literary Society reorganizes as a Greek fraternity 1941 - Zeta Sigma officially adopts Blue and White as its formal decorative colors, and subsequently redecorates the Society House in Blue and White 1943 - The reality of a world war waged, many of the men that would-be brothers of Zeta Sigma were fulfilling their patriotic and civil obligations elsewhere, Zeta Sigma made the solemn decision to close its doors. 1946 - Zeta Sigma's brotherhood revival following WWII saw a new class of 37 brothers for the Fall of 1946 1948 - Zeta Sigma began its "Little Sister" program 1953 - Winter of 1953, Zeta Sigma approaches Delta Sigma Phi National Fraternity regarding membership 1954 - Fall of 1954, Zeta Sigma is initiated as the Gamma Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Phi with new decorative colors of Nile Green and White 1961 - Delta Sigma Phi is going strong, sweeps all intramural sports on campus (Football, Basketball, & Softball) 1970 - A small fire breaks out in the Society House 1971 - Zeta Sigma resumes its local status in the Fall of 1971, with new decorative colors of Green and Gold 1982 - Zeta Sigma moves from its home of almost 60 years to its present day home at 525 W Superior 1982 - Zeta Sigma revises its pledging program to address and eliminate any practices that may be characterized as hazing 1987 - Zeta Sigma celebrates its Centennial as part of the continued celebration of Alma College's own centennial 2015 - Fundraising begins for a New Sig House on Superior. The Sigs are hopeful groundbreaking and construction will start Fall of 2015. |