Sigma Phi Epsilon - Oregon State University

S IG MA PHI EPS IL O N t O R EG O N AL PHA CHAPT ER t O R EG O N S T AT E U NIV ER S IT Y SUMMER 2025 O n March 14, 2025, Oregon State University's Division of Student Conduct issued its final ruling in the disciplinary process involving Sigma Phi Epsilon. The university formally denied Sigma Phi Epsilon's final appeal, thereby upholding its initial sanctions. Signed by Dan Larson, Vice Provost, the decision directs the Oregon Alpha Chapter to cease all operations on campus for a period of 48 months. This effectively concludes the university-led conduct process. As a result, Sigma Phi Epsilon's National Headquarters has assumed custody of the chapter's charter and will hold it in trust until recolonization efforts can begin in 2029. In preparation for this closure, all historical property—including chapter awards, composites, Buchanan Cups, and other memorabilia—has been carefully removed from the house and is now stored securely off-campus. While the physical facility remains open, it no longer functions in any way as a SigEp chapter house. Thirty undergraduate members continued to reside in the house through the end of Spring term in June. Following finals, SigEp National Housing (SENH) coordinated the move-out process, and the Oregon Alpha facility has officially closed for the summer. Plans for the summer include general maintenance on the property, potentially including roof repairs, exterior painting, and other needed improvements. In collaboration with SENH, the Alumni Volunteer Corporation (AVC) has finalized a master lease with Lambda Chi Alpha. LXA will begin an extensive remodel of their facility in September, helping to mitigate concerns around vacancy, property insurance, and long-term upkeep. At our chapter's Centennial Celebration, the AVC proudly announced plans to expand and renovate SigEp's adjacent property on Arnold Way. Unfortunately, despite significant planning and fundraising efforts, those plans were ultimately denied due to a combination of city zoning constraints and university regulations. Looking ahead, the AVC is assembling a small group of engaged alumni to reassess the chapter's housing options and develop a long-term strategy. This includes exploring future possibilities for the Arnold Way property, with a focus on ensuring that any plan aligns with both university guidelines and the future needs of a reestablished chapter. The AVC extends its sincere gratitude to the many alumni who have reached out with support, questions, and encouragement during this challenging period. We acknowledge the deep disappointment and understandable confusion surrounding OSU's process and final determination. Throughout the duration of the investigation and appeals, most of our undergraduate brothers remained committed to SigEp's values and did their best to lead the chapter with honor and purpose. Fraternally, Gavin Brown (91-1389) Oregon Alpha AVC President Status of the Chapter and Charter Withdrawal W riting this message comes with a heavy heart. After a century plus of growth and influence, I must share the news that our beloved Oregon Alpha chapter has closed its doors—for now. This newsletter, while difficult, is meant to honor the legacy we've built together, recognize the unwavering support of our alumni, and look toward a future where SigEp returns to Oregon State stronger than ever. It's easy in moments like this to focus on the loss. But before we do that, I want to take a step back and reflect on everything we've accomplished together. Oregon Alpha has always stood out—not just for the quality of men it's produced, but for the values we've upheld and the leadership we've shown on campus and beyond. For generations, our chapter has been a place where young men developed into Balanced Men: scholars, athletes, leaders, and, above all, brothers. Our chapter was honored throughout the years with the Buchanan Cup, SigEp's highest recognition and a testament to our commitment to excellence. We've been home to countless campus leaders, student body presidents, ROTC cadets, and academic standouts. We've hosted philanthropic events that raised thousands of dollars for local causes, organized service projects that made a real impact in Corvallis, and built a home where values were more than just words on a wall. They were how we lived. All of this was built on the foundation laid by brothers like our namesake, Ulysses Grant Dubach, whose legacy still guides us. Dr. Dubach believed deeply in the power of fraternity, not just as a social outlet, but as a place where men could strive toward their best selves. That legacy lives on in every brother who wore our letters, and it will continue far beyond our chapter house. This closure doesn't erase our history. It becomes part of it. Fraternity is more than a chapter. It's more than a house. It's more than the four years we spend in school. SigEp is a lifetime commitment, and though our chapter may be entering a period of dormancy, the brotherhood continues. The bond we share as SigEp men doesn't end with this announcement. In many ways, it's never been more important. Greek life has always been about resilience— about coming together when things are hard and finding strength in one another. And we've seen that resilience time and again in our history. Chapters close. And chapters return. This isn't the end of Oregon Alpha. It's a pause, a reset, and an opportunity for us to return better prepared to uphold the standards and values we believe in. This is also a moment to thank you, our alumni, for everything you've done. Whether you've mentored undergraduates, given financially, volunteered your time, or simply worn your letters with pride, you've been part of something special. The upcoming pages of this newsletter will recognize some of those contributions and provide updates on what comes next for the house and the chapter. In the meantime, we ask that you stay connected. Reach out to a brother. Revisit your memories from your time in the house. Think about the impact this fraternity had on your life and how we can protect that legacy for future generations. Because they will come. One day, a new group of men will walk through our doors, take on our letters, and carry the torch forward. You'll find much information about the chapter, financial performance and plan for our future in this newsletter. For five years we limited newsletters to reduce costs. Going forward we're planning on semiannual newsletters and expanding our communication efforts. You, our alumni, providing news is important. Please send all news and other chapter inquiries to sigepoacommunications@gmail.com. With brotherly love and deep appreciation, Matt Gross '17 Oregon Alpha Alumni Communications Volunteer A Difficult Message

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