First 50 Years > War, Depression, and Recovery

World War I took its toll on college attendance and impacted fraternities, both in membership and expansion.

The Journal editor reported:

"Already men are leaving in large numbers, while a great many institutions… devote their athletic fields to drilling…"

Congress passed a draft bill with age limits from 21 to 30 years. The editor advised all chapters that, "While fulfilling every duty to our country, let us also strive to maintain every chapter."

The cover of the October, 1917, Journal featured two SigEps in army uniforms. Grand President Knauss wrote of his pride in the brothers' response to the call of duty. However, he warned:

"The ranks of active fraternity men have been depleted all over the country… these are trying times, and for some chapters, they will be crucial ones."

He also recommended that each chapter buy a Liberty Bond to help fund the war effort.

As an institution, Sigma Phi Epsilon survived World War I well. While three chapters were in danger of closing, only one—Rhode Island Alpha at Brown University—actually failed to survive the war.

Expansion during this period was slowed as the Great Depression descended upon the nation; only 15 new chapters had been installed by 1930.

In 1938, a major development took place—a merger between Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Theta Uspilon Omega national fraternity. Four chapters of TUW merged with four of SigEps existing chapters, and seven others became Sigma Phi Epsilon chapters. With the merger, scores of dedicated TUW alumni became members in the Fraternity, and many became important leaders in Sigma Phi Epsilon.

In 1940, there were 69 active chapters. The 1940s saw the Fraternity's expansion increase, with 27 new charters granted by 1949.