Second 50 Years > The 1960s

Sigma Phi Epsilon chartered 33 new chapters between 1960 and 1969, and membership reached its highest levels. In 1968, the College Survey Bureau reported that 59% of the 173 chapters were among the top chapters on their campuses.

The 1960s began with Sigma Phi Epsilon making the transition to a more business-like operation, necessitated by its dramatic growth during the 1950s. During this time, the professional staff located in Richmond, Virginia, grew and became more specialized in developing an array of services for undergraduate chapters. The most significant event of the 1960s was the emergence of J. Edward Zollinger, College of William & Mary (Virginia Delta), '27, as the leader of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation and the Fraternity. He served the Fraternity as Grand President from 1967 to 1971. "Zolly" came from the successful IBM Corporation, serving as assistant to the founder of IBM, where he was involved in developing IBM's corporate culture.

The successful experience of Ed Zollinger in the business world and the stability of a long-term professional staff in Richmond brought together ingredients necessary for Sigma Phi Epsilon's emergence as a leader among all national fraternities in the 1970s. It was the vision of excellence and the personal dedication to that vision which made Ed Zollinger unique. Sigma Phi Epsilon was committed to the future.