Beta Sigma Epsilon Explained

Beta Sigma Epsilon
Letters:Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: BΣE
Crest:The_crest_of_Beta_Sigma_Epsilon.png
Birthplace:University of Arizona
Affiliation:Independent
Type:Multi-cultural
Emphasis:Native Americans
Status:Active
Scope:Regional
Motto:"Unity, Pride, Honor!"
Colors: Maroon and Silver
Philanthropy:Walk to Cure Diabetes
Chapters:4
Nickname:Beta Sig
Address:Beta Sigma Epsilon
c/o Alpha chapter
1303 E. University Blvd. #20941
City:Tucson
State:Arizona
Zip Code:85719
Country:United States

The Order of Beta Sigma Epsilon (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΣΕ) is a Native American regional collegiate social fraternity. It was established in 2000 at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

History

The Order of Beta Sigma Epsilon fraternity was established as a fraternity for Native Americans at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona on February 9, 2000.[1] [2] Its founders were Nathan Pryor (Navajo) and Eric Riggs (Navajo).[3]

The fraternity was established to promote scholarship, brotherhood, and community service, especially increasing the retention of Native American males at the University of Arizona and improving Native American communities near the campus.[4] The fraternity also had the goal of expanding to other campuses, becoming the first national Native American fraternity in the United States.[5]

The first pledge class at the University of Arizona was initiated in the fall of 2000, composed of Garrett Curley (Navajo), Joshua Lucio (Zuni), and Craig Wood (Navajo). The university recognized the fraternity in February 2001. It then assisted with the formation of Alpha Pi Omega, a Native American sorority, at the University of Arizona. In the spring semester of 2004, it expanded to the University of New Mexico with the Gamma chapter.[6]

A second chaper was estalbished at Northern Arizona University on January 31, 2004.

Symbols

Beta Sigma Epsilon's motto is "Unity, Pride, Honor!" The Greek letters Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΒΣΕ have a special meaning that is only known to its members. Its colors are maroon and silver. The fraternity's nickname is Beta Sig.

Philanthropy

Beta Sigma Epsilon's national philanthropy is Walk to Cure Diabetes. This charity was selected because diabetes disproportionately impacts Native Americans.

Membership

Membership in the fraternity is open to males of all races.

Chapters

ChapterCharter dateInstitutionLocationStatusReference
AlphaTucson, ArizonaActive
BetaNorthern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, ArizonaActive
GammaUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerque, New MexicoActive
DeltaCalifornia State Polytechnic University, HumboldtArcata, CaliforniaActive[7] [8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Beta Sigma Epsilon . 2024-10-05 . University of Arizona.
  2. Web site: Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) Fraternities Fraternity & Sorority Life . 2024-10-05 . University of New Mexico.
  3. News: Weslander . Eric . 2001-02-13 . First Native American Fraternity Started at UA . 2024-10-05 . Tucson Citizen . 1C, 5C. Newspapers.com.
  4. News: 2005-10-12 . Indian Fraternity Picks Up Some New Members at UA . 2024-10-05 . The Arizona Republic . Phoenix, Arizona . 12 . Newspapers.com.
  5. News: 2001-02-14 . American Indian Fraternity OK'd at UA . 2024-10-05 . The Bismarck tribune . Bismarck, North Dakota . 25 . Newspapers.com.
  6. News: Wingett . Yvonne . 2004-11-07 . Latino Students Find Ethnic Connection . 2024-10-05 . The Modesto Bee . Modesto, California . 11 . Newspapers.com.
  7. Web site: Beta Sigma Epsilon-HSU Delta Chapter . 2024-10-05 . Facebook.
  8. Web site: Diversity Resource Guide - Native American Students . 2024-10-05 . Cal Poly Humboldt . en.