Dating back to 1887, the Lehigh University Chapter of the Sigma Phi Society – the Alpha of Pennsylvania – was established just 22 years after the founding of Lehigh University itself by Asa Packer in 1865.

Making its home first on Delaware Avenue and later on Sayre Hill, the chapter prospered for 111 years (1887-1998). In those 11 decades, more than 600 Lehigh engineers, chemists, scientists and students of literature passed through and earned degrees in our hallowed halls. Lehigh Sigs contributed much to campus life and to Sigma Phi in those years, and they contribute much today. Despite its absence on campus, Sigma Phi’s ties to Lehigh remain strong and today it continues to touch the lives of over 400 living Lehigh alumni. At the same time, the chapter’s Alumni Corporation remains an active participant within Sigma Phi’s National Organization.

Sigma Phi Society Nationally

The Sigma Phi Society was founded by four young men at Union College in Schenectady, New York on March 4th, 1827. These men, wise beyond their years, created our Society in a quest for stronger bonds of friendship than those available on campus at the time.

In 1831, Sigma Phi Society became the first national college fraternity when its second chapter was founded at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. Further expansion has been conservative, with its presence gracing only 14 of the country’s top colleges and universities since its founding. Today, there are ten active Sigma Phi chapters. The standards for expansion remain austere.

Since its inception, the Society has instilled in its brothers the core tenets on which it was founded, and has committed itself to taking leadership roles both on campus and in the broader community. Sigma Phi is not just a “social fraternity” for the undergraduate, but is – instead – a belief in the bonds of friendship, love and truth which will last a lifetime.

Bethlehem Renaissance?

When the University announced a modest expansion of its Greek system in 2012, Sigma Phi wasted no time in applying for renewed membership. While that effort was unsuccessful, we would be pleased and proud to return to Bethlehem. Our best minds are making plans to do just that…

Want to help?

We are updating the 1977 Catalog for the 200th anniversary in 2027 and we are seeking volunteers from Lehigh to update the Alpha of PA chapter sketch. Email us if you would like to help out!