The Past :

Founding

Phi Sigma Pi came to the University of Michigan in 1992 when all students who were eligible for membership were sent letters and invited to a "Meet Phi Sigma Pi Night." At the next meeting, they wrote the constitution and on September 30, the Beta Alpha Chapter was formed when 104 people were initiated into the fraternity.

Early Years

In its first few years, the chapter was extremely successful. Some of the first year highlights were a toy run for Toys for Tots, a food drive, Habitat for Humanity, and a Founders Day dance with Alpha Phi (Eastern Michigan University). The second term of the first year saw seven newly inducted members.

The second year Beta Alpha initiated thirteen people at fall rush and one person during winter rush. That year the chapter handed out its first chapter awards to the most dedicated, most enthusiastic, and most outstanding leaders. Some of the highlights from that year were BA's first formal at the Heidleberg, ushering for the Honors Convocation, Habitat for Humanity, children's parties at Motts Children's Hospital, reading for the blind, happy hour at Touchdown Cafe, Founders Day dance, chocolate rose sale for Valentine's Day, and intermural basketball. That year the Chapter was honored by receiving Project Serve's Service Organization Award.

The third year, 1994-1995, Beta Alpha initiated about twenty-five people at both Fall and Winter Rush. That year the Chapter continued its dedication to community service by volunteering at the Humane society and the American Cancer Society.

In 1995-1996, Beta Alpha initiated eight members. Some of its first semester highlights were a Bowl-A-Thon, weekly happy hours at area coffee shops, Nectarine night, comedy night, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, and Semi-Formal which was held in the Michigan Union. Second semester, Beta Alpha initiated about thirty new members.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of the 21st century, Beta Alpha headed downhill. Its membership decreased to a meager 10 members, and event planning slowed to a halt. The chapter was dangerously close to dying out completely. Fortunately, due to a great group of extremely motivated brothers, the chapter gathered the energy and strength to keep itself alive. It went through a large restructuring effort, including a revamp of the initiation program, and a huge rush and PR effort,

The Active Chapter

The current chapter is doing extremely well. In the last two years, the chapter has shown a complete turn around and is now moving forward with renewed momentum, great ideas, and enthusiastic new members.

In 2008-2009 academic year, 25 new brothers were inducted. Below are some of the things we've done:

  • Had our formal at the Michigan League and semi-formal at Cafe Habana
  • Organized two 5k Charity Runs to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation
  • Took part in the kids fair
  • Held awesome book clubs
  • Competed in Mr. Professional AND Powderpuff Football
  • Held dance lessons
  • Visited Chicago Teach For America classrooms
  • Checked out amazing museums
  • Partcipated in Relay For Life
  • Hosted the first ever Family Olympics
  • Supported the Neighborhood Senior Services on Fall Chore Day
  • Held weekly general meetings
  • And much more!

Click here to see Past and Upcoming Events

  Photo Gallery

Winter 2010 Founder's Day

Winter 2009 Winter Retreat
(Clockwise from 6 o'clock: Keri, Cole, Melissa, Kristin, Kim, Arielle, Alex, Jason)

Fall 2009 5K Run For The Kids
(L to R: Liz, Kelly, George, Dana, Sara)
 

Fall 2009 Semi-formal at Cafe Habana
(L to R: Melissa, Tiffany, Kristin, Kim)
 

Fall 2009 Trip to the Haunted Corn Maze
(L to R: Sam, Alex, Mike G., Cole)

Fall 2009 Bylaw History Night
(L to R: Hannah H, Josh, Dana, George, Rachel, Mike G, Mike S, David F, Kelly)