Sigma Nu, Zeta Iota Chapter

The San Jose State University Chapter of Sigma Nu, known as the Zeta Iota Chapter, the 124th chapter of the Fraternity, has continuously been a part of the campus community and has initiated over 900 men since it was chartered on May 15th, 1951. The Zeta Iota Chapter is a part of the Far-West, Beta Division along with the Beta Psi (UC Berkeley) and Beta Chi (Stanford) chapters.

While it was chartered in 1951, the Zeta Iota Chapter can actually trace its origin back to 1943, when ten students founded a local fraternity which they called the “Ten Men of Sparta”; designated by the Greek letters Theta Mu Sigma. After 8 years as Theta Mu Sigma, Sigma Nu chose to offer its 32 active members at the time the opportunity to start a chapter of the Fraternity in 1951. Since then Zeta Iota has shared the values of Sigma Nu with over 900 men. These men have continued the tradition of honor, by pursuing excellence for the chapter and in their personal lives.

In the fall of 1943 ten students at San Jose State College (as it was known at the time [4]) who were brought together through friendship began to call themselves the "Ten Men of Sparta." Naturally, as they began to be identified as an original fraternal organization, they took the first three letters of their name, and derived “Theta Mu Sigma” as their official name. Lacking a regular place to meet, they held their meetings in various classrooms of the college while developing their organization and keeping up their standing among the other fraternities on campus.

In 1948, Theta Mu Sigma secured a three story house which immediately became filled with members of the fraternity. The house, known as Cordelia Hall, was located at the corner of 10th and San Antonio Streets, directly across from the current location of the College of Business, in an area adjacent to a large orange tree which still stands today. Although quite old at the time, it was one of the most impressive houses on campus and certainly the largest. It was ultimately demolished in the 1960s during a campus expansion project.

As the membership increased, the fraternity was able to accomplish much in the field of sports. Boxing and wrestling title holders were among the members, as well as men who participated in varsity football, baseball, water polo, swimming, tennis, and golf. Among the members recognized for their accomplishments were (TMS pledge) Ken Venturi, George Bruno, Roy "Bucky" Levin, Leo Foley, "Bud" Watts, and Bill Ogden. Theta Mu Sigma also placed emphasis on scholarship, and the fraternity obtained permanent possession of the Interfraternity Council Scholarship Trophy by winning it three times. "Doc" Cuffe was one member who was cited for scholarship achievement [1].

1950's

As Theta Mu Sigma continued to attract the campus’s most talented students, financial stability resulted from the larger membership size and the men realized the strength and unity which fraternal brotherhood affords. At that point, the local fraternity sought new opportunities for growth and support. Theta Mu Sigma retired as one of the highest ranking fraternities on campus in name only when its members accepted an invitation from the national fraternity, Sigma Nu, to found a chapter at San Jose State. The San Jose State Chapter, known as the Zeta Iota Chapter, received its charter on May 19, 1951.

Zeta Iota has as its charter members the following TMS brothers: Don Newnan, William Pack, Orbin Jones, William Luther, Dwight Taggart, Jack Arnoldy, Robert Fahey, Bill Finger, Jr., Will Ramirez, Peter Cirivilleri, Gardiner Hammond, Donald Knappett, Douglas LeFevre, Richard Morris, Richard Nelson, Hugh Riedle, Keith Endersby, Donald Fulsaas, Armond George, Cliff Majersik, Harvey Peterson, James Weldon, Hal Aguirre, Melvin Glass, Glenn George, Thomas Keane, Jim Kongsle, Ronald MacKenzie, Buzz Rhine, Ben Selover, Fred Alvord, Robert Bradley, Edgar Colvin, Richard Inghram, Roy Levin, Robert Snyder, Donald Wardrop, Donald Anderson, John Brand, Glenn Dooley, Richard Engfer, Russell Fulsaas, Les Green, John Lincoln Jr., Joseph Livingstone, Garrett McClung, Jerry Morrison, Wallace Regan, Louis Smith, Alfred Thomas Jr., Bob Ure, Richard Snider, Wesley Overson, Willard Saunders, William Collins, Richard Lloyd, Floyd Hunter, Frank Bonner Jr., Robert Mitchell, Kerry Cutter, Holly Cornelius, Dave Bowen, John Nordhausen, Gerald Evans, Joe Pinheiro, Charles McKelvie, Walter Loewen, Frank Di Tomaso, Gerald Nelson, John Pricolo Jr., Edward O’Donnell, Woodie Kennamer, Robert Thom, Malcolm Bowman, R. Bruce Heisey, Roy Holeman, Robert Richmond, Vincent Cracchiolo, Harlowe Girard Jr., Robert Frybarger, Lloyd Caldwell, Leo Foley, Don Gale, Ralph Scurfield, Clyde Brannon, Ray Caruso, Archie Chagonjian, Thomas Ellis, Robert Hichborn, William Thomas Jr., Richard Villafuerte, Jimmy Wurtz, William Watts Jr., Robert Irons and Warren Gabrielli. At later times, TMS brothers Oliver Dibble III and Donald Cross were initiated into Zeta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu.

In 1952 the Fraternity officially moved to 646 South Fifth Street from the aging Cordelia Hall. During the following few years plans were made for the building of a new and modern house and, with the help and encouragement of a growing alumni association, Sigma Nu was now rapidly advancing towards the realization of its project. Property at 148 South Eleventh Street was purchased in the fall of 1956, and the house on this property was used by ten of the members.

Sigma Nu men in the 1950s held major offices in student government from president of the student body to class treasurers. They also took part in such activities as Revelries, Homecoming, and other events sponsored by college groups. Several members also served as editors of the Spartan Daily and were on the staff of the La Torre. In 1952 Sigma Nu won the Interfraternity division in golf, with Wally Regan as the medalist of the golfers. Also a memorable record was set by the Sigma Nu softball team, whose sixteen game winning streak resulted in its winning the IFC softball trophy. In another field of activity, one president and one vice president of the Ski Club were members of the Fraternity. Brothers who did not directly participate in the activities contributed by supporting their team; Sigma Nu was voted third in supporting its team in the novice boxing tournament. Sigma Nu’s also made many achievements in the area of scholarship. In one spring graduating class there were brothers who obtained highest departmental honors in the fields of social science, physical education, economics, engineering, chemistry, and aeronautics.

1960's - 2000's

Coming Soon...

[1]	Fugit, John D. Fugit (1957). Fraternities of San Jose State College. The Centennial History of College Organizations Volume II, Part II
[2]	Smith, Robert (1975). Sigma Nu in Chico?. Zeta Iota Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 1. UNPUBLISHED.
[3]	Sigma Nu, Iota Kappa Chapter (2006). Origins of Iota Kappa Chapter.
[4]	San Jose State University (2006). SJSU History.

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