Sigma Pi Makes a Comeback at ESU

A group of young men is trying to revive Sigma Pi, the East Stroudsburg University fraternity whose late-night parties and run-ins with the law led to its charter revocation in 2006.

Neighbors can breathe a sigh of relief, however.

Members of what was once known as the white party house on the hill are working to reinstate their charter under the guidance of their founding members. Their new philosophy focuses on community outreach and academic achievement, said Beta Psi Chapter President Zach Kaytes.

“We aren’t looking for guys with the party mentality. We have a target on our back. Any little mistakes we make will be blown up into a big deal,” said the ESU junior.

In contrast to their predecessors, the new members have vowed to have a “dry house” that does not allow alcohol.

They’ve also started a series of fundraising events on campus, including an annual wiffleball tournament started last year which raised $5,000 for the American Heart Association.

The fraternity was denounced by the university and its own national chapter in December 2006 when then-members were found to have violated policies on alcohol and hazing.

“At that time, Sigma Pi had fallen behind on its bills, on its mortgage, on its taxes, water bill and electricity bill,” said founding member Larry “Doc” Moyer ’64.

Moyer served as president of the local chapter from 1963-64, when the fraternity was in its heyday. The fraternity has been part of ESU since 1961, and was the first to come to campus. The Smith Street house is owned by the fraternity’s alumni.

“We were pioneers. We were well received. All the visible leaders in the sports on campus were part of the fraternity,” he said.

Shortly after the group’s charter was revoked, founding members returned to the house to find it in ruins.

“They took out the walls. They took out the mantle, which we found in the woods. They took out the plumbing, the wiring, the bathroom fixtures and every piece of furniture,” Moyer said.

In 2007, the founding members began undertaking extensive renovations on the house, which had been deemed uninhabitable by East Stroudsburg Borough officials.

In January 2010, nine ESU students moved in. In November 2010, another 28 men were initiated into the group, which will be considered a colony until they can reinstate their charter.

ESU officials banned the group from receiving another charter for five years, a term that will expire this December, just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Beta Psi.

Kaytes said the local group has grown to fifty members.

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