About the Chapter
The Beta Lambda Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana began in the fall of 1955 as local fraternity Omicron Delta. In 1960, Beta Lambda officially became a chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma. In the fall of 1966 the brotherhood had some difficulties on campus and returned to colony status with Nationals while it dealt with those difficulties. In December of 1970, the Beta Lambda Chapter successfully returned as a fully chartered member of Sigma Tau Gamma. In the spring of 2013, difficulties returned to the chapter that ended with the revocation of its charter with Nationals. Today a group of alumni are working hard with both the University and Fraternity Nationals to bring about a return of the chapter.
Fun Facts
The Beta Lambda Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana began in the fall of 1955 as local fraternity Omicron Delta. In 1960, Beta Lambda officially became a chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma. In the fall of 1966 the brotherhood had some difficulties on campus and returned to colony status with Nationals while it dealt with those difficulties. In December of 1970, the Beta Lambda Chapter successfully returned as a fully chartered member of Sigma Tau Gamma. In the spring of 2013, difficulties returned to the chapter that ended with the revocation of its charter with Nationals. Today a group of alumni are working hard with both the University and Fraternity Nationals to bring about a return of the chapter.
Fun Facts
- Omicron Delta becomes Sigma Tau Gamma – Beta Lambda on February 28th, 1960
- O.P. Kretzmann, who oversaw the founding of Omicron Delta and the Chartering of Beta Lambda was President of VU for 28 years, 1940-1968.
- Brother John Margui painted the crest in the chapter room in 28 hours.
In the fall of 1955, thirteen like minded individuals gathered at Elliott House to create an independent local fraternity named Omicron Delta on the campus of Valparaiso University.
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| 705 Freeman St. |
Armed with the motto of “With God & Knowledge We Shall Succeed”, they worked at growing this brotherhood. They adopted the colors of black and white and a crest of swords and armor. In January of 1956 they established themselves at their first home at 705 Freeman Street.
In February of 1960, they allied their brotherhood with Sigma Tau Gamma, a national fraternity and became its Beta Lambda chapter.
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| 361 S. Garfield St. |
During the subsequent few years, these brothers worked to restore the integrity of the brotherhood and the relationship with the university. In the fall of 1968, 40 interested and motivated brothers, petitioned for reinstatement of the chapter’s charter. In December of 1968, President Jim Zink inked anew Charter with Nationals. Beta Lambda had fully returned to the campout of Valparaiso, IN.
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| Brothers from 1968 rechartering |
During the 1980’s, 1990’s and 2000’s the chapter experienced success and adversity but continued to stand strong and an important brotherhood for the college men of Valparaiso University.
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| 801 Union St. |
Today the active chapter is in hiatus until such a day that the University population is ready for the return of Sigma Tau Gamma to campus. We are hopeful for a return in the next couple of years but ultimately, the University and the IFC expansion committee are in the driver’s seat. The alumni are active in many ways to better prepare for the return. The physical structure of the building is being improved and upgraded to meet the needs of today’s college men. Communications with alumni are being improved. Social event to gather alumni together in the spirit of brotherhood are scheduled at various time of the year. A community service outreach program is being developed. Finally an active recruitment campaign is being implemented to gather more alumni support. The future is bright for the Beta Lambda chapter and for future brothers that we will welcome in.
