History of
Sigma Alpha Epsilon

In 1856, at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, a young Alabamian named Noble Leslie DeVotie and his seven closest friends founded Sigma Alpha Epsilon. From those humble beginnings Sigma Alpha Epsilon has grown and been through many difficulties. Only five months after the creation of SAE, the University of Alabama abolished fraternities. The original chapter of SAE was forced to disband 18 months later, fortunately SAE had expanded to six other colleges in that time.

          The advent of the Civil War posed a major problem, not only for the expansion of SAE but for the survival as well. Sadly, Noble Leslie DeVotie became the first man to lose his life in the war, yet many SAE's followed DeVotie into battle, and SAE's very existence was threatened. Only one chapter remained after the war, but SAE soon recovered and grew stronger. A major part of the rebuilding of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was the decision to expand into northern and western states in 1885. All through the expansion SAE managed to keep it's "Southern Gentleman" values and beliefs in tact.

          SAE entered the Great Depression having celebrated its 125th chapter two years earlier. Though many other fraternities could not survive the country's economic crisis, SAE did due to a strong financial standing at the beginning of the Depression. A few new chapters were established during the depression, but to SAE's credit none were lost.

           One remarkable event to occur during the Depression was the construction of the Levere Memorial Temple in Evanston, Illinois, where the fraternity's national offices are located. Evanston is also the site for SAE's National Leadership School, an annual event where brothers from all over the country come to develop leadership skills and learn more about the fraternity and brotherhood.