Beta Sigma Beta is very proud of its 100-year history, dating back to our roots and our beginning in 1910 on the campus of Cornell University. The Penn State Chapter was established in 1913 and was the second chapter, designated as the Beta Chapter. Originally incorporated in 1920 under the name Beta Sigma Rho, transitions over the years have never relinquished our key identity as Beta Sigs. Beta Sigma Rho was eventually comprised of some fourteen chapters, at locations including, Carnegie-Mellon, Rutgers, University of Pennsylvania, Syracuse, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, St. John’s, NYU, and others.

Over many years and changes in the growth of the fraternities throughout the country, the men of the Penn State Chapter, following an unsuccessful attempt to merge with Pi Lambda Phi, made the historic decision to become an independent fraternity, Beta Sigma Beta. Since 1975, Beta Sigma Beta has continued to thrive in its leadership role as part of the Penn State fraternity system.

At that same time, the Beta State Foundation was established to provide ongoing strategic and financial support to the undergraduate program, along with the governance of the Beta Alumni Association (BAA). It is the role of the BAA to work day today with the current undergraduate leadership to ensure the successful operation of our fraternity throughout the year.

Beta Sig’s alumni represent some of the most successful members of our nation’s business, medical, legal, and public sectors. Beta Sigs have made tremendous contributions to the University, the Commonwealth, and to the Nation. Examples include:

• Eugene Chaiken, ’62 now on the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in establishing a Chair in Jewish Studies in the College of Liberal Arts
• David Lipson has established seven athletic and two academic scholarships and was on the Board of Advisors of Penn State Delaware County for 6 years, 3 as President
• Mimi Barash Fredman was a past President of the Board of Trustees
• Samuel Fredman ’42, Recipient of the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award
• Lewis Gold ’59, now President of the Penn State Alumni Association
• Robert Jubilirer,’ 59 was President Pro Tem of the Pennsylvania Senate
• Paul Berg,’48 a Nobel laureate in Biochemistry, is considered as one of the principal pioneers in gene slicing technology.

Beta Sig brothers, generation after generation, have come to rely on the support of this group, both during their time at Penn State and as they entered their professional lives.

Beta Sig uniquely combines a strong academic record with its role within the Fraternity system. Beta Sig has also been singled out for its leadership positions and devotion to a long tradition of charitable activities.

Beta Sigma Beta represents a tradition that provides its members with an enhanced experience while an undergraduate and a lifelong pursuit of friendship and camaraderie throughout their lives.