About

Alumni Officers

Johnathan Spiegel

President

Jordan Brown

Vice President

Scott Nurick

Treasurer

Michael Nachman

TBA

Kenny Dubin
Toby Grosswald
Charlton Gronlund
Jake Ritter
Blake Friedman

Board Advisors

Scott Granoff

Gary Brandeis

Daniel Jeck

Undergrad Executive Team

History

Beta Sigma Beta Fraternity Penn State University
255 E. Fairmount Avenue, State College, PA 16801

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.

Philanthropy

Beta Sigma Beta represents a proud history of philanthropic participation.

Each year, Beta Sig undergrads host the annual Autism Speaks U 5k Race/3k Walk in State College, PA to benefit Autism Speaks. Since its creation in 2005, this event has set the gold standard for university philanthropy having raised over $925,000 and ranking as the largest single fraternity fundraising event in the country. Beta Sig’s success has led to the creation of Autism Speaks U chapters comprised of college students assisting in the mission to raise awareness and funds for this complex neurological disorder. Chapters and events now exist at over 50 schools in the United States and Canada.

Of special significance has been our leadership during the ’70s and ’80s of THE REGATTA. Originally created to celebrate the life of Sy Barash, a well-known member of the State College community and Beta Sig Brother, this event was dedicated to raising money for the American Cancer Society. In its day, this event grew to be one of the largest philanthropic events among our nation’s colleges.

In more recent years, Beta Sig has taken a leadership role within the State College and PSU community, guiding the Cure Autism Now Campaign. This event combines traditional fundraising with a CAN Race/Walk in the State College area. Many have seen our brothers throughout Philadelphia and suburban areas, out collecting money on selected weekends. Beta Sig is also active in other charity programs including the Dance Marathon, scholarship programs, and others.

Every winter, Beta Sigma Betas participate in THON, a year-long effort to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer for children in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Rush Recommendations

For any questions relating to rush please reach out to alumniboard@betasigmabeta.com.

Contact Us

Beta Sigma Beta House

255 E Fairmount Ave

State College, PA 16801

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