Pictured is a historical fraternity of Eastern Illinois University, Phi Sigma Epsilon. Installed as the Delta chapter in 1930, the fraternity was the first national fraternity established at the young university. However, it was predated by a local fraternity called Delta Lambda Sigma.* The fraternity was a mainstay at EIU for over 50 years. In 1985, the national fraternity merged with Phi Sigma Kappa, another national fraternity with similar principles and ideals. While all chapters of PSE were welcomed into PSK, some chapters either rejected the merger (becoming chapters of a new fraternity, Phi Sigma Phi) while others did not participate and became dormant. The Delta chapter did the later and became inactive in 1986. However, according to PSK records, each chapter that did not participate in the merger was assigned a new set of letters in the case that they were recolonized by PSK later. Though inactive, EIU’s chapter is now Epsilon Delta. Perhaps one day, some intrepid students will continue the history of this, the oldest Greek society at Eastern.
* Delta Lambda Sigma was a short-lived local fraternity established at Eastern in 1928. After being impressed by the men of the Beta chapter at Indiana State University, Eastern students petitioned for their own charter. They received it the same year, installing 16 men as the first class of the Delta chapter. Charles Coleman served as their adviser until 1930 when they became Phi Sigma Epsilon. World famous performer Burl Ives was also a member of Delta Lambda Sigma until he dropped out in 1929.
Photos and info referenced from the Warbler.