Your cart is currently empty!
Archive
The Beta Chi Chapter
The Beta Chi Chapter of Sigma Nu at Stanford University has a storied history, reflecting both the evolution of the university and broader societal changes.
Founding and Early Years
In 1891, Carl Lane Clemans, a recent graduate from Cornell, journeyed to Palo Alto to join the inaugural class of Leland Stanford Junior University. With a vision to establish a Sigma Nu chapter on the West Coast, Clemans recruited fellow students, including the Crothers brothers from San Jose. Their efforts culminated in the chartering of the Beta Chi Chapter, making it the third fraternity at Stanford and the first to construct its own chapter house on campus. The original house was located near the athletic fields, but by 1910, Sigma Nu built a new residence at 664 San Juan Hill, intentionally secluded from the main campus.Founding and Early Years
In 1891, Carl Lane Clemans, a recent graduate from Cornell, journeyed to Palo Alto to join the inaugural class of Leland Stanford Junior University. With a vision to establish a Sigma Nu chapter on the West Coast, Clemans recruited fellow students, including the Crothers brothers from San Jose. Their efforts culminated in the chartering of the Beta Chi Chapter, making it the third fraternity at Stanford and the first to construct its own chapter house on campus. The original house was located near the athletic fields, but by 1910, Sigma Nu built a new residence at 664 San Juan Hill, intentionally secluded from the main campus.
“Much to my happy surprise upon arriving at Stanford, instead of ‘thirty or forty zealous and ascetic students’ I found ‘five or six hundred of the livest most active young Americans.” – Carl L. Clemans
Architectural Significance
The 1913 chapter house, designed by esteemed architects John Bakewell Jr. and Arthur Brown Jr., exemplified the Beaux-Arts style. This duo later contributed significantly to Stanford’s architectural landscape, with projects including Hoover Tower. The Sigma Nu house stood as a testament to early 20th-century design and remained a prominent feature of the campus for decades.
Mid-20th Century Challenges
The 1960s brought significant changes. In 1962, the chapter severed ties with the national Sigma Nu organization due to discriminatory membership clauses, becoming the independent Beta Chi Fraternity. This decision underscored the members’ commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
Transition to Synergy House
By 1972, reflecting the era’s cultural shifts, the house transitioned into Synergy, a student-run cooperative emphasizing alternative lifestyles, sustainability, and collective governance. Synergy became a hub for students seeking a communal living experience, fostering a culture of collaboration and environmental consciousness.
The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake inflicted severe damage on the historic house. Despite efforts by alumni and preservationists to save the building, including obtaining a recommendation for historical designation from the Santa Clara County’s Historical Heritage Commission, the structure was demolished in November 1991 due to safety concerns and financial constraints.
Legacy and Modern Era
Today, the spirit of the Beta Chi Chapter endures. The current Sigma Nu residence at 557 Mayfield Ave continues to embody the fraternity’s core values of Love, Honor, and Truth. Members engage in various philanthropic activities, social events, and initiatives that promote personal growth and community engagement
The journey of the Beta Chi Chapter reflects a microcosm of Stanford’s broader history, showcasing resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to principles amidst changing times.
Alumni Outreach
Our alumni are the foundation of the future of the organization.