Phi Sigma Epsilon () was a North American social fraternity that operated for 75 years (February 20, 1910 – August 14, 1985) until its merger with the Phi Sigma Kappa () fraternity. In 1985, the majority of Phi Sigma Epsilon chapters participated in the merger. Phi Sigma Kappa incorporated many of the symbols of Phi Sigma Epsilon into its own, changing its crest, and expanding its Cardinal Principals, symbolism, rituals, and historical canon to embrace the milestones of Phi Sigma Epsilon's development. These changes were soon fully adopted by all chapters of the fraternity which retained the name Phi Sigma Kappa. Before the merger, both fraternities used the nickname Phi Sig. This was one of many similarities between the groups. A few chapters and scattered alumni refused the merger, eventually forming a new national fraternity Phi Sigma Phi that incorporated traditions similar to the original Phi Sigma Epsilon. History Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity was founded on February 20, 1910, at Kansas State Normal College, now Emporia State University. Its founders were Raymond Victor Bottomly, W. Roy Campbell, W. Ingram Forde, Humphrey Jones, Robert C. Marley, Orin M. Rhine, Fred M. Thompson, and Ted Statz. Initially, the fraternity existed as an underground organization because secret societies were frowned upon by many of the college authorities until 1912. The fraternity's willingness to cooperate and its program of scholastic and social improvements won over its opposition. In 1913, Phi Sigma Epsilon was officially recognized on campus. Professor C. R. Phipps became its sponsor. In 1926, Phi Sigma Epsilon held preliminary meetings with two nearby local fraternities: Sigma Delta Tau of Kirksville State Teachers College and Pi Sigma Epsilon of Kansas State Teachers College. These three groups joined as Phi Sigma Epsilon, becoming a national teachers' college fraternity at its first conclave on December 30, 1927. The name was selected based on which group was established first. Appointed members developed the fraternity's charter, constitution, and bylaws. Others, led by Fred Schwengel, authored the fraternity's new ritual over the following year. In 1932, the fraternity began publishing The Triangulum, a magazine for members. In 1937, after a year of negotiations with other fraternities at teachers' college, Phi Sigma Epsilon worked with Sigma Tau Gamma to form the Association of Teachers College Fraternities on January 9, 1937. The fraternity expanded to many other campuses until World War II when an acute manpower crisis caused every chapter