Way back on January 12, 1982, five men held the first meeting of the new Chi Alpha Fraternity. Those that were in attendance included Mitch Gibson, Randy Gibson, Terry Wagner, Jim Wear, and Dr. William Gerard, an advisor. Mike Young, ΛΔ 001, the only XA founder to be initiated into Sigma Nu, was not in attendance that night. Chi Alpha was born at a very unusual time in the Mankato State Greek system. Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Delta Theta, the two strongest fraternities, were struggling and Alpha Tau Omega was close to collapse. The original chapters of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Lambda Chi Alpha had folded just a few years earlier. The anti-Greek establishment feelings that had destroyed a once large Mankato State Greek system during the 1970s were still in bloom.

Formed with the intention of reviving the dormant Lambda Chi Alpha chapter, Chi Alpha was a fraternity that defied the odds. In September of 1982, only seven months into their existence, the brothers moved into their first house on 232 Lincoln Street, directly across the street from the Phi Kappa Psi house. The fraternity was bare bones with a budget of about $200 and quarterly dues set at $20. The brothers immediately became active in fundraisers such as the Alumni Phone-a-Thon and working security at a Suburbs concert. The Blotter, a large sheet full of advertising, sports schedules, and rush information, was also started. Many traditions were born at this time including participation in campus events such as Homecoming and Snow Week and the first Don Ho, which has become a Lambda Delta chapter tradition.

With the growth of the fraternity, a new home needed to be sought out. After checking into a few houses, the brothers of Chi Alpha found their new home just down the street. The large, white house at 645 South Forth Street was just a little run down, and was in need of serious repair, but it possessed an awesome charm. With help from the parent of John Graham, ΛΔ 005, who purchased the home, the fraternity now had a fraternity house.

With their incredible growth, Chi Alpha turned its attention towards the search for a national fraternity affiliation. The list of national fraternities was eventually narrowed down to two – Sigma Nu and Lambda Chi Alpha. Each fraternity had a strong national presence and each represented good values. The fateful decision night was on February 2nd, 1985. For two hours, the brothers of Chi Alpha deliberated over the two. Finally, a vote was called: five votes for Lambda Chi Alpha, seventeen for Sigma Nu. By over a three-to-one margin, Sigma Nu was chosen!

The pledging of 23 brothers and associates into Sigma Nu Fraternity took place on April 14th, 1985, at Gamma Tau chapter at the University of Minnesota during a regional conference weekend. As the former members of Chi Alpha Fraternity took the Oath of Novices, the Mankato State colony of Sigma Nu was officially born.

There were many obstacles the brothers needed to hurdle to obtain the charter. With the guidance of Commanders Paul Bickford and later Mike Daugherty, the brothers dove head-first into the task. All the hard work paid off on May 10th, 1986 when 30 men were initiated into Lambda Delta--the day of our local birth.

Currently, we are located on the corner of Warren and Balcerzak. Our chapter is comprised of a very diverse sample of undergraduates; each of which brings their own knowledge, experience, skill, and opinion, and together we create an entity much greater than ourselves. We actively help to serve the Mankato area through philanthropy and other community outreach programs. We, too, actively participate in campus activities, events and other student organizations.
   
To find out more, stop by and ask. Or you can contact us via email at sigmanu@mnsu.edu