History

Illinois College is the only college in Illinois, and quite possibly, the only remaining college in the country that includes literary, fraternal and social activities in one organization. Initial literary society formation on the campus began in 1843 due to strong interest in intercollegiate oratory and requests for organizations specializing in literary and forensic expression.

The seven literary societies, three women’s (Gamma Delta, Chi Beta and Sigma Phi Epsilon) and four men’s (Sigma Pi, Phi Alpha, Gamma Nu and Pi Pi Rho), continue to flourish at Illinois College. They hold weekly business meetings and literary programs, where members offer debates, orations, essays, declamations, dramatic monologues, readings, extemporaneous speeches and individual compositions. They also offer many services and social activities that benefit society members, all Illinois College students and the Jacksonville community. Literary societies are a unique entity and are truly worth investigating.

Sigma Phi Epsilon
Nickname: Phips
Founded: 1916
Colors: Yellow and White
Motto: "Knowledge, Love and Service."
Flower: Daisy
Brothers: The men of Sigma Pi

Sigma Phi Epsilon was founded in 1916 by four women: Miss Lucy Gray Gatling, Miss Francis Gatling, Miss Anne Pescell, and Miss Bernice Wheeler. Since then, it has had a long standing tradition of literary excellence, service, academics, and sociability. Service is a vital part of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Throughout the year, we participate in projects such as helping at the local soup kitchen, Big Brother/Big Sister, Best Buddies, the American Heart Walk, the MS Walk, Jump Rope for Heart, and the Ronald McDonald House. Both on the academic and social fronts, Sigma Phi Epsilon excels. We have many members actively involved in campus activities such as the Homecoming Committee, Student Activities Board, Residence Life, Athletics and Student Government. We have also had numerous members inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and who are on the Dean’s List. The bond developed in Phips is a circle of friendship that will remain a part of you for a lifetime.

Traditions

MEANING: Sigma Phi Epsilon means Knowledge, Love and Service.

DAISY: The Daisy is the society flower. Oct. 5, 1931: "It was remembered that the first girls met around a round table to form the society and this circle of friendship they have preserved in the pin with its circle of pearls. Following the same idea, the daisy was chosen as flower."

 

GARTER BOX: The garter box holds the garter that each bride wears, as well as letters written on the eve of their weddings. The Keeper of the Garter shall be responsible for sending the box to those with upcoming weddings. The idea of the traditional garter was started about 1920 by some early members. It is only to be seen by those who wear it, and in the meantime, should be in safe keeping.

PINKY RING: The Sigma Phi Epsilon pinky ring is worn on the member's left pinky finger. When she becomes engaged, she moves the ring to her right hand. The rings were incredibly popular in the 1970s, and were ordered for new members before pledging was complete. In the 2000s, fewer girls bought the rings due to high prices.

SECOND ROLL CALL: The second roll call is an honorary re-reading of the roll to recognize accomplishments of the members. The second roll call is mentioned in the minutes of the April 1929 business and literary meetings, the earliest known book of Sigma Phi Epsilon. It was held at the end of each meeting.

LOVE FEAST: Love feast is an annual banquet held at the end of each academic year. The tradition, mentioned in the minutes of the recording secretary's book of 1929, has been held every year at various locations in Jacksonville, including the First Presbyterian Church and the Elks Lodge.
The tradition was originally for only women, but was opened to men as well, as voted on at the Sept. 15, 1997 meeting. At Love feast, the officers for the fall semester are inducted and the Mary Francis Wilson award is presented. At the business meeting of April 3, 1974, it was decided to have a literary meeting at Love feast.

RED COUCHES: The red couches in the room are reserved for alumna, seniors, and special guests. They were donated to the society by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Caldwell and Mrs. Langton (minutes of May 1942).

BLOWOUT: A blowout ceremony is a ritual for recently engaged members. The recently engaged member secretly contacts the current president of the society, and the president calls an emergency meeting. At the meeting, a candle is lit and passed around the circle until the woman recently engaged blows out the candle. This tradition was first discussed January 23, 1984. The first recorded blowout was held for Barb DeGroot on Jan. 21, 1985.

BLACK DRESSES: The black dress is worn by members to every literary meeting. The tradition was first mentioned Feb. 8, 1960: "We decided all wear black to show that we are a unified group only not to be too fancy so the guests don't feel out of the place."

ALL SCHOOL OPEN: The first annual open meeting was held Feb. 15, 1961. On Feb. 22, 1960, the idea of having an open was first brought up.

 

 PRESIDENT'S PIN: The president's pin is handed down from president to president. She wears the pin at any event when black dresses are worn. An alumna donated the pin to the society (May 24, 1986).

THE FIVE MINUTE BREAK: A five minute break is taken during literary meetings to give the productionists time to prepare their pieces. When a business meeting precedes the literary meeting, a 10-minute break is granted.

 

Copyright © 2008 Sigma Phi Epsilon Literary Society

Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL

Site last updated 10/31/08 by Lauren Ridings & Jodi Schroeder