Explore the history of Gamma Sigma Fraternity
View the photos below to explore the vibrant past of a historic society. ■
The History of Gamma Sigma Fraternityview gallery
2013–Present | Gamma Sigma Fraternity alumni celebrate their 150th anniversary with a reunion dinner and golf scramble during Homecoming, Oct. 10-13.
1867 | Faculty attempt to disband Gamma Sigma after a competing group, Alpha Zeta Alpha, collapsed secret mettigs are held in the bachelor residents of the late Honorary T.H. Tongue.
1896 | The society now has a room in Marsh Hall, neatly furnished and lighted with electricity, and is a very inviting place to all who wish to spend an evening pleasantly and profitably. No young man in P.U. can afford to miss this rare opportunitiy and the advantages which such a society affords.
1905 | Gamma Sigma hosts its third annual banquet in March, boasting a menu of oysters on the half shell, crab salad, roast chicken, sugar-cured ham, Neapolitan icea cream, and more.
1914 | Gamma Sigma Hall was the scene of a trial last Thursday evening. ... Oscar Axelson was even paler than usual as he heard himself accused of stealing two gallons of alcohol from the science laboratory [pictured, Science Hall, now Old College Hall]. ... Much conflicting testimony was brought forward, many perjuries were committed ... they finally secured a verdict of not guilty. ... the question yet remains: “‘Who got that alcohol?’
1918 | The Gamma Sigma Society has worked under a handicap this year on account of fifteen of its members having joined the colors. The society is proud of these men and has striven loyally to uphold the standard of the society as they would have done.
1949 | Arnold Taylor and other members suggest Gamma Sigma rent the old Forest Grove Hospital as a fraternity house.
1963 | The Gammas celebrate their centennial with many festivities, including a walk of “One Hundred Miles for One Hundred Years” of brotherhood, which started in Corvallis. Four members completed he walk back to Forest Grove
1967-1968 | Gamma Sigma captures the prized Boxer statue during the height of the modern Boxer toss era and take the mascot throughout the West.
1863 | Rev. Edward Allen Tanner, principal of Tualitin Academy and member of the original Lyceum, helps students organize Gamma Sigma Literary Society. – Gamma Sigma History
This story first appeared in the Fall 2013 – Philanthropy Edition issue of Pacific Magazine. For more stories, visit pacificu.edu/magazine.
