The History of Sigma Nu
A Westwood Landmark
On November 7, 1930, the Sigma Nu fraternity established its Epsilon Pi chapter at UCLA. Under the leadership of their first Eminent Commander, Everett T. Plumer, one of the chapter’s early goals was to secure a place on UCLA’s emerging fraternity row. By the late 1930s, renowned architect Kurt Radon-Meyer designed a striking Norman-style house for the fraternity, which was completed in 1940 — a home that Sigma Nu members continue to cherish today. For 95 years, Sigma Nu has stood as more than just a fraternity at UCLA. Rooted in the values of Love, Honor, and Truth, the Epsilon Pi chapter has shaped generations of leaders — not only in athletics and campus life but also in business and the broader community. With over 2,300 initiated members, their impact extends far beyond the walls of their historic home, reflecting a legacy of character, leadership, and service that resonates throughout UCLA and beyond.
Athletic Tradition
The Epsilon Pi chapter of Sigma Nu at UCLA has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, with many of its members contributing to the university’s storied sports legacy. Among them, two brothers stand out for their remarkable achievements: Jerry Norman and Rick Neuheisel. Brother Jerry Norman served as co-captain of the UCLA basketball team and earned first-team all-conference honors in 1952. His impact extended beyond his playing days when he joined Coach John Wooden’s staff in 1957. As the lead recruiter for Bruin legends like Walt Hazzard, Gail Goodrich, Lou Alcindor, and Sidney Wicks, Norman played a pivotal role in building the foundation of UCLA’s basketball dynasty. He also introduced innovative zone presses that were crucial to securing the program’s first two NCAA Championships. Brother Rick Neuheisel made his mark on UCLA football, leading the Bruins to a dominant 45-9 victory over Illinois in the 1984 Rose Bowl, where he was named the game’s MVP. His dedication to the sport and his alma mater came full circle when he returned to Westwood as the Bruins’ head coach from 2008 to 2011. Beyond these individual accomplishments, the chapter’s athletic tradition has inspired many alumni to pursue careers across all major professional sports organizations. This enduring commitment to excellence on and off the field remains a defining part of Sigma Nu’s legacy at UCLA.
Campus Prestige
The chapter has always had members active in the school’s student government (USAC), the fraternity government (IFC), the school newspaper (Daily Bruin), and other prestigious school positions. One of the most impactful Brothers on UCLA’s overall success was Byron Atkinson who became a Sigma Nu in 1938 and, after graduation, distinguished himself by becoming Dean of Students. During his 19-year tenure he gained the respect of students, faculty and parents for his direct, even-handed approach to discipline. He helped restore poorly supported traditions such as homecoming and Spring Sing, but also waded into more controversial areas during the troubled 1960s and ’70s.
Legacy of Service
Rooted in its founding at the Virginia Military Institute and UCLA’s history as a land grant college — where freshmen were required to take ROTC until the 1960s — the Epsilon Pi chapter of Sigma Nu has long upheld a deep commitment to personal honor and service. Throughout the decades, many Sigma Nu brothers have proudly served as officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. Among them, three stand out for their extraordinary dedication: Al Sparlis, Jerry Coffee, and Charles Wolf. Before being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 1946 NFL Draft, Brother Al Sparlis’ football career was interrupted by World War II, during which he flew 70 missions over the “Hump” from India to China, surviving two crashes and earning seven campaign ribbons. Brother Jerry Coffee, after graduating from UCLA in 1957, joined the Navy and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for low-level reconnaissance missions over Cuba — providing the critical photos used by the United States at the United Nations to reveal the presence of Soviet missiles during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1966, while flying a combat mission over North Vietnam, Coffee’s reconnaissance jet was shot down, and he endured seven years as a prisoner of war. Upon his repatriation in 1973, he returned to active duty, earning the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 13 stars. Brother Charles Wolf, a 1984 Epsilon Pi initiate, served as Commodore of Naval Special
Warfare Group FOUR in Virginia and as commanding officer of SEAL Team TEN. He later worked at the Pentagon, assigned to the Joint Staff as Deputy Director of the Pakistan Afghanistan Coordination Cell. The Epsilon Pi chapter’s legacy of military service reflects Sigma Nu’s enduring values of Love, Honor, and Truth — a tradition of leadership and sacrifice that extends well beyond UCLA’s campus.
Philanthropic Leadership
The Epsilon Pi chapter of Sigma Nu has a proud history of philanthropic generosity, reflecting its commitment to service and community impact. Central to this legacy is the Sigma Nu Alumni Scholarship Fund — the largest Greek-affiliated grant program in the country — which since 2016 has provided crucial financial support to undergraduate members, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals while enabling many to graduate without student loan debt. Beyond scholarships, the chapter and its alumni have consistently supported charitable causes both on and off campus. One of the chapter’s most distinguished philanthropists, Bob Wilson, embodied this spirit of giving. Recognized with the UCLA Medal — the university’s highest honor — Wilson’s generosity has left a lasting mark on the campus. His numerous charitable gifts have supported various university initiatives, and his legacy is immortalized at Wilson Plaza, the expansive, grassy quad at the heart of UCLA, where students gather, study, and celebrate. Through its scholarship fund and unwavering dedication to philanthropy, Sigma Nu’s Epsilon Pi chapter continues to foster a culture of giving, strengthening both the UCLA community and the
broader society.
Social Grandeur
The Epsilon Pi chapter of Sigma Nu is not only known for its dedication to scholarship and service but also for its vibrant social traditions. At the heart of these traditions is the annual White Rose Formal — the chapter’s signature event of the year. Originally held at prestigious local venues like the Bel Air Country Club, the event evolved in the late 1980s when the chapter began a new tradition of taking the celebration beyond Los Angeles. Since then, White Rose Formals have graced ballrooms in iconic destinations such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and Coronado Island. These elegant evenings bring
together tuxedo-clad brothers and their dates for sophisticated dinners and unforgettable moments on the dance floor. More than just a night of celebration, the White Rose Formal reflects the chapter’s sense of brotherhood and tradition, fostering bonds that last far beyond the event itself. Blending style, camaraderie, and timeless tradition, the Epsilon Pi chapter’s social calendar extends beyond graduation, with alumni staying connected through cherished events like the Black Knight Reunion — a testament to the lifelong bonds forged within Sigma Nu.
