Psi Chapter was founded at the University of North Carolina in 1888. Pete Murphy, John and Crawford Bennett, John M. Covington, William Darden, Frank Beall, and George Butler were the first members.
During the time of WW I, chapter operations were reduced as many young men committed themselves to serving the nation in a time of war.
The first chapter home was located on ”Old Fraternity Row” built in 1901. Sadly, in 1919 an accidental fire destroyed the Sigma Nu House.
Construction on a new house began in 1925 on land known as ”Fraternity Court.” The house stands at 109 Fraternity Court, facing towards Columbia Street.
After World War II, membership in Psi Chapter grew to upwards of 60-75 men. Sigma Nu excelled on campus led by Jim Exum, Ψ 724, and others.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, Sigma Nu prospered at UNC despite the various social upheavals.
Among prominent alumni of Psi Chapter are:
James G. Exum Jr., Ψ 724
Chief Justice/NC Supreme Court
Oliver. Max Gardner, Ψ 97
Governor of North Carolina
Asst. Secretary, US Treasury
Top US Diplomat
Charles Edward Eaton, Ψ 328
Poet
James Kay Kyser, Ψ 231
Bandleader
Felix ”Doc” Blanchard Jr., Ψ 475
Football Legend
Three-time All-American
1945 Heisman Trophy winner
In 1988, Psi Chapter celebrated its centennial and in 1992 received the Rock Chapter Award—an honor bestowed upon the best-of-the-best chapters in Sigma Nu.