The Beta Eta Chapter of Sigma Nu
The Beta Eta Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity was originally founded as the Bloomington Literary Society. On April 14, 1892 the BLS became 37th Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Over the years the Chapter has provided legendary leadership to the Fraternity, the University, the country and world. The Chapter has initiated over 3,000 men, making it one of Sigma Nu’s largest chapters. Recently the Chapter initiated more than one hundred men as part of its rechartering ceremony in April 2022, which coincided with its 130th anniversary.
From a fraternal standpoint Beta Eta has provided leadership with multiple national officers from Division Commanders to Regents. The chapter has also provided several members of the Sigma Nu headquarters staff team over the years. No chapter has provided as many Regents to the fraternity as Beta Eta. With five brothers having served in the highest volunteer office of the fraternity, Beta Eta has become known as the “Birthplace of Regents.” Our Regents have led at momentous occasions throughout the history of the fraternity as well. Brother George “Dad” Cook was one of the early Regents of the fraternity, leading the fraternity during its infancy. Brother Ward Biddle was credited with starting the Hall of Honor to recognize the “Might Oaks of the Fraternity,” men who have gone above and beyond in service to Sigma Nu. Brother Dr. Herman B Wells served as the Regent during the Centennial Year of the Fraternity. Brothers E.G. White and Don Densborn served at a crucial turning point in the fraternity’s history, leading to the current success and preeminent standing it currently holds in the fraternity and sorority community at Indiana University.
Beta Eta has led the way for the university as well. Brother Herman B Wells (BH 327) had a profound impact on the University as Dean of the School of Business, President of the University and as Chancellor spanning a total of 63 years of service. For an extensive review of his service to the University and the Higher Education community, please see his biography, Being Lucky, which is freely available courtesy of Indiana University Press.
Brother Biddle (BH 204) served the University in numerous roles in addition to being a member of the Indiana State Legislature. His service led to the hotel and conference center in the Student Union bearing his name.
Brother Bill (Army) Armstrong (BH 575) served the University as the President of the Indiana University Foundation. During the 31 years that he headed the Foundation it became recognized as one of the most successful of its kind in the nation. Brother Armstrong lettered in baseball in 1940, was inducted into the IU Athletics Hall of Fame for his efforts in establishing men’s soccer, women’s varsity sports, and the Student Athletic Board at IU.
Brother Pat Shoulders (BH 1469) has served the University on the IU Board of Trustees since 2002, serving as Vice-Chair from 2004-2012. He is Chair of the Academic Excellence Committee and Past Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and the External Relations Committee. He is one of the longest serving trustees in the history of the University. He has also served as President of the IU National Alumni Association, and as a director of the Varsity Club, IU Foundation and IU Center on Philanthropy. His service has enhanced the University in many ways. Shoulders retired from the IU Board of Trustees in 2021.
Brother Richard Stoner (BH 564) was another long serving University Trustee from Beta Eta and Brother William Cast, MD (BH 968) also served the Board of Trustees with distinction.
Nationally and across the globe, Beta Eta’s have also provided great service. Led, once again, by the example of Dr. Wells, many have ventured forward to help provide service through leadership. Dr. Wells himself is credited with rebuilding the university systems of Europe after World War II. He also served and advised in many roles in advancing Higher Education throughout the United States. Brother Wells was also an interfraternal leader, receiving the National Interfraternal Conference’s Gold Medal for service. Brother Ward Biddle was a member of the Indiana Legislature for several terms. Brother John Bitove (BH 1741) is one of the top business leaders in Canada and once served on the Prime Minister’s staff. He was the founder of the Toronto Raptors, Sirius XM Canada, several REITs, the S’Cool Life Fund, which funds extracurricular activities for Canadian schools. Brother Bitove has also served on the Board of Trustees of Wake Forrest University since 2007.
Beta Eta alumni have had a profound effect on many areas. These are just a few of the men whose shoulders we stand on. We have proven when we fail to work to earn our place in history with these men we will fall. We must learn from the faithful witness of our forefathers in the Fraternity, whether our local heroes or those from other chapters, who have led with LOVE, HONOR and TRUTH. Our goals are to lead the IU fraternity and sorority community by showing what a fraternal experience should be, uphold the highest academic standards, and to be different in a positive way.
As brothers of the Beta Eta chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity, we will ensure our legacy is one that those who came before us can be proud of, and those that follow honor. The men of Sigma Nu are leaders through: Believing in a life of LOVE, walking in the way of HONOR, serving in the light of TRUTH. In short, EXCELLING WITH HONOR.