DeKalb, IL — April 17, 2025 — Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp), one of the nation’s largest and most respected fraternities, proudly announces the Grand Opening of its brand-new chapter house at 920 Hillcrest Drive, marking a monumental milestone in the revival of the Illinois Epsilon Chapter at Northern Illinois University (NIU).
The Grand Opening Celebration, held on April 12, 2025, was a truly historic day for SigEp and the broader NIU community. Distinguished guests on the program included NIU President Lisa Freeman, DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, Fraternity and Sorority Life Director Vicki Gerentes, and NIU Foundation Board of Directors member Jeff Liesendahl. Their presence underscored the importance of this moment not only for the chapter but for the entire NIU campus, Greek Row, and local community.
More than just a building, the new house represents a bold vision: “Bringing Back the Heart” of SigEp at NIU. After years of alumni-led planning, events, and tireless dedication, the chapter has returned to Greek Row—stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever to redefine leadership, brotherhood, and excellence.
“This isn’t just about opening doors,” said Bill Flack, Past Chapter President and Alumni Board member. “It’s about opening minds, reigniting our brotherhood, and creating a legacy where future generations of SigEp men can thrive. This is our house—past, present, and future—and everyone who helped build it should feel proud.”
As highlighted in a recent NIU Today feature, the Bringing Back the Heart campaign made the new facility possible—an ambitious vision and capital initiative fueled by alumni generosity, hard work, and creativity. The fundraising goal of $275,000 is gaining momentum, and every dollar is being stretched to its fullest potential thanks to the incredible support of our Trades team and alumni volunteers who donated their time, talent, and passion to the project.
Phase 1 of the renovation—featuring the fully completed Great Room, Foyer, and the first Bedroom Suite—was unveiled at the Grand Opening. Phase 2, which includes the entire first-floor bedroom suites, has begun. In the coming weeks, Phase 3 plans will be underway to renovate the remaining areas of the house. Thanks to continued fundraising support from alumni, the full renovation is on track for completion by the start of the Fall 2025 semester in August.
The newly modernized house features:
- Expanded common areas to foster brotherhood, leadership, and community engagement
- Enhanced safety, security, and accessibility features
- The Largest Bedrooms on Greek Row
- Modern and spacious Kitchen & Dining Room
- 2400 Square Foot Chapter / Entertainment Room
- Dedicated study and collaboration spaces with high-speed connectivity and tools to support academic excellence
The Grand Opening served not only as a celebration of a new physical home but also as a recommitment to SigEp’s timeless mission: Building Balanced Men. This spirit will continue later this month as the chapter hosts the Balanced Man Scholarship Awards Banquet in the Sky Room on top of the Holmes Student Center—recognizing outstanding men of Sound Mind and Sound Body and honoring the next generation of leaders.
“This is just the beginning,” said Markus Loving ’91, project leader and alumnus. “The new house is a symbol of how a brotherhood united by vision and values can accomplish incredible things. Together, we’re setting the stage for a revitalized Greek Life at NIU—one that honors our decades of diversity, is future-focused, and built on principles that matter.”
To learn more about the Bringing Back the Heart campaign or to donate, Click Here
