The first secret society at St. Lawrence University was the Five Lyres, organized in 1871 and started by Walter Balfour Gunnison with the goal of securing a chapter of some national Greek-letter fraternity. But before much had been accomplished, all but Walter had graduated, so he then formed another group called the P. D.’s. In 1875, the P. D.’s became Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Chi, a small fraternity of four of five chapters founded four years prior.

Around this time, the great national fraternity of Beta Theta Pi was seeking extension eastward and they had gotten notice of the budding Alpha Sigma Chi. Members of Beta met with members of Alpha Sigma Chi, and before the end of 1879, all the existing chapters of the lesser fraternity, with all their graduate members, were absorbed by Beta Theta Pi in 1879.

The Beta Zeta chapter of Beta Theta Pi has evolved through many eras of campus and fraternal life, maintaining a commitment to leadership, academic excellence, and service. Over the years, we’ve hosted numerous events, contributed to philanthropic efforts, and upheld traditions that foster unity and lifelong friendships.