Seventy-five years ago, seven students left their fraternity at St. Lawrence University and traveled to Troy with a single purpose: to start something new at RPI. What followed is a story of 800 brothers, two chapter houses, and a fraternity that has grown stronger with every decade.
1949
The Beginning
Seven Brothers Leave St. Lawrence
In October 1949, seven Phi Sigs from the Xi Chapter at St. Lawrence University left their college to start a colony at RPI. There were already 27 fraternities operating at Rensselaer. Undeterred, the seven set to work, operating out of the RPI clubhouse and hosting their first event — a cider and doughnuts party.
After just one year, their number had grown to 27 brothers. They were ready to become a chapter.
1950
Founding
Gamma Tetarton is Born
For the Fall 1950 semester, colony president Bill Gould rented a house at 4 Park Place. The chapter had now qualified with the school and with nationals. On Friday, October 13th, the charter members were initiated as brothers of Gamma Tetarton. The following day, October 14th, 1950, National Grand President Spec Collins oversaw the formal induction of the colony as the Gamma Tetarton Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa.
The brothers cleaned up the rented house and furnished it themselves. Soon after, they held their first Christmas party — where Brother John Sicko became the chapter’s first Santa Claus, starting a tradition.
1952
Early Years
A Chapter Finds Its Footing
Two years in, Gamma Tetarton is established at RPI with its own identity, its own house, and its own traditions. The 1952 composite, lost for decades and recently recovered from a thrift store, captures the early brotherhood in its original home on Park Place.
1960
A Permanent Home
272 Hoosick Street “Siggy”
In 1960, the chapter purchases its own house at 272 Hoosick Street, known to generations of brothers as “Siggy.” The building had previously been a funeral home. The brothers make it their own.
Eight years later, in 1968, the chapter reaches its largest size ever: 52 brothers. For four decades, Hoosick Street will be the center of Phi Sig life at RPI.
2008
Transition
Displacement and a New Beginning
In 2008, the chapter is no longer permitted to live in the Hoosick Street house. The house is condemned. Brothers briefly take refuge at 1519 Bouton Road, operating across multiple apartments with Bouton as the de facto house.
Meanwhile, an opportunity emerges. The Diocese is closing churches across the area. The chapter sells the Hoosick Street house to Rite Aid and purchases a former church at 316 Congress Street in Troy’s Mt. Ida neighborhood.
2011
New Home
316 Congress Street
The chapter moves into 316 Congress Street and makes an immediate commitment to the neighborhood around it. The Mt. Ida Micro Grant Program is established that same year, providing small grants to local residents, businesses, and non-profits working to improve the Mt. Ida neighborhood of Troy. It is a direct expression of the fraternity’s third cardinal principle: character.
2025
75th Anniversary
The 75th Anniversary Gala
Brothers from across the country and across decades gather at RPI on October 11, 2025 for the 75th Anniversary Gala. More than 800 brothers have been initiated since 1950. There are 650 living alumni and 13 active brothers carrying the chapter forward.
At the gala, the alumni association launches the 75th Anniversary Capital Campaign with a goal of $750,000 to strengthen the house, expand educational initiatives, and prepare the chapter for the decades ahead.
1950
YEAR FOUNDED
800+
BROTHERS INITIATED
2
CHAPTER HOUSES
75
YEARS AND COUNTING
The Story Continues
Some brothers are fresh out of university. Some are well into retirement. All of us have unique and varied experiences in our life journeys. Yet despite these differences, we are bound together in a shared commitment to a life of faith and purpose. Looking back on 75 years, we have much to be proud of in what we have created. We also have much to look forward to in the years ahead.