Chi Gamma Epsilon (ΧΓΕ) is a local fraternity at the American Ivy League university of Dartmouth College. "Chi Gam," as it is commonly known, was part of Kappa Sigma fraternity before breaking off for political reasons. On campus, Chi Gam is known for its dance parties such as Gammapalooza, and its house pong game known as ship [1] and its commitment to community service. In past years Chi Gam gained a reputation as the "Baseball Frat," although now the house is populated by a wide variety of different people, including members of the Dartmouth Lightweight Crew team, Dartmouth Cross Country team, Dartmouth Waterpolo team, and leaders of student organizations.

History

Chi Gamma Epsilon has been an integral part of Dartmouth College’s Greek life for over a century. Originally founded in 1904 as the local fraternity Beta Gamma, the organization was established by 11 founding members who sought to create a brotherhood dedicated to camaraderie, leadership, and tradition. A year later, in 1905, the fraternity gained national recognition and was granted a charter as the Gamma Epsilon chapter of Kappa Sigma.

As the fraternity grew in size and influence, the need for a permanent meeting space became apparent. From 1914 to 1916, the brothers raised funds to construct a small wooden house at 7 Webster Avenue, marking the beginning of the fraternity’s presence at its current location. The house served as a vital hub for fraternity life but, as membership expanded, structural issues and space limitations necessitated a larger, more modern facility. In 1935, the original structure was razed, and under the leadership of Ives Atherton ‘24, who was instrumental in securing funding, construction of a new fraternity house was completed by 1937. The house has since remained the home of Chi Gamma Epsilon.

Transition to a Local Fraternity

For much of its history, Chi Gamma Epsilon operated as a chapter of Kappa Sigma, but by the early 1980s, tensions between the Dartmouth chapter and the national organization began to rise. The disagreement centered around financial obligations and autonomy, particularly when the house faced unexpected structural expenses. In 1981, after the national fraternity declined to assist in funding essential repairs, the brothers made the pivotal decision to sever ties with Kappa Sigma and become an independent, local fraternity. To mark this transition, the house was renamed Kappa Sigma Gamma.

However, legal challenges from the Kappa Sigma national organization over the use of its name led the fraternity to adopt a temporary designation, 7 Webster Avenue, in 1983. Following a period of deliberation, the brothers voted on March 31, 1987, to rename the fraternity Chi Gamma Epsilon. The new name retained elements of the house’s history, with Gamma Epsilon honoring its roots as the Gamma Epsilon chapter of Kappa Sigma.

House Renovations and Improvements

Over the decades, 7 Webster Avenue has undergone several major renovations and additions, ensuring that the house remains a functional and welcoming space for generations of brothers.

1937: Complete reconstruction of the house following the demolition of the original structure.

2005: Basement expansion, including the construction of the Keg Cave, modifications to Room M, the loss of a window in Room N, and various furniture upgrades.

2011: A full basement renovation, including a new fire escape, funded by John Donahoe ‘82, CEO of Nike and former CEO of eBay and PayPal.

2016: Major infrastructure updates, including Wi-Fi upgrades, renovations to the Brothers Room, and improvements to the Ship Room.

2023: A wildflower garden was planted in the front lawn in memory of brother Sam Gawel ‘23, serving as a lasting tribute to his impact on the fraternity and Dartmouth community.

These improvements have allowed Chi Gamma Epsilon to maintain 7 Webster Avenue as a key gathering space for both current members and returning alumni, ensuring that the fraternity’s traditions and history continue to thrive.

Philanthropy and Service

Chi Gamma Epsilon has a longstanding tradition of community engagement and philanthropy, contributing to both local and national causes. The fraternity has been actively involved in initiatives such as:

The Prouty: Annual participation in fundraising efforts supporting cancer research and patient care, with recent contributions exceeding $2,000.

Movember: A dedicated campaign to raise awareness and funding for men’s health issues, including mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate cancer research, with recent donations surpassing $5,000.

Hanover Community Kitchen: Regular volunteering efforts to provide meals for local residents in need.

Donations to Mental Health Foundations: A collaboration supporting mental health awareness and outreach programs.

Philanthropy remains a core pillar of Chi Gamma Epsilon, reinforcing the fraternity’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond Dartmouth’s campus.

Chi Gamma Epsilon Today

Chi Gamma Epsilon has continued to thrive as an independent fraternity, adapting to the evolving Dartmouth community while preserving its long-standing traditions. Today, the fraternity consists of 89 active members, all of whom are involved in various aspects of campus life, including varsity and club sports, student government, performing arts, and professional organizations. The house remains an essential part of Dartmouth’s Greek system, known for its tight-knit brotherhood, leadership development, and commitment to service.

The fraternity also maintains a strong alumni network, with members excelling in business, sports, public service, and other fields. Notable alumni include:

John Donahoe ‘82 – Former CEO of Nike, eBay, and PayPal.

Burke W. Whitman ‘78 – Major General, United States Marine Corps.

Brad Ausmus ‘91 – Former Major League Baseball catcher and MLB manager.

Mike Remlinger ‘87 – MLB pitcher (1991-2005).

Jim Beattie ‘76 – MLB pitcher (1978-1986), World Series Champion.

Russell Carson ‘55 – General Partner at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, member of the Dartmouth Board of Trustees.

Kevin Oh ‘12 – International singer-songwriter and winner of Superstar K7.

Joshua Konieczny ‘13 – Lightweight Rowing Olympian, Rio 2016.

Anthony Fahden ‘08 – Lightweight Rowing Olympian, London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Chi Gamma Epsilon remains a pillar of Dartmouth’s Greek life, carrying forward the traditions of brotherhood, leadership, and service that have defined the house for over a century. The fraternity’s home at 7 Webster Avenue continues to be a gathering place where lifelong friendships are formed, and where each generation of brothers leaves its own mark on Chi Gam’s storied history.

Notable members

A baseball player standing at first base with his glove, wearing a red jersey with the word "Astros" in front
Brad Ausmus

See also

References

  1. ^ Knight, Crispus (August 3, 2013). Three For Ship. Brooklyn: Fuzzy Plum Press. p. 79. ISBN 9780615848884.
  2. ^ "The Dartmouth - Ausmus '91 hired as Tigers manager". Archived from the original on 2014-06-06. Retrieved 2014-06-03.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Gamma_Epsilon
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