Sigma Phi Beta, Arizona State University's gay fraternity, forms national organization, elects first national officers - July 17, 2005

Tempe , Ariz. - Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity officially adopted itself as a national organization Sunday, July 17, 2005, becoming the only national gay-focused collegiate-based fraternity with a chapter recognized by a university. Members of the founding chapter at Arizona State University, the only university nationwide to officially recognize both a gay fraternity and a lesbian sorority, adopted the organization's national constitution and bylaws and elected four alumni members to national office at a constitutional convention held on the ASU campus.

The convention elected the following members: Sam Holdren, President and Chairman of Sigma Phi Beta; Carlos Galaz, Director of Expansion; Matthew Nelson, Director of Internal Affairs; and J.J. Johnson, Director of Finance and Estate.

Holdren graduated from ASU in December 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Galaz, Nelson and Johnson all graduated from ASU in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Music in Performance, respectively.

"This is a momentous day for Sigma Phi Beta and its members," said Chairman Holdren. "Forming our national organization brings us one step closer to achieving our vision. I look forward to Sigma Phi Beta establishing a national presence and expanding to other colleges and universities."

Ruben Grace, Sigma Phi Beta ASU chapter president expressed his enthusiasm around the formation of the national group: "I'm excited that we now have the opportunity to expand to other universities so that we can give other people the opportunities we have created for ourselves at ASU. We are bridging the gap between the traditional fraternity system and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community (LGBTQ).

Sigma Phi Beta's first chapter was founded in the Fall of 2003 at Arizona State University. The founding chapter is a member of the university's Interfraternity Council (IFC), which governs all member, traditional fraternities on campus. Sigma Phi Beta requires members to be enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree granting institution and maintain satisfactory academic standing. The purpose of Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity is to build character in gay, straight, bisexual and transgender male college students through social and meaningful activities that will empower them in their future endeavors, while upholding the bonds and true meaning of brotherhood.