OUR CHAPTER
Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded at the University of Cincinnati on November 22nd , 1889. One of our founding fathers was Joseph B. Strauss, engineer and architect of the Golden Gate Bridge. SAE was the third fraternity founded at the University of Cincinnati, and the Ohio Epsilon chapter has built a storied history tied in with UC and the community. For over 135 years, our members have been leaders on the campus in scholarship, philanthropy, student life, and athletics.
We claim two significant connections to the University of Cincinnati football program: the name of our mascot and the legacy of our stadium.
Leonard K. Baehr: Affectionately known as “Teddy Baehr,” he was a fullback for the 1915 Cincinnati football team. During a game against the Kentucky Wildcats, the Cincinnati crowd started to cheer for their “Baehr-cat.” The name stuck!
James Gamble Nippert: Jimmy was a center for the 1923 squad. On Thanksgiving Day, he received a cleat wound in his leg. Infection from the field conditions set in, and Jimmy died on Christmas Day, 1923. His last words were “Five more yards to go, then drop.” Jimmy’s father and brother were also SAEs from Cincinnati. The entire city was shocked, wondering what the future would hold for the football program. Jimmy’s grandfather, James N. Gamble, donated the funds to finish the new stadium in his memory. You will see constant reminders of Jimmy in the stadium, particularly the memorial at the south end of the stadium.
https://magazine.uc.edu/issues/0413/jimmy_nippert.html
While we are currently celebrating the 100 th anniversary of remembrance for Jimmy and his legacy, Ohio Epsilon alumni throughout the decades can be found in politics, business, philanthropy, community impact, and athletics. We have a strong history of volunteering in SAE, with five National Presidents coming from our chapter, along with countless volunteers and leaders throughout the realm.
OUR HOUSE
Ohio Epsilon rented meeting spaces until 1910, when alumni bought a house at 2210 Ohio Avenue (which still stands today). By 1920, it was clear the growing chapter needed a larger residence closer to campus.
The tragic death of Jimmy Nippert precipitated the events that brought Ohio Epsilon at 2707 Clifton Ave today. Judge Alfred Kuno Nippert (OHEP 1894) and his wife Maud gifted the land and the Lodge as a memorial to Jimmy. Legend has it that Jimmy himself chose the site from his hospital bed in December, 1923. Ground was broken on March 9, 1924, the cornerstone was laid on September 27, 1924 by Louis Nippert, and dedicated on March 25th, 1925.
The house was designed specifically for the use of college men in the 1920’s. The popularity of UC’s co-op program meant that students were potentially moving in and out every 10 weeks.
Architect Clifford M. Stegner (OHEP 1899) designed “rack rooms” at the end of the hallways for sleeping, while the current dormer rooms were for storage, study and personal affects. In 1956, the “New Addition” was added to the west wall of the old dining room. Formally called the George H. Kress Memorial Library, it is our large meeting space for dinners, speakers, or social events.
A significant expansion was completed in 2010, adding 38 parking spots, increasing beds and rooms to the “jack and jill” style, along with several common areas for members and guests. The property is managed by volunteer alumni, and maintained by the chapter in gratitude of the legacy from Judge A.K. and Maud Nippert. While student life has changed a lot in the past century, we have adapted to make the James Gamble Nippert Memorial Lodge a place for Brothers to enjoy college and reconnect as alumni.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OHIO EPSILON HISTORY
OUR BROTHERHOOD
The brotherhood of Ohio Epsilon is one that will last a lifetime. During the college experience our members build their connections through shared experiences, moral support, and commitment to the values and goals of our fraternity. Through years of tradition we strive to allow brothers to grow as individuals and as men during their time at Ohio Epsilon. Not only do brothers find meaningful relationships with one another but also with the fraternity alumni. These connections allow one to learn more about the organization as a whole and can increase involvement on a national level. Through friendship, scholarship, leadership, and service, Ohio Epsilon creates a sense of belonging greater than oneself.
One of the longest-lasting benefits of being an SAE from Cincinnati is a lifetime of alumni Brotherhood. We have successful and engaged alumni throughout the United States and the world. We also have an active area alumni association here in Cincinnati. We enjoy four big annual events, as well as multiple smaller events during the year:
Fall Picnic
Homecoming
Founders Day (first Friday in March)
Lucy Pattie Memorial Golf Tournament (summer)
You will not travel far in Cincinnati without running into a fellow Brother. Joining SAE at UC means a lifetime of mentors and friendships!
