Pi Sigma Epsilon
What is PSE?
History
Purpose
Creed
Elipse
Membership Classifications
Alumni House
Pi Sigma Epsilon is the only national, professional, coeducational fraternity in marketing, sales management and selling. Founded in 1952, PSE was created to promote the fields of marketing and sales as careers and today is identified as one of the greatest impact forces to motivate college students to enter sales, marketing, and related fields. Pi Sigma Epsilon offers practical sales and marketing experience to members through active involvement in sales and marketing projects, marketing research, professional programs, community service and social events.
In 1951, Lloyd Antle, an Ohio University graduate and professor of marketing in the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia, conceived the idea that the sales profession should have a professional fraternity of its own. After all, he reasoned, accountants had a fraternity, the general business majors had a fraternity, why not a fraternity for sales and marketing? Mr. Antle spoke to two other professors - Dr. William H. Harris and Dr. Henry Baker - who agreed that in the ensuing years sales and marketing would become a vital force in the economy. The three man, Lloyd Antle, Dr. William H. Harris and Dr. Henry Baker, approached Mr. Lewis F. Gordon for his ideas. In addition to being a dynamic marketing executive, Mr. Gordon had helped to found the Sales and marketing Executive Association of Atlanta and was a natural to help design the first collegiate fraternity in marketing, sales management and selling.
All four men were members of SMEI of Atlanta. They approached other individuals, gained their support, set up meetings and worked from house to draw up plans. It was an entire year of planning and all the men involved contributed considerable time, effort, and finances. By June of 1952 the first chapter, Alpha, was ready for installation. The fraternity was incorporated under the Georgia laws of incorporation on May 14, 1952. Since the founding group all had career obligations it was necessary to operate on a "when we can find time" basis. From 1952 until 1958 only six chapters had been organized. All of these chapters, except Beta at the University of Utah, were located in the southwestern sector of the United States. In the Following years the fraternity continued to grow steadily. Today, across the United States, there are over one hundred Pi Sigma Epsilon Chapters.
Alpha Mu, the Pi Sigma Epsilon Chapter at California State University, Fresno, was founded in 1965. Over its thirty-five years of existence, Alpha Mu has experienced tremendous growth. In recent history, Alpha Mu has been rated one of the top five chapters in the nation.
1951: The idea of a fraternity in sales and marketing was conceived
1952: Pi Sigma Epsilon was incorporated under the
Georgia Laws of incorporation
1952: The first chapter, Alpha, was chartered at the
University of Georgia
1957: The first National Convention was held in Atlanta, Georgia.
1959: The first life memberships were offered.
1960: The first national Awards Program was presented to chapters.
1966: Mu Kappa Tau, the National Marketing Honor Society, was formed by the members of Pi Sigma Epsilon.
1967: The Pi Sigma Epsilon National Educational Foundation was created to assist PSE members
in achieving their educational pursuits.
1968: PSE National Headquarters moved from Atlanta to New York City.
1969: The first Field Services Representative was hired to conduct Field Services Visits.
1970: The Chapter Efficiency Index was created.
1971: The Computer Marketing Games Competition was offered to chapters.
1974: Women were admitted into PSE membership.
1980: The first issue of the Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management was published by Pi Sigma Epsilon.
1980: The Gamma Nu Chapter at The Ohio State University was chartered
1981: The First PSE Career Fair was held for the PSE National Convention.
1984: Pi Sigma Epsilon National Headquarters was moved to Hartland, Wisconsin.
1984: Dr. D.A. Barselotti became the first female National
President of Pi Sigma Epsilon.
1987 - Present: Pi Sigma Epsilon has continued to increase the benefits and services to it's members.
TO CREATE
a collegiate organization of students who are interested in the advancement of marketing, sales management and selling as a career ans a profession;
TO PROMOTE
the study of marketing, sales management, selling ans related fields in colleges and universities;
TO BRING TOGETHER
academically qualified students who express a desire to enter the fields of professional marketing, sales management and selling;
TO ENCOURAGE
in colleges and universities the establishing of courses preparing students for careers in professional marketing, sales management and selling;
TO STIMULATE
improved methods and techniques in the fields of marketing, sales management and selling;
TO INSTILL
in its members the highest possible ethical standards in selling.
I believe in the honor, value, and productivity
of the Marketing and Selling Profession
I will be honorable, sincere and loyal in all relations with
my Fraternity, my college, my business and the people I serve.
I fully realize that my rewards, whatever they may be,
evolve from my service to others under the
guidance and help of God.
I say these words with sincerity:
That I will endeavor to live
by the principles of Pi Sigma Epsilon
That I value and revere the honor of our fellowship
That I will endeavor to so build myself
and so conduct myself that I will bring honor to
my Fraternity and to my profession.
Symbols
Tilted Ellipse - Competition
Amethyst Color - Sincerity & Belief
Cube - Character & Ethics
Chalice - Confidence & Faith
Open Book - Knowledge
Hammer - Work
Compas & Square - Skill
Eagle - Wisdom
Golden Spur - Honor
Circle - The Circle of Friendship
Alumni Members - The classification "alumni" is generally bestowed upon a member upon graduation from college or who was initiated as a collegiate member and is no longer in school. The people who have already experienced the benefits of Pi Sigma Epsilon as students often offer guidance, leadership, and advice to chapters on projects, organizational structure, awards, recruiting, and professional events. Alumni can discuss their experiences and how involvement in PSE helped them. Alumni are also excellent resources when searching for speakers, project ideas, and job contacts.
Professional Members - These members have had at least five years of sales or marketing experience, who join a local chapter to offer professional advice and assistance. Professional members and advisors can facilitate the transition between the university and the business world by providing guidance for projects and programming from a "business world" perspective. Working with professionals gives PSE members the opportunity to network and demonstrate professional skills gained through experiences in the Fraternity.
Educator Members - Educator members are typically faculty from universities at which chapters are located. Educators assist and advise project implementation and achievement of chapter objectives, as well as communicate the purpose, programs, and activities of the chapter to the university administration and faculty.
Associate Members - Associate members are those who have an interest in sales and mareting but do not meet the criteria of the above membership categories.