National History

Mission of Pi Sigma Epsilon

Pi Sigma Epsilon develops the sales and marketing skills of its members through lifelong opportunities

Beginning with the End in Mind

As with most visionary companies, leaders know where they want to go and how to get there. The Founders of Pi Sigma Epsilon are great examples of visionary leaders. They showed a strong dedication and desire to establish a collegiate organization to assist members in developing sales and marketing skills through lifetime opportunities. In order to accomplish this, they began with small but necessary steps such as forging a strong relationship with Sales and Marketing Executives. Without this forethought, Pi Sigma Epsilon would not be where we are today.

The Vision Becomes Reality

In 1951, Lloyd L. Antle, an Ohio University graduate and professor of Marketing at Georgia State University (formerly Georgia State College), conceived the idea that the sales profession should have a professional fraternity of its own. Mr. Antle spoke to two other professors - Dr. William H. Harris and Dr. Henry O. Baker - who agreed that in the ensuing years sales and marketing would become a vital force in the economy. These three men, Lloyd Antle, Dr. William Harris, and Dr. Henry Baker, approached Mr. Lewis F. Gordon for his ideas. In addition to being a charismatic and energetic marketing executive, Mr. Gordon had helped to found the Sales and Marketing Executives(SME) association of Atlanta and was a natural choice to help design the first collegiate fraternity in marketing, sales management, and selling.

All four men were members of SME Atlanta. They approached other members, gained their support, set up organizational meetings, and worked diligently to develop plans. After an entire year of planning, with all involved contributing considerable time, effort, and finances, the foundation for this new organization was laid. With input from students, professionals and our founders, five essential aspects of Pi Sigma Epsilon were developed: the Statement of Purpose, Constitution and Bylaws, Creed, Key and Ritual of Initiation. The Greek letters of Pi Sigma Epsilon were carefully chosen to represent members of the fraternity.

• Prospective Sales Executives (collegiates)
• Preparers of Sales Executives (educators)
• Professional Sales Executives (professionals and alumni)

The Fraternity was incorporated under the Georgia Laws of Incorporation on May 14, 1952, and our first chapter, Alpha, was installed at Georgia State University (formerly Georgia State College).

Chapter History

Pi Sigma Epsilon is a co-ed, professional business fraternity at Illinois State chartered on April 11, 1992. Our Illinois State chapter, Delta Omega, fosters professional competency and achievement within the business field. Its members gain business experiences, opportunities, and knowledge about the business world today, and the world its members help to create. Pi Sigma Epsilon, Delta Omega Chapter is always seeking out individuals who would like to enhance not only their college life, but also help them prepare for life after college.

Here on campus, we have 80+ members and are rated one of the top chapters in the nation every year. We participate in multiple projects locally dealing with marketing, community service, professional development, among other areas. We provide business experience with mock interviews, resume critiques and much more. Also, we hold numerous social activities to form bonds among our members with similar interests.

Each semester, we recruit new members who we believe will add value to our organization. Dozens of Illinois State students come out to our informational recruitment sessions, whether they are just a little curious, want the free food, or are forced to go by a friend. After spending a little time with our chapter most students realize what Pi Sigma Epsilon is really about and what we offer.

Pi Sigma Epsilon members stem from all different backgrounds, ages, majors and occupations. Although we are a business organization mostly comprised of students in the College of Business, we are open to all majors and welcome individuals who will be committed to Pi Sigma Epsilon. We accept all majors because we understand that even if you’re not a business major you will still need the skills of selling no matter what job field you enter. We will teach you how to sell yourself to employers, how to make yourself stand out from the other 20,000 students who are at Illinois state university. No matter what your major is, or what career path you’re heading down, you will be surprised by how much PSE can help you achieve your goals.