Beta-Nu History

To fully understand the history of Beta-Nu, we must follow the Alpha Omicron Chapter at Transylvania University. Transylvania merged with Kentucky University immediately following the Civil War in order to avoid being closed for lack of funds. In the early 1890s there was a faculty rule at Kentucky University which prohibited greek-letter fraternities and therefore formation of a chapter at the University. In the meantime there was great commotion over the set-ups of both schools and the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University emerged from the confusion.

The University of Kentucky first granted charters to Kappa Sigma, Kappa Alpha Order, and Sigma Chi. Thus, Kappa Sigma was founded at UK on April 5th, 1901. John E. Brown was the first President of the chapter and upon graduating declared, “Beta-Nu is certainly at the top of Kentucky State College now and I can see no reason why Beta-Nu shouldn’t stay there.”

The Beta-Nu Chapter House Corporation worked extremely hard to build or occupy a Chapter House located on the UK Campus. The House Corporation went on an aggressive campaign to raise funds from alumni to secure a Chapter House facility. The Chapter eventually had the opportunity to move into an available Chapter house at 441 Pennsylvania Avenue. After great efforts and finding the right location, the House Corporation made a presentation to the University for the Chapter to make application for the Chapter to lease the Chapter House for a period of five years. Funds were raised from Alumni Brothers to make the necessary renovations and upgrades to the facility. The location of the Chapter House is located strategically in the middle of the University’s Greek Row.