The Phoenix

The Phoenix is the manual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. For more than 100 years and for tens of thousands of members, the book has been the first way potential members have learned about the history, the Ritual and the importance of the Fraternity. Now in its 13th edition, this book has changed throughout the years to reflect the ever-evolving needs of members while remaining true to the ideals of the Fraternity. The Phoenix recently has lived entirely online, allowing its content to evolve and engage the reader in a more modern form, but the Fraternity Service Center has plans to bring back a printed form in the near future.

The Phoenix began as a collection of educational materials, originally published under the title of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pledge Manual. Like every edition since then, it mirrored its era while instructing potential members on the basic tenets of the Fraternity.

Some of the chapters in this book — “Minerva’s Highway,” for example — have remained virtually unchanged since the days of the Pledge Manual. Others, meanwhile, have come and gone, such as a chapter on the women of Sigma Alpha Epsilon or an overview of the Little Sisters of Minerva clubs, which appeared in the 5th edition. As the organization, programs, or initiatives come and go The Phoenix has continued to change with the times to stay relevant to the Members of SAE.