The Gamma Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu was founded at the University of Kentucky on January 17, 1902.  The first chapter house was built in 1920 specifically for Gamma Iota members. The house, which was located at 173 Euclid Avenue (now Avenue of Champions), sat on the current site of Memorial Coliseum. It was dedicated to the memory of Harold A. Pulliam, U.S. Navy, who lost his life on April 4, 1919, while training for overseas duty during a flight over Hampton Roads, VA.

Gamma Iota celebrated its 50th anniversary on a grand scale on January 17, 1952.  The chapter proudly hosted more than 150 alumni and spouses at The Campbell House motel. The celebration included dinner at the chapter house, the reliving of memories with alumni and actives, and a formal reception at the Lafayette Hotel. Among those singled out for their efforts in planning for the 50th anniversary celebration were noted alumni T. Jeremiah Beam, Dr. James F. Van Meter and Guy A. Huguelet.

The first chapter house served until 1964 when construction was completed on the current house. After investigating several potential sites for the new Gamma Iota home, the Housing Corporation purchased three lots in the 400 block of Rose Lane, a site on the northeastern edge of campus. The beautiful English-manor-style dwelling at 422 Rose Lane has served the chapter for 46 years, enhancing the prestige and legacy of Gamma Iota at the University of Kentucky.

On April 20, 2002, the active chapter and many of the living alumni celebrated Gamma Iota’s 100th anniversary. Lexington’s Marriot Griffin Gate Hotel hosted a grand reception and banquet. The event marked the first presentation of the Nicholas L. Murphy Brother of the Year Award, which goes to the active member who has exhibited exemplary conduct in his fraternal life.

Today Gamma Iota continues to be a strong chapter in all aspects of brotherhood and Greek involvement. We ranked 11th of out of 21 UK fraternities academically in 2010 and received UK’s Garry Beach First Safety Award in 2008 for the great condition of the chapter house.

To date, more than 2,000 men have joined the ranks of Gamma Iota and become part of Sigma Nu’s coveted Legion of Honor.