The twenty-fifth Conclave was hosted by the Chase Hotel in St. Louis, in September 1957. For over six-hundred SigEps, this event would be a departure from previous Conclaves and a step into the future of Sigma Phi Epsilon. This was the first Conclave in over fifty years in which no founders were present.

Undergraduates also took a more active part in the proceedings giving one of two speeches at the formal banquet and also hosting the inter-fraternity luncheon. Perhaps the most moving part of this Conclave occurred when past Grand President Paul Koontz delivered the eulogy for Billy Phillips, which the Journal described this way: “With the portrait of the departed Founder above him and 145 American beauty roses, one for each of the Fraternity’s chapters, by his side, Koontz spoke of William Lazell Phillips in a way which moved every man in the auditorium.”

Listen to Paul Koontz’ memorial for Uncle Billy from 1957