Tom Phelan
Helped restore Wyoming Alpha's charter when the chapter was down to one member. Served ~15 years as chapter advisor, Province Eta president (2024). Works at Empower Retirement in Denver.
Since 1917
One of Wyoming’s longest-standing Greek organizations — over a century of brotherhood at the University of Wyoming.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s presence at the University of Wyoming began in 1903 when the Sigma Beta Phi student group — a local fraternity — was founded in Laramie. On January 26, 1917, the group successfully petitioned the Sigma Alpha Epsilon national fraternity for a charter, officially establishing Wyoming Alpha.
For over a century, Wyoming Alpha has been one of the most prominent fraternities on campus, producing leaders across nearly every industry — from energy and agriculture to law, medicine, military service, and public office throughout Wyoming and beyond.
The chapter’s permanent home at 1621 E. Fraternity Row, Laramie, WY 82072 has been the center of brotherhood for generations. The chapter has weathered difficult periods — at one point down to a single active member — and was restored through the dedication of brothers like Tom Phelan ‘05 and the ongoing commitment of the Alumni Association.
Wyoming Alpha remains active and growing. The chapter has 54 active members as of Fall Semester 2026, and earned a 3.20 chapter GPA — continuing to excel in academics, campus leadership, and philanthropy. Brothers hold positions in ASUW student government, compete in intercollegiate academic competitions, and lead service initiatives across campus.
The annual Paddy Murphy Week philanthropy fundraiser — a week-long Greek competition featuring the Coffin Carry, Amazing Race, Disc Tournament, Bingo, Sharpie Wars, and Funeral — raises canned goods and funds for local charities each spring, while the fall Halloween Haunted House — which shattered records in 2023 raising $8,680 for the Laramie Soup Kitchen — has become a beloved community tradition.
NOTABLE BROTHERS
Generations of Wyoming Alpha brothers have gone on to lead in their fields, communities, and the state of Wyoming.
Helped restore Wyoming Alpha's charter when the chapter was down to one member. Served ~15 years as chapter advisor, Province Eta president (2024). Works at Empower Retirement in Denver.
Professor at UNLV, entrepreneur, and casino gaming consultant based in Henderson, NV.
Retired Navy pilot, retired VA director, and head coach of St. Olaf College's alpine ski team in Apple Valley, MN.
39-year career at PGA Colonial in Fort Worth. Volunteers at children's hospital 3x per week, has traveled to 41 countries.
Inducted into the Wyoming Coaches Association Hall of Fame; coached Southeast High girls basketball to back-to-back state championships (1999, 2001).
Retired after 52 years as a neuro-optometrist specializing in carbon monoxide brain injury; Pueblo West, CO.
Interested in joining? Get in touch to hear about upcoming recruitment events, tour the chapter house and meet the brothers. No obligation.