ANN ARBOR—A fire which destroyed the Sigma Alpha Mu
fraternity house at the University of Michigan early this morning has been ruled an arson by Ann Arbor Fire Department investigators.
The fire, which was called in at 1:55 a.m. this morning, caused
extensive damage to the structure at 800 Lincoln. Fortunately, the
building was empty. Eighteen U-M students were scheduled to move into
the house Saturday (Aug. 28). No one was injured in the blaze and the
students did not lose any personal belongings.
“While we do not have any evidence to suggest that this act of arson
was targeted at either the group or the house, even the possibility of
a targeted act of violence would be a matter of enormous concern to the
University,” said U-M Provost Nancy Cantor. “We are closely monitoring the situation and working with the appropriate fire and law enforcement agencies.
“The safety and security of all our students is our primary concern.
Effective immediately, we will be increasing security around all of our
fraternities and sororities until the investigation progresses and we
are able to clarify the situation,” Cantor said.
The local chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu was scheduled to move into the
newly renovated building for the first time this fall. The national
fraternity, founded in 1909 as a Jewish fraternity, established its U-M
chapter in 1928 and opened its doors to non-Jewish students in 1953.
The local chapter was closed by the national organization in 1996, and
the property was leased to Tau Epsilon Phi, whose members resided there through Aug. 15, 1999. A new chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu including none of the
original members was organized and officially recognized by the U-M
Interfraternity Council in 1998.
Royster Harper, U-M interim vice president for student affairs, said
the University has found alternative housing for the students. “Our
immediate concern is for the students who have been traumatized and
displaced by this fire,” Harper said. “The staff of Student Affairs,
including counselors, will be working with students and their families
to provide support and assist them in dealing with this tragic
situation.”
Students, their families and others who need information or assistance
should contact the Office of Student Affairs at (734) 764-7420 or the
U-M Department of Public Safety at (734) 763-1131.

Sigma Alpha MuFire DepartmentNancy Cantornational organizationTau Epsilon PhiInterfraternity CouncilRoyster Harper