Sigma Chi
Encyclopedia
Sigma Chi is the largest and one of the oldest college Greek-letter
secret and social fraternities
in North America with 244 active chapters and more than 300,000 initiates. Sigma Chi was founded on June 28, 1855 at Miami University
in Oxford, Ohio
when members split from Delta Kappa Epsilon
. Sigma Chi has seven founding members: Benjamin Piatt Runkle
, Thomas Cowan Bell
, William Lewis Lockwood
, Isaac M. Jordan
, Daniel William Cooper
, Franklin Howard Scobey, and James Parks Caldwell. Sigma Chi is a part of the Miami Triad, along with Beta Theta Pi
and Phi Delta Theta
.
The fraternity's official colors are blue and old gold
, and its badge is a cross with emblems on each of its arms: crossed keys on the upper arm, an eagle's head on the left arm, seven gold stars and a pair of clasped hands on the lower arm, and a scroll on the right arm. In the center of the cross, on a black background, are the gold symbols for the Greek letters Sigma (Σ) and Chi (Χ). The left and right arms are connected.
in Ohio
.
Several members of Miami University's Delta Kappa Epsilon
chapter (of which all but one of Sigma Chi's founders were members) were also members of the Erodelphian Literary Society. In the fall of 1854 this society was to pick its Poet, and a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon was nominated for the position. He was supported by five of his brothers, but four others (Caldwell, Jordan, Runkle, and Scobey) felt that he lacked the required poetic talent. These men instead chose to give their support to another man who was not a member of the fraternity. Bell and Cooper were not members of Erodelphian, but their support for the dissenting four was unequivocal. The chapter had twelve members and so was evenly divided. Other differences might have been forgotten, but both sides saw this conflict as a matter of principle and over the next few months there came a distancing of their friendship.
The matter came to a head in February 1855, when, in an attempt to seal the rift, Runkle and his companions planned a dinner for their brothers. The feast was prepared, and the table was set, but only one of the men who supported the DKE member as poet arrived, Whitelaw Reid
. With him, Reid brought a stranger. The six learned that the stranger was an alumnus of DKE from a nearby town.
"My name is Minor Millikin; I live in Hamilton", said the man. "I am a man of few words." Reid had told Millikin his side of the dispute, and the two were present to lay down punishment on Runkle, Scobey, and the rest. The leaders of the rebellion (Runkle and Scobey) were to be expelled from the fraternity. The other four, after being properly chastised, would be allowed to stay a part of the group.
At the announcement of the punishment, Runkle stepped forward. He pulled off his Deke pin, tossed it to the table, and said, "I didn't join this fraternity to be anyone's tool! And that, sir", addressing Millikin, "is my answer!" Runkle stalked from the room and his five brothers followed. One final chapter meeting was held, at which the chapter was six-to-six divided on the issue of expulsion. The parent chapter at Yale University
was contacted, and all six men were formally expelled.
The six men soon associated themselves with William Lewis Lockwood, a student from New York who had not joined a fraternity. Lockwood's natural business acumen helped to organize the fraternity in its early years. On June 28, 1855 (Commencement at Old Miami), the Sigma Phi Fraternity was founded.
The theft of the Constitution, Ritual
, Seals, and other records from Lockwood's room in Oxford
in January 1856 necessitated the change of the name of the fraternity to Sigma Chi. Eventually, this action could have been forced upon the group as there was already a Sigma Phi
Society in the collegiate
world.
Much of Sigma Chi's heraldry is inspired by the legendary story of the Emperor Constantine from the Battle of Milvian Bridge
against Maxentius
. Notably, the White Cross and the motto "In Hoc Signo Vinces
" are evidence of the Constantine link. Although many of the symbols of Sigma Chi relate to Christianity, Sigma Chi is not a religious or Christian fraternity.
Harry St. John Dixon, a brother from the Psi Chapter at the University of Virginia
who fought for the Confederacy
, kept a record of all Sigma Chi's within his vicinity on the flyleaf of his diary
during the American Civil War
. He began planning a Confederate Army chapter of Sigma Chi with this information. On September 17, 1864 Dixon founded the Constantine Chapter of Sigma Chi during the Atlanta campaign
with Harry Yerger, a brother from Mississippi
who was in Dixon's division. Dixon stated the reasons for which the war-time chapter was created saying,
Dixon and Yerger contacted all brothers listed in the diary who could come to the meeting. They met at night in a deserted log cabin a few miles southwest of Atlanta. Dixon later wrote, Dixon was elected "Sigma" (president) and Yerger was elected "Chi" (vice president); the chapter also initiated two men. The only badge in the chapter was one Dixon had made from a silver half-dollar
.
The last meeting was held New Year's Day
1865. The men at that meeting passed a resolution to pay a "tribute of respect" to the four brothers from the chapter who had died during the war. In May 1939 the Constantine Chapter Memorial was erected by Sigma Chi in memory of the Constantine Chapter and its members. The memorial is located on U.S. 41 in Clayton County
, Georgia
.
. He declared that each applicant for admission must sign a pledge binding him "not to join or belong to any so-called Greek society
or other college secret society
" while attending Purdue. The Sigma Chi chapter, Delta Delta, was already established at the university and tried to convince the authorities of the rule's injustice. They sent petitions to the faculty and pleaded their case to the board of trustees, but they were unsuccessful.
In the fall of 1881, Thomas P. Hawley applied for admission to the university. Having already been initiated into Sigma Chi, Hawley refused to sign the pledge and was denied admission. Hawley took Purdue to court, but the judge, D.P. Vinton, ruled in favor of the faculty's decision. He also ruled, however, that the faculty had no right to deny Hawley from his classes based on the fraternity
issue. The case soon found its way to the Indiana Supreme Court and on June 21, 1882 reversed Vinton's decision. This victory for Sigma Chi also allowed fraternities at Purdue.
held the "Channingway Derby" which led to the creation of the "Sigma Chi Derby Days." Some of the awards created during this time include the Significant Sig Award in 1935 and the Order of Constantine in 1948.
Coming into the beginning of the 20th Century Sigma Chi had installed a total of 74 chapters with 58 still active. Having only established a centralized form of government in 1922, Sigma Chi was installing new chapters at a rate of about one chapter per year. On April 22, 1922 the Beta Omega chapter was installed at the University of Toronto
in Toronto, Ontario thus making Sigma Chi an international fraternity.
The Sigma Chi Foundation was created on November 9, 1939 when the Sigma Chi Endowment Foundation was incorporated in Colorado
. This educational endowment was first discussed in 1898 by alumni who wanted to assist undergraduates financially so they could finish their undergraduate studies.
The world wars of the 20th century took the lives of 103 Sigs in World War I and 738 in World War II. A great resurgence in undergraduate activity followed World War II due to an increase in chapter memberships. This increase was caused by the men returning from military service who went back to school as well as the usual addition of new brothers.
During World War II it became apparent to the General Fraternity officers that a few alumni as well as a few undergraduate chapters believed some of the prerequisites for membership in Sigma Chi were outdated and should be changed or eliminated. This led to the first discussions about membership within the fraternity that continued until early in 1970. Until this time, membership requirements had specified that a potential member must be a "bona fide white male student." After the first discussion in 1948 at the Grand Chapter in Seattle, the committee on Constitutional Amendments tabled the issue pending a further study of the problem to be reported to the 1950 Grand Chapter. The study showed that the issue was "very hot" on 13 campuses with Sigma Chi chapters and only "lukewarm" on a dozen other campuses.
During this time period, the remaining four founders of Sigma Chi (of the original seven) all died; Daniel William Cooper
was the last founder to die. Cooper's death led up to the Fraternity gaining one of its most priceless objects, Cooper's Sigma Phi badge. Cooper's body was sent by train to his final resting place in Pittsburgh, and the Beta Theta chapter at the University of Pittsburgh
was given the privilege to administer his memorial service. On December 13, 1920, Cooper's body was conveyed to the Beta Theta chapter house where Beta Theta Consul Donald E. Walker removed Cooper's Sigma Phi Badge and replaced it with his own. Beta Theta Pro-Consul, Regis Toomey
, sang the hymn "With Sacred Circle Broken" before Cooper was taken to his final resting place.
Pledgeship is a probationary period for potential members before they are fully initiated into Sigma Chi. The pledge period differs in length from chapter to chapter but eight weeks is the recommended length by Headquarters. The pledge period consists of intellectual exercises to cultivate potential members into becoming brothers; this includes learning the history of Sigma Chi, the operational workings of Sigma Chi, leadership skills, and allows the potential members to become an integral part of the chapter before initiation.
Many aspects of the pledge program differ for each chapter, being set by that chapter under the direction of the Magister, though a large degree of continuity between chapters and "pledge classes" is maintained. All potential members in Sigma Chi are given a pledge pin
and a Norman Shield. The pledge pin is a blue Norman Shield bearing the White Cross of Sigma Chi outlined in old gold
.
on June 23-26, 2011.
the Statutes or Executive Committee Regulations. The 2008 Grand Council was held in Skokie, Illinois.
A Board of Governors of 18 members, headed by Chairman Chuck Watson and Vice Chairman James K. Morris, guide the Foundation. The Foundation president and CEO, former NASA astronaut Greg Harbaugh
, is the Foundation's administrative officer based at the Peterson International Headquarters in Evanston, Ill.
The Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation is guided by Chairman D. Timothy Sanderson and a Board of Directors with 14 alumni members.
. The award is named after Past Grand Consul J. Dwight Peterson. Each winning chapter receives a large plaque and a contribution from the Sigma Chi Foundation towards the university's counseling or tutoring program.
The International Balfour Award is given each year to one graduating senior who excels the most in four criteria; scholarship
, character
, Fraternity service and campus leadership. Each chapter nominates a graduating senior to run in the province. The Grand Praetor selects the province winner who then runs against all the other nominees from each province. The Grand Pro Consul then heads a committee of five of other officers who select three finalists to be interviewed at the Grand Chapter or Leadership Training Workshop. The winner of the award receives a Balfour Award Key, certificates for himself and his chapter, and free Life Loyal Sig membership. He will also serve on the Sigma Chi International Executive Committee, the fraternity's Board of Directors, for two years.
The Significant Sig Award is given to a brother who has excelled greatly in their field of study or occupation. The award was introduced in 1935 by Past Grand Consul L.A. Downs at the Grand Chapter banquet in Seattle. The first seven awards were given to George Ade
, Roy Chapman Andrews
, John T. McCutcheon
, Chase S. Osborn, James Wallington, F. Dudleigh Vernor, and Samuel P. Cowley.
The Order of Constantine is awarded to alumni members who have devoted long and distinguished service to the Fraternity. To become a candidate the alumnus must be nominated by at least five brothers with at least three being in the Order already. Most alumni selected have contributed more than 20 years of service.
. The first International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi was Barbara Tanner, a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta
. The current Sigma Chi International Sweetheart is Sydney Binnington from the University of Western Ontario
.
Some notable Sigma Chi Sweethearts from local chapters include Judy Garland
at The Ohio State University and Faye Dunaway
at the University of Florida
.
, Theta Chapter, as The Sigma Chi, the name was later changed to The Sigma Chi Quarterly and then to its current form. The Magazine was recognized by the Fraternity Communications Association (FCA) in 2010 with the Fred F. Yoder Award for Overall Excellence; Fred F. Yoder was assistant editor of Sigma Chi publications from 1957-1973 and editor from 1973-1997.
The FCA also recognized The Magazine in 2010 with a second-place award for feature story design.
, it contains biographies of the founders and a history of the Fraternity and significant events; Sigma Chi writings, and the Constitution and Statutes. More topical is a list of famous and "Significant Sigs", explanations of chapter and Grand officers, and Sigma Chi events, governing bodies, and scholarships. The current edition is its 43rd, dated for the years 2009-11.
The Norman Shield has been recognized by the College Fraternity Editors' Association at least twice; in 2004 it was given an Award of Merit and in 2006 it was awarded First Place in the Manual category.
Greek alphabet
The Greek alphabet is the script that has been used to write the Greek language since at least 730 BC . The alphabet in its classical and modern form consists of 24 letters ordered in sequence from alpha to omega...
secret and social fraternities
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...
in North America with 244 active chapters and more than 300,000 initiates. Sigma Chi was founded on June 28, 1855 at Miami University
Miami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in Oxford, Ohio
Oxford, Ohio
Oxford is a city in northwestern Butler County, Ohio, United States, in the southwestern portion of the state. It lies in Oxford Township, originally called the College Township. The population was 21,943 at the 2000 census. This college town was founded as a home for Miami University. Oxford...
when members split from Delta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Kappa Epsilon is a fraternity founded at Yale College in 1844 by 15 men of the sophomore class who had not been invited to join the two existing societies...
. Sigma Chi has seven founding members: Benjamin Piatt Runkle
Benjamin Piatt Runkle
Benjamin Piatt Runkle, was one of the original seven founders of Sigma Chi fraternity at Miami University, as well as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.Runkle was born in West Liberty, Ohio...
, Thomas Cowan Bell
Thomas Cowan Bell
Thomas Cowan Bell was born near Dayton, Ohio. At the age of 23, he was one of the seven founders of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He is best remembered for his exemplification of the qualities of learning and friendship. He was full of enthusiasm; a leader and teacher of men.Bell was one of the "elder...
, William Lewis Lockwood
William Lewis Lockwood
William Lewis Lockwood was one of the founders of Sigma Chi fraternity. He was born in New York City and was admitted to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio at the age of eighteen.-Sigma Chi Involvement:...
, Isaac M. Jordan
Isaac M. Jordan
Isaac M. Jordan was a United States Congressman born in Mifflinburg, Union County, Pennsylvania as Isaac Alfred Jordan. He served one term, elected as a Democrat to the 48th congress, in Ohio's 2nd congressional district, a strong Republican district...
, Daniel William Cooper
Daniel William Cooper
Daniel William Cooper "ruler of the spirit"was born in September 1830 near Fredericktown, Ohio. He was 25 years old when he and the other six Founders founded Sigma Chi at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, 1855. Cooper is credited with contributing much to the spiritual content and nature of the...
, Franklin Howard Scobey, and James Parks Caldwell. Sigma Chi is a part of the Miami Triad, along with Beta Theta Pi
Beta Theta Pi
Beta Theta Pi , often just called Beta, is a social collegiate fraternity that was founded in 1839 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, USA, where it is part of the Miami Triad which includes Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Chi. It has over 138 active chapters and colonies in the United States and Canada...
and Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta , also known as Phi Delt, is an international fraternity founded at Miami University in 1848 and headquartered in Oxford, Ohio. Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Sigma Chi form the Miami Triad. The fraternity has about 169 active chapters and colonies in over 43 U.S...
.
The fraternity's official colors are blue and old gold
Old Gold
Old gold is a dark yellow, which varies from light olive or olive brown to deep or strong yellow. The widely-accepted color "Old gold" is on the darker rather than the lighter side of this range....
, and its badge is a cross with emblems on each of its arms: crossed keys on the upper arm, an eagle's head on the left arm, seven gold stars and a pair of clasped hands on the lower arm, and a scroll on the right arm. In the center of the cross, on a black background, are the gold symbols for the Greek letters Sigma (Σ) and Chi (Χ). The left and right arms are connected.
Founding
The founding of Sigma Chi began as the result of a disagreement over who would be elected Poet in the Erodelphian Literary Society of Miami UniversityMiami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
.
Several members of Miami University's Delta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Kappa Epsilon is a fraternity founded at Yale College in 1844 by 15 men of the sophomore class who had not been invited to join the two existing societies...
chapter (of which all but one of Sigma Chi's founders were members) were also members of the Erodelphian Literary Society. In the fall of 1854 this society was to pick its Poet, and a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon was nominated for the position. He was supported by five of his brothers, but four others (Caldwell, Jordan, Runkle, and Scobey) felt that he lacked the required poetic talent. These men instead chose to give their support to another man who was not a member of the fraternity. Bell and Cooper were not members of Erodelphian, but their support for the dissenting four was unequivocal. The chapter had twelve members and so was evenly divided. Other differences might have been forgotten, but both sides saw this conflict as a matter of principle and over the next few months there came a distancing of their friendship.
The matter came to a head in February 1855, when, in an attempt to seal the rift, Runkle and his companions planned a dinner for their brothers. The feast was prepared, and the table was set, but only one of the men who supported the DKE member as poet arrived, Whitelaw Reid
Whitelaw Reid
Whitelaw Reid was a U.S. politician and newspaper editor, as well as the author of a popular history of Ohio in the Civil War.-Early life:...
. With him, Reid brought a stranger. The six learned that the stranger was an alumnus of DKE from a nearby town.
At the announcement of the punishment, Runkle stepped forward. He pulled off his Deke pin, tossed it to the table, and said, "I didn't join this fraternity to be anyone's tool! And that, sir", addressing Millikin, "is my answer!" Runkle stalked from the room and his five brothers followed. One final chapter meeting was held, at which the chapter was six-to-six divided on the issue of expulsion. The parent chapter at Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
was contacted, and all six men were formally expelled.
The six men soon associated themselves with William Lewis Lockwood, a student from New York who had not joined a fraternity. Lockwood's natural business acumen helped to organize the fraternity in its early years. On June 28, 1855 (Commencement at Old Miami), the Sigma Phi Fraternity was founded.
The theft of the Constitution, Ritual
Ritual
A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. The term usually excludes actions which are arbitrarily chosen by the performers....
, Seals, and other records from Lockwood's room in Oxford
Oxford, Ohio
Oxford is a city in northwestern Butler County, Ohio, United States, in the southwestern portion of the state. It lies in Oxford Township, originally called the College Township. The population was 21,943 at the 2000 census. This college town was founded as a home for Miami University. Oxford...
in January 1856 necessitated the change of the name of the fraternity to Sigma Chi. Eventually, this action could have been forced upon the group as there was already a Sigma Phi
Sigma Phi
The Sigma Phi Society was founded on 4 March 1827, on the campus of Union College as a part of the Union Triad in Schenectady, New York.It is the second oldest Greek fraternal organization in the United States, and the oldest in continuous existence...
Society in the collegiate
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
world.
Much of Sigma Chi's heraldry is inspired by the legendary story of the Emperor Constantine from the Battle of Milvian Bridge
Battle of Milvian Bridge
The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the...
against Maxentius
Maxentius
Maxentius was a Roman Emperor from 306 to 312. He was the son of former Emperor Maximian, and the son-in-law of Emperor Galerius.-Birth and early life:Maxentius' exact date of birth is unknown; it was probably around 278...
. Notably, the White Cross and the motto "In Hoc Signo Vinces
In hoc signo vinces
In hoc signo vinces is a Latin rendering of the Greek phrase "" en touto nika, and means "in this sign you will conquer"....
" are evidence of the Constantine link. Although many of the symbols of Sigma Chi relate to Christianity, Sigma Chi is not a religious or Christian fraternity.
The founders
- Benjamin Piatt RunkleBenjamin Piatt RunkleBenjamin Piatt Runkle, was one of the original seven founders of Sigma Chi fraternity at Miami University, as well as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.Runkle was born in West Liberty, Ohio...
(September 3, 1836 – June 28, 1916) was born in West Liberty, OhioWest Liberty, OhioWest Liberty is a village in Logan County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,813 at the 2000 census.-Geography:West Liberty is located at ....
. Runkle helped design the badge of Sigma Chi based on the story of Constantine and the vision of the cross. Runkle was known for having a fierce pride and was suspended from Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
when he fought a member of Beta Theta PiBeta Theta PiBeta Theta Pi , often just called Beta, is a social collegiate fraternity that was founded in 1839 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, USA, where it is part of the Miami Triad which includes Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Chi. It has over 138 active chapters and colonies in the United States and Canada...
for sneering at his badge. When the Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
began Runkle joined the Union ArmyUnion ArmyThe Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
. He was badly wounded at the Battle of ShilohBattle of ShilohThe Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was a major battle in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, fought April 6–7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. A Union army under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had moved via the Tennessee River deep into Tennessee and...
and left for dead on the battlefield. Runkle stayed in the army as a career and retired as a major generalMajor GeneralMajor general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
. After the army he was ordained an EpiscopalEpiscopal Church (United States)The Episcopal Church is a mainline Anglican Christian church found mainly in the United States , but also in Honduras, Taiwan, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, the British Virgin Islands and parts of Europe...
priest. He was the only founder to serve as Grand Consul. He died on Sigma Chi's 61st birthday in OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. He is now buried in Arlington National CemeteryArlington National CemeteryArlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
in Arlington, Virginia.
- Thomas Cowan BellThomas Cowan BellThomas Cowan Bell was born near Dayton, Ohio. At the age of 23, he was one of the seven founders of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He is best remembered for his exemplification of the qualities of learning and friendship. He was full of enthusiasm; a leader and teacher of men.Bell was one of the "elder...
(May 14, 1832 - February 3, 1919) was born near Dayton, OhioDayton, OhioDayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
. He was twenty-three years old when Sigma Chi was founded, second oldest of the founders. He graduated from Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in 1857 and began teaching. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union armyUnion ArmyThe Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonelLieutenant colonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
. After the war he returned to his career in education, serving as the superintendent of schools in Nobles County, Minnesota as well as the principal and president of several preparatory and collegiate institutions in the Western United States. Bell died the day after attending the initiation of alpha beta chapter at University of California Berkeley on February 3, 1919. He is buried at the Presidio of San FranciscoPresidio of San FranciscoThe Presidio of San Francisco is a park on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula in San Francisco, California, within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area...
in San Francisco National CemeterySan Francisco National CemeterySan Francisco National Cemetery is a U.S. National Cemetery, located in the Presidio of San Francisco, California. Because of the name and location, it is frequently confused with Golden Gate National Cemetery, a few miles south of the city....
in CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Section OS, Row 43A, Grave 3.
- William Lewis LockwoodWilliam Lewis LockwoodWilliam Lewis Lockwood was one of the founders of Sigma Chi fraternity. He was born in New York City and was admitted to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio at the age of eighteen.-Sigma Chi Involvement:...
(October 31, 1836 - August 17, 1867) was born in New York City. He was the only founder who had not been a member of Delta Kappa EpsilonDelta Kappa EpsilonDelta Kappa Epsilon is a fraternity founded at Yale College in 1844 by 15 men of the sophomore class who had not been invited to join the two existing societies...
. He was considered the "businessman" of the founders and managed the first chapter's funds and general operations, becoming the first Quaestor of Sigma Chi. After graduating from Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in 1858 he moved back to New York and began work as a lawyer. He joined the Union ArmyUnion ArmyThe Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
at the breakout of the Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
and suffered serious wounds, from which he never recovered. He was the first founder to enter the Chapter Eternal. He named his son after Franklin Howard Scobey.
- Isaac M. JordanIsaac M. JordanIsaac M. Jordan was a United States Congressman born in Mifflinburg, Union County, Pennsylvania as Isaac Alfred Jordan. He served one term, elected as a Democrat to the 48th congress, in Ohio's 2nd congressional district, a strong Republican district...
(May 5, 1835 - December 3, 1890) was born in Mifflinburg, PennsylvaniaMifflinburg, Pennsylvania-Education:There are no colleges or universities in Mifflinburg.The Mifflinburg Area School District has a number of its schools located in the borough. It has the high school , the middle school and the Mifflinburg Area Intermediate School which opened for the 2006 school year...
as Isaac Alfred Jordan. His family later moved to OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
where Jordan met Benjamin Piatt Runkle and became close friends. After graduating from Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in 1857 he went onto graduate school, where he graduated in 1862. He then began work as an attorneyLawyerA lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
and was elected to the United States CongressUnited States CongressThe United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
in 1882. He proceeded to change his middle name, Alfred, to just the letter "M" to help distinguish himself from his brother and law partner, Jackson A. Jordan. He died in 1890 after accidentally falling down an elevator shaft while greeting a friend. He is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, OhioCincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
.
- Daniel William CooperDaniel William CooperDaniel William Cooper "ruler of the spirit"was born in September 1830 near Fredericktown, Ohio. He was 25 years old when he and the other six Founders founded Sigma Chi at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, 1855. Cooper is credited with contributing much to the spiritual content and nature of the...
(September 2, 1830 - December 11, 1920) was born near Fredericktown, OhioFredericktown, OhioFredericktown is a village in Knox County, Ohio, United States. The population was 2,428 at the 2000 census.-History:Long before white settlers entered the area, Adena and Hopewell Indians inhabited the area of Fredericktown. Early settlers found three mounds and earthworks located on nearby hilltops...
. Cooper was the oldest founder and was elected the first consul of Sigma Chi. After graduating from Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in 1857 he became a Presbyterian minister. Cooper's original Sigma Phi badge came into the possession of the Fraternity at the time of his death. It is pinned on every new Grand Consul at their installation. Cooper is buried at the Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Franklin Howard Scobey (May 27, 1837 - July 22, 1888) was born in Hamilton, OhioHamilton, OhioHamilton is a city in Butler County, southwestern Ohio, United States. The population was 62,447 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Butler County. The city is part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area....
. Scobey was considered The Spirit of Sigma Chi for being friendly with everybody and not just a select group of people. After graduating from Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in 1858 he went on to graduate again in 1861 with a law degreeLaw degreeA Law degree is an academic degree conferred for studies in law. Such degrees are generally preparation for legal careers; but while their curricula may be reviewed by legal authority, they do not themselves confer a license...
. He worked as a journalist in his hometown until 1879 but went on to become a cattlemanCowboyA cowboy is an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks. The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century arose from the vaquero traditions of northern Mexico and became a figure of...
in KansasKansasKansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
until 1882. Scobey then moved back to OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
where he took up farmingFarmerA farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops, such as produce and grain...
until his death. Never physically robust, Scobey was afflicted with hearing loss in his final years.
- James Parks Caldwell (March 27, 1841 - April 5, 1912) was born in Monroe, OhioMonroe, OhioMonroe is a city located in east central Butler and west central Warren counties in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Ohio. As of 2007, the city population was 7,655, up from 4,008 in 1990....
. By the age of thirteen Caldwell had completed all academics which could be offered at his local academy. He was then sent to Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
with advanced credits. Caldwell was just fourteen at the time of the founding making him the youngest of the founders. After Caldwell graduated from Miami UniversityMiami UniversityMiami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
in 1857 he practiced some law in OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
but moved to MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
to begin a career as an educator. When the Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
broke out he joined the Confederate Army. During the war he was taken prisoner but later, due to the influence of General Benjamin Piatt Runkle, was offered freedom on the condition that he renounce his allegiance to the Confederacy. He rejected this offer and remained loyal to the south. He was later released, again due to the influence of General Runkle. After the war he moved back to MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
and was admitted to the bar. He moved to CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in 1867 and practiced law. In 1875 he began to travel frequently practicing law and editing newspapers. He died in Biloxi, MississippiBiloxi, MississippiBiloxi is a city in Harrison County, Mississippi, in the United States. The 2010 census recorded the population as 44,054. Along with Gulfport, Biloxi is a county seat of Harrison County....
where the latest issues of The Sigma Chi Quarterly were found in his room.
Constantine Chapter
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
who fought for the Confederacy
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
, kept a record of all Sigma Chi's within his vicinity on the flyleaf of his diary
Diary
A diary is a record with discrete entries arranged by date reporting on what has happened over the course of a day or other period. A personal diary may include a person's experiences, and/or thoughts or feelings, including comment on current events outside the writer's direct experience. Someone...
during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. He began planning a Confederate Army chapter of Sigma Chi with this information. On September 17, 1864 Dixon founded the Constantine Chapter of Sigma Chi during the Atlanta campaign
Atlanta Campaign
The Atlanta Campaign was a series of battles fought in the Western Theater of the American Civil War throughout northwest Georgia and the area around Atlanta during the summer of 1864. Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman invaded Georgia from the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee, beginning in May...
with Harry Yerger, a brother from Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
who was in Dixon's division. Dixon stated the reasons for which the war-time chapter was created saying,
Dixon and Yerger contacted all brothers listed in the diary who could come to the meeting. They met at night in a deserted log cabin a few miles southwest of Atlanta. Dixon later wrote, Dixon was elected "Sigma" (president) and Yerger was elected "Chi" (vice president); the chapter also initiated two men. The only badge in the chapter was one Dixon had made from a silver half-dollar
United States Seated Liberty coinage
The Seated Liberty designs appeared on most regular-issue silver United States coinage during the mid- and late-nineteenth century, from 1836 through 1891. The denominations which featured the Seated Liberty design included the half dime, the dime, the quarter, the half dollar, and until 1873 the...
.
The last meeting was held New Year's Day
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar used in ancient Rome...
1865. The men at that meeting passed a resolution to pay a "tribute of respect" to the four brothers from the chapter who had died during the war. In May 1939 the Constantine Chapter Memorial was erected by Sigma Chi in memory of the Constantine Chapter and its members. The memorial is located on U.S. 41 in Clayton County
Clayton County, Georgia
Clayton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 236,517. The 2008 Census estimate placed the population at 273,718. The county seat is Jonesboro...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
Purdue case
In 1876, Emerson E. White became president of Purdue UniversityPurdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
. He declared that each applicant for admission must sign a pledge binding him "not to join or belong to any so-called Greek society
Greek life
Greek life can refer to:* Culture of Greece* Fraternities and sororities...
or other college secret society
Secret society
A secret society is a club or organization whose activities and inner functioning are concealed from non-members. The society may or may not attempt to conceal its existence. The term usually excludes covert groups, such as intelligence agencies or guerrilla insurgencies, which hide their...
" while attending Purdue. The Sigma Chi chapter, Delta Delta, was already established at the university and tried to convince the authorities of the rule's injustice. They sent petitions to the faculty and pleaded their case to the board of trustees, but they were unsuccessful.
In the fall of 1881, Thomas P. Hawley applied for admission to the university. Having already been initiated into Sigma Chi, Hawley refused to sign the pledge and was denied admission. Hawley took Purdue to court, but the judge, D.P. Vinton, ruled in favor of the faculty's decision. He also ruled, however, that the faculty had no right to deny Hawley from his classes based on the fraternity
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...
issue. The case soon found its way to the Indiana Supreme Court and on June 21, 1882 reversed Vinton's decision. This victory for Sigma Chi also allowed fraternities at Purdue.
First half of the 20th century
During the first half of the 20th century the General Fraternity expanded in many places. In 1899 the Fraternity adopted the flag design created by Henry V. Vinton. In 1901 the Grand Chapter approved the Fraternity's pledge pin. In 1903 at the Grand Chapter in Detroit the Board of Grand Trustees was established. In 1922 the Alpha Beta chapter at University of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
held the "Channingway Derby" which led to the creation of the "Sigma Chi Derby Days." Some of the awards created during this time include the Significant Sig Award in 1935 and the Order of Constantine in 1948.
Coming into the beginning of the 20th Century Sigma Chi had installed a total of 74 chapters with 58 still active. Having only established a centralized form of government in 1922, Sigma Chi was installing new chapters at a rate of about one chapter per year. On April 22, 1922 the Beta Omega chapter was installed at the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
in Toronto, Ontario thus making Sigma Chi an international fraternity.
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
. This educational endowment was first discussed in 1898 by alumni who wanted to assist undergraduates financially so they could finish their undergraduate studies.
The world wars of the 20th century took the lives of 103 Sigs in World War I and 738 in World War II. A great resurgence in undergraduate activity followed World War II due to an increase in chapter memberships. This increase was caused by the men returning from military service who went back to school as well as the usual addition of new brothers.
During World War II it became apparent to the General Fraternity officers that a few alumni as well as a few undergraduate chapters believed some of the prerequisites for membership in Sigma Chi were outdated and should be changed or eliminated. This led to the first discussions about membership within the fraternity that continued until early in 1970. Until this time, membership requirements had specified that a potential member must be a "bona fide white male student." After the first discussion in 1948 at the Grand Chapter in Seattle, the committee on Constitutional Amendments tabled the issue pending a further study of the problem to be reported to the 1950 Grand Chapter. The study showed that the issue was "very hot" on 13 campuses with Sigma Chi chapters and only "lukewarm" on a dozen other campuses.
During this time period, the remaining four founders of Sigma Chi (of the original seven) all died; Daniel William Cooper
Daniel William Cooper
Daniel William Cooper "ruler of the spirit"was born in September 1830 near Fredericktown, Ohio. He was 25 years old when he and the other six Founders founded Sigma Chi at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, 1855. Cooper is credited with contributing much to the spiritual content and nature of the...
was the last founder to die. Cooper's death led up to the Fraternity gaining one of its most priceless objects, Cooper's Sigma Phi badge. Cooper's body was sent by train to his final resting place in Pittsburgh, and the Beta Theta chapter at the University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
was given the privilege to administer his memorial service. On December 13, 1920, Cooper's body was conveyed to the Beta Theta chapter house where Beta Theta Consul Donald E. Walker removed Cooper's Sigma Phi Badge and replaced it with his own. Beta Theta Pro-Consul, Regis Toomey
Regis Toomey
John Regis Toomey was an American film and television actor.-Early life:Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was one of four children of Francis X. and Mary Ellen Toomey and attended Peabody High School...
, sang the hymn "With Sacred Circle Broken" before Cooper was taken to his final resting place.
Pledgeship
Many aspects of the pledge program differ for each chapter, being set by that chapter under the direction of the Magister, though a large degree of continuity between chapters and "pledge classes" is maintained. All potential members in Sigma Chi are given a pledge pin
Pledge pin
A pledge pin is a common custom of United States fraternities and sororities in which a pin is worn by pledges for the duration of the pledging period, usually during all times not considered dangerous to do so . In the context of fraternities and sororities, the Phi Beta Kappa society founded on...
and a Norman Shield. The pledge pin is a blue Norman Shield bearing the White Cross of Sigma Chi outlined in old gold
Old Gold
Old gold is a dark yellow, which varies from light olive or olive brown to deep or strong yellow. The widely-accepted color "Old gold" is on the darker rather than the lighter side of this range....
.
Hazing
On January 31, 2005 Sigma Chi announced a zero-tolerance stance on the issue of hazing. Sigma Chi defines hazing as "an act performed by any Sigma Chi or pledge member that results in an environment of servitude or in any way endangers or demeans a Sigma Chi or pledge member, regardless of that person's willingness to participate in that act."Undergraduate chapter officers
Officers may vary from each chapter with some chapters not using certain positions and others creating new positions. The duties of each officer may vary from each chapter as well.- Consul - The Consul is the PresidentPresidentA president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of the chapter. He presides over chapter meetings as well as other chapter activities. He is responsible for the securitySecuritySecurity is the degree of protection against danger, damage, loss, and crime. Security as a form of protection are structures and processes that provide or improve security as a condition. The Institute for Security and Open Methodologies in the OSSTMM 3 defines security as "a form of protection...
of the charterCharterA charter is the grant of authority or rights, stating that the granter formally recognizes the prerogative of the recipient to exercise the rights specified...
, RitualRitualA ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. The term usually excludes actions which are arbitrarily chosen by the performers....
and ritualistic materials.
- Pro Consul - The Pro Consul is the Vice PresidentVice presidentA vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
of the chapter. He works with the Consul in running chapter meetings as well as other chapter activities. The Pro Consul presides over the chapter's executive committee and works with other committees within the chapter. The Pro Consul is also responsible for running Post Initiation Training (P.I.T.) and must be prepared to take over the Consul's duties if the Consul were to be absent.
- Annotator- The Annotator keeps accurate recordsMinutesMinutes, also known as protocols, are the instant written record of a meeting or hearing. They typically describe the events of the meeting, starting with a list of attendees, a statement of the issues considered by the participants, and related responses or decisions for the issues.Minutes may be...
of chapter meetings in the chapter minute book. He keeps track of all chapter files and records as well as the chapter's permanent record of member data. In addition, he coordinates the community serviceCommunity serviceCommunity service is donated service or activity that is performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of the public or its institutions....
activities of the chapter.
- Quaestor - The Quaestor is the treasurerTreasurerA treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
of the chapter. He keeps track of all chapter funds and is responsible for collecting dues from members. He must prepare a budgetBudgetA budget is a financial plan and a list of all planned expenses and revenues. It is a plan for saving, borrowing and spending. A budget is an important concept in microeconomics, which uses a budget line to illustrate the trade-offs between two or more goods...
before each fiscal year and presents it for approval before the chapter.
- Magister - The Magister is the pledge teacher who prepares the pledge brothers for InitiationInitiationInitiation is a rite of passage ceremony marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components...
. He prepares the program which teaches the pledge brothers about the ideals of Sigma Chi. He is allowed to assist the Pro Consul in P.I.T.
- Recruitment Chairman- The Recruitment Chairman organizes the chapters rush program. He must provide the chapter with information on the rush guests and is responsible for in turn providing information to rush guests on fraternity life and expectations.
- The Social Chairman- Coordinate all social events with all other sororities and fraternities on the respective University campus.
- The Risk Manager- The Risk Manager develops and implements the chapter's safetySafetySafety is the state of being "safe" , the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be...
management program. He coordinates safety education to the chapter and addresses concerns related to chapter risks such as building maintenance, alcoholAlcoholIn chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
use, drugDrugA drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
use, hazingHazingHazing is a term used to describe various ritual and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group....
and sexual abuseSexual abuseSexual abuse, also referred to as molestation, is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another. When that force is immediate, of short duration, or infrequent, it is called sexual assault. The offender is referred to as a sexual abuser or molester...
. Note - the term Centurian was proposed but rejected for this position.
- Tribune- The Tribune prepares all necessary chapter correspondenceCommunicationCommunication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
, reports, and other required information to UniversityUniversityA university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
and Fraternity officials.
- Chapter Editor- The Chapter Editor maintains files on previous chapter publications as well as publications from other chapters and General Headquarters. He publishes at least two chapter newsletters a year describing current alumni and undergraduate activities. He also coordinates the publications of chapter material such as recruitment brochures, philanthropyPhilanthropyPhilanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity"—love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of "what it is to be human," or "human potential." In modern practical terms, it is "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of...
programs, and quarterly news to The Magazine of Sigma Chi.
- Historian- The Historian gathers and creates records of the members and activities of the chapter. He also preserves previous records of the chapter into a libraryLibraryIn a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
to be sent to the Grand Historian if needed.
- Kustos - The Kustos assists with chapter meetings and keeps the privacyPrivacyPrivacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves and thereby reveal themselves selectively...
of the chapter room.
- House Manager- The House Manager takes care of the maintenanceMaintenance, Repair and OperationsMaintenance, repair, and operations or maintenance, repair, and overhaul involves fixing any sort of mechanical or electrical device should it become out of order or broken...
, safetySafetySafety is the state of being "safe" , the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be...
, and cleanlinessCleanlinessCleanliness is both the abstract state of being clean and free from dirt, and the process of achieving and maintaining that state.Cleanliness may be endowed with a moral quality, as indicated by the aphorism "cleanliness is next to godliness," and may be regarded as contributing to other ideals...
of the chapter house.
- Interfraternity Council Representative- The Interfraternity Council(IFC) Representative attends all IFC meetings and communicates information to the chapter. He may also plan events and programs with other fraternities on campus.
- Public Relations Chairman- The Public Relations Chairman develops and implements a public relationsPublic relationsPublic relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
program. He must generate favorable publicity in campus and community media.
- Scholarship Chairman- The Scholarship Chairman develops and implements a scholastic program and education programs with the campus. He provides information on learning resources to the chapter. He also serves as chapter liaison with the Sigma Chi Foundation.
- Derby Days Chairman- The Derby Days Chairman plans and coordinates Derby Days, a series of events that fundraise money for Sigma Chi's philathropies.
- Steward- The Steward plans the chapter meal service and kitchen operations.
Alumni chapter officers
Officers may vary from each chapter/association with some chapters not using certain positions and others creating new positions. The duties of each officer may vary from each chapter as well. Many alumni chapters use the more common office titles such as: president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer.- Consul- The Consul is the PresidentPresidentA president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of the chapter. He presides over chapter meetings as well as other chapter activities.
- Pro Consul- The Pro Consul is the Vice PresidentVice presidentA vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
of the chapter. He works with the Consul in running chapter meetings as well as other chapter activities. The Pro Consul presides over the chapter's executive committee and works with other committees within the chapter. The Pro Consul is also responsible performing the Consul's duties if the Consul is not present.
- Annotator- The Annotator keeps track of all chapter files and records as well as the chapter's permanent record of member data. In addition, he coordinates the annual report to headquarters.
- Quaestor- The Quaestor is the treasurerTreasurerA treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
of the chapter. He keeps track of all chapter funds and is responsible for collecting dues from members. Prepares a budgetBudgetA budget is a financial plan and a list of all planned expenses and revenues. It is a plan for saving, borrowing and spending. A budget is an important concept in microeconomics, which uses a budget line to illustrate the trade-offs between two or more goods...
before each fiscal year and presents it for approval before the chapter.
- Magister- The Magister prepares the pledges for initiation. He makes sure that all pledges are ready for initiation and are educated about the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Grand officers
- Grand Consul The Grand Consul is the International PresidentPresidentA president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of Sigma Chi. He presides over the Executive Committee, Grand Chapter and the Sigma Chi Corporation. The current Grand Consul is Dennis R. Santoli.
- Grand Pro Consul The Grand Pro Consul is the International Vice PresidentVice presidentA vice president is an officer in government or business who is below a president in rank. The name comes from the Latin vice meaning 'in place of'. In some countries, the vice president is called the deputy president...
of Sigma Chi. He presides over the Grand Council and the selection committeeCommitteeA committee is a type of small deliberative assembly that is usually intended to remain subordinate to another, larger deliberative assembly—which when organized so that action on committee requires a vote by all its entitled members, is called the "Committee of the Whole"...
. He must be prepared to take over the Grand Consul's duties if the Grand Consul were to be absent. The current Grand Pro Consul is Michael Greenberg.
- Grand Quaestor The Grand Quaestor is the International Treasurer of Sigma Chi. He is responsible for Fraternities funds and financial regulations. He issues and signs all warrantsWarrant (finance)In finance, a warrant is a security that entitles the holder to buy the underlying stock of the issuing company at a fixed exercise price until the expiry date....
for the payment of money and must report to the Grand Chapter and Grand Council. He serves as a member of the Executive Committee. The current Grand Quaestor is Tommy Geddings.
- Grand Tribune The Grand Tribune is the International spiritual leader and fellowship advisor of Sigma Chi. The current Grand Tribune is Rev. Francis "Skip" Flynn (Miami, Florida '67).
- Grand Historian The Grand Historian is the International Secretary of Sigma Chi. He compiles all historical information about Sigma Chi and is responsible for maintaining the archives and documents of the Fraternity. The current Grand Historian is Dr. Bill Fleming (Sam Houston State University 64).
- Grand Trustees The eighteen elected members of the Board of Grand Trustees function as liaisons and mentors for chapter house corporations to assist in legal issues, corporate governance, facility maintenance and renovation planning, fundraising, generating volunteers and other relevant issues.
- Grand Praetors - There is one Grand Praetor for each of the fifty-five provinces and he is nominated by the chapters in his province and elected at the Grand Chapter. They are required to visit each chapter in their province at least once every year, provide leadership guidance to the undergraduates in their province and maintain a general knowledge of each chapters condition and progress. The Grand Praetors are known collectively and officially as the "Praetorial College." At the Grand Chapter, a Dean of the Praetorial College is elected as their "chairman." The current Dean of the Praetorial College is William Scott.
Grand Chapter
Grand Chapter is the supreme legislative body of Sigma Chi and convenes on odd numbered years. It is composed of one delegate from each active undergraduate chapter and alumni chapter, the Grand Consul and Past Grand Consuls, each being entitled to one vote. The Grand Chapter elects the officers of the Fraternity as well as alter or amend the Constitution, Statutes, and Executive Committee Regulations. It may grant or revoke charters as well as discipline any chapter, officer or member. The most recent Sigma Chi Grand Chapter was held in Dallas, TexasDallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
on June 23-26, 2011.
Grand Council
The Grand Council meets every year when no Grand Chapter is held. The Grand Council consists of the Grand Officers, Past Grand Consuls, members of the Executive Committee, Grand Trustees, Grand Praetors, members of the Leadership Training Board and one undergraduate from each province. It may amendConstitutional amendment
A constitutional amendment is a formal change to the text of the written constitution of a nation or state.Most constitutions require that amendments cannot be enacted unless they have passed a special procedure that is more stringent than that required of ordinary legislation...
the Statutes or Executive Committee Regulations. The 2008 Grand Council was held in Skokie, Illinois.
The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee meets at least four times a year. The Executive Committee consists of 11 members; Grand Consul, Grand Pro Consul, Grand Quaestor, the immediate Past Grand Consul, a Grand Trustee elected by the Board of Grand Trustees, a Grand Praetor elected by the Praetorial College, one alumnus member-at-large, two undergraduate representatives elected by the undergraduate delegates from each chapter, and the two most recent International Balfour Award winners. The committee regulates the budget and expenditures as well as assign duties to the International Headquarters staff.The Foundation
The Sigma Chi Foundation is a charitable and educational tax-exempt organization, separate and independent from the Fraternity, whose express purpose is to serve as an educational funding resource for the undergraduate and graduate student members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Through leadership initiatives such as Horizons, the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop, the Balfour Fellowship and the Cornerstone Mentor Program, the Sigma Chi Foundation is preparing our young men to be the value-centered leaders to guide us in the 21st century.A Board of Governors of 18 members, headed by Chairman Chuck Watson and Vice Chairman James K. Morris, guide the Foundation. The Foundation president and CEO, former NASA astronaut Greg Harbaugh
Gregory J. Harbaugh
Gregory Jordan Harbaugh is a former NASA Astronaut.- Background & education:Harbaugh was born April 15, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Willoughby, Ohio...
, is the Foundation's administrative officer based at the Peterson International Headquarters in Evanston, Ill.
The Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation
The Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation is the Canadian counterpart of The Sigma Chi Foundation though it also serves independently of the Fraternity or the Sigma Chi Foundation. It was formed by Canadian Sigma Chi Alumni as a registered charitable foundation to provide a tax-effective way for Canadian Sigma Chi to support the educational pursuits of Canadian undergraduate chapters. The Canadian foundation provides one of the largest bursary scholarships among Greek letter organizations; the John W. Graham scholarship is valued at approximately $2,470 USD and is awarded annually to two undergraduate brothers of Canada's ten chapters.The Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation is guided by Chairman D. Timothy Sanderson and a Board of Directors with 14 alumni members.
Undergraduate awards
The Peterson Significant Chapter Award is given to chapters who show a strong performance in all areas of chapter operationsBusiness operations
Business operations are those ongoing recurring activities involved in the running of a business for the purpose of producing value for the stakeholders...
. The award is named after Past Grand Consul J. Dwight Peterson. Each winning chapter receives a large plaque and a contribution from the Sigma Chi Foundation towards the university's counseling or tutoring program.
The International Balfour Award is given each year to one graduating senior who excels the most in four criteria; scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
, character
Moral character
Moral character or character is an evaluation of a particular individual's durable moral qualities. The concept of character can imply a variety of attributes including the existence or lack of virtues such as integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty, and loyalty, or of good behaviors or habits...
, Fraternity service and campus leadership. Each chapter nominates a graduating senior to run in the province. The Grand Praetor selects the province winner who then runs against all the other nominees from each province. The Grand Pro Consul then heads a committee of five of other officers who select three finalists to be interviewed at the Grand Chapter or Leadership Training Workshop. The winner of the award receives a Balfour Award Key, certificates for himself and his chapter, and free Life Loyal Sig membership. He will also serve on the Sigma Chi International Executive Committee, the fraternity's Board of Directors, for two years.
The Significant Sig Award
George Ade
George Ade was an American writer, newspaper columnist, and playwright.-Biography:Ade was born in Kentland, Indiana, one of seven children raised by John and Adaline Ade. While attending Purdue University, he became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity...
, Roy Chapman Andrews
Roy Chapman Andrews
Roy Chapman Andrews was an American explorer, adventurer and naturalist who became the director of the American Museum of Natural History. He is primarily known for leading a series of expeditions through the fragmented China of the early 20th century into the Gobi Desert and Mongolia...
, John T. McCutcheon
John T. McCutcheon
John Tinney McCutcheon was an American newspaper political cartoonist who was known as the "Dean of American Cartoonists"....
, Chase S. Osborn, James Wallington, F. Dudleigh Vernor, and Samuel P. Cowley.
The Order of Constantine
Semi-Century Sig Award
The Semi-Century Sig Award is given to brothers who have been active in the fraternity for 50 years or more.International Sweetheart
As a general rule, each undergraduate chapter elects a female associated with the chapter as the chapter sweetheart. At each Grand Chapter, the fraternity chooses a Sweetheart from one chapter to be the International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi for two years. The International Sweetheart Award is presented based on personality, character, campus involvement, Sigma Chi activities, general accomplishments, poise, and grace. Each nominee must be the sweetheart of an undergraduate chapter for the year nominated and a student at the nominating chapter's universityUniversity
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
. The first International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi was Barbara Tanner, a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Kappa Alpha Theta , also known as Theta, is an international fraternity for women founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University, formerly Indiana Asbury...
. The current Sigma Chi International Sweetheart is Sydney Binnington from the University of Western Ontario
University of Western Ontario
The University of Western Ontario is a public research university located in London, Ontario, Canada. The university's main campus covers of land, with the Thames River cutting through the eastern portion of the main campus. Western administers its programs through 12 different faculties and...
.
Some notable Sigma Chi Sweethearts from local chapters include Judy Garland
Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
at The Ohio State University and Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway is an American actress.Dunaway won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Network after receiving previous nominations for the critically acclaimed films Bonnie and Clyde and Chinatown...
at the University of Florida
University of Florida
The University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
.
Military Service Recognition Pin
The Military Service Recognition Pin recognizes honorably discharged veterans or currently serving members of the United States, Canada, and other nations respective armed forces who are in good standing with the Sigma Chi Fraternity. The pin consists of a single Norman-style sword thrust upward with a small Sigma Chi Norman Shield with a cross embossed upon it placed upon the lower end of the blade just above the hilt and is to be worn on the brother's lapel. The pin is a reminder that the White Cross that we wear is an emblem of sacrifice. The virtues displayed through one's service to their country brings honor to Sigma Chi and all of its members. Brothers may nominate themselves or be nominated by one of their brothers. The pin and its design were suggested by Brother Anthony Dauer, Theta Beta '83, U.S. Navy (1986–1990). The final design was discussed and voted upon by the members of the Military Sigs group which can be found in the Sigma Chi Friendship Circle web site. This award was first presented at the 2007 Grand Chapter.The Magazine of Sigma Chi
The Magazine of Sigma Chi is the official quarterly publication for undergraduate and alumni brothers of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. First published in 1881 at Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg College
Gettysburg College is a private four-year liberal arts college founded in 1832, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States, adjacent to the famous battlefield. Its athletic teams are nicknamed the Bullets. Gettysburg College has about 2,700 students, with roughly equal numbers of men and women...
, Theta Chapter, as The Sigma Chi, the name was later changed to The Sigma Chi Quarterly and then to its current form. The Magazine was recognized by the Fraternity Communications Association (FCA) in 2010 with the Fred F. Yoder Award for Overall Excellence; Fred F. Yoder was assistant editor of Sigma Chi publications from 1957-1973 and editor from 1973-1997.
The FCA also recognized The Magazine in 2010 with a second-place award for feature story design.
The Norman Shield
The Norman Shield is the reference manual of the Fraternity. First compiled in 1929 by Arthur Vos, Jr. for the Beta Mu chapter at the University of Colorado at BoulderUniversity of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
, it contains biographies of the founders and a history of the Fraternity and significant events; Sigma Chi writings, and the Constitution and Statutes. More topical is a list of famous and "Significant Sigs", explanations of chapter and Grand officers, and Sigma Chi events, governing bodies, and scholarships. The current edition is its 43rd, dated for the years 2009-11.
The Norman Shield has been recognized by the College Fraternity Editors' Association at least twice; in 2004 it was given an Award of Merit and in 2006 it was awarded First Place in the Manual category.