Citizendia
Your Ad Here

Sigma Chi
(ΣΧ)
The Coat of Arms of Sigma Chi Fraternity
Founded June 28, 1855 (1855-06-28) (age 152)
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
Type Social
Scope International
Motto In Hoc Signo Vinces ("In This Sign You Will Conquer")
Colors Blue and Old Gold
Symbol The White Cross
Flower White Rose
Publication The Magazine of Sigma Chi
Philanthropy Children's Miracle Network and Huntsman Cancer Institute
Chapters 222 undergraduate, 149 alumni
Members 218,493,
11,343 undergraduate currently
260,000+ lifetime
Free label
Headquarters 1714 Hinman Avenue
Evanston, Illinois, USA
Homepage Sigma Chi Website

Sigma Chi (ΣΧ) is one of the largest and oldest all-male, college, Greek-letter social fraternities and a secret society. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 1855 ( MDCCCLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Miami University (colloquially and incorrectly referred to as Miami of Ohio for clarification purposes is a Coeducational Public university founded in 1809 In hoc signo vinces is the rendition in Latin of the Greek phrase "εν τούτω νίκα" en toutōi nika, meaning "in this you will Old Gold is a dark Yellow, which varies from light olive or olive Brown to deep or strong yellow The Magazine of Sigma Chi, the official quarterly Publication for Undergraduate and alumni brothers of the Sigma Chi Fraternity The Children's Miracle Network (CMN is an international Non-profit organization that raises funds for Children's hospitals medical research and community awareness The Huntsman Cancer Institute is a research center in the University of Utah designed to research learn about treat and prevent cancer The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The Greek alphabet (Ελληνικό αλφάβητο is a set of twenty-four letters that has been used to write the Greek language since the late 9th or early Fraternities and sororities (from the Latin words la frater and la soror, meaning "brother" and "sister" respectively are fraternal Secret society is a term used to describe a variety of organizations Sigma Chi was founded on June 28, 1855 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio when members split from Delta Kappa Epsilon. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 1855 ( MDCCCLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year Miami University (colloquially and incorrectly referred to as Miami of Ohio for clarification purposes is a Coeducational Public university founded in 1809 Oxford is a city in northwestern Butler County, Ohio, United States, in the southwestern portion of the state Delta Kappa Epsilon ( ΔΚΕ; also pronounced D-K-E or "Deke" is a Fraternity founded at Yale College in 1844 by 15 men of the sophomore 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. Benjamin Piatt Runkle, ( September 3, 1836 &ndash June 28, 1916) was one of the original seven founders of Sigma Chi fraternity Thomas Cowan Bell the qualities of learning (1832 - 1919 was born near Dayton Ohio. Isaac M Jordan "energetic and faithful" to every task ( May 5, 1835 &ndash December 3, 1890) was a United States Congressman Daniel William Cooper " ruler of the spirit" was born in September 1830 near Fredericktown Ohio. Sigma Chi is a part of the Miami Triad, along with Beta Theta Pi and Phi Delta Theta. History Founding Phi Beta Kappa was the first Greek letter organization founded in the United States when it was created on December 5 1776 at the College

The fraternity's official colors are blue and old gold, and its badge is a white cross with emblems on each of its arms: crossed keys on the upper arm, an eagle's head on the right arm, seven gold stars and a pair of clasped hands on the lower arm, and a scroll on the left arm. Old Gold is a dark Yellow, which varies from light olive or olive Brown to deep or strong yellow In the center of the cross, on a black background, are the gold symbols for the Greek letters Sigma (Σ) and Chi (Χ). The Ancient Greek language is the historical stage in the development of the Hellenic language family spanning the Archaic (c The left and right arms are connected to the upper arm by gold chains.

Sigma Chi's purpose is to promote the concepts of Friendship, Justice, and Learning; its mission statement is to develop values-based leaders committed to the betterment of character, campus and community. Sigma Chi's vision statement is "to become the preeminent collegiate leadership development organization—aligned, focused and living our core values".

On June 13th, 2005, Sigma Chi was the first Greek-letter society to be honored by the United States Congress for the fraternity's 150th anniversary. Events 1525 - Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, against the Celibacy rule decreed by the Roman Catholic Church for Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses [1]

Contents

History

Founding

The founding of Sigma Chi began as the result of a disagreement over who would be named Poet in the Erodelphian Literary Society of old Miami University in Ohio. Miami University (colloquially and incorrectly referred to as Miami of Ohio for clarification purposes is a Coeducational Public university founded in 1809 Ohio ( is a Midwestern state of the United States. As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads [2]

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. Delta Kappa Epsilon ( ΔΚΕ; also pronounced D-K-E or "Deke" is a Fraternity founded at Yale College in 1844 by 15 men of the sophomore 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. [2]

The matter finally 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 ( October 27, 1837 &ndash December 15, 1912) was a U With him Reid brought a stranger. The six learned that the stranger was an alumnus of DKE from a nearby town. [2]


"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. [2]

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. [2]

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. [3] On June 28th, 1855 (Commencement at Old Miami), the Sigma Phi Fraternity was founded. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 1855 ( MDCCCLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Common year [4]

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. A ritual is a set of actions often thought to have Symbolic value the performance of which is usually prescribed by a Religion or by the Traditions Oxford is a city in northwestern Butler County, Ohio, United States, in the southwestern portion of the state Eventually, this action could have been forced upon the group as there was already a Sigma Phi Society in the collegiate world. The Sigma Phi Society, founded on 4 March, 1827 on the campus of Union College as a part of the Union Triad in Schenectady New York College ( Latin collegium) is a term most often used today to denote an Educational Institution.

Much of Sigma Chi's heraldry is inspired by the legendary story of the Emperor Constantine from the Battle of Milvian Bridge against Maxentius. Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus (27 February ca. 272 &ndash 22 May 337 commonly known as Constantine I, Constantine the Great, or Saint Constantine The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place on October 28, 312, between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius (c 278 - 28 October 312) was Western Roman Emperor from 306 to 312 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. [5]

The founders

Early years

Constantine Chapter

Harry St. John Dixon
Harry St. John Dixon

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 Chis within his vicinity on the flyleaf of his diary during the American Civil War. The University of Virginia (also called UVa, UVA, Mr Jefferson's University, or The University) is a highly selective public research The Confederate States of America (also called the Confederacy, the Confederate States, and CSA) formed as the government set up from 1861 For other uses of the term 'diary' see Diary (disambiguation. Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South He began planning a Confederate Army chapter of Sigma Chi with this information. The War Department was established by the Confederate Congress in an act on February 21, 1861. 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. Events 1176 - The Battle of Myriokephalon is fought 1462 - The Battle of Świecino (or Battle of Żarnowiec Year 1864 ( MDCCCLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year The Atlanta Campaign was a series of battles fought in the Western Theater throughout northwest Georgia and the area around Atlanta Georgia, Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States

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 near camp. In Military terminology desertion is the Abandonment of a " Duty " or post without permission from one's Government or superior A log cabin is a small house built from logs It is a fairly simple type of Log house. Dixon later wrote,

The cabin was in a state of frightful dilapidation. Dilapidation is a term meaning in general a falling into decay but more particularly used in the plural in English law for the waste committed by the incumbent of Its rude walls and rafters were covered with soot and cobwebs, and the floor showed evidences of having been the resting place of sundry heaps of sheep. Soot (ˈsʊt is a general term that refers to the black impure carbon particles resulting from the incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon A floor is the walking surface of a room or vehicle Floors vary from simple dirt in a cave to many-layered surfaces using modern technology

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 " Seated Liberty " designs appeared on most regular-issue Silver United States coinage during the mid- and late- Nineteenth century, from

The last meeting was held New Year's Day 1865. New Year's Day is the first day of the Year. On the modern Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated on January 1, as it was also in ancient Rome (though Year 1865 ( MDCCCLXV) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year 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. US Route 41 is a north-south United States Highway that runs from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Miami Florida. Clayton County is a County located in the US state of Georgia. The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule [18]

Purdue case

In 1876, Emerson E. White became president of Purdue University. 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. Fraternities and sororities (from the Latin words la frater and la soror, meaning "brother" and "sister" respectively are fraternal Secret society is a term used to describe a variety of organizations 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. Trustee is a Legal term that refers to a holder of property on behalf of a beneficiary.

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. Fraternities and sororities (from the Latin words la frater and la soror, meaning "brother" and "sister" respectively are fraternal The case soon found its way to the Indiana Supreme Court and on June 21, 1882 reversed Vinton's decision. The Supreme Court of Indiana is the state supreme court of Indiana. Events 524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce. Year 1882 ( MDCCCLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common This victory for Sigma Chi also allowed fraternities at Purdue. [19]

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. Year 1899 ( MDCCCXCIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Vinton. In 1901 the Grand Chapter approved the Fraternity's pledge pin. Year 1901 ( MCMI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting In 1903 at the Grand Chapter in Detroit the Board of Grand Trustees was established. Year 1903 ( MCMIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar or a Common year starting In 1922 the Alpha Beta chapter at University of California, Berkeley held the "Channing Way Derby" which led to the creation of the "Sigma Chi Derby Days". The University of California Berkeley (also referred to as Cal, Berkeley and UC Berkeley) is a major research university located in Berkeley [20][21] Some of the awards created during this time include the Significant Sig Award in 1935 and the Order of Constantine in 1948. Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1948 ( MCMXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [22]

Coming into the beginning of the 20th Century Sigma Chi had installed a total of 74 chapters with 58 still active. [23] Having only established a centralized form of government in 1822 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. Events 1500 - Portuguese Navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral becomes the first European to sight Brazil. Year 1922 ( MCMXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. This article is about the University of Toronto's St George Campus Toronto (təˈrɒntoʊ colloquially pronounced or) is the largest city in Canada and is the provincial capital of Ontario [24]

Daniel William Cooper's Sigma Phi badge.
Daniel William Cooper's Sigma Phi badge. Daniel William Cooper " ruler of the spirit" was born in September 1830 near Fredericktown Ohio.

The Sigma Chi Foundation was created on November 9, 1939 when the Sigma Chi Endowment Foundation was incorporated in Colorado. Events 694 - Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims sentencing all Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The State of Colorado ( or chiefly by nonresidents) is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States of America. This educational endowment was first discussed in 1898 by alumni who wanted to assist undergraduates financially so they could finish their undergraduate studies. Year 1898 ( MDCCCXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common [24]

The world wars of the 20th century took the lives of 103 Sigs in World War I and 738 in World War II. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including 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. [24]

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. Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The membership requirements which had been used for a long time 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. Year 1948 ( MCMXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Further study showed that on 13 campuses containing a chapter the issue was "very hot" while it was only "lukewarm" on a dozen other campuses. [25]

This time period saw the death of the last four founders of Sigma Chi with Daniel William Cooper being the last. Daniel William Cooper " ruler of the spirit" was born in September 1830 near Fredericktown Ohio. 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. The Beta Theta chapter at the University of Pittsburgh was given the privilege to administer Cooper's memorial service. The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a non-sectarian coeducational independent state-related, "public" research University On December 13, 1920 Cooper's body was conveyed to the Beta Theta chapter house where Beta Theta Consul Donald E. Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life Year 1920 ( MCMXX) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display 1920 of the Gregorian calendar 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. John Regis Toomey ( August 13, 1898 - October 12, 1991) was an American Film and Television actor [26]

Pledging

Recruiting process

As with most fraternities, before pledging begins, the potential pledge must rush the fraternity. Each chapter holds rush events during the year, usually within a period set by their school. During this period each chapter will hold a bid meeting to discuss each potential member. To gain a bid from Sigma Chi the student must meet the qualifications as defined by the Jordan Standard. Sigma Chi ( ΣΧ) is one of the largest and oldest all-male college Greek-letter social fraternities and a Secret society. When a potential pledge receives a bid they have a choice to accept or decline. If the bid is accepted they will enter into pledgeship and become a potential member. [27] Sigma Chi recently has adopted a new recruitment policy called Mission 365, where the fraternity will constantly be recruiting throughout the entire year. The theory behind this idea is that if Sigma Chi's live their lives according to principle 365 days a year, potential brothers-to-be will naturally find themselves attracted to Sigma Chi instead of the fraternity having to go out and sell themselves to potential new brothers.

Pledgeship

The pledge pin of Sigma Chi
The pledge pin of Sigma Chi

Pledgeship is a probationary period for potential members before they are fully initiated into Sigma Chi. 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 The pledge period differs in length from chapter to chapter but eight weeks is the recommended length by Headquarters. [28][29] 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. [28]

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. 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 Sigma Chi ( ΣΧ) is one of the largest and oldest all-male college Greek-letter social fraternities and a Secret society. The pledge pin is a blue Norman Shield bearing the White Cross of Sigma Chi outlined in old gold. Old Gold is a dark Yellow, which varies from light olive or olive Brown to deep or strong yellow [30]

Hazing

On January 31, 2005 Sigma Chi announced a zero-tolerance stance on the issue of hazing. Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [31] 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. " [29]

Organization of the fraternity

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.

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.

Grand officers

Grand Chapter

Grand Chapter is the supreme legislative body of Sigma Chi and convenes every two years on odd numbered years. A legislature is a type of representative Deliberative assembly with the power to create amend and change Laws The law created by a legislature is called Legislation 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. Year 1 ( I) was a Common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. 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. [33] The most recent Sigma Chi Grand Chapter was held in San Jose, CA in June of 2007. The next Grand Chapter is scheduled to be held in 2009.

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 amend the Statutes or Executive Committee Regulations. [33]

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 Quaester, 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 current Executive Committee is composed of Grand Consul Robert H. W. Jones, Grand Pro Consul L. Wayne Tucker, Grand Quaestor Denis Santoli, Past Grand Consul Keith Krach, Grand Trustee Tommy Geddings, Grand Praetor Garnett Haubelt, Alumnus Rep Mike Greenberg, 2006 Balfour Award Winner Jon Meinen, 2007 Balfour Award Winner Eli Snider, and Undergraduate Representatives Mike Ciatto and Brian Powell. [33]

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, is the Foundation's administrative officer based at the Peterson International Headquarters in Evanston, Ill. Gregory Jordan Harbaugh is a former NASA astronaut Personal data Harbaugh was born April 15, 1956, in Cleveland Ohio, and grew up in

Leadership programs

Balfour Leadership Training Workshop

The Balfour Leadership Training Workshop is a program designed to improve the quality of leadership in the Fraternity. Each August, leaders from Sigma Chi's undergraduate chapters spend four days on a college campus, immersed in presentations, discussions, and problem solving sessions about chapter operations and other issues that affect a chapter's viability. [34]

Each year The Leadership Training Board, assisted by the fraternity's Director of Education, meets twice to discuss the previous workshop and plan the next one. The workshop focuses on nine specific aspects of chapter life: Consuls, Pro Consuls, Quaestors, Magisters, Recruitment Chairmen, Centurians, and Emerging Leaders for undergraduates; Chapter Advisors and Mentors are sessions for alumni members. [35] The annual turnout is approximately 1,300 brothers making it the largest leadership training session in the Greek-letter world. In the summer of 2007, the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop was held at the University of Missouri - Columbia where the Xi Xi Chapter of Sigma Chi was re-installed in front of more than 1000 undergrads and alumni. The University of Missouri (also known as the University of Missouri–Columbia, Mizzou, or MU) is a public land-grant and research This is the largest fraternity initiation or installation on record in the Greek world today. [36]

The first workshop was held at Bowling Green State University from August 31 to September 3, 1947. Bowling Green State University (BGSU is a public four-year institution located in Bowling Green Ohio, USA, about 20 miles south of Toledo Ohio on Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne Events 36 BC - In the Battle of Naulochus, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Admiral of Octavian, defeats Sextus Pompeius Year 1947 ( MCMXLVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 215 delegates attended the workshop representing 82 of the 108 active chapters at the time. [24] The workshop has been held at 19 different campuses including Ball State University, University of Nebraska, and University of Missouri. Ball State University is a state-run research University located in Muncie, Indiana, U The University of Nebraska is the public University system in the state of Nebraska, USA. The University of Missouri (also known as the University of Missouri–Columbia, Mizzou, or MU) is a public land-grant and research In 1955 the workshop was not held to avoid interference with the Centennial Grand Chapter. A century (from the Latin centum, meaning one hundred is One hundred consecutive Years Centuries are numbered ordinally (e In 1997 the Balfour Foundation voted to make an annual grant of $200,000 for the educational elements of the workshop. [34]

Horizons

The logo for Horizons
The logo for Horizons

Horizons is a leadership program specifically created for Sigma Chi underclassmen who are eager and willing to improve themselves and their world. During the sessions of Horizons held each summer in Snowbird, Utah, undergraduates experience a six-day immersion in whole-brained learning that engages both mind and body through team-based exercises and personal reflection. Snowbird is an Unincorporated area based in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in Salt Lake County, The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States. The program, initially funded by Bob McNair, owner of the Houston Texans, runs completely free of charge to its undergraduate participants. Robert C (Bob McNair (born 1937 in Tampa Florida) is an American businessman and the owner of the National Football League team the Houston Texans [37]

Horizons focuses on three aspects of leadership:

Cornerstone

The Cornerstone program is designed to provide alumni leaders with the tools they need to efficiently support undergraduate chapters. This mentorship program encourages alumni participation and growth at undergraduate chapters, Cornerstone aims to bring professionally-trained mentors to every Sigma Chi chapter. Mentors assist undergraduates by increasing leadership training and improving academic performance and general operations. Cornerstone mentors have an unequivocal commitment to the ideals of Sigma Chi, willingness to be a role model and accessibility and availability to the chapter and its members. Through the support of Jesse R. "Bob" Stone, three short Building On Our Brotherhood films directed by Christopher Lastrapes were produced about the Cornerstone Program.

Philanthropy

Membership in Sigma Chi involves both service-oriented activities as well as social bonding for its members. Community service refers to service that a person performs for the benefit of his or her local Community. Male bonding is a term that is used in Ethology, Social science, and in general usage to describe patterns of Friendship and/or cooperation in men Sigma Chi's suggested beneficiaries for chapter community service projects are the Children's Miracle Network and the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The Children's Miracle Network (CMN is an international Non-profit organization that raises funds for Children's hospitals medical research and community awareness The Huntsman Cancer Institute is a research center in the University of Utah designed to research learn about treat and prevent cancer Since 1992 Sigma Chi chapters have raised more than $4. 2 million dollars for area CMN hospitals[39] and devoted thousands of hours of service to CMN affiliates. The Huntsman Cancer Institute was added as another beneficiary in 2005[40]. In the 2005-06 academic year, Sigma Chi raised $473,757. 43 for the Children's Miracle Network, as well as $55,244. 63 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Derby Days

The tradition of Sigma Chi’s Derby Days began in the spring of 1933 at the Alpha Beta chapter at the University of California-Berkeley, under the name “Channingway Derby. Year 1933 ( MCMXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The University of California Berkeley (also referred to as Cal, Berkeley and UC Berkeley) is a major research university located in Berkeley ” Located on Channing Way, the chapter sponsored an event composed of a series of humorous skits. In the spring of 1935, after receiving reports of the Channingway Derby, Beta Sigma chapter at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville made plans for a similar event. Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The University of Tennessee (also known as UT) sometimes called the University of Tennessee Knoxville ( UT Knoxville, or UTK) is the flagship But instead of presenting skits, the event was planned around an all-day track and field competition between the pledge classes of the nine sororities at Tennessee. More than 1,000 people were in attendance on November 1, 1935 to witness the first Derby involving campus sororities. Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. On that day four Sigma Chis from the Delta chapter at the University of Georgia were visiting Knoxville and witnessed the event. The University of Georgia ( UGA) is a public research University located in Athens, Georgia, the oldest and largest of the The brothers took the idea back to their campus and named their production “Sigma Chi Derby. ” During the 1960s, Derby began to take on the philanthropic approach for which it is now known on many campuses. After the Cleo Wallace Center became Sigma Chi’s Fraternity-wide service project in 1967, many chapters began using Derby as a fundraising event for the Center. Although some amount of charitable work had been done through Derby and similar events prior to that time, the Wallace Center project gave a much-needed boost to the concept of doing something for a needy group outside of campus. At the 1992 Leadership Training Workshop, the Children's Miracle Network was introduced as Sigma Chi’s suggested beneficiary of proceeds from chapter community service projects. The Children's Miracle Network (CMN is an international Non-profit organization that raises funds for Children's hospitals medical research and community awareness The network, an alliance of 165 hospitals and health care facilities across the United States and Canada, generates funds for the children its associated hospitals serve. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page

Awards

Undergraduate awards

The Peterson Significant Chapter Award is given to chapters who show a strong performance in all areas of chapter operations. Business operations are those ongoing recurring activities involved in the running of a business for the purpose of producing value for the stakeholders They are contrasted The award is named after Past Grand Consul J. Dwight Peterson. [41] Each winning chapter receives a large plaque and a contribution from the Sigma Chi Foundation towards the university's counseling or tutoring program. In British Australian New Zealand Italian and some Canadian universities, a tutor is often but not always a Postgraduate Student or a Lecturer [42]

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. A scholarship is an award of access to an institution or a financial aid award for an individual student scholar for the purpose of furthering their Education Moral character or character is an evaluation of a particular individual's moral qualities 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. [41][42]

Alumni awards

The Significant Sig Award

The Significant Sig Award
The Significant Sig Award

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. George Ade ( February 9, 1866 - May 16, 1944) was an American Writer, newspaper Columnist, and Playwright. John Tinney McCutcheon ( May 6 1870 – June 10 1949) was an American newspaper political cartoonist Chase Salmon Osborn ( January 22 1860 April 11 1949) was an American Politician, newspaper reporter and publisher Dudleigh Vernor, and Samuel P. Cowley. [43]

The Order of Constantine

The logo for The Order of Constantine
The logo for The Order of Constantine

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. [43][44]

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. [43]

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 university. A candidate is the prospective recipient of an Award or honor or a person seeking or being considered for some kind of position for example to be elected A university is an institution of Higher education and Research, which grants Academic degrees in a variety of subjects [45] The first International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi was Barbara Tanner, a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta. Kappa Alpha Theta ( ΚΑΘ) is an international women's fraternity founded on January 27, 1870 at DePauw University. [46][47]. The current Sigma Chi International Sweetheart is Rachel Berkey from Harvard College.

Some notable Sigma Chi Sweethearts include Judy Garland and Faye Dunaway. Judy Garland (born Frances Ethel Gumm; June 10 1922 – June 22 1969 was an American actress and singer Dorothy Faye Dunaway (born January 14, 1941) known as Faye Dunaway, is an American actress. [48][49]

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[50] [51].

Literature of Sigma Chi

The Magazine of Sigma Chi

Main article: The Magazine of Sigma Chi

The Magazine of Sigma Chi, the official quarterly publication for undergraduate and alumni brothers of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, is one of the most highly esteemed magazines in the Greek-letter world. The Magazine of Sigma Chi, the official quarterly Publication for Undergraduate and alumni brothers of the Sigma Chi Fraternity First published in 1881, at the Theta Chapter of Sigma Chi located at Gettysburg College, as The Sigma Chi, the name was later changed to The Sigma Chi Quarterly and then to its current form. The magazine details the achievements of notable brothers, features columns on how to better perform the ideals set forth by the fraternity's founders, and includes updates on most (but not all) chapters of Sigma Chi by that chapter's Chapter Editor. The Sigma Chi Bulletin, the oldest esoteric publication in the Greek-letter community, is published in the Magazine; it contains the minutes from any meetings of the Fraternity's Executive Committee occurring in the quarter it is published. Noted cartoonist Milton Caniff periodically provided illustrations for the magazine. Milton Arthur Paul Caniff ( February 28, 1907 - April 3, 1988) was an American Cartoonist famous for the Terry

The Norman Shield

Main article: The Norman Shield
The Norman Shield's commemorative 2005 issue
The Norman Shield's commemorative 2005 issue

The Norman Shield, or the Shield informally, is the reference manual of the Fraternity. The Norman Shield is the reference manual of the Sigma Chi Fraternity It is intended to be a "well of knowledge during pledgeship" and for active membership. The current edition is its 42nd, dated for the years 2007-09.

Purpose

Article II of the Constitution states "The purpose of this fraternity shall be to cultivate and maintain the high ideals of friendship, justice and learning upon which Sigma Chi was founded. "

Creed

I believe in fairness, decency and good manners. I will endeavor to retain the spirit of youth. I will try to make my college, the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and my own chapter more honored by all men and women and more beloved and honestly respected by our own brothers. I say these words in all sincerity; That Sigma Chi has given me favor and distinction; that the bond of our fellowship is reciprocal, that I will endeavor to so build myself and so conduct myself that I will ever be a credit to our Fraternity.

– George Ade, Purdue University, Class of 1887

The Jordan Standard

The confidence of the Founders of Sigma Chi was based upon a belief that the principles which they professed and the ideal of the Fraternity which they sought were but imperfectly realized in the organizations by which they were surrounded. George Ade ( February 9, 1866 - May 16, 1944) was an American Writer, newspaper Columnist, and Playwright.

The standard with which the fraternity started was declared by Isaac M. Jordan to be that of admitting no man to membership in Sigma Chi who is not believed to be:

A Man of Good Character. . . . . . .

A Student of Fair Ability. . . . . . .

With Ambitious Purposes. . . . . . .

A Congenial Disposition. . . . . . .

Possessed of Good Morals. . . . . . .

Having a High Sense of Honor and

A Deep Sense of Personal Responsibility.

-Founder Isaac M. Jordan addressed the 15th Grand Chapter in 1884, and his speech provided the basis for the current Jordan Standard. Isaac M Jordan "energetic and faithful" to every task ( May 5, 1835 &ndash December 3, 1890) was a United States Congressman [52]

Sigma Chi Grace

Our Father, we thank Thee for Thy many blessings. Keep us from harm. May the White Cross guide us and teach us to be true to each other, ourselves, and Thee. Amen.

The Spirit of Sigma Chi

The Spirit of Sigma Chi, as conceived by the Founders more than 150 years ago yet visible and alive today, is based on the theory that. . .

. . . Friendship among members, sharing a common belief in an ideal,. . .

. . . and possessing different temperaments, talents, and convictions. . .

. . . is superior to friendship among members having the same temperaments, talents, and convictions; and that. . .

. . . Genuine friendship can be maintained without surrendering the principle of individuality or sacrificing one's personal judgment.

The Spirit of Sigma Chi was written by the Fraternity to honor and pay homage to the beliefs of Franklin Howard Scobey who believed strongly in the ideal that friendship among members of different temperaments, talents and convictions is superior to friendship among those who are all similar.

My Badge

The Sigma Chi Badge
The Sigma Chi Badge

I might be forced to admit that there is some similarity between the ideals of Sigma Chi and those of other fraternities but—

I will not share the beautiful and the symbolic supremacy of the White Cross of Sigma Chi with any other badge in the Greek World.

The badge of my Fraternity is a cross, a sign and a symbol known to all the world, uplifting Him of whom our badge reminds us.

It is not a shield of timid defense nor a drawn sword of oppressive aggression nor an arrow swift and sure on its mission of death.

It is not a diamond so rich and so rare as to have no part in the common crowd nor a crescent pale and incomplete nor a star shining with a borrowed ray.

It is not a lamp whose feeble flame is extinguished by the slightest gust of wind that blows; nor a simple monogram of mysterious Greek letters presuming to reveal some hidden meaning.

But a cross with its base planted in the common clay of earth; its arms outstretched to all the world and its head lifted heavenward.

It is a White Cross, suggesting purity. As any pure white surface reflects all the rays of light without the absorption of any, so the White Cross of Sigma Chi reflects its ideals unselfishly to all Mankind.

- W. Henry McLean, DePauw University, Class of 1910

The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi

Main article: Sweetheart of Sigma Chi

Notable "Sigs"

Main article: Notable Sigma Chi Alumni

Undergraduate chapters

Main article: List of Sigma Chi chapters

As of 2007, Sigma Chi has 218,493 living brothers and 222 active undergraduate chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. DePauw University in Greencastle Indiana, USA is a private national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2400 students called the most beloved and popular of college fraternity songs "The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi " was written in 1911 by Byron D This is a list of notable alumni of The Sigma Chi Fraternity. This article lists the chapters of Sigma Chi Fraternity by state/province [53] Since 1855, Sigma Chi has initiated more than 260,000 men.

Alumni chapters

Main article: List of Sigma Chi alumni chapters

As of 2007, Sigma Chi has 149 alumni chapters around the world. This article lists the alumni chapters of the Sigma Chi Fraternity in alphabetical order by state with international chapters following [53]

Sept 27th 2007 Sigma Chi announced a relationship with Chapter Communications to create a new, attractive and user-friendly website for each Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter. The new websites allow members to easily update and manage content. Private Internet communication features make it easy for each alumnus to communicate among their own chapter’s members, other alumnus, participating undergraduate members, and the Sigma Chi International Fraternity. Chapter Communications technology allows information and news to be shared among all Sigma Chi websites in real time. This could be a huge step by helping Sigma Chi grow in the internet age. The central Alumni website can be found at http://www.alumnisigmachi.org/ along with a list of participating chapters.

Footnotes

  1. ^ Thomas (Library of Congress)
  2. ^ a b c d e The Founding of Sigma Chi
  3. ^ William Lewis Lockwood Biography at Sigmachi.org
  4. ^ The Birth of Sigma Chi
  5. ^ "Constantine, Heraldry and Roman Heritage" page 39. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  6. ^ "The Seven Founders: Benjamin Piatt Runkle" page 32. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  7. ^ "The Seven Founders: Thomas Cowan Bell" page 33. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  8. ^ San Francisco National Cemetery Burial List Surnames Bas-Ben
  9. ^ "The Seven Founders: William Lewis Lockwood" page 34. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  10. ^ a b Jordan, Isaac M. at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
  11. ^ Illinois State University Theta Rho Chapter - Isaac M. Jordan
  12. ^ "The Seven Founders: Isaac M. Jordan" page 35. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  13. ^ Eta Upsilon biographies on the founders
  14. ^ "The Seven Founders: Daniel William Cooper" page 36. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  15. ^ Franklin Howard Scobey Biography at Sigmachi.org
  16. ^ "The Seven Founders: Franklin Howard Scobey" page 37. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  17. ^ "The Seven Founders: James Parks Caldwell" page 38. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  18. ^ "The Constantine Chapter" page 40-41. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  19. ^ "The History of Sigma Chi" page 48. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  20. ^ "The History of Sigma Chi" page 49. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  21. ^ Carlson, op. cit. p. 8-9
  22. ^ "The History of Sigma Chi" page 50-51. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  23. ^ Carlson, op. cit. p. 517-518
  24. ^ a b c d Carlson, op. cit. p. 3
  25. ^ Carlson, op. cit. p. 4
  26. ^ Carlson, Douglas R. "Sig History", p. 33 and 72. Sigma Chi Magazine, Winter 1983
  27. ^ "The Constitution" page 108-137. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  28. ^ a b "Objectives of pledgeship" page 11. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  29. ^ a b Sigma Chi Statement of Position Concerning Pledge Education & the Ritual
  30. ^ "Nomenclature and Insignia" page 42. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  31. ^ Fraternity implements new zero-tolerance hazing policy
  32. ^ a b c d e f New Grand Officers and Grand Praetors Elected at 76th Grand Chapter
  33. ^ a b c "Organization, Governance & Services" page 80-84. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  34. ^ a b "Leadership Training" page 70. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  35. ^ http://www.sigmachibltw.org/
  36. ^ Xi Xi Installation
  37. ^ Sigma Chi Horizon's
  38. ^ Learn About Horizons www.sigmachi.org/horizons
  39. ^ Philanthropy at Sigma Chi
  40. ^ Sigma Chi Chooses Huntsman Cancer Institute
  41. ^ a b Sigma Chi Undergraduate Awards
  42. ^ a b "Undergraduate Awards" page 98-100. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  43. ^ a b c "Alumni Awards" page 92-94. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  44. ^ The Sigma Chi Order of Constantine
  45. ^ Additional Awards & Recognitions of Sigma Chi
  46. ^ "The History of Sigma Chi" page 47-55. The Norman Shield, 41st Edition
  47. ^ http://www.shsu.edu/~eng_wpf/sweetheart.html
  48. ^ [http://www.jgdb.com/articl31.htm Judy Garland Database
  49. ^ The Sig List, page 103. Sigma Chi Magazine, Summer 2007
  50. ^ "Sigma Chi E-Newsletter," Vol. 17, September 2007
  51. ^ The Magazine of Sigma Chi Summer 2007, Letter from the Grand Consul, page 3
  52. ^ Carlson, op. The Magazine of Sigma Chi, the official quarterly Publication for Undergraduate and alumni brothers of the Sigma Chi Fraternity cit. p. 516
  53. ^ a b Directory, page 85. Sigma Chi Magazine, Summer 2007

References

External links

© 2009 citizendia.org; parts available under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License, from http://en.wikipedia.org
 Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic