Sigma Chi
Sigma Chi is one of the largest North American collegiate fraternities. It was founded on June 28, 1855, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. The fraternity is officially known as the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and its members are commonly referred to as Sigmas.
History:
Sigma Chi was founded by Benjamin Piatt Runkle, Thomas Cowan Bell, William Henry Shuey, Orville Stice Wilson, Isaac M. Jordan, and Daniel William Cooper. They seceded from the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity over a disagreement concerning the election of a poet for the Erodelphian Literary Society. These men established Sigma Chi based on the principles of friendship, justice, and learning. The fraternity's founding document is known as The Jordan Standard.
Principles:
The central ideals of Sigma Chi are embodied in The Jordan Standard, which describes the characteristics of a Sigma Chi. These qualities include:
- 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
Membership:
Sigma Chi has initiated over 350,000 members since its founding. Membership is open to male college students who meet the fraternity's standards of academic achievement, character, and leadership potential. Alumni play a vital role in the fraternity, providing guidance and support to undergraduate chapters.
Philanthropy:
Sigma Chi's official philanthropic partner is the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Through various fundraising efforts, Sigma Chi chapters and individual members raise money to support cancer research and treatment at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Governance:
The Sigma Chi Fraternity is governed by a Grand Chapter, which meets biennially. The Grand Chapter elects the Grand Officers, who oversee the fraternity's operations. The fraternity is also divided into provinces, each of which is overseen by a Province Balfour Award recipient.
Symbols and Traditions:
Sigma Chi has several distinct symbols and traditions, including:
- The White Cross: The fraternity's badge is a white cross with the Greek letters "Sigma Chi" on the arms of the cross and a set of keys and an eagle in the angles.
- Colors: Blue and Old Gold.
- Flower: The White Rose.
- Sweetheart: The Sigma Chi Sweetheart is a young woman chosen by each chapter to represent the ideals of Sigma Chi.
Notable Members:
Sigma Chi has a long list of notable alumni, including prominent figures in business, politics, sports, entertainment, and other fields.