Eleanor Finch
Sigma Nu is an undergraduate college fraternity founded at the Virginia Military Institute in 1869. Since its founding, Sigma Nu has amassed over 279 chapters and colonies across the United States and Canada and has initiated more than 227,000 members. The fraternity's values are summarized as an adherence to the principles of love, honor, and truth. The constitution and statutes of Sigma Nu are known as The Law. The first constitution was written by Edward Arthur, with revisions by Linton Buck, who felt that influences from the Honduras Emigrant Society should be removed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sigma Nu Fraternity |
| Also known as | Legion of Honor |
| Founding date | 1 January 1869 |
| Founders | James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles, and James McIlvaine Riley |
| Founding location | Virginia Military Institute |
| Number of chapters | 279+ |
| Number of members | 227,000-235,000+ |
| Mission statement | To develop ethical leaders inspired by the principles of Love, Honor and Truth. To foster the personal growth of each man's mind, heart and character. To perpetuate lifelong friendships and commitment to the Fraternity. |
| Governing body | Grand Chapter |
| Legislative body | High Council |
| Publication | The Delta |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution and Law
The Constitution of Sigma Nu establishes the fundamental principles, values, and guidelines that govern the fraternity and its members. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of membership, the organizational structure, and the rules and regulations that define the fraternity's functioning. The constitution reflects the values of Sigma Nu, which include adherence to love, honour, and truth.
Linton Buck's Law serves as a complementary body of rules and regulations that further define the fraternity's operations and governance. It provides specific guidelines and procedures to be followed by the fraternity and its members. The Law is interpreted and enforced by the High Council, which acts as the governing arm of the General Fraternity between Grand Chapters. The High Council consists of five roles: the Regent, Regent-Elect, Grand Treasurer, Vice-Regents, and Collegiate Grand Councilmen.
Over time, Sigma Nu has held conventions and meetings to update and revise its Constitution and Law. The First National Convention, held in 1884, was convened to address the need for updates and coordinate efforts within the fraternity. The Sigma Nu convention, later known as the Grand Chapter, is held every two years and serves as the legislative body of the General Fraternity.
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The Delta magazine
Sigma Nu is an undergraduate college fraternity founded at the Virginia Military Institute in 1869. Since its founding, Sigma Nu has initiated more than 235,000 members and has chartered over 279 chapters across the United States and Canada. The fraternity's values are summarized as an adherence to the principles of love, honor, and truth.
Sigma Nu was founded by James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles, and James McIlvaine Riley, who together formed the Legion of Honor in 1868, which soon became Sigma Nu Fraternity. The Legion of Honor was formed in response to the hazing and physical abuse of underclassmen at the Virginia Military Institute. The fraternity's existence remained secret until the founders publicly announced their new society on January 1, 1869.
The Delta is the fraternity magazine of Sigma Nu, first published in April 1883. The magazine was created by John Alexander Howard, who was an important member of the Kappa chapter, established in 1881 at North Georgia College & State University. The year following its publication, The Delta witnessed another important milestone for Sigma Nu: the First National Convention, which was held in Nashville, Tennessee, in July 1884. The convention, later known as the Grand Chapter, served as an opportunity to update the constitution, revise procedures, and coordinate efforts.
The Delta has continued to play a significant role in the fraternity's history, documenting important events such as the loss of the Sigma Nu charter at Missouri State University in 2003 due to hazing pledges, and the arrest of nine members of the Fresno State University chapter in 2004 for playing a prank on their vice president that was mistaken for a kidnapping.
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The First National Convention
Sigma Nu's constitution and statutes are called "The Law". The Law is a three-part document that includes the fraternity's constitution, statutes, and trial code. It sets out membership requirements, standards of conduct, and the framework for the operation of all entities of the fraternity, including collegiate chapters.
One of the key outcomes of the First National Convention was the establishment of the Nu Chapter at the University of Kansas. This decision marked a significant step towards the fraternity's expansion beyond its traditional southern base. It signaled a commitment to diversifying its membership and expanding its reach to new regions.
The convention also addressed the need for centralized administrative offices and full-time officers. This issue had gained importance as the fraternity grew, and there was a recognition that having officers maintain records and files at their homes or places of business was no longer sustainable or secure. The lack of coordination and the previous loss of records in a fire highlighted the importance of establishing a central administrative system.
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The Grand Chapter
Sigma Nu is an undergraduate college fraternity founded at the Virginia Military Institute in 1869 by James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles, and James McIlvaine Riley. The fraternity's values are based on the principles of love, honor, and truth, and it has a military heritage that influences its chapter ranks and traditions. Since its founding, Sigma Nu has established over 279 chapters across the United States and Canada and has initiated more than 200,000 members.
The fraternity has had a significant impact on the lives of its members and has also faced some challenges. In 1964, the Dartmouth College chapter seceded from the fraternity due to a failed civil rights amendment, rejoining only in 1983. In 2004, several members of the Fresno State University chapter were arrested for kidnapping after a prank went wrong. Despite these incidents, Sigma Nu has a proud history and continues to be a prominent fraternity with a presence in North America.
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The High Council
- Regent: The Regent serves as the national president and chairman of the board of Sigma Nu for a term of two years. They are the leader of the High Council and the main decision-maker.
- Regent-Elect: The Regent-Elect is the second-in-command and is in line to become the Regent when the current Regent's term ends. They support the Regent and step in during their absence.
- Grand Treasurer: The Grand Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial health and management of the fraternity. They manage the finances and ensure financial stability.
- Vice-Regents: The Vice-Regents are appointed members of the board. They assist the Regent and Regent-Elect in their duties and provide additional support and expertise.
- Collegiate Grand Councilmen: These individuals serve as collegiate representatives to the High Council. They bring the perspectives and interests of the collegiate members to the decision-making process.
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Frequently asked questions
Sigma Nu (ΣΝ) is an undergraduate college fraternity with over 279 chapters and 235,000 members across the United States and Canada.
Sigma Nu was founded on January 1, 1869, by James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles, and James McIlvaine Riley, also known as the founders or cadets.
Early members Edward Arthur and Linton Buck wrote the original constitution and law, respectively. The constitution has undergone amendments over the years, including a failed civil rights amendment in 1964, which led to the Dartmouth College chapter seceding in protest.
Inspired by William Yates in 1945, the foundation provides financial aid to collegiate members and assists in the development of leadership programs for the fraternity.
The Grand Chapter, also known as the High Council, serves as the governing arm of the General Fraternity between Grand Chapters. The council consists of five roles: Regent, Regent-Elect, Grand Treasurer, Vice-Regents, and Collegiate Grand Councilmen.
