Lecture Notes: History and Principles of Sigma Nu Fraternity

Founding and Early History

• Sigma Nu Founding
  • Founded in October 1868 at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) by three cadets: James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles, and James McElvain Riley.
  • Publicly announced on January 1st, 1869.
  • Initially a response to a we-versus-they mentality and rampant hazing at VMI.
  • Founders were Civil War veterans and non-Virginians.
  • Legion of Honor conceptualized by Hopkins; wrote first ritual and designed the badge.

Expansion and Development

• 1870: Expansion to University of Virginia.
• 1883: Launch of Delta magazine by John Alexander Howard.
• 1884: First national convention in Nashville, Tennessee; revised Constitution and ritual.
• 1909: Reestablishment of Alpha Chapter at VMI, closed again in 1950.
• Official symbols adopted: white rose, coat of arms, flag, and Sigma Nu yell.
• Creed of Sigma Nu written by Walter James Sears.

Organizational Growth

• Shift towards fraternity housing in late 1800s and early 1900s.
• Establishment of Sigma Nu Educational Foundation in 1946.
• First comprehensive history "The Story of Sigma Nu" published in 1920s.

Impact of World Wars

• WWI: 40% of collegiate members enlisted; 80 initiates lost their lives.
• WWII: 12,800 Sigma Nus in armed forces; over 500 initiates died.
• Post-war era saw enrollment and fraternity membership surge.

Headquarters and Administration

• 1915: Establishment of central office in Indianapolis.
• 1958: Headquarters moved to Lexington, Virginia.
• Renovations and expansions to headquarters over the years.

Mid to Late 20th Century Developments

• 1969: Centennial celebrated in Lexington; new wings added to headquarters.
• 1970s: Introduction of Regionalization Program and Leadership Consultant roles.
• 1980s: Focus on quality and chapter excellence, introduction of the Rock Award.

Modern Initiatives and Programs

• 1988: Launch of the Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, and Development (LEAD) program.
• Risk reduction policy introduced in 1985.
• "Pursuit of Excellence" program adopted in 2002.

Recent and Future Plans

• Commitment to headquarters campus and educational mission.
• Construction of Spears Family Epsilon Epsilon Center for Excellence.
• Commemoration of Sigma Nus who died in military conflicts.

Legacy and Core Principles

• Sigma Nu's founding principles: honor, truth, and brotherly love.
• Vision to excel with honor and develop ethical leaders.
• Influence in government, industry, and the arts.

Quotes and Inspirational Messages

• Founder Quarles emphasized the importance of honor, truth, and brotherly love for the fraternity and broader society.