Sigma Tau Gamma (), commonly known as Sig Tau, is a United States college social fraternity founded on June 28, 1920, at the University of Central Missouri (then known as Central Missouri State Teachers College). The fraternity was founded as a result of friendships made while some of the founders fought in World War I in France.

The fraternity went on to create new chapters on the campuses surrounding teachers' colleges, at the time also called "normal schools". Since the fraternity's beginnings in 1920, it has chartered more than 193 chapters at campuses across the United States. The fraternity is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference.

History

Sigma Tau Gamma was founded on June 28, 1920, at the Central Missouri State Teachers College. These four, together with Allen Ross Nieman, Edward Henry McCune, Carl Nelson Chapman, Buell Wright McDaniel, George Eugene Hartrick, A. Barney Cott, Chiles Edward Hoffman, Rodney Edward Herndon, William Edward Billings, Clarence Willard Salter, Frank H. Gorman, Alpheus Oliphant Fisher, and Daniel Frank Fisher, were the seventeen founders of the fraternity.

Several of the founders were members of the Irving Literary Society, but they wanted to create a new fraternity including members of other literary societies. On the morning of June 28, 1920, a list containing the names of about thirty men was posted on the college bulletin board by Ellis with a request to meet that afternoon.

The fraternity went on to create new chapters on the campuses surrounding teachers' colleges, at the time also called "normal schools". The fraternity is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference.

Symbols and traditions

There are several public and private ceremonies and rituals in the fraternity, from initiation to memorials for deceased fraternity members. Sigma Tau Gamma also has a development program known as the "Path of Principles". The first eight weeks of the program challenge associate members to "promote the highest ideals of brotherhood and demonstrate an abiding spirit in which all things in life are done and possible". Content is covered during weekly associate meetings held separate from the chapter meeting.

The fraternity's colors are azure blue and white.

  • The Earl A. Webb Academy: a three-day training and networking program for chapter presidents and vice presidents
  • The Endeavor conference
  • The Grand Conclave.

Philanthropy

On June 30, 2011, the Board of Directors announced its partnership with the Special Olympics in 2011, making it the fraternity’s official philanthropy. Each chapter is expected to provide service or funds directly to the Special Olympics.

The fraternity offers scholarships and awards to undergraduates and alumni during the summer convention. The individual awards include the Michael J. Steinbeck Fellowship, which offers assistance in the pursuit of graduate and professional degrees. Chapter awards include the Earl A. Webb Most Improved Chapter Award and the Emmett Ellis Chapter Scholarship Awardthumb|280px|alt=Ribbon Cutting alt text|Ribbon Cutting at the opening of the new chapter house at [[Pennsylvania State University.]]

Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation

thumb|296x296px|alt=Ribbon Cutting atl text|Gamma Chi chapter house at [[Michigan Technological University]]

Established in 1966, the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation is its distinct legal entity, considered a public charity (501c3) by the federal government and is separate from the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. It makes use of tax-deductible charitable gift dollars for the development of chapters of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. The Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation started "Books for Kids" which raises money and books for public libraries and school districts.

WPN Housing Corporation

Established in 2014, the WPN National Housing Company is a limited liability company established to provide housing assistance and management as it relates to the housing or other forms of shared fraternity living/meeting space for undergraduate members of Sigma Tau Gamma.

Chapters

Notable members

  • Tommy Armstrong, former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
  • John Ashcroft (Beta, honorary), United States Senate for Missouri and U.S. Attorney General
  • Bill Bright (Zeta), evangelist and founder of Campus Crusade for Christ
  • Dee Brown (Sigma 1931) author of Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
  • Nader Darehshori (Beta Mu 1965), chair, president, and CEO of Houghton-Mifflin Co. and Aptius Education
  • Brad Ellsworth (Gamma Phi 1980), United States House of Representatives for Indiana
  • James E. Johnson, Medal of Honor recipient
  • James Kirkpatrick (Alpha 1929) former Missouri Secretary of State
  • William Madia (Pi), scientist and laboratory director
  • Andy Mayberry, former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
  • Dennis Miller (Gamma Upsilon), comedian
  • Ronald Roskens (Alpha Eta 1954), president of the University of Nebraska system
  • Pinky Tomlin (Mu), singer, songwriter, bandleader, and actor
  • Jack Zduriencik, general manager of the Seattle Mariners

See also

  • List of Sigma Tau Gamma
  • List of social fraternities and sororities

References

  • Dinsmore, Keith C. Teacher Immortal: The Enduring Influence of Wilson C. Morris. Warrensburg, Missouri: Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation, Inc., 1984.
  • Sigma Tau Gamma Website