Sigma Chi Fraternity

Sigma Chi (ΣΧ) is one of the largest and most prestigious social fraternities in the United States. It was founded on June 28, 1855, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, by seven men who were originally members of the Kappa chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE).

Founding

The founding of Sigma Chi is a result of a disagreement among the DKE chapter members at Miami University. In the autumn of 1854, a dispute arose over supporting one of the DKE members for a position in the Erodelphian Literary Society. Six members, led by Whitelaw Reid, supported their brother, while four others—James Parks Caldwell, Isaac M. Jordan, Benjamin Piatt Runkle, and Franklin Howard Scobey—refused, favoring a non-DKE member with superior poetic abilities. Thomas Cowan Bell and Daniel William Cooper also sided with the latter group, making a total of six dissident members.

Following a contentious dinner meeting at an Oxford restaurant in February 1855, where an advisor named Minor Millikin sided against the dissenting members, Runkle dramatically renounced his DKE membership. This event led to the eventual expulsion of the six from DKE in April 1855. They then began planning a new fraternity, which culminated in the founding of Sigma Chi on June 28, 1855. William Lewis Lockwood, who joined the group early in 1855, played a significant role in organizing the new fraternity.

The seven founders were Thomas Cowan Bell, James Parks Caldwell, Daniel William Cooper, Isaac M. Jordan, William Lewis Lockwood, Benjamin Piatt Runkle, and Franklin Howard Scobey. They enshrined the principles of friendship, justice, and learning as the fraternity's core values.

Chapters and Notable Alumni

Sigma Chi Fraternity has expanded to include hundreds of chapters across North America and has produced numerous notable alumni in various fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports. Some well-known Sigma Chis include Barry Goldwater, David Letterman, Woody Harrelson, John Wayne, and Brad Pitt.

Eta Alpha Chapter (Specific Details Not Available)

Information specific to the Eta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity, such as its founding date, location, or specific activities, is not detailed in this general overview. However, like other Sigma Chi chapters, it adheres to the foundational principles of Sigma Chi.

Philanthropy and Values

Sigma Chi emphasizes the importance of philanthropy and community service. Members are encouraged to uphold high moral standards and engage in activities that support both educational and charitable causes.

Sigma Chi's core values, encapsulated in its Creed, emphasize fairness, decency, and good manners. The Jordan Standard outlines admission criteria, requiring candidates to demonstrate good character, fair ability, ambitious purposes, congenial disposition, sound morals, a high sense of honor, and personal responsibility.

Overall, Sigma Chi Fraternity is a significant social organization in the United States, known for fostering lifelong bonds among its members while promoting community service and academic excellence.