Here's an excerpt from our public written history:
"At the end of his first year Hopkins [one of Sigma Nu's 3 founders] was awarded the highest rank of the class, the office of First Corporal. At the beginning of his second year, while on duty as Corporal of the Guard, Hopkins encountered an incident that left a long-lasting impression. After receiving a report of a disturbance, Hopkins was obligated by duty to investigate. After arriving at the source of the disturbance, he quickly realized that he had intruded upon a secret meeting of cadets completely disguised in white robes and black boots. Hopikins was immediately ejected from the clandestine meeting and quickly prepared a report of the incident in which he referred to their outfits, particularly their black boots. The society soon became known as the "black feet" among the cadets."
From what I know of our history, Sigma Nu was founded essentially in opposition to the hazing culture at VMI that was promoted by the black foot society (later known as ATO). The groups ended up within a couple years of that incident being serious rivals. The fore runner Sigma Nu group probably took on the name "white feet" because they were opposed to the point of appearing as direct opposites to the culture that the black feet perpetuated. There were several violent confrontations between the two groups. Sigma Nu and ATO have enjoyed a slightly less violent (sometimes just as violent) relationship from each group's genesis. The groups that get along sometimes hold "Black Foot/White foot" parties together.
Not on my campus though
