Why was your org founded?

[ealymc]

Originally Posted by sigtau305

From: http://www.sigmataugamma.org

Our Principles


Sigma Tau Gamma was founded with the understanding that all men are social creatures and that friendships made in college days are lasting ones. Believing that a social Fraternity must be dedicated to the highest ideals of manhood and brotherhood; to congeniality, the development of good personal characteristics and social poise; to good scholarship, mature thinking and action; to good citizenship, democratic principles and acceptance of responsibility; and, to loyalty and service to college, community, country and Fraternity; Founder Edward H. McCune authored a set of Principles. Embraced by our Founders and early members, these Principles have become our guide.

Is there anything in your history regarding a Sigma Nu connection?

[MaryAmanda]

Erin already covered OPhiA's History for me, so here's Coyote's (from www.gtcoyote.org) :


Chi Omega Tau started in the Fall of 2000. Interested in starting a new sorority, the four original members met with Greek Advisors to determine what options were available to them through Georgia Tech and the Panhellenic Council. They petitioned the Student Government Association for a charter as a student organization, but were turned down by the Graduate Student Senate because membership selection discriminated on the basis of sex. Undeterred, the friends pushed forward, determined to make Chi Omega Tau a reality.

In the Spring of 2001, the sisters began their weekly meetings at Fellini's, a local pizza parlor in Atlanta, and held information sessions in the freshman dormitories on campus. They petitioned the Student Foundation for recruitment funding, and petitioned the Georgia Tech Panhellenic council for sponsorship as a local sorority. On April 24th, 2001, Chi Omega Tau was accepted into the Georgia Tech Panhellenic Council as the 10th Tech Sorority, with Associate Memeber status. On April 26th, thirty-seven official members were inducted and the first officers were elected. Over the following summer, the true spirit of Chi Omega Tau began to take form. Constitution and By-Laws were revised, Fall recruitment was planned, and members began their Fundraising. The sisters of Chi Omega Tau continue to make the sorority grow and continue to achieve new heights with every passing semester.

[sigtau305]

Originally Posted by ealymc

Is there anything in your history regarding a Sigma Nu connection?

officially no, but I was told by Kevin that Wilson C. Morris, who help our founders as advisor, is a member of Sigma Nu.

[OmegaPDPrez]

Omega Phi Delta was founded September 2006 by two young ladies who were aiming to create a diverse organization that could be attractive to every women student on its campus. It was founded to provide a single race dominated greek system, a more colorful option. The founders wanted to emphasize a diverse sister hood, and the importance of being a sister in the greek community. Today OPD stands as a diverse service group to the city of philadelphia. Providing all secondary educated women a diverse group to become a sister and to perform community service.

[bejazd]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

Your whole post is interesting, Peppy, thanks for sharing! I'm especially interested in the quoted part.

Out of curiosity, are the five rejected mottoes and the unselected badge designs from Tiffany's known to Gamma Phis? If that's secret, of course, I understand. But when I read that I thought, if I were a GPhiB, I'd really like to know what other mottoes were considered, as well as badge designs!

I don't think I've ever heard the rejected names/mottos either but I might have a guess at a few of them!

Tiffany's in New York has archives of all the jewelry they ever manufactured. The original design is probably there. You have to pay for the research service, so I wonder if IHQ ever asked them to donate whatever they have! Headquarters does have an amazing collection of historical badges and other items but I can't remember seeing badge designs when I was there.

Interesting that originally, the member did not have to have a black enamel crescent. Some were white, and turquoise chips were popular as jewels on the badge. Sometime later, they made the black crescent uniform. Today our International officers have white enamel crescents. Their badges are larger than the standard badge, and they are really stunning!

[stalecheetoz]

Sigma Chi's founding - significantly generalized.

There was a disagreement in the DKE house at Miami of Ohio. Resulted in 6 members being expelled/resigning from the fraternity to begin their own. Joined later by one non-DKE member. The fraternity was founded on three ideals - Friendship, Justice, and Learning.

Our founders are Benjamin Piatt Runkle, Thomas Cowan Bell, William Lewis Lockwwod, Isaac M. Jordan, Daniel William Cooper, Franklin Howard Scobey, and James Parks Caldwell.

Always willing to share more details if anyone's curious. Great thread though. Keep it up.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Schenectady, New York was a tranquil place in the early 1800s. It was originally founded as a settlement at one of the last navigable points on the Mohawk River. The town grew after the Revolution, and finally grew large enough to support a college. The college founded was called Union and was intended to be someplace special. Unlike the colleges founded along the coast, such as Harvard or William and Mary, Union was founded as a non-sectarian institution. Union taught its students classical literature, Greek and Latin, but almost uniquely at the time, Union also offered history, science, modern language and mathematics. It was in this extraordinarily liberal environment that Psi Upsilon was founded. The early days of Union are well described by Dr. Dixon Ryan Fox, the twelfth president of Union College:

Most of the time from 1825 to 1850 Union College was the largest in the United States. Several different years Yale got ahead of it, but Harvard and Princeton were behind and Columbia was much behind. There is no question but that in 1833 Union was the leader. This was not due so much to its location or its fine buildings as to its faculty and particularly its President, Dr. Eliphalet Nott.

Union College’s student body of 232 made it the largest college in the country, and the men lived in boarding houses near the school. It was difficult for them to socialize outside of class, and there were few organized extracurricular activities. Six fraternities were founded at Union, more than any other school.
In the early 1800s, as at other schools, literary societies played an important role in the life of Union College. The faculty encouraged these groups; they presented debates and orations, produced plays and maintained libraries. They also provided forums for discussion and social interaction, which could not be found in the classroom. There was much rivalry for membership, literary supremacy, and political dominance on campus. The oldest of these, the Adelphic Society, was founded in 1792 and lasted into the nineteenth century. The Philomathean Society, which began in 1798, still exists.


Psi U Founders: Robert Barnard '37, Samuel Goodale '36, Sterling G. Hadley '36, George Washington Tuttle '36, Edward Martindale, (no photo for Merwin Henry Stewart '37), and Charles Washington Harvey '37. The Delphian Society was started in 1819 and was known as more secretive and close knit than other societies. In 1833, five sophomore and two freshman members had become close friends. Their names were Samuel Goodale, Sterling Goodale Hadley, Edward Martindale, George Washington Tuttle, Charles Washington Harvey, Merwin Henry Stewart, and Robert Barnard. By the fall of 1833, the group of seven men had begun to meet regularly to read poetry and to exchange essays they had each written. It became a tradition to meet one night each week for these literary exercises. One night, after a particularly enjoyable session, Samuel Goodale said to Sterling Goodale Hadley, “Goodnight thine cordially.” In response, Hadley said, “Goodnight thine always.” This ritualistic farewell was repeated at each session thereafter.
By November, the seven men realized that they had something special: a group of people, with common interests and aspirations, sharing special times. They wanted somehow to capture these moments and make them permanent, not just as a club for themselves, but as a special association that would welcome new members, and that would continue long after they graduated from Union. Following the examples of the organizations founded at Union and Hamilton, they decided to found Psi Upsilon.
But they did not found our fraternity immediately, for they were not sure exactly what form they wanted it to take. On November 24, 1833, these seven men pledged to one another to found a new society as soon as school commenced the next term. In the interim, they would consider the manner in which the society would be organized. The thought that went into the founding of Psi Upsilon has served us well. Their Constitution was written with great care before they held their first meeting. The new society became very well known at Union, and it was admired for the quality of its membership.

[BrainsnBeauty]

The history of Beta Sigma Phi or the "Friendship Organization" is unique in that we have a founding father. Here's some information from our national website that might explain a little about us.

"In 1931, during the Great Depression, there was a need for an organization that could bring women together and expose them to a social, cultural and educational climate that was not available in those difficult times.
Most important, there was a need for friendship and support from other women. Beta Sigma Phi was created out of this need. It did not take long before Beta Sigma Phis were helping others.
Members worked together to raise $22 million in war bonds during World War II. The 1950s brought peace and prosperity to the world, and Beta Sigma Phi membership doubled.
This era was filled with grand balls, elegant teas and the growing strength of sisterhood as thousands of women joined Beta Sigma Phi. As the times have changed, so has Beta Sigma Phi.
The 1960s and 1970s found our organization less formal, but the ideals were the same. Now in the 21st Century, our over 165,000 members find the more we grow, the more valuable we become to our sisters and to our communities. The Beta Sigma Phi woman will continue to face challenges and cherish opportunities as she moves into the future.
Typical chapters enjoy socials that range from informal gatherings to gala affairs that often include friends and family. Fascinating cultural programs offer insight into subjects that range from the arts to gardening to in-home businesses. Membership in our organization provides opportunities to contribute to your community, develop lifelong friendships, and polish leadership skills.
Our members raise more than $3 million for local charities and donate over 200,0000 volunteer hours in an average year. Each chapter determines its own service projects and participation is always voluntary. Chapters have created their own International Funds that donate millions of dollars to health research groups, hunger projects, and other worthwhile causes.
Members and their families can receive assistance through our International Loan, Scholarship and Disaster Funds. What Makes Us Unique? Unlike a college sorority, our organization has members of all ages and educational backgrounds. Our sisterhood constantly redefines itself through the diversity and vitality of its members who share their ideas, talents and enthusiasm."

I am blessed to call more than 200,000 women of different cultures, races, ages, and educational backgrounds across the world my sisters. I hope that snippet gave a little insight on my sorority's founding.

Our website: www.betasigmaphi.org

[JonInKC]

Let me give you all the Cliff Notes version because I know I don't like to read long things cut and pasted from a website.

Five young men started a local fraternity called The Knights of Classic Lore. Phi Delta Theta had been inactive at this time at Illinois Wesleyan and at the suggestion of some Phi Delt Alums, tried to seek affiliation with Phi Delta Theta. They adopted the name TKE to make themselves more attractive to Phi Delt's national council. Supposedly one of the petitions came within one vote of being accepted, but ultimately the five men decided to stop petitioning PDT and instead build their own fraternity. They wanted a brotherhood where men were judged not by wealth, rank, or honor but by inner character. On January 10th, 1899 Tau Kappa Epsilon was born at Illinois Wesleyan.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by JonInKC

Let me give you all the Cliff Notes version because I know I don't like to read long things cut and pasted from a website.

Many, many thanks!

[OLD_GOLD3]

A brief history of ALPHA PHI ALPHA Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated was founded on the campus of Cornell University on a cold Tuesday, December 4th, 1906 by seven African American men affectionately referred to as the jewels. The Founding Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. were not ordinary achievers. Given the racial attitudes on campus during this period their accomplishments were monumental. As founder Henry Arthur Callis euphemistically stated—because the half-dozen African American students at Cornell University during the school year 1904-05 did not return to campus the following year, the incoming students in 1905-06, in founding Alpha Phi Alpha, were determined to bind themselves together to ensure that each would survive in the racially hostile environment. They came together meeting at various homes initially started as a social studies club. It later became a literary society to support the black students on campus in a retention effort and finally became a Fraternity. The organization grew rapidly through out the United States and even became international in 1908 with its Delta chapter being established at the University at Toronto. Alpha prides its self on service and scholarship and has been blessed to have many illustrious members grace the halls of Alpha since its founding.

Old Gold # 3
The “Phinest” men are made in Cambria

[bellwisdom]

From our website, this is what I can tell you about the birth of my one true love, The Sigma Chi International Fraternity…….


In the fall of 1854 a disagreement arose within the Kappa chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. This chapter consisted of 12 men. Six of them, led by Whitelaw Reid, supported one of the members for Poet in the Erodelphian Literary Society. Four of the other six members, James Parks Caldwell, Isaac M. Jordan, Benjamin Piatt Runkle and Franklin Howard Scobey, refused to vote for the brother because they knew him to lack poetic abilities. The man they did favor for that office was not a Deke. Thomas Cowan Bell and Daniel William Cooper were not members of Erodelphian, but their relation to the disagreement was unqualified endorsement of the four. Thus, they became six.

The chapter of 12 was evenly divided in a difference of opinion that ordinarily would have been decided one way or the other and immediately forgotten. But both sides considered it a matter of principle, and could not reach a compromise. During the ensuing months, the groups disagreed so much that their friendship grew distant.
Chapter meetings, or attempted chapter meetings, occurred for months with the breach constantly widening. In February 1855, at an Oxford restaurant, a dramatic dinner meeting between the dissenting groups set the stage for Sigma Chi's founding. Bell, Caldwell, Cooper, Jordan, Runkle and Scobey hosted the event, hoping to mend ways with the other six. They were on hand early, awaiting developments with anticipation. Of the meeting, Brother Founder Benjamin Piatt Runkle said, “With the kindest of intentions, we determined to give a dinner in their honor. I remember that the feast was prepared at the village restaurant, the guests invited, and on the appointed night we gathered and waited for the guests. They did not come for a long time, and then only Mr. Reid and with a stranger. He took into his confidence Minor Millikin (an alumnus of the fraternity from nearby Hamilton, Ohio) and the two decided on strenuous proceedings.”
Millikin lost no time. “My name is Minor Millikin,” he said. “I live in Hamilton. I am a man of few words.” He then passed judgment on all of the matters in dispute. Since he had heard only one side of the story, his verdict was against Runkle, Scobey and the others who had originally opposed election of the DKE as the Poet in the literary society. Millikin found them guilty.

Next, Millikin unfolded a plan he and Reid had concocted by which “justice” could be satisfied with the formal expulsion of the leaders in the rebellion (undoubtedly Runkle and Scobey), after which the others, having been properly chastised, could remain in the chapter.

At this dramatic moment Runkle stepped forward, pulled off his DKE pin, tossed it upon the table and said to Millikin, “I didn't join this Fraternity to be anyone's tool. And that, sir, is my answer!” Runkle stalked out of the room, and his five colleagues followed.


The final meeting of the 12 active members of Delta Kappa Epsilon was held in Reid's room in the “Old Southeast” building several days later. After a strenuous effort, led by Reid, for the expulsion of the six, with six against six on all vital issues, the meeting broke up in considerable disorder.

A rather prolonged correspondence ensued with the Delta Kappa Epsilon parent chapter at Yale, resulting in the April 1855 expulsion of Bell, Caldwell, Cooper, Jordan, Runkle and Scobey. It was at this time they began making plans to found their own fraternity.


One of the best moves the first six Founders ever made was to associate themselves with William Lewis Lockwood. He had entered Miami early in 1855 but had not joined a fraternity. He was the “businessman” of the group and possessed a remarkable organizing ability. More than any other Founder, he was responsible for setting up the general plan of the Fraternity, much of which endures to this day.

During the latter months of the 1854-55 academic year, Runkle and Caldwell lived in a second-floor room of a building near Oxford's public square on High Street-now known as the birthplace of Sigma Chi. The Founders held many of the earlier organizational meetings of Sigma Chi in this room, and it was there that Runkle and Lockwood designed the badge.
The Founders' unfortunate experience in Delta Kappa Epsilon, which they saw as a group focused on conformity for political gain, stirred their hearts and their spirit. They found it a necessity to allow and accept differences in points of views and opinions, realizing that doing so brought opportunities and pleasures. This “spirit” became documented as The Spirit of Sigma Chi…….: The Spirit of Sigma Chi, as conceived by the Founders more than 152 years ago yet visible and alive today, is based on the theory that friendship among members, sharing a common belief in an ideal, and possessing different temperaments, talents, and convictions is superior to friendship among members having the same temperaments, talents, and convictions; and that genuine friendship can be maintained without surrendering the principle of individuality or sacrificing one’s personal judgment.
Though The Spirit calls for men who are inherently “different,” it is expected that the members, in their differences, remain responsible, honorable, gentlemanly, friendly-indeed all those characteristics that are also listed in The Jordan Standard.......

Six of the Founders were familiar with the general outline of fraternity constitution . They were considerably influenced by Lockwood, who had known little of DKE or its differences. With all of their plans formally completed, the Seven Founders of the new Fraternity announced its establishment by showing themselves and wearing their badges for the first time in public on Commencement Day at Miami University, June 28, 1855.

#1SPO 06
Friendship, Justice, and Learning since 1855.