Saturday 17 December 2016

Sigma Nu Fraternity And Its Tradition Of Ethical Leadership

By Thomas Gray


Schools have a tradition to keep as well as student organizations that have been recognized for systems that also support this tradition. They are mostly autonomous but often practice an honor code that complements the principles espoused by the university they belong to. School clubs and societies have existed as long as there have been schools and academies.

Student societies are mostly founded on great ideals and principles. Numerous are the times in history that have sparked the birth of brotherhoods with radical but progressive ideas. Sigma Nu Fraternity Auburn University is one such society practicing the same foundational principles that have stood out and created the best leaders.

The fraternity was created in a time of strife called the Reconstruction Era, following on the heels of the Civil War. The original members came from the Virginia Military Institute, students who were did not agree with the tradition of physical hazing practiced by traditional societies in the school. These three founders created Sigma Nu out of their desire for an honor society that eliminated the system of corporal punishment to induct its members.

The three were James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles and James McIlvaine Riley. Hopkins was a veteran soldier and the other two were his close friends who were with him at VMI, an institution known for discipline and engineering courses. They were all rebelling against physical hazing, and for this cause took their solemn oath on a moonlit field in 1868.

Sigma Nu started out as a secret society of honorable men, and at first went by the name Legion of Honor, from the traditional French honor system of the same name. Its symbolic white cross was the pattern used by James Frank Hopkins for the fraternal Badge. The fraternity was one of the first to radically depart from established practice of student brotherhoods.

These three believed that a better system could be had if the abuse was eliminated from the initiation rites of honor systems. This ideal was born from their abhorrence of the strife, hate and destruction of war. Their ideals were that of abiding peace and contentment, which can only be generated by the practice of sympathy and affection.

Auburn University is the home Sigma Nu Fraternity Beta Theta chapter. Auburn is an ideal academic campus where the brotherhood established one of its strongest chapters on September 1890. Auburn believes in the democratic principles of hard work and the wisdom and values it generates.

The Auburn credo is the base where the qualities of ethical leadership values of alumni brothers have been created from, which also provide impetus for promotion into higher ranks. The fraternity also has a tradition of men who lead through the values of Love, Honor and Truth. Up to present times, school creed and the ideals of the brotherhood combined make a vibrant pillar of student life.

Brothers will welcome all good and faithful men in summer or fall rushes. They also have great socials and commemorate occasions that are fixtures in campus life. These are part of a proud and colorful tradition that the organizations keeps up, providing a forum for instilling relevant democratic values that supports American society.




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