Sigma Nu’s History
Introduction
Founded during the Reconstruction era by three cadets at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Sigma Nu represented a bold and unprecedented response to the challenges of its time. In defiance of the harsh hazing practices that were deeply ingrained in military school culture, James Frank Hopkins, Greenfield Quarles, and James McIlvaine Riley established the "Legion of Honor." This organization would later evolve into Sigma Nu, North America’s first fraternity to be founded on the principle of honor. Against the backdrop of societal and institutional turmoil, these three visionaries laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected and enduring Greek-letter organizations.
The Founders
Sigma Nu's story begins in the aftermath of the Civil War, a time when the American South was grappling with profound economic, social, and infrastructural challenges. VMI played a pivotal role in training engineers to rebuild the South's bridges, railroads, and cities. However, cadets at VMI faced more than just the aftermath of war—they also endured systemic hazing practices that Hopkins and his peers found intolerable.
James Frank Hopkins, a Confederate veteran from Arkansas, brought a unique perspective to VMI. Having experienced the discipline of military life during the war, he understood the value of structure but could not condone the abusive hazing culture that plagued the institution. Hopkins soon was joined by two classmates and close friends who were also unhappy with the current conditions of Greek life at VMI. They were Greenfield Quarles, from Arkansas, a Kentuckian by birth, and James McIlvaine Riley from St. Louis, Missouri. These three men began their own movement to completely abolish the hazing system at VMI.
Their efforts climaxed on a moonlit October night in 1868, presumably following Bible study at the superintendent’s home, when the three met at a limestone outcropping on the edge of the VMI parade ground, and gave their solemn pledge to form a brotherhood of a new society they called the “Legion of Honor.”
Sigma Nu Officially Founded
Though its conceptual foundation was laid in 1868, Sigma Nu was publicly announced on January 1, 1869, a date that is now celebrated as the fraternity's official founding. In those days the Institute did not close for “breaks” as we know them. It suspended classes only for the day on such occasions as Christmas and New Year’s day.
This announcement marked a turning point, as the Legion of Honor transitioned from a secretive society to a public institution dedicated to fostering ethical leadership. The Founders did not create Sigma Nu with any feeling of animosity toward others or because of the result of the Civil War—they had experienced enough hate and destruction all during and after the war. They wanted to end all abuses, and they knew it would not come easily.
Hopkins designed the fraternity’s badge to symbolize its guiding principles. Drawing inspiration from the White Cross of the French Legion of Honor, which he admired on the uniform of a VMI professor, Hopkins introduced the badge in the spring of 1869. The Badge was first introduced in the spring of 1869, and keeping with the Founders’ decree, the Badge has remained unchanged ever since, except in size and the raised center.
Even today, the collegiate Commander’s Badge, and the Badge of the Grand Officers remain identical to Hopkins’ original Badge. When the first slate of Officers was chosen, Riley was elected Commander, and Hopkins the Lieutenant Commander. Hopkins, the epitome of humbleness, was delighted that “Mac” Riley was chosen leader. It gave him and Quarles more of an opportunity to concentrate on solidifying the Alpha Chapter before he graduated in 1870. By the 1869 commencement, the group had grown to fifty-one members.
Sigma Nu Expands
Sigma Nu's expansion began shortly after the founders graduated in 1870. The establishment of its second chapter at the University of Virginia marked the fraternity’s initial steps toward becoming a national organization. Over the next decade, Sigma Nu expanded its reach, founding Theta Chapter in 1874, as well as adopting Greek-letter designations for the rest of its chapters and launching The Delta, the fraternity’s official magazine. Published under the leadership of John Alexander Howard, The Delta became a unifying force, connecting Sigma Nu chapters across the country and documenting the fraternity's growth and achievements.
The fraternity’s first National Convention, held in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1884, was another milestone in its early history. This gathering, later known as Grand Chapter, provided a forum for alumni and collegiate members to refine Sigma Nu’s constitution, procedures, and organizational structure. During this period, Sigma Nu also began to extend its presence beyond the South, with the establishment of Nu Chapter at the University of Kansas in 1884. This marked the beginning of a broader national expansion, as the fraternity sought to bring its principles to campuses across the United States.
Headquarters Established
By the early 20th century, Sigma Nu’s rapid growth necessitated the establishment of a central administrative office. In 1915, the fraternity opened its first headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, consolidating its operations and ensuring greater efficiency. This move marked a significant step forward in Sigma Nu’s organizational development, providing a permanent base from which to coordinate its activities and preserve its records.
Even before Sigma Nu’s first central office was organized in Indianapolis, some dreamed of the day when the Fraternity would have an appropriate shrine at Sigma Nu’s birthplace, but it took nearly four decades before the first step was taken. That step was the appointment of a Headquarters Committee in 1954. They compared renting and owning land needed for construction of a headquarters, and ultimately chose the latter.
Regent James W. Bradley (Epsilon Epsilon, Oklahoma State) and his High Council took the historic step in 1957, purchasing without mortgage an appropriate property, a large home ideally suited for conversion and development. The land, conveniently located on the highest hill in the corporate limits of Lexington, Virginia, and on a seven-and-one-half-acre tract overlooking VMI and Washington and Lee University, enjoys the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.
The land was originally owned by the son of General Frances H. Smith, the first superintendent of VMI, who inspired Hopkins in the founding of Sigma Nu. The house, built by the grandson of Superintendent Smith, came to Sigma Nu directly from the Smith family. Milton L. Grigg, a renowned Virginia architect and participant in the famous Williamsburg Restoration, was contracted to restore the building. The Headquarters facility was occupied in 1958 and officially dedicated June 9, 1960.
Educational Foundation and Leadership Initiatives
In 1945, Sigma Nu established its Educational Foundation to support its members’ academic and personal development. The foundation has played a crucial role in funding scholarships, leadership programs, and educational initiatives, including the LEAD (Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, Development) Program. This innovative program reflects Sigma Nu’s commitment to fostering ethical leadership and preparing its members for meaningful contributions to society.
Centennial, 125th, and 150th Celebrations
Sigma Nu celebrated its centennial in 1969 with a series of events honoring its founders and reflecting on a century of achievements. By its 125th anniversary in 1994, the fraternity had initiated nearly 200,000 members and expanded to nearly 250 chapters. This period of growth was accompanied by significant advancements in risk management, leadership development, and alumni engagement. The addition of the Ethical Leadership Center and the construction of new facilities at the fraternity’s Lexington headquarters underscored Sigma Nu’s commitment to its mission.
Recently, the alumni Brothers of Sigma Nu and their guests celebrated 150 years of Love, Honor, and Truth with special regional receptions across the country from August 2018 through May 2019. Each reception featured a traveling exhibit of historical items from the Sigma Nu archives and a special documentary on the 150-year story of the Legion of Honor.
Sigma Nu in its 150th year has come a long way from its founding, having 280 charters of which more than 165 chapters & colonies were alive and flourishing. Today, the number of initiates exceeds 250,000 and many chapters have initiated more than 1,000 members, with a large number topping 1,500, several exceeding 2,000, and a handful having surpassed the 3,000-initiate mark.
A Legacy of Honor
Today, Sigma Nu continues to uphold the principles established by its founders, fostering a culture of honor, integrity, and ethical leadership. With over fifteen decades of history, our fraternity remains dedicated to its mission of building men of character who are prepared to lead in their communities and beyond. As Sigma Nu looks to the future, we embrace the challenge of continuing its legacy of excellence, ensuring that its values resonate with new generations and its impact endures for centuries to come.
