history of sigma chi
Sigma Chi is one of the largest international all-male college social fraternities, with chapters at universities in Canada and the United States. Sigma Chi was founded in 1855 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio when members split from Delta Kappa Epsilon. Sigma Chi has seven founding members: Benjamin Piatt Runkle, Thomas Cowan Bell, William Lewis Lockwood, Isaac M. Jordan, Daniel William Cooper, Franklin Howard Scobey, and James Parks Caldwell.The fundamental purpose of this fraternity is to promote the concepts of Friendship, Justice and Learning within its membership.As of 2006, Sigma Chi Fraternity consists of 213,535 living brothers in 218 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada, and 145 alumni groups and alumni brothers around the world. Every two years, delegates from all undergraduate chapters and alumni chapters meet for the Grand Chapter - in which Grand Officers, the International Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, and the International Balfour Award winner are elected, and revisions to the General Fraternity's Governing Laws and Ritual are proposed and debated.
Most recently Sigma Chi was honored by the United States Congress on its 150th anniversary on June 13th, 2005, becoming the only Greek letter society so honored.
about gamma omega
The Gamma Omega chapter of Sigma Chi at UConn was founded in 1943 and is one of the University's oldest fraternities. It quickly grew into one of the most flourishing and prosperous chapters and has been honored with numerous awards, including the impressive "Peterson Significant Chapter" award. Full of men who have great temperaments, talents, and convictions; the Gamma Omega chapter at UConn has been known to produce many leaders in almost any field of endeavor imaginable. With an enormous alumni base, Gamma Omega continues to thrive and prosper here at the University of Connecticut.(images of Husky Village to come soon!)
Our house is located at 10 Laurel Way, Building A1 "Husky Village." (30 man house shared with Delta Chi) which features a beach volleyball court in the "circle", fullcourt basketball on the side of Husky Village, as well as a fully functional kitchen, and a common room suited for studying or leisure time. Sigma Chi's are located in the 3rd and 1st floor of the building.
history of the gamma omega chapter
1911 |
Started as the Athenian Society (Literary Society) (Society resided on campus in what is now Koons Hall)
1912 - Became Alpha Phi on October 17, 1912 |
1915-1929 |
Alpha Phi resided on campus in a fraternity house that is presently the President's house
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1929-1949 |
Alpha Phi and Sigma Chi (1943) resided on campus - site where the Budds building is currently located
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1943 |
April 9, 10 Chapter Founded (Sigma Chi - Gamma Omega Chapter). John Balfour installed the chapter.
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1949 |
The University wanted the land for the Budds building. To compensate the Fraternity, the University gave Sigma Chi first pick of the new housing in Fraternities. - Sigma Chi selected Russell A
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1949-1975 |
Russell A (Frats) Sigma Chi shared this Fraternity House with another Fraternity (Russell B) for 26+ years
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1971 |
The Sigma Chi Alpha local fraternity petitioned Sigma Chi for the restoration of the charter. Sigma Chi Alpha continued in the home that was occupied by Gamma Omega and in the intervening 20 years (1951-1971) maintained high standards. It was the strongest fraternity group at the University of Connecticut and was well qualified for admission to Sigma Chi as an active chapter. Senior officials of the University were in favor of Sigma Chi returning to active status. Various officers of the University stimulated a change in attitude and advanced a warm invitation to Sigma Chi.
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1972 |
The culmination of 21 years of work and waiting was realized by 24 undergraduates and 23 ALUMNI of Sigma Chi Alpha when Gamma Omega Chapter of Sigma Chi was reactivated April 15, 1972.. Brother and University Provost Dr. Edward Gant and University President Homer D. Babbidge, Jr. welcomed Sigma Chi back to campus.
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1975-1980 |
Sigma Chi occupied various houses off campus
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1980-1994 |
Sigma Chi resided on campus at 10 Whitney Rd
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1994-2002 |
Sigma Chi resided various houses off campus
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2003 |
Sigma Chi selected for the new Husky Village and resides at 10 Laurel Way, BUILDING A (30 man house shared with Delta Chi)
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