Philosophy

  • When we say we are a Sigma Nu, what does that mean? Since our founding on January 1, 1869, at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va., Sigma Nu Fraternity has been a pioneer in the fraternity world.  It is known as “The Legion of Honor” and is the only general fraternity founded in firm opposition to hazing and based on the principle of Honor.      

     

    We are proud that we were the first general college fraternity to offer risk reduction policies and comprehensive membership education programs.  We have remained committed to our fundamental values, principles, mission and vision for over 140 years.

     

    Our values are clear and set forth in our Creed.  In abbreviated form they are:

              To Believe in the Life of Love,

              To Walk in the Way of Honor, and

              To Serve in the Light of Truth.

    Our Mission is also clear:

              To develop ethical leaders inspired by the principles of Love, Honor and Truth.

              To foster the personal growth of each man’s mind, heart and character.

              To perpetuate lifelong friendships and commitment to the Fraternity.

    Our Vision is: Excelling with Honor

     

    As pledges we learned about "The Way of Honor" and that we had not pledged a “frat house” or a “club” but, rather, to a fraternal organization whose membership is for life.  We learned that a Sigma Nu seeks "individually and collectively to use honor as a goal and test for every action."  We were called to live by the maxim:   Laus Virtutis Actio, or, The deed is valor's praise.  A Sigma Nu acts because he knows what he does is right, not because he expects to be rewarded.

     

    The 1961 edition of "The Way of Honor" has a dedication on page 5 to THE TRUE SIGMA NU: 

         "Who as a Pledge is willing to work to justify the faith his chapter placed in him...and thus earn The White Star of the Legion of Honor.

          "Who as an Initiate will so act that people will say, 'There's a man you can count on - He's a Sigma Nu...' And thus be a credit to his Brothers and the Honor Fraternity.

          "Who as an Alumnus will remember that Sigma Nu is for life...And thus extend the Helping Hand to those who follow.

         "Who as a Sigma Nu will always remember we are a prestige group which will not settle for less than the Best."

     

    We are Sigma Nu.  We don't just say Love, Honor, and Truth.  We live in these values and we apply these values in our lives.