Sigma Chi, one of the largest North American social fraternities, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1855. The fraternity was born out of a disagreement among members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. This article delves into the origins of Sigma Chi, highlighting the events and individuals that played a pivotal role in its establishment.
The Dispute that Sparked a New Beginning
The story of Sigma Chi's founding begins with a disagreement
within the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Miami University. In the fall of 1854, a conflict arose over the election of a poet for the Erodelphian Literary Society. The society was to elect its poet, and a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon was nominated for the position. However, not all members supported this nomination. Benjamin Piatt Runkle, Isaac M. Jordan, Franklin Howard Scobey, and James Parks Caldwell supported another candidate who was not a member of the fraternity. This division led to a rift among the fraternity members.
The disagreement was not just about the election but was seen as a matter of principle. Over the following months, the friendships among the members became strained. In an attempt to mend the rift, Runkle and his companions organized a dinner for their brothers. However, only Whitelaw Reid, who supported the Delta Kappa Epsilon nominee, attended, bringing with him a Delta Kappa Epsilon alumnus named Minor Millikin. The meeting did not go as planned, and Runkle and Scobey were to be expelled from the fraternity.
The Birth of Sigma Chi
Following the expulsion, Runkle and his companions decided to form their own fraternity. They were joined by William Lewis Lockwood, a student from New York who had not joined a fraternity. On June 28, 1855, Sigma Chi was officially founded. Initially named Sigma Phi, the fraternity had to change its name to Sigma Chi after the theft of its constitution and other records. The name change was also necessary because there was already a Sigma Phi Society.
The founders of Sigma Chi were inspired by the legendary story of Emperor Constantine and the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Runkle believed that Constantine's vision should serve as an inspiration for the fraternity, leading to the adoption of the badge and the public motto, "In hoc signo vinces."
The Legacy of the Founders
The seven founders of Sigma Chi—Benjamin Piatt Runkle, Thomas Cowan Bell, William Lewis Lockwood, Isaac M. Jordan, Daniel William Cooper, Franklin Howard Scobey, and James Parks Caldwell—left a lasting legacy. Their decision to form a new fraternity based on the ideals of friendship, justice, and learning laid the foundation for what would become one of the largest and most influential fraternities in North America.
Sigma Chi's founding story is a testament to the power of standing by one's principles and the strength of brotherhood. The fraternity's origins, rooted in a desire for justice and fairness, continue to inspire its members to this day.
