Why Sigma Nu Fraternity Practices Its Honor Code

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.

Principles and ideals are often the founding articles of faith for these societies. There were countless times in history or momentous passages that gave rise to organizations built on radical ideas that were needed for progress and change. Sigma Nu Fraternity Auburn University is a society that has undoubtedly been the precursor of ethical and principled groups.

It was founded during turbulent times following the Civil War, otherwise known as the Reconstruction Era. The founding members were students enrolled at Virginia Military Institute, an establishment where clubs often physically hazed those who wished entry into the ranks. There were three originals who created Sigma Nu with the purpose of belonging to an honor society that did not use corporal punishment on potential 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.

Auburn runs on a creed which can also be thought of as the mold through which the leadership potential of all fraternity alumni have been created. This also gives them the means to progress and rise in society, and proof of this is how the brotherhood has given the state and the nation men with good leadership qualities. The credo and fraternity ideals also form a great pillar of university life.

Frat brothers welcome all men honest and true for fall and summer rushes. As well, brotherhood socials and occasions are some of the most watched out for events on campus. The proud and colorful traditions of this society are alive and well, an excellent forum for the great democratic values that is the lifeblood of the nation.




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